Southampton FC: Patriotism

[Maximus94]

Costa Makes Enemy in Mourinho


Chelsea's leading man, and Chelsea's leader lock horns​

ESPN Journalist: Diego Costa’s Chelsea future is up in the air after a row between him and José Mourinho broke out in the dressing room following Chelsea’s shock 1-0 loss to Southampton at Wembley. Costa, who leads the Premier League’s goal scoring tally with 24 goals in 32 appearances, came on as a halftime substitute to win the game, or so Mourinho hoped. Instead, Costa was penalised and booked for diving in the penalty area not once, but twice. It is not clear whether the volatile striker wants to stay at the club, or if Mourinho wants to keep his leading man, but what is certain is that the list of potential suitors interested in the availability of the player would be a long one.

 

[Maximus94]

Southgate Signs New Contract


The architect: Southgate's Southampton have impressed his season​

BT Sport Journalist: Southampton manager Gareth Southgate has extended his contract at St Mary’s until 2018 following his team’s strong form this season. The deal is believed worth between 50-60K per week, with bonuses should his team qualify for the Champions League, or win the FA Cup. Southgate spoke of the contract extension exclusively to BT Sport:

“I’m delighted the board trusted me with this position in the first place, and this extension is just the icing on the cake. So far, looking back at what we’ve accomplished this season and where we sit in the table, I’m extremely proud. We’re on track for European football in our first season together, and have a FA Cup to look forward to in a month. I really believe in what we’re doing here as a club, and in time, the national team, as well as Southampton will reap the rewards.” – Gareth Southgate

 

[Maximus94]

[h=1]May 2015 Review[/h]

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Premier League

Southampton 2-1 Sunderland
Ince (17), Lambert (21), Fletcher (pen 44)

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Premier League

Hull City 3-1 Southampton
Brady (2), Sterling (32), Livermore (36), Ben Arfa (44)

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Premier League

Southampton 3-0 Swansea
Zaha (28), Ince (55), Berahino (90)

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Premier League

Southampton 0-1 Manchester City
Yaya Toure (pen 37)

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View attachment 304578​

 

[Maximus94]

[h=1]Premier League Awards[/h]

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Football Writes Footballer of the Year
Juan Mata
14 goals, 19 assists, in 36 appearances

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Professional Footballers' Association Players' Player of the Year
Eden Hazard
11 goals, 11 assists, in 29(2) appearances

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Golden Boot
Diego Costa
25 goals in 28(7) appearances

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Professional Footballers' Association Players' Young Player of the Year
Wilfried Zaha
9 goals, 15 assists in 28(3) appearances

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Golden Gloves
Tim Howard
38 conceded, 15 clean sheets, in 37 appearances

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Manager of the Year
José Mourinho
88 goals scored, 28 goals conceded, 76% win ratio​

 

[Maximus94]

FA Cup Final Preview


A clash of the heavyweight and the up and comer​

BBC Sport Journalist: Today, thousands of Southampton fans will make the trip north to London, while thousands of United fans will head south to see their teams face off against one another in the FA Cup final tomorrow evening. Southampton, who have surprized many with their impressive league position and tactical versatility will be hoping to bring home their second FA Cup, after their first in 1976, against United. While United will play for their 12th FA Cup, the last of which came over 10 years ago in 2004. The two have faced each other 4 times this season, with United coming out on top in 3, scoring 8 and conceding only 2. Louis Van Gaal’s squad should be predictable, with superstars Rooney, van Persie, and Mata all available. Though, the likes of Falcao, Carrick, and Di María have all been ruled out through injury. On the other hand, Gareth Southgatecould likely be experiencing selection headaches, beginning with their goalkeeper. Following Fraser Forster’s mid-season injury, his deputy Jack Butland has been in stellar form, keeping him out of the side. Many goalkeepering experts agree that the two are evenly matched overall, but Forsteris the better shot-stopper, whereas, Butlandis better in the air. Given, United have played very narrow football this season, it is possible Forsteris the better choice. Though, if their wing-backs are able to get crosses into Rooney and van Persie, perhaps Butlandis the better option. Another headache is that of who to play on the left wing. Raheem Sterling is Southampton’s most talented player without a shadow of a doubt, but similar to the situation between Butland and Forster, Tom Ince has deputised and impressed in the absence of the first choice Sterling. Before succumbing to injury,Sterling was untouchable cutting in from the left touchline, now, Ince has a decent chance to start in the Final.

