Andoni Iraola
Posted inDaily News

#PLStories- AFC Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola on goalkeepers Andrei Radu and Neto #AFCB

August 2, 2023
Goalie Radu became the latest addition at Vitality Stadium this summer, joining Cherries on an initial loan from Italian giants Inter Milan. Cherries reportedly hold an option to convert the temporary move to a permanent one in the summer for £7million. The arrival of Radu has allowed Mark Travers to join Stoke City on loan for the season, the highly-rated goalkeeper being given the opportunity of more consistent gametime in order to aid his development. With Iraola’s penchant for knockout competitions and Radu’s notable record of saving penalties, the idea of the goalkeeper being brought in as a shootout specialist for cup campaigns has arisen. However, rather than having Radu serve merely as a back-up to established first choice Neto, Iraola believes the Romanian is more than capable of making the position his own. Asked if Radu had been brought in to serve as a “cup goalkeeper”, Iraola told the Daily Echo: “I think goalkeeping situation, okay, it’s kind of a different position, but we will make the decision for day one. “Then after we will make the decision for day two. “We cannot plan so far ahead because things happen in trainings, performance matters. “I think there was a need on the club because especially I think Mark and the club wanted the situation to be like this. And I think it's good for everyone. “So I think Andrei can help us straight away because he has performed in a high level. He's ready to compete for the position. “And we'll take the decisions day by day, game by game.” Cherries supporters got their first look at Radu last weekend, the goalkeeper coming off the bench to feature in the second half of the 3-1 defeat to Atalanta. FC Lorient visit Dorset as guests for Cherries’ final pre-season friendly, on Saturday, August 5.
Rob Edwards
Posted inDaily News

#PLStories- Hatters boss highlights the return of Welsh international Lockyer during Ipswich draw #LUTONTOWNFC

July 28, 2023
Town boss Rob Edwards recognised the importance of defender Tom Lockyer’s return to action for the Hatters in their 1-1 pre-season friendly draw against Ipswich Town on Tuesday night.The Welsh international was starting a game for the first time since he was stretchered off after collapsing on the pitch during the opening 10 minutes of Luton’s Championship play-off final win over Coventry City back in May.Given the all clear to resume playing after undergoing an operation to correct an atrial fibrillation, and signing a new long-term contract in the summer, Lockyer linked up in a back three that also contained new signing Mads Andersen and Dan Potts.He got through an hour of the contest at Colchester United’s stadium unscathed, and speaking to the club’s official website afterwards, Edwards said: “It was really important doing what he does best out there."He’s a huge figure for us on and off the pitch, so it was really good to have him back out there, in the middle of that back three."He’s going to need some more game time, he’s probably a couple of weeks behind the others because his off season was a little different to a lot of the boys, so it’s important we build him up in a safe way."If we push him too hard he can get muscle injuries, so we’ve got to try and stick to the plan and there’s a plan for every individual player, but it was great to have Locks out there.”
Andoni Iraola
Posted inDaily News

#PLStories- Andoni Iraola wants commitment and involvement from Cherries squad #AFCB

July 20, 2023
Iraola is into his third full week working with his Cherries squad, having replaced Gary O’Neil as head coach this summer. The Spaniard has taken charge of two matches, during a 10-day training camp in Marbella. Cherries eased to a 4-0 victory over Hibernian, before being beaten 1-0 by Maccabi Tel Aviv. Iraola and his squad are now back in the UK and face three more friendlies before the Premier League gets underway, starting at Southampton on Tuesday. Asked what the main attribute he wants from his players is, Iraola said: “We need commitment especially. “The way we want to play, we need everyone involved. Everyone involved offensively and everyone involved defensively. “That’s one of the things I like more about the players we have. “I think the forward players who played last season, they were really committed. They didn’t give up, they were not one less without the ball and we want to maintain this because we start from there and if everyone is committed, we can survive better.” He added: “Our ideas are more collective. Each player has his own individual things to do but what I do for my team that makes my teammates better, how can I help my team, that’s what I want my players to think.”
Rob Edwards
Posted inDaily News

#PLStories- Luton boss Rob Edwards highlights Lockyer’s importance after declaring Welsh international’s game is ‘complete’ #LUTONTOWNFC

