Graham Potter Brighton

#PLStories- #GrahamPotter releases Brighton defender #AlexCochrane to join Hearts on loan #BHAFC

The 21-year-old will link up with Scottish Premiership outfit, subject to international clearance. He spent last season on loan at Tony Bloom’s Belgian club Royale Union Saint-Gilloise. Albion's pathway development manager David Weir, who oversees the club's loan programme, said: “Alex had a really positive spell in Belgium last season and showed how well he can adapt to a different culture and club. MOISES CAICEDO JOINS ECUADOR CELEBRATIONS AFTER INJURY SCARE “He will get to work closely with Robbie Neilson, who was a full-back himself during his playing career and will have plenty of knowledge he can pass on to Alex. “Myself and the loans team will be keeping a close eye on how Alex gets on over the next year and we wish him the best of luck.”
Ben White Leeds

#PLStories- #BenWhite says he doesn’t discusses transfer ‘noise’ #BHAFC

Ben White says he doesn’t talk about transfer “noise” while on England duty. The Albion defender has been linked with Arsenal amid reports of a failed £40 million bid. There was suggestion on Thursday that a deal was close with the Gunners. However The Argus were told that was NOT the case – and that White has attracted interest from several clubs. It is a second successive summer of transfer speculation around the defender, who is with Gareth Southgate’s 26-man party at Euro 2020. White suggested it was nice to be wanted as he spoke to talkSPORT as a part of his England media commitments. He said: “It’s nice. It has happened quite a lot over the last two years, there’s been a lot of noise.” Asked whether he talks about it with other England players, he replied: “Not really. “You don’t know what’s true and what’s not. So there’s no real point talking about it.” Albion are in no rush to do business and have no particular need or desire to sell White.
Jannik Vestergaard

#PLStories – #JanBednarek appreciates the qualities of #JannikVestergaard in Denmark and Southampton team #SaintsFC

JAN Bednarek described as “a really intelligent player” his Saints central-defensive partner Jannik Vestergaard - as the great Dane looks to keep alive his Euro 2020 dream on Saturday. Vestergaard has featured in all of Denmark’s group fixtures at the international tournament and will be looking to line-up against Wales in the last-16 in Amsterdam. The 28-year-old played the full 90 minutes at Parken Stadium on Monday, as the Danes qualified for the knockout rounds after a dramatic 4-1 victory over Russia. Bednarek’s Poland suffered elimination from the competition after picking up just one point from three group games. But, speaking before the tournament, Bednarek outlined how he felt he could improve as a player at Saints lining up alongside Vestergaard. Asked about working alongside Vestergaard by the Daily Echo, Bednarek said: “I think he’s a really intelligent player. He has a lot of qualities with the ball. “He can really make great passes in behind their defensive line. “I think I can improve by the side of him and I can really learn from him. That’s the most important thing. “We just try together new things and try to improve and learn from him.” Vestergaard played 30 times in the Premier League for Saints last season, having been named in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s starting XI on 29 occasions. The Dane has been linked with a move away from the south coast in the past, but became a regular starter under Hasenhuttl last campaign. Vestergaard joined Saints for £18million from Bundesliga outfit Borussia Monchengladbach in 2018. It is understood his current contract is set to expire in the summer of 2022. Asked back in April whether he had made it clear to Vestergaard how much he wanted him to stay, Hasenhuttl replied: “I think he feels at the moment, as a leader on the pitch. “When he performs well and shows the form he has shown after the summer break, where he was physically very strong, then he can be definitely one of the better centre-backs in the Premier League. “This is very helpful for us and he knows this. I think in the end, he knows that we are happy he is here. “We didn’t always have such a good time together. He was also struggling, like we all have during these two-and-a-half years since I’ve been here. “But especially this season he has shown some very good qualities and has developed his game massively. He still knows that we want to have him here. “We are in negotiations with him and, hopefully, we will find a solution that is best for both of us.”
Ralph Hasenhuttl

