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Vardy Scores 199th Leicester Goal In Consolation Victory

Jamie Vardy scored his 199th goal for Leicester City to help the Foxes beat bottom side Southampton 2-0 at King Power Stadium.

Vardy, who will end his 13-year stay with Leicester when his contract expires in the summer, has three games left this season to reach the 200-goal milestone.

The former England striker swept his strike into the roof of the net after 17 minutes – scoring Leicester’s first home Premier League goal since 8 December.

The home fans had even more to cheer about before the break when Jordan Ayew drilled home a half-volley, tucking it into the bottom corner after his initial free-kick rebounded kindly off Southampton’s wall.

Ayew had been involved in a bizarre incident earlier in the half when he accidentally caught David Webb in the face and the referee was forced off injured.

Webb, making his Premier League officiating debut, went down clutching his face and received medical treatment on the pitch before it was confirmed he could not continue, with fourth official Sam Barrott taking his place.

Play resumed after a lengthy 11-minute delay, and it was Leicester who reacted quickest, piling forward before Bilal El Khannouss earned the free-kick that resulted in Ayew’s goal.

Southampton struggled to create many clear-cut chances, and when the ball did finally find the back of the Leicester net it was ruled out, with Paul Onuachu deemed to be in an offside position when his header bounced off goalkeeper Jakub Stolarczyk before Mateus Fernandes poked in.

The result means the Saints are guaranteed to finish bottom of the Premier League for a record-equalling third time, and still needing one more point to surpass the record-low 11 points recorded by Derby County in the 2007-08 campaign.

 

Abdul Noah Ocholi

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**Title:** Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic **Meta Description:** Slaven Bilic has been appointed Croatia head coach for a second spell after Zlatko Dalic stepped down following the 2026 World Cup. **Slug:** croatia-confirm-slaven-bilic-return-head-coach **Alt Image Text:** Slaven Bilic during his unveiling as Croatia national team head coach — # Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic Croatia have officially confirmed the return of Slaven Bilic as head coach, with the former West Ham United manager replacing Zlatko Dalic following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Bilic returns to the national team after more than a decade away, ending a two-year absence from management as he begins a second spell in charge of his country. ## Bilic begins a second spell with Croatia The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) announced Bilic’s appointment after the Executive Committee unanimously approved the recommendation of federation president Marijan Kustic. Bilic previously managed Croatia between 2006 and 2012, guiding the national team through two European Championships before embarking on a successful club coaching career that included spells with West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion, Besiktas and Al-Ittihad. The federation believes his experience and deep understanding of Croatian football make him the ideal candidate to lead the next generation. ## Huge task replacing Zlatko Dalic Bilic succeeds one of the most successful managers in Croatia’s history. Dalic stepped down after the 2026 World Cup, bringing an end to a remarkable tenure that included a World Cup final, a World Cup semi-final and several memorable tournament campaigns. Federation president Marijan Kustic acknowledged the size of the challenge but expressed complete confidence in Bilic. > “I would like to once again thank Zlatko for the exceptional results he achieved during his tenure. It is not easy to follow in his footsteps, but we are convinced Slaven is the right person for this role.” Kustic added that Bilic’s international pedigree and extensive coaching experience were decisive factors behind the appointment. ## Bilic honoured to return Bilic described his return as the greatest honour of his coaching career and admitted he understands the expectations that come with leading one of international football’s most consistent tournament teams. > “I would like to thank President Kustic and the Federation’s leadership for the confidence they have shown in allowing me to lead the Croatian national team once again — the greatest honour for any Croatian coach.” The 57-year-old also praised the standards established under Dalic while insisting he is ready for the responsibility. > “I am fully aware of the high expectations that follow such a remarkable period under Zlatko Dalic, but anyone who takes charge of Croatia must be prepared for that because we are a football nation that lives and breathes its national team.” ## A new chapter begins Bilic now faces the task of building on Dalic’s legacy while preparing Croatia for the next international cycle. With a blend of experienced stars and emerging young talent at his disposal, Croatia will hope their returning manager can guide them to another successful era on the international stage.

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