Roberto De Zerbi
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Roberto De Zerbi sends Moises Caicedo message to Brighton fans after transfer saga #BHAFC

February 4, 2023
The midfielder will play against Bournemouth tomorrow after offers from Arsenal were rejected. Caicedo put out a social media statement, for which his agent has claimed at least some of the responsibility, saying he wished to leave the club. But De Zerbi has spoken to the player and says they are ready to put events of January behind them. The head coach said: “I want to speak to our fans because I want them to support him. “I don't want them to criticise him. “I love Moises. The people who work at Brighton love Moises. “He is a good guy. I don't know if he made a mistake or not but the transfer market is closed and the fans must follow me because I take responsibility for him and if, I say something clear about Moises, they have to believe me." De Zerbi is delighted to have Caicedo on board for the result of the season. “I don’t know,” replied the Italian boss when asked if Caicedo will depart Sussex before next season. “I want to be responsible about him because I believe in Moises. I don’t know the situation in the future but he’s a good guy and I want to defend him now. “In other times I spoke a different way for the other players but for Moises it’s different. “We need the performance of Moises and he’s a fantastic guy and so I don’t want to hear criticism or anything more.”
Gary O’Neil
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- AFC Bournemouth’s Gary O’Neil comments on working with latest recruits #AFCB

February 4, 2023
CHERRIES boss Gary O’Neil commented how he was “excited to get to work” with the younger new recruits at the Vitality Stadium. There seemed to be a clear profile for the majority of Cherries’ business in January, with four signings boasting serious potential whilst being able to help Cherries immediately, according to O’Neil. The Dorset club made a total of six signings during the transfer window, with all but one under the age of 25. Depth issues were addressed as veteran Darren Randolph was added to the goalkeeping department, whilst the left-back spot received much needed competition with the addition of Matías Viña from Roma. Fellow defender Illia Vabarnyi has previously been described as a wonderkid, with the 20-year-old already playing in the Champions League and at the last Euros with Ukraine. Cherries’ lack of goals was also addressed, with three new attackers added to O’Neil’s arsenal. Antoine Semenyo, Dango Ouattara and Hamed Traore are all capable of playing in a myriad of positions, with O’Neil sharing where they will fit into the team. He told the Daily Echo: “There's a lot of work that goes into signing players, so you have a clear idea as to where you think they fit and what they can do. “But then there's always when they arrive, you improve that understanding. “Watching somebody play for somebody else is never the same as seeing them in your own sessions or tactical set up. “So once they arrive, you get a closer look and as you can say, a few of them can do sort of multiple positions, which is which is helpful. “Based on that, I see them in quite a variety of positions.” Despite their tender years, the outfield additions will be expected to contribute from the off, although O’Neil pointed out there was plenty of room for them to improve as players. He restarted: “The age of them as well, Illia (Zabarnyi), 20, (Hamed) Traore, 22. I think Dango (Ouattara) is still only 20. “Antoine (Semenyo), still young and has played in the Championship, so working with him to get him understanding the Premier League and what he can do to make the step up, of course. “So, yeah, it's exciting. I think when you look at the month we had, they can help us here and now. “As I've said, they're exciting here and now, but still all have fantastic years ahead of them because of their age and the potential development that we have with them. So we’re excited to get to work with them.
Shane Duffy
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Brighton’s Tony Bloom praises Shane Duffy as he joins Fulham #BHAFC

February 1, 2023
The commanding centre-back is parting company with the Seagulls. His loan at Fulham has become a permanent deal. Duffy was Albion’s record signing when he joined from Blackburn early in the 2016-17 promotion season. Albion chairman Bloom said: “Shane has played such an important role during his time at the club. He was a key character in our promotion to the Premier League in his first season here. “He was equally key in helping to establish the club in the Premier League and has always been extremely popular in the dressing room and with Albion fans. “I’d like to thank him for everything and to wish him and his family all the best for the future from everyone associated with the club. “His contribution to our recent history won’t be forgotten and Shane will always be assured a warm welcome at the Amex.”
Darren Randolph
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- AFC Bournemouth announce signing of Darren Randolph from West Ham #AFCB