July 10, 2023
Luton boss Rob Edwards believes that defender Tom Lockyer’s game was verging on ‘complete’ towards the end of last season.After missing the first few matches of the campaign, the Welsh international won his place back in the team and never let go of it from there, with some consistently excellent displays seeing him named in the Championship Team of the Year.He made 39 appearances in the league, and was in the most prolific form of his career too, with three goals in his last four outings ahead of the play-off final against Coventry at Wembley.However, it was defensively where he absolutely shone, Lockyer making 4.7 clearances per game, with 1.6 interceptions, 1.2 tackles and 0.9 blocks, as he became a massive fans favourite, making his new contract announced this week one of the best pieces of news of pre-season so far.Discussing the defender, Edwards told the club’s official website: “He’s so important."We all saw, when I say we, I mean the supporters, everyone involved in the club, saw how important he was to us on the pitch."That was obvious for everyone to see, but off the pitch, he’s a leader.Rob Edwards with defender Tom Lockyer"He drives things on a daily basis and maybe for the stuff that people don’t see, he does it here every day at the Brache."His consistency, his determination, his fight, his drive, his courage, his bravery was there."He's even chipping in with really important goals at the end of last season, his game was complete.”With the popular Lockyer such an integral part of Luton’s XI, it was a massive concern for all involved when he collapsed on the field in the opening 10 minutes at the home of English football and had to be taken to hospital.He has since had an operation to correct an atrial fibrillation, and is now taking a full part in pre-season training ahead of Town’s first ever campaign in the Premier League, as Edwards added: “What happened in the final was so worrying until we knew he was okay."That was why it was so emotive at the end of the game, we knew he was all right and that was all we cared about really."It was really hard to enjoy the moment until we knew that, but very, very soon afterwards we knew he was fine."The medical guys were amazing with him."The job that they did, and I’ve got to say that as well, the job they did on the day, at that moment in time, would have been scary for them as well."They were really, really good, really, really professional, so Tom’s had the best care."He’s in great health, he’s in great shape and we’re so pleased he’s committed his long term future to the club.”
Rob Edwards
Posted inDaily News

#PLStories- Luton boss Rob Edwards confirms popular Tom Lockyer will remain for the Hatters #LUTONTOWNFC

July 6, 2023
Luton boss Rob Edwards labelled the news that Tom Lockyer will be part of Town’s Premier League squad this season after signing a new contract this morning as a 'huge signing' for the HattersThe 28-year-old is a massive favourite with Town's fans following his stellar displays in the centre of defence last term, in what was a quite magnificent season for both himself personally and the team, as they reached the top flight by winning the play-offs.There had been some speculation the Welsh international’s form had seen him interesting other sides after becoming a free agent once his deal ran out in the summer.However, they have proved to be unsubstantiated, with Lockyer putting pen to paper this morning to extend his stint with the club into what will now be his fourth seasonSpeaking to the club’s official website, Edwards said: “This is a really important signing for us."The supporters saw the best of Tom, and I thought his consistency was second to none – and that’s up there in the whole league."That was why he was in the Team of the Season, why he won loads of awards and why we achieved the special thing that we achieved.Luton's players hold up Tom Lockyer's shirt at Wembley“He was a huge part of it, not just the blocks, the clean sheets, the leadership."He even chipped in with goals, and important ones as well, none more so than in the semi-final."There is no question he is a huge signing for us."Lockyer worryingly saw his play-off final against Coventry City at Wembley ended after collapsing on the pitch during the opening 10 minutes, as he was immediately taken to hospital.He spent five days in hospital, undergoing an operation to correct an atrial fibrillation, but thankfully Edwards confirmed he is now back to full health and ready to go for what will be his first ever season as a Premier League player.He added: “Of course, after Wembley his health was the main thing, and that’s where all our thoughts went to straight away after the final whistle."It was brilliant that we were able to see him sitting up and celebrating in the hospital, just a shame he couldn’t be there with us.“But within a week or two he was back up and about feeling really positive, had every check that was possible so our medical side were really happy with everything.“It was a really scary moment, we all know that, but the main thing is he is okay and ready to crack on with us into the Premier League and we’re all so happy about that.”
Rob Edwards
Posted inDaily News

#PLStories- Rob Edwards credits Cauley Woodrow for kickstarting his reign as Luton boss following Canaries winner #LUTONTOWNFC

