Che Adams

#PLStories- Che Adams hints at Southampton stay after relegation is confirmed for the club #SAINTSFC

The 26 year old Scotsman has been battling injury since the March international break and has been unable to fully assist the team in their battle. Adams, who has scored five goals in the Premier League and five in cup competitions this season, missed the 2-0 defeat to Fulham after a late fitness test. After scoring in the 3-3 draw with Tottenham Hotspur in March, Adams has only played 130 minutes since – starting just once. READ MORE: How Southampton's excitement unwrapped to become relegation disaster Posting his statement on Twitter, Adams said: “Dear Saints, now I've processed everything, I wanted to express just how gutted I am.  pic.twitter.com/9OxWA6GDOn — Ché Adams (@CheAdams_) May 14, 2023 “This season has been the most challenging of my career and I think the same goes for everyone involved in Southampton Football Club. “We have failed and definitely fallen short of everybody's expectations and for that, I can't express how disappointed and also sorry I am.” He added: “I have given my everything for this club since I first walked through Staplewood on 1st July 2019 and St Mary's, but this year wasn't enough. “Myself and everyone at the club will learn from the mistakes we've made this season. “The last few weeks have been especially gutting not being able to help the team, as I've been struggling with an injury. Anyone that knows me, knows I don't give up or quit easily. “I've tried my hardest and pushed through the past few games as I wanted to give my everything, but it's not got better and it wouldn't be fair on the team or the fans if I'm not at 100%. “Just want to say a massive thank you to all the fans that support us each week, we'll bring the club back to where it belongs for you.”
Ruben Selles

#PLStories- Southampton boss Ruben Selles says return of Che Adams ‘absolutely helps’ rest of team #SAINTSFC

Adams has missed Saints’ last four Premier League matches after picking up a calf injury while away with Scotland on international duty but he has been deemed ready to return after joining first team training this week. The 26-year-old is Saints leading scorer in all competitions this season with ten goals but it’s his general work both on and off the ball that has made him such a vital absence over the past month. READ MORE: Failure to build has destroyed Saints - how will they fare in potential final chance? Now though, Adams is fit once again Selles says he has stayed in match-shape ‘surprisingly well’ while insisting that ‘it absolutely helps’ his Saints teammates having their focal point back available.  “Che has been working really hard in the last month since he's been out from the national team injury,” Selles told the Daily Echo.  “He has done really well in keeping his shape and keeping himself fit enough so when he joined partially in training in the last few days, he looked like a player ready to play.  “We'll look at whether he can start or come in from the bench. It's surprisingly well the way he has adjusted and kept himself ready for the games.” Saints celebrate victory at Bournemouth in October. (Image: Richard Crease) While Adams himself would admit that he should have scored many more Premier League goals than the five he’s mustered, the lack of alternatives at the club and the striker’s all-round game have made him a crucial component of the side. In Adams’ absence and with Paul Onuachu deemed an afterthought, Selles has experimented with Sekou Mara up front before shifting to a formation without a natural striker.  It remains to be seen whether Adams will slot straight back into the team as Saints prepare to face the side they beat 1-0 in October - courtesy of Adams’ early header. “Che is a player that knows the Premier League,” Selles added when asked by the Daily Echo as to how Adams’ return helps the rest of his team.  “He's played a lot of games, he scored against these opponents in the last game. It gives the team some kind of security when you have him around the team or even starting.  “That bit of familiarity or knowledge about the opponent and knowing the man on your right and left, it absolutely helps the other players to understand than with some other cases. So yes, to have Che is absolutely an advantage for us.” Saints enter the midweek round of Premier League fixtures bottom of the table, four points adrift of safety while they find themselves nine points adrift of Thursday’s opponents Bournemouth. With just six games remaining to save their top-flight status - three of those pitting Selles’s side against Newcastle United, Brighton, and Liverpool - the South Coast clash presents Saints with one of their final opportunities to close the gap on those ahead of them and spark a great escape.
Che Adams

#PLStories- Che Adams believes recent wins have made Southampton ‘realise we’re a good team’ #SAINTSFC

SAINTS striker Che Adams has reflected on a huge week for the club and manager Nathan Jones after three wins in seven days helped his side regain ‘self-belief.’ Adams and his teammates have endured a torrid first half of the campaign, sitting rock-bottom of the Premier League table at the turn of the new year and in the midst of a six-game losing run in the league. Jones replaced Hasenhuttl in November but the change seemed to make little impact as Saints failed to win any of the new boss’ first four league games in charge. But victory at Crystal Palace in the FA Cup seemed to spark a mini-revival, a sentiment supported in style days later when Saints shocked Manchester City to reach the EFL Cup semi-final stage. And finally last weekend, Saints claimed perhaps their biggest result of the season so far as they edged past relegation-rivals Everton thanks to James Ward-Prowse’s second half double. The win was Saints’ first in the league under Jones and has helped alter the feeling around the club - and within the squad. “That’s all it took for the team to have that self-belief and realise we’re a good team,” Adams told the Daily Echo of the effect the last week has had on Jones's squad.  “It’s down to fine margins, but with the games coming so fast we knew we could build some sort of momentum and hopefully that continues now. Being back home at St Mary’s with the fans, everyone can get behind us now. We’ll put on a good game.” Saints will be looking to keep their positive momentum going on Saturday when Aston Villa travel to the South Coast. “It’s been really good, really positive," Adams said of Saints' preperation for the upcoming Villa clash. "Building off a hard and intense week, everyone is really looking forward to the weekend again. “The gaffer is really intense and still wants to put his spin on things and to have us working as a team as well. It’s nice but especially when you’re winning you just want the games to keep coming and building that momentum.” A message from the Editor Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo. Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website. You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.
Che Adams

