Seamus Coleman Everton
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Seamus Coleman responds to Frank Lampard praise #EVERTONFC

June 4, 2022
Seamus Coleman provides response to Frank Lampard's Everton dressing room speechSeamus Coleman has responded to the praise that came his way from Frank Lampard, insisting he has not taken too much notice of the kinds words spoken by the Everton boss.After the Blues secured their Premier League status courtesy of a dramatic turnaround at home to Crystal Palace, Lampard singled out the Toffees' captain in the dressing room after the match in front of the rest of the first-team.With one arm around the shoulder of Coleman, the ex-Chelsea coach said: “This fella, let me just say in front of everyone, one of the best people I have ever met as a man and what you are as a player."Reflecting on this moment and how he felt to be spoken of in this manner, the 33-year-old told the Irish Independent : "Listen, it was a tough season for us all, a lot of emotion went into it, all season, and I think a little bit of emotion carried through into that game. Regardless of who my manager is, it’s not changed for me," he said when asked about Lampard's words.To read the full story, click here.Frank Lampard and Seamus Coleman (Image: Photo by Tony McArdle/Everton FC via Getty Images)
Ralph Hasenhuttl
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Ralph Hasenhuttl on giving academy stars opportunity #SAINTSFC

May 31, 2022
RALPH Hasenhuttl insists Saints’ academy talents “know they are seen” and could get an invitation to the first-team pre-season training camps. The players will return to Staplewood Campus towards the end of June to begin gearing up for the 2022-23 Premier League season. Saints have organised a week-long trip to Austria’s Worthersee on Wednesday, July 13, where they will also play a friendly against Bundesliga side Klagenfurt. After their return, Saints are anticipated to play a number of domestic friendlies before the Premier League campaign kicks off on Saturday, August 6. A number of the top talents in the Saints academy are waiting to see how their pre-season plays out before deciding their next steps for the new season. Youngster Thierry Small is expected to be involved in pre-season (Pic: Stuart Martin) The likes of Thierry Small, Kegs Chauke – if he signs a new deal with the club – and Dynel Simeu are all likely to pursue loan moves if they cannot be assured senior gametime. Small, 17, has been a regular fixture in training with the first-team, but was the only B team or under-18 player to get any minutes last campaign. “One, two or three have just trained a few times with us,” Hasenhuttl told the Daily Echo, at the end of the season.  “They know they are seen and they know there is a chance if they perform very well they can get the invitation to train with us. “The good thing is they, meanwhile, know everything about the way we want to play. It is not a stressful situation for them coming up, they can immediately show how good they are.” Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl (Pic: Sean Ryan) After both teams suffered relegation from their respective divisions during 2020-21, both the B team and under-18s instead go into this season on a positive spin. Carl Martin’s under-18s were only denied the Premier League title in the national final by Manchester City, while Dave Horseman’s B missed out on the Premier League 2 Division Two play-offs via goal difference. Hasenhuttl went into the St Mary’s dressing room at full-time of that 2-1 clash with City this month to congratulate the youngsters on an impressive season. “Absolutely. I was first waiting until they are in the dressing room and then telling them this because they deserve to get a clear message from us,” he added. Saints under-18s were Premier League South champions and National runners-up (Pic: Stuart Martin) “Next season they will have to stand up again with another chance, a few players going out of the team, and they have to go again. “More important is sometimes the individual development of the players at this age, more important than titles or winning something, but to have the experience of playing in front of 13,000 in their own ground is something of a little feeling how it is out there.” He continued: “Super match against a super team. There are unbelievable players in that Man City team at every age. They play like the first-team and even look like the first-team sometimes. “But I have seen a very similar situation in the two games where we played against them – they have unbelievable individual quality, but we have unbelievable team spirit. “This was what I was expecting from our team and why they have to be proud of what they have done this season. You can see the identity of our club with the first goal, a ball-win high up the pitch against a team that wants to build up. Kamari Doyle, 16-years-old, is some talent. ✨ #SaintsFC pic.twitter.com/9CZy7J17D4 — Alfie House (@AlfieHouseEcho) May 19, 2022 “We should be proud of this team, when I see tears in their eyes in the dressing room after the game you know that the guys really care about this club and really want to give their best for this team. “This was nice to see, absolutely. Big praise also to the managers who have invested a lot in developing a philosophy for this club. Everybody in this club, Matt Hale, Matt Crocker, all the coaches around this team, the players, amazing – and this is the reward, an outstanding season.”
Premier League Casual Staff
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- EFL chief executive’s stern message to supporters after recent pitch invasions #EPL

