Nathan Jones

#PLStories- Southampton boss Nathan Jones admires Brighton and remembers his interim role at the club #SAINTSFC #BHAFC

Nathan Jones has fond memories of his time at Albion – and a Boxing Day thriller. Jones, now Southampton manager, took charge of the Seagulls on an interim basis on December 26, 2014, after Sami Hyppia’s exit. Two games in charge before Chris Hughton arrived gave him a taste for being top man. It is in that role he will tackle his first home league game as Saints boss when Albion visit this Boxing Day. Jones helped change the momentum of a tough Albion season when he stepped up. He was a passionate, fired-up character on the sidelines as his side came from 2-0 down to draw with Reading after Glenn Murray struck twice for the visitors at the Amex. Then came a 2-0 win at Craven Cottage. Jones said: “I remember it well. I didn’t have the best of starts. “We were two down in 11 minutes from an ex-Albion player. “We managed to come back and draw two-all and next one was against Fulham and we won 2-0. “I managed to remain unbeaten as a Brighton manager, which gave me a taste for it. I felt I was ready then and that gave me a real taste for being a manager. “The education I had there working under Sami Hyypia, Oscar Garcia and then especially Chris Hughton taught me a lot taught me a lot about being a manager. “It was invaluable experience.” Jones had previously enjoyed his time as a left-back or wide midfielder with the Seagulls under bosses including Micky Adams and Mark McGhee. He said: “It is a club close to my heart. I played there for five years at Withdean Stadium and had a relatively successful time – three promotions. “I really enjoyed it, made some good friends, good people, and built some sort of reputation there. “I had an opportunity to go back as assistant to three managers and, again, it gave me an education “It gave me real kick in football. “I’ve got really good people there who helped me on my way. “People like Paul Barber, people like Tony Bloom, really helped me in my progression. “It is a club close to my heart. “It won’t be on Boxing Day! “I’ve been really fortunate in my time to work with some really good football clubs and good people and Brighton is right up there.”
Gary O’Neil

#PLStories- Gary O’Neil always felt he was on a ‘journey’ to management after full time appointment #AFCB

GARY O’Neil insisted he always saw himself taking on a managerial role at a club – before being announced as Cherries’ permanent boss. The 39-year-old on Sunday was confirmed as the Dorset club’s head coach on a full-time basis, signing an 18-month deal with the provision to be extended for a further 12 months. O’Neil stepped up from being a first-team coach at Vitality Stadium to lead Cherries, after the sacking of Scott Parker just four league games into the season.   But the former Portsmouth and West Ham midfielder insisted he was always on a journey to management. Speaking after Cherries’ 3-0 victory over Everton, before the World Cup break, O’Neil told the Daily Echo: “I always saw myself as a manager when I set off and when I went to Liverpool to do the under-23s as assistant. That was just part of the journey to become a manager. “I always felt like a manager, waiting to be a manager. “I enjoy it. I enjoy the intricacies of it, trying to make sure the lads are ready tactically, mentally, physically.” O’Neil has picked up 13 points from 11 Premier League games while in interim charge of Cherries. A number of the club’s players voiced their backing of the 39-year-old to be awarded the role on a full-time basis. “If I speak about the lads, I couldn’t think any more of them. They are an incredible group,” said O’Neil.   “We have suffered some tough moments together. I have asked a lot of them with the ball, without the ball, physically. “I speak highly of them all the time but they are an incredible group and I’m lucky to work with them.” Cherries’ next test comes at Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, December 21.
Gary O’Neil

#PLStories- AFC Bournemouth’s interim manager. Gary O’Neil speaks on Jack Stephens #AFCB

INTERIM boss Gary O’Neil is backing Jack Stephens to be raring to go if he is included in Saturday’s clash with Everton – stating: “Jack's definitely ready.” Defender Stephens, a deadline day signing from neighbours Southampton on a season-long loan, made his first start for Cherries in the week, playing the full 90 minutes as the Dorset outfit comfortably cruised past Everton 4-1 to secure safe passage to the fourth round of the League Cup. The Plymouth Argyle academy graduate has made two Premier League appearances for Cherries so far, coming off the bench late on against Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur. Alongside his first-team involvement, Stephens has also gained match fitness by playing with Cherries’ development squad. With Chris Mepham suspended after five yellow cards in the Premier League and captain Lloyd Kelly unlikely to return from an ankle injury in time for the weekend, it appears 28-year-old Stephens could be in line for his first Premier League start in red and black. Asked if he would turn to Stephens in the absence of Mepham and Kelly, O’Neil told the Daily Echo: “Jack's definitely ready. “There's a few others that are ready to come in as well. “So, yeah, obviously going into a Premier League game with no Lloyd Kelly and no Chris Mepham is not something that you want to have to do as AFC Bournemouth. “But we have good replacements. We have options that can come in and help us in that position.” O’Neil would not be drawn on confirming that Stephens would partner Marcos Senesi at the heart of defence, claiming he was yet to decide on a XI for the rematch with Everton. Youngster James Hill is available, whilst Adam Smith has deputised numerous times as a centre-half in a back-three system. With numerous players drafted in from the cold during Tuesday’s League Cup victory, O’Neil could potentially have a selection headache on his hands. Asked if he had been given food for thought by the performances of fringe players, O’Neil responded: “I haven't landed on my starting eleven just yet. “And if I had, I definitely wouldn't be telling you guys at this stage! “But it’s a tough team to pick. We've got so many good players. “I have a good idea of the best way to go this weekend. I'm sure we'll be ready to go come 3pm Saturday. “We'll make it a tough afternoon for Everton, hopefully.”  
Gary O’Neil