#PLStories- Che Adams believes everyone is pushing in the right direction under new manager Nathan Jones #SAINTSFC

FRONTMAN Che Adams said “all you can do is go on what the club want” when working with a new manager – and insisted Nathan Jones had the squad on board at Saints. The Scotland international was speaking after scoring twice in Jones’s first home game at St Mary’s, in a 2-1 home victory over Lincoln City on Tuesday. Former Luton Town boss Jones replaced Ralph Hasenhuttl at St Mary’s last month and has been hard at work with his squad over the World Cup break. Saints head into Jones’s first Premier League home game on Boxing Day, when they take on Brighton at St Mary’s (3pm). Asked whether there has been a mentality shift in the squad since Jones’s arrival, Adams told the Daily Echo: “Definitely. It’s always different when a new manager comes in. “He’s got his own people, his own ideas and the hardest thing is getting the lads on board but I think he’s got that, you know? With a lot of the young boys now and a few of the senior boys. “Everyone is pushing in the right direction, everyone is looking forward to the second half of the season. As we know, we need wins.” Saints restart their league campaign in the bottom three of the top flight, with 12 points from 15 games played. Put to him it must be energising to have new ideas and the club rallying round the new boss, Adams replied: “As a player, all you can do is go on what the club want. “That’s what the club wanted, so it’s up to us now to perform on the pitch because it’s up to us now to get the wins.” A message from the Editor Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo. Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website. You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more. Don't just take my word for it - subscribe today. Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by searching Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents on Facebook Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated group by searching Hampshire Court and Crime News on Facebook
Ralph Hasenhuttl

#PLStories- Southampton’s Hasenhuttl addresses Che Adams handball nightmare during Wolves defeat #SAINTSFC

RALPH Hasenhuttl addressed the Che Adams disallowed goal, insisting: “The only thing I say to him at the moment is he does a fantastic job.” The Austrian had only praise for the 26-year-old Scot, who had a rather unfortunate day in front of goal. Adams thought he drew Saints level during the 1-0 defeat to Wolves, cancelling out Daniel Podence’s opener with a headed tap-in. But the ball hit his hand on its way in from two yards. He also hit the crossbar with a header moments later, still reeling from the earlier disallowed chance, as Saints toiled to a third defeat of the campaign. Asked if he has to speak to Adams to lift him after such a chance, Hasenhuttl responded: “No, the only thing I say to him is at the moment he does a fantastic job. “He is super hard working for us, these moments I think come one time in the year where he has such a situation. “A couple years ago he had against Fulham the same situation, a big chance but handled it before a goal. But it is okay, we will support him and push him and next time he will score the goal for us.” Hasenhuttl continued: “It is not so easy to create chances against this team, they are good organised and very experienced, break the rhythm. “Then we have the situation where Kyle (Walker-Peters) can go and the referee stops the game, breaking the rhythm again. But we still tried it, to be positive, stay positive and go at them. “To the last minute we believed we could turn things around and this is what I want to see from a team, never giving up. “This is how it should be, this time it didn’t work for whatever reasons but when you have always this mentality and hunger we will have success in future games.” A message from the Editor Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo. Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website. You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more. Don't just take my word for it - subscribe today. Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by searching Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents on Facebook Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated group by searching Hampshire Court and Crime News on Facebook
Che Adams

#PLStories- Southampton star CHE Adams reveals players were not worried about getting 9-0 drubbing from Chelsea #SAINTSFC #ChelseaFC

CHE Adams insists he was not worried about another nine-goal drubbing during the 6-0 Chelsea defeat because “we played much better than the other games”, despite conceding “it wasn’t good”. The Scottish international played 90 minutes of the ill-fated Manchester United trip last season, while he watched on from the bench as Leicester City tore St Mary’s to shreds before that. However, even with Thomas Tuchel’s Blues six goals to the good with 35 minutes left to play on Saturday, 25-year-old Adams claims those horrors did not cross his mind. Che Adams has not found the net since Norwich in February (Pic: PA) They certainly did for supporters, with the stadium bowl filled with the drone of nervous murmuring once the Chelsea celebrations had subsided. Adams had Saints’ only real chance of the game, but fired straight at goalkeeper Eduoard Mendy from close-range after Kyle Walker-Peters’ perfect delivery. “Yeah everyone is not happy with the result,” Adams admitted. “We weren’t at our best but you know, it’s one of those days. “Some days you get it wrong and they were very, very good today, everyone knows how well we can press but today wasn’t our day and we have to dust ourselves off and go for next week.” Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl (Pic: Richard Crease) He continued: "When you let easy goals in it’s hard, you dig yourself a hole that we have to climb out of. They were good and it killed the game for the second-half how we conceded so early. It wasn’t good.” Asked if the previous 9-0 defeats he had witnessed haunted him while manager Ralph Hasenhuttl turned to damage limitation, he insisted: “Not so much today actually, no. “We played much better today than the other games, we created chances but they were clinical in front of goal and took their chances.” If it was not for 34-year-old out-of-contract goalkeeper Fraser Forster, it just might have been anyway. Goalkeeper Fraser Forster was impressive despite conceding six (Pic: Richard Crease) Forster faced 14 shots on target from the Chelsea onslaught – in comparison to Saints’ solitary one in reply – making eight saves, including efforts right in the bottom and top corners. Timo Werner and Mason Mount were both denied certain goals that would have eventually added up to their hattricks, yet Forster did not face another shot after the 61st minute – as the European champions took their foot off the gas. The only criticism you could have had of Forster was that his early miskicking did little to settle the nerves, before Chelsea’s grip began to strangle the home side. “He saved a few attempts on goal and we didn’t protect him enough defensively as a team, definitely,” Adams admitted, speaking about the former England international. Che Adams had Saints' only effort on goal, shortly after the half-time break (Pic: Richard Crease) “It’s really a shame when you’ve got a keeper that’s doing everything he can do but we didn’t help him.” While some fans vented their frustrations towards the team or manager at half-time, Adams adds that most of the support was picked up on by the players. “The majority of the fans stayed and were clapping us towards the end so we really appreciate that,” he continued. “It’s not nice as a player or as a fan to sit here and watch your team go through that but we have to dust ourselves down and go again next week.”
Ralph Hasenhuttl

