Ralph Hasenhuttl
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Ralph Hasenhuttl reveals Southampton are working on contract extensions #SAINTSFC

February 9, 2022
RALPH Hasenhuttl confirms that “there are talks behind the scenes” but Saints have no news on potential contract extensions, despite a number of players approaching the final months on their deals. The Austrian instead insisted that Saints are focussing on other day-to-day business, following the takeover by Sport Republic last month. Nobody exited or wanted to exit the club during the January transfer window – which pleased Hasenhuttl – but that picture could look very different in the summer, as it stands. All four of Saints’ first-team goalkeeping group are currently set to leave the club, with Alex McCarthy, Fraser Forster, Willy Caballero and Harry Lewis all on terms that expire this June. Willy Caballero was initially signed as emergency cover (Pic: Stuart Martin) Joining them is Jack Stephens, Shane Long and a handful of B team assets, including hotly-tipped Kazeem Olaigbe and Kegs Chauke, who have spent time training with the first-team. Asked by the Daily Echo whether fans can expect movement on some of these deals soon, Hasenhuttl responded: “We will announce news when there is news to announce, at the moment there is not. “We are trying to concentrate on our daily business, this is very important, the rest will come as soon as we think it is necessary but there are talks behind the scenes.” Adding: “This is for sure.” Despite this, strong and numerous reports suggest that McCarthy and Stephens have already agreed new terms that are as of yet unannounced by the club. Jack Stephens has only made six Premier League appearances this season and just one since September (Pic: Stuart Martin) However, both have since suffered injury concerns that have kept them on the sidelines for an extended period, although Stephens is now back involved on matchdays. McCarthy, 32, is set for his recovery to continue for further weeks after Hasenhuttl revealed that he had a setback with his hamstring injury, after making a brief return to first-team training. It means there will be an extended run for 33-year-old Forster, who has played and impressed in the last five Premier League matches. Hasenhuttl has also enjoyed keeping 40-year-old Caballero around the group and could potentially extend his deal for another year, but it looks likely that Saints will have to invest in a goalkeeper to take them forward. Yet Forster still has an opportunity to make the most of his control of the goalkeeping shirt in the Premier League, which at the beginning of this season looked very much unlikely ever happening again at St Mary’s. Fraser Forster is playing for his next contract, whether that is at Saints or elsewhere (Pic: Stuart Martin) “Yeah, the message is a very clear one. He has now a chance to show up,” Hasenhutl said, of the former Celtic star. “I think he does this in a good way. There are still things he can improve, but (I’m) very happy that he makes some steps forward in his game.” He continued: “He has some fantastic strengths, everyone knows, the weakness in his game he must work on this and he does, therefore we are very, very happy with his development and with the games he has played.”
Ralph Hasenhuttl
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Ralph Hasenhüttl on Moussa Djenepo’s future at Southampton with expiring contract #SAINTSFC

