Friday Fulham Stuff (24/02/17)...

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Jokanovic signs new Fulham deal
by DAN on FEBRUARY 23, 2017

Fulham head coach Slavisa Jokanovic has signed a two-year contract extension to keep him at Craven Cottage until the summer of 2019.

The Serbian boss has transformed Fulham's fortunes in his first year in London taking the Whites to brink of the Championship play-off places after two seasons of struggle at the other end of the division. Last night's victory at Bristol City saw Fulham move up to seventh place in the table, just six points off the top six with a game in hand. Jokanovic's new deal ends any speculation about his future after he had been linked with foreign managerial jobs as his initial contract expired in the summer.

Jokanovic told the club's official website this afternoon:

'I have made no secret of my desire to stay at Fulham and to continue the project that we have started. This is a fantastic Club full of history and tradition and I am proud to be part of that and hopefully to add a little to the story.

We have a squad of young and talented players, all eager to play their part, and as we grow together I know that there is much more to come. We've built an identity our fans can relate to which has brought us closer to our targets, which is exciting for the future of the Club and for those fans who deserve to see the good times of elite football being played back at the Cottage again.

On a day of busy announcements at Craven Cottage, the club also announced the appointment of chairman Shahid Khan's son, Tony, as vice-chairman and director of football operations at the club. Khan junior, who has been working in Fulham's analytics department for the past, immediately promoted chief scout Brian Talbot and his data analyst Craig Kline and insisted his first priority was securing Jokanovic's future.

My No. 1 priority for months has been working toward an extension that keeps Slav at Fulham.  I'm personally and professionally thrilled that we have an agreement with Slav and I know Fulham supporters are right there with me.

Slav has been sensational for Fulham but he's far from satisfied, and that's just the ambition and direction we need to reach our goals.  I look forward to working with Slav and a bright future for our Club.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/02/jokanovic-signs-new-fulham-deal/

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MAJOR DEVELOPMENT IN NOTTINGHAM FOREST MANAGER PURSUIT – REPORTS

Nottingham Forest have suffered a blow in their search for a new manager amid reports Fulham's Slavisa Jokanovic is set to be handed a new contract.

Sun correspondent Alan Nixon revealed earlier this month on his personal Twitter account that Jokanovic, 48, was Forest's first-choice replacement for the departed Philippe Montanier.

However, the London Evening Standard have now claimed that the former Watford boss is set to sign a new two-year deal at Fulham, ending hopes of an imminent Forest move.

Jokanovic was reportedly targeted by the two-time European champions to take over in the summer, as Gary Brazil and Jack Lester remain in charge until the end of the season.

Jokanovic, who gained promotion with Watford back in 2014-15, before being surprisingly replaced by Spaniard Quique Sanchez Flores, has inspired Fulham this term.

The London outfit currently sit in seventh place in the Championship, following Wednesday night's 2-0 win over Bristol City and are six points off the top six with a game in hand.

Former Hercules, Partizan and Maccabi Tel Aviv boss Jokanovic has inspired the Londoners to their lofty position, with his current contract set to expire in the summer.

However, Forest will have to consider other options with Jokanovic set to agree terms as they look to bring in a new manager at the end of the 2016-17 season.


http://www.footballinsider247.com/nottingham-forest-suffer-blow-managerial-target-set-sign-new-contract-reliable-journalist/

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Freeman insists Smith is more than a 'big lump'

Luke Freeman says QPR team-mate Matt Smith is much more than just a target man.

Smith has settled quickly at Loftus Road following his move from Fulham, scoring the opening goal in Rangers' recent victories against Birmingham and Wigan.

And Freeman – who played alongside Smith during a prolific loan spell with Bristol City two years ago – insists the 6ft 6in forward has a lot more to offer beyond his aerial presence.

"I played with Smudge when he came to Bristol City a couple of years back and he's not just the stereotype big lump up top," said Freeman.

"He's got great feet and a great touch as well and he's showing that. He's come in and scored two goals and he's bringing other people into play.

"I love playing with him because it allows me to get up the field and pick up second balls. Even if he doesn't win them, he makes sure the defenders don't win clear headers."

Freeman, also a recent arrival at QPR after two and a half years with City, is already flourishing in his preferred central midfield role, where he has formed a promising partnership with Ryan Manning.

