Van Hecke
Posted inDaily News

Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke on new contract with the club #BHAFC

December 19, 2023
The Dutch defender stood out at Arsenal, days after signing a new contract with Albion. He has impressed Roberto De Zerbi with his progress and confidence and has become a firm fans’ favourite. Van Hecke told the Argus: “I just try to play every game at my best and tell myself that I need to be better than my last game. “I step on the pitch with a lot of confidence. “I think that’s good but not too much and also be eager to become a better player.” Albion complete a hectic period by tackling Palace at Selhurst Park on Thursday. It feels like the sort of ultra-competitive occasion which would be right up the 22-year-old’s street. Van Hecke said: “I haven’t thought too much about it but now we focus on that one. “We know how important it is for the club, for the fans, for the players. “I am really looking forward to it and hopefully we can go there for the win.” Van Hecke and Albion will hope to have more of the game than in the 2-0 defeat at the Emirates. He said: “I suppose you look first to yourself but then you also need to look to our opponent and they were really strong. “It’s a top team, maybe one of the best in the world. “I think at times we played some football how we usually do but a lot of times they had us under pressure and they played some good football. “It was a difficult game but in the first half we defended our goal really well so we had good hopes for the second half. “In the first five minutes we had some control but then they scored out of a corner and then a late goal. “We can also score 1-1 with Pascal. “It would not have been deserved but at our place we sometimes draw or lose games and it is also not deserved.”
Ryan Christie
Posted inDaily News

#PLStories- Ryan Christie keen to extend AFC Bournemouth contract #AFCB

July 20, 2023
Christie, 28, is heading into the final year of his deal at Vitality Stadium, having arrived from Celtic in the summer of 2021. The Scotland international has made 75 appearances for Cherries, scoring five goals and providing nine assists. He played a key role in clinching promotion from the Championship, before then helping keep the club in the Premier League last season. The hard-working midfielder has featured in both friendly matches under new boss Andoni Iraola so far. He played 90 minutes in the 4-0 win over Hibernian, before again starting and playing the first half of Sunday’s 1-0 loss to Maccabi Tel Aviv. Christie has previously expressed how settled he feels on the south coast of England, becoming a dad for the first time last month. Asked if there has been any dialogue with the club regarding his future and current contract situation, Christie told the Daily Echo: “No discussions yet, but I’m more than happy (here). “Especially with the baby now, I love living in Bournemouth. It’s a great place to stay and my family is nice and settled as well. “I’m not really thinking about that right now. Obviously the pre-season is pretty tough, so you just need to get the head down and keep working hard. “My main hope is to impress the new boss as much as I can. “If that leads to talks about a new contract, so be it. I’ll be looking forward to that hopefully.” Christie and his fiancée Georgie welcomed a baby boy into the world last month. For Christie, that capped off a busy summer, which had seen him away representing Scotland just five days before his son was born. “It was absolutely amazing, to be fair,” he said, discussing his new arrival. “It was obviously a bit of a whirlwind when he came, but I think we kind of timed it perfectly. “I got back from Scotland camp and two days later we went into labour. “It was nice because I got two weeks at the end of my break just in the house with him getting used to baby life.” Christie’s final game before returning home was the bizarre Euro 2024 qualifier against Georgia at Hampden Park. The Highlander was introduced for the closing stages of the 2-0 win, coming onto the pitch at 11.16pm after the game had been delayed due to wet weather in Glasgow. “That was one of the strangest games I’ve been a part of,” Christie admitted. “The rain was absolutely mental and then there was talk of the game being postponed and playing the next morning. “I think everybody was desperate just to get the game done, especially me with a pregnant fiancée at home, waiting for me to get home. So I was watching the clock half the night! “The most important thing is we got a win to round off another very successful camp for us.”
Tom Lockyer
Posted inDaily News

#PLStories- Tom Lockyer hails his ‘unbelievable relationship’ with Hatters’ fans as he commits his future to Luton #LUTONTOWNFC

