Saturday Fulham Stuff (28/11/15)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Grant: Play With Passion

Peter Grant wants Fulham to give their fans a performance they can be proud of when Preston North End visit Craven Cottage on Saturday.

The Whites are currently on a short winless run, and our Caretaker Head Coach is keen to ensure the team's return to the Cottage after a three-week hiatus coincides with a much-craved win.

"There's nothing better than winning football matches," he insisted. "That was the disappointment of last week [at MK Dons], especially first half, as we had fantastic support and we wanted to send them away with a smile on their faces.

"That's what I wanted to be the case come the end of the match, and I could sense that in the players as well. But for some reason it just didn't go for us, although we could have ended up winning the game.

"There's nothing better than coming to your home ground with your fans there who come to see you week in, week out, and pay good money to come and watch us play.

"We're here to entertain them, and the best way to entertain them is by winning matches and playing with passion and with a purpose."

Grant's hope is that a positive display by the 11 men in white on the pitch will lead to a vibrant atmosphere in the stands, but he knows it's up to the team to give their supporters something to shout about.

"I'll always say that if you give your fans 100 per cent commitment to try and do the right things, they'll forgive you a multitude of sins," he said.

"That's what we're hoping for come Saturday, that we're going to be right on the front foot, start well, and create the atmospheres that we had in the comeback against Reading and the win against QPR.

"That's the sort of atmosphere we want to create, but we've got to remember that's our job to get the fans in that mood, not the fans' job to lift us, it's our job to lift them. And the only way we can do that is by performing and performing well."

Adult tickets for Saturday's game against Preston are available from just £25, while kids can attend for just £1!


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/november/27/grant-play-with-passion?

[WhiteJC]

 
Behind Enemy Lines

Phil Cunliffe, Football Reporter for BBC Radio Lancashire, gives his assessment of Preston North End and looks ahead to Saturday's fixture at Craven Cottage.


What have you made of Preston's start to the season?

Most fans had forgotten how tough it is at Championship level after four years away and one or two fears were confirmed early on when Preston found themselves in the bottom three after winning just one of their first 11 fixtures. Now, however, they look more at ease with their surroundings and have moved clear of danger. Up until last weekend they hadn't conceded a league goal in nearly 600 minutes, so defensively they've been watertight. That said, scoring has been a problem - Joe Garner's consolation strike against Blackburn was his first of the season which, considering he scored 27 times last year, sums up their predicament. Overall though, I've been quietly impressed.

Is that tight defence what they've been building their game plan on?

Most certainly - and it starts in the goalkeeping position where Jordan Pickford has been a sensation. Premier League scouts have been flocking to watch the England U21 star who is on loan from Sunderland. His new manager Sam Allardyce is reportedly impressed with his form too. Pickford and those in front of him - superbly marshalled by Bailey Wright - have already equalled a club record this season by keeping six clean sheets in a row in the league. The midfield is workmanlike but provides a good screen for the defence - especially away from home as displayed on their last trip at QPR.


Which players have particularly impressed you this season?

There are several. I've already mentioned Pickford and Wright, but when he's been fit Paul Gallagher has shown lovely technical skills and created plenty. His goalscoring performance at Charlton in a 3-0 win was quite brilliant. Alongside him, Daniel Johnson has looked a class act, breaking from midfield and topping the scoring charts with six goals. Left-back Greg Cunningham – a summer signing from Bristol City – and young Irishman Alan Browne have caught the eye while making minimal fuss.

What do you think is a realistic target for Preston come the end of the season?

I expect them to survive and when you consider the amount of money being splashed around this year by other teams, I think survival would represent success. Yet, in the absence of Jermaine Beckford through injury, scoring remains a concern. Lack of goals could see North End dragged back towards danger, but I still think they'll be ok.

How do you expect them to line up on Saturday? How does Simon Grayson like his team to play?

Bailey Wright is suspended which is a big blow. Tom Clarke ought to replace him but I'm not sure if that means a back four or a back five with wing-backs, as Larry [Grayson] has played both systems this season. He could go with Marnick Vermijl on the right and switch Callum Woods to the left with Cunningham as a centre-back, so all sorts of permutations really. Likewise, up front, he may just go with Joe Garner or he could play Eoin Doyle or Will Keane too. The approach will be to harry and harass Fulham into making mistakes and then look to counter-attack, with Paul Gallagher providing the service. Set-pieces could also be key.


Do you think they'll be wary of any Fulham players in particular?

Hard to say as I've not seen Fulham in the flesh this season. Moussa Dembélé is an obvious threat and looks a handful when he applies himself properly. Don't forget Simon Grayson signed Ross McCormack from Cardiff when he was Leeds manager some five years ago.