"I feel like I've got it in me to attack more, so it's good to have someone there that's dovetailed with me," added the 24-year-old.

"It's early days and of course there are things we need to learn, but that's coming. We talk a lot on the pitch and I do feel like we complement each other's game.

"I can play out wide, but the gaffer sees me playing in the centre of the park, which I do enjoy. I like to be constantly near the ball, whereas games can sometimes pass you by out wide."

Ian Holloway's side head to Deepdale on Saturday to face Preston, aiming to equal their best league sequence of the season – the hat-trick of Championship wins they accumulated at the beginning of January.

"When you lose a couple of games it's only natural to think negative things even though you try your hardest not to. So with back-to-back wins we go there full of confidence," said Freeman.

"We're growing as a team. Preston are a good side – they've picked up a lot of points home and away this year, so we need to analyse them and do our homework."


http://www.westlondonsport.com/qpr/qpr-man-insists-smith-big-lump

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Championship youngster named best 16-year-old in Europe

Fulham's young winger Ryan Sessegnon has been named as the best 16-year-old player in Europe, according to a report from Get West London.

The London-born wide man came in at number 26 in the list of Europe's top 30 footballers under the age of 20, polling ahead of Real Madrid starlet Martin Odegaard.

The list was compiled by Italian newspaper La Gazetta dello Sport.

Sessegnon, who is expected to sign a professional contact with Fulham when he turns 17 in May, was the only 16-year-old included in the category.

He is also the Championship's sole representative in the poll.

The Italian paper has adjudged Sessegnon to be more talented than some of Europe's hottest prospects, including Odegaard, Everton midfielder Tom Davies and Alban Lafont of Toulouse.

Borussia Dortmund's Ousmane Dembele topped the pile.

Sessegnon, born on 18th May, 2000, made his professional debut for the Cottagers in August last year, coming off the bench to feature in an EFL Cup fixture against Leyton Orient.

Since then, he has gone on to make 14 appearances for the West London side, scoring twice in the process.

He has a twin brother, Steven, who is a regular member of Fulham's development side, but has yet to reach the same level of success that Ryan has so far.

Fulham are enjoying an impressive campaign; they currently sit in seventh position, six points behind Sheffield Wednesday a place above.

They leapfrogged promotion rivals Norwich on Wednesday with a comfortable 2-0 win over strugglers Bristol City at Ashton Gate.

The Cottagers take on Cardiff City away from home this weekend as they look to continue their winning ways.


http://the72.co.uk/76034/championship-youngster-named-best-16-year-old-europe/

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'BRING IN ROWETT' – BRISTOL CITY FANS CALL FOR LEE JOHNSON TO BE SACKED FOLLOWING ANOTHER DEFEAT

Bristol City slipped deeper into relegation trouble last night, as they suffered a defeat to Fulham at Ashton Gate, adding to already mounting pressure on Lee Johnson.

Goals from Lucas Piazon and Tom Cairney, either side of half-time, gave the Cottagers a 2-0 victory, leaving Johnson's side just two-points above the Sky Bet Championship relegation zone.

Many fans are unhappy with the club's current league position, following an impressive start to the season, which saw them in search of a Play-Off place, and are now asking for a change of manager.

Johnson was appointed at Ashton Gate 12-months ago and guided City to an 18th placed finish last season, helping them to avoid relegation.

The Robins look increasingly likely to be facing another relegation battle this season, with the club recording just one victory since early December.


http://footballleagueworld.co.uk/bring-in-rowett-bristol-city-fans-call-for-lee-johnson-to-be-sacked-following-another-defeat/

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Tony Khan Appointed

Shahid Khan, Chairman of Fulham Football Club, today named Tony Khan as Vice Chairman and Director of Football Operations, effective immediately.

Tony Khan assumes his responsibilities following a period of advising the football operations at Fulham, particularly in the area of analytics and research. Over the past year in particular, Tony Khan played an integral role in the identification, recruitment and signing of the players that currently play for Fulham, which sits in seventh place in the Sky Bet Championship.

Upon accepting his new role at Fulham, Tony Khan made two immediate appointments by promoting Brian Talbot as Assistant Director of Football Operations and Chief Scout, and likewise elevating Craig Kline to Assistant Director of Football Operations and Director of Statistical Research. Talbot and Kline will each report directly to Tony Khan.

