Gary O’Neil
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

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

September 20, 2022
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.
Scott Parker Fulham
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories – Pep Guardiola declares respect for Scott Parker and his style of play #MCFC #AFCB

August 13, 2022
LEGENDARY manager Pep Guardiola detailed his respect for visiting boss Scott Parker and insisted Cherries “don’t have anything to lose” at Manchester City. Parker’s side, who picked up a victory at home against Aston Villa last week, are rated as huge 40-1 underdogs against defending champions City at Etihad Stadium tomorrow (3pm). But Guardiola described the test as “tricky” and admits he is a fan of the work of head coach Parker. “I saw their game (against Villa). I have a lot of respect for Scott Parker, the job he did at Fulham and of course last season at Bournemouth,” said the former Barcelona boss. “And this season, the way they play. The patterns are so clear, so clever. We spoke today in training and we're ready." Asked how difficult it was to face a promoted team at this stage of the season, Guardiola replied: “It's so tricky.  "New-promoted teams. The first games are so difficult, they don't feel pressure because they are in an incredible mood from the previous season. “They don't have anything to lose, they give everything after the good karma, what happened being promoted, that makes it complicated. “After a few months all the teams have problems with injuries, good moments bad moments, the mood in the locker room. “In the first games, everyone pushes to do better. That’s why it’s always tricky.”
Vincent Kompany
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Man City legend Vincent Kompany now a Premier League manager #MCFC #BURNLEYFC

June 15, 2022
BURNLEY have confirmed the appointment of Vincent Kompany as their new first-team manager. The Clarets have been without a permanent boss since Sean Dyche’s departure back in April, with Under-21s chief Mike Jackson taking interim charge in the final weeks of the season. Kompany enjoyed a successful playing career at Manchester City among others before returning to boyhood club Anderlecht in 2019, initially joining as player-manager. He guided the club to a third-place finish in the Belgian league last season before announcing his departure amid links with a move to Turf Moor. “Burnley Football Club is a truly historic English side and it is an honour to be appointed first-team manager,” Kompany told the club’s website. “I’m excited by the challenge ahead. “I’m looking forward to getting to work with the players and creating a positive, winning team for our fans when we return to Turf Moor. “I’ve been impressed by the board’s vision for the club which aligns with my own and I look forward to playing my part as we enter an important season.” The Clarets are preparing for life back in the Championship following relegation from the top-flight last season. Chairman Alan Pace is delighted to have secured Kompany's services and is excited by his philosophy. He added: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Vincent to Burnley Football Club. “Vincent is a proven leader and I’ve been very impressed with his ideas for Burnley Football Club, his appetite to succeed and his focus on leading the club back to the Premier League. “Vincent has shown impressive credentials in leading one of Belgium’s biggest teams back to European football and a cup final last season and we’ve been excited by his philosophy, approach and ambition for the club.” 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
Graham Potter Brighton
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Graham Potter breaks down changes in Brighton’s tactical plan to win games #BHAFC

