Mohamed Elyounoussi
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories – Moi Elyounoussi confirms Southampton exit at end of his contract #SaintsFC

June 14, 2023
The 28 year old had been in discussions about a new deal over the course of the year but the two parties will break completely.  Norwegian international Elyounoussi, who made 33 Premier League appearances as his side were relegated this season, played 90 times for Saints between 2018-2023. Theo Walcott had already confirmed his contract expiry while Elyounoussi has now revealed to media in his native country that he will also depart the South Coast. READ MORE: Managers love him and supporters... don't The curious case of Moi Elyounoussi "I'm done. We've agreed on that. The contract expires at the end of June, and then I'm a Bosman player (out of contract)," he told TV2. Your @PFA Community Champions 🏆Recognising Kayla Rendell and Moi Elyounoussi for their support of our work this season ❤️ pic.twitter.com/3r8qw8j8KJ — Saints Foundation (@SFC_Foundation) June 6, 2023 "We looked at the whole situation. It's been a troubled season. Many replacements. I'm glad we waited and looked at the situation first. Then maybe it was just as well to stand again as a Bosman player in the end.” He added: “It was surprisingly emotional. Maybe not right away, but afterwards in the locker room. I made a little speech. “There's something about being there for so long, sharing that dressing room with so many players, staff and people who have worked there for so long. I became sensitive, that is. I didn't think so. Life goes on, I've changed clubs before, but it was special. "I got an award as the player who has contributed the most off the pitch in the community at Southampton, visiting schools, going to volunteers and stuff like that. I appreciated that. It almost means more than what happens on the field. I was grateful for that," Elyounoussi added. Elyounoussi was given an opportunity to say goodbye to supporters when he was substituted during the 4-4 draw with Liverpool on the final day of the season. After Roberto Firmino, who was confirmed as leaving the Reds, was awarded an ovation by both sets of fans, Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson tried to usher Elyounoussi off the pitch during his. “He came over and apologised. He said he didn't know what the occasion was,” Elyounoussi explained. “We clapped for Roberto Firmino when he stepped down in what was also his last Liverpool game. Henderson didn't know it applied to me too, so he apologised afterwards.”
Jordan Zemura
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Jordan Zemura thanks AFC Bournemouth ahead of Udinese move #AFCB

May 31, 2023
In April, Serie A side Udinese announced they had completed a deal to sign the left-back on a free transfer, once his contract at Cherries expired this summer. The parting of the ways was not particularly amicable, with the higher-ups at Cherries left in the dark about Zemura’s movements. That consequently saw the 23-year-old go from regular starter to out of the squad entirely, his last appearance coming in the 3-2 defeat at Arsenal in early March. The Zimbabwe international has taken to social media to share his thoughts, alongside a video reel of highlights from his time at the club. On Instagram, Zemura posted: “Season officially over, first of wanted to say thank you to my family and friends for their support throughout it all, in a season that I will never forget playing in the biggest league in the world! “Something that I will forever cherish and hold tight to me. Secondly, after all that has been said throughout the course of the last three months I wanted to make it known I am forever grateful to AFC Bournemouth for allowing me to showcase myself and trusting me! “Thank you to the staff all across the club they showed me love and care. To the fans thank you for singing my name to the roof tops, and for the love from day one. “Something so special and will never be forgotten, no matter what was said I came as 19-year-old boy and I’ve grown with every step, for that I am forever thankful! “Wish nothing but the best for the club and my teammates who have helped me since I first stepped into the dressing room. “Once a cherry always a cherry. “Excited for the future to continue developing and working harder and achieving everything I set out to achieve in this game, with God’s grace and protection I will! #33” Zemura, who joined the club from Charlton Athletic in 2019, leaves having scored three goals in 63 appearances for Cherries.
Ruben Selles
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Southampton manager Ruben Selles outlines his personal aims after leaving Southampton #SAINTSFC

