Britton’s history lesson Howe profits from net gain

FOR Leon Britton, the pressures of a relegation battle are nothing new. The Swansea captain played in the 4-2 victory over Hull that preserved Swansea’s Football League status in 2003. Now, 14 years on, Swansea must overcome Hull again, this time to remain in the Premier League. Britton was excellent in his first game under Paul Clement as Swansea beat Stoke 2-0 and, on the eve of the game, inspired his team-mates off the pitch, too. ‘I gave them the DVD of Jack to a King, about Swansea’s rise,’ he said. ‘I got 25 copies and gave it to each of the boys. They may not understand it wasn’t long ago we were washing our own kit, trying to find a spot to train.’ For Stoke manager Mark Hughes, the season is threatening to fizzle out after losing five of their last six. January signing Saido Berahino has not scored since February 2016 and Hughes admits his £12million striker is struggling for confidence. Hughes said: ‘He is putting himself in positions that is not his natural game because he wants to show he is part of the team. It’s admirable but sometimes you have to be selfish, sometimes you have to look after yourself.’

EDDIE HOWE has revealed a switch to white nets was behind Bournemouth’s goalrush against Middlesbrough.

Howe’s assistant Jason Tindall had the brain wave last month, believing the players were failing to pick out the old black and red net in their peripheral vision.

They made the change and ran riot against Boro on Saturday, with Josh King, Benik Afobe, Marc Pugh and Charlie Daniels all scoring.

Howe said: ‘I can’t take any credit. Jason felt the other nets weren’t inspiring the strikers to score. Bizarrely, it’s worked.

‘Whether it has played a part or not, we’ll never know but it seems to be working. From a striker’s perspective, when you get your head down or have a quick look at the goal before you shoot, it is much more striking to see a white net as opposed to the dark nets we had previously.

‘I know it is the same for both teams but it seems to be working for us.’

Goal-inspiring nets or not, Boro failed to score once again but midfielder Stewart Downing has told chairman Steve Gibson to give the manager’s job to caretaker Steve Agnew on a permanent basis.

Agnew has failed to win in six games since taking charge, but Downing said: ‘He’s been first class. It’s us players that have to take the blame. I’d give him the job. With a couple of transfer windows, he’d be a really good manager. But that’s just my opinion. It’s up to the powers-that-be above.’