July 7, 2023
Tom Lockyer hailed his ‘unbelievable relationship’ with the Hatters fans after agreeing a new contract to remain with the club for what will be their debut season in the Premier League this term.The 28-year-old centre half was a massive reason behind Town making it to the top flight for the first time in over 30 years, with some absolutely magnificent displays at the heart of Luton's defence last season, seeing him quite rightly named in the division’s Team of the Year.However, he then suffered an on-field collapse at Wembley in the early stages of the play-off final with Coventry City, immediately taken to hospital.It was from there he had to watch Luton secure a 6-5 penalty shootout victory, as he was kept in for five days to have an operation to correct an atrial fibrillation, which meant he missed the open top bus parade and celebrations at St George’s Square too.Lockyer’s social media was flooded with message of support from Town’s fans, who he was eager to thank when announcing he had re-signed, as speaking to the club’s official Twitter page, he said: “Absolutely gutted that I couldn’t be there to celebrate with you all at the end of last season, but I can’t thank you all enough for all the messages you sent me, it means so much to me and my family."Sat in the back of the ambulance van, I was worried that I was never going to be able to play again, so I’m absolutely delighted to announce that I’ll be staying on at Luton Town.“Ever since I’ve come to this football club I’ve had an unbelievable relationship with the fans, it makes my spine tingle every time I hear my name sung and I can’t wait to hear that again.”Luton defender Tom Lockyer celebrates scoring in front of the Hatters fansNow beginning his fourth season at Kenilworth Road, and with 101 appearances under his belt, Lockyer is looking to remain with the club for the long term, adding: “I’d really like to build something special here at Luton Town."I’ve got an incredible relationship with the fans, the manager, all the boys.“I love the club and I love being here."It’s incredible what we achieved last season."To have the chance to play with Luton in the Premier League will be something that’s really special to me.”
Rob Edwards
Posted inDaily News

#PLStories- Reece Burke and Rob Edwards highlight importance after player signs new deal to remain a Hatter #LUTONTownFC

July 4, 2023
Luton defender Reece Burke is determined to stay fit and play a big part in the Hatters’ first ever Premier League campaign this season after signing a new deal at Kenilworth Road.The 25-year-old has played 57 times for the Hatters since joining on a free from Hull City in 2021, but has never been able to get a run of more than six consecutive league starts due to various injuries picked up along the way.He featured in 22 Championship fixtures last term, beginning five games in a row on two occasions, which is something he desperately wants to improve with Town in the top flight once more.Reece Burke in action for Luton during the play-off final at Wembley - pic: Richard Heathcote/Getty ImagesSpeaking to the club’s official website, Burke said: “I’m absolutely delighted."I’m grateful to have another opportunity, buzzing to continue my journey here."It’s been two successful years here, the first season we got in the play-offs and didn’t get promoted but in the second season we did go up.“Wembley was the best day of my life in football, so I’m really delighted to stay."Personally, last year was difficult for me in terms of injuries, my main focus this time is to stay fit and try to do well."When I’m fit, I play well so I know I’ve got more to give.“I just enjoy coming into training every day, we’ve got a great team, great staff, great fans, I like everything about this club, so it was a no brainer really.”Luton boss Rob Edwards is confident that the former West Ham centre half can stay fit on a consist basis too, as he said: “I think he’s a really good player and a really important player for us, so I’m delighted that he’s agreed a contract extension because when he’s fit, him and Gabe (Osho) is a right good battle for that position.“I know now the big thing for him will be consistently staying fit and consistently playing, but I know he’s capable of it.“He’s got energy and from that right-sided position he can be really brave."He’ll bomb on, he’ll overlap, he’ll put crosses in, he’ll be aggressive in defensive situations.“He’s a brilliant bloke who is another one who is just a bit frustrated because he needs that run of games and then just feels little niggles, but he worked so, so hard to get himself fit for the play-off games."The medical team did brilliant with him to get him right, and he’d have been disappointed not to be playing in the final, but he came on and he was incredible.”Whenever Burke did play, he showed the hallmarks of the player who came through the ranks at Upton Park, going on to make six top flight appearances for the Hammers and then costing Hull £1.5m in 2018.On the bench at Wembley for the play-off final with Coventry, the centre half was on far earlier than anyone would have expected, himself included, replacing Tom Lockyer after the Welsh international collapsed on the pitch inside the opening 10 minutes.Despite playing just over a half of first team football in the month building up to the showpiece event, Burke excelled from the moment he came on, helping to restrict Sky Blues' star striker Viktor Gyokeres to very little in terms of clear-cut chances, as Luton drew 1-1, then winning on penalties to reach the top division in English football for the first time in over 30 years.On his display, Edwards said: “I thought his mentality to come on so early, in difficult circumstances when Locks went off when he did, to come into that, the biggest game of all of our careers, and perform as he did against really tough opposition, just says everything you need to know about him.“He’s another one, when you think about his goal away at Huddersfield on New Year’s Day, he got three wins in a row for us and it was a really important goal."But his performances, whenever he did play, were excellent."Even in a game we lost, Burnley at home, I thought he was magnificent.”Meanwhile, Burke added: “Over the last two seasons, the best moment would be Wembley."I came on so early in the game, but I did well and that feeling when we won was unreal."It’s so hard to describe but it’s my best day in football for me.”
Ruben Selles
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Southampton manager Ruben Selles does not want to reveal next move until season ends #SAINTSFC