#PLStories- Gary O’Neil shares pride over job done at AFC Bournemouth #AFCB

GARY O’Neil shared how he felt he had “done a good job” in his caretaker spell at Cherries, detailing how he was “proud of the job I’ve done so far.” Previously first-team coach under Jonathan Woodgate and his successor Scott Parker, O’Neil stepped up as interim head coach to lift a Cherries side off the canvas following a spell of three heavy defeats that ended with a 9-0 tonking at the hands of Liverpool. In his 10 Premier League games in charge since, Cherries have picked up 10 points, initially going on an streak of six games unbeaten, before falling to four consecutive defeats. O’Neil’s future is yet to be confirmed heading into the final Premier League game against Everton prior to the break for the World Cup. Asked for his take on his stint in the dugout at the Vitality Stadium, O’Neil shared: “I think I've done a good job. “I think if you look back to the 9-0 at Liverpool and where we were then, we've gone three games without scoring. “In the first game against Aston Villa, we've scored two set play goals, no goals from open plays in four football matches. “In the last three games against Premier League teams, we've scored nine, all from open play. “We have individuals in a great place. Marcus Tavernier's been excellent. Chris Mepham stepped up. “Marcos Senesi obviously didn't have long to adapt after losing Lloyd Kelly was huge for us, massive.”O’Neil then went on to detail exactly how much the loss of captain Lloyd Kelly impacted his side, linking the importance of the defender to Virgil Van Dijk’s impact at Liverpool. “A comparison would be -  remember how dominant Liverpool were in that season (2020-21)? And then they lost Virgil Van Dijk. I know comparing Lloyd to Van Dijk I don't mean it like that (in terms of quality). “I mean that's how big he is to us. To lose Lloyd Kelly, to us is huge. “And we've still managed to put 10 points on the board from 10 Premier League games, which, if you do that from every 10, is enough to keep you in the league.” Clearly bitten by the management bug after a brief taster, O’Neil continued: “There's been so much good work that's gone on. “I've loved it. I think I've proved that I can manage at a good level. “I think we've been up against Antonio Conte Spurs. “Obviously some other top managers have been here. Just confirmed to me that this is what I want to do and I'm proud of the job I've done so far.”  
Gary O’Neil

#PLStories- AFC Bournemouth’s interim manager Gary O’Neil aiming to ‘end this little spell on a high’ #AFCB

CHERRIES are aiming to finish “this little spell on a high” according to Gary O’Neil, with the interim head coach targeting three points prior to the pausing of the Premier League for the World Cup. Everton visit the Vitality Stadium for the second time in a week on Saturday, with Cherries already recording one victory over the Toffees in the League Cup on Tuesday, a 4-1 victory booking their place in the fourth round. The two teams do battle again on Saturday (kick-off 3pm), with league points on offer. Victory for Cherries would lift them above their guests, with only one point and one place separating the two sides in the Premier League table. When asked how playing the same opponents back-to-back impacted preparations, O’Neil responded: “It just means there's more work to do, that's all. “There's just two games to prep for instead of one. “There's quite a lot of tactical info on Tuesday that the boys had to take on because you're never sure how Everton are going to come for that cup game, tactically. “So I think we managed to go through about five different systems in the game and the boys nailed all of them. “I think Saturday, as I say, will be very, very different. “But in terms of the week, I mean, it's easier preparing for Everton twice than it is preparing for another team.” Former transfer target Demarai Gray demonstrated his quality during the League Cup tie, his curling effort from outside the box Everton’s only goal of the 4-1 defeat. Asked if there were specific players Cherries would have to watch out for, O’Neil responded: “Yeah, they’ve got good players. “I think lots of them have caught my eye. “Obviously Demarai Gray's a good player. They've got loads of them. “(Alex) Iwobi has been excellent for them this year. “(Connor) Coady and (James) Tarkowski, two centre-backs, real solid, good with the ball. Jordan Pickford in goal, they're a strong side. “So our boys will be ready with forward to it. We want to end this little spell on a high.”
Gary O’Neil

