Tuesday Fulham Stuff (14/03/17)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Why Ryan Sessegnon must stay with Fulham

Ryan Sessegnon has been making a name for himself in the Championship this season.

If you were not aware of who Ryan Sessegnon was, then you be well acquainted with him after his brace guided Fulham to a 3-1 victory over Newcastle United at St James' Park on Saturday.

At just 16, he has already written himself into the record books. After scoring in Fulham's 2-2 draw with Cardiff City on 20 August, he became the first player born after the millennium to score a professional league goal and the youngest player to score in a Championship goal.

Sessegnon is a left-back by trade and all of his appearances for the Cottagers has been in his favoured position. However, he played in a more advanced left midfield role against Newcastle.

To say he excelled in his new role would be an understatement. A return of two goals, his fifth and sixth of the season, and a man of the match of display against the league leaders capped off the perfect afternoon for the youngster.

Talk has naturally turned to where his next destination will be. A number of Premier League clubs are said to have been tracking Sessegnon's progress throughout the season.  A report from the Sun today suggests that Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool will make their move in the summer in a £10million move.

It is a foregone conclusion that the future of Sessegnon will be in the Premier League and it is expected that he will move to a club in the division where European football is in their season schedule. A move away from Craven Cottage is inevitable and it is an unavoidable outcome that the West London club will need to contemplate.

Amidst all of the talks of an impending big money move, one scenario has not been scrutinised. Sessegnon could well be playing Premier League football next season. Fulham currently sit one place outside the play-off places. With the gap at only two points and with a game in hand, Slaviša Jokanović's men are plotting a convincing promotion push.

However, even if promotion is not achieved, the perfect place for Sessegnon to continue to develop is at Craven Cottage. It is easy to forget his age when watching him on the football pitch. He plays with a maturity well beyond his years and his performances have fast tracked him into becoming a key figure in this Fulham side.

How many times have we seen a big move for the next star of tomorrow materialise too early? The results can be often disastrous. A player is signed to provide the long term solution to a side's future defect. While they are not quite ready to make the step up to the first team, they are either left to progress in the under-23 'development' team or secure a handful of short term loan moves for first-team opportunities.

Careers filled with such potential and promise are thrown out into the scrapheap and in the harsh reality of football, a player may never recover. At this point in his career, Sessegnon should be looking no further ahead than his next game in a Fulham shirt.

He is playing in a side who are in great form and playing under a dynamic manager who is putting together an exciting team together. There is no plausible reason why Sessegnon should not be a key component in the short-term success of Fulham.

http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2017/03/12/rb-why-ryan-sessegnon-must-stay-with-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

 
Craig Conway to return to Blackburn Rovers squad at Fulham - Mulgrew and Gallagher to be assessed

CRAIG Conway will return to the Blackburn Rovers squad for the trip to Fulham, though Charlie Mulgrew and Sam Gallagher will be assessed before a decision is made on whether they will travel.

The trio all missed the game at Norwich City on Saturday, with Conway attending the birth of his daughter, while Mulgrew and Gallagher are both struggling with slight hamstring strains.

Conway will be back in the squad after a one game absence, but Mulgrew and Gallagher  will be assessed by Rovers ahead of the trip to Craven Cottage which is Rovers' game in hand on their Championship rivals.

Mowbray felt the injuries suffered by Mulgrew and Gallagher were 'overload injuries', with Rovers having played five games in 15 days.

Mulgrew had travelled with the squad to Norwich, only to be pulled out of the squad just hours before the game, after failing a late fitness test.

"Craig will travel, Charlie and Sam will be assessed by the medical department and doing what we think is the best option for them," head coach Mowbray said.

"Mulgrew picked up a slight hamstring, as did Sam, and they are fatigue injuries, after five games in 15 days.

"The games keep coming and as we have found a few of their bodies will break down with the work, there is a lot of work, especially with the intensity of how we're trying to play and trying to get some points."

Mowbray named the same side for three games running prior to the Norwich trip where he made three enforced changes.

Tommie Hoban, Elliott Bennett and Danny Graham were all recalled to the starting line-up at Carrow Road, and Mowbray revealed there won't be 'huge changes' for the Fulham game.