Have you been to Craven Cottage much before?

I have on several occasions and really love the ground. It has class and charm. I love catching glimpses of a boat or two passing along the Thames behind the stand, as well as the famous 'cottage'. It's a great view from the commentary box. The only problem is the long walk from the tube. Compared to certain places up north the area looks clean and tidy with barely a crack in the pavement!

How do you see Saturday going?

I'd like to think Preston can stand firm and nick a draw. They certainly won't be overawed by the occasion and will be very organised.

What score prediction are you going for?

Now that Joe Garner has finally broken his duck, the goals will start to flow for him. I think he will score in a 1-1 draw, with Dembélé or Cairney on target for the Whites.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/november/27/behind-enemy-lines?

[WhiteJC]

 
QPR to make their move for Hasselbaink

QPR plan to approach Burton Albion for permission to speak to Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink next week.

The former Chelsea striker, 43, is keen to return to London and wants to take over at Loftus Road, where Neil Warnock is currently in interim charge.

Dutchman Hasselbaink, whose playing career also included spells at Leeds, Middlesbrough and Charlton, has spent a year as Burton boss.
He previously spent a year as manager of Belgian club Royal Antwerp, where he rejected a new contract in order to pursue jobs in England.

Burton won the League Two title under Hasselbaink last season and are currently third in the League One table.

He took over from Gary Rowett, who left to join Birmingham City and has been targeted by QPR but has been lined up for the vacant managerial job at Fulham.

Rangers have spoken to several out-of-work managers, including Chris Powell, who was recently sacked by Huddersfield, and remain in contact with other potential candidates.

However, Hasselbaink has emerged as their preferred choice now that Rowett appears to be out of their reach.

A number of current Championship managers were also briefly considered, including MK Dons' Karl Robinson, but QPR's owners, who will make the final decision on an appointment, were unenthused and Hasselbaink is in pole position.

He is set to meet Ruben Gnanalingam next week when the Rangers co-chairman is due to be in London.


http://www.westlondonsport.com/qpr/qpr-to-make-their-move-for-hasselbaink?

[WhiteJC]

 
McCormack's Nomination

Ross McCormack has been nominated for the November PFA Fans' Championship Player of the Month Award.

The shortlist is compiled by a panel of expert judges, and fans can vote for their choice on skysports.com, who have teamed up with the PFA to be the digital platform for the awards.

To date, McCormack has scored or assisted in every game this month, netting consolations against Burnley and Birmingham City, before teeing up Moussa Dembélé for the equaliser at MK Dons last week.

He faces competition from Alex Mowatt, Andre Gray, Andreas Weimann, Brett Pitman, Daryl Murphy, David Marshall, Elliott Bennett, Johnnie Jackson, Lucas Joao, Mohamed Diame and Sam Clucas.

One voting fan will win the chance to meet and present the Player of the Month with the award.

You can vote for Ross by following the below link.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/november/27/mccormacks-nomination?

[WhiteJC]

 
The Apprentice
by CHRIS GILBERTSON on NOVEMBER 27, 2015

It's 6am. The 10 remaining candidates are asleep. The phone rings.

"Shahid Khan would like to see you at the Bentall Centre in Kingston-upon-Thames, the cars will be here in 30 minutes". A female voice says with a matter of fact tone. They hang up.

Gary puts the phone down and relays the message loud enough to rouse his sleeping peers, "Guys we're going to Kingston, the cars will be here in half an hour".

After a frantic half an hour of hair dryers, ironing and the tying of ties, the ten candidates shuffle into cars for the 30 minute drive from Fulham to Kingston-upon-Thames. Talk between the candidates is all about Steve's abrupt exit from the process last week. The remaining candidates no longer know what to expect from the process and some aren't even sure they want to be there.

When they arrive at a deserted Bentall Centre, the candidates process to the eerily quiet beauty section of the Bentalls Department Store. They are greeted by the cold steely stares of Khan's lieutenants Alistair and Mike.

In their two teams the candidates line up, nervously waiting for Shahid Khan's arrival.

At that moment outside, a Teal and Black Jaguar rolls up. Out steps the imposing figure of trans-atlantic business icon Shahid Khan. He walks to the candidates.

"Good morning"

"Good morning Mr Khan"

"As you may or may not be aware, the male grooming industry is booming. For this week's task I'd like you to devise, market and sell your own moustache product. Now, the teams are uneven after last week so Slavisa and Jimmy Floyd, you go and join Team Tactics, while Stuart, you go and join Team Tradition. I'll see you in the boardroom in three days. Good luck".