#PLStories- Gary O’Neil admits still operating on game-by-game basis #AFCB

GARY O’Neil maintains he is still operating on a game-by-game basis, stressing: “I don’t expect anything”. O’Neil will take charge of his ninth game as interim head coach of Cherries on Saturday, when Antonio Conte’s Tottenham Hotspur visit the Vitality Stadium on Saturday (kick-off 3pm). Despite only three Premier League games remaining until the break for the World Cup in November, O’Neil insisted that he was still operating on a game-by-game basis in a caretaker capacity. The hunt for a replacement for Scott Parker, who departed in August, has occurred concurrently with the takeover of the club by American businessman Bill Foley. When asked if he expected to be in charge until the World Cup, O’Neil responded: “No, I don't expect anything. “Just getting ready for (Saturday), I expect to have it for Tottenham. I expect to do well against Tottenham and then we'll see where we are after Tottenham.” O’Neil has taken 10 points from his eight games in charge, losing his last two fixtures. Tottenham Hotspur represents the first side in the top four Cherries will face since the 9-0 thrashing at Liverpool in August. Asked if he thought Spurs would represent the biggest challenge has faced as Cherries boss, O’Neil responded: “Yeah, I think from the outside, everyone will expect them to finish very high up league. “I did say the same about Newcastle. Newcastle are very, very good. “But yes, got world class players, world class manager, who has been there a while now. They have a real clear identity with and without the ball. “So it'll be a tough test, but one I'm really looking forward to.”
Gary O’Neil

#PLStories- Gary O’Neil happy with ongoing job situation at Bournemouth #AFCB

GARY O'Neil insists he is not seeking any extra clarity over his longer-term role at Cherries, stating: "I’m very happy with how things are at the moment." O'Neil has taken charge of seven matches as interim head coach, since taking the role in late August, after Scott Parker was sacked. He suffered defeat for the first time in his temporary reign last night, losing 1-0 to Southampton. The 39-year-old is set to be in the dugout again on Monday night, when Cherries head to West Ham United. Asked if he has had any update regarding his job situation, O'Neil said: "No, we’re the same as we were. "We’ll get the boys ready for West Ham, make sure we’re ready to go again, make sure we’re in a good place. That’s what I’ll be focused on in the next few days. "I enjoy it, I love managing. I’m really enjoying it. The first defeat was going to come. I can’t wait to show how we’re going to respond." Asked if it would help to have some more stability, O'Neil added: "I’m very happy with how things are at the moment. "I’m managing a club in the Premier League. "The boys are responding, giving me absolutely everything. "The fans stuck with them all night last night, even though they we were 1-0 down for 82 minutes, they stuck with them right till the end, because they could see what they were giving. "We will continue to work hard, improve, be competitive and keep trying to put points on the board for the club." Discussing team news ahead of the trip to London Stadium, O'Neil said: "The boys are good. Obviously a few bumps and bruises that you always get, but nothing significant. We're still in a good place." Injured duo Lloyd Kelly (ankle) and David Brooks (hamstring) are still unavailable.
Gary O’Neil

#PLStories- Interim manager Gary O’Neil admits Southampton winner was ‘disappointing’ to concede #AFCB

GARY O’Neil admitted Southampton’s winner was “disappointing” to concede, with Che Adams’ ninth minute strike proving the difference between Saints and Cherries. After initially managing to reset and regather themselves following a Southampton counter-attack, Cherries were unable to prevent Scotland international Adams from nodding home at the back stick from Romain Perraud’s first time cross. That was despite Cherries seemingly quelling the initial danger, with Saints able to recycle and recover their attack. Speaking to the Daily Echo, O’Neil shared: “The goal is disappointing. “And, I mean, there will be moments like that. “It's just the way the game is. People take their eye off something or there's a bit of confusion, and something doesn't quite get picked up. “We didn’t have too many bodies in the box either. And there will always be moments like that. “So no criticism on my part.” Cherries started the encounter with Ryan Fredericks and Marcus Tavernier operating on the opposite flanks to their usual deployments. O’Neil revealed the switch was based on Southampton’s recent line-ups, but after Ralph Hasenhuttl reverted to his 4-2-2-2, Cherries had to change their plans. He restarted: “We look at it and we look to improve. “From that moment, once we fixed a few things, because Southampton came slightly different tonight than they normally do. “So once we got to grips with that, I felt we were in control, barring counter attacks, which is obviously a big threat of theirs. “I think we went in for a reason, to play Tav and Freddo on their opposite side, but Southampton came slightly differently. “We started the game well. It helped us, actually. There's a ball, where Tav played Dom in behind his left foot on his wrong side and we nearly get in. “So I thought we started the game well, and then the goal just maybe took the life out of us a little bit, so went back. "We were always going to switch back to their normal side at some point anyway, so just took the opportunity to do that.”
Gary O’Neil