#PLStories- Ralph Hasenhuttl believes Che Adams is improving his skills as a forward #SAINTSFC

MANAGER Ralph Hasenhuttl believes goalscorer Che Adams is becoming a complete forward player for his side, as he added to his tally at Manchester United. The 25-year-old’s neat second-half finish ensured Saints came away with a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford, cancelling out Jadon Sancho’s first-half opener. Adams now has eight goals in his past 14 games for club and country, since the start of October. But the Scotland international could also be seen sprinting back into his own box against the Red Devils, as Hasenhuttl’s men continued their three-game unbeaten league run. Asked whether Adams is becoming the complete forward player for him, Hasenhuttl told the Daily Echo: “Yeah, because this (tracking back) is what you have to do in our team. “This is the reason why you sometimes lacking a little bit of freshness in front of the goal. “But he has learned to work hard for the team and to score goals now. This is what you have to do particularly in modern football, otherwise it’s not working. “For us as a club, it takes a little bit of time when you have to learn this but I think he has shown he can do this and the average of scoring is fantastic.” Adams has formed a threatening strike partnership alongside Chelsea loanee Armando Broja in recent weeks. The pair have both started the past three Premier League games for Saints, in which they have drawn with Manchester City and United, in between a 3-2 victory over Tottenham. “I must say, up front they work for each other and I have a feeling it gets better and better connected, which is good to see,” added the Austrian boss.
Ralph Hasenhuttl

#PLStories- Che Adams speaks about Southampton teammate James Ward-Prowse #SAINTSFC

CHE Adams and manager Ralph Hasenhuttl heaped praise on captain James Ward-Prowse, after the England international provided two pinpoint assists to help his side steer past Spurs 3-2. Armando Broja cancelled out Jan Bednarek’s own goal in the first half, before Saints were rocked by a controversial Heung-Min Son goal with quarter of an hour left to play. Undeterred, the away side quickly silenced the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium when Moi Elyounoussi got his head on a Ward-Prowse cross. There was a strong sense of déjà vu when Adams headed home the winner, with Ward-Prowse sending a near identical cross into the box. Speaking to the Daily Echo after the game, match winner Adams said: “As soon as Prowsey gets into the wide areas, you know it is going to be quality. “I was in the right place to put it in, I could see it all the way. So, it was up to me to direct it on target, and thankfully it went in.” When asked if he felt a sense of redemption after spurning a gilt-edged chance in the first half, Adams admitted that the should have done better when one-on-one with Hugo Lloris after two minutes of action. “Definitely - in the first half I should have scored that one, but the ball came into the right area the second time and I managed to put it away,” added Adams. Praise for Ward-Prowse didn’t just stem from his teammate, with his boss Hasenhuttl also quick to laud his skipper. The 54-year-old also credited Elyounoussi and Adams for attacking the ball, rather than remaining static in a dangerous area. The Austrian told press: “We were very often speaking about the situation that we have to score in this moment. “The key is the ball, how he delivers it. “But the key is also the run because when you park outside the box and watch the ball flying in then it is not dangerous. “When you attack the gap, the defender on the second post has a problem and this was the reason why.” Saints’ first ever victory at Tottenham’s new home lifts them up to 10th in the league table, with Hasenhuttl’s men plundering 28 points from 23 games. It is a quick turnaround for Saints, with a lunchtime kick-off away at Old Trafford to contend with on Saturday.
Che Adams

#PLStories- Che Adams aiming for ‘next generation’ to fill gap left by Danny Ings departure #SAINTSFC

REPLACING Danny Ings is a challenge Che Adams relishes, with the Scottish international stating that it is “a nice feeling” to have “pressure on your shoulders.” Ings finished as Saints’ leading league scorer in all of his three seasons at St Mary’s, meaning his sudden departure to Aston Villa in the summer left a big gap upfront. Initially playing second-fiddle to Ings after arriving from Birmingham City in the summer of 2019, Adams is now Saints’ go-to striker to lead the line. With three goals and an assist despite issues with COVID and injuries, Adams is keen to improve his record and help his side move forward. Speaking to Saints’ website, Adams said: “Obviously, he was the main provider of the goals. “But now it’s up to the next generation and the other players, like myself and the other strikers, to step up and do well. “It’s always a nice feeling to have pressure on your shoulders because that’s what you strive for and want to do.” To supplement their strike force, Saints brought in two strikers over the summer – borrowing Armando Broja from Chelsea, as well as signing Adam Armstrong from Championship Blackburn. Whilst some players may have not been impressed at their club bringing in more strikers, Adams revealed he revelled the extra competition for a place in the side. He explained: “You need competition for places, and I think we’ve got the right balance now with everyone. “Everyone brings a sort of different game, to our plans in matches. “It’s been great, everyone has been top-drawer and they’re really good players. “So, there’s no knocking that, and there’s a small headache for the manager, who has to pick the team on a Saturday.” Saints will be hoping to have a full compliment of strikers when they visit Swansea City in the FA Cup next weekend.
Che Adams

