Lyle Foster
Posted inDaily News

#PLStories- Burnley man Lyle Foster on his mental health struggles #BURNLEYFC

July 15, 2023
Foster joined the Clarets from Belgian outfit Westerlo in the January window and was on target in the 3-0 win against Wigan in March. The 22-year-old struggled with his mental health after leaving South Africa to pursue a career in Europe. In a brave interview with radio station MSW, Foster spoke about one of his darkest points while playing for Westerlo. “I was in my apartment all by myself. I realised I just felt this huge sense of loneliness,” he said. “I felt like I couldn’t really express myself with all of my team-mates. It was a lot more difficult to be around them and do things footballers are supposed to do. “I just used to try and go to training, play games and honestly the best thing to do at that time of my life was to go back home and sleep. There was no real excitement or looking forward to anything. “That’s when I realised I was in some trouble and I panicked a little bit. I didn’t know what was going on or how to deal with it because it was the first time I was in a position like that.” Foster admitted he had even considered taking his own life at his lowest point. Thankfully, the young forward is in a much better place now and says he wakes up “grateful” every day. He hailed Burnley assistant Craig Bellamy – who has also opened up about his own mental health battles in the past – for his support. “I’ve got heaps of support. I’ve got family and friends who love me for who I am and that’s more that any human can ask for,” he added. “The position I’m in as a Burnley player, to be preparing for my first season in the Premier League is something I have dreamed of my whole life. “I'm smiling again. I’m happy to be around my team-mates and happy to be on the field. “Thanks to the coach, Craig, who has been a massive help and the club as a whole, who have opened up and spoken to me about it. “They have helped me tremendously and have my best interests at heart. I wake up every day grateful, ready to go to training and give my best.”
Tom Lockyer
Posted inDaily News

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

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

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

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

#PLStories- Cauley Woodrow felt he played his part in Luton’s promotion to the Premier League despite injury-hit season #LUTONTOWNFC

July 2, 2023
The 28-year-old was one of the Hatters’ big signings of the summer, as a proven Championship goalscorer while at Barnsley, he returned to the place it all started, to add much-needed striking competition alongside Elijah Adebayo and record addition Carlton Morris.Under Nathan Jones, Woodrow only started two league games, used primarily off the bench, more often than not in a deeper role as well, before a calf injury kept him out for two months.Hatters forward Cauley Woodrow applauds the Town supportersOnce Jones departed, he then scored a stoppage time winner for new boss Rob Edwards during his first home game in charge, a wonderful effort against Norwich City to seal the 2-1 victory.However, the attacker still struggled to break the partnership of Adebayo and Morris, making just three more starts in the second half of the campaign, although did score in the FA Cup success at Wigan Athletic.Woodrow did begin back-to-back matches, netting in the 2-0 success at Rotherham, as he was starting to impose himself when another injury struck in the 1-1 draw with Reading.That ruled him out of the play-offs and Wembley win over Coventry City as well, but he has still done enough to earn a new contract under Edwards, as Woodrow himself felt he had a role in Town's promotion to the top flight, after his 32 outings in total.Speaking to the club’s official website, he said: “It was an unbelievable season."When I signed in the summer and spoke to Gary Sweet and everyone at the club, promotion was the goal.“So to achieve it in your first season was amazing, and for everyone collectively it was an unbelievable achievement and something that everyone at the football club should be really proud of.“A lot of fans might say that I didn’t play as much as I’d have wanted to, but I had two injuries which came at bad times for me."I like to think that over the course of the season though, like everyone had their part to play, at times I had mine too.“I was involved in over 30 games and the club has put their faith in me by offering me a new contract, which I’m absolutely delighted about.”Reflecting on the goal against Norwich, he continued: “For everyone at the football club, especially the fans at the Kenny, beating a big club like Norwich on Boxing Day was a big moment with it being Rob, Trolls (Paul Trollope) and Richie's (Kyle) first home game."I think the celebrations that day – everyone together – was probably a moment that pushed us on."From then on we just went from strength to strength."The lads were on fire, everything clicked into place.”Meanwhile, like the rest of the squad, Woodrow now can’t wait to get going for Luton’s first season in the top flight for over 30 years, as he added: “Working with the manager and the new members of staff since they came in, even though I haven’t played as much as I’d like to, I’ve absolutely loved every minute of coming in and being a part of it and I can't wait to get going again on Thursday.“I know I’ve only been back here a year, but it is home for me."I live 20 minutes away, my family are close to me, I absolutely love the football club and the people in it."I couldn’t be happier to be back playing for Luton Town.”
Asmir Begovic
Posted inDaily News

