Latest news with #Swansea
BBC News
7 hours ago
- Health
- BBC News
Italy defeat 'a punch in the face'
Wales head coach Rhian Wilkinson has told her side to learn from painful lessons after likening their Nations League defeat by Italy to "a punch in the face".In their final fixture before this summer's European Championships, Wales suffered their heaviest defeat under Wilkinson at the worst possible despite warning her side that "hard moments are coming", Wilkinson insisted they will be better for the loss having taken heart from an improved second half were four down at half-time as their defence crumbled in Swansea and Wilkinson said: "The first-half felt like a punch in the face."Games in this campaign have been really tight, but we haven't had a heavy defeat like this – so that first half was important because who do we want to be?"That second-half is more indicative of the Welsh team we all know. We're going to look back on it as an important moment for us." Wilkinson's side had been defensively impressive for most of their League A campaign, but before a summer in which they will face the Netherlands, France and England in their Euro 2025 group, the former Canada international said Wales were shown what happens when you "tune out"."Italy punished us for every mistake and we have to react faster," Wilkinson said, who included herself and her coaching staff in accepting they needed to learn lessons. "Hard moments are coming; this is a hard thing we're about do, the Euros are going to be very difficult."We're going to have to be at our best and what we have learned is any mistake will be punished."Wales rallied after the interval to give Wilkinson belief there will be no scarring heading towards added: "I told the players at the end we can't say this was a good performance and what happened to us wasn't good."But you do get to choose how you react to adversity. Good teams turn into great teams with how you react. How we finished is something I can be happy and proud of." Fishlock provides 'magic moment' Wales' fans in Swansea were lifted by a wonder goal from Jess Fishlock, a record-estending 47th goal in an unmatched 162 appearances for her home from 35 yards, Wilkinson repeated her appeal to fans to appreciate the 38-year-old while she still wears her country's shirt."With magic moments like that, I hope the Welsh public is aware of the special talent they have and don't take it for granted," Wilkinson said. "Whenever she's on the field something's happening." No risk over goalkeeper Clark Fishlock gained important match minutes off the bench after a recent injury lay-off, while Wilkinson will now wait for news on defenders Rhian Roberts (groin) and Mayzee Davies (knee) before naming her squad for Switzerland on 23 the Wales boss played down concern over goalkeeper Olivia Clark who left the field after a second blow to the head in as many games."She had a significant black eye from the Denmark game and we the did proper protocols for concussion, and we were positive she was in a good spot," said Wilkinson. "But when you hit your head again, you don't take risks. Two head hits in a week is not good so we decided to pull her. She will be assessed appropriately."
Daily Record
12 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Five unwavering Russell Martin Rangers rules from catching Celtic not the focus to player 'bravery'
The leading candidate for the hotseat has some clear viewpoints he will carry with him to Ibrox It's a massive summer of change for Rangers - and Russell Martin looks to be the man who will be at centre of it. The former Southampton boss has moved ahead of Davide Ancelotti in the race for the Ibrox hot seat following the completion of the takeover by US tycoon Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises. The club's new sporting director Kevin Thelwell revealed earlier this week the search for Philippe Clement's successor was reaching an endgame. And should Martin be the man the Glasgow giants name as manager he has already laid out a clear vision of what he expects from his players, the fans and their new owners. Record Sport takes a look at the enduring principles Martin has taken with him through MK Dons, Swansea and to Southampton in his management career. The style of play It's the rigid rule Martin has become associated with - the possession-based style of play that he will not move from. While it produced eye-catching MK Dons, Swansea and Southampton teams - ultimately leading the Saints to the Premier League - he would not escape criticism. Martin would manage just one win as he rigidly stuck to his attacking philosophy but has made it clear he wouldn't change it at Ibrox. Speaking to Coaches' Voice, he said: "My teams are always going to set out with that vision, that utopia of where you want to get to. "I want them to dominate the ball, and I really don't like it when the opposition have the ball for very long. "So we will start with that, then see where maybe we have to compromise, or flex, or adapt, and then see how close we can get to that dream. "I just want to watch a team that I really enjoy watching, because if I'm going to be in this job – and hopefully I will be for a while – I want to stand on the sidelines and enjoy watching my team. I don't want to stand there feeling sick for 90 minutes. "There is so much to be said for being well organised out of possession and for playing on the counter-attack, but it's not what I enjoy." Transfer philosophy The US consortium has ushered in a new era - and fans will be hoping for some big name signings with Jamie Vardy already linked. And while Martin may have targets in mind - he believes there is something more valuable. He told Coaches' Voice: "If you haven't got money, you need time – and time is the most valuable commodity in football. "And if you're not going to buy, then you have to build. We wanted to build with as much detail and care as possible, to get to where we wanted to be." Fan 'patience' is key It's going to be a big summer of change at Ibrox - and Martin knows all too well how important it can be to give players time to adapt to his style. Speaking to Gary Lineker on The Rest is Football last month, Martin said: 'I didn't have that at Swansea [pre-season], so we were playing catch up throughout the season - that's why we got better and better. "That time I had at Southampton, being in from day so important. Without that foundation, it would have looked very different. I hope to be back in pre-season, somewhere. 