Tuesday Fulham Stuff (31/01/17)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Silva - Fulham Deserved Winners

Marco Silva admitted his side were second best as the Tigers were knocked out of the Emirates FA Cup by Fulham on Sunday.

Former Tiger Sone Aluko opened the scoring for the hosts to give the hosts a one-goal lead at the break and although Evandro briefly levelled the scores four minutes into the second half.

However, Chris Martin restored Fulham's lead five minutes later before Ryan Sessegnon and Stefan Johansen completed the scoring to see the Craven Cottage outfit deservedly progress to the fifth round.

"It is not easy when you lose like we did today," said Silva. "Fulham were fresher than us and deserved the victory.

"We did not start well and our focus was not there. They started stronger and faster. Our concentration was not there at some moments, the first goal is a good example.

"We did not have the right levels of motivation, ambition and aggressiveness to our game."

The 39-year-old now wants to see a reaction from his side when they return to Premier League action away at Manchester United in midweek.

"We need a reaction. We will do our work, we lost this game and they deserved to win," he added.

"Not everything is wrong. I will analyse the game with the players so we can prepare for Wednesday's game at Manchester United. We have to be strong, determined, aggressive and reactive."



Read more at http://www.hullcitytigers.com/news/article/2016-17/silva-fulham-deserved-winners-3543849.aspx#AigofYl8G4qTBPts.99

[WhiteJC]

 
"THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO WIND FULHAM UP!": DERBY AND FULHAM FANS REACT TO CHRIS MARTIN'S NEW CONTRACT

Derby County announced last night that striker Chris Martin has signed a new contract at Pride Park despite currently being out on loan at Fulham.

The new deal will last until the summer of 2020 and has seen very mixed reactions from both sets of fans.

It is no secret that the forward has been trying to force his way back to his parent club and to some Fulham fans, this is seen as part of his quest.

Meanwhile in Derby, some fans are delighted with the news whereas some are questioning his professionalism and if they really want somebody like that at their club.



http://footballleagueworld.co.uk/this-is-an-attempt-to-wind-fulham-up-derby-and-fulham-fans-react-to-chris-martins-new-contract/

[WhiteJC]

 
Sessegnon stars as Fulham sweep past Hull
by DAN on JANUARY 29, 2017

A neutral observer wondering which was the Premier League side as opposed to one hoping to be upwardly mobile from the Championship would have been surprised by the answer on the banks of the Thames this afternoon. Fulham, apparently untroubled by the latest twist in the Chris Martin transfer saga, comfortably dispatched Marco Silva's patched up Hull side with a display of accomplished football that suggested Slavisa Jokanovic's men could profit handsomely at a higher level if only they could find a way of bridging the gap to the second tier's top six.

That the majority of the damage was told by sixteen year-old starlet Ryan Sessegnon only made Fulham's afternoon all the more special. The England youth international already has an FA Cup pedigree – having become one of the competition's youngest ever scorers after notching the winner in the last round in Cardiff – but his sensational goal that stretched Fulham's lead to 3-1 was a sight to behold. Having already played in Martin with a sumptuous pass for the crucial second, Sessegnon sprinted clear down the left with a bewildering burst of speed, swapped intricate passes with Lucas Piazon, and then bellied his tender years with a composed finish past the onrushing Eldin Jakupovic. So smartly has the teenager taken to first-team football it is little wonder that excitable observers are likening him to Gareth Bale.

Jokanovic has been at pains to ease the pressure on his young prospect, eager to allow him to develop away from prying eyes or media headlines. Like a young Bale, it is clear Sessegnon has work to do on his defending – he allowed Goebel Evandro to ghost in at the back post to briefly level matters – but he also possesses all the intelligence and attacking instincts to trouble defenders at the other end of the pitch. Few others could have had the foresight to unselfishly square a ball from a shooting position to lay on a tap-in for Martin minutes later and those galloping overlapping runs posed problems for a stretched Hull defence all afternoon.