Zaha will have to watch the Final from the stands​

Unfortunately for Southampton, their top performer this season will be unavailable to them, as Wilfried Zaha is unable to play against his parent club whilst he remains on loan. It is likely that either Adam Lallana or Jay Rodiquez, both of whom have been secondary figures this season, will start on the right. Or, although it is not is best position, Sterling could play as a winger to supply Berahino up front, in the absence of inform Rickie Lambertthrough injury. Hopefully, the loss of Zaha will not impact upon the game as much as some fans anticipate, and the clash will be as close as last season’s nail biter between Arsenal and Hull.

 

[Lippo255]

Good luck mate, bring that trophy home!!!

 

[Maximus94]

FA Cup Final Live Score

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Manchester United Starting Line Up:
GK: De Gea RB: Rafael CB: Jones CB: Rojo LB: Blind CM: Fellaini CM: Fletcher CM: Herrera AMC: Mata ST: van Persie ST: Rooney

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Southampton Starting Line Up:
GK: Forster RB: Clyne CB: Stones CB: Caulker LB: Shaw CDM: Cork CM: Lampard CM: Ward-Prowse RW: Sterling LW: Ince ST: Berahino

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Manchester United 1-0 Southampton
Rooney gets in behind the Saint's defence from a point-point 25 yard pass from Juan Mata, Forster saves the one on one! But can only parry it, the ball falls to Mata in space on the 18 yard line,facing an empty net. United go a goal up! Mata slots the ball in on the edge of the area seconds before half-time!

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Manchester United 1-1 Southampton
Caulker rises highest off of a Rooney cross to the far post, Ward-Prowse picks it up in his own third with space to run into. He finds Lampard on the halfway line, who hits a first time ball to Berahino who drops short. Berahino plays it to Sterling in space on the right flank, Lampard has continued his run! Sterling whips it in low, Lampard fires it first time! Goal! Southampton pull level as Lampard sprints over to Sterling to celebrate! A trademark Lampard run into the area to finish it neatly into the far top corner. Against the run of play, Southampton have pulled off a perfect counter attack to draw level in the 62nd minute.

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Manchester United 2-1 Southampton
Mata finds himself space 30 yards out from goal, surveys his opinions, chips the ball to the left corner flag with no-one in sight. Clyne who tucked in charges out to it, as Blind flys up the flank to meet Mata's ball. It's a foot race between the full backs, but Blind has the head-start! Blind fires in ball across first time, van Persie is free at the front post! van Perise rises in the 6 yard box! Save! Incredible point blank save from Forster! The ball drops...Ashely Young gets to it first. Goal! Young fires the ball in from 3 yards. Southampton now have 20 minutes to save the contest as Jay Rodriguez and Adam Lallana are called from their warm-ups by Southgate.

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Full Time

Manchester United 2-1 Southampton

Mata (45), Lampard (62), Young (71)​

 

[Lippo255]

Heart-breaking! :'(

Sure you'll be back bigger & better next year though!

 

[stormart]

Ah man! That's unfortunate. I hope you will go from strength to strength. Really enjoying this story, great job!

 

[Maximus94]

Champions League Final

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Barcelona Starting Line up:
GK: ter Stegen RB: Montoya CB: Piqué CB: Mathieu LB: Alba CDM: Busquets CM: Xavi CM: Rakitic RW: Suárez LW: Neymar ST: Messi

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Shakhtar Startling Line Up:
GK: Pyatov RB: Srna CB: Kucher CB: Rakitskyi LB: Shevchuk CM: Carmona CM: Fred AMC: Alex Teixeira RW: Douglas Costa LW: Taison ST: Luiz Adriano

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Barcelona 5-1 Shakhtar
Rakitskyi (7), Mathieu (44), Suárez (50), Xavi (62), Messi (65), Piqué (79)

Shevchuk (52)​

 

[Jedd95]

That was a fantastic read. Well done I enjoyed that.

Also, ignore all the people moaning about all the changes - I enjoyed it.

 

[Maximus94]

Heart-breaking! :'(

Sure you'll be back bigger & better next year though!

Ah man! That's unfortunate. I hope you will go from strength to strength. Really enjoying this story, great job!