May 22, 2022
Graham Potter has – and it something he has enjoyed. The Seagulls have had a new look ever since going to Arsenal six weeks ago. They had just lost six in a row and drawn at home to Norwich, scoring one goal in those seven matches, as they arrived at the Emirates. Potter confused a few people that day when the team sheets were published. But a line-up packed with midfielders, with three defenders and allowing Danny Welbeck to stretch play in attack has worked well. Wins at Arsenal and Tottenham on successive Saturdays revived what had been a flagging season. Potter actually changed again and went for a false No.9, in Alexis Mac Allister, at Spurs. But he reverted to the Arsenal masterplan when Welbeck went on at half-time. Since then, the Seagulls have outclassed Wolves and Manchester United, with six different players sharing seven goals. They should have also been out of sight at Leeds before being pegged back to a 1-1 draw and there was some good stuff at home to Southampton, only to let a 2-0 lead slip. Potter broke down the new look to his side for The Argus and offered some thoughts as to why it has worked. The run has come ever since Moises Caicedo was added to the midfield collective. Welbeck has been a key man at the sharp end. Potter said: “Danny’s attributes threaten the back line of defenders and also give you the chance to go long if they are putting pressure on you because of his aerial ability. “That is one consideration. “I suppose it started with Moises and Enock (Mwepu) and Yves (Bissouma) in midfield just for a bit of physicality against Arsenal and against Tottenham. “Marc Cucurella has grown and grown in terms of he is really good when he comes on to the game. “Even though he is a left centre-back, he can step in and attack from there. “But then you need to be solid in the midfield area because you are short of a defending player if he has gone forward. “So it’s just about finding the right balance. “Inverted wing-backs allow you to play sometimes centrally from the wide area rather than crossing positions so that gives you a few more possibilities. “All the concepts we have been working on throughout the season, I think, have stayed the same. It’s just finding the right balance for the right game. “Recently we have done that. “We have been a little more vertical, I would say, when we have won the ball back. A bit more positive. “Too often we were probably a bit too safe and not looking for that pass. “I think that is something we have done better. “That has knock-ons for how you defend as well in terms of how you press and the mentality of your forwards. “So lots of things and then results just make it a little nicer because it gives everyone a bit of belief and you can carry on with your work.” Albion have 14 points from seven games since making the switch and would love to finish in style against West Ham. GRAHAM POTTER CAN LEAD BRIGHTON TO BEST-EVER FINISH Potter said: “It’s better to be that than the other way. “We will have to assess the season as a whole rather than what happens on Sunday, but it would be nice if we could win and I am sure David Moyes will say the same thing. “Then, if we can manage to do it, it’s a points tally to be proud of, with the work behind it something we can be happy of. “But until then it’s just a case of preparing for the game as we have done, deciding what’s the right thing to do for the game.”
Manchester-United
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Brighton defender Joel Veltman backs new Manchester United boss Erik Ten Hag to succeed #MUFC

May 5, 2022
DEFENDER Joel Veltman believes that new Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag has the qualities to succeed in England when he takes over at Old Trafford. The Dutchman worked with Ten Hag during his time at Ajax over a two-and-a-half year period before he joined Albion in 2020. Veltman said: “You could see Ten Hag’s qualities in the first couple of training sessions. “He had a vision and he wanted to put that into our team and did a great job. “We were playing really well. Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag “Of course, every gaffer needs his time, but he did well in the end. “His strength was bringing everyone together, but also tactically and building a team who were all pulling in the same direction. “He came in halfway during the 2017/18 season and he did a great job, especially in Europe, because that was our next step. “In the league we were doing well – we were champions or second sometimes, but European competition was tough for Ajax. “We made it to a semi-final of the Champions League, so that says how good a job he did.” Veltman believes that there are similar traits between the new boss at Old Trafford to Albion boss Graham Potter. “On the training pitch he was more like a gaffer – the same as Graham Potter to be honest. “The assistant coaches would do more of the exercises and he’s more like looking all over like analysing more than saying, ‘you have to do this or do this.’ “Every gaffer needs to bring through the youth – to bring somebody up and I think that's what he did as well with Frenkie de Jong and Matthijs de Lijt.”
Graham Potter Brighton
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Graham Potter praises Brighton for a fighting win against Watford #BHAFC #WatfordFC

February 13, 2022
Graham Potter praised a “really, really good performance” as his Albion side won 2-0 at Watford. Neal Maupay scored a beauty right on half-time and Adam Webster joyfully crashed home a late second from a corner. Albion boss Potter said: “I thought we played a really good game, reacted really well throughout the game. “Good reactions when we lost the ball, good patience when we had the ball. “We tried to attack, which is not easy against Roy’s teams because they defend well. “You have got to be patient and wait for the opportunity to attack. We did that well.” WATFORD 0 BRIGHTON 2 - OUR LIVE REPORT FROM VICARAGE ROAD Albion had a testing start to the second half as Emmanuel Dennis hit the bar. But they regained control thanks largely to a shrewd double change by Potter as he sent on Yves Bissouma and Alexis Mac Allister. Potter said: “They were probably disappointed with their first half and changed to a 4-3-3 in the second half. “There was a little bit of an adjustment period there and I think that was the time when we didn’t have the same control. “But I think our subs helped us and we wrestled it back and then finished the game strongly. “Credit to the players.”
Sean Dyche Burnley
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Sean Dyche reveals his faith in Premier League when postpone applications are submitted #BURNLEYFC