May 20, 2023
The Spaniard, speaking ahead of the club’s penultimate game of the season at Brighton this weekend, is under contract at Saints until the end of the season. Selles revealed his intentions to continue his management career and said he will “absolutely not” stay on at St Mary’s unless he remains the boss. It had been reported elsewhere that Championship and Spanish clubs are monitoring Selles despite the club’s 11-game winless run ending in relegation. READ MORE: Selles does not want to stay at Southampton unless he is the manager  Speaking on the job he has done, Selles said: “If you want to have an all-in mentality it is not only words and that is what I did. “It was an all-or-nothing moment and I am always all. I was clear that if I took a step, it was a definite step in this club and a definite step in my career, that is why I did it. “I would not change any single second of that decision. Of course, I would change the results we have had and maybe some decisions. “If you evaluate your time then there will be things you could do better but I do not change that decision.” He added: “My agent is working on those things. I get a report every two or three days. There has been some interest, but I will not speak to anyone until I have finished the season with Southampton. “As much as the gossip is about other people it is also about me. The gossip is the gossip. I do not know the reality of those things. It is always the same and if you do not want that gossip around you, you have to win more football matches. “That is how it works and we know this. I respect the club and everybody knows it. I have a contract until the end of the season and we made it clear we will speak then. “If the club makes any decision before that then I would expect to have it communicated to me one way or another before it is made public."
Jefferson Lerma
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- AFC Bournemouth’s Jefferson Lerma talks about his future with Cherries #AFCB