#PLStories- Gary O’Neil hopes officials could ‘clear up’ handball calls #AFCB

INTERIM boss Gary O’Neil hoped officials could “clear up” what constituted handball, as Cherries had a big penalty shout turned down during their 1-0 defeat against Saints. With the visitors leading through Che Adams’s ninth-minute opener, Junior Stanislas’s cross appeared to strike the hand of Mohammed Salisu inside the box during the second half at Vitality Stadium. Referee John Brooks waved away Cherries’ protests, as they sunk to a first defeat of O’Neil’s interim tenure. Cherries had seen penalties awarded against Lloyd Kelly and Jefferson Lerma of late for similar handballs in the area, during fixtures at Nottingham Forest and Newcastle. Asked about the latest penalty incident which went against his side against Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men, O’Neil said: “Struggling to give an answer on it, really. I think the ball hits Lloyd Kelly at Nottingham Forest, that’s a penalty from a similar distance. “Ball hits Jefferson Lerma at Newcastle. It's a penalty. “Tonight, the ball hits their boy, Salisu, and it is not a penalty. So, yeah, a tricky one. I don't know. “Maybe, hopefully the officials can clear up what it is and what it isn't, because I don't see too much difference. “I’m not here to moan about rub of the green and things like that. “But, yeah, if you want to discuss the individual decisions, Ryan Fredericks, the pull on Ryan Fredericks (at Fulham) is a foul, and the ball hit the boy on the hand today.” Defeat left Cherries with 10 points from seven games since O’Neil took charge. 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
Gary O’Neil

#PLStories- AFC Bournemouth’s Gary O’Neil speaks on links to jobs at other clubs #AFCB

INTERIM boss Gary O’Neil maintained his unwavering focus on his current role at Cherries, stressing it “wouldn’t be fair” to say he had been approached for manager roles elsewhere. Earlier in his reign as caretaker head coach, former Portsmouth and West Ham midfielder O’Neil was linked to vacant roles at two Championship sides, his former club Middlesbrough and last season’s play-off finalists Huddersfield Town. It had been reported by the Northern Echo that Boro had weighed up making a formal approach for their ex-player, but in the end, no official attempt to lure O’Neil back North was made. When asked if it would be fair to say he had been approached by other clubs, O’Neil stated: “No, that wouldn't be fair. “I've been fully focused on the Bournemouth job, but no contact, nothing from anywhere else. “I've spent every moment focused on the team, making sure we're ready for the next game. There's been no interest or I've not been interested to look anywhere else.” When pushed further to ask if his agent had fielded any calls, O’Neil again insisted he was fully concentrating on his current remit at the Vitality Stadium. He restarted: “I think the way I work is when I'm at somewhere, I'm at somewhere. “I've been at Bournemouth for 18 months and I've been fully focused on Bournemouth since the moment I walked in the door. And that hasn't changed for a single second in the last six weeks.” Whilst speculation persists around Cherries’ vacant managerial position, there is a lot of noise surrounding the Dorset club’s next opponents, Southampton, and their incumbent boss Ralph Hasenhuttl. Saints are currently in the relegation zone, with just one point in their last five games. Speaking in his own press conference, Hasenhuttl praised O’Neil for the “very impressive” job he had performed at Vitality Stadium. Despite the praise from an experienced colleague, O’Neil reiterated his priority – focusing on the task at hand, and the upcoming encounter with Saints tomorrow evening (kick-off 7.30pm). O’Neil shared: “I'm really proud of what the players have produced. “Really proud because they were in what was a tough moment. Ralph has been through that with his players as well. “To come back from the 9-0 and respond how they have, I'm really, really proud of them. “That doesn't change the fact that we need to keep going and we've achieved nothing yet. “Wednesday night is massive again for us. “We've done a good job so far as a group players, but the next one is always massive. “It can change so quickly.” There are no new injury concerns for Cherries, with only Lloyd Kelly and David Brooks set to miss out.
Gary O’Neil

#PLStories- Gary O’Neil believes ‘Unfair’ to ask Jack Stephens for scouting report on parent club Southampton #SAINTSFC

INTERIM boss Gary O’Neil said it would be “unfair” to ask Jack Stephens to provide a scouting report on parent club Saints and insisted: “I'll do my own research.” Stephens joined Cherries on loan from St Mary’s on transfer deadline day, sealing a season-long switch to Vitality Stadium. The Torpoint-born centre-back made two top-flight appearances for Saints this campaign before arriving at Cherries – where he has made one first-team substitute display thus far. He has been at Saints for more than a decade, having signed from Plymouth in April 2011 for a reported £150,000. Quizzed on whether he would be asking the 28-year-old for a scouting report on Saints, O’Neil replied: “No, that would be unfair on him. “I'll do my own research on Southampton, so I wouldn't put Jack in that situation.” Stephens is ineligible to feature when Cherries host Saints at Vitality Stadium tomorrow (7.30pm). The centre-back has made 90 appearances under Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl, who has seen his side struggle in recent weeks with just one point coming from five games. O’Neil added: “I think he has a quite defined style as a coach, and they're generally very front foot and aggressive. “That's sort of always how I've seen these teams. They look to press, they look to put good pressure on you. “When you change a lot of players in the summer, and especially when you sign some young ones, sometimes you need a little while for things to come into place. “And I'm sure that Ralph will turn it around. He's had a really good track record. So, yeah, it'll be a very, very tough game for us.”
Gary O’Neil