January 18, 2022
Burnley’s game against Watford has been postponed after the Premier League accepted the Clarets’ application that they had fewer than the required number of players available. Manager Sean Dyche, speaking at a press conference to preview Tuesday's match, revealed only 10 first-team players took part in training on Monday before the club applied for the postponement. Dyche said the relegation-threatened club were in a worse position than they had been before the Premier League agreed to call off Saturday’s match against Leicester, with Charlie Taylor having taken a knock in training to add to the list of absentees. “We’re at such a stretched moment in time that it’s very difficult all round,” Dyche said. “At training today there were 10 recognised first-team players. That’s where we’re at.” A statement released by the Clarets and the Premier League on Monday evening read: “The Premier League board accepted Burnley’s application with the club having fewer than the required number of players available for the match (13 outfield players and one goalkeeper), due to ongoing Covid-19 cases, injuries, and representation at the Africa Cup of Nations.” Burnley sent their apologies to both sets of supporters, with the Premier League also apologising for the “inconvenience and disruption” caused by the match “regrettably” being called off. Premier League guidance says clubs should have a minimum of 13 outfield players and one goalkeeper available for a match to go ahead, though applications for postponements can also be accepted under other circumstances. Dyche had spoken on Monday afternoon about the decision to put in the application to postpone the game. He said: “We know over the last few weeks how clear the Premier League has been on the whys and wherefores and the level it needs to get to. We’ve put the application in in good faith. It’s only three days on from a game that was called off… “We’ve worked really hard to get games on when we’ve been stretched but it’s just too far below the threshold.” Asked if the postponement request could have been lodged earlier, Dyche said the club had waited for the results of Monday morning’s tests before making a call. In a statement, Burnley had said their application for postponement was made due to a “high number of injuries and Covid-19 cases within the squad”. Some managers have questioned whether clubs were taking advantage of the current rules to avoid playing while dealing with lengthy injury lists. Dyche did not reveal how many of his players have Covid-19, but said the situation can be more complicated than raw numbers indicate. “There’s a mix of all of that,” he said. “There are some double bubbles as well. Johann (Berg Gudmundsson) is injured and has Covid. “In the Premier League you need two clear days of training but players might have only been back for one day. That’s no use when you’ve had seven or 10 days in isolation doing very little. “There’s a mix of what’s going on and it stretches you to the limit.” Saturday was the fourth time this season Burnley had a matched called off due to cases of Covid-19, but the first time the request had come from the Turf Moor club. Tuesday’s fixture against Watford had already been rearranged – it was originally due to be played on December 15 but was postponed due to positive cases within the Hornets camp. Burnley last played on January 8, when they were without seven players for the 2-1 FA Cup loss to Championship side Huddersfield – a match which was also missed by Dyche and coach Steve Stone following positive tests. Since then, the Clarets have lost Chris Wood in a surprise transfer to Newcastle – forced on Burnley due to a release clause in the New Zealand striker’s contract – while Ivory Coast international Maxwel Cornet is at the Africa Cup of Nations. Dyche’s side have played only 17 Premier League games, the fewest of any team, and sit bottom of the table after Saturday’s results, three points shy of 17th-placed Watford. In addition to the Watford match, Burnley’s fixtures against Everton and Aston Villa were postponed last month, while they must still reschedule November’s match against Tottenham, which was called off at short notice due to heavy snow. A total of 21 Premier League games have been postponed this term due to coronavirus cases. On Monday, the Premier League said that, of 13,625 Covid-19 tests administered on players and staff last week, 33 came back positive, down from 72 for the week of January 3-9, and 94 for the week of December 27 to January 2.
Ralph Hasenhuttl
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories – Ralph Hasenhuttl gives Southampton transfer insight and why its not about splashing money #SaintsFC

January 14, 2022
RALPH Hasenhuttl has reiterated that Saints are ready to pull the trigger on January transfer deals, adding: “When there is somebody we can sign in the winter, then we will do it.” Since the takeover of the club by investment firm Sport Republic, conversation has naturally swung to how the club will operate in the transfer market. Eager supporters want the right business now, and Hasenhuttl has not been shy in revealing that Saints have the required resources to satisfy that demand with under three weeks to go in this current window. However, despite Sport Republic, backed by lead investor Dragan Solak – who was present for Tuesday’s 4-1 win over Brentford, being “definitely keen” to enact Saints’ transfer strategy, the boss added it will be the right decisions that are taken. Asked if he and the new owners have chatted about just how much funds he will have to play with, the Austrian responded: “Not about the amount of money we want to spend, it's more about the plans we have for the future. “With this team, everybody sees that the way we were going with a young team to develop and making them better is a very good one for us. “This is something we want to do in the future, so they are definitely keen to do the same.” He continued: “And this is why we will have the right decisions to take. And when there is somebody we can sign this winter, then we will do it.”
Graham Potter Brighton
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Graham Potter praises team efforts in FA Cup win versus West Brom #BHAFC

