OptiNews - Friday 02 to Thursday 08 March 2018

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Sourced from Daily Echo article

Free pies for Saints fans! (But only if you do a bit of running)

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SAINTS fans are being offered a free pie – in return for just an hour or so of their time and energy.

The tempting treat is part of an initiative to raise cash for an important cause and Sotonians have been asked to help.

As reported, Saints fans will be travelling to Wigan to see their team take on The Latics – or pie-eaters as they are known.

But the date for the FA Cup quarter-final – March 18 – clashes with a major running event expected to attract thousands of people.

Now organisers of the Run Wigan Festival have contacted the Daily Echo to put a call-out to our readers asking if they too will sign up for the half marathon, the 5k or the family run before taking their seats at the DW Stadium for the match.

If they do they’ll get a goodie bag, a medal and a free pie.

But they’ll also come away from the match knowing that whatever the final score they will have done their bit for charity.

The Run Wigan Festival was set up to raise cash for young Jack Johnson, who suffers from duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) – one of the most common fatal genetic disorders to affect children around the world.

A muscle wasting disease, it reduces life expectancy drastically and could mean that Jack – who is just ten now – will be in a wheelchair by the age of 15.

Jack’s uncle Matt Johnson said: “You can’t go to Wigan and not have a pie. We’re famous for them. So it was Jack’s idea to offer everyone who takes part in any of the runs on the day a pie for finishing. But it’s also because he wanted to let people know that he appreciates everyone supporting him.

“There’ll be a European food festival and music in the town centre as well before the match.”

So far joiningjack.org has raised over £2m in aid of research for DMD treatment.

Runners will be able to choose from a meat and potato or vegerarian option.

To take part in the event go to www.runwiganfestivals.co.uk Registration runs until Thursday March 15.

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Sourced from Southampton FC - Official Site article

Saints Together raises more than £8,000

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These vital funds will allow the Foundation to continue to fulfil the potential and change the lives of children, young people and adults at risk across the local community.

The money raised is made up of generous donations from Southampton Football Club through contributions from each matchday programme and hot food item sold, and Saints fans through the ‘Give £1 to change lives Together’ text donate activity.

In addition, the Southampton players donated their match-worn shirts to raise funds through a silent auction held in the hospitality suites during Saturday’s home game with Stoke.

To mark the end of another successful campaign, Saints Foundation will be hosting the annual Saints Together Charity Dinner on Wednesday 7th March at St Mary’s.

The Charity Dinner will round off the Saints Together campaign by celebrating the vital work of Saints Foundation in our local community, with guests hearing from the stars of the campaign videos and several Saints players, as well as a range of other entertainment and fundraising opportunities.

If you would like to know more about the Saints Together Charity Dinner, please contact Amy Bennett at abennett@saintsfc.co.uk.

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Sourced from Optimus trousers summary article summary

Summary of non-mainstream articles: 06/03/2018 14:44:27

| | The Players Need To Step Up To The Plate ! - Southampton NewsTHEUGLYINSIDE |
| | THESACKRACE |
| | Report explains how Southampton’s squad feel about Mauricio PellegrinoHEREISTHECITY |
| | Jokanovic on shortlist to take over at Southampton - reportGETWESTLONDON |
|

| Forensically watching an ordinary player: Cedric SoaresFOOTBALL365 |

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Sourced from Sky Sports article

Watford’s Troy Deeney soars up the Power Rankings

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Watford’s Troy Deeney has soared up the Sky Sports Power Rankings to reach No 6 in the chart this week.

Deeney breached West Brom’s defensive line to gather a through ball from Will Hughes and net the match-winner at Vicarage Road on Saturday.

Manchester City players were boosted in the rankings after playing their game in hand in a 3-0 win at Arsenal on Thursday, before beating Chelsea 1-0 at the Etihad on Sunday.

Sergio Aguero topped the chart for a third week running after assisting David Silva at the Emirates and creating four chances against Chelsea.

Meanwhile, Chelsea playmaker Eden Hazard (No 9, down seven places) plummeted down the rankings after collecting a season-low tally from a matchday.