January 19, 2022
RALPH Hasenhuttl has assessed Moussa Djenepo’s future at Saints and admitted: “He is an instinctive footballer which makes it sometimes tougher for developing him.” Malian international Djenepo is currently away from the Saints camp as he takes on the Africa Cup of Nations with his country in Cameroon. The winger, signed from Belgium first division outfit Standard Liege in summer 2019, was manager Hasenhuttl’s first permanent acquisition after arriving as Saints boss. Although he is still only 23, Djenepo’s development at St Mary’s has seemingly taken a downturn this campaign with injury and ‘private’ issues seeing him earn just eight Premier League appearances. Moussa Djenepo has only played one Premier League match in three months (Pic: Stuart Martin) Thanks to a shocker-miss against Newcastle, Djenepo is yet to score this season and has only played 20 minutes since mid-October. “Yeah, you’re right. He has not had a so easy season so far,” Hasenhuttl said, speaking to the Daily Echo. “He had injury problems and some private problems and in the end he was, after a good pre-season, out of the squad.” Djenepo hit the target twice in 18 matches during his first season at Saints, before registering just once last campaign despite receiving increased gametime. Winger Moussa Djenepo began the season hugely in Ralph Hasenhuttl's favour (Pic: Stuart Martin) The winger’s current contract at Saints is due to expire in summer 2023 and the club have not been shy on sanctioning a deal early rather than letting a player run their contract to the very end. Hasenhuttl continued: “He showed some very good performances and had a fantastic start where he had a very good impact on the team. “Then he was almost pushed back with injuries, some muscle injuries at the time, a set-back for him. But he is fighting back, I love his positive attitude,” the Austrian added. “He is an instinctive footballer that makes it sometimes a little bit tougher for developing him because sometimes you can block him with messages with what he has to do with the ball. Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl (Pic: PA) “Against the ball he had this message development of his game, but with the ball sometimes you block him a little bit with too many advices you give him. “As an instinctive footballer you live for this automatism, for his braveness around the box, but in the Premier League it is not so easy to beat a man one-against-one, the defenders are stronger. “He had to learn and he learnt, I’m not sure what his limit is but we will see.” Djenepo’s contract could see Saints take a transfer fee for him in the summer, if there is interest from elsewhere – that could likely come from a division such as French Ligue One. For now, the 23-year-old is focussed on AFCON qualification with Mali after starting both of their first two group fixtures and picking up four points. Mali are set to progress to the knockout stages at AFCON (Pic: PA Wire) Djenepo conceded a penalty for himself in the opening match versus Tunisia, for a handball, but the spot-kick was missed to preserve a 1-0 win before a 1-1 draw with The Gambia put Mali on the brink of qualification. A victory over Mauritania in their final match on Thursday, January 20, could see them top the group, where they would then compete in the knockout phases. “For now, I think it is important that he gets some games.” Hasenhuttl said. “He has not played so much in the last month so it was good for him to go there (AFCON) now. “To get some games, to play and to get some confidence. “He likes to play there, everyone likes to play for their country and it is a good opportunity for him to show up there and I’m sure he will play good.”
Ralph Hasenhuttl
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Ralph Hasenhuttl happy after Nathan Tella renews Saints contract #SAINTSFC

January 7, 2022
RALPH Hasenhuttl is pleased to tie Nathan Tella down to a fresh contract, admitting: "These are the sort of players we like to develop at Southampton." Academy graduate Tella today extended his contract at Saints, signing a new deal which runs until the summer of 2025. He previously penned a long-term deal in July 2020, which was due to expire at the end of the 2022-23 campaign. But the 22-year-old has now committed for another three-and-a-half years at St Mary's. Boss Hasenhuttl said: “Nathan is a good example of a young player with a lot of potential who is willing to learn and to push himself. "These are the sort of players we like to develop at Southampton. “He has played some excellent games already and made some good improvements in his time working with us. "I think he can develop a lot more here, so it is good that he can focus on improving his qualities with us even more over the coming seasons.” Tella debuted for the first team in June 2020 and has now made 33 senior appearances, scoring twice.
Nathan Tella
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Nathan Tella signs brand-new contract with Southampton #SAINTSFC

January 7, 2022
NATHAN Tella has signed a new three-and-a-half-year contract at Saints that will see him remain with the club until 2025. The former Arsenal academy man has been rewarded by the club that he joined back in 2017 with a brand-new deal. Tella has made eight appearances in the Premier League this season and has had to battle competition for starting places, but it takes his total first-team appearances to 33. Speaking after signing his deal, Tella said: “I'm over the moon. I really like the club, I'm really enjoying my time here. The fact that the club are believing in me is something I'm so thankful for. “The club have been nothing but great to me all season, and last season as well. They believe in me and now I've got to believe in myself. “Moving forward, I want to repay the faith they have in me. I want to play more games, be involved in more goals and help the team progress.” Tella made his first-team debut in the 3-0 win at Norwich in June 2020 and has scored twice in Saints colours, as well as being prolific in Premier League 2 for the B team.
Carl Rushworth
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Brighton confirm new deal for promising young goalkeeper Carl Rushworth #BHAFC