#PLStories- Asmir Begovic on Mark Travers losing place to Neto #AFCB

July 2, 2023
Travers enjoyed a stellar campaign in 2021-22, scooping a host of individual awards for his efforts in helping Cherries clinch promotion to the Championship. He then started last season as Cherries’ first choice, before Gary O’Neil took the reins and instantly took him out of the side, bringing in experienced new signing Neto in his place. The Brazilian would go on to become club captain, restricting Travers to just 15 club appearances in all competitions last season. Speaking to the Daily Echo following the final-day loss at Everton, where Travers featured for the first time in more than four months, the Irishman admitted it had been a "very tough" season personally adding: “I know I want to play every week and at my age, I don’t want to be not playing.” Prior to his spell as first choice in 2021-22, Travers played second fiddle to Begovic, before the Bosnian departed to join Everton. Discussing Travers losing his place last season, Begovic told BBC Radio Solent: “First and foremost, Neto has been fantastic. “Obviously a top-level goalkeeper, who has played at the highest level for many, many years. “Of course for Trav it’s an experience, it’s part of development. “There’s going to be ups and downs in football, there’s no doubt about it. It’s never smooth sailing, that’s for sure. “He’s maybe dealing with a bit of a different experience now after having the games over the year previous to that. “I’m sure he’ll take stock in the summer and see what he wants to do and I’m sure the club will as well. “They’ve got a fantastic goalkeeper coach in Neil Moss and his staff. So they’ll all put a plan together for his development and make sure he keeps going in the right direction. “But it’s part of a goalkeeper’s life and a professional footballer’s life. There’s ups and downs and you have to take them all in your stride, deal with them in the best way possible.” Travers was dropped by O’Neil following the 9-0 humiliation against Liverpool in the fourth league game of the season. Reflecting on that decision to leave Travers out for the next game against Wolves, before he was sacked and replaced by Andoni Iraola last week, O’Neil told the Daily Echo: “Conceding nine as a goalkeeper, he was not at fault for too many. But then to be taken out after that and it’s not the season he would have wanted, I’m sure. “But he’s trained with real professionalism. I’ve had a real comfort in the fact I know Trav can come in if he’s needed, because of the way he works and the way he is around the group. “A difficult day for me as well that day (at Anfield). “As an interim head coach to have a day and a half to prepare for Wolves and have to make a call on last year’s player of the season and the number one goalie, to take him out wasn’t an easy conversation for me to have with Trav, who I obviously have a fantastic relationship with. “I’m extremely grateful to Trav. “Whether he feels like he had a big impact on the season or not, because he hasn’t played much, but his impact around the group and the way he’s held himself and behaved since that disappointment definitely helped the group manage to get over the line.”
Justin Kluivert
Posted inDaily News

#PLStories- Justin Kluivert on Premier League ambitions at AFC Bournemouth #AFCB

June 26, 2023
Kluivert joined Cherries on Friday for a reported initial £9.5million, arriving from Roma. The Dutchman has penned a long-term contract with the club, which is believed to run until 2028. Asked what he hopes to achieve with Cherries in that time, Kluivert told afcbTV: “My hopes and ambitions are just to be very important for the club. “I want to be that type of player. And just to do my best and give my all. “I know what my abilities are and I want to show that for the club and for the fans. I can’t wait. “To be honest, everybody knows it’s the best league in the world. “This is the dream, to play in the Premier League. That’s why I’m really excited to get started. “I’m looking forward to it.” Kluivert, 24, already has plenty of varied experience, playing in the top league of five European countries with spells at Ajax, Leipzig, Nice and Valencia, as well as Roma. “I’ve just turned 24 and I’ve learned a lot from my career already,” he said. “It is actually just the beginning and I’ve already been through a lot. “So I’m very happy that I’ve been through all of that and it will help me in my future, I know for sure. “I speak to people who say it looks like you’ve been 24 for 10 years! I say yes, I have been in the game since I was very young and I’m still quite young. “I can’t wait to get started and show my qualities here in this league for years to come.” Netherlands international Kluivert is the son of former Barcelona and Newcastle United striker Patrick Kluivert, one of his country’s all-time leading goalscorers. Significantly shorter than his father, Justin has played most of his football out on the wings, using his pace and tricky to score and create goals. Quizzed on what type of player Cherries fans will see, Kluivert said: “They can expect a player who is willing to do everything for the team, to attack. “I guess I could say I run quite fast! My mind is to score goals and be important for the team, also in the defensive area.” He added: “I am very delighted (to sign). “I’m part of the family right now and I can’t wait to get to know the teammates and the new coach also. I can’t wait to get started.”
Lewis Cook AFC Bournemouth
Posted inDaily News

