OptiNews - Friday 17 to Thursday 23 February 2017

Sourced from A tweet by SouthamptonFC tweet

@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

St Mary’s will play host to a special @Sellebrity_UK Soccer event in May, with tickets now on sale. Find out more: http://sfcne.ws/SellebritySFC

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Sourced from A tweet by OficialCedric tweet

@OficialCedric - Cédric Soares

Getting ready for Wembley! Big week for us! #SaintsFC #WeMarchOn

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Sourced from Sky Sports article

Road to Wembley - Man Utd

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Watch how Manchester United made it to the EFL Cup final at Wembley.

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Sourced from Southampton FC - Official Site article

#MarchToWembley: Jake Hesketh vs Crystal Palace

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Jake Hesketh recalls his memorable night against Crystal Palace, scoring his first goal for the club to help Southampton get their #MarchToWembley under way.

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Sourced from Southampton FC - Official Site article

Barnes: The focus now is on getting up the table

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The 20-year-old found the net in the Premier League Cup against Bristol City last week, and is keen to use the result as a platform to progress from.

“We head into this game off the back of winning 2-0 at Bristol,” he started.

“And they come into it having lost to Norwich, so it’s an opportunity for us to try and continue our good form.

“The focus now is of course back on the league and we want to just keep pushing up the table and keep that gap with the teams behind us.”

Saints currently sit 7th in the Premier League 2 table, with six fixtures remaining until the end of the season.

And with victory in their last league game against Leicester City, Barnes is confident that the squad can finish the season on a high.

“We are just taking it game by game,” he continued.

“For us it’s more about the performances and getting the development that Martin and Radhi want from us.

“As long as we can keep doing that and putting in good performances, then we are confident that the results will come.”

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Sourced from Daily Echo article

GOSSIP: Glasgow Rangers keen on signing Saints scout Ross Wilson

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GLASGOW Rangers are reportedly keen on taking Saints’ director of scouting Ross Wilson back to Scotland.

Wilson, who started his career at Falkirk, joined Saints in 2015 from Huddersfield Town, where he had been Head of Football Operations and a director.

Scottish giants Rangers want a director of football and new manager after the departures of Mark Warburton, David Weir and Frank McParland last week.

They already have one former Saint at Ibrox - head of youth and current caretaker manager Graeme Murty.

On being appointed at Saints, executive director of football Les Reed said: “He is well-respected in the industry and, as an executive director at Huddersfield, brings with him a level of experience in senior management, which will contribute to keeping us at the cutting edge and ensuring due diligence is applied to all of our recruitment procedures.

“Ross will work across all age groups from the under-nines through to the first team, and will lead our recruitment operations into and through the next five-year plan.”

One of Wilson’s first tasks at St Mary’s was to help scout and bring in a centre half - the search ended with Saints signing Virgil Van Dijk in August 2015.

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Sourced from Premier League - Official Site article

Everton’s PL2 match to promote homeless campaign

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When Everton take on Southampton at Goodison Park this evening, restoring the Division 1 leaders’ six-point gap ahead of Manchester City will not be the only objective.

The match will also showcase the Premier League 2 team’s campaign to raise funds for a house next to the stadium to help homeless people in Liverpool.

The “Home Is Where The Heart Is” campaign, led by David Unsworth’s players, aims to raise £230,000 to buy and operate a house where vulnerable 16-23-year-olds can live.

As well as free entry to tonight’s match, fans who attend could meet first-team player Tom Davies, as well as fellow PL2 graduates Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Mason Holgate.

“This game is going to help the campaign,” said Everton academy graduate Davies. “Also, going down to see the lads play, there’s some good footballers and I’m sure it will be an exciting game.”

Those unable to attend who pay to watch Everton TV’s live stream of the match will see their donation go towards the fund.