#PLStories- Gary O’Neil shares ‘love’ for all his players #AFCB

INTERIM boss Gary O’Neil joked that he was “not sure” if all of his charges liked him – even if he loves “all of them”. Former Portsmouth midfielder O’Neil has become a popular figure amongst the Cherries fanbase following an unbeaten streak of six games since replacing Scott Parker on a caretaker basis at the end of August. Cherries twice led against Fulham at the weekend, first-half goals from Dominic Solanke and Jefferson Lerma pegged back by Issa Diop and a Aleksander Mitrovic penalty. Since being installed as interim head coach, numerous Cherries players have detailed their liking of O’Neil, who has been a part of the first team coaching set up at Cherries since February 2021. Despite the public displays of support from senior players, O’Neil shared with jest: “I'm not sure they all like me! “I love all of them, they're all massive to me. “All 25 that I can use, maybe 26, they're all massive to me. “I mean, I'm gutted when some of them don't get to come on the pitch because the game goes that way. “They're all so important to me. They've all got things that we're definitely going to need at some point.” When asked if he believed if his side were the hardest working in the Premier League, O’Neil would not be drawn on making outright claims, instead suggesting that they would “give everything” until “someone tells them to stop”. “I don't know enough about the other teams,” O’Neil restarted. “I know that this group will give me everything. They'll give whoever they're playing for everything. “They'll fully commit to the gameplan, and they won't stop until someone tells them to stop. And that's a big quality that we're going to need this season.” Cherries are next in action on Wednesday evening, when they host neighbours Southampton at the Vitality Stadium (kick-off 7.30pm).
Gary O’Neil

#PLStories- Gary O’Neil reveals Bill Foley takeover ‘potentially exciting’ for AFC Bournemouth #AFCB

GARY O'Neil insists his full focus is on Fulham this weekend, but admitted Bill Foley's impending takeover for Cherries is "a potentially exciting time for the club". American billionaire Foley was present at Vitality Stadium last weekend and popped into the home dressing room after the game to congratulate Cherries on their 2-1 win over Leicester City. The 77-year-old is set to purchase the club from Maxim Demin, with paperwork now signed and waiting for Premier League approval. Asked what the latest is regarding Foley's takeover bid, Cherries' interim boss O'Neil said: "I think it’s very similar to where we were last time. "I think it is obviously a potentially exciting time for the club. "But from my point of view, focus as always is on trying to get the next result. "For the football club, the most important thing is getting results so my focus has been purely on let’s get to Fulham, let’s go get another positive result." Discussing conversations he had with Foley during his visit to Bournemouth, O'Neil added: "It was good for him to be here. Obviously the atmosphere was good, it was a good result (against Leicester). "So, potentially exciting for the club. "In reference to the conversations, it’s more Richard Hughes and Neill Blake. "Bill popped in after the game to say well done to everybody on a good result. "But from that point onwards, Richard Hughes and Neill Blake keep me up to date with everything I need to know."
Marco Silva

#PLStories- Marco Silva believes AFC Bournemouth are improving under Gary O’Neil #AFCB

FULHAM boss Marco Silva is expecting another "very good game" against Cherries, after the pair slogged it out in the Championship promotion race last season. Both sides eventually ended up finishing in the top two positions in the table, Fulham accumulating two points more than Scott Parker's men to win the title. During the campaign, the two sides shared gripping 1-1 draws, and now go head-to-head in the top flight at Craven Cottage this weekend, with Gary O'Neil at the helm, having replaced Parker in August. Looking ahead to Saturday's clash between the two newly-promoted clubs, Silva said: “Last year was last year, it was completely different. Now, a different manager as well, but last season was a different competition. "We had two tough games against them, two different games but two good games as well and, of course, under Gary they have been improving and the team is in the best form right now, a very good reaction from them. “They are much more confident and they are getting the results because the quality is there. Of course, you see them in a good level because they are a good team, they fought like us last season to be at this level and they are at a good level. “It will be another very good game against them I believe, another tough one to play but we are at home, we want to react from the last two games.”
Gary O’Neil

#PLStories- Gary O’Neil jokes ‘I hope I’m not getting any worse’ as Bournemouth unbeaten spell continues under interim manager #AFCB