May 28, 2023
Arriving last summer to work under Ralph Hasenhuttl, Selles was given the managerial role on an interim basis following the sacking of Nathan Jones in February. And after Selles oversaw a shock 1-0 win at Chelsea, he was handed the full-time job until the end of the season. But only one more victory has followed that success at Stamford Bridge and Saints have now failed to win any of their last 12, leading to relegation to the Championship for the first time since 2012. READ MORE: ‘Such a talented squad’ - Liverpool boss Klopp full of praise for relegated Saints Selles has previously stated that he is only interested in staying at Saints as manager and earlier this week the club confirmed that his contract would not be renewed. Speaking on Friday about his ambitions ahead of departing Saints this summer, Selles remained bullish about his own future. "I would like to stay here (England) and the top level we can stay, if it’s not the Premier League it’s very close to that,” Selles said.  “My target has always been to compete against the best and with the best, that’s what I’ve done the last three months and I want to be back and I want to fight to be back as quick as possible." Swansea boss Russell Martin is widely expected to take over at Saints and while Selles refused to be drawn into any speculation about his successor, he explained what he has told the club ahead of a crucial summer. "I just gave my opinion on all of the individual players,” Selles explained. “I don’t know who is the next coach, you probably know better than me, it’s not for me. "I just told the club what I think, I said before what we need to do to rebuild the squad for the Championship or for the Premier League. They know my opinion but they can do with that what they want."
Ruben Selles
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Southampton’s Ruben Selles provides insight into discussions with club about new manager for next season #SAINTSFC

May 27, 2023
Selles became Saints’ third permanent manager this season when he was given the full-time job until the end of the campaign following a shock 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge in February. But just one more victory followed the Chelsea result - a 1-0 home win against Leicester City - and Saints have now failed to win any of their last 12 Premier League matches. That run has helped lead Saints to relegation, confirmed a fortnight ago when they were beaten 2-0 by Fulham. READ MORE: Saints reveal reduced season ticket pricing for 2023-24 Championship campaign And earlier this week following Sunday's 3-1 defeat to Brighton, Saints confirmed that the Spaniard’s contract would not be renewed this summer meaning he will depart St Mary’s with Russell Martin widely expected to take over. “The club wants to place on record its thanks to Rubén for taking on the managerial position at a difficult time for the club and for giving his all as we attempted to stay in the Premier League," the statement read. Speaking about how the club’s decision was relayed to him, Selles said on Friday: "After the Brighton game, they (the club’s owners) communicated there was a meeting with me on Monday morning.  “It was a very simple talk. We had a meeting for an hour and a half and they communicated that my contract would not be renewed. "Two months ago, I had a talk with them and they knew my thoughts. It was that, two months ago, they have their own process and they communicate with me on Monday. "I did as much as I can. I show that I make the team competitive. We didn't get the results we wanted. We had an identity. "I did my best and that's the reality. I still think I am ready, but that is not my call. My focus is to try and get us in the best way possible for Sunday against Liverpool." It’s no surprise to see Selles uninterested in staying at the club as a coach after the 39 year old repeated on multiple occasions that he feels prepared to be a manager at this stage in his career. Speaking last week ahead of Saints’ 3-1 defeat to Brighton, Selles explained: “First question is if I want to stay as a coach if I’m not the manager, absolutely not. If somebody has a doubt or if they don’t know it through me they can read it through the media. “That’s very direct and yes I will try to make my career as a manager. Here if it is possible but if it is not I hope it will be another place.”
Brendan Rodgers
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Leicester City club statement after Brendan Rodgers departure #LCFC