He added: "For my first three or four games it was pretty much the same team because we had won two games 1-0 and dominated for large spells at Burton on the first one.

"You have to trust the lads that have been doing well but you know that the workload will eventually break them down and then you find out about the others on a matchday, their personalities.

"It wasn't a case of rotation for the sake of rotations sake, it was trying to keep the confidence and belief going from some positive results and we're still in that vein.

"There won't be huge changes going to Fulham as although we were frustrated at the weekend, there were lots of positives and we have to try and use them to go in to this one."

Hoban came through 90 minutes on his first outing since undergoing shoulder surgery in November.

And Mowbray added: "It was good for Tommie to come through the 90 minutes, particularly against their centre forward (Cameron Jerome) because I think his physicality and athleticism helped.

"I didn't see it as a huge negative (losing Mulgrew) although Charlie's composure and ability to pass forward would have been helpful against 10 men as he could have stepped in to midfield and pick a pass."


http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/rovers/news/15151751.Craig_Conway_to_return_to_Blackburn_Rovers_squad_at_Fulham_with_Charlie_Mulgrew_and_Sam_Gallagher_to_be_assessed/?ref=mac

[WhiteJC]

 
Andy Davies back to ref Blackburn game

Match Referee News

Fulham vrs Blackburn Rovers

Championship Match Day 37 1617 at Craven Cottage

Tuesday 14th March 2017     KO: 19:45

Referee: Andy Davies (Hampshire)

Referee Andy Davies, former player with Portsmouth, Gillingham and Yeovil had to stop playing through injury at the age of twenty-eight so turned to refereeing in 2003. He has made rapid progress and reached the National List in August 2012 and since then has refereed over 100 EFL matches.

In 2016 he became part of the Select Group 2 Referees and will now be employed on a full time basis

Ref Davis has reffed three Fulham games, so far this season, the most recent of which was the 2-0 home win over Barnsley in which he booked two players both from Barnsley.

Prior to that game, back in September, he refed our 2-1 defeat by Bristol City at The Cottage in the third round of the EFL Cup when he booked Joronen for a foul, and then in August in the 3-2 away win at Leyton Orient in the First round of the League Cup when he booked teenager Dennis Adeniran for excessive celebration after scoring the opening goal.

The last time Ref Davis refed a Blackburn game was in their 1-0 away defeat at Bristol City in October 2016. He booked three players, two from the home team.

Last season he officiated at 36 matches issuing 127 yellow cards and 5 reds, some 3.5 yellows per game, just about the average. His busiest game was Charlton vrs Leeds when he booked three home players and five away players.

This season so far he has reffed 31 games and has issued 111 yellows, an average of 3.6 per game, and four reds. So he is waving his cards a bit more than last season. His busiest games so far have been Ipswich v Brighton with 7 yellows and one red and Cardiff v Aston Villa when he issued 8 yellows.


http://www.fulhamweb.co.uk/news/andy-davies-back-to-ref-blackburn-game.aspx

[WhiteJC]

 
Pay on the night at Craven Cottage

Fans who haven't yet got their tickets for tomorrow's match against Fulham should note that they go off sale at Ewood at 11am on the day of the game.

After that supporters can pay cash only from the away turnstiles at the Putney End from 6.30pm. Whilst ticket collections and duplicate tickets will be available from the Fulham ticket collection booths located to the left of the ticket office on Stevenage Road, also from 6.30pm

Some 500 tickets have been sold to date. Advance prices from Ewood are £20 for Adults, £15 for Seniors 65+ and 18-21 year-olds, £10 for fans aged 17 and under.

Matchday prices at Fulham are £25 for Adults, £20 for Seniors 65+ and 18-21 year-olds, £10 for fans aged 17 and under.



Read more at http://www.rovers.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/fulham-blackburn-rovers-ticket-information-3622104.aspx#S0hgoWKaAGPy0zoG.99

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham fans' verdict: How you assessed the heroic Whites against Newcastle
No surprises on the top two after excellent display in the north east

Fulham fans, unsurprisingly, named Ryan Sessegnon as their man of the match at Newcastle.

The 16-year-old bagged a brace for the Whites as they stunned the league leading Magpies and his form has caught the eye of the wider football world in recent weeks.

