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Irish Daily Mirror
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Southampton appoint new manager after miserable Premier League season ends
Southampton have ushered in Will Still as their head honcho post relegation to the Championship, with a three-year deal secure following a woeful season that saw them set a new precedent as the first side confirmed for the drop from the Premier League. With a solid rep from his coaching stints in Belgium and France under his belt, the 32 year old has decided to ply his trade on English soil after parting ways with Lens due to personal issues. The Saints revealed Still's arrival on the last day of the top-flight campaign, where he was spotted taking in the atmosphere from the stands at St Mary's. He'll be stepping into the managerial boots vacated by interim gaffer Simon Rusk, who held the fort after Russell Martin and Ivan Juric jumped ship. "I'm extremely proud and excited to have joined Southampton – there is huge potential here and we have a great opportunity to do something special," Still expressed. "The project that has been laid out to me is very impressive and, all together, I believe we can build a clear identity and a very positive future for the team. "I can't wait to meet you, the fans. I look forward to hearing you in voice, and feeling the energy and belief at St Mary's and beyond. I'm eager to get to work this summer and start building a close-knit group that can make everyone proud and ultimately get us back to where we belong; in the Premier League.", reports the Mirror. Still, who was born in Belgium to English parents, had a desire to relocate back to the UK to be nearer to his partner, Sky Sports presenter Emma Saunders, who has been battling health issues. Last year, Saunders revealed she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and more recently suffered a brain infection that resulted in a coma. Despite spending his entire coaching career in Belgium and France, Still is highly regarded and was previously associated with the West Ham job before Graham Potter was chosen to succeed Julen Lopetegui earlier this season. He began his career at Belgian clubs Lierse and Beerschot, then made headlines as Europe's youngest coach in the top five leagues when he took charge of Reims at the tender age of 30 in October 2022. After signing a three-year contract with Lens in June, the French-speaking coach guided the club to eighth place in Ligue 1 before expressing his wish to move to the UK. This summer, Still faces a significant overhaul task at Southampton, with the team expected to undergo major changes following their relegation. Kyle Walker-Peters is among those set to depart on a free transfer, while goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, young talent Tyler Dibling and player of the season Mateus Fernandes have piqued the interest of other clubs.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Fabrizio Romano Confirms Liverpool's Interest in Signing ‘Talented' Defender
Liverpool's transfer radar has once again zeroed in on one of Europe's brightest young defenders, with Ajax's Jorrel Hato firmly on their summer wishlist. The 18-year-old, already capped at senior level for the Netherlands, is drawing increasing attention from top Premier League clubs, and Fabrizio Romano has now confirmed Liverpool's interest is very real. Speaking via his YouTube channel, Romano said:'Let me start with Jorrel Hato, this talented defender from Ajax. For sure, he's a player on the list of Chelsea and Liverpool in the Premier League.''So both clubs are monitoring the player, and for sure he's on the list.' This confirmation follows speculation sparked by Hato's appearance at Anfield earlier this year during Liverpool's 4-1 win over Ipswich Town – a visit initially chalked up to friendly ties with ex-teammate Ryan Gravenberch. But in hindsight, it may have been the start of something more deliberate. With defensive reinforcements high on Liverpool's summer agenda – especially at centre-back and left-back – Hato's positional flexibility offers a compelling solution. He has seamlessly shifted between both roles for Ajax this season, maintaining high standards in both defensive output and build-up play. Ajax academy director Nigel de Jong didn't mince words in his praise, calling Hato:'The most complete defensive product since De Ligt.'This statement is not hyperbole. Hato's metrics reflect an elite-level defensive prospect: Assists per 90: 0.22 (95th percentile) Pass Completion: 89.3% (99th percentile) Clearances: 2.43 (91st percentile) xAG (Expected Assisted Goals): 0.17 (77th percentile) In total, he has contributed 3 goals and 6 assists in 48 appearances across all competitions – exceptional numbers for a defender, especially one still in his teens. As Romano also noted, Chelsea are not far behind in their admiration of