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Well, I’ve filled the grid, and have been staring at it a while .. I don’t like the 8-letter shading that I’m currently plumping for, which makes me think I’m missing something more obvious .. to put me out of my misery, does it coincidentally end with a certain premier league manager, or should I keep staring??

Keep staring ... might make sense to start at the bottom of the barrel where he belongs (at least as far as Lato is concerned).

I have the ninth locked up in a four letter word.
(This gives eight contiguous cells, including the untreated word for that particular theme item.) Is this right?

I think you are correct nelson.

My New Year's wish (right after "immunity from COVID for everyone" and "world peace"): no more clues, themes, etc mentioning 56a.

That's what I have, Nelson.

Many thanks buddy and loge.
(Not sure why the need to highlight eight cells. Just the four would have worked better I think, in the context. But all good fun.)

Oh I see now, thanks cockie and others .. a bit underwhelming, IMHO, and I’m almost as happy with my earlier “SMART ETA” suggesting that the lad may become No. 56 ..

D'oh! Had all the thematic material and positioning but thought the final 8-letters would be somewhere else - not sure the preamble was as clear as it might have been (but appreciate this may be subjective and a really precise preamble must be very hard to write!) Still an impressively clever grid construction, and a fun puzzle, many thanks Lato

Still grid filling and trying to complete the message. Can't see first four across extras. Have their entries I think.
But only have ??i? for first four, then a long sensible string of words after that.
Also a tip for 38a would be great.

Hi Lumen,

7a - is an anagram so you need to remove the O

14a - First 2 letters are a 3 letter "Skirt" with the last letter extra.

15a - Another anagram

17a - First 2 letters are a 3 letter "shot" minus last letter

38a - 4 letter "to pass ball" (as in rugby scrum or line-out) minus last letter + L(eft) - definition is 'instinct'.