It's no surprise to see talisman Tom Cairney in second place with a score of 9/10 as his fine goal sent Fulham on their way to victory.

Fans deemed their performance to be head and shoulders above the rest of the squad, who still all performed admirably well with no player who started polling less than 7/10.


Tom Cairney (Photo: Hounslow Chronicle)

Sone Aluko rounded off the podium with a score of 7.9, while Kevin McDonald, Neeskens Kebano and Tomas Kalas shared fourth place with a tally of 7.6.

Stefan Johansen (7.4), Denis Odoi (7.2), David Button (7.1), Scott Malone and Tim Ream (both 7.0) rounded out the starters.

Because they came on with six, or fewer, minutes left Fulham trio Scott Parker, Ryan Fredericks (both 6.5) and Gohi Cyriac (6.4) received less than seven.

Full table

Ryan Sessegnon – 9.2

Tom Cairney – 9.0

Sone Aluko – 7.9

Kevin McDonald – 7.6

Neeskens Kebano – 7.6

Tomas Kalas – 7.6

Stefan Johansen – 7.4

Denis Odoi – 7.2

David Button – 7.1

Scott Malone – 7.0

Tim Ream – 7.0

Scott Parker – 6.5

Ryan Fredericks – 6.5

Gohi Cyriac – 6.4


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-fans-verdict-how-you-12732476

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham lynchpin handed major opportunity following excellent form

Fulham's Tom Cairney could be set for his Scotland debut in the coming weeks, after earning a call-up to Gordon Strachan's latest squad, reports the Scottish FA.

Cairney has previously earned under-21 caps for Scotland, but could be handed his senior debut when Strachan's side face Canada in a friendly on March 22nd, before Scotland face a crucial World Cup qualifier against Slovenia.

Scotland are currently fifth in Qualifying Group F, trailing Slovenia by four-points, but could put themselves back into qualifying contention with a victory on March 26th.

The midfielder has impressed for Fulham recently, scoring vital goals in last week's draw with Leeds United and Saturday's stunning victory over Newcastle United.

Cairney's performances have lifted Slavisa Jokanovic's side within two-points of the Sky Bet Championship Play-Offs, and looking increasingly likely to break into the top-six between now and May.

The 26-year old has made 39 appearances across all competitions this season, scoring nine goals.


http://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-lynchpin-handed-major-opportunity-following-excellent-form/

[WhiteJC]

 
Cauley Woodrow on one of the reasons for Burton Albion's turnaround in form since Cardiff City loss

Burton Albion conceded several costly late goals around the turn of the year

Burton Albion have rectified their issue of conceding goals at crucial stages in games - and Cauley Woodrow knows that has played its part in their recent turnaround in form.

The Brewers' 1-0 victory over relegation rivals Nottingham Forest on Saturday - courtesy of Woodrow's third goal for the club - extended their unbeaten run to six games, with Nigel Clough's side having last tasted defeat on February 11 at Brighton & Hove Albion.

It is Albion's best-such run of the campaign, and has been built around some miserly defensive efforts - only three goals have been conceded in that time.

It is in stark contrast to their record around the turn of the year, when they lost eight of nine games in all competitions in a miserable sequence. A point was lost in injury time at Cardiff City in January when Rhys Healey found the net after 91 minutes, while Nahki Wells' 85th-minute header sent Albion to a 1-0 defeat at home to Huddersfield Town the previous month.

John Brayford, Luke Murphy and Lasse Vigen Christensen celebrate with Cauley Woodrow after his match-winning goal against Nottingham Forest

In both of those outings, the efforts of Clough's men meant they were worth at least a share of the spoils. Even in back-to-back home games against Preston North End and Wigan Athletic at the beginning of 2017, the Brewers switched off just before half-time and ultimately fell to losses after conceding in first-half stoppage time.

The defensive solidity and organisation across the pitch has notably improved since those defeats, and Albion are reaping the rewards now, climbing to 18th following their win over Forest.

And Woodrow - who joined on loan from Fulham late in January and has helped turn the Brewers' fortunes around - knows every player is showing commitment to that defensive cause to ensure they are now getting the points their performances warrant.

