Friday Fulham Stuff (03/02/17)...

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Fulham boss keeps his feet on the ground despite high praise from Burton
Jokanovic satisfied as Whites win on the road at the Pirelli Stadium

Eyes open: Slavisa Jokanovic

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic expressed his satisfaction at seeing his side move to within three points of the Sky Bet Championship play-offs courtesy of a 2-0 win at struggling Burton Albion.

Stefan Johansen's seventh goal of the season, just three minutes into the second half set the men from Craven Cottage on their way after a cagey first half before former Burton loanee Scott Malone rifled in a second with 19 minutes to play to seal the victory and reignite Fulham's push for possible promotion.

"I can be satisfied with our performance," said Jokanovic. "We tried to play our style and move the ball from side to side in the first half but Burton closed us down.

"We had possession of the ball but we could not create much.

Foot in: Stefan Johansen (L) is tackled by David Meyler

"Fortunately we tried to open the field up a bit in the second half and we got a goal early at the start of the half and that made it easier for us to win the game."

Jokanovic was not willing to talk about his side's promotion chances having got their first win in three games to thrust them right back into the race for a play-off spot.

He added: "I am not talking about the top six. That is for May 7 and when we know where we are going to finish this competition. I prefer to think about the next step and the next chance to get three points.

"We need to keep working with our energy and desire for the next three points that is in front of us."

A philosophical Nigel Clough conceded his Burton Albion side had been beaten by the better team on a night when the Brewers again passed up the chance to record back-to-back victories for the first time this season.

In the thick of it: Scott Malone

"Fulham were too good for us tonight," stated Clough.

"There was a big gulf in quality and the disappointing thing was that we gave the first goal away with a mistake and you can't afford to do that against such good players.

"We got through the first half by being solid without doing that much ourselves and we restricted them to not very much.

"We just needed to get 10 minutes under our belt in the second half and see how it goes but we didn't get to that point.

"We have to be better on the ball ourselves and our set plays weren't great.

"When you don't have that much possession you have to make the most of set plays and tonight we didn't."


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-boss-keeps-feet-ground-12543619

[WhiteJC]

 
Calm Jokanovic pleased with Fulham win
by DAN on FEBRUARY 2, 2017

Slavisa Jokanovic professed himself 'satisfied' with Fulham's first win in three matches after a hard-fought victory at Burton put them back in the play-off picture.

The Whites struggled to break down a dogged Burton side during a tepid first half at the Pirelli Stadium and Jokanovic acknowledged the importance of Stefan Johansen's strike early in the second period that changed the context of the game.

The Serbian head coach told his post-match press conference:

I can be satisfied with our performance. We tried to play our style and move the ball from side to side in the first half but Burton closed us down. We had possession of the ball but we could not create much. Fortunately we tried to open the field up a bit in the second half and we got a goal early at the start of the half and that made it easier for us to win the game.

A focused Jokanovic refused to discuss how the three points had boosted Fulham's hopes of getting in the Championship's top six, insisting that he was only focusing on following up last night's victory with another win at Birmingham on Saturday.

I am not talking about the top six. That is for May 7 and when we know where we are going to finish this competition. I prefer to think about the next step and the next chance to get three points, which is against Birmingham on Saturday. We need to keep working with our energy and desire for the next three points that is in front of us.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/02/calm-jokanovic-pleased-with-fulham-win/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham last minute transfer failed after club couldn't agree with agent

It was quite an exciting transfer deadline day for Fulham. First, there were claims the club were trying to sign Sergi Enrich from Eibar.

It seemed a lofty ambition for Fulham. Enrich has been excellent for Eibar this season, putting off the pitch controversies to bed (no pun intended), but it turned out to be actually true.

However, Eibar weren't prepared to play, and Sport Witness were informed that a deal became dead on Tuesday afternoon. It was just too complicated for deadline day.

Enrich has since come to an outline agreement over a contract extension and pay rise with Eibar, which will also see his buyout clause raised from the current level of €10m.

After Enrich, Fulham moved on to 21 year old Aboubakar Kamara from Ligue 2's Amiens.

Fulham managed to agree a deal with Amiens, but as L'Equipe report on Thursday, negotiations between the London club and Kamara's agent broke down.