#PLStories- Lewis Cook assesses his Premier League season with AFC Bournemouth #AFCB

June 24, 2023
Cook is one of Cherries’ longest-serving players, having joined the club from Leeds United in the summer of 2016. Two serious knee injuries have restricted the availability of the one-time England international during his time in Dorset. In his seven years at Cherries, Cook has racked up 180 appearances, scoring two goals and last summer signed a contract extension which runs until 2025. The 26-year-old played a key role in the first half of last season, starting 16 Premier League games in succession, before injury saw him forced off during defeat at Brentford in January. Cook would be unavailable for the next five league games, with Joe Rothwell excelling in his place. When fit again, Cook would still find game-time hard to come by, with Rothwell, Philip Billing and Jefferson Lerma featuring more regularly in midfield. The York-born talent ended the campaign having made 31 appearances in league and cup. Asked for his reflections on the season, Cook told the Daily Echo: “I had a spell out, but it’s not as long as I’ve had in the past. “Playing 30-something games, in the best league in the world, I can’t complain at all. “I’ve really enjoyed it and am just looking forward to next year.” Discussing his lack of game-time from March onwards, Cook added: “The lads have been playing unbelievable. “We can’t complain with having this many points four games before the end of the season. “It’s part of football. Whoever has got the shirt is going to try and keep it. “It’s my job to try and keep training, keep working hard and keep enjoying my football to try and get back in. “But it’s part of football and we’re definitely all in this together. “I think the lads played a big part in the season, whether it be the start, the middle, or the end. We’re a big team and we’re together, definitely.” Cook will be hoping for another new lease of life under new boss Andoni Iraola, when he joins the rest of his teammates for pre-season testing on Saturday, July 1. Cherries will then train in England, before heading off to Marbella for a warm weather training camp. During that spell, they will face friendlies against Scottish outfit Hibernian (July 13) and Israeli giants Maccabi Tel Aviv (July 16). Cherries will then return home, welcoming Atalanta (July 29) and FC Lorient (August 5) to Vitality Stadium before the Premier League campaign gets underway at home against West Ham United seven days later.
Gabe Osho
Posted inDaily News

#PLStories- Hatters defender Gabe Osho backs Luton to ‘surprise’ a few in the Premier League #LUTONFC

June 22, 2023
Defender Gabe Osho is confident that Luton can ‘surprise’ a few when they begin their Premier League campaign in just under two months.The Hatters will be taking their place among the big boys next term after winning a nerve-jangling Championship play-off final penalty shootout with Coventry City at Wembley to reach the top flight recently.Although Town will be everyone's favourites to get relegated before a ball has even been kicked, Osho believes that with a raucous Kenilworth Road behind them, and a continuation of their excellent form on the road, Luton losing just four away games all season, they will be able to shock some of their opponents during the campaign ahead.Town centre half Gabe Osho - pic: Getty ImagesHe said: “It’s going to be some ride."It will be difficult of course, I think everyone’s aware of that, no-one thinks it’s going to be an easy ride, but Kenilworth Road is going to be different for many, many Premier League teams to come to."If we can make that a fortress, then we have a really, really good chance of staying up."Our away form last season was really good in the Championship as well, so I think we’re going to surprise a lot of teams.”Although Osho is aware of just what a force Town's home support will be, he doesn’t want that to detract from how a good footballing side Luton have become, particularly since Rob Edwards took over in November.He added: “It’s interesting as we know the stadium is a big talking point, but I don’t think a lot gets made of how we actually play."I think that’s going to surprise a couple of teams when we come up against them.“Everyone’s kind of expecting a tight changing room, this and that, but when we actually get on the pitch and play the football we know we can play, it’s going to surprise teams and pick up points where we’re not expected to.”
Evan Ferguson
Posted inDaily News