April 3, 2023
The Foxes dropped into the bottom three after Saturday’s last-gasp defeat at Crystal Palace, which extended their winless run to six games. Whilst Leicester’s next fixture is a home fixture with Aston Villa on Tuesday, they are set to host Cherries this weekend in a key battle in the relegation picture. Rodgers, who recently celebrated four years in charge at the King Power, delivered two top-five finishes in the Premier League and the club’s first ever FA Cup success in 2021, but leaves by mutual consent. Foxes Chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha said in a statement: “Performances and results during the current season have been below our shared expectations. “It had been our belief that continuity and stability would be key to correcting our course, particularly given our previous achievements under Brendan’s management. “Regrettably, the desired improvement has not been forthcoming and, with 10 games of the season remaining, the board is compelled to take alternative action to protect our Premier League status. “The task ahead of us in our final 10 games is clear. We now need to come together – fans, players and staff – and show the poise, quality and fight to secure our position as a Premier League club.” Rodgers’ assistant Chris Davies and first-team fitness coach Glen Driscoll have also departed the King Power Stadium. First-team coaches Adam Sadler and Mike Stowell have been put in immediate caretaker charge, tasked with preparing the side for Tuesday’s crunch clash with Aston Villa.  
Bruno Grau Brighton
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Coach Bruno’s message to Brighton fans after Chelsea move #BHAFC #CHELSEAFC

September 13, 2022
‘Heartbroken’ Bruno has compared his shock move away Albion to leaving home as a teenager. The former Seagulls skipper and coach has posted a message on social media to say farewell as he heads to Chelsea. He compares the decision to move to Stamford Bridge to that he took when he left his small home town in Catalonia to join the Espanyol academy in Barcelona. His message was printed against a backdrop provided by a photo taken by Simon Dack during the lap of appreciation which followed Albion’s 3-2 win over Manchester City at the end of the 2020-21 season. Bruno writes: “I don’t know where to start, I don’t know what to say. “I’m heartbroken, probably like some of you. I have the same feeling that when I left home at 14 to chase my dream. Sure about my decision but broken inside. “What YOU; players, staff at the Amex, staff at the training ground, FANs and Community have given me it’s unforgettable. THANK YOU. “What these 10 years has shown me it’s that truly Football it’s more than 90 minutes. Of all the unimportant things, Football it’s the most important. “I’ve given my heart and soul for this Club and I would like to think that I have helped to leave Brighton and Hove Albion in a better place when I arrived. “There are no goodbyes for us. Wherever you are you will always be in my heart. “Your amigo. “Bruno.”
Graham Potter Brighton
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Chelsea boss Graham Potter sends open letter to Brighton fans #BHAFC #ChelseaFC