After Kamara, Fulham went on to Gohi Cyriac and signed the Oostende striker on loan until the end of the season.

A day that started with Sergi Enrich, impressing in La Liga, ended with Gohi Cyriac, Oostende's joint fourth top scorer so far this season.


http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-last-minute-transfer-failed-club-couldnt-agree-agent/

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QPR and Fulham both fined over clashes in final minutes of Loftus Road derby

QPR and Fulham have both received fine from the Football Association after a melee in the closing minutes of their 1-1 draw at Loftus Road last month.

Rangers have received a £40,000 fine whilst Fulham will pay slightly less at £36,000.

QPR coach Marc Bircham and Fulham's Marco Cesarini have both been fined £2,000.

Two incidents first saw both management teams and sets of players clashing in the 91st minute, with Bircham sent to the stands by referee Keith Stroud before a second incident three minutes later when Fulham's Tom Cairney was booked after an altercation with Ryan Manning.

In a statement the FA confirmed: "Both clubs admitted two breaches of FA Rule E20(a) in that, firstly, in or around the 91st minute of the fixture, they failed to ensure their players and/or officials conducted themselves in an orderly fashion.

"Furthermore, in or around the 94th minute, they failed to ensure their players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion."

Rangers boss Ian Holloway had criticised Stroud for "losing control" of a match in which Chris Martin missed a penalty before equalising with 14 minutes left on the clock.


http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/qpr-and-fulham-both-fined-over-clashes-in-final-minutes-of-loftus-road-derby-a3456601.html

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Fulham like QPR stuck between rock and a hard place over Birmingham City and Blackburn
Whites and Hoops get used to living out of a suitcase - it could be worse, says Rs boss, they could be in Italy and Serie A

Fulham have joined QPR in exile as they prepare for weekend games.

Both clubs after playing last night weighed up the odds of travelling home and back up to the midlands and the north to prepare for Saturday.

Rangers are training at a Premier League ground somewhere between Newcastle and Blackburn, and after their 2-0 win at Burton, Fulham have decamped to St George's Park National Football Centre in Burton itself to prepare to face Birmingham City.

Here are the Whites warming down today at the FA centre.

Earlier, Ian Holloway elaborated on the undue stress of getting back and forth.

"So it's Wednesday night at Newcastle; no flight back; what time would the coach get back if we took it? Do we travel up the following day?" all asked by Ollie.

"Now we've got to train at a Premier League ground. Impact on preparation? What will impact is not seeing your family from Tuesday to Saturday or even Sunday morning.

"It could be worse; you could be at an Italian club, and they lock you away if you lose."


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-like-qpr-stuck-between-12545311

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Amazing – Yet another striker Fulham tried on deadline day, €3m offer made

Fulham's efforts to sign a striker on deadline day are becoming more entertaining. We covered the club's efforts to sign Sergi Enrich, and were able to confirm that wasn't a goer mid afternoon on Tuesday.

From there Fulham moved on to 21 year old Aboubakar Kamara from Ligue 2's Amiens. These are pretty reliable reports, it's hardly a rumour that would be made up. Added to that, French newspaper L'Equipe today reported that Amiens were happy to do a deal but Fulham couldn't come to an agreement with Kamara's agent.

In the end Oodense's joint fourth top scorer in this campaign (4 goals, 2 of which were penalties... he did better last season), 29 year old Gohi Cyriac, moved to Fulham on loan until the end of the season.

According to Belgian newspaper Het Belang van Limburg, in another reliable looking report, somewhere between the Enrich attempt and signing Cyriac, came an attempt at signing Yohan Boli.

He's a 23 year old French striker currently playing for Sint-Truidense V.V. in Belgium. With 6 goals so far this season (just 1 a pen). Fulham offered €3m plus bonuses.

Outlining how reliable the information is, Het Belang van Limburg quote STVV's CEO Philippe Bormans as saying: "We could have cashed in heavily by selling Boli, but both the club and the player himself did not benefit from a departure. Yohan indicated that he wants to grow here and wants to improve here.

"As a board, we give a clear signal to the fans that we want to move forward and not every year let our best players leave. Moreover, we want to grow this group. This was simply not the time to transfer Boli."