With that the task had been set and the search to see who will be Shahid Khan's next Apprentice continues.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2015/11/the-apprentice/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Cottagers & Whites

We see a few players who have played for PNE & Fulham and a profile of a player who just made 3 appearances in total for both clubs.

Footballers who have played league football for both PNE and Fulham



A-J



673) Gary Brazil

PNE 166 apps; 57 goals

Fulham 214 apps; 47 goals

PNE Debut 19/02/1985 v Rochdale (H) – Lost 0-1



785) Mike Conroy

PNE 57 apps; 22 goals

Fulham 94 apps; 32 goals

PNE debut 21/08/1993 v Scarborough (A) – Won 4-3



883) Dickson Etuhu

PNE 134 apps; 17 goals

Fulham 91 apps; 3 goals

PNE debut 29/01/2002 v Bradford City (A) – Won 1-0



737) Steve Greaves

PNE 2 apps; 0 goals

Fulham 1 app; 0 goals

PNE debut 25/08/1990 v Grimsby (H) – Lost 1-3



877) David Healy

PNE 139 apps; 44 goals

Fulham 30 apps; 4 goals

PNE debut 30/12/2000 v Sheffield United (A) – Lost 2-31



998) Eddie Johnson

PNE 16 apps; 0 goals

Fulham 19 apps; 0 goals

PNE debut 05/02/2011 v Bristol City (H) – Lost 0-4





Player Profile – Steve Greaves



Steven (Steve) Ronald Greaves was born in Chelsea on 17 January 1970; he came through the youth system at Fulham but only managed to make one substitute appearance for the club in 1987/88 with a 1-0 defeat at Chesterfield on 7 May..         



In August 1990 Greaves joined Preston and made his debut for Preston on the opening day of the season. Preston lost 3-1 at home to Grimsby on 25 August 1990, with Greaves wearing the number four shirt.



He had to wait almost two months for his second and final league appearance for the club. This time in the number two shirt Preston drew 0-0 at home to Chester on 23 October.



Unable to force his way into the first team he left Preston to join Ipswich in January 1991, but failed to make a first team appearance for the Tractor Boys.



In August 1992 Greaves joined Scunthorpe and made his debut as a substitute in a 1-0 defeat at Northampton on 12 September. A week later same him make his home debut also as a substitute with a 3-3 draw against Crewe. His full debut, wearing the number 7 shirt came on his third appearance with a 2-1 victory at Chesterfield on 3 October.



Greaves made 15  league appearances for the club with 6 of these as a substitute as the Irons finished the Fourth Division in fourteenth spot. His final league match was a 1-0 defeat at Colchester on 1 May 1993.



http://www.prestonnorthend-mad.co.uk/feat/ed63/cottagers__whites_875485/index.shtml?

[WhiteJC]

 
Ambitious Fulham star Moussa Dembele admits he has his sights set on bigger and better things

Fulham star Moussa Dembele, linked with Manchester United, has admitted he has his sights set on bigger and better things.

The France Under 20 international has been in sparkling form for the Cottagers this season scoring eight goals in 17 Championship games so far.

And it has not gone unnoticed further afield either.

The 19-year-old is reportedly attracting interest from some of the world's biggest clubs including Manchester United and Bayern Munich, as reported by the Independent.

Dembele is already used to the big club environment having graduated from the academy at French giants Paris Saint Germain.

'I want Ballon D'Or and World Cup'

And it seems he has already got designs to return to that level after telling Get French Football News of his ambitions plans for the future.

Asked about his ultimate football dreams, Dembele confidently told GFFN he wants to win the World Cup and the Ballon D'Or.

"Why not (win) both?" he said.

"In life you have to be ambitious, work hard and make sacrifices to get what you want.

"I will do my best to reach every single one of my goals."

Dembele would be wise to stay put

In order to achieve his lofty ambitions Dembele will undoubtedly have to leave 12th placed second tier club Fulham who look destined for another season in the Championship next year.

The Frenchman said he looks to his sporting greats like Thierry Henry, Marco van Basten and Muhammed Ali for inspiration to help him aim as high as possible.

But the young striker would be wise to bide his time for the foreseeable future.

This is Dembele's first season as a senior pro and he is something of an unknown quantity for Championship defences.

While there is nothing wrong with showing ambition, Craven Cottage is the perfect place for him to really establish himself in the game.

After getting a season or two under his belt performing at a consistently high level nobody would begrudge him a move if it were to genuinely further his career.


http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2015/11/26/ambitious-fulham-star-moussa-dembele-admits-he-has-his-sights-se/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Kids For A Quid

After a three-week absence, Fulham return to Craven Cottage this afternoon when Preston North End make the journey south for our Sky Bet Championship encounter.