January 6, 2022
ALBION have confirmed that goalkeeper Carl Rushworth has signed a new contract with the club until June 2025. The 20-year-old is currently on a season long loan with League Two Walsall, where he has kept eight clean sheets in 28 games in all competitions. Technical director Dan Ashworth said, "Carl has continued to impress us with his development since joining the club in 2019 and he fully deserves this new contract. "He has trusted the pathway we have put him on, starting with a really positive loan with Worthing, followed by a year with the under-23s and is now testing and proving himself in League Two with Walsall. Carl Rushworth, credit BHAFC/ Paul Hazlewood "This season was about Carl showing what he has learned so far and building on that. We’re pleased to see that he is flourishing." Albion's first-team goalkeeping coach Ben Roberts said: "Carl has been a breath of fresh air since joining the club from Halifax Town, and relished every challenge that has come his way. "He is a consummate professional on and off the field, with a real dedication to his craft. He epitomises what we look for from the modern, in-possession goalkeeper, and look forward to supporting his development in the years to come." Rushworth is currently on loan at Walsall The keeper came through the ranks with Huddersfield Town, before joining Halifax Town in 2017. He signed for Albion in January 2019 and spent the 2019/20 season on loan in the Isthmian League Premier Division with Worthing. A campaign with Albion under-23s followed, and he capped that by winning the club's Men's Young Player of the Year Award. He signed for the Saddlers at the beginning of this season, and his form with Matt Taylor’s men was rewarded with a call-up to the England under-21s squad in October.
#PLStories- Ralph Hasenhuttl reveals Willy Caballero could be set for longer stay at Saints #SAINTSFC
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Ralph Hasenhuttl reveals Willy Caballero could be set for longer stay at Saints #SAINTSFC

December 24, 2021
MANAGER Ralph Hasenhuttl revealed Saints have it in their minds to extend the contract of keeper Willy Caballero. The 40-year-old former Chelsea stopper was parachuted into the St Mary’s side’s squad on a one-month deal as emergency cover for injured Alex McCarthy and Fraser Forster. The former Argentina international has played for Hasenhuttl’s side in games against Arsenal and Crystal Palace. And with his current agreement set to expire on January 5, Caballero’s time on the south coast could be longer than initially agreed. Asked whether there was a chance Caballero could stay for longer with Saints, Hasenhuttl said: “Yes, there is a chance definitely because in this moment and situation you never know how quick it goes, with COVID that you lose a few players. “It would make sense definitely. We have this in our mind, to extend his contract. I am sure he can help us longer term. “It also shows on the pitch that he can help us. “He's played two games and, especially against Palace, you can feel that he is getting better with every game he gets more self-confidence. This is what you need when you step in as a new goalkeeper.”
Amex Stadium Brighton
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Brighton announce new deals for promising youngsters #BHAFC

December 14, 2021
ALBION youngsters Marc Leonard and Ed Turns have signed new contracts at the club. Leonard has penned a one-year extension which will see his contract expire at the end of the 2022/23 season. Turns however has agreed and signed a new two-and-a-half-year deal to extend his stay with the club. Both of the 19-year-olds are academy graduates and have already made their debuts for the first team in the Carabao Cup this season. Leonard started in the 2-0 win against Cardiff City and Turns made his first appearance in the 2-0 win over Swansea City. Speaking on the Brighton and Hove Albion website Leonard said: “I have had a lot of first team exposure this season and I am thankful for it all. “I have played a lot of games and I am enjoying it. “Since the gaffer has been at the club it’s been an exciting time for young players, we know if we work hard and prove ourselves then there will be opportunities. “It drives standards up. “Since I arrived here I have had a really good time. “You have highs and lows in whatever you do, but it’s been a really positive experience and I am delighted to be extending my stay.” Turns, who has been with the club since 2014, said: “I’ve had the opportunity to train with the first team in recent months and that shows how committed the club are to helping academy players make the breakthrough. “I’ve been here a long time and the gaffer shows a lot of faith in young players. “It was an easy decision to continue developing here.”
Jack Cork Burnley
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Burnley midfielder Jack Cork reveals he is in no hurry to decide his future #BURNLEYFC