CHERRIES interim boss Gary O’Neil was asked whether he felt he was getting better as a manager game-by-game and joked: “I hope I’m not getting any worse!” The former Portsmouth and West Ham midfielder has overseen a five-game unbeaten run while in temporary charge of the Dorset club, having stepped up following the sacking of Scott Parker in August. The role is O’Neil’s first in the main hotseat, having been brought to Cherries by Jonathan Woodgate as a first-team coach in February 2021. Asked whether he felt he was improving as a boss during his time in charge, the 39-year-old said: “I don’t know, I mean I hope I’m not getting any worse. It would be early for me to start getting worse! But yeah, I am enjoying it. I understand how fine the margins are.” O’Neil saw his side seal a 2-1 victory over Leicester on Saturday and is expected to be in the dugout for this weekend’s Premier League trip to Fulham (3pm). The one thing the Beckenham-born coach revealed he had learned was just how slender the differences could be in a top-flight game. “We changed things at half-time (on Saturday) where Leicester catch us for a little bit and they could easily score at that moment,” he admitted. “It’s more the performance and what the boys give, because the result is such fine margins. It went our way when we took a bit of a risk. “But we could easily have gone out like we did in the second half and been punished. I understand now, how it can swing.” At the time of writing, O’Neil was as short as 1/4 with bookmakers SkyBet to take the role on a full-time basis.
Ryan Frederick West Ham

#PLStories- AFC Bournemouth’s Ryan Fredericks speaks on Gary O’Neil’s record as interim head coach #AFCB

RYAN Fredericks believes Gary O’Neil’s record in charge of Cherries speaks for itself – with the right-back hoping the interim boss “can stay for as long as possible.” Summer signing Fredericks was brought in by previous boss Scott Parker but handed a Cherries debut by O’Neil in 0-0 draw with Wolves at the end of August. Aside from hailing O’Neil’s unbeaten start to life in management, the 30-year-old also detailed how the interim head coach’s preparations for games left Cherries in the best possible position to pick up points. When asked for his opinion on the job O’Neil was going at Cherries, Fredericks responded: “I don’t think I have to say anything, we're unbeaten since he's been here. “He sets us up differently for every game and every game it seems to just fall into place. “Everything he's saying to us in meetings and in training is exactly probably like for like what's exactly happening in the game. “So that gives us confidence. “We don't just see him as a stand-in manager, we see him as the gaffer and everyone treats him with respect, and he treats the lads with respect. “He’s a good man manager, a great coach, and hopefully he can stay for as long as possible.” Although Fredericks clearly appreciates O’Neil’s interpersonal skills, he also is impressed by the former Portsmouth midfielder’s tactical nous. He continued: “I would probably have to say tactically, is his best quality. “He's pretty in depth with what he says and he's not just giving us information for no reason. “Everything he says carries a lot of weight and seems to carry out on a pitch. “When the first few games he says his bit, and it's gone exactly to the plan, you're going to believe that. “You're going to trust it and now every word he says, we hang on to it and try and implement it on the pitch.”
Gary O’Neil

#PLStories – Gary O’Neil reveals how ‘brilliant’ Adam Smith has helped the Cherries and his importance #AFCB

GARY O'Neil says stand-in captain Adam Smith has been "brilliant" for him in the past few weeks, adding: "He always wants to set standards." Full-back Smith has played every minute so far in O'Neil's four games as interim boss. The Cherries stalwart has also taken on further responsibility in recent weeks, wearing the captain's armband in the absence of injured skipper Lloyd Kelly. With Kelly continuing to struggle with his ankle complaint, it is likely Smith will again lead the team out this weekend, when Leicester City visit Vitality Stadium. Asked how much 31-year-old Smith's experience has helped him in recent weeks, since stepping up into the role as interim head coach following the departure of Scott Parker, O'Neil told the Daily Echo: "He’s been brilliant for me around the place. "As a leader and as a senior pro, he’s always good. He always wants to set standards in training a certain way, but also on the pitch his performances have been really good for me as well. "So I’m pleased to have him in the squad." London-born Smith, who first joined Cherries more than a decade ago, before arriving permanently from Tottenham Hotspur in 2014, has played more than 300 games for the club. This season, he has impressed on both the right and centre of defence. "He is a good athlete," said O'Neil. "He’s a good defender. He’s intelligent with his positioning. "Being 31 has made no difference to him." Speaking last month, O'Neil explained how key he felt the role of captain was on the pitch. He said: "There is an importance to it, definitely. I think everyone does it in their own way. "But also, everyone needs to play their part in making sure the group is in the right place. "Although the captain sort of sets that off for you, we’re fortunate here that the lads all drive each other really well. "Whether that be in game, whether we have to respond to difficult moments, whether we need to manage ourselves in good moments. "They’re really good at that as a group. Captaincy is important, but the mentality and intensity of the group is the key driver really."
Gary O’Neil

#PLStories- Being bookies’ favourite to become Cherries boss ‘doesn’t mean anything’ to Gary O’Neil #AFCB