Tony Khan, 34, is the son of Shahid Khan, who purchased Fulham Football Club in July 2013. Tony Khan is an owner of both FFC and the Jacksonville Jaguars, a National Football League team based in the United States where he holds the title of Senior Vice President, Football Technology & Analytics. Tony Khan is also the owner and chairman of TruMedia Networks, a Boston-based engineering firm specialising in sports analytics solutions for leagues, franchises, and media partners across the sports industry.

"Today's appointment brings a formal structure and recognition to the role that Tony has recently played on the football side of our Club and especially since the conclusion of last season," Shahid Khan said.

"Tony has served the Club quietly but faithfully and extremely well during that time. He brings new practices to what we're doing but not at the expense of what would be considered traditional and proven methods.  It's important to remember there is no industry in the world that is succeeding today by doing things exactly the same way as they did yesterday, yet there are also some basic principles of success that are timeless. Tony has respect for the old and new, and that's what we need to achieve the goal of returning to the Premier League in a manner that is responsible and sustainable for a long time.

"Tony also understands the scrutiny and responsibility that will come with this assignment. Tony welcomes it, as do I."

In 2015, Tony Khan created the statistical research department at Fulham, where his aim was to complement classic scouting methods by analysing football player performance and developing proprietary football performance metrics to aid the Club's efforts to gain promotion back into the English Premier League.

Tony Khan broadened his scope of responsibilities in 2016 when he actively immersed himself in all facets of the football operations at Fulham, including working with Head Coach Slaviša Jokanović and the entire football staff during the summer transfer period to build the current FFC squad.

"I have to applaud our current team and the strides our Club has made in less than a year, and there is no doubt in my mind that we will compete for a play-off position because we have the talent to achieve that and we have extraordinary leadership in Slav," Tony Khan said. "I'm very optimistic. Our team should be optimistic as well. I am sure they are.

"The biggest thing for me is I'm also extremely excited for our long-term future at Fulham.  I'm really lucky to see the commitment of our staff, day in and day out, and better than anyone I know the commitment of our ownership.  I have quite a responsibility ahead and am proud to accept it.  I know all eyes will be upon me, and I'm ready for that.  No one will want and work harder for long-term success for Fulham more than I will."

Tony Khan graduated from the College of Business at the University of Illinois in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science degree in finance.

Brian Talbot has authored a rich and successful career in top-flight English football as a player, manager and scout.  As a player, Talbot's apprenticeship and playing career at Ipswich Town was followed by stints at Arsenal, Watford, Stoke City, West Bromwich Albion and Fulham, as well as six appearances for the England National Team.  Talbot later managed at West Bromwich Albion, Aldershot, Hibernians (Malta), Rushden & Diamonds, Oldham Athletic, Oxford United and Marsaxlokk (Malta) before ultimately joining Fulham's scouting department in 2011.

Craig Kline practised law in Illinois before turning to consulting in the area of sports analytics for various professional sports teams as well as TruMedia. Kline arrived at Fulham in October 2014 and was later named as the Club's director of statistical research. Kline serves as an advisor to Tony Khan and within the football department on various team and player-related projects.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/february/23/tony-khan-appointed

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham owner Khan appoints son to new role


Shahid Khan has found a role for his son.
Photo: PA

Championship side Fulham have appointed Tony Khan, son of owner Shahid Khan, as the club's Vice Chairman and Director of Football Operations.

In addition to this, Tony Khan has promoted Brian Talbot to Assistant Director of Football Operations and Chief Scout, and Craig Kline to Assistant Director of Football Operations and Director of Statistical Research.

Today's appointment brings a formal structure and recognition to the role that Tony has recently played on the football side of our Club and especially since the conclusion of last season.

Tony has served the Club quietly but faithfully and extremely well during that time. He brings new practices to what we're doing but not at the expense of what would be considered traditional and proven methods. It's important to remember there is no industry in the world that is succeeding today by doing things exactly the same way as they did yesterday, yet there are also some basic principles of success that are timeless. Tony has respect for the old and new, and that's what we need to achieve the goal of returning to the Premier League in a manner that is responsible and sustainable for a long time.

Tony also understands the scrutiny and responsibility that will come with this assignment. Tony welcomes it, as do I.