Team-mates Kevin De Bruyne (No 7, up one place) and Ederson (No 3, up 188 places) made the top 10, while Liverpool duo Mohamed Salah (No 2) and Roberto Firmino (No 4) each climbed one place after a 2-0 win over Newcastle.

Brighton striker Glenn Murray (No 5, up four places) also retained his place among the top performers after netting his fifth goal in as many league games during a shock 2-1 win over Arsenal.

Swansea midfielder Sung-Yueng Ki (No 10, up 29 places) scored and assisted during a 4-1 win against West Ham to reach No 9 in the chart, while Manchester United defender Chris Smalling (No 8, up two places) instigated a three-goal comeback during a 3-2 win at Crystal Palace.

The Power Rankings methodology reflects a player’s performance over the last five matchdays by awarding points to players for 32 different stats.

Below, we present this week’s Power Rankings, your club’s top points scorer and the accumulative season rankings.

The Sky Sports Power Rankings will be updated every week during the season, so be sure to keep an eye on the big movers…

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Sourced from A tweet by SouthamptonFC tweet

@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

#SaintsFC legend @FrannyBenali has backed the @Lionesses ahead of next month’s #FIFAWWC qualifier at St Mary’s: http://sfcne.ws/FBeng

Retweets: 0

Favourites: 3

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Sourced from Premier League - Official Site article

Saints’ play-off push stutters with Brighton draw

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Southampton missed the chance to move within one point of Brighton & Hove Albion and the Division 2 play-off places, as they drew 1-1 with the Seagulls at Amex Stadium.

An equaliser from Armani Little (pictured, centre) extends Southampton’s unbeaten streak to four Premier League 2 matches, the same as Brighton’s run without defeat.

Steven Alzate opened the scoring just before half-time for a Brighton side featuring Tim Krul, Connor Goldson, Beram Kayal and Leonardo Ulloa.

Little’s 73rd-minute header leaves Southampton three places and four points behind Brighton in the table.

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Sourced from Optimus trousers summary article summary

Summary of non-mainstream articles: 06/03/2018 15:44:37

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| Rafa Benitez vows Newcastle will attack Southampton on SaturdaySBNATIONSTMARYSMUSINGS |
| | Southampton 'to sack Pellegrino’SPORTSMOLE |
| | Is Jokanovic or Potter the best option for Southampton?HEREISTHECITY |

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Sourced from Southampton FC - Official Site article

Ticket Information: Saints vs Chelsea

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Saints face Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday 14th April (12.30pm). Ticket information is as follows:

Become an Official Member and get priority access on tickets to each and every home match. Adult Members will also now benefit from £5 off two Premier League fixtures whilst Junior Members will receive enhanced Welcome Packs with free gifts. Find out more about Official Membership here.

For certain fixtures, groups of 20 or more can make savings. Find out more and enquire here.

Making a weekend of it? Book your ticket and hotel break via Thomas Cook Sport. Find out more and book online at thomascooksport.com

Tickets are restricted to one per Supporter Number. Fans can purchase more than one ticket in each transaction by linking other eligible accounts with theirs using our friends and family function.

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Sourced from talkSPORT article

The one player every Premier League club must replace this summer

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It seems like the time is up for Petr Cech at Arsenal.

Cech, the 35-year-old goalkeeper, apologised to fans following the Gunners’ 2-1 defeat at Brighton, which made it four straight defeats for the north London club for the first time since 2002.

Cech was at fault for Brighton’s first goal, and probably should have saved the second, and he took to Twitter to accept the blame for the loss.

This is not the first time this season Cech has put in a poor performance for the Gunners, and it seems he is finished as an elite goalkeeper.

Arsenal must replace Cech in the summer if they are to avoid this same situation happening again, but which players need to be replaced at every other Premier League club?

Click the right arrow, above, to find out…

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Sourced from Southampton FC - Official Site article

Benali backs Neville’s England

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Neville has been getting his first taste of leading the Lionesses this week at the prestigious SheBelieves Cup in the United States.

But it will be Saints soil that stages his home bow, when England entertain Wales in a vital 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifier on Friday 6th April.

Neville won six Premier League titles, three FA Cups and the Champions League under Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.

And Benali believes his fellow former left-back’s experience of winning silverware can not only help the Lionesses reach next summer’s showpiece in France, but go all the way and win their first major trophy.