Martin, whose afternoon began with catcalls from a section of the home support after his decision to sign a three and a half year contract extension with parent club Derby County yesterday, gradually won over the boo boys to such an extent that applause drowned out the discontent by the time he was substituted shortly before the end. The Scottish striker remains pivotal to Jokanovic's preferred system – and it remains to be seen how Fulham will replenish their forward line before the close of the transfer window – and his impact could be measured in the slipshod nature of Hull's defending as well as the way he released Tom Cairney for Stefan Johansen's deflected fourth goal.

Fulham were on the front foot from the off and there was an inevitably about their first scorer. Sone Aluko, who felt he had a point to prove after being released by Hull this summer, was lively throughout down the Fulham right and his venomous volley after Tomas Kalas had climbed imperiously to nod a Johansen free-kick down at the far post was the least the home side deserved after a bright opening quarter of an hour. The recalled Marcus Bettinelli, who later splendidly saved two Abel Hernandez penalties, also denied the Uruguayan forward with two fine reaction saves from close range as Hull threatened an equaliser before the break – but he could do little to keep out Evandro's flying header from a fine cross by Andy Robertson four minutes after the restart.

The Hull leveller only seemed to galvanise Fulham, who poured forward with intent. It took just four minutes for the hosts to restore their advantage with Aluko threading a clever ball down the Fulham left and Sessegnon, who would have been fully justified in heading for goal himself, cut the ball brilliantly back across goal to give Martin the luxury of prodding into an empty net. After Sessegnon had sublimely made it three, Jokanovic's side added a fourth when Cairney burst onto Martin's searching pass and drew in three Hull defenders before pausing and picking out Johansen, whose low, powerful strike was deflected on its way past Jakupovic.

The visitors' afternoon was summed up when Hernandez passed up two chances to beat Bettinelli from twelve yards within the space of two minutes. The former England under-21 goalkeeper sprung smartly to his left to push out the first effort but was then penalised for bringing down the striker as Hernandez sought to tuck away the rebound. No matter as Bettinelli produced another excellent stop, pushing the second penalty kick over the bar, before also denying substitute Josh Tymon in stoppage time.

FULHAM (4-1-2-3): Bettinelli; Odoi, R. Sessegnon, Kalas, Ream; McDonald; Johansen, Cairney (Fredericks 88); Aluko (Ayite 80), Piazon, Martin (Petsos 83). Subs (not used): Button, Malone, Madl, Parker.

BOOKED: McDonald, Johansen.

GOALS: Aluko (17), Martin (54), Sessegnon (66), Johansen (78).

HULL CITY (4-2-3-1): Jakupovic; Elabdellaoui, Davies (Maguire 10), Huddlestone, Robertson; Evandro (Tymon 74), Meyler (Niasse 62); Markovic, Diomande, Clucas; Hernández. Subs (not used): Marshall, Maloney, Weir, Bowen.

BOOKED: Maguire, Markovic.

GOAL: Evandro (52).

REFEREE: Paul Tierney (Wigan).

ATTENDANCE: 15,143


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/01/sessegnon-stars-as-fulham-sweep-past-hull/

[WhiteJC]

 
Teen star Sessegnon shines as Fulham add to Hull's woes

Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic believes 16-year-old Ryan Sessegnon is a top-flight star in the making after his goal helped the Cottagers beat Hull.

A first-half strike from Sone Aluko was matched by Hull's Evandro just after half-time, but further efforts from Chris Martin, Sessegnon and Stefan Johansen capped a dominant display by the Fulham.

Jokanovic said teenager Sessegnon proved he has the quality to go a long way in the game.

"He has showed the right personality, he is only 16 years old but he is 100 per cent going to be in the highest level soon but I am enjoying working with him. He will shine in the future."
The Fulham manager added: "Our general performance was very good. We have tried to move the ball around against a strong Hull who showed in midweek how good they can be, and what they have changed."

Hull, who now find themselves out of both cup competitions after back-to-back disappointments, were awarded two penalties with only minutes left but Abel Hernandez missed both, which could cost him the spot-kick responsibility.

Manager Marco Silva said: "We will see. I need to think about it. It is a decision I will take for the next penalty.

"It is not easy when we lost like we did today. Fulham deserved it. We did not start well, we were out of focus.
"We need a reaction but not everything is wrong. I will analyse the game with the players so we can prepare."