– SHAHID KHAN


http://www.itv.com/news/2017-02-23/fulham-owner-khan-appoints-son-to-new-role/

[WhiteJC]

 
Jokanović's Contract Extension

Fulham Football Club is delighted to announce that Slaviša Jokanović has today signed a contract extension to remain as Head Coach at the Club until 2019.

Slaviša joined Fulham in December 2015 from Maccabi Tel Aviv, and ensured the Club maintained its imperative Sky Bet Championship status that season.

During the summer of 2016, under the leadership of Tony Khan, the squad was entirely rebuilt bringing in 14 new players and releasing many of those that Slaviša inherited on arrival.  With this newly assembled team, he began the 2016/17 season developing his philosophy of playing an attractive style of football synonymous with his previous teams.

A firm fans' favourite for the attacking, passing style of play, his time at Fulham so far has marked the beginning of a turnaround in the Club's fortunes with a Top Six finish the ambition for the end of the current campaign. Victory against higher league opposition in The FA Cup, and resounding wins against Reading and Huddersfield at the Cottage has resulted in increasing crowds and a resounding sense of optimism returning to the banks of the Thames.

This afternoon Slaviša Jokanović said: 'I have made no secret of my desire to stay at Fulham and to continue the project that we have started. This is a fantastic Club full of history and tradition and I am proud to be part of that and hopefully to add a little to the story.

'We have a squad of young and talented players, all eager to play their part, and as we grow together I know that there is much more to come. We've built an identity our fans can relate to which has brought us closer to our targets, which is exciting for the future of the Club and for those fans who deserve to see the good times of elite football being played back at the Cottage again.' 

Tony Khan added:
'My No. 1 priority for months has been working toward an extension that keeps Slav at Fulham.  I'm personally and professionally thrilled that we have an agreement with Slav and I know Fulham supporters are right there with me.

'Slav has been sensational for Fulham but he's far from satisfied, and that's just the ambition and direction we need to reach our goals.  I look forward to working with Slav and a bright future for our Club.'


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/february/23/jokanovic-contract-extension

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Fulham fans get their wish as Slavisa Jokanovic pens new deal
GetWestLondon revealed that the pair were in talks over a new deal last week and they have concluded with the Serbian agreeing a new two-year contract


Signed, sealed and delivered: Slavisa Jokanovic with his new contract (Photo: Fulham FC)

Fulham have confirmed that Slaviša Jokanović has signed a contract extension to remain as Head Coach until 2019.

GetWestLondon revealed that the pair were in talks over a new deal last week and they have concluded with the Serbian agreeing a new two-year deal.

The head coach joined in December 2015 from Maccabi Tel Aviv and has revived the Whites' fortunes as they have gone from relegation strugglers to play-off contenders in the space of 12 months.

Jokanović said: "I have made no secret of my desire to stay at Fulham and to continue the project that we have started.

"This is a fantastic club full of history and tradition and I am proud to be part of that and hopefully to add a little to the story.

"We have a squad of young and talented players, all eager to play their part, and as we grow together I know that there is much more to come.

"We've built an identity our fans can relate to which has brought us closer to our targets, which is exciting for the future of the club and for those fans who deserve to see the good times of elite football being played back at the Cottage again."

Newly appointed vice chairman Tony Khan admitted that it had been the club's main piece of business over the past few months.

He said: "My No. 1 priority for months has been working toward an extension that keeps Slav at Fulham.

"I'm personally and professionally thrilled that we have an agreement with Slav and I know Fulham supporters are right there with me.

"Slav has been sensational for Fulham but he's far from satisfied, and that's just the ambition and direction we need to reach our goals. I look forward to working with Slav and a bright future for our Club."