January 27, 2023
The goalkeeper becomes the second new face since Bill Foley led a takeover of Cherries. Born in Bray, the custodian joins on an 18 month deal. The 35-year-old arrives at the Vitality Stadium as back-up to first-choice Neto and his understudy Mark Travers. Youngster Cameron Plain acted as deputy goalkeeper to Travers during the absence of Neto due to injury, highlighting the need to add an experienced third-choice. Randolph last played a competitive game at the end of the 2020/21 campaign, against West Brom in the Premier League. A popular character in the dressing room, Travers and Randolph have worked together before, with the pair involved in numerous international squads for Ireland together. Capped 50 times by Ireland, Randolph played all four games of his countries’ Euro 2016 campaign, their last appearance at a major finals. Since making his Premier League debut for Charlton in the 2006/07 season, Randolph has made 34 appearances in the top-flight, with 200 further games in the Championship. Speaking following the move, Randolph told afcb.co.uk: “I’m very happy to be here and I’m ready to get started. I know three lads here and that’s helped. “They have told me good things about the club and the area, as have other people who’ve been here in the past, so that definitely helped in my decision. “I’ve had to fight for a place with other goalkeepers at most clubs I’ve been at and that’s the nature of the business. “It’s our own little group within the group and I’ve always been close in every goalkeepers’ union I’ve been in. “Ultimately, we’re here to push each other and whoever has the shirt then hopefully it’s going to work in their favour and make everybody else perform to the best of their ability.” AFC Bournemouth chief executive Neill Blake added: “We are delighted to add to our team of goalkeepers with a player of Darren’s quality and pedigree. “His wealth of experience, both with his previous clubs and his country, will be a great benefit to our squad and especially to our younger goalkeepers. “Darren has played in the top flight in England and Scotland, he has Champions League experience and he has won numerous caps for Republic of Ireland. We are looking forward to working with him.”
Nathan Jones
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Southampton not considering Nathan Tella recall from Burnley #SAINTSFC

January 23, 2023
EXCITING attacker Nathan Tella is set to stay with Burnley for the remainder of his season-long loan spell after Saints boss Nathan Jones stated the club is not looking to recall the 23-year-old. Tella has enjoyed a productive Championship campaign, scoring nine times as Burnley cruise toward automatic promotion. But despite his impressive form and Saints’ need for additional attacking firepower, Jones does not feel that recalling Tella is the right move for all parties. READ MORE: Saints team news ahead of Newcastle clash as Jones confirms Bednarek eligibility “No, not at the minute,” Jones answered in response to whether or not the club was considering recalling Tella.   “We're really happy with Nathan, he's doing fantastically well at Burnley. He's having a real good experience and he is flying.  “But with the greatest of respect, for him to come back and do that at Premier League level, we are not sure. We've got people like Adam Armstrong who have been prolific at Championship level. So we've got good competition in that area.  “What we would like is something a little bit different in terms of maybe size, maybe real aggression. Nathan is doing fantastic under Vincent (Kompany) and is having a wonderful season for his development.  “At the end of the season, there's is a big decision to make. But it's been a really productive loan for him and it is in his benefit to stay there.” Jones has made no secret of his desire to add increased potency to his attack as Saints enter the final ten days of the January transfer window. 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.
Gary O’Neil
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- AFC Bournemouth’s Gary O’Neil on Dango Ouattara debut #AFCB

January 22, 2023
CHERRIES boss Gary O’Neil believed debutant Dango Ouattara “coped exceptionally well” during the 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest. The Burkinabè provided an assist for Jaidon Anthony to open scores, before Cherries academy graduate Sam Surridge struck late on to ensure spoils were shared. Ouattara arrived at the Vitality Stadium on Thursday following his transfer from FC Lorient, the Burkina Faso international instantly thrust into Cherries’ starting line-up due to injuries. Despite the addition of Ouattra, Cherries had to pad out their matchday squad with three youngsters, highlighting the injuries issues O’Neil’s charges currently face. Philip Billing was a late drop out in the week leading up to the game, with the Dane joining Dominic Solanke, Lewis Cook, and Marcus Tavernier in the treatment room. O'Neil explains Billing absence from Forest clash Asked about the 20-year-old’s performance, O’Neil told the Daily Echo: “I thought it was a tough week for him, to be honest. “I think he obviously hadn’t trained much, he's done a lot of traveling. If we hadn’t had the injuries that we have at the moment, we have a depleted squad at this moment in time, Tavs (Marcus Tavernier),  Dom (Solanke), Lewis Cook, Phil Billing all key players for us. “So we were forced, maybe, into starting Dango. I thought he would be able to cope, I think he coped exceptionally well. “He’s done one day training with the lads, doesn’t know anybody. He worked his socks off, looked a threat. I was pretty pleased with him.” A livewire in a rejuvenated Cherries attack, Ouattara seemed to combine well with Anthony. Asked how the system worked, O’Neil shared: “It’s a similar style which we've used, just Dango gives us a different outlet. “Similar, there weren’t many changes to the structure. JZ came in and we tried to do some work done that side. “Knew that Dango would be a threat down the right side with his pace. So some combination play on the left, pace on the right. “So nothing that we haven't done before, but since we've been missing Tavs, we haven't had that pace down the side.”
Nathan Jones
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Nathan Jones reveals Southampton ‘will not knee-jerk’ and make panic forward signing #SAINTSFC