#PLStories- Che Adams believes it’s his responsibility to help young strikers in absence of Danny Ings #SAINTSFC

RED-HOT frontman Che Adams admits he does feel an added responsibility among the club's strikeforce this season in the absence of Danny Ings, insisting: "It's up to me to help them." Adams, 25, has been in fine form in recent weeks. His goal in defeat at Norwich City on Saturday was the striker's fifth in six outings for club and country, having also struck in wins for Scotland over Moldova and Denmark earlier this month. Adam Armstrong was signed up from Blackburn Rovers after Ings left to join Aston Villa, but has just two goals to his name in his 12 appearances for Saints so far. Shane Long has been limited to just three substitute outings across league and cup, while 20-year-old Armando Broja and academy graduate Nathan Tella are inexperienced in the Premier League. That often leaves Adams as the most senior, experienced striker in a starting line-up for a Saints side which so often previously looked to Ings to save the day. Like Armstrong, Adams arrived from the Championship to Saints in a £15million deal. He infamously took 30 matches to break his duck for the Hampshire club. But having now settled into Premier League life, the Leicester-born ace is keen to pass on his advice to his fellow strikers. Asked if he feels added responsibility this season with Ings no longer at the club, Adams told the Daily Echo: "Yeah, you could say that. "Obviously it’s difficult to say, because I feel so young as well at the same time. "But I mean, I’ve been in this league for a couple of years now and it’s up to me to help them – help Armando and help Adam as to what happened to me and where I went wrong." Reflecting back on his difficult early months at Saints, the former Birmingham City man added: "I think it was just about being too up tight. "I think it’s just being patient because my mind was so set on scoring goals and being so anxious on doing that, that’s where I went wrong. "I was snatching at things where I should’ve been just relaxed. "It’s easy to say now, but now I can look back and say where I went wrong. "But I think that was definitely something I was thinking about." Asked if he speaks to Armstrong about some of his recent misses in front of goal, Adams said: "It’s difficult because obviously I don’t want to sound too patronising, because Adam has done it in the Championship. "But obviously I’ve been in that situation and I know Adam can score goals. "He’s experienced as well and as a striker you’re always going to have these chances, but people always remember the ones you miss." At this stage last season, Saints had scored 24 goals from their 12 league matches. This campaign they have just 11, with only Norwich (7) having netted fewer in the top flight. Discussing the side's lack of goals this campaign, Adams said: "We’re getting into the right places to score, but we’re not doing that. "We just have to be patient, keep doing what we’re doing because we’re getting into those areas where we can score and we can hurt the defence and we’re just not putting the finishing touch on it. "So I think it’s just a matter of being patient and self-belief."
Che Adams

#PLStories- Ralph Hasenhuttl on Saints’ Che Adams after Scotland form #SAINTSFC

RALPH Hasenhuttl is pleased with the form of Scotland international Che Adams but admits he is wary that goals must still come elsewhere, conceding: “You can never be sure, there is no guarantee as a striker.” The 25-year-old frontman has only netted once in the Premier League this campaign, but he now has four in five matches for club and country in all competitions. He will be buoyed by his adoption as Che McAdams by the Scottish faithful, repaying them with two crucial goals to secure a home seeded World Cup play-off in March 2022. And, although not scoring in the most recent 1-0 win over Aston Villa, he had struck in back-to-back Saints games including an equaliser at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge in the EFL Cup and the superb winner at Watford. Read more His finish against previous 100 per cent qualifying record holders Denmark in Scotland’s 2-0 win at Hampden Park was a calmer, more considered placement that Saints’ fans haven’t really been able to get accustomed to with the forward. Che Adams has two in two for Scotland's national team (Pic: PA) He himself said he has been in those areas and snatched at chances – a lot of his notches have been in spectacular fashion, sometimes moments after he had squandered a sitter. “He's scored more difficult goals than this one,” Hasenhuttl said, assessing his Scotland strike, “it was a good finish but not outstanding. I know he can do this. “When you're in good shape, and he is, this is something that they all have. They have a very good strike technique. They're all working hard (Saints’ strikers) and they're working hard for the team. “The number of games that they will play now will help them to get better. Everyone needs games and I will try to give everyone the chance to perform. We have seen a lot of rotation this season, in nearly every position.” Che Adams opened his account for the club campaign with an equaliser at Stamford Bridge (Pic: PA) Th Austrian added: “This will be the goal for the weeks ahead.” With Norwich, bottom of the Premier League table, Adams will be targeting another chance to add to his Premier League goals tally – which now stands at just 14 goals in 74 games. But Hasenhuttl has warned that nothing is guaranteed when it comes to goals. “You can never be sure,” he said, “you can only work hard during the games and then get yourself into positions to score. “He needs to learn from the clips and footage we'll show him and then just do his best. They need a good clinical finish, they need this. Che Adams had a deflected strike awarded as a Fred own goal versus Manchester United in August “There is no guarantee as a striker. You can be in the very best shape and then miss three great chances in a row. “Che had some moments where he scores the difficult ones and the easy ones he doesn’t.” Hasenhuttl continued: “He is developing and we're happy that it's here. We're happy that our strikers are scoring. “If they do not score, the tens must start to score and we are missing this a little bit, we need more goal threats from them.”
Che Adams