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-fans-wish-slavisa-jokanovic-12649031

[WhiteJC]

 
Cardiff reeling from Rhys Healey blow

Cardiff's preparations for the visit of Fulham in the Sky Bet Championship were rocked by news of striker Rhys Healey's serious injury this week.
The Bluebirds learned the 22-year-old could be out for nine months after tearing his anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments against Rotherham last weekend.
Junior Hoilett, who replaced Healey in that game, could start in his place.
Veteran striker Rickie Lambert was also due to see a specialist this week to assess the extent of his back injury.
Fulham's Ryan Fredericks is hoping for a recall after a spell of enforced absence.
The full-back completed a three-match suspension last weekend but started Wednesday's 2-0 win at Bristol City on the bench.
But boss Slavisa Jokanovic has no new injury worries and could opt to stick with a winning side.
Jokanovic on Thursday signed a new contract keeping him with Fulham until 2019.


http://www.espnfc.co.uk/preview?gameId=452811

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Slavisa Jokanovic: Fulham boss signs new deal until 2019

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic (right) led Watford to promotion to the Premier League in 2014-15

The 48-year-old Serb, whose previous deal was set to expire this summer, will remain at Craven Cottage until the summer of 2019.

Former Watford boss Jokanovic has won 25 of his 61 games in charge since his appointment in December 2015.

"I have made no secret of my desire to stay at Fulham and to continue the project we have started," he said.

"This is a fantastic club full of history and tradition and I am proud to be part of that."

Jokanovic has previously managed in Serbia, Thailand, Bulgaria, Spain and Israel and guided the Hornets to promotion to the Premier League in 2014-15.

Fulham are seventh in the Championship, six points off the play-off places with a game in hand.

Meanwhile, the west London club have appointed Tony Khan as vice-chairman and director of football operations.

The 33-year-old, the son of Whites chairman Shahid Khan, has been involved in the club's player recruitment over the past year and has advised the club in the areas of analytics and research.

"Today's appointment brings a formal structure and recognition to the role that Tony has recently played," Shahid Khan told the club website.

Tony Khan has named chief scout Brian Talbot and director of statistical research Craig Kline as assistant directors of football operations.


http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39070802

[WhiteJC]

 
Building the momentum
by DAN on FEBRUARY 23, 2017

If last night's rather routine victory at Ashton Gate gave Fulham belief that they could mount a late charge for the Championship's play-off places, then the news that Slavisa Jokanovic has committed his future to the club will have the fans positively buzzing ahead of what is another massive away trip this weekend. Where Fulham displayed signs of being able to 'win ugly' in their two frantic home victories over Wigan Athletic and Nottingham Forest, the trick to closing the gap on the division's top six will be stringing together a run of victories that puts the Whites in poll position to leapfrog Leeds United and Sheffield Wednesday during the run-in. Confirmation that the boss, who has restored a feelgood factor to the club at long last, is in it for the long haul will only add to the positive vibes.

Given that Jokanovic was heavily rumoured to be ready to walk away from contract negotiations only a few weeks ago after Fulham's modest January dealings, tonight's announcement that he has ended the uncertainly surrounding his immediate future and signed a two-year extension is excellent news. Any reservations about the influence of analytics must have been satisfied fairly decisively – given the promotions handed to Tony Khan and Craig Klein – and, perhaps most pleasingly of all, it allows Jokanovic to concentrate on what he enjoys most, extracting flawless football from a talented bunch of players.

It is no exaggeration to say that the Serbian coach has totally transformed Fulham's playing style in the space of six months. When you consider that the Whites began last season with Dan Burn and Shaun Hutchinson in central defence, it is clear why they were unable to play out of the back in the attractive fashion that Jokanovic prefers. Anybody who doubts the value of possession-based football – and there are plenty of 'lump it forward' advocates amongst the Fulham support – should take a long look at the 24 passes that concluded with Lucas Piazon putting the Whites ahead last night. Patient, probing football tires out opponents and when you possess players with the ability to unlock defences like Tom Cairney an opening is always around the corner.

Jokanovic alluded to the loss of Ross McCormack and Moussa Dembele in his excellent interview in last Saturday's Times with Henry Winter, by referencing the fact that he had lost more than 40 goals in the summer. The unnoticed by-product of the duo's departure at the time was that it allowed Jokanovic to design a far more balanced side that the one that squeezed their two most potent goal threats into a 4-4-2. The talents of Cairney, far too often shunted out to the right wing during his first season, are far less easily shackled from a central position and the introduction of a lone striker allows freedom for pacey wide players, not to mention overlapping full-backs, to gallop forward to great effect.