January 21, 2023
SAINTS boss Nathan Jones has insisted the club “will not knee-jerk” if they are unable to make the perfect addition to their attacking ranks this January. The manager wants to add more “potency” to his team but is clear that does not just mean a number nine, with Che Adams and Sekou Mara already leading in that role. Saints could look to acquire a number 10 or winger with the likes of Villarreal’s Nicolas Jackson one tipped to be moving closer to St Mary’s. However, former manager Ralph Hasenhuttl told media for over a month that Saints would sign a new striker – before two prospective deals fell through at the end of the window. READ MORE: 'Up to speed' - Jones hints signings Alcaraz and Orsic are ready to start matches Asked if he would be comfortable going into the rest of the season with his current attacking options, should a similar scenario occur again, Jones gave the Daily Echo an honest answer. “If nothing comes available that we can add that improves us, I never add just numbers for the sake of it,” he said. “I’d rather just work with what we have and someone I really know than something that’s too much of a gamble, especially at this level.” Jones added: “We’re working really hard to improve certain areas but if nothing comes available we won’t knee-jerk, we are scoring goals so it’s not like we’ve gone two or three games without scoring. “We want to demand more and would like a little bit more potency all round, and we’re not going to get 10 players like that. If we can get one or two that add to us then that’s what we’re going to do.” Asked exactly what he is looking for as a forward reinforcement, Jones explained: “We've got two good number nines who we believe in terms of Che and Sekou. “We would like more potency is what we want. So whether that is if that's an out and out number nine then fine. If that's someone that can play across the line, then fine. “We've been quite diverse, but getting the key characteristics that are essential for a Southampton team that wants to be aggressive and score goals.” 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.
Nathan Jones
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Southampton manager Nathan Jones reveals conversations with Jan Bednarek and loanees #SAINTSFC

January 21, 2023
NATHAN Jones reveals he has held conversations with Jan Bednarek and every Saints player out on loan, but remained coy on the possibility of bringing the Pole back. The 26-year-old central defender currently remains out on loan at upcoming opponents Aston Villa after a deadline day exit during the summer transfer window. Bednarek, who is unavailable to face his parent side when Villa visit St Mary’s on Saturday, has made just one start for the Midlands outfit – and he was hauled off at half-time in that. Reports at the start of the January window had suggested recalling Bednarek was an option considered by Jones, as he looked to strengthen his centre-back options. He has refused to confirm or deny the suggestion, and, following the impressive emergence of Duje Caleta-Car after Armel Bella-Kotchap’s injury, Jones was asked again. “What we have to do is come out of this window stronger than we went into it and that has to be the essence every single transfer window. That's what we have to do,” he said. “The squad has to improve every single window. That's what recruitment is. You never go backwards, you never stagnate. “If something comes available that improves us significantly and fits in with the model here and the financial balances and everything then we will do it. But the key thing is that we improve on every level coming out of this window.” Jones continued: “I’ve spoken to everyone who is on loan here, whether that’s Jack Stephens (AFC Bournemouth), Jan Bednarek, Nathan Tella (Burnley), Will Smallbone (Stoke City), everyone who is out on loan I have spoken to. “We know what we want to do and what’s the plan for those, and if something we feel can strengthen us via a recall or whatever it is then fine, we will do that. “It’s just about making sure we are stronger on the first of February than we were on the first of January.” 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.
Nathan Jones
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Southampton manager Nathan Jones hints new signings Mislav Orsic and Charly Alcaraz are ready to start matches #SAINTSFC