#PLStories- Che Adams speaks on scoring crucial Scotland goal vs Denmark #SAINTSFC

CHE Adams reflected on his cool finish at Hampden Park on Monday and admitted: “I’ve been in a couple situations before and I have snatched at it – I took my time this time.” The 25-year-old Leicester-born forward has been adopted with love by the Tartan Army and has repaid them with crucial goals in their World Cup qualifying. His most recent effort in the 2-0 win over Denmark helped secure them a home playoff tie to come in 2022, and it was his third in the qualifying campaign for them. Before signing for Saints, he hit an impressive 22 in 46 Championship matches for Birmingham – earning him the Premier League move – but that level of scoring is yet to materialise at the next step up. Read more Most of his Saints strikes have been superb hits and solo efforts, like his winner at Watford two weeks ago, while he has failed to put away the simpler opportunities. Che Adams scores the winner at Watford (Pic: PA) With 15 goals in 87 competitive matches for Saints, it looks like the pressure being lifted on him at the club level by the arrival of Armando Broja and Adam Armstrong but ramped on him on north of the border could be helping him develop his own finishing expertise. "I've been in a couple of situations like that before,” Adams reflected at full-time on Monday, “and I have snatched at things. I took my time this time and it hit the back of the net. "It's always nice to score, I said that after the last game. The most important thing was to win and we did that.” If Saints get a calmer, cooler Adams in front of goal then his regular industry will soon turn into notches at the Premier League level. Che Adams finishes Denmark at Hampden Park (Pic: PA) A trip to Scotland could prove to be the hidden key that helps take Saints forward. He continued: “You can’t put it into words with how many times I’ve been capped, the performances we’ve played in. “It’s a good bunch of lads here, tight-knit and that’s what the manager has made us do. He’s brought everyone together and you can see that on the pitch.”
Che Adams

#PLStories- Che Adams insists the goals will come for Adam Armstrong #SAINTSFC

FRONTMAN Che Adams insisted “the goals will come” for fellow Saints forward Adam Armstrong – and saw similarities with his own previous experiences. Armstrong, a £15million summer signing from Blackburn Rovers, opened his account for the St Mary’s side after just 22 minutes of his debut at Everton back in August. But since then, the former Newcastle striker has gone nine games without a goal in all competitions. It took 30 appearances for Adams to score his first Saints goal after he signed from Birmingham City back in 2019. And while chances may not be finding the net for Armstrong at present, Scotland international Adams insists “no-one is too bothered”. Quizzed about playing alongside Armstrong after Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Watford, winning goalscorer Adams told the Daily Echo: “He’s a great guy off the pitch as well and that’s what makes it even better. “It’s frustrating for him at the minute. “I have been in that situation where it just wouldn’t drop for you, or defenders are getting blocks. “It will come. At least he is getting into the positions to get those chances. So, no-one is too bothered about that, the goals will come.” Armstrong scored 29 times in 43 appearances for Rovers last season, the tally paving his way back to the Premier League. “He’s proved that he can score goals,” said Adams. “I don’t think anyone can fault him in that aspect. “It’s just the same as all the team, you know? We play together, we lose together, so that’s all there is.” Leicester-born Adams has now struck twice in as many games for Saints, having also fired in the Carabao Cup against Chelsea last week. And the 25-year-old is eager to keep up his scoring form in a bid to cement himself in Hasenhuttl’s first-team plans. He added: “It’s going well. “Obviously, there is a lot of competition for places. Everyone is just making it hard for the manager to pick the players for the game. “I think we are in a good moment at the minute. Hopefully we can continue with the game on Friday (against Aston Villa) at St Mary’s with the fans. “We are happy to go into this week full of confidence.”
Ralph Hasenhuttl

#PLStories- Ralph Hasenhuttl believes Che Adams’s quality and performance are rising #SAINTSFC

BOSS Ralph Hasenhuttl insisted the “quality and performance” of frontman Che Adams is rising in a Saints shirt, as he proved the match-winner at Watford. The Scotland international struck his second goal in as many games with a sublime, precise finish to ensure a 1-0 victory over the Hornets at Vicarage Road. Adams’s goal ensured the St Mary’s side got their first league win on the road since March. And despite the former Birmingham frontman squandering another chance to add to his tally in the opening period, Hasenhuttl is happy with the way his striker is operating. Asked whether he saw a more confident, complete player in Adams, the manager replied: “For a striker, it’s always important when you score goals. “The quality and performance is definitely rising. “He’s earned his chance to play now because Armando (Broja) was injured. Everybody knows he has to show up because there is pressure from the other players in the team.” Hasenhuttl added: “He had a massive one (chance) after his goal but this is the good thing this season I must say. “We don’t just have one striker who scores goals, we have more strikers that are able to score. We have more players – they can step in immediately when we have two or three games a week. “Two goals in the past two games is important for a striker and he also did good work up front. This is what we need.” Adams’s tireless running alongside Adam Armstrong was also a factor which pleased Hasenhuttl, as Saints looked to press Claudio Ranieri’s side. “Especially against these teams we have to put the pressure high and the speed in the game very high because then they automatically make mistakes,” the boss said. “When you do this against Chelsea you can also do this against Watford. What we couldn’t do sometimes is win against these teams. “We had a few draws this season but now, second win, very important one. We keep on going. “We have a few games coming up where we must take points and this is very important for the season.”
Che Adams

#PLStories- Che Adams reveals ‘slight problem’ with his heart scan before Scotland’s Euro 2020 opener #SAINTSFC