September 12, 2022
Graham Potter says his three years at Albion changed his life – but accepts his sudden departure might be hard to forgive for some fans. An open letter from the former head coach has been published on Albion’s website. [embedded content] It was completed on Thursday evening, after the announcement of the Queen’s death. However, it was felt inappropriate to release the statement on Friday or Saturday. Potter says Albion have a great owner and fans, talks about some of the highlights – including the 5-2 win over Leicester last Sunday, which turned out to be his final game in charge. He said it was a poignant moment for himself and colleagues as they left the club. Potter, Billy Reid, Bjorn Hamberg, Kyle Macaulay, Bruno and Ben Roberts visited the training complex in Lancing on Thursday morning to say goodbye and it is understood to have been an emotional occasion. He speaks about the “unexpected whirlwind” which hit last week as Chelsea came in for him and he hopes fans understand the professional decision he took to move on. Potter refers to the club as “the Albion”, as many fans do. In his open letter, he writes: “This has been three wonderful years with a club that has changed my life, and I want to take a moment to say goodbye to all of you who have made it such a special period of my career. “I bid farewell to a great club and one that will always mean so much to me and my family. For some I recognise that the change that comes so suddenly in football can be hard to accept. I may not be able to persuade you all to forgive my departure – but I would at least like to take the chance to say thank you.” “All good clubs need great owners and great fans. Brighton & Hove Albion have both. I will cherish the relationships I built in all aspects of the club. My players went above and beyond. My staff gave everything. At the heart of it were the Albion fans. On every matchday at the Amex, the connection with the team was strong. When we played away you came in your thousands to roar us on. I know what you have been through to see your club finally in a modern stadium and thriving in the Premier League. I felt it every time I stood on the touchline. “To those of you who stopped to chat when I was in the city or further afield – and the many who wrote to me – all those connections meant a great deal. Your personal stories of following the club – of parents and grandparents who were fans – helped me to understand what makes Albion special. “I hope that you will understand that at this stage of my career, I felt I had to grasp a new opportunity. “I would like to thank Tony Bloom, Paul Barber and the directors for the opportunity they gave me three years ago and then the unswerving support that came with it. My gratitude also to Dan Ashworth and David Weir, two first-class technical directors. To the staff at both the stadium and the training ground: all of you have impressed me with the pride you have taken in your work. You supported the club and you also supported me through some tough times in my personal life. “Brighton & Hove Albion is a club full of good people who work together in the right way to accomplish things. “We have shared some brilliant moments. The 3-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur in my first season stands out. So too, the 2-1 win over Arsenal after lockdown. It was an amazing afternoon, especially given what many had gone through in the preceding months. My only wish was that our supporters had been there to enjoy that with us. “When the stadiums were partially-opened we experienced an incredible atmosphere for the 3-2 win over Manchester City in the final home game of the 2020/21 season. I know many of you enjoyed the 4-0 win over Manchester United last season. We finished that season with a 3-1 win over West Ham on the final day to seal a record points tally for the club and a highest-ever league position. These are great memories. “The Albion has given me that and more. I feel I am a better person and a better manager for the experiences I have had here. Not every team selection or decision has been perfect. But the club has created an environment that gives you the scope to make mistakes, learn from them and then improve. I have always tried to act with integrity and be a good person. These are values I hold dear, and I know that the Albion do too.  “What turned out to be my final match against Leicester City last Sunday was a good way to end. I did not know at the time that it would be the end, but looking back now we played so well. There was so much positivity around the club. The last few days have been an unexpected whirlwind. Leaving the training ground for the last time was a poignant moment. Not only for me, but also for Billy, Bjorn, Kyle, Bruno and Ben. “Albion fans know that with Tony, Paul and David the club is in safe hands. To my successor, whoever that may be, I would say, congratulations. You’ll be working for a great club with a fantastic squad, supported by a great chairman and board. The squad are playing at a high level and will get better. Most of all, the supporters will get behind the team home and away. “To everyone at Brighton & Hove Albion: thank you. It has been a pleasure and honour to serve the club over the last three years. I wish you every success going forward.” The letter was signed simply: Graham
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories – Thomas Frank reveals not leaving Brentford mid season like Graham Potter #ChelseaFC #BHAFC #BrentfordFC

September 10, 2022
THOMAS Frank insists it would require “something crazy special” to tempt him away from Brentford amid links with the vacant Brighton job. The Dane arrived in English football as a relatively unknown quantity but his reputation has rocketed after he ended the Bees’ 74-year top-flight exile in 2021 before making a mark on the Premier League. Divisional rivals Brighton are seeking a new head coach following Graham Potter’s departure to replace the sacked Thomas Tuchel at Chelsea. Brentford boss Frank is among a host of potential candidates connected with the Seagulls but, while discussing Potter’s move to Stamford Bridge, suggested he would not be interested in that particular post. “Looking from the outside – because I can’t know what Graham was thinking and I might think differently – it’s balancing doing a top job as he was at Brighton and then your ambitions,” said the 48-year-old Frank. “He had the chance to walk into one of the biggest clubs and see if he could create his magic there too, which I am convinced he will do. “A lot of it in that situation depends on the club who is approaching you. When it is a club of that magnitude and size, then maybe there is a chance to create something. “I wouldn’t even say it is necessarily more special than what he did at Brighton, because what he created there was very special. “But perhaps more to match yourself against the best in the world year after year, not trying to get a mid-table position. “Trying to win the Premier League and win the Champions League, I guess that’s the challenge. “I am in a position here where I am very happy at Brentford. I am focusing on that every single day. “So for me it would need to be something crazy special. Football is football, but the one thing for sure is that I am very happy.”