Asked what has been different in this unbeaten run compared to that form earlier in the campaign, Woodrow said: "I think when I signed the lads were saying that they were conceding goals late on in games - and they didn't deserve to be.

"Maybe our luck has changed, I don't know. Maybe we have got a bit more solid and a bit more nous about us to get the results.

   "But like you see with everything we did against Forest, all the lads are fighting. Maybe it is luck - but if it keeps happening, that's great."

As was the case throughout Albion's back-to-back promotion campaigns, the Brewers' defensive efforts begin from the front. While they are more regularly playing two up top now, rather than a lone striker, the likes of Woodrow, Marvin Sordell, Chris O'Grady and Luke Varney have exerted plenty of energy pressuring defenders into hurried clearances or tracking back to provide more defensive depth in their own half.

Both Sordell and Varney were withdrawn with injury during Saturday's game, placing more emphasis on the endeavours of Woodrow up front as Albion withstood waves of Forest pressure following the Fulham loanee's well-struck free-kick midway through the first half.

So how does a forward like Woodrow - who has found the net in three of his four home games for Albion - find spending much of his time closer to his own goal than the opposition's net?

"Certainly it's difficult when you are fighting for survival and your main thought is to defend," he added.

Cauley Woodrow scored the winner and then hustled Nottingham Forest players upfield all afternoon

"It's difficult. A few years ago at Fulham we were in a similar position as to what we are in here at Burton, and it was so hard for the strikers to get any sort of joy.

"But when you do get that joy, it's great - and you've just got to take your chance when it comes."



Read more at http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/cauley-woodrow-on-one-of-the-reasons-for-burton-albion-s-turnaround-in-form-since-cardiff-city-loss/story-30199320-detail/story.html#o0zZJEMdlhPh7IeU.99

[WhiteJC]

 
Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea are keen on Ryan Sessegnon... so, who is the 16-year-old Fulham wonderkid?

    Ryan Sessegnon scored twice as Fulham beat Newcastle United 3-1
    The 16-year-old wonderkid has enjoyed an impressive breakthrough season
    Left-sided player has been scouted by a number of leading top-flight clubs
    Slavisa Jokanovic says Sessegnon can become one of the world's best

As much as Fulham would love to keep him under wraps, 16-year-old Ryan Sessegnon just keeps attracting attention.

Two goals inside the space of eight minutes on Saturday guided Slavisa Jokanovic's Championship play-off chasers to a 3-1 victory over league leaders Newcastle United and enhanced his reputation still further.

The first was a cool left-footed finish into the far corner after being teed up inside the Newcastle penalty box, the second an inch-perfect near post finish after lightning pace carried him through.


Fulham youngster Ryan Sessegnon celebrates with Tom Cairney after scoring at Newcastle


The 16-year-old sensation scored twice as Fulham defeated Newcastle 3-1 on Saturday

He might have completed a late hat-trick when Fulham were awarded a penalty, only for Tim Ream to pull rank and promptly fire wide.

But Sessegnon had certainly demonstrated once again precisely why Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham have all had the teenager scouted.

Those in the know at Fulham have been tipping the left-sided player for big things for some time, and the club will surely face a battle to keep hold of Sessegnon this summer, even if they return to the Premier League.

With Fulham closing to within two points of sixth-placed Sheffield Wednesday, with a game in hand to come against Blackburn Rovers on Tuesday, he will undoubtedly play a part during the run-in.

Although Sessegnon has spent large swathes of the Championship season on the bench, he has still contributed four goals and two assists, playing either at left-back or on the left of midfield, as he did at St James' Park.


Sessegnon fires home the first of his two goals at St James' Park after a Sone Aluko backheel


The youngster's impressive performances have attracted the attention of several big clubs

He's also shone in the FA Cup, with goals against Cardiff City in the third round, plus a goal and an assist in the 4-1 home win over Hull City in the fourth round.

While Jokanovic has used him sparingly and sensibly throughout the campaign, it's easy to see that Fulham are a very dangerous proposition going forward with Sessegnon in the side.

The youngster's explosive pace is a weapon in this time of forward-thinking wing-backs and he's shown great ability with his crossing, passing and finishing.

This was the first time Sessegnon had started on the left of midfield, but it seemed to suit his attributes and many Fulham fans believe this is ultimately where he'll play.