January 21, 2023
SAINTS manager Nathan Jones confirmed he believes new signings Mislav Orsic and Charly Alcaraz are now ready to “handle starting berths in the team”.  Both forward Orsic, who was Jones’s first signing of the window and joined from Croatian side Dinamo Zagreb, and Racing Club midfielder Alcaraz have made their club debuts as substitutes. Orsic, 30, was introduced late during the 2-0 victory over Manchester City in the EFL Cup quarter-final while Alcaraz played 30 minutes in the 2-1 win at Everton last Saturday. They have now had a full week without the interruption of a fixture to work with the group, which Jones says he has taken full advantage of, and the boss now believes they are up to speed. Asked if he is beginning to see the duo take on what Saints want them to do, Jones told the Daily Echo: “Oh yeah, but they were last week. “We bring people into the club now who fit specifically what we want to do so they already do that at their previous club, it’s just adapting it to the Southampton way of doing things. “They’re both fit, they both want to do well but it’s about not putting them in too early. We couldn’t put Orsic straight in because of the rest he’d had after the World Cup,” Jones explained. The Croatian international competed with his country up to the very end of the World Cup, scoring the winner in the third-place playoff versus Morocco just one day before the final. “Charly was a bit of a different situation because he was mid-season and had been used to playing games,” Jones added. “But they’re both now up to speed and can handle starting berths in the team.” Orsic and Alcaraz could make full debuts for Saints when they welcome Aston Villa to St Mary’s in the Premier League on Saturday, January 21 (3PM). 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.
Gary O’Neil
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Gary O’Neil remembers good times previously working with Arnaut Danjuma #AFCB

January 21, 2023
GARY O’Neil would not confirm nor deny whether Cherries could bring Arnaut Danjuma back in this transfer window, but insisted: “Wherever he goes to next will be pleased to have him.” The Daily Echo understands Cherries are among a handful of clubs interested in signing the winger, on loan, this month. He is understood to be available with parent club Villarreal reportedly allowing him to travel around Europe in the past week to speak to potentially interested parties. Premier League duo Everton and Nottingham Forest have been heavily linked, as well as Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven, Danjuma’s first professional club. Discussing Cherries’ interest in the 25-year-old, head coach O’Neil said: “I don’t like speaking about other team’s players, but obviously I know Arnie. “I’ve worked with him. Arnie knows what I think of him. “He’s a fantastic talent. “He was excellent for us while he was here, especially towards the end of his spell. “I’m sure wherever he goes to next will be pleased to have him. “He’s an attacking talent. I like Arnie. I enjoyed working with him and he knows that.” Asked if there is still a chance Danjuma returns to Cherries this month, a club he spent two years at before leaving in 2021, O’Neil added: “I don’t know. I haven’t been updated in the last 24 hours on the situation really. “We’ve managed to get Dango in and then full focus is on the game tomorrow (against Nottingham Forest). “The boys that are here are important to me, so I need to make sure they’re all ready.”
Gary O’Neil
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Gary O’Neil explains his role in Bournemouth transfer policy #AFCB

January 7, 2023
GARY O’Neil says he will have an input on who Cherries sign this month, but stressed transfer policy was not his main role as head coach. O’Neil is in charge of a club in a transfer window for the first time as a head coach, having been promoted up from his previous role as interim in November. Cherries are keen to add players to their squad this month, with new owner Bill Foley recently quoted as saying the club would like to make four or five new additions. Asked how much say he has on who Cherries sign this month, O’Neil said: “January can be tricky, but what is also important is I am the head coach. "My main job is to improve the players that we have. "I know the club are keen to have new arrivals, we’re keen to help the group that are still here. "But my main job as head coach is to make sure the ones we’ve got performing, perform to the best of their ability, so full focus on that at the moment. "We have a way it works at the football club. I’m the head coach and there will be a transfer policy in place. “I will have a say on how it goes and who comes through the door. “But as the role says, my main job is to make sure whoever does come in and the players who are already playing are performing at the top of their ability. “Of course the head coach of the club will have conversations around who comes in. “But obviously my main focus is making sure the lads who are here are ready to go because we’ve had a game every three days for the last couple of weeks.” He added: “There’s conversations around what I think we need, what positions, what type. “Of course there’s conversations so I will have a say on who comes in.” Quizzed on if he feels Cherries need to add a striker this month, given the club have failed to find the net in six hours of football since the resumption after the World Cup break, O’Neil said: “There are a few positions in the squad that I would like to strengthen. “I think attacking threat is definitely one of them.” Chairman Foley attended last weekend’s disappointing 2-0 home defeat to Crystal Palace, one of four games in succession Cherries have failed to find the net in. They also lost without scoring against Newcastle United, Chelsea and Manchester United in recent weeks. Asked if those results have made Foley stress the need for signings even more, O’Neil said: “The results won’t have changed it, no. “There’s been a policy in place and there’s been discussions since that moment that Bill took over. “Between Bill and the board and the board and myself, so constant dialogue. “We are hopeful we can start to add people to the group. But we’ll have to see how it goes.”