#PLStories- Evan Ferguson reveals ‘mad’ season with Brighton and Ireland #BHAFC

June 21, 2023
The Albion striker will spend time in his hometown and get a holiday after rounding off his breakthrough campaign with his first goal in a competitive international. He headed in a perfect James McClean cross before family and friends in Dublin to help the Republic of Ireland beat Gibraltar 3-0 in a Euro 2024 qualifier. It was his second goal for his country to go with 16 for Albion in all competitions this term, of which six were for the under-21s. Ferguson said: “It has been a good six months. “It has gone very quick but it’s a nice way to finish. “I have a bit of time now to relax and take it all in. “I’ll switch off for a few weeks and then we go straight back into it again. "It’s good to be back home. It’s nice to score, especially when it’s in front of family and friends.” Ferguson plans to catch up with familiar faces back home, then get away from it all ahead of pre-season with Albion. He said: “It is possible you will see me around Bettystown for a week, maybe two, and then I will be gone. “It's been a mad old season, it's gone quick but it's been good. I need to just switch off and get re-focused.”
Mohamed Elyounoussi
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories – Moi Elyounoussi confirms Southampton exit at end of his contract #SaintsFC

June 14, 2023
The 28 year old had been in discussions about a new deal over the course of the year but the two parties will break completely.  Norwegian international Elyounoussi, who made 33 Premier League appearances as his side were relegated this season, played 90 times for Saints between 2018-2023. Theo Walcott had already confirmed his contract expiry while Elyounoussi has now revealed to media in his native country that he will also depart the South Coast. READ MORE: Managers love him and supporters... don't The curious case of Moi Elyounoussi "I'm done. We've agreed on that. The contract expires at the end of June, and then I'm a Bosman player (out of contract)," he told TV2. Your @PFA Community Champions 🏆Recognising Kayla Rendell and Moi Elyounoussi for their support of our work this season ❤️ pic.twitter.com/3r8qw8j8KJ — Saints Foundation (@SFC_Foundation) June 6, 2023 "We looked at the whole situation. It's been a troubled season. Many replacements. I'm glad we waited and looked at the situation first. Then maybe it was just as well to stand again as a Bosman player in the end.” He added: “It was surprisingly emotional. Maybe not right away, but afterwards in the locker room. I made a little speech. “There's something about being there for so long, sharing that dressing room with so many players, staff and people who have worked there for so long. I became sensitive, that is. I didn't think so. Life goes on, I've changed clubs before, but it was special. "I got an award as the player who has contributed the most off the pitch in the community at Southampton, visiting schools, going to volunteers and stuff like that. I appreciated that. It almost means more than what happens on the field. I was grateful for that," Elyounoussi added. Elyounoussi was given an opportunity to say goodbye to supporters when he was substituted during the 4-4 draw with Liverpool on the final day of the season. After Roberto Firmino, who was confirmed as leaving the Reds, was awarded an ovation by both sets of fans, Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson tried to usher Elyounoussi off the pitch during his. “He came over and apologised. He said he didn't know what the occasion was,” Elyounoussi explained. “We clapped for Roberto Firmino when he stepped down in what was also his last Liverpool game. Henderson didn't know it applied to me too, so he apologised afterwards.”
Gary O’Neil
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Mark Travers wants more game-time after losing AFC Bournemouth spot #AFCB

June 10, 2023
Goalkeeper Travers enjoyed a memorable 2021-22 campaign, winning a host of individual awards, including the Daily Echo/Micky Cave player of the year, after playing a key role in the club clinching promotion from the Championship. That form saw him rewarded with a new five-year contract last summer, and he began 2022-23 as the club’s first-choice stopper. However, after keeping a clean sheet in the 2-0 win over Aston Villa on the opening day, Travers was powerless to prevent Cherries shipping 16 goals across the next three fixtures, including the 9-0 loss to Liverpool at Anfield. Scott Parker then left the club, with one of the first acts of Gary O’Neil as interim boss being to drop Travers to the bench and install the experienced Neto between the sticks. The Brazilian started eight games on the spin, before Travers got another chance due to an injury to Neto. However, when he returned to fitness, Neto took the gloves again, before going on to be named as the new club captain, with Travers not featuring between January and the final game of the season at Everton. Republic of Ireland international Travers impressed at Goodison Park, stepping in at late notice after Neto returned to Brazil following a family bereavement. Reflecting on his season on a personal level, having made 15 appearances, the 24-year-old told the Daily Echo: “It’s very tough. You want to be playing every week. “Getting that buzz again (at Everton) was great and you want to replicate that every week. “But it’s been a massive learning curve, I suppose. A difficult time, the first time sitting on the bench. “I’ve been third choice, played last year and then second choice this year. “It’s been tough coming in and out, but hopefully I can build on it and go again next year.” Asked if there is a decision to be made over the summer regarding his future, and whether he may need to go elsewhere for more game-time, Travers said: “I don’t know, it’s obviously up to the club. “But I know I want to play every week and at my age, I don’t want to be not playing. “It’s up to them. We’ll see what happens in pre-season and whatever happens, happens. “But I’ll come back to Bournemouth fighting, giving 100 per cent and then whatever the decision is, it is.” Asked last month if there was an argument Travers could do with a loan move next season, boss Gary O’Neil told the Daily Echo: “We haven’t gone into that yet. There’s a lot of thinking and decisions that will need to be made around a lot of players. “No decisions made yet on ins and outs and loans and who needs what. “As soon as the season is done, we can start to put some real clear focus into the detail of what’s best for everybody and, firstly, the football club.”
Andrew Surman
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Andrew Surman on replacing Jefferson Lerma at Bournemouth #AFCB