January 9, 2022
Graham Potter said he was happy with Albion’s comeback from a goal down to beat West Brom 2-1 in the FA Cup third round this afternoon. Albion fielded a strong side but found themselves one nil down before substitute Jakub Moder levelled the scores with a cool near-post finish 81 minutes in. Brighton were denied by former keeper David Button on several occasions. But Neal Maupay secured the victory in extra time to continue his strong form and take Albion into the next round of the cup. The opening stages saw West Brom put Albion under pressure, with Potter’s side taking some time to find their rhythm with a slightly rotated team. Danny Welbeck was played in by Pascal Gross but saw his effort saved by David Button one-on-one. Meanwhile Enock Mwepu came off in the first half with a suspected hamstring injury and was replaced by Alexis Mac Allister. Neal Maupay also had a glorious chance when he was poked through by Welbeck, but the Frenchman was denied by Button on the verge of half time to keep it all square. It would not take long for West Brom to ruffle some Albion feathers, with Karlan Grant slipping a ball into Callum Robinson who slotted past Scherpen just two minutes into the second half. Albion were given a life line back into the game 69 minutes in when Cedric Kipre was sent off for two yellow cards in the space of a couple of minutes, the second for a pull on Trossard’s shirt. Two Albion substitutes combined when 17-year-old Evan Ferguson played a ball into Jakub Moder, who finished expertly at the front post past David Button. Cucurella’s introduction also made a noticeable difference on the left-hand side. Ferguson almost scored a first senior goal when he was played in and dinked just over, with the ball landing on the roof of the net. Evan Ferguson looked sharp on his senior debut Albion continued to apply the pressure to West Brom with David Button making a number of smart saves from Albion’s long range efforts to take the game into extra time. But Albion's one man advantage would pay dividends, Jakub Moder found space on the right-hand side and turned provider with a pass into the area which was well left by Leandro Trossard for Neal Maupay, who continued his good recent form with a smart finish into the near post eight minutes into extra time. Evan Ferguson also had a goal pulled back for offside after a pass through from Moder again, but the youngster strayed well offside. The closing stages of the match were straight-forward for Potter’s men, who were left with an abundance of space against West Brom’s tiring legs. Potter applauds Albion's travelling support who were in fine voice Potter said they knew it would be a tough match but he was happy to progress in the cup. He said: “It was hard work, we thought it would be and knew it would be because of West Brom’s quality and style of play. They’re very competitive so we had to compete with that, which we did. “We conceded against the run of play I thought from pretty much their only chance and the response was good. But in the end, really nice to go through and I’m happy to go through. “We will try our best in the FA Cup, it was important for us to go through today, we wanted to win. We picked a team with that in mind, to win. “As you can see from results in the competition, it’s not straightforward but we had a good mentality. The away support was fantastic and we’re delighted to go through.” The fourth round draw for the FA Cup takes place after tomorrow’s games at 4.50pm.
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.
Gary O’Neil
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Furious Gary O’Neil admits Cherries have ‘struggled’ with set-pieces #AFCB

January 1, 2022
BOSS Gary O’Neil was left “furious” and admitted defending set-pieces is something Cherries have “really struggled with” all season. Jordan Ayew and Eberechi Eze were the latest beneficiaries of Cherries’ sloppiness from dead-ball situations, netting from Michael Olise corners. Ayew headed in from close range, before Eze swept in unmarked from the edge of the area as Crystal Palace secured a 2-0 victory. Cherries have conceded more goals from set-pieces than any other club in the Premier League this season, with 12. “There’s two things to look at,” O’Neil told the Daily Echo. “The performance being flat and the nature of the performance disappoints me. “I’m furious about the goals. I think if we defend the set-plays how we’ve worked on defending the set-plays, neither goal occurs. “Obviously defensive set-plays have been a thing all season really we’ve struggled with them. “It’s just so disappointing that they’re so avoidable today if everyone does what they’re supposed to be doing in those moments, neither go in. “So very disappointing and that magnifies the performance then, because you go a goal down against Crystal Palace at home and they’re a disciplined side who are comfortable to sit back and have real threat on the top of the pitch, a counter-attacking side. “So it was difficult from that moment. “And then the second goal obviously compounds that for us as well. “The goals are really disappointing, performance was really disappointing and we need to do better.”