“Phil is such a well-known and respected figure that his name alone will excite the players,” said the Saints legend.

“He has that experience of winning the biggest tournaments time and again. That experience is what they need. They came so close by reaching the semi-finals at the Euros last year but the next step is winning the World Cup.

“Firstly, they have to get there and that is why this game is so big, but Phil’s job is to take them further and get them the World Cup.

“At Southampton, we had Alan Ball and Graeme Souness as manager and from a player’s perspective, when you see someone who has won things take charge, it is massive.”

Tickets are selling well for the Wales clash and Benali believes the fans are in for a treat.

The Lionesses have won all three Group 1 matches to date and are second, a point behind their home nations rivals but with a game in hand.

“There is always an extra edge when England play Wales,” he added.

“Everything will be left out on the pitch.

“But there is more than just bragging rights on the line here – it’s about getting to the World Cup.

“I think any international fixture at a venue like St Mary’s is an exciting one. It generates interest in the area as well as across the country and internationally.”

England face Wales in a FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifier at St Mary’s on Friday 6th April (kick-off 7pm). Tickets, priced £10 for adults and just £1 for concessions, are available to purchase online or by calling 02381 780 780.

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Sourced from A tweet by SouthamptonFC tweet

@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

Junior #SaintsFC fans have the chance to become mascots for one of our final two #PL away games: http://sfcne.ws/mascotsLCFCEFC

Retweets: 1

Favourites: 2

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Sourced from Southampton FC - Official Site article

O’Driscoll on U23s’ Brighton draw

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Radhi Jaïdi’s side fell behind in the first half, but drew deservedly level through Armani Little in the second period, and took a share of the Premier League 2 points back to Southampton.

With Leonardo Ulloa on the opposition team sheet, O’Driscoll welcomed the chance to test himself against a proven top-flight striker, and was pleased to have sealed a hard-fought point.

“It was a good experience, when you look at their team and see Ulloa’s name you know you have to be ready for it,” the teenager said. "I thought I did well enough against him, but it was a good test.

"It was good to know that I’m able to deal with that threat, because if you’re going to play Premier League, you have to play against Premier League talent. I did okay so that’s a big bonus.

"They had a strong team out, so we had to stand up, and could have nicked it at the end. We needed a strong solid performance, so it was a good point in the end.

“They didn’t get too many chances, and the way their goal went in was very unlucky. We reacted well and got back in it. Overall it was a fair result, but both teams could have won it.”

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Sourced from Southampton FC - Official Site article

Become an away mascot at Leicester or Everton

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Saints travel to Leicester City on Saturday 21st April (closing date March 30th) and Everton on Saturday 5th May (closing date April 13th).

The opportunity is open to Junior Season Ticket holders and Junior Members, who can apply below for the chance to be selected.

The draw to become a mascot at one of the games is open to fans aged five to 14, although ages at each away club do vary.

Each winner will receive one free adult and one free junior ticket to the match, as well as an away kit to wear on the day.

If your child is not already a Junior Member, they can sign up here, with each youngster receiving an enhanced membership pack this season, including free gifts and a fixture poster, and exclusive mailings.

Don’t forget as well that all Junior Season Ticket holders and Junior Members are automatically entered into the draw to become mascots at each of our home games.

Please be sure to enter the details of your child, and not your own details, in the below form:

Please note the dates of both fixtures are subject to change due to possible FA Cup commitments and/or live TV coverage.

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Sourced from A tweet by SouthamptonFC tweet

@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

Working towards #NUFC! #saintsfc

Retweets: 0

Favourites: 8

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Sourced from Optimus trousers summary article summary

Summary of non-mainstream articles: 06/03/2018 18:45:30

| | Could Slavisa Jokanovic be tempted by move to Premier League?DERBYTELEGRAPH |
| | Would West Ham regret it if Southampton appoint Jokanovic?HEREISTHECITY |

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Sourced from A tweet by SouthamptonFC tweet

@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

#SaintsFC’s second annual #SaintsTogether week helped raise vital funds for @SFC_Foundation: http://sfcne.ws/STweek

Retweets: 2

Favourites: 8

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Sourced from The Telegraph article

Mauricio Pochettino: I tried to sign Davide Astori for Southampton

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Mauricio Pochettino has revealed how he tried to sign Davide Astori for Southampton and has paid tribute to the central defender who tragically died.