#PLStories – #KayneRamsay happy to leave Southampton on loan #SaintsFC

DETERMINED Kayne Ramsay insisted now was the time for him to “show everyone what I can do” after joining Crewe Alexandra on a season-long loan deal. The 20-year-old full-back signed a two-year contract extension at Saints in February, but is looking to get more game time under his belt with the Alex next season. Speaking about the deal, he told the Crewe website: “I am extremely happy. I have been wanting to do this for a while now. “I have been dying to get out and get minutes and show everyone what I can do in, hopefully, a season of 40-plus games and get cracking to be honest.” Right-back Ramsay progressed through the ranks at Saints having joined from Chelsea in 2017. He made two senior appearances for the club during the 2020-21 campaign. He played 90 minutes during the infamous 9-0 defeat at Manchester United in February, before coming off the bench in Saints’ 3-0 FA Cup quarter-final win at Bournemouth. Ramsay also played 11 times for the club’s B Team in Premier League Two, as well as twice in the EFL Trophy. But the Londoner believes a campaign in the cut-and-thrust of League One will help enhance his career. “When I was looking at options, when I was speaking to Southampton, they said this was the best club for you to go and develop – especially as a young full-back,” he said. “This past year I have been in and around Southampton’s first team. “I think I’ve learned the other side of the game, the patience and to deal with certain pressures and the different sides of the game when you are not playing and how to deal with it. “Now I think I’ve actually just got to go and play. I am at that age where it’s important I go and get minutes in the league. “This is the right league for me. If I’d have gambled and went to the Championship and maybe didn’t play – where I can go to League One and show what I can do and see if I am able to cope with it.” Ramsay added: “In the past I have made mistakes where I could have looked back and think ‘I shouldn’t have done that there’ in these past two years. “Now you’ve just got to focus, you’ve only got one chance at this and you’ve just got to take it.”
Kyle Walker Peters

#PLStories- #KyleWalkerPeters says ‘It’s always great when you know the manager trusts you’ #SAINTSFC

FLYING full-back Kyle Walker-Peters reflected on his first full season with Saints and insisted: “It’s always great when you know the manager trusts you.” The 24-year-old played 10 times for Saints on loan from Tottenham during the second half of the 2019-20 campaign before going on to seal a £12million move to the south coast last summer. Walker-Peters played a key role in Saints’ fortunes under Ralph Hasenhuttl last season, starting 30 times in the Premier League in total. He registered assists against the likes of Fulham and Brighton as well as his old club Spurs, as Hasenhuttl’s men recorded a 15th-placed top-flight finish. Asked how he assessed his first full season at St Mary’s, Edmonton-born Walker-Peters told the Daily Echo: “I think I’ve done well. I think the manager showed a lot of faith in me. “He has played me in the majority of the games, if not all the games when I have been available. “I think I am repaying him and showing his faith and long may it continue. “It’s always great when you know the manager trusts you and shows faith in you - it gives you that confidence and that’s what I’m playing with. “I am playing with a lot of confidence and a lot of freedom. Hopefully, I keep repaying him and keep playing games.” As well as his league appearances, Walker-Peters played a key part in Saints’ journey to the semi-finals of the FA Cup last term. He featured in victories over Arsenal, Wolves and Bournemouth before Hasenhuttl’s men were eventually knocked out by Leicester at Wembley. Saints got a taste of fans being back in stadiums during that last-four encounter, as well as having 8,000 of their own supporters back for their final home game of the season against Leeds. And, providing it is safe to do so, Walker-Peters is eager for bigger attendances when the Premier League kicks off in August. “It’s always nice to have the fans here (at St Mary’s). When you walk out and you hear them singing, it always gives you that extra bit of motivation,” said the defender. “Hopefully more and more can come back.” Walker-Peters has been pictured via social media training in Dubai ahead of the start of the new campaign.
Nathan Collins