May 31, 2022
EFL CHIEF executive Trevor Birch has warned that tougher sanctions for pitch invasions are on the way following a series of incidents. Earlier this month, a Nottingham Forest fan was jailed for 24 weeks after he attacked Sheffield United’s Billy Sharp during the play-off semi-finals. Police investigations are also ongoing in relation to incidents at Northampton’s clash with Mansfield and Port Vale’s fixture against Swindon. “There can be no blurring of the lines or ambiguity with this matter. Simply put, the pitch is for participants and the stands for spectators,” Birch said in an open letter to fans. “The EFL will be working with the various authorities on a series of measures during the close season to help reinforce that message and address the challenge that is being presented to the game. “As part of this work the introduction of tougher but proportionate sanctions will now also have to be considered with your respective club in the early part of next month. “For our part, we will need to discuss what further measures could be introduced for the new season, including the potential use of capacity reductions, financial penalties, or other similar mitigations. “The quickest and most straightforward solution to the problem is for all fans to think before they act and leave the pitch for the teams to play the game. That way there will be no requirement for authorities to get involved and everything can be settled on the field as it should be.” The EFL board is due to meet on June 8, with their annual general meeting taking place two days later. Birch added: “In the opening months of the season, you dealt with the uncertainty of Covid protocols, Covid passes and Covid postponements through the winter, yet despite those challenges, you have returned to show up for your clubs in huge numbers once again,” he said. “Together you have been through the turnstiles almost 20 million times across our competitions and your support has been crucial to clubs as they continue to rebuild their finances following a difficult couple of years.” Keep up to date with our Burnley coverage on social media by joining us on Facebook and Twitter
Graham Potter Brighton
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Newcastle United and Brighton confirm deal for Dan Ashworth #BHAFC #NUFC

May 31, 2022
DAN ASHWORTH is set to become the new sporting director at Newcastle United. Albion and Newcastle United have reached an agreement for the immediate release of Dan Ashworth from his contractual obligations at the Amex. The terms of this agreement, which is subject to regulatory approval, will remain confidential between the clubs. Albion have thanked Ashworth for his time at the club, a statement said: "We would like to thank Dan for his services and wish him well for the future." Back in February Albion manager Graham Potter admitted he was sorry to see Ashworth leave. However, the Albion boss knows life will go on at the Amex Stadium. He said: “There is a good organisation here, a fantastic chairman, good people that have been here before me and Dan were here and they will be here after. “So it is what it is, we will move forward as a club together and we will take on the challenge of life without Dan as best as we can. “From my perspective, I respect Dan and what he has done for us, I respect the decision that he has made and wish him well. “But I know as a football club this club doesn’t rely on one person, it is a real collective strength that we have and that is what I think will take us through.”
Ralph Hasenhuttl
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Ralph Hasenhuttl insists on 35 year old Shane long continuing for another season #SAINTSFC

May 30, 2022
RALPH Hasenhuttl has insisted 35-year-old Shane Long can “keep on going in the summer”, despite his Saints contract coming to an end. He could yet sign renewed terms, but the Irishman looks set to exit St Mary’s after eight years with the club following the conclusion of his deal next month. The veteran forward has played 344 Premier League matches across his career, scoring 56 goals – although only one of those has come in the last two seasons. Long netted twice in 19 appearances across all competitions this campaign – in the FA Cup at Swansea City and versus Everton in the league. And Hasenhuttl thinks the forward can continue playing into next season, where he will turn 36. “From the physical side it is definitely possible for him to keep on going in the summer, definitely,” the Austrian told the Daily Echo. “He is very robust and when you are so quick, yeah you lose a little bit when you get older, but still quick enough for playing as a striker. It is no coincidence that he has played so many games in the Premier League.” Hasenhuttl, who retired from his role as a striker when he was almost 37, continued: “We speak about a different level when I stopped my game – not on this level, I never played on this level, so I do not want to compare him to me. “But I know how it feels when you come to 35, 36 or 37 as a player. I must say that I absolutely love this game to play, and that is the reason why I tried to play for as long as possible. “I think he does the same, he loves this game, he loves to compete, he loves to come here and train every day. It is something extraordinarily beautiful. “He still wants to learn, wants to get better and still wants to improve his game. This is the most beautiful job - better than being a manager!” 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. Don't take my word for it - subscribe here to see for yourself. Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by joining our Facebook group - Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated Facebook group - Hampshire Court and Crime News
Oriol Romeu Danny Ings
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Oriol Romeu expects big summer overhaul in dressing room after multiple bad results #SAINTSFC