CHE Adams revealed he had a “slight problem” with his electrocardiogram (ECG) heart scan before Scotland’s Euro 2020 opener back in June. The Saints frontman was brought off the bench by Steve Clarke for their group clash against Czech Republic on June 14, before starting their remaining games against England and Croatia. And the 25-year-old, who featured in Saturday’s 3-2 World Cup qualifier over Israel at Hampden Park on Saturday, revealed how he had to go to hospital for clearance ahead of appearing at the tournament. The Scotland frontman told the Daily Record: “It was difficult at first to get my head around not starting against Czech Republic. “But once you do that, it’s okay. That’s just football. “And to be fair, we did have a slight problem before the game with my ECG heart scan. “I had one before the game and they had to take me to hospital to get more information on it. So that could have been another reason why the gaffer made that decision. “I wasn’t worried. I think they just needed more data to prove I was okay. “Obviously with what happened to (Christian) Eriksen, everyone was having to do heart scans. “So that was all it was, they just needed more information and data to back it up. And I was all good. “I’ve never had any heart issues in the past. Getting these scans is just a standard thing now. “But the manager was probably concerned about me before the game. “It was nothing serious but he wanted to protect me and I think it was the right decision. “Obviously, I’m alright now and I’d had scans in the past with nothing coming up. It was more a case of other people being more worried about it than me.” Adams played 68 minutes of his country’s latest triumph against Israel, during which Scott McTominay scored a dramatic late winner. Steve Clarke’s side remain in second place in Group F on 14 points behind runaway leaders Denmark ahead of a trip to the Faroe Islands on Tuesday, where three points will be expected in the quest for a play-off spot.
John McGinn Aston Villa

#PLStories- #JohnMcGinn says ‘Loveable’ #CheAdams has been a breath of fresh air #AVFC

JOHN McGinn described Saints striker Che Adams as a "breath of fresh air" for Scotland, adding: "He's been a superb addition to the squad." Leicester-born Adams represented England at under-20 level, but qualifies to play for the Tartan Army due to his maternal grandparents being Scottish. Adams rejected the advances of Scotland in 2017, but did switch allegiance in March of this year, making his debut in a 2-2 draw with Austria. The 24-year-old, who came through the youth ranks at Coventry City before dropping into non-league, got his call-up to the Euros and now has two goals in six matches for his nation. Adams impressed as a second-half substitute in Scotland's opening group game against Czech Republic, before earning a start and playing 85 minutes of Friday's 0-0 draw with England at Wembley. Discussing the addition of Adams to the squad, team-mate McGinn, who made his senior Scotland bow in 2016, told the Daily Echo: "He’s been a breath of fresh air. When he came on the other day (against Czech Republic) he was outstanding. "On Friday he was just a man possessed! He might be from Coventry but he looked as if he was from Castlemilk (a district in Glasgow). "He was outstanding and not only that, he’s come in with a determination and a hunger to go and succeed for Scotland. "And not only that, he’s a brilliant guy off the pitch, which helps massively. "So he’s going to be huge for us going forward and it was an amazing performance from Che (against England)." The 0-0 draw keeps Scotland's hopes of qualification out of Group D alive, knowing victory over Croatia at Hampden Park on Tuesday should be enough to progress. Adams received a standing ovation from the vociferous travelling Scotland fans as he was substituted late on at Wembley having produced the type of workmanlike centre-forward display Saints fans have become accustomed to since he arrived at St Mary's from Birmingham City in 2019. And Glaswegian McGinn is not surprised to see the Tartan Army take to Adams so quickly. The Aston Villa midfielder said: "Aye, he’s a loveable guy obviously. My first dealings with him were in the Birmingham Villa derby, so I wasn’t his biggest fan! "But we’ve got on really well. He’s a top guy, top player and he’s been a superb addition to the squad. "So hopefully come Tuesday he can get a goal and get us through to the last 16."
Che Adams

#PLStories- #CheAdams says Scotland produced amazing performance at Wembley #SAINTSFC

CHE Adams hailed his Scotland team-mates for producing an "amazing performance" to earn a draw against England at Wembley. Saints striker Adams started the Euro 2020 Group D contest, playing 85 minutes of the 0-0 stalemate, a result which keeps Scotland's hopes of qualification for the last 16 alive. England dominated possession, but golden chances were well split between the two home nations. Adams, making his sixth senior international appearance, himself saw one of Scotland's better openings well blocked by John Stones early on in the goalless contest. Scotland remain at the foot of Group D, but know victory over Croatia at Hampden Park on Tuesday night should be enough to get into the knockout stages. Asked to describe the emotions of the experience at Wembley, with thousands of vocal Scotland fans having made the trip south of the border in support of Steve Clarke's side, Adams said: "I can’t put it into words to be honest. "It was an amazing performance from everyone. "We worked so hard to get the point and maybe we could’ve even nicked it in the end with a couple of chances we had. "But we kept going and showing resilience to get the draw in the end."
Che Adams

#PLStories- #SteveClarke reveals why #CheAdams did not start for Scotland #SAINSTFC