October 23, 2021
JACK Cork is in no hurry to decide on his future as he targets a regular place in the Burnley side. The midfielder has been a fixture in the Clarets’ team in recent years but ankle surgery last summer put him out for an extended spell and this season he has only played in three of Burnley’s eight Premier League games. Cork is one of a host of Burnley players out of contract next summer, but the 32-year-old said: “It’s still early in the season. I’ve got an option to extend and it just depends how that goes. “I love it at Burnley. My family are really settled here. I’ve always loved it here and we’ll just see how many games I play and how the situation is. It’s nothing to be spoken about at the minute.” Ashley Westwood and Josh Brownhill have established themselves as the Clarets’ first-choice central midfielders, although Cork joined them in a trio for last weekend’s 2-0 defeat by Manchester City. He will not be kicking up a fuss if he is back on the bench against his former club Southampton on Saturday, saying: “It’s just part of football. You can’t go through your whole career expecting to play every match. “I had quite a big ankle operation last year and the lads who have played when I haven’t played have done brilliantly so you can’t complain when you’re not playing. “All you can do is get behind the team and, when you’re playing, make sure you’re ready, like I have been my whole career, and step in and try and be consistent.” Sean Dyche has a deeper squad at his disposal than in previous seasons, which presents a challenge in terms of man management. “I think we’re very open with the players and ask them for their thoughts, try not to let things fester,” he said. “I wouldn’t remotely suggest that Jack or any other player who’s not playing is happy but there’s a professional side of what they do. We explain that to them and how important it is that all noses are pointing in the same direction, particularly around game time. “Any problems they come and see me after the weekend, we’ve always had a deal with that. It is good that there are challenges around these players. You hope to buy players that will add to what you do immediately but it’s also about that competitive element.” Burnley are still looking for their first Premier League victory this season but there have been encouraging recent signs, and Cork added: “We’re in a good place. We’re creating chances. We’ll hopefully have a game soon where everything we touch goes in but at the minute it’s just not going like that. “We went to Man City on Saturday and we created a lot of chances. Sometimes we go there and we barely have a shot on target. “We’re eight games into the season. There’s been many, many teams in this league that have had starts like this, and even us last year. “You can go all the way to Christmas and not be in a great position but you just have to have the experience that we have and the trust in the players and the staff to know that we can get out of it.”
Caleb Watts
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Southampton youngster Caleb Watts signs contract to extend stay #SAINTSFC

October 13, 2021
SAINTS youngster Caleb Watts has signed a new contract to remain with the club until 2023. The 19-year-old’s current deal was expiring at the end of this season and he has put pen to paper to commit a further year, after making his Premier League debut during the last campaign. Watts has been a regular for the B team this season, scoring a superb volley against Arsenal in the Premier League Cup after returning from a summer with Australia’s Olyroos side at the Olympics. He joined Saints from QPR back in 2018, and now looks to remain settled and build on his four on-pitch senior experiences with the club. After signing his deal, Watts told the club website: “I’m really pleased to get the deal signed and can’t wait for the next stage of my career now. “The club has a great track record of developing players and obviously I can benefit from that. So hopefully I can get into the matchday squads again and continue that tradition. “It was exciting to get into the matchday squads and play within two or three months. It’s a lot of motivation to show the manager you’re good enough, you just have to show it consistently. “I just want to pick up as much senior experience as possible, try and get into the manager’s plans and see what happens.” Watts is considered to be one of the top prospects within the academy system at the moment, and is highly fancied for a future with Ralph Hasenhuttl’s team. Pleased by the boost, academy Director Matt Hale said: “Caleb has been a consistent and strong performer for our B Team this season. “He is someone we think very highly of and through a really robust individual development plan which we have in place for him, we believe can go on to achieve great things with us. He has had some excellent experiences so far in his young career, not least representing his country in the recent Olympics in Tokyo.”
Gao Jisheng Southampton Owner
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Southampton CEO Martin Semmens hints announcement of contract renewals soon #SAINTSFC