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Sourced from A tweet by SouthamptonFC tweet

@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

There was success for @JasonMcCarthy32 at the weekend, as loan club @WFCOfficial continued their fine home form: http://sfcne.ws/LoanWatchJMC

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Sourced from Optimus trousers summary article summary

Summary of non-mainstream articles: 20/02/2017 12:34:35

| | Mourinho gives injury update on De Gea, RooneyFOOTBALL365 |
| | Lawrie McMenemy Meets Part 2 - Southampton NewsTHEUGLYINSIDE |
| | Saints Legends To Sign Copies Of New Book - Southampton NewsTHEUGLYINSIDE |

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Sourced from A tweet by SouthamptonFC tweet

@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

Another victory for #SaintsFC’s @JasonMcCarthy32 and loan club @WFCOfficial this weekend: http://sfcne.ws/LW200217

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Sourced from Southampton FC - Official Site article

Watford trip now sold out

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Claude Puel’s side will visit Vicarage Road on Saturday 4th March, with a kick-off time of 3pm GMT, as Saints get back to Premier League action after the EFL Cup final.

Saints will be backed by 2,159 fans for the game at Vicarage Road.

The two sides drew 1-1 at St Mary’s when they met earlier in the season, with Nathan Redmond rescuing a point for Saints.

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Sourced from Mirror.co.uk article

Jose Mourinho gives fitness update on Wayne Rooney ahead of EFL Cup final

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Jose Mourinho has conceded that Wayne Rooney faces a fitness battle to make the EFL Cup final.

The Manchester United captain was absent from the squad for the 2-1 win over Blackburn on Sunday with his what his manager described as a ‘small muscular problem’.

David De Gea and Antonio Valencia were rested for the FA Cup fifth round tie but could return against Saint-Etienne on Wednesday.

But Phil Jones, who’s bruised foot has kept him out for the last four games and Rooney face the prospect of missing the showcase against Southampton, report the Manchester Evening News.

He said: "David De Gea was rested. Rooney is injured. Phil Jones is injured. I don’t think they will recover (to play Saint-Etienne on Wednesday).

“Antonio Valencia was rested but Rooney and Jones haven’t trained with the team yet so I don’t think they will be there for Wendesday.”

Asked whether Rooney will be fit for the EFL Cup final with Southampton on Sunday, Mourinho replied: “I don’t know.”

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Sourced from A tweet by SouthamptonFC tweet

@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

:six: days to go until our #MarchToWembley!

How about this for a memorable moment against #MUFC:raised_hands: https://grabyo.com/g/v/xL7gUUwiQpa

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Sourced from Sky Sports article

Jose Mourinho unsure on Wayne Rooney fitness for EFL Cup final

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Wayne Rooney is in danger of missing Manchester United’s EFL Cup final after Jose Mourinho raised doubts over his fitness.

United captain Rooney has missed their last two Premier League matches and was left out of the FA Cup fifth-round win over Blackburn Rovers on Sunday after Mourinho revealed he was struggling with a minor muscular injury last week.

The last time Rooney started a league game for United was the 2-0 win over West Bromwich Albion on December 17 and the England skipper has been linked with a move away from the club before the end of February when the Chinese Super League transfer window shuts.

Asked if Rooney will be fit for the EFL Cup final with Southampton at Wembley on Sunday, Mourinho replied: “I don’t know.”

United face the second leg of their Europa League last-32 tie against St Etienne on Wednesday before the weekend trip to Wembley, and Mourinho admitted certain first-team regulars were left out of the Blackburn game to protect them.

Rooney’s absence remains a concern though with the forward unlikely to pick up much needed minutes against St Etienne.

“David de Gea was rested,” said Mourinho. "Rooney is injured. Phil Jones is injured. I don’t think they will recover (to play St Etienne).

“Antonio Valencia was rested but Rooney and Jones haven’t trained with the team yet so I don’t think they will be there for Wednesday.”

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Sourced from Daily Star article

Jose Mourinho gives Man United injury update: This player could miss EFL Cup final

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The Red Devils leading goalscorer missed out of yesterday’s FA Cup win at Blackburn. Mourinho made numerous changes for the 2-1 win against the Championship side, with the likes of David De Gea and Antonio Valencia being rested. Next up for United is their Europa League clash with Saint-Etienne followed by the EFL Cup final against Southampton on Sunday.