May 17, 2023
A fan favourite since arriving from Spanish side Levante in 2018 for a club-record £25million, Lerma has entered the final months of his contract at Vitality Stadium. Capped 33 times by Colombia, the 28-year-old has a host of suitors, both in Spain and in the Premier League. London clubs Crystal Palace, West Ham and Fulham are rumoured to be interested, with clubs in Europe unable to match the financial pull of top-flight clubs in England. Sources close to the player had told the Daily Echo that he was undecided over a move away due to his strong affection for the club and the Cherries faithful. Reports had suggested that the Colombian international had rejected multiple contract offers from Cherries, only for Lerma himself to insist that this was not the case. Speaking exclusively to the Daily Echo in his native Spanish, Lerma shared: “Everything is possible. I have never rejected an offer from the club. “We have always been in dialogue and waited to make the best decision for both of us. “I am very grateful to count on the people here, but now it is time to reach an agreement that works out best for both from any point of view. “For me, if there was a breakdown in talks with the club it would be in the news. “We are waiting and taking the best decision for both of us.” Now mathematically safe from relegation, Cherries had an uncharacteristically bad day at the office last time out, failing to register a shot on target as they were defeated 2-0 at Crystal Palace. “It was quite a rare game from us,” Lerma explained. “I think that we couldn’t really settle. But we have to raise our heads and think of what’s to come. “Sadly, it was an out-of-character game (for us) and a good game for them. “But every week we have an opportunity to lift ourselves up.” The major talking point stemming from the encounter from a Cherries perspective was a first-half incident involving Lerma. Crystal Palace defender Joachim Andersen struck Lerma in the face with a clenched fist at a corner, there being enough force to break the former Levante man’s nose. However, despite a VAR check, Andersen received no punishment. Asked if he had broken his nose, Lerma replied: “Yes -  you can see it a little. “Supposedly (the referees) didn’t see anything wrong. We have to forget it and we recover.” With two games left in their season, Cherries have already achieved their pre-season objective of survival. Asked for his thoughts on the season as a whole, Lerma responded: “Yes, that also has to be seen as a positive. “I think that everything cannot be rosy. We have to not crash after a loss, but recover – the desire is to return to victory. “Like I said before, it’s football and every week you have an opportunity to prove yourself.”
Che Adams
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

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

May 15, 2023
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.”
Gary O’Neil
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Gary O’ Neil reveals that AFC Bournemouth’s Jefferson Lerma is undecided on future at the club #AFCB

May 12, 2023
Sources close to the player have told the Daily Echo that he has doubts on leaving Cherries due to a strong affection he holds for both the club and fanbase. A club record signing, Lerma arrived at Vitality Stadium in the summer of 2018 for a fee believed to be in the region of £25 million from then La Liga outfit Levante. With his contract expiring this summer, the 28-year-old has been free to discuss a pre-contract with clubs outside of England since January. After reportedly making no headway in earlier talks over an extension, negotiations between Cherries and Lerma's representatives were seemingly paused to focus on the clubs’ bid for survival. As it appears Cherries have all but confirmed their Premier League status for a second successive season, there is now an opportunity for talks to restart. Speaking on Lerma’s future at the start of May, head coach Gary O’Neil commented: “No decision made at the moment, as far as I'm aware, so hopefully he'll be here. “Jeff's a great guy, so incredible around the place, incredible around the group, especially if you're in a relegation battle when you need to get in the trenches. “And me, Jeff, the club, have been fully focused on that up until this moment. “I think you've seen in Jeff's performances that there was just no doubt that he was fully committed to the cause. “Now that the relegation stuff is all but beyond us, then hopefully we can start to put something in place where he stays, but no confirmation either way.” Whilst the Daily Echo understands that there are numerous European clubs that have made proposals to the midfielder, no agreement has been reached with any side. In March, Lerma told Spanish outlet AS.com that he was open to a return to Spain, but while Spanish clubs have enquired into the availability of the Colombian international, they are unable to match the potential wages on offer in the Premier League. Although teams based in England must wait until the expiry of a player’s contract before making an official offer, there are also numerous Premier League clubs that have registered an interest in Lerma. Reportedly London clubs West Ham, Crystal Palace, and Fulham are keen on Lerma. Since arriving from Spain, the Colombian has made 181 appearances for Cherries, the majority of which have come in the top-flight. One of the first names on the team sheet under five different bosses, many expected Lerma to depart Dean Court when Cherries were relegated from the Premier League in 2020. However, the former Atletico Huila man remained at Cherries, helping them to a return to the first tier at the second attempt last season. At the age of 28, Lerma is regarded to be in his prime, with the likelihood that his next contract will be his last chance of a financially lucrative deal.
Gary O’Neil
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Gary O Neil excited as Neto signs new three-year deal to extend Cherries stay #AFCB