Meanwhile, Milwall beat Watford 1-0 courtesy of Steve Morison's late winner. Supporters of the League One team already had reason to celebrate with the news that the threat of compulsary purchase of land around the Den and their unwanted relocation to Kent had been staved off.

Fulham's Marcus Bettinelli makes a save. Photo: Reuters / Dylan Martinez

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/other-soccer/teen-star-sessegnon-shines-as-fulham-add-to-hulls-woes-35407452.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Sessegnon 'can go right to top,' says Jokanovic
by DAN on JANUARY 30, 2017

Slavisa Jokanovic feels Ryan Sessegnon can become one of English football's brightest stars – but the Fulham head coach wants him to shine at Craven Cottage for 'a long time' to come.

The 16 year-old full-back was the star of the show as Fulham thumped Premier League Hull City 4-1 to secure a place in the last sixteen of the FA Cup yesterday afternoon showing a maturity beyond his tender years. The England youth international has been linked with a number of Europe's top clubs since making a groundbreaking start to his professional career earlier this season, but having signed a pre-contract agreement with Fulham that ensures his first senior contract will start on his seventeenth birthday in May, Sessegnon is keen to keep developing at Fulham.

Jokanovic told his post-match press conference:

Of course I am pleased with him. He has showed the right personality, he is only 16 years old but he is 100 per cent going to be in the highest level soon but I am enjoying working with him. I want to use him in my squad for a long time, he will shine in the future.

Our general performance was very good. We have tried to move the ball around against a strong Hull who showed in midweek how good they can be, and what they have changed. We deserved this victory. We have to be satisfied when we beat a Premier League side.

Look where we are, we are in the next round and we are fighting (for a play-off place in the Championship), we are fighting hard which is important.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/01/sessegnon-can-go-right-to-top-says-jokanovic/

[WhiteJC]

 
Smith poised for QPR switch?
by DAN on JANUARY 30, 2017

QPR are keen on signing Fulham striker Matt Smith before Tuesday night's transfer deadline and some reports have claimed that the tall forward has already undergone a medical ahead of a potential move.

The deal is contingent on Fulham bolstering their striking resources, especially after on-loan striker Chris Martin signed a contract extension with parent club Derby County over the weekend. Rangers boss Ian Holloway has been forced to consider alternatives up front after failing to match Rotherham United's valuation of striker Danny Ward and seems to have turned to the 27 year-old former Leeds United striker as another potential target.

Smith has struggled to establish himself as a first team regular at Craven Cottage after his arrival from Elland Road on transfer deadline day in the summer of 2014. The likable forward has scored nine times in 53 appearances – with thirty-three of those coming from the bench, for the Whites and enjoyed great success on loan at Bristol City, scoring eleven times in 20 games back in 2014-2015.

The 6ft 6in striker started the season as Slavisa Jokanovic's first choice striker after the departure of Ross McCormack and Moussa Dembele, scoring winners in Fulhan's opening two fixtures against Newcastle United and Preston North End but was relegated to the substitutes bench after the deadline day loan of Martin. He has made seventeen appearances for the Whites this season, with his last outing coming in the derby draw at Loftus Road earlier this month.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/01/smith-poised-for-qpr-switch/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham determined to keep Cairney
by DAN on JANUARY 30, 2017

Fulham have rebuffed an approach from Middlesbrough to sign playmaker Tom Cairney and reiterated that their star midfielder is not for sale, according to Sky Sports.

The west London club have rubbished reports in some of the Sunday papers that Middlesbrough were ready to talk to Cairney about offering him an opportunity to return to the Premier League after agreeing a fee of around £7m, especially after Fulham had told Newcastle before the transfer window that the bidding would need to start at somewhere close to £20m if they were to consider selling one of their prized assets.