October 13, 2021
SAINTS’ CEO Martin Semmens tells supporters that “you might see one or two (contract renewals) across the next couple of months,” after last season’s errors. The club lost a lot of their key assets for cheap or less, or were forced into sales due to player contracts running down to their final 12 months. Ryan Bertrand departed for Leicester City on a free deal before Jannik Vestergaard went to the same destination for a cut-price, with only a year left on his contract. An expiring deal also forced Saints’ hand when it came to the bid of striker Danny Ings from Aston Villa, although he actually fetched a fairly reasonable price regardless at £30million. Read more "That is always one of those classic situations where you think, ok we've done that and dealt with it, and then in six months’ time, it comes up again, because they run down. So around this time of year, we do look at it," Semmens told Total Saints Podcast. As it stands, Jan Bednarek, Kyle Walker-Peters, Romain Perraud, and Adam Armstrong are tied down to deals until 2025 with Ward-Prowse and summer signing Tino Livramento is contracted until 2026. James Ward-Prowse signed a new five-year contract in the summer (Pic: Stuart Martin) Saints also have five first-team players on deals until 2024, including Stuart Armstrong, Ibrahima Diallo, Che Adams, Mohammed Salisu and Will Smallbone. However, seven first-teamers are on deals that will expire during the summer of 2023. Fraser Forster is likely to leave the club when his contract expires in 2022 (the end of this season). Jack Stephens and Alex McCarthy’s deals also expire then, but new deals for those two are likely to be announced by the club during this campaign. Injured Jack Stephens is expected to see a new deal announced this campaign (Pic: PA) "There are one or two we are looking at, at the moment, and it is always important to extend,” Semmens added. "But yes, we are certainly in a much better position than we were this time last year and there are fewer pressing issues. You might see one or two across the next couple of months." Nathan Tella, Moi Elyounoussi, Moussa Djenepo, Nathan Redmond, Oriol Romeu and Theo Walcott will all enter the final year of their deals at the start of next season. It’s a boost for the club if Semmens’ suggestions are correct, and some of the key names listed receive renewed terms to end any speculation before it starts, and also protect the value of their assets.
Tino Livramento
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories – #ThomasTuchel reveals Chelsea tried hard to keep #TinoLivramento before transfer to Southampton #ChelseaFC #SaintsFC

October 2, 2021
THOMAS Tuchel insists Chelsea did "everything" to try and keep Tino Livramento at the club this summer. The highly-rated academy product opted to leave his boyhood club to join Saints, in a deal reportedly worth an initial £5million. Teenager Livramento, who never made a senior appearance at Chelsea, has proven to be a revelation at Saints, starting every Premier League match so far. He looks set to face his former club tomorrow, when Saints head to Stamford Bridge. Discussing Livramento, Blues boss Tuchel said: "He was highly rated, we did everything to keep him here, to show him his future and his possibilities to compete also for a position in our team. He decided to go, that’s his decision, sometimes you have to accept it, there are no hard feelings. "He was of course competing with Reece James and Azpi (Cesar Azpilicueta) in the right-wing-back position. I think it was an ideal position for him to fight and the group is not too big so there was a big chance also to make it all the way. "If Tino decided to go, it’s fair enough, he does very well, we wish him all the best. Of course we saw the potential, he decided to go another way and fight for his place in Southampton and that’s how the business is."
Sean Dyche Burnley
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Burnley boss #SeanDyche on new deal and relationship with #AlanPace #BURNLEYFC

September 17, 2021
Sean Dyche admitted it was never really in doubt he would stay at Burnley after he extended his contract for a further four years. The 50-year-old is the longest-serving boss in the Premier League, having been at Turf Moor for nearly nine years, and he has now committed his future to the Clarets until the summer of 2025. Dyche’s success with Burnley - who are playing in the top-flight for a sixth consecutive season - has seen him linked with moves to a number of other clubs. New owners ALK Capital made securing Dyche’s services for the long term one of their main stated priorities and that has now been achieved, with assistant Ian Woan also signing for the same period. “The new ownership made it clear when they first came in that they wanted me to be part of it,” said Dyche. “It was a very challenging season last season and I explained that I felt the team was first, and to clear the situation up I felt it was best we secured our Premier League status, which we did. “And then really talks have been ongoing, very open, mainly with Alan (Pace) about the situation, and then tidying up at the end through lawyers, like you generally have to do with these contracts. “It was never particularly in doubt to be honest. It was very probable from the offset.” The new owners backed Dyche with the funds to bring in Maxwel Cornet from Lyon along with Nathan Collins from Stoke and Connor Roberts from Swansea in the summer transfer window. “We’re trying to reshape the squad over the next few windows,” he added. “It’s something I tried to put in process in the middle of the last board, it wasn’t easy, so we’re kind of playing catch-up a little bit. “We’ve certainly made what I think is a good start. Altering the age band that the group’s working in while also believing in the group, because I think we’ve got a strong group.” The Clarets take on Arsenal - who picked up their first points of the campaign with a 1-0 victory over Norwich last weekend – on Saturday. Burnley fans will have to wait to see whether Cornet will be involved for the first time after being an unused substitute at Goodison Park. “The Premier League is different, physically,” said Dyche. “We’ve had our testing protocols, which we do with every player, and he fared reasonably well but there’s still a little bit more to go in getting used to the group. “He’s certainly available but pitching him in at the right time is important. We’re here to make these players, not break them.” The Clarets’ physical approach came under scrutiny in Monday night's defeat at Everton, with one tackle from James Tarkowski on Richarlison criticised by Gary Neville among others. It is water off a duck’s back to Dyche, who said: “I think generally fans are enjoying that there’s a bit more physicality. “We just want the team to play really hard and really fair against anyone we play against. I think that was our 97th (consecutive) game without a red card. Tragically ugly we must be.”
Sean Dyche Burnley
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Burnley boss #SeanDyche signs new long-term deal at Turf Moor #BURNLEYFC