March 28, 2023
The 33-year-old arrived on the south coast last summer on a free transfer from Catalan giants Barcelona, initially signing a one-year contract. His new deal will last until the end of the 2025-26 campaign, taking him just shy of his 37th birthday. After being installed as number one following Gary O’Neil’s original appointment as caretaker at the end of August, the Brazilian international has made 18 appearances for Cherries, recording four clean sheets. Speaking after signing the new deal, Neto told Cherries’ club media: “I am very happy and very proud. From the first time (I arrived here), I loved to be here. Me and my family are really enjoying the moment of our life. “It is the perfect place, because we have kids, a young baby, and we are really easy people. We are enjoying the place, it is very quiet, very nice. “My daughter is enjoying the school, my wife is enjoying the place. This is the most important in your career, when you have this connection. Everything is perfect.” Aside from his spell at the Camp Nou, the keeper lists Juventus, Valencia, and Fiorentina as previous employers. Capped once at senior-level by Brazil, Neto also represented his country twice at the 2012 Olympics in London, where he won a silver medal. Neto has shared dressing rooms with a full host of stars, including Leo Messi, Neymar, Mo Salah, Luis Suarez, and Gianluigi Buffon. The goalkeeper also boasts significant experience in continental competition, playing 10 times in the Champions League for Barcelona, Valencia, and Juventus, as well as 24 games in Europe’s secondary tournament, the Europa League. Such has been the Brazilian’s impact since arriving at Cherries, O’Neil decided to appoint Neto as club captain in February, the goalie donning the armband for the first time in the defeat away at Brighton. An established figure in the dressing room despite only being at the club for eight months, the fact that Neto can speak English, Spanish, and Italian was also a deciding factor in his receiving of the captaincy, with Cherries’ dressing room now speaking numerous different languages. At the time of the appointment, O’Neil shared: "I just feel that Nets is an impressive individual, on and off the pitch. He has real leadership qualities. Since he’s come in, I’ve just been very impressed with how good he is around the group. “Neto has some real, good qualities that we would be silly not to tap in to. I think especially in the transfer window with the players we’ve recruited, Neto has a real good standing in the group. I think it will benefit us."
Gary O’Neil
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Gary O’Neil reveals not being involved in Jordan Zemura contract situation #AFCB

March 18, 2023
With Lloyd Kelly and Matias Vina returning to fitness, Zemura was a surprise omission from the squad to face Liverpool last weekend, having impressed in recent weeks. The Daily Echo understands the 23-year-old was left out due to his ongoing contraction situation. Zemura's current deal expires this summer, after the club triggered a one-year extension clause in his contract in March 2022. It is understood the club have offered Zemura a significant pay-rise from his current terms, but the London-born ace or his representatives are yet to respond or engage in discussions. Speaking after the win over Liverpool, O'Neil said the Zimbabwe international's absence was an "internal decision". Ahead of tomorrow's trip to Aston Villa, O'Neil was asked if Zemura had a future at Cherries. He said: "I think Jordan has had a good time here, of course. "My job at the moment, I don’t get involved at all in contract situations, just purely on team selection. "As we saw, Lloyd Kelly is back fit now and can play left-back. "We’ve got a Uruguay international back available, Matias Vina, who has trained well. "So we have three very capable left-backs at the moment. So some tough decisions for me, but also positives that we have more options." Asked if Zemura remains in his thoughts when picking his team, O'Neil added: "All of them are, always. "I’ll always make an honest and what I believe to be a sensible decision around who is best to play." Zemura, who arrived from Charlton Athletic in 2019 after a successful spell on trial, made his first-team debut in September 2020. His breakthrough campaign was last season, under Scott Parker, featuring in 33 Championship matches, helping the club clinch promotion. Cherries have long been trying to tie Zemura down to a longer-term contract, but no agreement has been reached, with other Premier League clubs credited with an interest.
Roberto De Zerbi
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Brighton’s De Zerbi on having Adam Lallana after new contract #BHAFC