June 8, 2023
Surman, 36, left Cherries in the summer of 2020 following relegation from the Premier League, having made 226 appearances for the club across two spells, scoring 11 goals. He retired from professional football in 2021 and in January of this year returned to Cherries, taking up a role as under-18s assistant manager. Central midfielder Surman made 13 appearances alongside Lerma during the pair’s crossover at Cherries, under Eddie Howe. The Colombian, who is the club’s record £25million signing, is set to leave on a free transfer this summer as his five-year contract expires. 'Wherever I go, I will carry them in my heart' - Lerma's farewell to Cherries Asked if Cherries need to find a direct replacement for the 28-year-old, or if the likes of Joe Rothwell and Lewis Cook can plug the gap, Surman told BBC Radio Solent: “Obviously he got me out the team, so I can’t say too much! No, I’m only joking. “I think they need to replace him, 100 per cent. “I think Rothwell is a really, really good player and Lewis Cook is proven over the years. “But I don’t think you can underestimate the physicality of the Premier League. Losing a player like Jefferson Lerma, you have to replace the physicality side of that. “You look at someone like (Romeo) Lavia at Southampton, physicality, gets you up the pitch, puts tackles in, he’s all-action. “I think that’s what they’re going to need, especially strength in depth wise, because you’re relying on those two midfielders. “If one of those gets injured, then you’re looking at it going ‘who is going to step up and play in there?’ “I think they need to replace him with a physical asset. It’s a shame that he’s leaving, because I think he’s a really good player, Jeff.” Lerma leaves having made 184 appearances for Cherries, with Crystal Palace his reported next destination.
Carlos Alcaraz
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Southampton’s Alcaraz on his future ahead of summer transfer window #SAINTSFC

June 7, 2023
The 20 year old attacking midfielder made an instant impact at St Mary’s following a January move from Argentine outfit Racing Club. Alcaraz, whose deal to come to Saints was powered by website Transfer Room, netted four goals in his 18 Premier League appearances. Alcaraz also put in a man-of-the-match performance in a 3-3 draw with Arsenal despite being substituted at half-time by then-manager Ruben Selles. Speaking to ESPN Argentina, Alcaraz gave a small insight into where his immediate future could stand following relegation to the Championship. “To be honest I leave all of that (my future) to my agent. I always try to give my best wherever I go,” he said. “I know there are a few clubs interested in me, but the truth is, I'm currently very happy at Southampton. Now I'm enjoying my vacation with my family. In July, we'll see what happens.” Alcaraz added: “If I have to remain at Southampton, I will, as they were the club that first opened the doors for me and gave me the chance to play in the Premier League. “Southampton is a beautiful club that has always treated me well. So if I have to stay, I’ll do my very best to (help them) come back to the Premier League.”
Ryan Christie
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Ryan Christie reveals AFC Bournemouth were experimenting in final games after survival was confirmed #AFCB