July 2, 2023
Luton boss Rob Edwards credited striker Cauley Woodrow with getting his reign in charge of the Hatters ‘going' after the forward penned a new contract at Kenilworth Road this afternoon.The 28-year-old hadn’t featured in the new manager’s first game in charge, a 2-1 defeat at Middlesbrough in December, but was introduced from the bench on Boxing Day in the home fixture against Norwich City with four minutes remaining, the Hatters drawing 1-1 but down to 10 men following Gabe Osho’s red card.In a flash, the ex-Town youngster had given the hosts a maiden three points of Edwards’ tenure, and a first home win for over two months, taking Jordan Clark’s pass in his stride and cracking a terrific effort into the top corner.Cauley Woodrow celebrates his winner against Norwich City on Boxing DayIt was the start of a run of three victories in a row for Luton and began a run of consistently impressive form which saw Town eventually reach the Premier League for the first time in their history via the play-offs.Although his role was limited, starting just three more league games and scoring once more in the Championship, that against Rotherham United, injury forcing him out of the final stages of the campaign, on Woodrow’s impact, Edwards said: “Cauley has had a frustrating time since we came in."When we arrived he was just coming back from injury and worked extremely hard to get himself fit.“He may not have been starting matches, but he was coming on a lot as the first sub to be introduced and was always very important, whether we were winning or losing games.“Looking back, Cauley arguably scored the most important goal after we came in, which was against Norwich at home on Boxing Day."Down to ten men, we went for it and put him on and thankfully he did what we know he can do.“He scored a brilliant goal and I think that really got the whole thing going for us."A home win, the first for a while – it got a lot of belief going and helped create a connection between us and the supporters."It really helped us, so Cauley played a huge part in us building momentum.“He still chipped in with goals, but it was his all-round play, his work-rate, which again we know that we need, that’s what we are about.“I thought he was excellent when he started against Rotherham and Reading, but unfortunately he hurt himself again, and although he tried really hard to come back for the play-off semi-final, he then broke down again which ruled him out for the final."Woodrow will now be looking to add to his six top flight outings managed when at Fulham, whom he joined from Luton as a teenager, plus his tally of one Premier League goal, that when scoring against Crystal Palace in May 2014.Edwards added: “He’s a local lad and he’s had a little bit of Premier League experience in the past with Fulham, so he’ll be desperate to try and get some more."He’ll be someone who will be very hungry now to come back, try and impress and show what he’s about.“He’s a brilliant human being as well."I love seeing him around the place, always smiling, always gives everything, so I’m really pleased that he’s agreed to extend his contract with us.”
Andoni Iraola
Posted inDaily News

#PLStories- Andoni Iraola outlines style he wants to bring to AFC Bournemouth #AFCB

July 2, 2023
The Spaniard, who credits Marcelo Bielsa as an influence for the way he coaches, has become well-known for his teams playing high-pressing football, particularly during his recent successful stint with Rayo Vallecano in Spain. Asked what he is looking to implement as new boss of Cherries, Iraola told afcbTV: “We want to be an efficient team. “For me, a lot of times to be efficient is to play as close to their box as we can. Probably we will play a little bit higher up the pitch. “We want to be direct, to try to maximise our offensive volume. Obviously we have to defend, we have to be ready to defend sometimes in a low block, because we will be forced. “But our main idea will be to play as much as we can in their half. “I hope you are happy. I think we have the work-rate, especially from our front players, that they can sustain the press. “They can make us play as high as we can, so we are closer when we regain possession to their goal. But we have a lot of work to do. We have to implement everything and the players also have to buy the idea. “I think from the first impressions I have, talking to some players, they are used to working. “They are used to training hard and we will need it. “Sometimes the coach has to be demanding, but it is our job. I think the players are ready for it.” He added: “I want to start training, I want to start knowing the players. Because it is one thing to watch the players on video, then you don’t really know the player. “You have to look at the small details, how they train, how they understand the game, tactically how good they are. “We don’t have so much time, but I think it is enough to get prepared for the first game against West Ham.”
Rob Edwards
Posted inDaily News

#PLStories- Rob Edwards hopes Town’s leading marksman Morris can transfer his Championship form to the Premier League #COYH