There have been some suggestions on various social media platforms that Jokanovic is underachieving when compared to managers like Garry Monk or Jaap Stam, whose teams occupy those priceless play-off positions. Considering the enormity of the changes that needed to be carried out during the summer, I'd say the integration of most of the fourteen August signings into a side that seems to be beginning to peak at just the right time is a phenomenal achievement. Fulham have no divine right to waltz out of the Championship – indeed the past two years of struggle should serve as a stark reminder of how easy it is to disappear the other way – but they are making a decent fist of it this year.

Jokanovic's penchant for speaking his mind is also utterly refreshing. It would be easy for a man who is far from comfortable in English to retreat into his shall and offer monosyllabic answers in response to questions from the media, but instead his press conferences have become compulsive viewing. His insistence that Fulham was not 'a primary school, democracy or a train station ... where players can go in or out when they want' in response to Chris Martin's first bout of homesickness was a genuine classic – and there are plenty more where that came from.

The head coach's confidence translates through to his players in other ways, too. You can see how somebody like Ryan Sessegnon, who is being entrusted with an awful lot of first-team football at the tender age of 16, has benefited from his manager's belief. The teenager had one of his best games in a Fulham shirt at Ashton Gate last night up against a top operator in David Cotterill – and all that after a chastening experience at the Cottage against the same opposition earlier in the season. Jokanovic's faith in Tim Ream as a balancing option at the heart of the defence – a left-footer to partner the peerless Tomas Kalas – has been rewarded with the American's finest form in his Fulham career.

The important thing, of course, is kicking on from the encouraging platform that Jokanovic has constructed. The head coach deploys thinking further ahead than the next game and, that's a good thing, because Cardiff are on something of a roll. Disregard the FA Cup result when Neil Warnock rested a number of players and consider that the Bluebirds are higher in the form table than Fulham and have a number of boys playing for their Cardiff futures even after the threat of relegation seems to have receded. The trip to Wales will be the crucial barometer of whether Fulham can continue to dream of making the play-offs.

It's probably advisable not to draw too many conclusions with three months still to run in the season. Many things could still happen in a league as gloriously unpredictable in the Championship. But Jokanovic has achieved something that has eluded a lot of Fulham managers for a while – he's put a smile on our faces again.

P.S: If you want some of those rather lovely stickers, get in touch with the Fulham Nice Guys.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/02/building-the-momentum/

[WhiteJC]

 
Larnell Cole looks for Inverness to climb away from basement

Inverness midfielder Larnell Cole is focused on helping the Highland club get out of their predicament rather than taking advantage of any vulnerability in Rangers.

Rangers visit the Tulloch Caledonian Stadium on Friday looking for their first win in four Ladbrokes Premiership matches and with Graeme Murty still in caretaker charge following the departure of Mark Warburton.

But Caley Thistle - who have twice lost 1-0 against Rangers this season - have not won in 14 league games and are looking to get off the foot of the table.

Cole said: "Obviously, we know they're going through a difficult time as well, but we know it is going to be another tough game for us.

"We've run them close earlier in the season. Our performance at their ground was good - we did very well. "In this one, we will be looking to win the game but also put in another good performance."

Inverness have shown signs of progress with two consecutive league draws against Dundee and Hearts and on-loan Fulham midfielder Cole feels there is further room for improvement.

"I don't think we've made as much as we should have from the opportunities we've been creating," the 23-year-old said.

"We can still do better. If that can change, it will be huge for us.

"We're drawing more and more belief from the games we play and I think the performances have been getting stronger. But a lot of it is about taking our chances.

"The Hearts performance is something to build on. We just have to keep on believing we can get out of this."

Copyright PA Sport 2017, All Rights Reserved



Read more at: http://www.brechinadvertiser.co.uk/news/larnell-cole-looks-for-inverness-to-climb-away-from-basement-1-4375054

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham add son of chairman and controversial 'Moneyball' man to board
It's job for the boy at Craven Cottage as owner ramps up behind-the-scenes staff he hopes will increase Whites chances of a return to the Premier League

Fulham have added Tony Khan and controversial statistics man Craig Kline to the board.

The son of chairman Shahid Khan becomes vice Chairman and Director of Football Operations, while Kline is the new Assistant Director ofFootball Operations and Director of Statistical Research.

It was the latter's involvement, although boss Slavisa Jokanovic strongly hinted at interference, that saw the head coach take the ordinary step of outing him as the reason for a lack of signings at one point last summer.