June 5, 2023
After all-but securing mathematical safety with a 4-1 victory over Leeds United at the end of April, Cherries head coach Gary O’Neil took the opportunity to use the remaining four games of the season to try new ideas and playing styles. Cherries’ place in next season’s Premier League was confirmed despite defeat at Crystal Palace two weeks later, meaning they went into the final two clashes with Manchester United and Everton with little pressure. Whilst Cherries were unable to add to their tally of 39 points, it proved more than enough, with Leicester City in the final relegation spot going down with a total of 34. Asked if Cherries had been trying new things in their final games, Christie told the Daily Echo: “Absolutely. I mean, we're in a nice position where we can try these things this season, going into the next season. “These last three games we've been kind of tweaking stuff, experimenting a little bit. For the most part, I think it's worked. “I know that the results these last three, four games have been frustrating, but the games - Chelsea game, thought we played well for the most part. “Man United, we were in the game the whole game and even (against Everton). “Obviously, Palace was a bit of a frustrating one for us. “Plenty to work on, but quite positive.” Arriving on deadline in August 2021, Christie helped Cherries earn promotion last season before making 32 top-flight appearances as the Dorset outfit secured another season of Premier League football. “Another season in the Prem, that's the exciting thing,” continued the 28-year-old. “Getting to do this all over again and hopefully have an even more successful season. “If we’d got a better result (against Everton), we could have jumped another couple of places. “So hope for next season to constantly keep pushing. “All the staff are on that wavelength, all the boys are on that wavelength and come back and ready to do all again.” Discussing the final day defeat at Goodison, Christie surmised: “ I think we wanted to come and given a good account of ourselves, obviously the game would have been on TV and stuff and obviously we wanted to finish the season as well with a positive result. “Frustrating we didn't do that. “But I think for the majority of the game we played well. “Definitely took the game to them, obviously frustrating that we didn't get a result. I think we would have deserved it.”
Kyle Walker Peters
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Walker-Peters shows confidence in Russell Martin to help Southampton get out of Championship #SaintsFC

June 4, 2023
Walker-Peters himself faces an uncertain future at St Mary’s following relegation from the Premier League with a number of top-flight clubs looking at him. The 26 year old will likely depart after three and a half years on the south coast, during which he earned two England caps back in March last year. Saints are looking to appoint Swansea City boss Russell Martin to replace the outgoing Ruben Selles and remain confident of doing so despite a compensation-related delay. READ MORE: Sport Republic detail Saints plan to win Championship with key incomings explained Walker-Peters spoke exclusively with the Daily Echo ahead of the final game of the season and was asked what a new man in the hot seat will have to do to help the club bounce back from relegation. “I think it will be important for him to really have an identity,” he said. “How you're playing to chop and change every week with a young squad is quite hard. “They're already young and learning how tough it is to play in the Premier League, to play in the Championship next season. And if you're changing style every week, it's even harder. “So I think, yeah, whoever the new manager is will need to ensure that he has an identity and tries to build some consistency from it.” He added: “I think there's going to be a lot of changes within the club, so I'm not really sure what the vision is as a player but I can assume their main focus will be to get back into the Premier League. “I try not to read into any rumours. I try to stay away from that and what’s going on over on Twitter, and I think the club will inform us when they're ready.” Martin has been managing in the Championship over the past two seasons and Walker-Peters admits he does know a few fellow players who have worked under him. “I believe he's a coach that likes to have the ball,” Walker-Peters continued. “He's really focused on possession and he's used to the Championship, so I'm sure he'll be able to help the squad if he does end up coming here. “Other than that, I don't know too much about him. I know he was recently a player so he'll know how a lot of the players in the team are feeling. And I think if that's who the club wants to take the job, I'm sure he'll be the right man.” Like teammate and club captain James Ward-Prowse, who was open about how much he enjoyed working for the Spaniard, Walker-Peters sympathises with the departing Selles. Although he was just returning from injury in Selles’s first two matches as boss, Walker-Peters played every minute bar one of the final 14 games of the season. “I think Ruben was put into a position which was really tough, but he took the job and he's given us absolutely everything to try and help us stay up,” Walker-Peters said.   “It will be really sad to see him go. I think I've said in a few meetings before, from the first session he took with me, I knew how good a coach he was. “I knew how determined he was to succeed at Southampton. Really disappointed for him. I'm disappointed that I won't be working with him next season.” Walker-Peters probably does not know who he will be working with at all next season – it is difficult to guess where he might end up beyond St Mary’s. The versatile full-back can play in most managers’ systems and would improve most squads either as a starter or backup. Although he cannot disclose anything more, he is honest about his ambitions. “It's tough for me to say right now but I'd be lying if I didn't say I want to be playing in the Premier League,” Walker-Peters admitted.   “I want to get an opportunity to represent my country again. That's a really big goal of mine, so yeah, those are my personal goals – but the most important thing is giving fans something to cheer about (in their final game vs Liverpool, which finished 4-4)."