The Fulham captain has been one of Slavisa Jokanovic's most consistent performers as the Whites chase a spot in the Championship's top six and has repeatedly stressed how happy he is in London. The 26 year-old has scored five goals in 28 appearances, including a stunning individual strike at Wolverhampton, and Fulham are currently talking to the former Hull City midfielder about extending his contract at Craven Cottage.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/01/fulham-determined-to-keep-cairney/

[WhiteJC]

 
QUEENS PARK RANGERS EYE RAID ON CHAMPIONSHIP RIVALS TO BOLSTER STRIKER OPTIONS

According to West London Sport, Queens Park Rangers are weighing up a swoop for Fulham striker Matt Smith as they continue to explore striker options ahead of Tuesday's deadline.

With time running out before the January transfer window slams shut, QPR are considering a move for Smith, who is currently on the fringes of local neighbours Fulham's squad.

The 27-year-old joined Fulham from Leeds in 2014 but has not managed to nail down a regular starting place in the side since his arrival.

The towering centre forward is renowned for his hold up play, aerial ability and physical strength.

He has 9 goals in 53 appearances for the Cottagers, although the majority of those have come as a substitute.

QPR are considering Smith after they saw another bid rejected for Rotherham marksman Danny Ward.

Ian Holloway is keen to bolster his options up front, especially after Sebastian Polter left to return to Germany and join FC Union Berlin earlier this month.


http://footballleagueworld.co.uk/queens-park-rangers-eye-raid-on-championship-rivals-to-bolster-striker-options/

[WhiteJC]

 
FULHAM RULE OUT SALE OF STAR MAN AMID PREMIER LEAGUE INTEREST

Fulham are standing firm and insisting that star man Tom Cairney is not for sale in this January transfer window, according to Sky Sports News.

Fulham's stance comes amid rumours linking Tom Cairney with a move to Premier League outfit Middlesbrough.

The 26-year-old is a target for Aitor Karanka's side.

Reports emerged over the weekend suggesting that Boro and Fulham were discussing a possible £7m switch after the Premier League side missed out on Robert Snodgrass – who opted to join West Ham instead.

Cairney has been the linchpin in the Fulham midfield this season, with his five goals and four assists in 26 league matches helping the Cottagers to position themselves just outside the play-off zone.

The former Hull City and Blackburn midfielder is a big part of Slavisa Jokanovic's plans as Fulham aim to mount a late surge for a top six finish.

Therefore, Fulham will not allow Cairney to join Middlesbrough in January.


http://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-rule-out-sale-of-star-man-amid-premier-league-interest/

[WhiteJC]

 
Burton Albion "get on with it" ahead of Fulham game as Nigel Clough considers Nottingham Forest job

Jon McLaughlin says it is business as usual for Burton Albion's players ahead of Wednesday's clash with Fulham while Nigel Clough considers the approach from Nottingham Forest over their managerial vacancy. Minutes after a crucial 2-1 victory for the Brewers at Queens Park Rangers on Saturday, Clough confirmed that he would take some time to weigh up his options following Forest's approach earlier in the week.

The Albion manager is clearly conflicted and acknowledged what a challenging decision it would be for him to make either way, given the emotional ties he has to both the Brewers and Forest, for whom he made more than 300 appearances as a player and with whom his father Brian enjoyed such memorable success

For the Brewers players, though, their thoughts must turn quickly from a fine display at Loftus Road to the visit of play-off chasing Fulham on Wednesday.

McLaughlin - who made a vital late save from Conor Washington to secure all three points at the weekend - says that nothing will change in their approach to the Cottagers clash, despite increasing speculation of Clough's move to the City Ground

And having already seen Gary Rowett and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink leave Albion in positive circumstances for jobs further up the league structure in his time at the Pirelli, the Brewers keeper says it is just part and parcel of football - especially at Burton Albion.

"You just have to get on with your job as normal," he said after the QPR win. "Because until a manager leaves or decides to stay, nothing changes in that interim.

"Everything on Saturday and Friday was done as normal - and so it should be, because he's still the manager of this football team, he's still in charge. It's great when you hear that the manager is attracting interest from big clubs.

"It would be the third time in two-and-a-half seasons that our manager is being touted by what you would call bigger clubs, and instead of being sacked, looking to move in a positive way. So it's always good for the club and the players that the performances are what is bringing that.

"For us, it happens all the time - managers come and go. In our case, as I say, recently it's always been for the positive, which is sometimes different.