Is this the last one? Who knows!


http://sportwitness.co.uk/amazing-yet-another-striker-fulham-tried-deadline-day-e3m-offer-made/

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Fulham boss lays it on the line to former Charlton striker what's expected of him
Ivory Coast international is here for one reason only - and that's to fill the onion bag after Matt Smith's departure, says boss

Slavisa Jokanovic believes that Gohi Cyriac will provide Fulham with more firepower after his deadline day loan move from KV Osstende.

Matt Smith's departure made it essential for the Whites to sign the speedy 26-year-old striker, and Jokanovic was pleased to add the Ivory Coast international to his squad.

That said, deadline day was a case of what might have been for Fulham as they missed out on other targets.

okanovic said: "I was expecting more, but it's logical if I decide to let Matt Smith leave and send Cauley Woodrow and Stevie Humphrys on loan.

"The minimum we can do is bring in a player who can cover this position. He's yet to train with us but I expect he can help us in the last 18 games. I expect his main strengths to be scoring goals.

Jokanovic was critical of Fulham's recruitment strategy in the summer but opted to retain a dignified silence when asked for his views on their January work.

He added: "I don't want to talk about recruitment. I'm proud of the people working with us. The two new players can help us in this period in front of us.

"It's a credit for the people who played today, on the bench and in the stand. This squad will try and take important steps."


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-boss-lays-line-former-12546141

[WhiteJC]

 
Key player Vs. Fulham

Fulham are the visitors to St Andrews this Saturday where Blues have the opportunity to bounce back from successive defeats and earn a first win under Gianfranco Zola.

Slavisa Jokanovic`s side are just three points off the top six and are on a run of just two defeats from their last 10, so they'll be high in confidence when they come to face Blues.

If we are to see that first win under Zola, then I think that Tuesday nights Man of the Match Kerim Frei will have a key part to play against his former club.

Blues are seriously lacking that cutting edge going forward at the minute and there's way too much pressure on Lukas Jutkiewicz to deliver the goods.

Frei created our best chance of the game against Reading which Jutkiewicz just couldn't connect with and it`s the creativity of the Turkish winger that we should look towards utilising more often.

As I said in my previous key player article, we must feed the ball to Frei as much as possible and give him the chance to run at the opponents defence and frighten them from the get-go.

His sheer pace alone is enough to get him in behind the Fulham rearguard but his ability to beat his man is something that we must use to our advantage.

The key thing, though, is to get bodies up in support of the attack and we need runners from midfield to get on the end of those Frei cutbacks and the loose balls that drop.

The deadline day arrival of Jerome Sinclair will hopefully add some more firepower to the attack and if he can be the man to show those instincts in the box, then we could be onto something.

The emphasis will be on Blues, being the home team, to attack Fulham from the start and we can't have anymore of this laboured sideways passing that gets us nowhere.

It's all good having possession of the ball but if we don't do anything with it or fail to create chances then it counts for nothing.

We need to have a sense of unpredictability about us and Kerim Frei is the perfect option to have that allows us to do just that.



Read more: http://www.birmingham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=478903#ixzz4Xbhh4X00

[WhiteJC]

 
Uefa hand out cash boost to almost every Championship side: How much did your team earn?

THE CHAMPIONSHIP hosts plenty of international stars.



4. Fulham - £648,721


http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/762311/Uefa-cash-boost-Championship-side-sportgalleries

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FA Cup Hospitality

Guarantee your seat for all the action at our Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round match against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday 19th February, kick-off 2pm.

With match tickets yet to go on sale, a Matchday Hospitality package is currently the only way to secure your ticket for our tie against the Premier League side.

Watch the cup fixture in style with a range of Hospitality available to buy now; from formal dining to relaxed lounges, or private Executive Suite options.

Prices start from £75 per person (+VAT) and supporters can purchase online, by phone on 0208 336 7555 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5:30pm) or alternatively, email [email protected] today.

Match ticket sales will commence on Monday 6th February at 1pm, with sales priority given to Season Ticket Holders and Members. Those enrolled in our Cup Tie Scheme will be charged starting beginning today.

Head here for more ticket information.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/february/02/spurs-hospitality

[WhiteJC]

 
Derby County cancel James Wilson's loan; Chris Martin exit looks even more baffling

The Manchester United youngster returns to Old Trafford after failing to make an impact at Derby County. If only they had a certain Fulham striker up top.