#PLStories- #NathanCollins first words after completing Burnley move #BURNLEYFC

Burnley have completed the signing of highly-rated Stoke centre-back Nathan Collins. The 20-year-old has joined the Clarets for an undisclosed fee, believed to be at least £12million, signing a four-year deal with the option of a further year. He arrives at Turf Moor having made 49 first-team appearances for Stoke, 39 of those in the Championship. After becoming Burnley’s first summer signing, Collins said: “I want to play in the Premier League. It’s going to be a jump but I think I can be ready for it. “Every season they go into it, Burnley look dangerous. They can always hurt teams and it’s a really attractive team to come and play for. “I want a challenge. That’s why I play football – to challenge myself and I can’t wait to get going. “I want to play big games, I want to play against these players – I really can’t wait. “Looking at Burnley, looking at what they’ve done in the last few seasons and what they want for the future; everything played a part. “I think they do have big expectations at this club and I want to be part of it.” The Republic of Ireland youth international, who can also play at right back, was wanted by the Clarets in January and now they have got their man. He last played in February due to a foot injury but is now back to full fitness. And Collins may not be the only defender to arrive in this window with Burnley also linked with Liverpool’s Nat Phillips after his Anfield breakthrough last season.
Anguss Gunn

#PLStories- Saints Goalkeeper #AngussGunn says Norwich move is a ‘dream come true’ after finalising Saints departure #SAINTSFC #NCFC

GOALKEEPER Angus Gunn described as a “dream come true” his return to Norwich City after his exit from Saints was confirmed. The 25-year-old put pen to paper on a four-year contract at Carrow Road having signed for a reported £5.5million from St Mary’s, with add-ons meaning the move could rise to £10m. Gunn joined Saints for £10m from Manchester City in July 2018, following a successful loan spell with the Canaries. He went on to play 30 times in all competitions for the south coast side, conceding 52 times and keeping eight clean sheets. But having grown up in Norfolk as a Norwich City fan, the former England under-21 international admitted his delight in getting the deal completed. Speaking to canaries.co.uk, Gunn said: “It’s a dream come true. “When I came back on loan, that was something I really wanted to do but it wasn’t permanent. “Now, coming back as a permanent signing feels more real and I can’t wait to see a full Carrow Road, hopefully at the start of the season. “I can’t wait to see that atmosphere and be there for the first game of the season.” Gunn played in goal during Saints’ infamous 9-0 home defeat to Leicester City at St Mary’s in October 2019 – a game which would be his final league appearance for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men. He would go on to play three more times in the FA Cup – his final appearance for Saints came in a 3-2 defeat at Tottenham on February 5, 2020. Gunn was loaned out to Stoke City in the Championship last season, where he featured 15 times and kept six clean sheets. A post on Saints’ website read: “The club would like to thank Angus for his service and wish him all the very best for the future.” Asked whether the plan had always been to look for a move away from Saints this summer, the goalkeeper replied: “There wasn’t really a plan. “My old club wasn't looking to have me back, so we had a few conversations over the past year and obviously I know a lot of the staff here, so I’m delighted to get the deal done and I’m really looking forward to coming back.” Gunn has played 22 times in the Premier League, all of his appearances coming during his time at Saints. But he believes his time spent at England’s elite level can help as part of the setup with Daniel Farke’s promoted Canaries. He added: “When I first went to Southampton, I had to bide my time and by the end of the season I thought I’d done a good job and helped them stay in the league. “Hopefully, there will be many more players coming in (at Norwich) this summer. “I want to add something to the group, make bonds with everyone and make sure we’re a strong team.” Gunn could feature against Saints when they host Hasenhuttl’s side on November 20, before an away trip to St Mary’s is scheduled for February 26.
Danny Welbeck

#PLStories- Brighton striker #DannyWelbeck signs new deal #BHAFC

The former England striker has signed a new one-year deal. He was a big hit with the Seagulls last term after signing as a free agent a few weeks into the campaign. His performances attracted interest from elsewhere this summer but the Seagulls have kept their man. Head coach Graham Potter said: “We’re delighted that he’s with us for next season. “Danny has demonstrated what is expected of a top professional from the moment he arrived here. As soon as the season finished, extending his stay at the club was a top priority. FORMER BRIGHTON BOSS OSCAR GARCIA SECURES NEW JOB IN FRANCE “He is a brilliant role model to have around the place and his experience at the very top end of the game is invaluable for helping us continuing to improve as a team.”
Graham Potter Brighton