SCOTLAND boss Steve Clarke offered a blunt eight-word response when asked why Che Adams was not selected from the start for his side's Euro 2020 opener against Czech Republic. The Saints striker was named on the bench at Hampden Park, before being introduced at half-time. Adams impressed during his 45-minute display, but could not prevent Scotland from falling to a disappointing 2-0 home defeat, leaving them with a tough task to qualify out of Group D. Leicester-born Adams, who only declared allegiance to Scotland in March, came into the tournament having scored twice in his four international appearances. That included the winning goal against Luxembourg earlier this month. But Clarke opted for a strike duo of QPR forward Lyndon Dykes and Celtic's Ryan Christie, with Adams replacing the latter at the break. Two goals from Bayer Leverkusen frontman Patrick Schick settled the contest in Czech Republic's favour. Asked for his thoughts on the contribution of Adams and if there was an argument for him starting the game, Clarke replied: "Hindsight is a wonderful gift. Nobody's got it." Scotland's preparations were hampered by an injury to Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney in the build-up to the fixture. That saw the Tartan Army start with a back three, with Saints star Stuart Armstrong implemented from central midfield. “Obviously we’d done a lot of work on team shape and Kieran was involved in that," said Clarke. “With 48 hours to go when he picks up the little niggle that kept him out, it does take a little bit of changing, it changes the dynamic of the team. “Kieran has been an integral part of how we have played recently but I don’t think we defended too badly. “The moments in the game that got away from us; the first one is preventable, the second is really good. “The dynamic was okay in the rest of the team. I went with Stuart Armstrong to get someone driving from midfield. “The way the game panned out, there wasn’t much midfield play in the first half. It was only when the game opened up and when we started to get the opportunity to play through midfield that I thought we were decent and created some good chances. “Sometimes a football match doesn’t go your way. “I don’t think there was much between the two sides if I am being honest. “You look at our attempts at goal, our possession was good, we weren’t quite clinical enough." Scotland head to Wembley to take on England on Friday (8pm).
Che Adams

#PLStories- #RalphHasenhuttl says #CheAdams has the quality to compete in the Euros #SAINTSFC

BOSS Ralph Hasenhuttl backed Che Adams to thrive on the international stage for Scotland and insisted: “He has the quality to compete in the Euros.” The Saints striker begins the biggest tournament of his life tomorrow, when Steve Clarke’s side play Czech Republic in their Group D opener at Hampden Park (2pm). Adams, 24, represented England at under-20 level before opting to play for the Scots earlier this year – qualifying through a maternal grandparent. He has already scored two goals for the Tartan Army in four internationals. And Hasenhuttl, who himself led the line for his native Austria at international level, believes Adams has what it takes to handle the big occasion. Asked what it was like to play up front for your country, the Saints boss told the Daily Echo: “The spot is on you. That is a fact. “If you are performing well, you’re the hero. If not, then it’s tough I think. This is when you play for your country – the whole nation is looking on you. “But I think he can handle this and he has the quality to compete in the Euros. I wish him all the best when he’s part of them. “I am sure that he will score his goals.” Leicester-born Adams has completed his second season at Saints, having signed from Birmingham in the summer of 2019. He has scored 13 goals in 77 games for Hasenhuttl’s side in all competitions, including nine in the Premier League last season. Quizzed on how Adams compared to the player and person who walked through the door almost two years ago, Hasenhuttl replied: “I think it was important for him to get the time to adapt to Premier League football because it’s a different level than Championship football. “I think especially in the first year he felt it was more difficult to score here – definitely – and he learned a lot in this time, I think. “But what I always liked was the way he worked for this team, the way he learned and the way he was fighting for his position in the team. It was not always easy. “But it was more and more coming to the situation that everybody sees his qualities and we are happy to have him here. “Also, the noise around that a lot of teams want to have a player like him shows us that we made a very good signing for us. “I think this season, he scored nine goals. He missed double figures but I think next season, when he scores the easy goals – and he had a lot of easy chances this season – then he can end up really in double figures. “We are very happy for him and for us.” Scotland, who also have Saints midfielder Stuart Armstrong in their squad, are set to take on England and Croatia in their other Group D contests.
Che Adams

#PLStories- #CheAdams says Everyone at Southampton calls me McAdams! #SAINTSFC

FRONTMAN Che Adams revealed there had been plenty of banter flying around about his Scotland selection and said: “Everyone at Southampton calls me McAdams!” Ralph Hasenhuttl revealed the striker’s new moniker to the media back in April, after he had netted his first international goal against the Faroe Islands. Adams qualified to represent the Scots through a maternal grandparent, having previously represented England’s under-20s. He also reportedly turned down an opportunity to play for Antigua & Barbuda. But now with two goals in four international games for the Scots, Leicester-born Adams is a key figure of the Tartan Army’s Euro 2020 plans. He told the Daily Record: “There’s been plenty of banter going around. Everyone at Southampton calls me McAdams! “I get it every day! “When I came to my first camp the boys told me to do my first interview in a Scottish accent, which was quite funny. “It’s part and parcel in dressing rooms and you need that.” Scotland famously qualified for this month’s tournament after beating Serbia on penalties in a play-off back in November. Goalkeeper David Marshall was the hero that evening with the experienced stopper leading a post-match conga during the celebrations in the aftermath. And it was moments like that which fuelled Adams’s desire to join Steve Clarke’s side. “I watched the videos of all the lads celebrating, the clips of Marshy and so on and how good it looked. I was so happy for all the people involved and I want to be a part of it,” he added. “I have had a look on YouTube and the lads speak so much about it. The Scotland-England game was on the other day and everyone sat around the table and just wanted to enjoy the moment and make it happen again.” Scotland kick off their Euro 2020 Group D campaign against Czech Republic at Hampden Park on Monday (2pm). They then take on England on Friday, June 18 (8pm) before a clash with Croatia to round off their group fixtures on June 22.
Che Adams

#PLStories- #StuartArmstrong has belief in the all-round game of flying #CheAdams #SAINTSFC