Sessegnon's rapid progress is also a glowing tribute to Fulham's fine academy set-up, with Wandsworth-born Ryan and his twin brother Steven joining the academy aged eight in the summer of 2008.
Sessegnon has scored four Championship goals for Fulham this season and two in the FA Cup


Sessegnon has scored four Championship goals for Fulham this season and two in the FA Cup


Though primarily a left-back, Sessegnon proved he can play left wing against Newcastle

He has accelerated smoothly through the age groups and this has been a fantastic breakthrough season after he made his full debut in the 3-2 EFL Cup victory over Leyton Orient back in August.

Having impressed, Sessegnon was handed a first league start against Leeds United seven days later and his leap from the under-18 side to the first team was complete.

And when he scored his first Fulham goal - in the 2-2 draw with Cardiff City on August 20 - he became the first player born in the 21st century to score in the English professional leagues at 16 years and 94 days old.

All the attention from the elite of English football hasn't fazed Sessegnon, who is, according to his team-mates, a quiet presence in the dressing room who passes spare time by playing games on his phone.

Speaking recently, team-mate Kevin McDonald ribbed Sessegnon for being terrible at Mario Kart on the Nintendo DS.

He said: 'I don't know what he does with his time. He must play football all the time because he isn't playing computer games, no chance.'


The quiet and dedicated Sessegnon is studying for his GCSEs this year


The teenager takes on Tottenham's Kieran Trippier during their recent FA Cup fifth-round tie

Much of his time away from football at the moment will be taken up with GCSE revision, and let's hope one of his subjects is geography as he's travelled plenty with the England youth teams.

Sessegnon currently plays for the U19 age group and could be involved in important qualifiers against Spain, Norway and Belarus later this month to see if the Young Lions make the finals in Georgia.

But his stock is rising, with Jokanovic saying: 'He will be a good player in the future. Now it depends if he wants to be the best or only a good player. His future is in his hands.

'To be the best in the world you have to sacrifice. You have to forget the family, forget the friends, forget the money.


Sessegnon in action for the England Under 16s last year - he is now at U19 level


Sessegnon is tipped for a bright future - but it's likely to be at a club other than Fulham

'In this moment he is a fantastic project of a football player. It depends on his next steps. He's a kid but right now in a business for adults. I treat him like an adult.'

Team-mate Stefan Johansen has also tipped him for great things, saying: 'It's 99 per cent sure he will be one of the top left-backs in the world.'

And after Saturday's performance, there will be a few more who agree with that sentiment.



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-4308620/Fulham-teenage-star-Ryan-Sessegnon-profile.html#ixzz4bHf9ofsM
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

[WhiteJC]

 
Cairney's Call-Up

Tom Cairney has been named in the Scotland squad for the first time for their two fixtures later this month.

Both matches are on home soil, with a friendly against Canada at Easter Road on Wednesday 22nd March followed by a World Cup Qualifier at Hampden Park with Slovenia four days later.

"Tom Cairney was the best man on the pitch at St James' Park," Gordon Strachan said after announcing his squad, "but that was no surprise, he has been the best man on the pitch on many occasions."

Strachan has also named Chris Martin in the squad for the double header.
Fulham players called up for international duty:

Floyd Ayité (Togo) - Friendly

Tom Cairney (Scotland) – Friendly & World Cup Qualifier

Stefan Johansen (Norway) – World Cup Qualifier

Tomas Kalas (Czech Republic) – Friendly & World Cup Qualifier

Neeskens Kebano (Congo) - Friendly

Chris Martin (Scotland) – Friendly & World Cup Qualifier

Any additional call-ups will be detailed on fulhamfc.com in due course.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/march/13/cairneys-call-up

[WhiteJC]

 
"Best man on the pitch" – International boss heaps praise on Fulham star after call-up



According to the London Evening Standard, Scotland manager Gordon Strachan has hailed Tom Cairney after selecting him in the Scotland national squad for the first time.

Tom Cairney has been one of the standout performers in the Sky Bet Championship this season and he is helping fire Fulham towards the top six.

The 26-year-old was at the heart of everything for Fulham with the attacking midfielder pulling the strings in the middle of the park and opening the scoring with a wonderfully taken goal.