September 17, 2021
Burnley boss Sean Dyche has signed a new deal at Turf Moor which runs until the end of the 2024-25 season. Dyche, the longest-serving manager in the Premier League, joined the Clarets in 2012 and has achieved two promotions from the Championship. He also led the club to European qualification for the first time in 51 years after finishing seventh in the 2017/18 campaign. Assistant manager Ian Woan has also extended his stay with the Clarets. “It is nice to be able to get this deal completed and now look towards the future of this football club, and its constant evolution,” said the Burnley boss. “I have a strong affinity with the area and our supporters after so many years here and I look forward to putting in the hard work needed to keep the club moving in the right direction. “It was an important summer for us to add talent and depth to the team, but the work doesn’t stop there. As a club we’re about developing and improving players and the environment we foster here is so important to that. “I am looking forward to continuing to develop that environment, work with a great group of players and coaches and to build on the positive relationship with our new ownership headed up by Alan.” Chairman Alan Pace is delighted to have secured Dyche's long-term future. “As I’ve said many times before, we are huge fans of what Sean has achieved at this club,” he added. “We were delighted to be able to offer Sean backing in the transfer market this summer and continue the evolution of this team, as part of our wider growth strategy for the club. “It was important for everyone to get this deal over the line and look towards the club’s future starting with this current Premier League season. "I look forward to working closely with Sean and his team over the coming seasons as we seek to raise the bar and build on the solid foundations that have been laid over the past nine years.”
Bobby Thomas
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Burnley defender #BobbyThomas signs new deal at Turf Moor #BURNLEYFC

September 7, 2021
The 20-year-old joined the Clarets as a scholar in 2017 and won the club’s young player of the year award two years later. Thomas made his first-team debut in the Carabao Cup win at Millwall last season and has also been named on the bench in the Premier League. “It's something you work towards since you are a young kid,” said the defender. “To sign a long-term deal at an established Premier League side is a nice feeling. “It’s an important step, that transition from coming out of the 23s, hopefully into a first-team environment whenever that may be, which will be a nice reward for working hard and all the sacrifices.” Thomas spent time on loan at Barrow last season, making 21 appearances as the Bluebirds maintained their Football League status. The defender insists his time in League Two had a big impact on his development. “I really enjoyed my time there and felt like I learned loads,” he added. “It kind of modelled me into a different player because I didn't really have the experience. I feel like I do now from just one loan. “Even though it was for just half a season I really feel like I did learn and develop a lot. We just scraped staying up and I wouldn’t change it. “We had really good team and it was really enjoyable.”
Ralph Hasenhuttl
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- #RalphHasenhuttl reveals his confidence that #JamesWardProwse will stay with Southampton #SAINTSFC