SAINTS midfielder Stuart Armstrong believes Che Adams has all the attributes to be a successful striker – as the pair get ready for Scotland’s Euro 2020 campaign. Frontman Adams netted his second goal in four senior games for Scotland in Sunday’s 1-0 warm-up victory over Luxembourg. It capped a winning end to Steve Clarke’s side’s preparations for the tournament, with their opening fixture against the Czech Republic on Monday. And Armstrong, who has played alongside Adams for the past two seasons for Saints, is delighted to have him as part of the international setup. Speaking to The Herald about Adams, Armstrong said: "He's got a lot of dimensions to his game. “He's powerful, strong and holds the ball up well but also good speed and very technical so he will run in behind and his shot's pretty ferocious. “He's got a good all-round game and that's key to being able to play up front these days.” Leicester-born Adams made the decision to represent Scotland earlier this year. A former England under-20 international, he turned down an approach from Scotland back in 2017 and was also offered the chance to play for Antigua & Barbuda in the past. However, the Saints striker has now pledged his allegiance to the Tartan Army, qualifying to play for them through a maternal grandparent. He opened his international goal account as Clarke’s men secured the first win of their 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign, with a convincing 4-0 victory over the Faroe Islands in March. Speaking after his country’s latest triumph, Saints striker Adams said: “A win’s a win at the end of the day. “We build momentum going into next week and we created a lot of chances and should have put a lot more away. “But we are happy with the win – it could have been better, we could have scored more goals but a win’s a win.” Scotland face England on Friday, June 18, before rounding off their Group D campaign with a clash against Croatia on June 22.
Che Adams

#PLStories- #SteveClarke reaction after #CheAdams scores for Scotland in Euro 2020 warm-up match #SAINTSFC

STEVE Clarke is ready for the real action to begin at last after Scotland beat Luxembourg 1-0 in their final Euro 2020 warm-up match. After an encouraging 2-2 draw with Holland in Portugal last Wednesday, a Che Adams goal against the 10-man home side at the Stade Josy Barthel set the Scots up nicely for their European Championship opener against Czech Republic at Hampden Park on June 14. Saints striker Adams’s goal came in the 27th minute before Luxembourg defender Vahid Selimovic was shown a straight red card for a ‘last man’ foul on Lyndon Dykes. It is the second time Adams has scored for Scotland, in his fourth appearance, since declaring his allegiance to represent the nation earlier this year. Chelsea midfielder Billy Gilmour, who came on at half-time for his second cap, had to go back off after a shuddering challenge but Clarke revealed the 19-year-old was “fine” as he looked forward to Scotland, with just two defeats in 16 games, making their first appearance at a major tournament since the 1998 World Cup finals in France. The boss said: “We had lots of chances. Lyndon Dykes is a little bit disappointed in himself that he didn’t get the match ball to be honest, he had so many chances. “Che had a few as well. It was nice to work with the two strikers. I wanted to have a look at them in one of the two games so it was nice to have a look at them. “I wanted to have a look at a different combination in midfield with John McGinn and Scott McTominay and that was interesting and there was more game time for some of the players that required it. “So, good exercise, good training camp, two good friendlies and I can’t wait for next week. We are in a good place.” After the opener against Czech Republic, Scotland travel to Wembley to play England before returning to Glasgow to face Croatia. The former Scotland defender said: “We are going try to be on the front foot as much as the opponents allow us. We are playing good teams so at times we might suffer without the ball. “But when we have the ball, we are going to be on the front foot and create chances like we did tonight and against the Dutch the other night. We look forward to it. It is a tournament that has been a long time coming and we want to make the most of it.”
Che Adams

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

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.”
Che Adams

#PLStories- #RalphHasenhuttl provides injury updates on #CheAdams #SAINTSFC

BOSS Ralph Hasenhuttl confirmed Che Adams would miss Saints’ final game of the season at West Ham on Sunday due to a groin problem. The Austrian manager did however insist the frontman will be fit for the upcoming European Championships for Scotland. Adams had to be substituted at half-time during Tuesday’s 2-0 defeat to Leeds United, coming off in place of Danny Ings. And Hasenhuttl insisted they would not risk the Leicester-born frontman, who was this week named in Steve Clarke’s squad for the summer international tournament. “Che cannot play on the weekend because he has a small groin injury, so he will also definitely be out,” said Hasenhuttl. “It is five to 10 days, so his chance for the weekend is a small one, but we didn't take the risk because we know he has the Euros coming up, which for him is a big tournament.” The Saints boss did however reveal Oriol Romeu had a chance to feature for Saints this weekend for the first time since February. Spaniard Romeu had been training with the south coast club this week. Will Smallbone remains unavailable with a serious knee injury.
Che Adams

#PLStories – #RalphHasenhuttl reveals #CheAdams was taken off at half time due to injury #SaintsFC

BOSS Ralph Hasenhuttl revealed frontman Che Adams was forced off against Leeds United at St Mary’s due to a slight injury. The Scotland international was replaced by Danny Ings at the interval, despite fashioning a couple of chances against Marcelo Bielsa’s side. The former Birmingham frontman twice worked keeper Kiko Casilla in front of the returning 8,000 Saints supporters before having to be replaced. Saints went on to lose 2-0 with Patrick Bamford and Tyler Roberts on target for the visitors in the second half. Asked about replacing Adams at the break, Hasenhuttl said: “It was a little bit of a groin problem. “He gave us the signal that he could not go on. I think he was also tired. “Saturday-Tuesday and, again, against a team that is physically very strong.” Adams has played 45 times for club and country this season, scoring 10 goals.