May 29, 2022
ORIOL Romeu conceded “if we carry on like this we could really struggle” and is expecting changes made to the Saints squad this summer. The transfer window opens in just two weeks with the St Mary’s faithful anticipating a busy first summer under new owners Sport Republic. The club looked to be making quick progress in 2022 and was targeting a first top-half finish under manager Ralph Hasenhuttl this season, but that is not how it transpired. Saints finished in 15th in the Premier League for a second consecutive season, but even amassed three points fewer (40) than last season’s total. Read more - Southampton part ways with three of Hasenhuttl's coaching staff A number of positions have emerged as problem areas with the expiry of contracts and loan deals, and the lack of fight shown in Saints’ final 12 league games leaves Romeu anticipating player overhaul. “When you are not getting results there is always going to be changes,” the Spaniard admitted. “Especially at the end of the season when there is the window and you can look around and reinforce some areas if you want to. Saints midfielder Oriol Romeu is under contract only until summer 2023 (Pic: PA) “The way we are playing has not been good enough, and we want to head into a better direction and right now it looks like if we carry on this we could really struggle, which is not a feeling you want to have. “There could be changes, we don’t know, we don’t make these decisions but I’m pretty sure that will happen.” The Daily Echo understands sources close to the club expect a 'very busy' summer, with players targeted in 'pretty much every position'. The 30-year-old midfielder, whose own contract is set to expire in June 2023, made his 36th Premier League appearance of the season in Sunday’s 4-1 defeat to Leicester City. “It was heartbreaking to see our fans chanting and singing, being loud and going home with a 4-1 defeat,” he added. Some set of supporters this. 👏 #SaintsFC pic.twitter.com/S4O5xZLk67 — Alfie House (@AlfieHouseEcho) May 22, 2022 “It hurts everyone at the club and hurts them as well. It is annoying to go into the summer now with this defeat.” Saints were on the receiving end of a refereeing error and player confusion with the two sides deadlocked at 0-0, at King Power Stadium. James Maddison scored the opener minutes into the second-half after Jon Moss had mistakenly awarded a drop-ball in Leicester’s favour, with Saints in possession when play was halted. It was sent forward by Leicester goalkeeper, Kasper Schmeichel, pressed by Jamie Vardy and finished by his compatriot. Hasenhuttl confirmed after the match he asked Brendan Rodgers to give his team the goal back in the interest of respect, but this did not happen. Ralph Hasenhuttl in discussion with referee Jon Moss at full-time (Pic: PA) “There were a few things that didn’t go our way, we don’t need to talk too much about decisions and what happened but what we need to do better is once we get that first goal,” Romeu insisted, “But coming back into the game at 2-1 and conceding one or two minutes after, what are you going to do in these moments, you need to keep yourself alive in the game and give yourself some options to come back into the game.” “Very weird,” he added on the Foxes’ opener, though. “We are still talking about it and don’t really understand it. “I tried to block Jamie Vardy and he said I kicked him, I was blocking him. He (Moss) gave them the ball and I don’t know why, because we had it. “It is still our mistake, we gave it away too easily and it was an easy chance for them to score. Then probably from that goal everything changed.” #SaintsFC's Oriol Romeu played 45 minutes during his second cap for Catalonia last night.They beat Jamaica 6-0, playing their first fixture since 2019, and the 30-year-old made his first start. 👏 pic.twitter.com/vyJVpScIy1 — Alfie House (@AlfieHouseEcho) May 26, 2022 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. Don't take my word for it - subscribe here to see for yourself. Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by joining our Facebook group - Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated Facebook group - Hampshire Court and Crime News
Graham Potter Brighton
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Brighton head Paul Walker gives insights on vision of the club #BHAFC

May 29, 2022
All members of Albion’s staff received carefully chosen words of thanks and congratulations when the club’s season ended in style. The appreciative message from chief executive and deputy chairman Paul Barber came very soon after the 3-1 win over West Ham which secured ninth place. Staff were encouraged to appreciate what had happened and to enjoy their summer break. But the message will move on quickly – from “well done” to “follow that”. It has to in an ultra-competitive environment like the Premier League. The Seagulls’ hierarchy revealed an aim three years ago to establish themselves as a top-ten club. But, as was made clear then, that did not mean coming tenth once. Or even ninth. It meant being part of that top ten in all, or most, years on a more consistent basis. They are some way from doing that. One soaring Seagull does not make a summer. But they have made an important breakthrough. So the focus goes back on to the future as Barber himself starts his second decade at the club with a new contract. Technical director Dan Ashworth is off to pastures new, most likely Newcastle and, the hope is on Tyneside, in time for the transfer window. But an otherwise solid, consistent feel about Albion’s structure will only be reinforced by news of Barber’s new deal, which is being described as long-term. He told The Argus: “I strongly believe the best football clubs are built on a good owner, a clear vision, a consistent strategy, high quality people on, off and around the field, and stability. “I’m very fortunate here that we have all of that. “As a consequence, there will always be interest in our staff and players. “We have excellent people in all areas, and every approach we receive for them is a compliment to how the club has progressed, on and off the field.” In his post-season message to staff, Barber described this as “a truly exciting period in our club’s history”. But the message was to now work even harder on and off the pitch to maintain a top-ten placing. Another goal at some stage in the coming years will be to win a trophy. There is also the ongoing effort to establish the women’s team within the top four of the FA WSL. That is another part of Bloom’s vision for the club. Hope Powell’s squad are making progress but have not yet experienced the sort of Eureka moment enjoyed by Graham Potter’s men of late. As the dust settled on that West Ham game and the joyous post-match scenes, Barber told staff: “I know there is nobody prouder than Tony tonight.” Barber’s new deal will make him the third longest-serving executive in a such a role within the Premier League. Susan Whelan has been in a similar role at Leicester City since 2010, when King Power took over the club from Milan Mandaric. BRIGHTON LATEST ON BIDS AND APPROACHES FOR STAR PLAYERS Daniel Levy at Tottenham is way out in front in terms of longevity having been at the helm since 2001. But his role is slightly different as executive chairman rather than CEO. Barber joined Albion in 2012 ahead of a summer also notable for player signings such as those of Bruno, Wayne Bridge and Tomasz Kuszczak as Albion built a side which chased promotion from the Championship.