"But we just have to get on with it. We've done before when Gary Rowett left, when Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink left - and Nigel Clough came in.

"We've tried to make those transitions seamless and we've got a good group of lads who will definitely keep working for this manager until the day when he is no longer in charge and someone else comes in - and we'll do the exact same for them, whoever it is."


Read more at http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/burton-albion-get-on-with-it-ahead-of-fulham-game-as-nigel-clough-considers-nottingham-forest-job/story-30096415-detail/story.html#F7CDX5cMBEKXsePq.99

[WhiteJC]

 
Could Chris Martin feature for Derby County in the play-offs? Here's what we know

Chris Martin's season-long loan at Fulham runs to the end of the Championship play-offs regardless of whether the London club finish in the top six.

This rules out the possibility of the striker appearing for parent club Derby County in the play-offs this season should they get there and Fulham miss out.

The only way this could change is if Martin's loan is ended before Tuesday's 11pm transfer deadline.

Derby have been trying to get the Scotland international back to Pride Park this month and the player has wanted to return, but there is no recall clause in the deal.

Fulham expect Martin to remain with them for the rest of the campaign despite him signing a new three-and-a-half year contract at Derby.

Fulham have first option to buy Martin in the summer but the fact he has committed his long-term future to Derby looks to rule out a permanent move.

Slavisa Jokanovic, Fulham's head coach, has said they will send Martin back at the end of the season in "better condition" and suggested the player could play for Rams in the play-offs.

"If they (Derby) are in the top six by the second week of May - he will play for them (in the play-offs)," he said.

However, an EFL spokesman has confirmed that if a player's parent club still has matches remaining in the season after a standard loan ends (ie, the play-offs), they are not eligible to play in those games.


Read more at http://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/could-chris-martin-feature-for-derby-county-in-the-play-offs-here-s-what-we-know/story-30096756-detail/story.html#PyIvgIr2cgzUie15.99

[WhiteJC]

 
QPR quoted £1million to sign striker from local rivals

Queens Park Rangers are keen on signing target man striker Matt Smith from Sky Bet Championship rivals Fulham. However, Get West London reports that the Craven Cottage club want £1million before they will allow the player to leave the club permanently

Ian Holloway is extremely eager to bolster his striker options before the transfer window deadline, which slums shut on Tuesday evening. With Idrissa Sylla and Conor Washington not proving to be regular goalscorers for the Hoops, the former Sky Sport pundit has identified Smith as someone who can do a job in the blue and white strips.

Smith, aged 27, is out of contract with Slavisa Jokanovic's Fulham at the end of the season and it would appear somewhat unlikely that he will be offered an extension, or if he'd sign it even if he was. He has mainly found himself as a regular substitute in recent years, although he did start the season in the side, scoring the only goal in the opening day victory over Newcastle United. With Chris Martin on loan from Derby County being the first choice forward at the club, and others seemingly given the nod ahead of Smith even if Martin isn't able to play, QPR could take advantage of the situation.

He certainly possesses plenty of experience at EFL level, with Bristol City, Leeds United and Oldham Athletic, as well as a loan spell at Macclesfield Town, forming the other clubs he has played for in the professional game. He has only scored twice this season, which ironically came in their opening two games of the season. In total, he has made 19 appearances, most from the bench. QPR could soon welcome the towering forward to Loftus Road.


http://the72.co.uk/74070/fulham-tell-qpr-1mill-striker/

[WhiteJC]

 
QPR and Fulham agree fee for Smith

QPR have agreed a fee with Fulham for striker Matt Smith.

Rangers are looking at potential options after failing to agree a fee with Rotherham for Danny Ward.

Smith, 27, has been unable to establish himself as a first-team regular since joining Fulham from Leeds United in 2014.

He has made 53 appearances for the Whites, 33 of them as a substitute, and has scored nine goals.

Smith scored 11 goals in 20 appearances during a loan spell at Bristol City the season before last.


http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/qpr-fulham-agree-smith-fee-jan30

[WhiteJC]

 
QPR agree £1m deal with Fulham to sign striker Matt Smith - Sky sources

Matt Smith has scored only nine times in 53 games in three seasons for Fulham

QPR have agreed a deal with Fulham to sign striker Matt Smith, according to Sky sources.