That made it two in two for Cairney after his late equaliser against Leeds in the week and took his tally to nine goals and nine assists for the season.

Speaking after announcing his Scotland squad, Gordon Strachan said:

"Tom Cairney was the best man on the pitch at St James' Park.

"But that was no surprise, he has been the best man on the pitch on many occasions."


http://footballleagueworld.co.uk/best-man-on-the-pitch-international-boss-heaps-praise-on-fulham-star-after-call-up/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham look great value to go up – just as we called back in August

If there was ever a perfect time to find some form and gather momentum, then this would be it. With just 10 games left to play in the Championship, Fulham look excellent value to make the play-offs – and if they do that, we'd fancy them to go all the way and return to the Premier League.

It's something we picked up on after just two games this season, too.

Before a ball was kicked in this campaign, the Cottagers were 11/1 shots for promotion. Within a week those odds had been slashed to 7s, and they're now just 11/4.

That's because they currently sit in seventh-place in the division, two points behind Sheffield Wednesday in sixth.

But Slavisia Jokanovic's men have a game in hand over the Owls, meaning they could climb into the top six this week for the first time since mid-September.

That would stand them in good stead for one final push between now and May.

What's even more impressive is that Fulham have been taking points from the big boys in the division, and the fixture list has been kind to them as they will face only three sides currently in the top eight in their remaining 10 games this season.

In fact, their record against the current top five in the division is certainly one to be admired.

They've taken 14 points from a possible 27 against the leading quintet in the Championship – that includes 5-0 drubbings of both Huddersfield Town and Reading, and a double over league leaders Newcastle United.

Only Brighton have lost fewer games than the Cottagers this season, while they'd be sitting second in the table behind only Huddersfield if the season began at the turn of the year.

A minor blip between early September and late October saw the west London outfit slide down to 14th in the table. But since then, Jokanovic's side have been one of the best teams in the league on paper.

Bear in mind that this has all been achieved without two of last season's key players.

Between them, Moussa Dembele and Ross McCormack netted a staggering 36 of Fulham's 66 league goals and were without any doubt one of the deadliest duos in the division. The former has since moved to Celtic, while the latter signed for Aston Villa but is now on-loan at Championship strugglers Nottingham Forest.

Plenty of Fulham's current crop have stepped up to the plate though, with eight players registering four or more goals this season (compared to just four last time out).

With that in mind, the Cottagers would certainly head into next season confident of lifting the Championship trophy – were they to miss out on promotion this time around.

But we're not going to go and put a dampener on proceedings.

The play-offs are certainly a realistic goal for this side this season. Once there, anything is possible. But the way things are going at Craven Cottage, not many will be backing against them returning to the top-flight.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing



http://news.ladbrokes.com/football/championship/fulham-look-great-value-to-go-up-just-as-we-called-back-in-august.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham Duo Make Team of the Weekend

The games are coming thick and fast at the moment.

Just a matter of days after Fulham went to St James Park and beat the Championship leaders Newcastle, we`re set to face Blackburn Rovers, at Craven Cottage, this Tuesday evening.

But before we start to fully concentrate on that fixture, we`d better offer some closure on the weekend.

The performance against Newcastle was good enough for the good folk who select the SkyBet Team of the Weekend to include two Fulham players in their eleven.

The two being Ryan Seesegnon and Sone Aluko.

The full starting eleven looks like thus:

Ikeme - Wolves
Brayford - Burton
Burn - Wigan
Schindler - Huddersfield
Furlong - QPR
James - Barnsley
Sessegnon - Fulham
Barkhuizen - Preston
Kodjia - Aston Villa
Jerome - Norwich
Aluko - Fulham

Our congratulations go to Sone and Ryan.



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=483962#ixzz4bHgy0i6s

[WhiteJC]

 
Level Playing Field

Fulham Football Club is pleased to support the 2017 Level Playing Field (LPF) Weeks of Action. This annual initiative, now in its 12th year, aims to celebrate access and inclusion for disabled sports fans across England and Wales.

Disabled people constitute the largest minority group at around 15 per cent of the population, and this number is increasing year on year. We are pleased to take this opportunity to thank our fans for their ongoing support, and to show our appreciation for those staff  - the 'Game Changers' - who play a role in making Fulham FC matches inclusive and accessible.