'Context is important. People forget that in football a lot. The culture of the club, what it's about, what it's been used to. I'm not sure there's certain clubs I could go into and ask for patience, where the goalie's standing on the ball for 25 seconds, but they want it put forward quickly, because that's what they've been used to. I'm aware I've probably limited my job options, somewhat. League position doesn't matter It might not be what Rangers fans want to hear as they look to catch Celtic - but for Martin, these things take care of themselves. It won't be his focus should he be unveiled as Philippe Clement's permanent successor, telling Coaches' Voice when reflecting on his time at Swansea: "We were really clear with the players about the expectation of how the team needed to look, and that we would focus everything on that and not league position. "That's the best bit for me: watching the people you work with, and hopefully playing a part in them growing and developing, and continuing to be as brave as they have been. "I know that's not tangible. It's not like I'm saying I want to finish on this many points or score that many goals, but that's not really how my mind works. "Do we want to finish as high up the league as we can? Of course. If we are able to do that and impact the top end of the league and the playoffs, then brilliant. But I don't spend too much time obsessing over that stuff. "If we can improve the players we have, improve how the team looks and functions, and improve the way the fans feel about that team, then I think we're on the right track." Player 'bravery' is essential It takes a brave player to play under Russell Martin, that to the man himself. He will urged the dressing room to take time on the ball - even if it appears "messy" at times. Pressed about "confusing" players with his messages over possession, he told Sky Sports' Monday Night Football:" I always say to them the better they are and the braver they are the less they'll have to do. "So the better they are in the build-up the more we progress up the pitch. Then the job becomes about keeping the team there and locking in and recycling the ball as much as you can. "But what's happened to every club really early on in the process is when you go in so now it's messy and we can see but I said to them, I can take that one because they want the ball."
Daily Mail
12 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Revealed: Luka Modric and Swansea City, the full story - Real Madrid legend's role in transfers, how club convinced him to invest ...and will he be joining their midfield?
You had to check the date to ensure it wasn't an April Fool. 'Hi Swansea fans, I'm Luka Modric and I'm excited to be part of the journey,' read the update on the midtable Championship club's website.
Wales Online
13 hours ago
- Business
- Wales Online
Swansea City's pursuit of Euro star hits snag as transfer interest confirmed
Swansea City's pursuit of Euro star hits snag as transfer interest confirmed The club are understood to be in the market for additions in a key area Gora Diouf (left) of FC Sion is on the radar at Swansea City (Image: Getty Images ) Swansea City could well miss out on a move for FC Sion centre-back Gora Diouf due to post-Brexit rules. Sources on the continent have confirmed to WalesOnline that the Swans are one of several Championship sides keeping tabs on the 21-year-old defender, while Swiss giants FC Basel are also believed to be interested. It's understood Swansea haven't yet firmed up their interest with an offer at this stage. Indeed, none of the defender's growing list of admirers appear to have made a move yet, but the player's future remains uncertain given he's coming to the end of his current contract. Sign up to the Swansea City WhatsApp service to get breaking news and top stories sent to your phone The prospect of a move to these shores, however, has been described as 'complicated' by one source, amid concerns over the player's ability to be granted a work permit under post-Brexit rules. Under the current guidelines, all foreign players wishing to play in the UK require a work permit before any transfer can be completed, and those permits are allocated using a points system. Points are earned by players through club appearances, international appearances and the quality of the selling club based on the league they play in, as well as their league position and progress in continental competition. Article continues below Players need 15 points to qualify, and it's not known just how many Diouf has amassed at this stage. Diouf has so far played 38 games for Sion, and hasn't yet made a single appearance for Senegal. Whether those figures are enough for him to move to the UK isn't yet clear, but the fact it hasn't been ruled out at this stage suggests Swansea and others may well feel a move is still possible. Indeed, authorities can grant special