It is understood Rangers will pay an initial £500,000 fee, possibly rising to an eventual £1m based on incentives.

Smith, 27, will undergo a medical with the Whites' West London rivals and look to finalise personal terms.

The Birmingham born forward signed for Fulham for £500,000 in 2014 but has struggled to establish himself under a succession of managers.

He has only made 20 Championship starts for the club across three season, and spent time on loan at Bristol City in 2014-15, where he scored 13 goals in 20 appearances. For Fulham he has only scored nine times in 53 games.

Sky sources understand Fulham still want to sign a new striker before Tuesday's deadline and are interested in Jordan Rhodes, but consider his price too expensive at £9m.


http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11711/10748828/qpr-agree-1m-deal-with-fulham-to-sign-striker-matt-smith-sky-sources

[WhiteJC]

 
LATE TOTTENHAM TRANSFER ACTION: DEAL FOR £30M-RATED SENSATION IS POSSIBLE – REPORT

Tottenham are eyeing a late window swoop for Fulham sensation Ryan Sessegnon, according to a report.

Sports site Bleacher Report claim the Premier League big hitters have designs on prising the young left-back, who has been hailed as the next Ashley Cole, from Craven Cottage.

Tottenham have not made any signings this month and Mauricio Pochettino has said it is unlikely his team will push through a deal before Tuesday night.

However, Bleacher Report say the club's interest in Sessegnon remains strong and there is a possibility of a deal if Pochettino's side are willing to loan the teenager back for the rest of the season.

"If there is any late action at Spurs, it could be due to interest in Sessegnon," Bleacher Report explain. "They would love to have him on board, but Fulham would need the guarantee of a loan back if anything was to be rushed through."

The 16-year-old is creating waves in the Championship on the back of a stunning start to his senior career.

Sessegnon is being closely monitored by the leading Premier League clubs, who are well aware he is not able to sign a professional contract with Fulham until he turns 17 next May.

Fulham have produced some outstanding players in recent years, with Celtic's Moussa Dembele and Manchester City's Patrick Roberts among those who have graduated from one of the most impressive academies in English football.

Sessegnon, who does not turn 17 for another four months, has made 15 appearances for Fulham this season, spread across 994 minutes of action.

In August, the London-born ace became the youngest scorer in Championship history and he has continued to develop as well as demonstrating a rare eye for goal from a full-back.

He has scored four goals this season, including one in Saturday's 4-1 FA Cup win over Premier League side Hull at Craven Cottage.

The teenage sensation also supplied his second assist of the campaign at the weekend.

Football Insider verdict:

Ridiculously talented and precocious? Yes. Destined for the top? Absolutely. Assuming his body stays strong, there appears no limit to what Sessegnon can achieve. Fulham have known for some time they have a remarkable young player on their hands and the big boys have been beating a path to the Cottage to try and persuade the youngster to up sticks before he turns 17. It will take the promise of big cash for Fulham to cave in. History tells us they eventually will – the Dembele and Roberts exits are proof of that – but a huge sum could first pass hands.



http://www.footballinsider247.com/late-tottenham-transfer-action-deal-fast-tracked-report/

[WhiteJC]

 
Odds slashed: Fulham installed as new 4/6 favourites in race to sign Robbie Keane

Fulham are leading the race to sign the Irishman, according to the bookmakers.

Popular bookmakers SkyBET have slashed the odds on Fulham signing Premier League legend Robbie Keane, installing them as the new 4/6 favourites to win the race for the free agent's signature.

The Irishman has been available on a free transfer, following the expiration of his contract with MLS side LA Galaxy, and a whole host of English clubs have been credited with showing an interest in the former Tottenham Hotspur, Leeds United and Liverpool striker.

And SkyBET have made the Cottagers strong favourites to win the race to sign the 146-capped Republic of Ireland international, listing them at 4/6 ahead of Preston North-End at 2/1 and Brighton & Hove Albion at 8/1.

The 36-year-old is in possession of a footballing CV that can be matched by few in the game, and has scored a total of 218 career goals.