As if Derby County needed yet another reminder of just how mistaken they were to send Chris Martin on loan to Fulham for the season, the Derby Telegraph reports that they have cancelled James Wilson's temporary deal with immediate effect.

The 21-year-old, who shot to fame by netting twice on his Manchester United debut against Hull City, was brought in during the ill-advised and inevitably-doomed reign of Nigel Pearson as Martin, the club's top scorer for each of the three previous campaigns, was farmed out to Craven Cottage for the season.

And, although the 28-year-old has spent the best part of the last few weeks angling for a return to the iPro, even signing a new three-and-a-half year deal despite Fulham retaining the option of signing him permanently at the end of the season, he has scored for fun in the capital, spearheading their play-off push with nine league goals.

Wilson, meanwhile, managed just 5 appearances and, unsurprisingly, not a single league goal. Though a serious knee injury in October wrecked his progress, the fact that Derby are not even willing to wait for his return speaks volumes about his impact. Or lack of.

In fact, Pearson's decision to swap a prolific, proven Championship goalscorer for an inexperienced youngster who averaged a goal every five games for Brighton last season was every bit as baffling as, say, putting a sleeper hold on James McArthur or comparing a reporter to the world's largest flightless bird.

Four months after his typically tumultuous departure, Derby are still attempting to right Pearson's wrongs.


http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2017/02/02/derby-county-cancel-james-wilsons-loan-chris-martin-exit-look/

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Birmingham City stalwart issues rallying call to supporters ahead of Fulham clash
Blues are winless in ten but the club captain wants the fans to stick together

Birmingham City club captain Paul Robinson has called on Blues supporters to help Gianfranco Zola's side through their recent poor run of form.

Blues made it ten games without a win with a 1-0 home defeat to Reading on Tuesday night and Zola is yet to taste victory after replacing Gary Rowett at the helm in December.

Zola's side now face play-off chasing Fulham at St Andrew's on Saturday and Robinson is keen for the fans and team to sick together ahead of the game.

"The supporters need to stay positive and keep getting right behind the team,"he said.

"I know they have been very patient despite being frustrated at times. You can't ask anymore of them, they always get behind the team and they always support them.

"Having 16,000 in attendance on a Tuesday night is a great turnout. It's just disappointing we can't give them something to cheer about but hopefully things will change.

"I want them to stay positive and keeping getting right behind the team and the staff"

Blues huffed and puffed against the Royals but were done with sucker-punch from John Swift in the 77th minute to make it back-to-back defeats.

Robinson wants his side to take the positives from the loss into the game against Fulham as they look to get the win that could kick-start the season under Zola.

He added: "We have to take the positives. They way we played, the way we created chances. We need to take exactly the same mentality into Fulham and go from there.

"It's going to another tough game for us but it's there for us to get three points and we need to stay positive.

"It could take an own goal, or a lucky deflection to get that first win. We know as a group we have to defend properly at certain times and we have to be switched on the full 90 minutes.

"It's going to another tough game for us but it's there for us to get three points. We are a tight-knit group and we have to stick together through the difficult times.

"In moments like this, you need the leaders and characters in the dressing room to come through. We have a good group of them and are ready for the game on Saturday."


http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/birmingham-city-stalwart-issues-rallying-12548082

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Fulham midfielder discusses play-off chances and heaps praise on 'Bugsy Malone'
The Whites are currently in ninth place, three points off the top six and have a vastly superior goal difference compared to their rivals


Kevin McDonald (Photo: Lewis Darling)

Kevin McDonald believes Fulham have every chance of reaching the play-offs this season but they must be obsessed with winning.

The Whites are currently in ninth place, three points off the top six and have a vastly superior goal difference compared to their rivals.

The Whites travel to Birmingham on Saturday and the aim now is to go on a winning run.

McDonald explained: "I think we're well up there and if we can kick on and go on a run and cement ourselves in the top six then I think it'll be hard to bring us back out.

"We play such attractive football so if we earn the right to play we've got a huge chance. We've got to keep our feet on the ground and make things happen ourselves.


Two's company: Stefan Johansen (L) celebrates his goal against Hull with Ryan Sessegnon

"We'll take it game by game and not get carried away. The next game is Birmingham. Hopefully we can continue our form."