August 21, 2021
MANAGER Ralph Hasenhuttl insisted he never thought James Ward-Prowse could leave Saints – and believes he is on the path to become a legend at the club. Ward-Prowse on Thursday committed his future to the south coast side by signing a fresh five-year contract to remain at St Mary’s. It put an end to speculation over his future, with the Daily Echo understanding Saints turned down a £25million bid from Aston Villa for him last month. Hasenhuttl saw the likes of Danny Ings and Jannik Vestergaard exit St Mary’s to Villa and Leicester respectively. But the Austrian boss explained how Ward-Prowse, who also signed a long-term contract in 2020, was a different scenario. Quizzed about his captain’s new deal, the manager said: “I have never had the thought he could leave us to be honest. “It is the completely different situation to Ings and Vestergaard where we knew that the power was moving to the player.” Asked whether getting Ward-Prowse to sign fresh terms also sent a statement that Saints could keep their best players, Hasenhuttl replied: “Definitely, yes. “As we said, we are a club that develops players and we will always be a club that also sells players at some point and we always will be in the future. “But this also happens to the very big clubs, so it is not about that we are at the other end of this level. “This is okay, sometimes it is hard for the fans to see players leave. For me also, I would like to have Danny here for the next five years here. “But sometimes players decide to make the next step and not to decide to be a legend for the club and when you have to accept that as a manager then you must keep on going. “There are new players coming in and hopefully you have the right choice and then you bring a new one in and he is a new hero for the fans.” Ward-Prowse has already made 323 first-team appearances for Saints, becoming only the 28th player in club history, and the 19th of the post-war era, to surpass 300 games. Earlier this year he became the first midfielder in Premier League history to complete successive seasons without missing a minute of action. Quizzed on whether Ward-Prowse is, or could be, a Saints legend, the manager said: “Yes, he decided to go this way. “That doesn't mean that he stays here forever but when you are that long at a club you get a special position in the club and in the heart of the fans. “I think this is sometimes what players don't see, you can earn a lot of money anywhere but you have seldom chance to become a legend I think. “When you have this chance, it is too often not important enough for the players anymore, maybe this was a little bit different in the past.” Ward-Prowse is expected to feature when the St Mary’s side face Manchester United on Sunday (2pm).
Graham Potter Brighton
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- #GrahamPotter after midfielder #TaylorRichards signs new deal #BHAFC

August 20, 2021
Brighton midfielder Taylor Richards has signed a new three-year deal at the club. The 20-year-old joined the Seagulls in July 2019 from Manchester City. He was a regular for Albion's U23s in the 2019/20 season making 19 appearances in all competitions scoring six goals and picking up three assists. Richards made his first-team debut in September 2019 in their Carabao Cup third round defeat to Aston Villa at the Amex in September 2019. Last season he joined League One side Doncaster on loan where he made 48 appearances, scoring 11 goals and picked up five assists. That left him second on the list of Rovers top scorers in the 2020/21 season, with only forward Fejiri Okenabirhie (12) scoring more. Richards was an unused substitute for the Seagulls in their 2-1 win over Burnley in the Premier League last weekend. Head coach Graham Potter said: “Taylor has impressed during pre-season and he was deservedly part of the first-team squad at Burnley last weekend. “He had a very productive loan spell at Doncaster last season, and this new contract is a reward for his hard work and progress he’s made since he arrived.”    
James Ward Prowse
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- #JamesWard-Prowse signs new five-year deal at Southampton FC #SAINTSFC

August 20, 2021
SAINTS captain James Ward-Prowse has signed a fresh five-year deal at St Mary’s and insisted: “I still have a lot left to give to this football club.” Speculation had been rife about the England midfielder’s future this summer. The Daily Echo understands Aston Villa submitted a £25million bid which was rejected by the south coast side last month. But the 26-year-old midfielder today put pen-to-paper on the fresh deal, which strengthens an allegiance to Saints that stretches all the way back to when he was in the academy at eight. Ward-Prowse said: “I’m over the moon. I think I’m probably the happiest man in the world right now. To come to this decision, I think has been massive and is a big step forward. “To commit my future again to this football club is something I’m incredibly proud of and a new chapter begins now for me. “It’s probably the first time in my career that I’ve had that link away and that talk, but I think I was very keen to sit down and talk to the club and it’s worked both ways; they’ve sat down and told me their admiration for me and the way they want me to lead the team – and this club has done so much for me, I can’t put into the words the opportunities and chances that they’ve given me and I’m incredibly grateful for the club for doing that. “I’m not finished yet here, I still have a lot left to give to this football club and I want to be there leading this team and ensuring I can give everything back and repay that faith the club have shown in me since I was eight-years-old.” Ward-Prowse has already made 323 first-team appearances for Saints, becoming only the 28th player in club history, and the 19th of the post-war era, to surpass 300 games. Earlier this year he became the first midfielder in Premier League history to complete successive seasons without missing a minute of action. Ward-Prowse played 90 minutes of Saturday’s 3-1 defeat to Everton at Goodison Park and is set to start in the St Mary’s season opener against Manchester United on Sunday.