exceptions to players who fall just short of the necessary threshold, although that decision is at the discretion of an official panel. Interestingly, the possibility of signing a new deal at Sion, while still considered unlikely, hasn't been categorically ruled out. Swansea are certainly likely to be in the market for a centre-back this summer, regardless of what happens with Harry Darling, who's still pondering an improved contract offer from the club, while Wrexham and Birmingham City are also believed to be keeping tabs on the situation. Sign up to our Swansea City newsletter here. Even if Darling decides to stay, Hannes Delcroix's return to parent club Burnley, and the departure of Kyle Naughton means Swansea are still in need of options at the heart of their defence next season, with Ben Cabango currently the only other recognised centre-half in the senior squad. It's understood the offer from the Swans is among the better deals on the table, and there is still some hope that he can be persuaded to stay. However, clearly Swansea's confidence in tying the defender down is waning with each passing day, and the decision will ultimately come down to the player himself. Article continues below In terms of other options, Ricardo Santos has been mentioned by reports elsewhere. The 29-year-old is a free agent after leaving Bolton Wanderers, and the Swans have been touted as possible suitors, although suggestions of a contract offer have been played down by club sources at this stage
Daily Record
15 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Russell Martin has three clear Rangers transfer targets before becoming boss that go beyond Jamie Vardy
The former Southampton boss has some clear favourites that fit his style of play with Martin leading the race to become Ibrox boss Rangers look set to appoint Russell Martin as their new boss – and a clear transfer strategy is already taking shape. The revolution at Ibrox is already under way after US tycoon Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises officially took over the Scottish Premiership giants. And now former Southampton boss Martin is inching closer to becoming manager ahead of Davide Ancelotti. With the new era quickly taking shape, hype is building around what could be achieved with a busy summer ahead. Former Rangers defender Martin could bring his own transfer dossier to the new owners - with the club already said to be among the teams chasing a deal for free agent Jamie Vardy this summer. Swansea centre-back Harry Darling is also out of contract this summer – and has already been signed twice by Martin at MK Dons and then for the Welsh side. The 25-year-old has a contract offer on the table from Swansea but is yet to put pen to paper with reports in Wales suggesting he is set to walk away from the club. That leaves the door open to Darling to reunite with a boss he "loved" in the Scottish Premiership. Speaking after his £1million move to Swansea in 2022, Darling said: 'I was with (Martin) at my last club and we've stayed in contact. I love working with him. 'I know the way the manager plays so it was just a case of getting the deal over the line. I just can't wait to get started. 'Although I'm a ball playing centre-back, my first job is to keep clean sheets, defend well and do that for the team. If I can do that a bit first, then goals are just added extras.' While Rangers will need reinforcements at centre-back this summer with Leon Balogun leaving the club at the end of his deal alongside loanees Neraysho Kasanwirjo and Rafa Fernandes, more firepower will also be essential if Martin wants to dethrone Celtic. Reports south of the border have suggested that Martin has been keen to reunite with Southampton striker Cameron Archer at his next club. The England youth international - who was previously on Rangers' radar back in 2022 - only made the move to St Mary's last summer in a £15million move from Aston Villa. However, after Martin was shown the door in the midst of the relegation scrap, Archer failed to find regular game time and came close to a loan exit for Leeds United in January. After his arrival on the south coast, Archer admitted that the style of play from the boss was a huge factor in leaving Villa Park for the club. He said: "I'm really excited to be here. I had a good chat with the gaffer. Obviously, he told me everything I needed to hear. 'That was one of the main reasons why I'm here, his playing style, his coaching and trying to improve me as a player." The gaffer also made it clear that he was a huge admirer, stating: 'Cameron is a really exciting young talent with huge potential to improve. He's a constant threat with his pace and ability to score goals." A loan move away from the club could be on the cards again - with south coast outlet the Daily Echo reporting a major clearout is on the cards following their Premier League relegation. Saints left-back Ryan Manning is another favourite of Martin's - having played under his for Swansea then Southampton - making far more than 100 appearances playing under the expected Ibrox boss. The Ireland international faces an uncertain future despite being a regular during the doomed Premier League campaign last term. After signing with Southampton, Manning branded his relationship with Martin "the perfect fit". He said: "With the gaffer coming here, knowing his style of football and how he wants his team to play, it felt like a perfect fit for me where the club and the manager lined up." Tune in to Hotline Live every Sunday to Thursday and have your say on the biggest issues in Scottish football and listen to Record Sport's newest podcast, Game On, every Friday for your sporting fix, all in bitesize chunks.