“Rooney is injured. Jones is injured. I don’t think they will recover to face Saint-Etienne” And Mourinho has given an injury update, claiming Rooney and Phil Jones - who is out with a foot injury - are doubts for this week’s games. “De Gea was rested [against Blackburn],” Mourinho said. “Rooney is injured. Jones is injured. “I don’t think they will recover [to face Saint-Etienne on Wednesday].

“Valencia was rested but Rooney and Jones haven’t trained with the team yet so I don’t think they will be there for Wednesday.” When asked specifically if Rooney could return for the final, Mourinho said: “I don’t know.”

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Sourced from Southampton FC - Official Site article

United home clash to be rearranged

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Southampton’s Premier League clash with Manchester United at St Mary’s will be rearranged, due to José Mourinho’s side progressing in the Emirates FA Cup.

Saints were scheduled to face United on Sunday 12th March, with a kick-off time of 1.30pm GMT.

But United’s victory over Blackburn Rovers, and their subsequent progression to the quarter-finals of the Emirates FA Cup, means the game will have to be moved.

A new date will be confirmed in due course.

The club is also awaiting confirmation of a date for the home game against Arsenal, due to be played last weekend, but postponed because of the Gunners’ own FA Cup exploits.

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Summary of non-mainstream articles: 20/02/2017 13:16:09

| | A Rough Guide To Wembley - Southampton NewsTHEUGLYINSIDE |

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Sourced from Southampton FC - Official Site article

Loan Watch: McCarthy enjoys Saddlers success

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Jon Whitney’s men secured their fourth straight home win when Erhun Oztumer scored direct from a corner in stoppage time.

The visitors were reduced to ten men when Chris Forrester protested that goalkeeper Luke McGee was pushed in the process.

And Kieron Morris extended the advantage in the 97th minute to ensure they moved up one place to 11th.

In Spain, Paulo Gazzaniga played the full 90 minutes as Rayo Vallecano were defeated 2-1 by Mirandés in Segunda División.

Elsewhere, Sam Gallagher was not involved in Blackburn Rovers’ Emirates FA Cup tie against Manchester United due to a knee injury sustained against Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday.

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Sourced from Southampton FC - Official Site article

Sellebrity Soccer coming to St Mary’s

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Former Saints players Wayne Bridge, James Beattie and Francis Benali, will join stars from TV music and sport, with the likes of Calum Best, Sam Bailey, Dan Osborne and Jake Wood, joining former England cricket captain, Michael Vaughan and three regulars from Soccer AM, Tubes, Rocket and Franky Fryer.

Taking place on Friday 26th May 2017, the match will kick off at 7.30pm, with turnstiles opening at 6pm.

Tickets are on sale through the Saints Ticket Office and priced at £10 for Adults, £5 for children (with a £2.50 booking fee).

VIP tickets are also available for £35, which include attendance in the VIP Lounge to do a meet and greet with the celebrity players.

Proceeds from the event will go towards supporting the work of Saints Foundation, Global Radio’s ‘Make Some Noise’ charity and Just 4 Children - Sonny’s Dream to Walk.

In the past few years, Sellebrity Soccer matches across the country have raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for good causes.

Kevin Cooper, joint founder of Sellebrity Soccer, said: “We’re really excited to be hosting Sellebrity Soccer for the first time at Southampton FC. We’re delighted to playing at St Mary’s and raising money for some fantastic charities - we’re hoping to make this the biggest one yet!”

Tickets are expected to sell quickly, so anyone interested should contact the Ticket Office soon on 02381 780780, which is open from 9am until 5pm during the week, or visit tickets.saintsfc.co.uk. All VIP bookings will need to be made via phone on 02380 727776 or email: info@halo-ce.co.uk.

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Sourced from Southampton FC - Official Site article

United Flashback: Austin’s debut delight

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As we continue our countdown to Manchester United in the EFL Cup, enjoy Charlie Austin’s debut goal at Old Trafford, which sealed a 1-0 win for Southampton.

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