GARY O'Neil insists being listed as the bookmakers' favourite to become Cherries' next permanent boss "doesn't mean anything to me". O'Neil is currently interim head coach at the club, having stepped up into the role last month following the sacking of Scott Parker. He has since presided over one win and two draws in his three matches in the hotseat. That has led to bookies listing him as favourite to take the role on a full-time basis, priced, at the time of writing, as an odds-on 8/11 shot with Sky Bet. Middlesbrough boss Chris Wilder is listed as second favourite at 7/4, ahead of Kjetil Knutsen (10/1) and Sean Dyche (12/1). Asked how he feels about being listed as favourite, O'Neil said: "I don’t gamble, so I don’t know how the bookies would know. It doesn’t mean anything to me, to be honest. No feeling towards it at all. "I’m thinking about Brentford and I’m just really excited about this one because it’s the first home game in a while. "I’m just thinking purely about, come on lads, let’s go, let’s get a positive result against Brentford and let’s build on what we’ve done so far." Asked if he has had any conversations with the board about his long-term future, or if he has put his name forward to be considered for the role, O'Neil added: "I honestly don’t feel the need to put my hat in any ring. "I feel like I’m delighted to be working for Bournemouth. "The opportunity to take the team for the last few games and the next game I’m delighted with. "I don’t feel the need to go any further than that at the minute. "I think it’s really important that the here and now is dealt with and I try and put the club in the best place possible at three o’clock every Saturday is my sole focus." Cherries host Brentford on Saturday (3pm).
Gary O’Neil

#PLStories- Gary O’Neil has planned AFC Bournemouth’s training schedule ‘just in case’ he is still in charge #AFCB

INTERIM boss Gary O’Neil revealed he had planned Cherries’ training schedule for the next week “just in case” it is still him in charge of the team. The former Portsmouth and Middlesbrough midfielder has been working on a game-by-game basis with the Dorset club, following the sacking of Scott Parker last month. O’Neil is yet to taste defeat while at the helm, with two draws and a win coming from his three matches in charge. Cherries now have a pause in fixtures due to the international break, with their next test coming at home to Brentford on Saturday, October 1. Speaking after Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Newcastle, O’Neil said: “Training for the next week is all planned. “I planned that, just in case it’s me. And then the guys will speak to me, either on the phone or in person, or however we catch up and they’ll let me know what the plan is for the next week.” Quizzed on whether he was looking forward to a break in fixtures after a hectic spell, the coach said: “I don’t know, I’m enjoying it. So if there was another game, I would be looking forward to it. “If there isn’t and it’s still me doing the work with the boys, I’m looking forward to working with the boys on the grass for two weeks, to try and improve things that need improving. Give people a bit of a rest if they need a rest, work some of the others that need to work. “My focus now, in case it’s me, is let’s get the boys in the best place we can for Brentford.” At the time of writing, O’Neil was rated as a 2/1 shot to get the Cherries job on a full-time basis. Former Burnley boss Sean Dyche was an 11/8 favourite.
Graham Potter Brighton

#PLStories- Interim manager Andrew Crofts reveals full focus on Brighton first team players after Potter leaves #BHAFC

Albion’s interim head coach Andrew Crofts will have his full focus on the club and players following the departure of Graham Potter to Chelsea. Crofts will have his first press conference tomorrow morning ahead of Albion’s trip to Bournemouth on Saturday. Crofts, a Chelsea youth product, played for Albion in two spells and made the move to become Albion U23 head coach in June 2021. From left, Shannon Ruth, Nick Stanley, Andrew Crofts and Adam Lallana. Picture fromBHAFC/Paul Hazlewood The 38-year-old said on Albion's website: "At the moment all I am thinking about is the group and what the group need over the next few days.  "I'm proud and excited, I’ve been associated with the football club for such a long period of time over different spells, but it’s not about me, it’s about what the club needs and what the players need. "The main focus is going to Bournemouth, to stay in the moment that they’re in as a group, to fight as hard as we can to get more points on the board and with what I have seen this season, they’re in such a good place, such confidence, you can see they’re really enjoying their football and looking forward to the next game. "They know where they’re at and what they’ve had to do to get to that point, so it’s very much a case of keeping it the same as what they’ve been doing, we don’t need to change anything.  It has been a rollercoaster week for Albion who beat Leicester on Sunday. Picture from PA "We just have to help drive what they’ve been doing. They’ve worked so hard as a group to get to where they are now, it’s just a case of helping them in any way we can." Crofts, who took first-team training this morning, added, "The lads were great, the energy was really good.  "You know there is going to be disappointment with Graham and the staff leaving the club, because of the relationships they’ve built up. But we’ve spoken about it and the boys were straight to work on the training pitch and because they’re so professional they couldn’t wait to train.  "The energy and intensity was really good, it was a really positive morning in terms of the work we got done on the grass." Graham Potter is the new Chelsea manager. Picture from PA He will be assisted by his under-21 colleague Shannon Ruth, set play coach Nick Stanley, Adam Lallana and assistant goalkeeping coach Jack Stern. "I spoke to Adam, he’s been outstanding in terms of speaking about what the boys need. He knows the dressing room inside out because he’s been a massive driver in getting the group to where they are now.  "Not only is he a top player and person, but he’s going to be massive for the club in the next few days, I can’t thank him enough. We’re looking forward to the challenge. Hopefully it will be an exciting couple of days." He also admitted he was not surprised to see Graham Potter attracting the interest he did from Chelsea. "It’s a reflection of him to see where he has taken the club from, to where we are now, that has generated interest from big clubs.  "Since he’s come into the building, what he has created with the staff, the players and everyone has been unique. It just gives the club such a good platform to build on.  "On behalf of everyone at the club we wish him all the best in his next chapter alongside the members of staff that will be joining him there."
Ashley Barnes Burnley