We've been offering a special deal for this match, with juniors tickets available for just £1*, and we're pleased to extend this until matchday!

Adult prices start from just £30, with tickets available to purchase on the gate from advertised cash turnstiles.

Caretaker Head Coach Peter Grant is keen to create a vibrant atmosphere in SW6 for today's game, but knows it's up to the Whites to give their fans plenty to cheer.

"Come Saturday we're hoping to be right on the front foot, start well, and create the atmospheres that we had in the comeback against Reading and the win against QPR," he said.

"That's the sort of atmosphere we want to create, but we've got to remember that's our job to get the fans in that mood, not the fans' job to lift us, it's our job to lift them. And the only way we can do that is by performing and performing well."

So head down to the Cottage today as Fulham aim to return to winning ways against the Lilywhites.

*Offer valid when purchased in conjunction with a full-paying adult.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/november/28/kids-for-a-quid?

[WhiteJC]

 
Gary Rowett to remain as Birmingham manager after Fulham interest

Gary Rowett is to remain as Birmingham City manager despite interest from Championship rivals Fulham.

It is understood the Whites had targeted Rowett after missing out on Reading boss Steve Clarke, who turned down the chance to move to Craven Cottage last week.

Sky Sports News HQ reported earlier this month that Clarke was on a shortlist that also included the former Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson and Exeter boss Paul Tisdale.

And the ill-fated move for Clarke came after Fulham's discussions with first-choice Pearson also stalled.

The West London club are on the hunt for a new head coach after sacking previous manager Kit Symons on November 8.

Fulham want a head coach as opposed to a manager to allow chief football officer Mike Rigg to have more central control of transfers in and out of the club.

Fulham caretaker manager Peter Grant was in the dugout for last weekend's 1-1 draw with MK Dons and will continue in the role against Preston North End on Saturday.


http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11694/10081292/gary-rowett-to-remain-as-birmingham-manager-after-fulham-interest?

[Carborundum]

Just to acknowledge Chris  Gilbertson's excellent and thoroughly well-deserved send-up of the Bentall's Centre.

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham man looking for more consistency ahead of Preston clash

Lewis keen to see his side go on a winning run, starting with the Lilywhites


Ross McCormack celebrates with team mates after scoring the first goal for Fulham

Joe Lewis is looking for Fulham to improve their consistency ahead of Saturday's game with Preston.

The Whites are sitting in mid-table after a mixed start to the season which saw them beat QPR 4-0 at Craven Cottage but also lose 5-3 to Birmingham at home.

And the Cardiff loanee knows his side must try and string some wins together if they are to mount a challenge for promotion.

He said: "This league, as much as any year, any team can beat anyone. It is that type or league. It's the teams that get the consistency at the end of the season.

"We just have to keep working hard on the training pitch. We know we've got the ability to do well this season. Every team is looking for the consistency. We'll be giving 100 per cent to get that."


Despair: Fulham players dejected after Matt Derbyshire scores

The Whites drew 1-1 at MK Dons last weekend and Lewis felt the draw was fair, although disappointing.

He said: "I don't think we played as well as we know we can. I think it was probably a fair result in the end.

"We were hoping to get the three points and to play better. That didn't happened so we came away with a point – it could have been worse given the performance wasn't at the level it could have been."

Tickets for Fulham v Preston North End, priced from £30 adults and £1 juniors (under 17 years of age) are now on General Sale. Call the Fulham Ticket Office on: 0843 208 1234 or online at: www.fulhamfc.com/tickets

Tickets will also be available to purchase from turnstiles tomorrow at the match.


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-man-looking-more-consistency-10516741?

[WhiteJC]

 
3 things to look out for in the Fulham v Preston match

Fulham meet Preston at Craven Cottage with Fulham looking for there first win since the sacking of Kit Symons and Preston looking to move further clear of the relegation zone.

After Fulham's 5-2 home defeat to Birmingham Symons was sacked despite the club being in the top half and showing clear improvement from last season as ell as being the division's top scorers.

But they also have one of the worst defences in the league which perhaps led to Symons' sacking and surprisingly Fulham have still not replaced him. It seemed they were going to snatch Reading manager Steve Clarke a week ago but the move fell apart and owner Shahid Khan is yet to find a permanent replacement meaning caretaker boss Peter Grant will remain in charge for this game.

Defender Richard Stearman is a doubt for Saturday's game whilst key striker Ross McCormack will need a late fitness check.

As for Preston they have made a good start to the season and have only lost one of there last 7 games and will be looking to climb further away from the relegation zone.