All the signs were that Kline wanted to tick boxes on detailed data concerning new faces, and vetoed a number of targets because they failed to fetch the numbers.

It was akin to the stats man played by Jonah Hill in the hit movie Moneyball, whose clipboard decided which players got signed for a baseball team.

Khan jnr is the official owner of NFL franchise Jacksonville Jaguars, and also the owner and chairman of TruMedia Networks, a Boston-based engineering firm specialising in sports analytics solutions for leagues and sport franchises sports.

His dad said: "Today's appointment brings a formal structure and recognition to the role that Tony has recently played on the football side of our Club and especially since the conclusion of last season.

Shahid Khan added: "Tony has served the Club quietly but faithfully and extremely well during that time.

"He brings new practices to what we're doing but not at the expense of what would be considered traditional and proven methods. It's important to remember there is no industry in the world that is succeeding today by doing things exactly the same way as they did yesterday."

Former FA Cup winner with Ipswich and Arsenal and ex-West Brom boss, Brian Talbot, has been promoted to Assistant Director of Football Operations and Chief Scout.


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-add-son-chairman-controversial-12648737

[WhiteJC]

 
Andy Hinchcliffe: Sky Bet Championship play-off places look set in stone

Sky Sports EFL expert Andy Hinchcliffe assesses the race for promotion in the Sky Bet Championship...

Four of the top six are in action live on Sky Sports this weekend, as Sheffield Wednesday head to Leeds and Brighton host Reading.

We asked Hinchcliffe for his verdict on the state of play, starting with Chris Hughton's side.

"Hughton is so unassuming, he doesn't blow his own trumpet," Hinchcliffe told the EFL Weekly podcast. "The way the team plays at Brighton and the results speak for themselves.

"The players clearly love working for him, the way he does the job, the way he gets the players fully involved in all the decisions.

"He's perfect for what Brighton are trying to do in getting to the Premier League. He doesn't panic, he's very solid and very consistent, and it would be a wonderful story if he did get to the Premier League.

"Below them, the play-off positions look set in stone now. Fulham could play a part maybe, they can close the gap on Sheffield Wednesday, but Huddersfield, and I did think they would fall away with the size of their squad and the way things were going early in the season, have been fantastic.

"To continue to do as well as they are doing and getting results against big teams, the likes of Brighton and Leeds, they have risen to the challenge.

"I never thought they would be able to close the gap on the top two, I thought Newcastle and Brighton were so strong and consistent, they would always be six, seven, eight points clear.

"It's an amazing story at Huddersfield and they fully deserve to be in the mix for the top two. Whether they can see it through to the end of the season, I'm not so sure.

"They can't afford to slip up but that consistency is what has put them in that position.

"As for Sheffield Wednesday, I thought they could put a run together with the squad they assembled under Carlos Carvalhal.

"But after losing to Brentford, they probably have to realise it's going to be about getting promoted through the play-offs. They missed out in the play-off final last season so they have that heartbreak to make up for.

"The Leeds v Wednesday game is about saying, 'If we win this one, we are pretty much guaranteed to be in the play-offs.'

"They won't completely relax but they will be able to budget through to the end of the season and give some players a rest.

"I think it's very important both teams go for the win in this game. It could put some distance between themselves and Fulham because Norwich, Derby and Barnsley look out of the picture now.

"So it's a very important game - not in terms of chasing the top two - but in cementing a play-off place."


http://www.skysports.com/football/news/32818/10778937/andy-hinchcliffe-sky-bet-championship-play-off-places-look-set-in-stone

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic staying put at Craven Cottage after signing a contract extension
The former Watford coach took over at the West London outfit in December 2015 and lifted them from relegation candidates to playoff contenders this year


Jokanovic is in high demand (Photo: Action)

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic has signed a new contract keeping him at Craven Cottage until 2019.

Former Watford h ead coach Jokanovic joined Fulham in December 2015 from Maccabi Tel Aviv and led them clear of relegation trouble last season.

The Cottagers currently lie seventh in the Championship, six points shy of the play-off places.

Jokanovic told the club website: "I have made no secret of my desire to stay at Fulham and to continue the project that we have started.

"This is a fantastic club full of history and tradition and I am proud to be part of that and hopefully to add a little to the story.

"We have a squad of young and talented players, all eager to play their part, and as we grow together I know that there is much more to come.