the Dutch star. The Blues are tracking the same profile of young, tactically versatile talent. The Reds and Chelsea have clashed repeatedly in the transfer market in recent windows, often chasing similar targets, including Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo. It remains to be seen which club Hato sees as a better fit for his development. Liverpool's recent title triumph under Arne Slot and their more stable project could prove attractive – especially considering Slot's Eredivisie background and potential to fast-track Hato into the starting XI. With Hato reportedly content to wait until the summer before considering a move, all eyes now turn to Liverpool's transfer execution strategy. Ajax have remained firm throughout – refusing to entertain any winter sales – but the summer window presents a fresh landscape. Liverpool's recruitment team have been aggressive yet calculated under their new structure, and Hato fits their model: young, high-ceiling, and tactically flexible. Should the Reds press ahead, it would mark another investment in the future, as well as a strong statement from Slot's newly crowned Premier League champions. There's every reason for Liverpool fans to be excited by this. Jorrel Hato is not just another 'wonderkid' hyped by social media. He's putting up senior-level numbers in one of Europe's most storied development clubs. And with Nigel de Jong comparing him to Matthijs de Ligt – a player Liverpool had previously shown admiration for – it suggests Hato's ceiling is genuinely elite. What's especially encouraging is the versatility. Liverpool struggled in key matches this past season when injuries hit the backline, and having someone who can deputise at left-back and central defence offers priceless cover. Andy Robertson and Virgil van Dijk are no longer spring chickens – and bringing in a young, adaptable defender is a proactive move. With Arne Slot at the helm, Liverpool's Dutch connection only deepens. If there's anyone who can help Hato adapt quickly to the rigours of the Premier League, it's Slot – who not only understands Dutch football culture but has proven he can deliver instant success at Anfield. Given the options in the market, this feels like the perfect blend of quality, affordability, and long-term planning. And let's not ignore the rivalry with Chelsea – winning this tug-of-war would be satisfying on many levels. In short, this feels like more than just transfer noise. It's got the shape of a smart, strategic play. If the club get it over the line, fans should be delighted.
BBC News
04-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
How Bristol City ended wait for shot at the big time
A last-gasp victory against West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday, 8 April seemed to be the turning point when Bristol City fans believed their team could actually - finally - finish in the Championship play-offs for the first time in 17 years. The players had long left the field and all of Ashton Gate had emptied - but the corner of the stadium known as Section 82 was still in full voice as dance anthem 'Freed From Desire' belted out over the tannoy. And why would fans have wanted to go home? Haydon Roberts' 96th-minute strike had given City a 2-1 win against one of their then closest rivals, moving them four points clear in the top six and putting destiny in their own hands for the remaining matches of the five points from their final five games was enough to secure sixth place and for the first time since 2007-08 under Gary Johnson, Bristol City now have the chance to win a first-ever promotion to the Premier League."That was the biggest game of some of the lads' careers, they wouldn't have played in such a pressurised game," boss Liam Manning said, in the wake of Saturday's 2-2 draw against Preston North End. "There's so much around philosophies and identities of dominating the ball and doing this, and doing that, but our identity and our culture and what makes us so strong is our attitude, our will to fight, sticking together, the intensity we work at, the belief we have - the behaviours are so strong. That's what got it over the line."The lads have over and over again showed how much they want it in terms of their actions. I'm so proud of them, I'm delighted for them, they're a special group." Bristol City are one of only five teams in the 2024-25 Championship to have never played in the Premier League, along with Millwall, Oxford United, Plymouth Argyle, and Preston North End. Having earned promotion to the second tier a decade ago, only Preston - who were also promoted in 2015 - have spent as long in the Championship without promotion. The past decade has seen Bristol City consistently a mid-table side - eighth place in 2019 is the closest they have come to the play-offs when they finished four points behind Derby. Last season they were 11th. Manning has 'earned' support by winning