McDonald was speaking after Fulham claimed a 2-0 win at Burton with Stefan Johansen and Scott Malone grabbing the goals.

After teasing the full back, who was speaking to the club website at the same time, McDonald heaped praise on the pair.

He said: Who scored the second goal? Oh yeah, Bugsy Malone! Stefan has been on fire recently and his finishing is top drawer so as soon as the ball fell to him I knew he'd hit the target.

"Malone, again, it was a great finish. It was an unexpected scorer so whoever puts the ball in the net, I'm happy with that."

"We know the qualities Malone has got. He's great defensively and better going forward.


In the thick of it: Scott Malone

"He races through and bangs the ball into the net. Him and Ryan Fredericks are great outlets. We used them well and we got three points."

The summer signing from Wolves believes he has adapted to his role at Craven Cottage and bringing a different dimension to the Whites.

He explained: "I feel I've settled in well. I'm different to what Fulham have had in there in the past – breaking up play.

"I can also get on the ball and be one of the playmakers as well if need be. I feel I've done well so far but it's a long way to go so we'll keep plugging away and fingers crossed mine and the team's form continues."

McDonald was in the wars at times during the win at Burton but he is happy to take the hits as long as it helps the team.

He said: "I don't mind doing the dirty work and providing for our attacking players. We have such technical forward players.

"If I win the ball back or the defence win it back, they release me or I release them. I enjoy doing it although I got battered a few times."


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-midfielder-discusses-play-chances-12549131

[WhiteJC]

 
THESE 2 WONDERKIDS COULD EMERGE FOR FULHAM IN THE SECOND HALF OF THE SEASON

As one of the most productive and effective academy set-ups in the country, Fulham have developed a reputation for promoting from within and offering first team opportunities for bright up and coming talents.

Fulham have a very clear philosophy in which they produce players who are capable of rising through the academy ranks into the first team set-up.

This has seen thirty Fulham academy graduates make their senior debut since the 2011/12 season.

The impressive feat has included a number of academy graduates who have grown to become household names including French striker Moussa Dembele, who has gone on to play in the Champions League with Scottish Champions Celtic after an impressive season with Fulham.

Another example is 16-year-old full-back Ryan Sessegnon, who has been one of the standout performers for Fulham this season and has attracted the attention of a number of Premier League sides – the promising left back has made twelve Championship appearances for Slavisa Jokanovic's side.

Slavisa Jokanovic has not been afraid to turn to the academy to further bolster his squad and he may look to do so again as he looks to add further depth and quality to his squad for the season half of the season.

This article looks at TWO wonderkids who could emerge for Fulham in the second half of the season...

LUCA DE LA TORRE
Luca De La Torre is one the most highly rated starlets coming out of Fulham's academy.

De La Torre was offered the opportunity to train with Fulham's senior side during their pre-season tour.

The 18-year-old American midfielder has been one of the standout performers for Fulham's under-23 side, having scored twice already this season from the advanced midfield position.

As well as a string of impressive performances for the under-23s, De La Torre made his senior debut in Fulham's 3-2 victory over Leyton Orient in the first round of the EFL Cup.

Slavisa Jokanovic was impressed by the American play-maker who stood out amongst the crowd as he pulled the strings against the League 2 side.

After such an impressive performance earlier in the season, Slavisa Jokanovic may call on the United States under-20 international once again.

If he is given the opportunity, he could be one of the emerging stars for Fulham in the second half of the season.

DENNIS ADENIRAN
Dennis Adeniran has followed a similar route to De La Torre as Adeniran joined up with Fulham's first team pre-season camp in the summer.

The 18-year-old central midfielder also went on to make his debut in the EFL Cup victory over Leyton Orient with Adeniran opening the scoring for Fulham.

Adeniran has been one of the most impressive players in the Premier League 2 competition which was formerly the Under-21 Premier League.

The starlet has four goals and an assist in seven Premier League 2 appearances which is a particularly impressive feat from the deeper midfield position.

With all the physical attributes needed to be a success in the Championship, Adeniran could soon be the next academy graduate to breakthrough and become a household name for Fulham, if he is given a chance by Slavisa Jokanovic.



http://footballleagueworld.co.uk/these-2-wonderkids-could-emerge-for-fulham-in-the-second-half-of-the-season/