Simon Grayson's side have struggled in attack this season with only 12 goals in 17 league games, with midfielder Daniel Johnson their top scorer with six. Jermaine Beckford and Joe Garner yet to hit there stride but Garner scored his first goal of the season last time out.

There defence has been excellent with only 15 goals conceded which is one of the best in the league but they will need to find the right balance if they are to stay up.

Here are 3 things to look out for in Saturday's game:

Best attack v Second worst attack

Going forward these 2 sides couldn't be more different with Fulham the top scorers in the division with an impressive 30 goals mostly contributed by vice-captain Ross McCormack and young starlet Moussa Dembele.

Goals have dried up a bit recently for the Cottagers though and a lot of there goals come on the road but if they find form again they clearly have the attacking players to score bagfuls.

It's a different story for Preston who have only 12 goals and only Bolton have a worst record going forward, strikers Joe Garner and Jermaine Beckford have been poor so far and the goals are mainly coming from midfield and it will be interesting to see how they fare on Saturday.

One of the best defences against one of the worst

The fact that Fulham are the top scorers in the division yet in mid table may make it clear to you that there a shambles at the back.

Preston may have a poor attacking record but even they will fancy themselves to score against a defence which have conceded 29 goals this season including 5 at home to Birmingham a couple of weeks ago which lead to Kit Symons' sacking. The fact that Stearman is injured further damages the Fulham defence who look very exposed and shaky at the moment.

Preston may struggle up front but  they will need this defence to perform against the best attack in the division. The key battle will really be if Preston's poor attack can unlock Fulham's poor defence and if Preston's excellent defence can contain Fulham's potent attack.

Peter Grant

The caretaker boss said a week ago that he wanted the managerial problem at Craven Cottage solved quickly and this has not happened.

After the Steve Clarke's proposed switch from Reading fell apart, there has been little action and the club's under-21 manager Peter Grant will take charge again.

The 50-year old has admitted that he doesn't want the job on a permanent basis and he will be hoping that a new man will be charge after this weekend's clash.


Read more at http://footballleagueworld.co.uk/3-things-to-look-out-for-in-the-fulham-v-preston-match/?#SSlzxJHijRJdpue4.99

[WhiteJC]

 
Introducing Powatag

Fulham FC and Powatag have teamed up to offer a new and easy way for supporters to purchase Fulham merchandise, directly from their phone.

Using the power of QR codes, PowaTag speeds up your online purchasing process from start to finish. Through the app you'll be able to purchase FFC retail items as well as receive exclusive discounts and offers that are only available to fans using the app.

Step one, you'll need to download the PowaTag app, which you can do by clicking the link below, and register your payment details. Step two, be sure to pick up a copy of the Fulham Store Christmas Catalogue at the ground today, and scan your QR to browse the range.


Exclusive discounts

To start with, any supporter who purchases £40 or more worth of Fulham merchandise through the Powatag app will receive £10 off their entire order. The £10 discount will be automatically applied from directly within the app to make the whole process quick and easy.


Download PowaTag

With shopping made easy and great discounts to be had, what are you waiting for?
The PowaTag app is available for iOS and Android – just click on the links to download, get scanning, and get shopping!

Download on iOS

Download on Android

All you have to do is scan one of our PowaTag QR codes (as seen below) with your phone, select the item(s) you want to purchase and they'll be delivered directly to your door!


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/november/28/introducing-powatag?

[WhiteJC]

 
Grant`s Rallying Cry Ahead of PNE Game
   
It`ll be Peter Grant who will, once again, be in charge of team affairs at Craven Cottage this afternoon.

Whilst Fulham continue the search for a replacement for the axed Kit Symons, who lost his job almost three weeks ago, Grant continues to serve in a caretaker role only and he admits he doesn`t want the job permanently.

However, his rally cry ahead of the visit of Preston North End this afternoon would suggest he is something of a specialist when it comes to man-management by encouraging his side to go for it and entertain us, the supporters, with Grant remarking,

"We`ve got to remember it`s our job to get the fans in that mood, not the fans job to lift us.

"There`s nothing better than winning football matches. That was the disappointment of losing last week, especially first half, as we had fantastic support and we wanted to send them away with a smile on their faces.

"That`s what I wanted to be the case come the end of the match, and I could sense that in the players as well. But for some reason it just didn`t go for us, although we could have ended up winning the game at MK Dons.

"There`s nothing better than coming to your home ground with your fans there, who come to see you week in and week out, and pay good money to watch us play.

"We`re here to entertain them and the best way to entertain them is by winning matches and playing with passion and with a purpose."

That`s all us, the supporters, can ask, a side that plays with passion.


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=423560#ixzz3snJZld7E