Adam Armstrong
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Southampton’s #AdamArmstrong on bouncing around loan moves #SAINTSFC

September 3, 2021
NEW Saints hitman Adam Armstrong reveals how forays into the loan system were the maketh of the man, insisting: “You could say it made life harder, but those spells got me to where I am today.” The 24-year-old striker underwent four different loan transfers between 2015-2018, while still a youngster employed by Newcastle United. The first spell was a lucrative one in front of goal, when he joined up with Tony Mowbray, Blackburn’s current boss, at Coventry City in League One. A teenage Armstrong netted 20 league goals in 40 appearances. He recalled: “We had an unbelievable squad at Coventry when you look back at it now. It was my first loan move and I really enjoyed it. The gaffer was brilliant, Tony Mowbray. I settled in perfectly and hit the ground running straight away. “He gives us the confidence to perform. He has been close to me since I was 17 or 18. I am so thankful to him for getting me to where I am today. It was me, being a boy, seeing what men’s football was all about. I did well.” After dominating League One at such a young age during the 2015-16 season, and then watching on as the Magpies suffered Premier League relegation that same campaign – Armstrong thought he might have been due a Toon chance in the second division. This wasn’t Newcastle’s call, though, and perhaps proved to be the correct one on goal output, and considering the storming season of 94 points in 46 games that followed. Rafa Benitez opted to loan the young forward out to another team in the Championship, but one fighting at the other end of the table. Armstrong added: “I went on loan to Coventry and Newcastle wanted me to go on loan, another one. They wanted me to join a lower Championship club and that was really hard to take. “I went to Barnsley and I did enjoy it, it took me to the next step.” Armstrong scored just six in 34 Championship appearances for the Tykes, and struggled again at relegation scrappers Bolton for the first half of the 2017-18 campaign, before dropping back down to League One for the second half – with Mowbray and Blackburn. After helping fire Rovers back up out of the third division, Armstrong then moved permanently to the Lancashire outfit and steadily improved year-on-year since – making the £15million man Saints have now. He said: “You could say it made life harder but it’s one of them. “You learn new things, new ways of playing under a new manager. I scored some goals, but all those loan spells got me to where I am today.”
Graham Potter Brighton
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Brighton’s #MoisesCaicedo joins Beerschot on loan as #Graham Potter provides insight #BHAFC

September 1, 2021
Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo has joined Belgian top-flight side Beerschot on a season-long loan, subject to international clearance. The 19-year-old joined Albion from Independiente del Valle in February. He then went on to make three appearances for the U23s last season. Caicedo was then handed his senior debut in the Seagulls 2-0 win over Cardifff last week, where he set-up Andi Zeqiri for their second goal. Albion head coach Graham Potter said:  “This loan will gives Moises the chance to play regularly, something we believe will be of huge benefit to him at this stage in his career. “As with all our players heading out on loan, we will be keeping a close eye on how he progresses this season and we wish Moises all the best for the season ahead in Belgium.”
Abdallah Sima
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Brighton sign #AbdallahSima who then joins Stoke on loan #BHAFC #SCFC

September 1, 2021
Brighton have signed striker Abdallah Sima from Slavia Prague for the undisclosed fee. The 20-year-old has signed a four-year-deal with the Seagulls before then heading to Championship side Stoke on a season-long loan. Sima made a name for himself in Prague scoring 16 in 33 appearances with four of those coming in the Europa League. He has also been capped twice for Senegal since making his debut in March. Albion Technical director Dan Ashworth said: “Abdallah joins us after a really good season with Slavia Prague, last season, which saw him excel in their domestic league and the Europa League. “However it is important to remember he has had a very rapid rise, coming from Senegal to France, and he has only played one full season of professional football. It is essential we manage his development in the right way.   “Now he has the opportunity to acclimatise to English football with Stoke, who have started the season well in the Championship. “We’re excited by his potential and David Weir and the loans team will be working closely with him to monitor his progress and ensure he settles here in the UK.” Sima is not the only player on loan at Stoke with defender Leo Ostigard having joined them earlier this month. He is currently on international duty with Senegal and will link up with Michael O'Neill's squad on his return from fixtures against Togo and the Republic of Congo. 
Connor Roberts Burnley
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Burnley club first statement after landing Wales defender #ConnorRoberts #BURNLEYFC