July 1, 2023
Luton boss Rob Edwards hopes leading marksman Carlton Morris can transfer his goalscoring form from the Championship into the Premier League this term.The 27-year-old, who penned a new deal this evening, scored 20 times for the Hatters as they reached the play-off final at Wembley, beating Coventry 6-5 on penalties to take their place in the top flight once more.Morris became the first Luton attacker to reach such a personal milestone in the second tier since legendary forward Brian Stein back in the 1981-82 season, as he will now be aiming to cause some of the best defenders in the world a host of problems when the season begins on August 12. Speaking to the club’s official website, Edwards said: “We’re so pleased to get someone as important to us as Carlton signed on for even longer."He’s a brilliant person to have in our squad.“His goals were influential last season, but whenever I spoke about him or was asked about him, it was his all-round game and what he brought to the team, whether it was hold-up play, work-rate, headers, defensive headers in his own box from corners."It was everything that he gave the team, as well as the goal threat.Carlton Morris looks to beat a Coventry defender at Wembley“He’s got great experience now, but he’s a good age, someone who is really hungry, and he deserves the opportunity now to have a go in the Premier League.“If you look over the last ten years-plus, there have been a lot of strikers that have done well in the Championship, stepped up and then have gone and done well in the Premier League as well, and let’s hope Carlton is one of them.”Despite picking up a number of minor niggles last term, and being on the end of a horrific tackle from Birmingham City’s Marc Roberts, Morris still registered 51 appearances for the Hatters.That resilience certainly impressed Edwards, who added: “He played through a lot of pain last season, he didn’t want to miss a minute."He’s a proper leader, he’s got a voice and people respect him."The fans love him, we love him – he knows that – and I think he responds well to that as well.“He knows how important he is, but he goes and puts it all out there every day in training."He goes over that white line on a Saturday, or any matchday now, and he’s right at it and a handful for anyone."We’re delighted to have him as our handful for the long-term.”
Ruben Selles
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Southampton manager Ruben Selles explains why Kamaldeen has not played bigger role #SAINTSFC

May 29, 2023
The Ghanaian international netted his first and second goals for the club in a crazy 4-4 draw with fifth-placed Liverpool on the final day of the Premier League season. Other than assisting in the defeat at Newcastle United last month, it was club-record signing Kamaldeen’s first contributions in a Saints shirt. Kamaldeen had started on the substitutes bench in five of the last six league matches before Liverpool, although he has totalled 17 Premier League appearances since deadline day. Asked about why Kamaldeen had not been playing more, Selles, speaking at St Mary’s after the match, responded: “As I told you, and I know you sometimes wear on me because I say it’s a process. “It’s not easy to bring a player in Ligue 1 that has not been playing many minutes straight into making an impact in the Premier League. “He didn’t put all the robust and constant effort we needed because he is like that and needed to learn the Premier League way.” Selles added: “The game today was beneficial for him because Liverpool’s structure is not exactly there, (Virgil) van Dijk didn’t play, (Andrew) Robertson didn’t play, so they brought players in they do not usually play. “So we knew we can have possibilities to give him some freedom in the number nine position, on the counterattack with penetration and also come a little bit deeper to get the ball. “He did this today in a game that was not a brilliant structure from both teams, but he has learned the competition and learned the level and yes sometimes you need a little bit of time to get that level of performance.”
Roberto De Zerbi
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Roberto De Zerbi wants to see Jason Steele earn England call and considers him top goalkeeper #BHAFC

May 28, 2023
Albion’s head coach rates the achievement in restoring Lewis Dunk to the Three Lions on a par with taking the club into the Europa League. Now he would love to see Steele, the man he has propelled into the Premier League spotlight, earn similar recognition from Gareth Southgate. Steele returns to the scene of his Premier League debut as Albion face Aston Villa. That outing last season was as a stand-in for the suspended Robert Sanchez. Steele has been very much the No.1 in recent weeks and has impressed De Zerbi with all aspects of his game, including his passing from the back. The Seagulls boss said: “We will work in the next season to help Jason Steele to achieve the same target as Lewis Dunk “He has the quality to achieve a target so important. “I don’t want to speak about other keepers in other teams. “In my vision, my idea, Jason Steele is a top keeper. “It is difficult to find another keeper at the level. “I study football 24 hours per day but it’s very hard to find another keeper with these qualities, this courage, this knowledge to play.” Steele was seen as Albion’s back-up keeper, both to Maty Ryan and then Sanchez. But De Zerbi saw enough in training and cup ties to change that. He said: “I have to analyse the present and sometimes the potential and the future. “The past is not important for me. “You can change your life in one day if you believe in yourself and you believe in work. “I told him the same – ‘I give you the possibility to change your life, to change your career, and you have to believe in yourself because I help you and you help me’.”
Gary O’Neil
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Gary O’Neil on player of the year Jefferson Lerma #AFCB