Thanks a lot guys. I'm sure you're right, all the young players will develop further so our squad should be stronger next season. Hopefully the Europa League will be a blessing, not a hindrance

That was a fantastic read. Well done I enjoyed that.

Also, ignore all the people moaning about all the changes - I enjoyed it.

Thank you mate! Stay tuned though, I don't plan on stopping or slowing down updates any time soon.

As for those who initially voiced their opinion over all the changes, I think they've come around now. It was a lot to get their heads around given all the changes. Hopefully, my presentation and writing has won them over

 

[Maximus94]

[h=1]Southampton Purchase Zaha[/h]

The steal of the season?​

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ESPN Journalist: Southampton have confirmed the permanent signing of last seasons surprise package, Wilfried Zaha. The PFA Young Player of the Season has moved from United to the Southampton for a steal at only 7.5M pounds, due to the fee being arranged as part of his loan move to Southampton. Though nothing has been said from inside the United camp as to whether they wished to hold onto the player, it is believed United were not prepared to offer him a new contract, given their ideal choice of formation. One source close to the Southampton camp has stated that Zaha and his agent pushed negotiations between him and the club to the 'extremes.' Demanding the same pay as Southampton's talisman, Raheem Sterling who earns 100K per week. With European football this season, it is likely more will arrive on the south coast as the club look to add more players to the squad.

 

[Tracz]

Id say a good season over all,
Im sure the europa league will help with the players development,
A bargain getting zaha for such a low fee, cant wait to see what young english talent is coming through the door this summer,

 

[Maximus94]

[h=1]Bertrand Signs for Southampton[/h]

Bertrand becomes Southampton's second signing this summer

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BT Sport Journalist: Following on from Wilfried Zaha’s permanent move to Southampton, their second and final loan signing of last season, Ryan Bertrand has also move his stay permanent. The 26 year old joins for 10Mpounds, as was agreed upon in a clause in the left backs loan move from Chelsea. Bertrand appeared 16 times in the league for Southampton last season, proving to be a useful deputy to Luke Shaw, who missed the start of the season through injury.

 

[Average Joe]

Just caught up on this, brilliant layout and great effort!

 

[Maximus94]

[h=1]Southampton F.C Announce 2015/2016 Pre-Season Tour Destinations[/h]
Southampton will spend 5 days in the south of France, playing 1 major club


7 days will then be spent in Spain, playing 2 La Liga clubs


Then the squad will fly to Italy for 7 days, playing 2 major clubs


Completing the tour is a trip to Australia, to play 2 A-League clubs​

 

[Maximus94]

[h=1]Osvaldo Finally Departs[/h]
A fresh start for Osvaldo

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Goal Journalist: Pablo Dani Osvaldo has joined French side Saint-Étienne for a fee of 8.25M pounds. The Italian ended a dismal period in his career by leaving Southampton, where he was first loaned to Juventus by Mauricio Pochettino due to his role in a training ground altercation. Then,Gareth Southgate's 'England only' policy saw the striker loaned to Inter after failing to attract an acceptable transfer fee last summer, where he again failed to live up to his 12.M pound price tag, only netting 6 goals in 39 appearances in Italy. The Saint-Étienne faithful will hope Osvaldo rejuvenates his career at the club by finding the goal for them, something lacking for them last season, which saw them finish 11th in the league, their worst performance in 6 years.

 

[Maximus94]

Southampton Pre-Season 2015/16

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Marseille 1-1 Southampton

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Deportivo 0-3 Southampton

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Valencia 1-1 Southampton

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Napoli 2-2 Southampton

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Roma 1-3 Southampton

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Oxford 0-2 Southampton

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Brisbane Roar 2-5 Southampton

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Sydney FC 1-4 Southampton​

 

[Maximus94]

Transfer Deadline Day



Manchester United decision to make Falcao's move permanent for 46.5M pounds stood as the largest deal this summer

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Mats Hummels has put years of speculation behind him and moved to Read Madrid for 32.5M pounds

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Koke's 31.5M pound move to United rounded out the top 3 deals

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Other deals included:
Dani Carvajal to PSG for 27.5M
Gervinho to PSG for 26M
Leonardo Bonuccito Manchester City for 25M
Antonio Candreva to Monaco for 23M
Thiago to Chelsea for 22.5M
Asier Illarramendito Bayern for 21M
Álvaro Negredo to Valencia for 20M