March 15, 2023
The 34-year-old signed a new one-year deal with the Seagulls yesterday. De Zerbi described him as "unique" in what he offers to the team - even off the pitch. Lallana had hamstring surgery four weeks ago and hopes to be back in contention for the end of season games. Lallana with De Zerbi after signing his new one year deal (Image: BHAFC/Paul Hazlewood) De Zerbi said: “I am really pleased for Adam, it is an honour to be his coach. "It is an honour for the other players to play with Adam and for the club to have in our team one player who is so good, so important and has so much experience. “He is a positive guy and a very important player for us. For now, he is unlucky with his injury but he will be important for us. “I don’t know if he will be able to play this season but for the importance inside the team, we lost an important player who is unique on the pitch. His quality is different to the other players in our squad but we can play in other ways.” Lallana against Norwich last season Lallana, who joined on a free nearly three years ago, had three goals and an assist in all competition for Albion. He enjoyed a good run of games in the number ten role before his injury in January. Lallana was full of praise for De Zerbi after signing his new contract. He said: "The faith he’s shown in me personally I don’t think I could do justice in words to be honest, but I’ll try.  “He is special, really special. I’ve been blessed to work with great managers in my career and this guy is right up there.  “He teaches, he inspires, he makes teams and individuals better. He’s the full package. When he said he wanted me to stay longer there was no way I could turn that down.” Adam Webster is confirmed to be in the squad for Brighton's fixture against Palace tomorrow night, while Tariq Lamptey will be assessed tomorrow.
Jaidon Anthony
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- AFC Bournemouth’s Jaidon Anthony on new deal with Cherries #AFCB

February 11, 2023
Cherries announced that the 23-year-old had extended his stay at the Vitality Stadium until the summer of 2027, signing a four-and-half-year new contract. The rise of Anthony has been near-meteoric, with the winger arriving on the south coast following his release by Arsenal at 16. When Cherries were last involved in a relegation battle during lockdown in the summer of 2020, Anthony was getting his first taste of senior football on loan at National League South Weymouth. Two seasons after helping the Terras to promotion from the sixth tier via the play-offs, Anthony was celebrating reaching the Premier League as an established first teamer with Cherries. Asked if he expected to be a Premier League regular at this stage of his career, Anthony told the Daily Echo: “Probably not so soon. “I thought I would have had to go do some loans through the leagues, and try and work my way up in that way. “But I always knew I had some talent, and I knew I wanted to play at the highest level that I could. “And I'm just grateful for the opportunities that I got, obviously, last year and this year, to be able to be in this position and be a Premier League player, that's fighting week in, week out to try and get some results.” Discussing negotiations, Anthony shared: “It’s been a long time, but I'm just buzzing it’s finally done. “It’s felt like ages, but I can just focus, get my head down and get back to work and try and have a successful rest of the season.” In a bid to strengthen their squad for the survival battle, Cherries added six new signings in the January window. Three of those arrivals play in a similar position to Anthony, with the winger keen to battle for his spot in the team. He added: “The club just did the best they could to try and keep us in the league. “Obviously we knew we needed to strengthen. It wasn't really my focus because if I'm being honest, I just focus on how I could help and that will always be the same, really. “I think everywhere you go, you're going to have to fight to get in the team. It was the same last year. Obviously, we signed a lot of players last year and a lot in my position as well. And it was always a fight to try and play. “The level goes up and we've got an exciting squad, a lot of talented players in my position and whatever the manager decides, I'm there to try and help wherever I can. “And obviously every player wants to play and be in the starting eleven, but I understand that it won't be like that throughout my career. “There'll be some times where I have to bide my time and work to get in the team.”