#PLStories- #DavyPropper leaves Brighton to re-join PSV Eindhoven #BHAFC

Brighton midfielder Davy Propper has ended his four-year stint on the South Coast and re-joined his former side PSV Eindhoven for an undisclosed fee. The 29-year-old joined Albion in August 2017 and was a regular in the Albion starting XI in his first three years with the club making 95 appearances in the Premier League. But a number of injuries saw him make just 11 appearances in all competitions last season. In total the Dutch international made 121 appearances for the Seagulls, scoring twice.  He was also part of the Seagulls side that reached the Emirates FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley in 2019, before being beaten by the eventual winners Manchester City. Head coach Graham Potter said: “Davy has been great to work with during my two years here and he has played an important role in maintaining the club’s Premier League status since he joined the club. “He is well thought of around the club and it was frustrating for both him and I that he had a number of setbacks with injuries last season. "This move gives him the chance to hopefully play more regularly and we wish him the best of luck with his future career."
Stuart Armstrong Southampton

#PLStories – #StuartArmstrong reveals his confidence about prospects of #Scotland in #Euro2021 #SaintsFC

STUART Armstrong believes Scotland are "steadily getting better" and insists "it's all to play for" for his nation tomorrow. Scotland host Croatia in their final Euro 2020 Group D match at Hampden Park, still with a chance of progressing to the knockout stages. Steve Clarke's side were beaten 2-0 by Czech Republic in their opening fixture, before producing an impressive display to draw 0-0 with England at Wembley Stadium on Friday night. All eyes will now be on Hampden Park tomorrow (8pm), with Scotland still able to finish on four points, which should be enough to see them qualify in second or third place in the group. The Tartan Army are currently bottom of the pile with one point, but only behind Croatia on goal difference. Top-two England and Czech Republic face off at Wembley at the same time, both currently on four points. "After the first game there was obviously a lot of disappointment surrounding the result," said Saints midfielder Armstrong. "So we knew we had to get something from the game (against England), be that one point or three points. So to come away with what we set out to achieve was obviously massive for us. "It sets us up for the final game of the tournament, keeps us in it. "I think we're quietly sticking to our gameplan, building on our past two performances. We're steadily getting better. "It's a simple game on Tuesday - it's a must-win for both teams. So it should prove exciting, it should be open, at times. It's all to play for." He added: "There's a lot of expectation on the game. I don't think there's too much depth to the thinking behind it. "It's simple for both teams. They'll both be wanting to win and a draw is no good to anyone. It's pretty straightforward thinking." Armstrong started the opening game against Czech Republic before coming off the bench for the final 15 minutes against England. Discussing his own performances so far, the 29-year-old said: "The Czech Republic game was difficult. They defended really well and were man-marking almost. So it was difficult and quite frustrating. "Wembley was obviously open and it was a different type of role. It was to bring the ball out of pressure and give that little bit of rest. "At these big tournaments you just need to help the team in any way you can. Any minute I do play on the pitch, I'll be aiming to do that." Asked if he feels he's done enough to earn a start against Croatia, Armstrong added: "I don't think we think like that as players. I think because it's a massive tournament and it's a squad, when you do get the opportunity to play, you do everything you can for the team in any way you can." Che Adams earned praise for his performance against England on Friday, receiving a standing ovation from the Scotland fans. And Saints team-mate Armstrong was also impressed by the striker's display. He said: "I thought he was excellent at Wembley. A really good performance. A hard performance against good quality defence. "So it was really pleasing for me to see him perform so well. I've obviously seen that every week at Southampton, so to get on the pitch together would be nice and to link up. "As long as the ball goes in the net, I'm not too bothered!"