Manning's appointment as head coach in November 2023 was not universally welcomed by fans, following the controversial sacking of Nigel at 39 is a young coach who has worked his way up the ranks from West Ham's academy, to coaching in Belgium, managing League Two MK Dons and was at then League One Oxford, but was unproven at Championship level and cut from a different cloth than Pearson."Let's turn the clock back, Nigel Pearson was a popular figure and Liam probably wasn't everybody's choice when he got the job," said former Bristol City midfielder and BBC Radio Bristol analyst Gary Owers."To get into this position where the crowd really have jumped on board and been very, very supportive, he's had to earn that and the only reason he's done that is by winning football matches and improving the position."He's a very intelligent, well-educated coach, he's put the hard yards in to earn his position and clearly he's worked his way through the divisions."There was definitely a period early in his Bristol City career where he was adjusting to the level, but I think he's got that all worked out."There was no bigger showing of how much supporters had taken the head coach as one of their own than following the death of Manning's baby son, Theo, in October, and the fanbase unified behind later said he initially considered quitting, external his role in the wake of his son's death. "I think that galvanised the whole club," Owers added. "We've seen the outpouring of emotion and support that he got from the supporters, and the team took that onto the pitch as well." Turning Ashton Gate into a stronghold On the field, strong home form has been the foundation of City's surge up the table. They sit fourth overall for home form this campaign, with 13 wins, seven draws and only three defeats, with only Leeds, Burnley and Sheffield United bettering them. Since Boxing Day they have lost only once at home in 13 league matches, winning 10. "Making Ashton Gate more of a stronghold has probably been the main reason why they've improved from a mid-table team to potentially a play-off team," Owers said. City's playing squad, however, is the smallest in the Championship with just 24 players used - Burnley have fielded 38. It is also young, with an average age of 25 - only two players are 30 or over, and one of those, Kal Naismith, was loaned to Luton in has been moulding the team into his own over the past 18 months, bringing in Max Bird, Scott Twine, Luke McNally and on-loan George Earthy to become first-team the budget is limited and stringent - no players were brought in during January much to the chagrin of fans. The club does not have a marquee striker or stand-out player, such as midfielder Alex Scott who was sold to Bournemouth in 2023 for a reported £25m. Anis Mehmeti (12) and Nahki Wells (10) - the latter who at 34 is the oldest player in the team - are in double figures for goals this season, but beyond them the goals are shared across another 15 players, most with one or two each. Yet Wells stressed the tight-knit bond and consistency across the squad is what has proved the difference to help push them over the line. "It's all 18, 19 men. It's everyone. We're not solely relying on one individual to get the goals or make a huge difference," Wells has said."Every week there's consistent performance but in the big moments everyone's stepping up and that's what a team really is, and that's what we are as a team."Owers similarly stressed that consistency across the board has been hugely significant."You're probably right they're not going to sell anyone for £10 or 15m at the end of the season," he said."I'd be keen to not underestimate what they represent as a team even though they haven't got that individual that every team would like to have." As the games ticked down in recent weeks, Manning was reluctant to dwell too much on the play-offs until the team were over the line. But speaking on Thursday, his answer to what it would mean to take that step with Bristol City showcased the team spirit that two days later helped get them there. "I've spoken about it openly, the decision I nearly made post what happened and it was the lads and the club that made me come back," Manning said."It's been the toughest year of my personal life, hands down, easy. But at the same point I think probably one of the most rewarding professionally."Everybody plays their part, everybody has their role, we're desperate to get it over the line and want to make it happen but worst case scenario it doesn't, it doesn't change what I feel of the players."I think they're a terrific group of human beings firstly, and a top group of professionals."Ending a 17-year wait to reach the play-offs is the first hurdle Manning and Bristol City have passed. The bigger test now comes with potentially three more matches ahead and a historic promotion to the Premier League on the reporting by James Piercy.