September 1, 2021
BURNLEY have signed Swansea City and Wales defender Connor Roberts for an undisclosed fee. The 25-year-old – who has been capped 30 times by Wales - has signed a four-year deal at Turf Moor. Roberts becomes the Clarets’ fifth signing of the summer after Nathan Collins, Wayne Hennessey, Aaron Lennon and Maxwel Cornet. “On behalf of everyone at Burnley Football Club, we are delighted to welcome Connor to Turf Moor," said Burnley chairman Alan Pace. “It’s great to add another player with strong international experience to our squad and provide an opportunity for Connor to play Premier League football again having provided outstanding service to Swansea and impressed on the international stage with Wales. "We look forward to seeing him in action soon.” Roberts came through the ranks at Swansea and made more than 150 appearances for the Welsh side. The defender – who also had loan spells with Yeovil Town, Bristol Rovers and Middlesbrough - impressed at Euro 2020 as Wales reached the Round of 16.
Connor Roberts Burnley
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- #ConnorRoberts’ first words after Burnley move #BURNLEYFC

September 1, 2021
CONNOR Roberts wants to make Burnley fans proud following his deadline day move from Swansea City. The 25-year-old – who has been capped 30 times by Wales - has signed a four-year deal at Turf Moor. Roberts becomes the Clarets’ fifth signing of the summer after Nathan Collins, Wayne Hennessey, Aaron Lennon and Maxwel Cornet. “Whenever you go to a new team, or play for a new team, you want to get out for that first game and put on the shirt and actually play football," he told the club's website. "And I can assure you every time I do I will give absolutely everything. “I won't be the best player on the pitch, but I’ll probably run more than anyone and give absolutely everything. And hopefully I can be someone the Burnley fans are proud to have play for their team, that’s the plan. “I am a player who can offer something. Ever since I was a boy, I’ve told myself that you might not be the best player, but if you run more than anyone and give more than anyone then you’ll have half a chance. “No matter what level you play at that still stands and that’s what I’ll be trying to do.” Roberts came through the ranks at Swansea and made more than 150 appearances for the Welsh side. “I’ve had amazing memories and will always love that club," he added. “Thank you to them, but I’m here now and it’s a new challenge and something I really want to make positive. And the only way I can do that is by playing well and giving absolutely everything when I get called upon. “Since I was a boy, I have always tried to rise to every challenge that gets put in front of me and this is another one.”
Daniel Farke
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- #DanielFarke delighted as Canaries finally tick their top priority transfer by signing #MathiasNormann #NCFC

August 31, 2021
Please shareHeading into the 2021 summer transfer window Norwich City had one top priority: find a defensive midfielder to replace Oliver Skipp. After a long and arduous process, they have their man.In Mathias Normann, brought in from Russian side FC Rostov for a loan fee that could turn into a club record permanent deal if Premier League survival is achieved, Stuart Webber has found a player not lacking in bite but also technically good enough to play for Daniel Farke. City had originally hoped that Philip Billing would be that player, and after a drawn-out sage that truthfully never got that close to sealing a deal for the Bournemouth midfielder, Billing confirmed that he wanted to remain a Cherry out of choice. This followed the Canaries’ pursuit of Kristoffer Ajer, a centre-back capable of playing in midfield. Webber was prepared to pay £10million; Celtic eventually sold him to Brentford for up to £18million. City had been prepared to wait until the very last throws of the window to bring back Skipp but new Tottenham boss Nuno Espírito Santo put pay to any chance of a reunion when he started the 20-year-old against English Champions Manchester City. With hope floundering, up came an odd yet exciting link with Real Betis and Portugal midfielder William Carvalho. Rarely is it that an experienced international with a major tournament on the CV is linked with a move to Carrow Road and for that reason, it always seemed unlikely, and it was.  But finally, after all the toing and froing and a lot of talk with few results, Norwich secured the final piece in their jigsaw, and what a crucial piece it is. City’s midfield woes were painfully obvious in their opener at home to Liverpool, whose second goal exposed the gaping weakness in front of the back four. Billy Gilmour’s lax tracking for that goal was the clearest indication yet of his status as a square peg in a round hole, and it’s hoped that Normann’s arrival will free up the Chelsea loanee to perform at his ball-playing best without the defensive duties he’s been burdened with so far. Normann outlined his strengths in his first interview as a City player, saying: “I’m a defensive midfielder, I like to tackle, to win the ball and to use my body. I like to be on the ball and try to dictate the game. “I know that Norwich play very good football and they like to keep the ball. They have a lot of energy. I spoke a little bit to the coach (Farke) and everything looks very good.” Farke, open for weeks about his desire to recruit a defensive midfield and undoubtedly pleased with Normann’s arrival, said: “We’re really happy to bring Mathias in. We’ve worked on this piece of business for several weeks. “Quite often, he plays the holding midfield position. But he’s very good with his passing choices and is a good technical player. We feel he’s the perfect addition to the squad and look forward to having him as part of the group.” With just two days left to get their business done, the signing of Normann has assured the status of Norwich City’s summer 2021 transfer window as a good one. With one more addition, it could be a perfect one. Please share
Mohamed Elyounoussi
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- #MoiElyounoussi has a ‘lot of confidence’ after ‘decent week’ #SAINSTFC