May 25, 2023
Now approaching the end of his fifth season at the club, Lerma was last week crowned winner of the annual vote by supporters, pipping teammates Neto and Philip Billing to the prestigious award. It is the first time the midfielder has won the gong, after another impressive season on the pitch, which has seen him feature more than any other player in the squad. Lerma, the club’s record signing at £25million, has had his most prolific season in front of goal, scoring five times in 36 appearances. Those strikes helped earn points against Aston Villa, Fulham and Leeds United along the way to Cherries securing their Premier League safety. The 28-year-old has played under five different managers at Cherries in Eddie Howe, Jason Tindall, Jonathan Woodgate, Scott Parker and now O’Neil, all of them regularly selecting the Colombia international. Asked what it is that makes Lerma such a permanent fixture in the team, O’Neil told the Daily Echo: “I think his drive, his tenacity, his commitment to the cause. They are the obvious ones. “But he has quality as well obviously, you’ve seen he’s scored some important goals for us. Some real quality in them as well, the finish away at Fulham was a fantastic finish. “He’s just a guy that you know you can rely on. Especially if you’re going to be in and around the scrap, he’s someone that you want on your team. “You know what you’re going to get from him. He brings some quality, athletically still very good and has had another successful season. “Over the last five years, he’s been one of the first names on the team sheet fairly consistently.” While still not quite mastering the language, Spanish speaking Lerma has settled into life on the south coast and has made 183 appearances for the club. That included two seasons in the Championship, and could see him reach the milestone of 100 Premier League appearances at Everton this weekend. Asked what Lerma is like off the pitch, O’Neil explained: “He trains at 100 per cent, every day. “No matter what we’re doing, if you say ‘light session today, lads’, Jeff generally doesn’t take too much notice of that! “He’s still flying into people, sliding tackles. He trains with a purpose, always, which is great for the young lads to see. “It’s great as a coach as well, when you have those days where things are maybe feeling a bit flat if we’ve been on a tough run, Jeff brings a real life and determination and always grabs the day by the scruff of the neck. “He’s been key in what we’ve achieved again this year. I’m not surprised that he’s managed to pick up the player of the year.”
Gary O’Neil
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- AFC Bournemouth’s Gary O’Neil on David Brooks return after injury #AFCB

May 22, 2023
Welsh international Brooks made his first senior start in 599 days as Cherries fell to a 1-0 defeat at home to Manchester United. Brooks had missed the majority of the past two seasons after being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in September 2021. An injury setback in the form a hamstring issue delayed his return, with the winger playing with Alan Connell’s development squad in the Hampshire Senior Cup. After four substitute appearances, Brooks played 56 minutes of Saturday’s contest before being replaced by fellow countryman Kieffer Moore. O’Neil told the Daily Echo: “I thought David did well. “Obviously he’s been out for a very long time. “First start, he showed a good energy, showed a good understanding of what we're trying to do as well. “It's obviously quite new for him but yes, still a part of the journey to go for Brooksy. “I think the summer will be very important for him. “Pre-season, report back in July or end of June, whenever it is, and it's a level playing field then. “I think the situation us being in a relegation battle, Brooksy being out for so long, very difficult from my point of view to give him enough time to see whether he's ready. “Whereas he can come back in pre-season, level playing field. “Hopefully Brooksy can impact the group and be ready to impact football matches every week.” Asked if the switch was pre-planned, O’Neil replied: “He can't play for too long at this moment, so we need to be careful with him. “He's worked so hard, he's earned his chance to start today, with how well he's done in training, but to have left him out there for much longer than the hour that he did would have been a risk. “We're not in a situation, thankfully, where we need to be taking too many risks.