BBC News
03-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Burnley Premier League promotion bus parade route announced
Thousands of Burnley fans will be expected to line the streets of the town on Tuesday to celebrate the Clarets' return to the Premier open-top bus parade will make its way from the Burnley Town Hall to Turf Clarets clinched promotion with a 2-1 win over Sheffield United on 21 April, and will seal the Championship title if they beat Millwall later and rivals Leeds fail to win at manager Scott Parker and his players will appear at the town hall from 18:15 BST for interviews on the balcony before leaving for Turf Moor at 19:00. The journey to the stadium is expected to take about an hour. The squad will be officially welcomed by Burnley Council's chief executive officer Lukman Patel, who said: "It's fantastic to see Burnley FC back where they belong again, in the Premier League."Everyone at the club, and all of the supporters, have done a brilliant job in getting us back into the best football league in the world."When the club is doing well, Burnley and the whole borough seems to be that much brighter and positive, and gives us all such a massive boost."The council said: "We're looking forward to a great day celebrating our town and team, but above all, the safety of our residents is our top priority." What's the parade route? The route, organised by Burnley Council, will take the bus down Manchester Road and on to pedestrianised St James' Street, straight across the crossroads into Yorkshire Street, and finally into Harry Potts Way and Turf players will not be appearing at Turf Moor and no public events are planned at the stadium. What about road closures? The council advises to plan your journey in advance, to avoid these areas if travelling by car, and to follow all steward and signage instructions on the following roads will be closed to vehicles on Tuesday 6 May, from 09:00 to 21:00 BST:Harry Potts Way, Burnley for its entire lengthUnnamed road to the side of 114 Brunshaw Road, Burnley for its entire lengthYorkshire Street, Burnley from Todmorden Road to Centenary WayCentenary Way, Burnley from Yorkshire Street to Gunsmith PlaceGrimshaw Street, Burnley for its entire lengthElizabeth Street, Burnley for its entire lengthThomas Street, Burnley for its entire lengthNicholas Street, Burnley for its entire lengthDugdale Street, Burnley for its entire lengthManchester Road, Burnley from Finsley Gate to St James's StreetSaunder Bank, Burnley for its entire lengthHargreaves Street, Burnley from Manchester Road to St James's RowOrmerod Street, Burnley from Hargreaves Street to Bull StreetBull Street, Burnley for its entire lengthHall Street, Burnley for its entire lengthYorkshire Street, Burnley from Centenary Way to Hall StreetChurch Street, Burnley from Chapel Street to Yorkshire StreetSt. James's Street, Burnley from Manchester Road to Hall StreetCroft Street, Burnley for its entire lengthRed Lion Street, Burnley for its entire lengthParker Lane, Burnley for its entire lengthThe following roads will be closed to vehicles and pedestrians:Yorke Street, Burnley for its entire lengthOrmerod Street, Burnley from Yorke St to Hargreaves StreetClosed to pedestrians:Definitive right of way FP1201197 (Burnley) (canal towpath) Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on BBC Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer.
BBC News
02-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Howe on Joelinton's fitness, Willock and looming transfer window
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Brighton (kick-off 14:00 BST).Here are the key lines from his news conference:Howe said it is unlikely Joelinton to play again this season, but he would not rule it out entirely: "He had a bit of discomfort in his knee last week before the game so he sought specialist opinion. The opinion was it was nothing serious but he needed a period of rest, so he's now in Brazil."He described Joe Willock as a "like-for-like replacement" for the injured midfielder: "He's got goalscoring instincts, is an attack-minded player, very quick and athletic, a good ball carrier. No doubting his quality but he probably needs that run of games to be at his very best, so hopefully he can show that."On Sven Botman's fitness: "He came through last weekend OK. He trained again this week and looks good, so it's been positive to have him back."Howe said he expects the race for Champions League football "to go down right to the end", adding: "You look at the teams in and around us and it's full of top quality. We have four games left but we can only look at ourselves. You can't look at other teams and results."Anthony Gordon's knee issues are "not too bad", with Howe adding: "He's had a full week of training and looks better physically. The main thing for him is to try to focus on his performance and be at the levels he has for the majority of the season."He was asked about William Osula, who scored his first Premier League goal for the Magpies last week: "For us, it's about being consistent with our development of him. Not everybody has his ability and his attributes, so it's about honing those skills and making sure we continue to get him ready for the rigours of the Premier League."On the upcoming transfer window: "Even though we haven't signed a lot of players in the past few windows, the work doesn't stop - and will never stop. I take more prominence towards the window opening so I am doing a lot of the work at the moment."Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football newsListen on Brighton v Newcastle on BBC Radio 5 Live at 14:00 on Sunday