#PLStories- Mike Jackson demands more of the same from squad and Ashley Barnes calls out refree decisions #BURNLEYFC

BURNLEY caretaker manager Mike Jackson wants no change in mentality going into Sunday’s relegation decider against Newcastle but admitted his players must manage the emotions of the game. After Thursday’s 1-1 draw at Aston Villa, Burnley go into the final day of the season outside the bottom three on goal difference, knowing if they can match Leeds’ result away to Brentford they can look forward to another season in the top flight. That would complete a remarkable turnaround with Jackson having won three and drawn two of his seven games since replacing Sean Dyche, but the pressure has been on at Turf Moor for some time given the predicament they were in, and Jackson said Sunday would be no different. “I think every game we’ve had since I’ve been here, they’ve said it’s a must,” he said. “We must get something out of this game or that game, and the lads have been delivering. The performances have been strong. “In the Villa game at home we made some errors, we made an error for the goal last night, but the players have had that around them now for the last six or seven games, they’re used to living in that and that will stand them in good stead. “We know Sunday is going to be emotional. We’ll try and take that out of it, use some of it, take a bit of fire from it and go and attack the moment again.” Jackson called Burnley’s performance at Villa Park an “absolute masterclass in defending” as they battled to take a point, going ahead through an Ashley Barnes penalty before Emi Buendia brought Villa level after a move that began with an apparent foul throw from Matty Cash. But it was another display that told Jackson his players are handling the pressure. “I think that’s where they’re at their best,” he said. “When I watch that game back, some of the work put in, the details we’ve worked on and been focusing on. “If you take all the noise out of it, we’ve come away with a point. We still have to get some sort of result so it’s not really changed anything. “We’re in a little bit of a better position and we’re just looking forward now.” Burnley conceded a contentious penalty in last weekend’s 1-0 defeat by Tottenham for a Barnes handball, but were denied a spot-kick of their own at Villa Park for a similar incident involving Lucas Digne. Barnes pointed to both that, and Cash’s foul throw, in calling for greater consistency from officials. “The consistency of the VAR situation and the referees, the decisions, they have to improve,” the forward said. “We were waiting five minutes at Spurs for a decision and the same yesterday. They were exactly the same, his probably more clear than mine, but because my arm was stretched out they gave it. The decisions are vital. “You’ve seen the throw-in as well that leads to their goal. It’s a hard one to take, he’s on the pitch when he threw it.” Barnes was in the Burnley squad when they suffered their last relegation eight years ago. The 32-year-old was also part of the side that earned European football in 2018, but said avoiding the drop this weekend would be a high point in his Clarets career. “It would be a huge achievement from where we were,” he said. “To win three games in 20-odd, that’s not good enough, that’s relegation staring at you. The lads have done well to turn it around and hopefully now we can get this final win at the weekend, get out of there and be safe.”
Burnley

#PLStories- Interim boss Mike Jackson ‘a little embarrassed’ at praise for Burnley revival #BURNLEYFC

BURNLEY interim boss Mike Jackson said he felt “a little embarrassed” at being thrust into the spotlight as the Clarets’ revival continued with a 2-1 comeback win at Watford. Saturday’s triumph at Vicarage Road lifted the north-west club five points clear of the Premier League’s bottom three and all but relegated the Hornets, who sit 12 points from safety with four games to go. An early own-goal from James Tarkowski had provided a glimmer of hope for the hosts but Burnley equalised through Jack Cork in the 83rd minute and Josh Brownhill’s strike completed the turnaround three minutes later. The result meant the Clarets have now picked up 10 points from four games since sacking Sean Dyche on April 15, leading to much praise for interim boss Jackson, but he insisted he was not in the job for the plaudits. “I’m not one for the limelight,” he said. “I try to keep low key and just do what I’m doing – stick with the group, keep them honest. I don’t look at it like that (getting plaudits).” “I know that’s what’s happening but sometimes it probably makes me feel a little embarrassed for myself.” Jackson explained that Tarkowski, who captained the side in the absence of Ben Mee, had only joined up with the squad on the morning of the match for family reasons. “We were down in the hotel (on Friday night). He got picked up, got driven straight down, put on the bus and straight in the game,” Jackson said. “That’s his character – what he’s done to get himself here and ready to play. That typifies what he is, what sort of leader he is. For the lads to see him, they knew what had happened, credit to him.” Clarets on social, plus take out a subscription... Keep up to date with our Burnley coverage on social media by joining us on Facebook and Twitter Gain unlimited access to the Lancashire Telegraph website with a premium digital subscription Or if you want the Telegraph newspaper delivered to your door, get in touch with our home delivery team or call us on 0800 953 0227