August 31, 2021
RETURNING Moi Elyounoussi praised Saints' character to battle back twice to take a point against Newcastle, and says he is now playing with "a lot of confidence." The 27-year-old spent two years away from St Mary's on loan at Celtic, before returning to the fray this summer. After featuring during pre-season, Elyounoussi watched on as an unused substitute for Saints' opening two Premier League games against Everton and Manchester United. He came into the side for the Carabao Cup clash at Newport County, netting a hat-trick in the 8-0 win which saw him keep his spot for the trip to Newcastle a few days later. And Elyounoussi struck again at St James's Park. The Norway international's first Premier League goal cancelled out Callum Wilson's opener for the hosts, only for Allan Saint-Maximin to fire the Magpies in front again. But there was time for one late twist as James Ward-Prowse kept his cool to net from the penalty spot, deep into the stoppage time to earn a 2-2 draw, after Adam Armstrong had been fouled by a lunging Jamaal Lascelles. Reflecting on his four-goal haul across the two fixtures, Elyounoussi told the Daily Echo: "It’s been a decent week! Personally I just want to come back and show myself from a better side. "I have come back, had a full pre-season, I’m fit, no injuries, a lot of confidence." On the draw at St James's Park, he added: "One point was fair for both teams. Especially how it ended in the end. "We dominated in the first half, created a lot of chances to go into the lead. "But in the end we showed character to come back twice and get the well deserved point." After Lascelles had tripped Armstrong, no penalty was initially awarded, until VAR Mike Dean advised referee Paul Tierney to consult the pitchside monitor. He duly did and gave a spot-kick, which was slammed home by Ward-Prowse. "I thought straightaway that it was a penalty," insisted Elyounoussi. "Adam was kicked down and when Prowsey stepped up, I think everybody knew that he was going to put it in. So I was very, very confident." The penalty was netted in front of the Saints fans, up high in the stands, after their longest trip of the season to the north east. "They were amazing, they were brilliant," said Elyounoussi. "I love to see so many fans travelling wherever we go, even on Wednesday in the cup game (at Newport). It’s a long trip as well and they were there, they were loud. "It’s really nice to give them something to cheer for on the way back home." Saints head into the international break sitting 13th in the embryonic table, with two points from their three matches.
Graham Potter Brighton
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- #GrahamPotter admits Brighton were not at their best in defeat to Everton #BHAFC

August 29, 2021
Graham Potter felt Brighton were not quite at the races in their 2-0 defeat to Everton at the Amex. Goals in either half from Demarai Gray and Dominic Calvert-Lewin ended the Seagulls 100% start to the season. The hosts did have chances throughout the game with the closest they came to get a goal being Pascal Gross’ free kick which was well saved by the legs of Jordan Pickford despite the England No.1 diving the wrong way. But Potter admits his side were not at their best in the game. Albion's head coach said: “I think the better team won, we were not quite at our maximum which was not for the want of trying, not for the want of attitude. “But we huffed and puffed without really playing to our highest level and when you are playing a team that is in good form like Everton are, that are well organised with good players that it is hard for us to get results and that has been proven today.”