The one question mark hanging over Keane's head is whether or not he still has the physical attributes to keep up with the high demands of English football, with the Championship being renowned for its' intense nature.

There is only one way to find out the answer to that question, however, and with his availability on a free, it will surely be a risk worth taking for Fulham.


http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2017/01/30/odds-slashed-fulham-installed-as-new-46-favoruties-in-race-to-si/

[WhiteJC]

 
Smith agrees personal terms with QPR

Matt Smith has agreed personal terms with QPR and is set to complete his move to Loftus Road from Fulham.

Rangers have agreed a fee for the Whites striker, having targeted him after unsuccessfully trying to sign Rotherham forward Danny Ward.

Smith, 27, has been unable to establish himself as a first-team regular since joining Fulham from Leeds United in 2014.

He has made 53 appearances for the Whites, 33 of them as a substitute, and has scored nine goals.

Smith scored 11 goals in 20 appearances during a loan spell at Bristol City the season before last.


http://www.westlondonsport.com/qpr/smith-agrees-personal-terms-qpr

[WhiteJC]

 
Tottenham to face Fulham in the fifth round of the FA Cup

Tottenham will face Fulham in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Mauricio Pochettino's side will take on the Championship side at Craven Cottage on the weekend commencing Saturday February the 18th.

The Argentine coach named a much-changed side in the previous round but has conceded he is having 'second thoughts' about a similar approach for the remainder of the competition.



http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/tottenham-to-face-fulham-in-the-fifth-round-of-the-fa-cup-a3453521.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Why The Conundrum Involving This Fulham Striker Has Left Everyone Scratching Their Heads

Fulham and Derby County are unarguably two of the Championship sides who still have an outside chance of making it into the play-off spots in the coming months. With the former merely a couple of points behind Sheffield Wednesday who are slotted at the last play-off spot and the latter being five points adrift, the scenario is heating up.

However, there has been an awkward situation that is getting inked between these two outfits regarding the dilemma with respect to striker Chris Martin which has cultivated deep interest from far and wide. The curious case of Martin is high on agenda amongst the football fraternity and it was elevated a few steps higher when he scored a vital goal on Sunday against Hull City in the fourth round of the Emirates FA Cup. But, what is this diabolical situation all about?

For the starters, Martin is currently plying his trade at Fulham after being sent on loan to the Craven Cottage from Derby County until the end of the season. Just prior to their stupendous win against the Tigers in the FA Cup, the 28-year-old signed a new contract with the Rams which runs until the summer of 2020. He has been in blistering form for Fulham as he's managed 9 goals in 18 appearances and has also registered 2 assists. Further, he has also created 22 chances and has unarguably been a star performer.

However, Martin wants to terminate his loan deal and return to the Pride Park Stadium and has taken some of the drastic steps to see his demands being met, including his refusal to play against Reading in December. He was loaned by Derby County under the tutelage of Nigel Pearson but now that the side have a new manager in the shape of Steve McLaren, the striker was given a new contract.

The Scottish international has made a total of 160 appearances for his parent club, finding the back of the net on 63 occasions. It was surprising to see Martin's name in Slavisa Jokanovic's starting line-up on Saturday, and boos from the crowd to represent their disgust towards Martin didn't take very long time to come. He was, however, given a standing ovation owing to the way he constantly bullied Hull City's defenders and scored one himself to restore the lead.

Nonetheless, the London-based outfit would not want to lose a front man who is exceptionally good at holding up the play up front, phenomenon work-rate and impeccable movements which make him an irresistible commodity. Derby County do want their man back but then, there is a contractual point to be met as well which is needed to be addressed by a discussion between these two clubs before the curtains fall.


http://the4thofficial.net/2017/01/conundrum-involving-fulham-striker-left-everyone-scratching-heads/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham Draw Spurs

Fulham have been drawn to face Tottenham Hotspur at Craven Cottage in Round Five of the Emirates FA Cup.

The tie will be played between 17-20 February, with confirmation and ticket details confirmed in due course.

As a result of the Whites' progression in the competition, our Sky Bet Championship fixture against Bristol City will be rearranged.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/january/30/fulham-draw-spurs