"We've built an identity our fans can relate to which has brought us closer to our targets, which is exciting for the future of the club and for those fans who deserve to see the good times of elite football being played back at the Cottage again."


He has lifted the Cottagers from relegation fodder to playoff candidates (Photo: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

On a busy day at the Cottage, chairman Shahid Khan also named his son Tony as vice-chairman and director of football operations.

The 34-year-old, who owns NFL side the Jacksonville Jaguars with his father, had previously been advising the club on football operations and helped Jokanovic with his summer transfers.


http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/fulham-boss-slavisa-jokanovic-staying-9906254

[WhiteJC]

 
Tony Khan to run Fulham operations, but remain in Jaguars' front office


Tony Khan, son of Jaguars owner Shad Khan, was named vice chairman and director of football operations for the Fulham FootballClub on Wednesday. (Bruce Lipsky/Florida Times-Union, file)



Already a Jaguars senior vice president, Tony Khan was named vice chairman and director of football operations for the Fulham Football Club on Wednesday.

Khan's father, Shad, owns both the Jaguars and Fulham, which is based in London.

ince June 2012, Tony Khan, 34, has worked in the Jaguars' front office and created the team's football technology and analytics department that contributes game and player analysis to the coaching and scouting staffs.

In a text message to the Times-Union, Khan said his role with the Jaguars won't change but he will be "working remotely a bit more," from London.

Shad Khan purchased Fulham in July 2013.

"[The] appointment brings a formal structure and recognition to the role that Tony has recently played on the football side of [Fulham] and especially since the conclusion of last season," Shad Khan said in a statement. "[Tony Khan] brings new practices to what we're doing but not at the expense of what would be considered traditional and proven methods. ... Tony has respect for the old and new and that's what we need to achieve the goal of returning to the Primer League in a matter that is responsible and sustainable for a long time."

In the first year of Khan's ownership, Fulham was relegated from the Premier League in May 2014 finished 17th and 20th in their first two years in the Championship division.

But this season, Fulham appears to be on the right track under Slavisa Jokanovic, the fifth manager employed by Khan since he bought the team.

Winners of three straight matches, Fulham is seventh in the Championship. The top two teams are promoted to the Premier League and the Nos. 3-6 teams participate in a four-team playoff to determine the final promotion; Fulham is six points out of the playoff with 14 matches remaining.

Tony Khan created the statistical research department at Fulham in 2015 and became more involved in player acquisitions last year.

In a statement, Khan said: "I know all eyes will be upon me and I'm ready for that."

At last month's Super Bowl, Shad Khan expressed optimism that Fulham had found an approach that will help it return to the Premier League.

"I'm very encouraged because we've gone about it the right way – a lot of home-grown talent," Khan told the Times-Union. "That is a sustainable model."


http://jacksonville.com/sports/jaguars/2017-02-23/tony-khan-run-fulham-operations-remain-jaguars-front-office

[WhiteJC]

 
Chelsea target cost Fulham £5.5 million - no thanks to Spurs medical team
Whites lose out as Celtic stand to gain should they want to cash-in on hot forward by selling to Blues up the road in SW6

Moussa Dembele is a potential Chelsea summer target priced at anything up to £40 million.

But Fulham got a mere £500,000 compensation for him in summer 2016 after he moved to Celtic.

It should have been different.

Whites set up a £6 million deal with Tottenham in the January 2016 transfer window that included a loan back until the end of the season to make sure Fulham didn't slip down the rabbit hole of relegation.

The club did survive, but Dembele's move didn't happen, and despite Fulham's best efforts to secure another deal, the 20-year-old simply ran down his contract and became a free agent at the end of the season.

Celtic are in wonderland after Dembele continued his scoring spree with 27 in 41 appearances that's attracted interest from a host of clubs, not least from down the road where the French-born player started in west London.

For the first time, it can be revealed Dembele failed a medical at Tottenham just hours before his transfer was due.

On what grounds is unclear, but it didn't bother Celtic when he passed their medical examination in June, and they're the ones reaping the benefits.


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/chelsea-target-cost-fulham-55-12637138

[WhiteJC]

 :bump:

[MikeW]

I see Zesh Reyman has signed for the Gills.  Blimey, forgotten about him.  Didn't Cookie give him his debut?