There will be a minute’s silence for Fiorentina captain Astori, who died aged 31 last weekend, ahead of Tottenham Hotspur’s Champions League last-16 second leg tie against Juventus.

Tottenham manager Pochettino said: “I want to send all my condolences to David Astori and all the people that love him, and I think it’s a massive tragedy.

“I had the possibility to meet him five years ago because it was my idea to sign him when we were at Southampton. I took three hours to have lunch with him and he was a great kid, great person, great professional, great player.

“It was very sad news, we were devastated to hear the news and we share the pain with all the people in Italy and Florence, and I send all my energy to his family.”

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Sourced from Mirror.co.uk article

Mauricio Pochettino reveals he tried to sign Davide Astori

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Mauricio Pochettino paid a moving tribute to tragic former Fiorentina captain Davide Astori and revealed he tried to sign him for Southampton.

Ex-Italy international Astori died suddenly aged just 31 which has left the whole nation shocked and Serie A postponed all games on Sunday in tribute.

Spurs boss Pochettino has suffered tragedy before when manager of Espanyol when one of his players, Dani Jarque, died while on pre-season training in Florence and he also knew Astori from nearly signing him five years ago.

Pochettino said: “First of all, I want to send all my condolences to David Astori and all the people that love him and I think it’s a massive tragedy.

“I had the possibility to meet him five years ago because it was my idea to sign him when we were at Southampton. I took three hours to have lunch with him and he was a great kid, great person, great professional, great player.

“It was very sad news, devastated to hear the news and we share the pain with all the people in Italy and Florence and I send all my energy to his family.

“Yes, for me, it was like, for everyone, it repeated everything in my mind with what happened in Florence, with what happened with Dani when I was manager of Espanyol.

“I know it’s so difficult, it’s impossible to take away that pain and find an explanation. It’s so difficult, it’s so difficult to understand what happens in these type of things.”

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Sourced from Optimus trousers summary article summary

Summary of non-mainstream articles: 06/03/2018 20:46:17

| | PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Mario Lemina - The Gabonese star’s strike nominated for Goal of the Month - 2019 Africa Cup of …AFRICANFOOTBALLCOM |
|

| Win tickets to watch Newcastle v Southampton courtesy of EA Sports | Goal.comGOALDOTCOM |
| | Newcastle’s Christian Atsu turns attention to Southampton - 2019 Africa Cup of Nations QualifiersAFRICANFOOTBALLCOM |
|

| Marriner to referee Saints clashNUFC |
| | Does Mikel Merino deserve another chance against Southampton?HEREISTHECITY |
| | The Newcastle United Blog | » Southampton Result So Important – We Have No Intention Of Losing That GameNEWCASTLEUNITEDWEBSITE |
| | Southampton identify Fulham man as possible Pellegrino replacementBURTONMAIL |
|

| Reports: Southampton to sack Mauricio Pellegrino at the end of the season, have replacements in mindSBNATIONSTMARYSMUSINGS |

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Blogs – Fresh Saints

New content from (- Blogs – Fresh Saints)

| Can Southampton reach the semi-finals in the FA Cup? | Embed from Getty Images Saints fans haven’t had much to cheer about this season, but the FA Cup has provided a … 06-03-2018 |

Older content…

| Painting Southampton’s season by numbers2 days ago |
| Harrison Reed: I don’t want to go back to sitting in the stands8 days ago |
| Targett flourishing at Fulham under Jokanovic11 days ago |
| Alex McCarthy: waiting in the wings15 days ago |
| West Bromwich Albion vs Southampton F.C. – An FA Cup preview18 days ago |
| Podcast: Reflecting on Southampton’s 2-0 defeat to Liverpool20 days ago |
| Ward-Prowse and Stephens: two bright lights in a dark time for Southampton F.C.21 days ago |
| Podcast: Talking Pellegrino, Van Dijk and the January window with Anfield Indexa month ago |
| Virgil Van Dijk prepared for return to St Mary’sa month ago |

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