This year we are celebrating the 'Game Changers' that make a big difference to the matchday experience of our disabled fans. We want to shine a light on those who lead and pioneer change that improves access and inclusion, and in many cases changing the lives of disabled people.

During half-time at the Fulham v Blackburn Rovers fixture, the Fulham Badgers will take to the pitch at Craven Cottage. Fulham FC were the first London club to launch a Down's Syndrome football team, which celebrated its 10 year anniversary in October 2016.

The success of the Fulham Badgers would not be possible without the support of the participants, their parents and Fulham FC Foundation who deliver meaningful DS sport provision across South and South-West London. Speaking of the programme, Jamie Brown, Disability Officer at Fulham FC Foundation, said: "Our DS model has now been replicated across other clubs, and our programme has gone from strength to strength, running football and a tennis projects across multiple age groups.

"The programme aims to provide opportunities for young people with Down's Syndrome to participate in sport in a safe and controlled environment. The sessions also have health and social benefits, helping to improve physical fitness and wellbeing as well as providing opportunities to interact with new people, develop social skills, build relationships and make new friends. In 2016, 578 young people with disabilities were engaged in FFCF's disability programmes."

This Weeks of Action campaign we are joining together with sports clubs, fans and organisations across England and Wales to celebrate the #GameChangers who make a difference for disabled football fans and to promote a message of access and inclusion for all.

If you would like more information regarding the DS programme and our extended disability provisions, please email [email protected].

For more information about Level Playing Field (LPF) and this year's Weeks of Action, please visit www.levelplayingfield.org.uk, email [email protected], or call 0208 621 2403.

Alternatively you may wish to send a message of support to @lpftweets on Twitter using the hashtag #GameChangers



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/march/13/level-playing-field

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham could be unchanged when they take on Blackburn

Fulham could be unchanged as they attempt to climb into the top six at home to Blackburn.
The Cottagers moved to within two points of the play-off spots following Saturday's 3-1 win at leaders Newcastle.
Winger Floyd Ayite remains an injury doubt with the hamstring problem which has sidelined him for three weeks.
Chelsea loanee Lucas Piazon hopes to be back in two or three weeks after breaking his jaw last month.
Blackburn will have Craig Conway back but still have doubts over Charlie Mulgrew and Sam Gallagher.
Winger Conway missed the draw at Norwich on Saturday to attend the birth of his child and Tony Mowbray has confirmed he will travel to Craven Cottage.
Mulgrew and Gallagher were both absent against the Canaries due to slight hamstring problems and they will require further assessment.
Corry Evans (groin) remains out although he is close to a comeback having been back in full training for over a week.


http://www.espnfc.co.uk/preview?gameId=452881

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham v Blackburn Rovers

TUE, 14 Mar 2017Championship
Venue: Craven Cottage

Togolese winger Floyd Ayite has missed Fulham's last three matches through injury

BBC coverage
How to follow:
    BBC local radio; live text commentary on the BBC Sport website



Fulham could be unchanged as they attempt to climb into the top six.

Floyd Ayite remains a doubt with the hamstring problem which has kept him out for three weeks, while fellow winger Lucas Piazon (broken jaw) is still unavailable.

Blackburn have winger Craig Conway back in contention after he missed the draw at Norwich to be with his wife for the birth of their first child.

Charlie Mulgrew and Sam Gallagher face checks but Corry Evans (groin) is out.

Match facts

    Fulham have won two of their last three league encounters with Blackburn, as many as they'd enjoyed in their previous 14.
    Blackburn have won just once in their last five league visits to Craven Cottage, losing three (D1).
    Fulham are unbeaten in their last seven games in the Championship (W5 D2 L0) - only Ipswich are currently on a longer run without defeat (eight games - W1 D7 L0) in the competition.
    Danny Graham is Blackburn's top scorer in the league this season with 11 goals; however he hasn't found the net in any of his last eight games in the competition.
    Sone Aluko has had a hand in five goals in his last three league outings, scoring once and providing four assists.


http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39188493

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Fulham defender Denis Odoi urges his team-mates to send another warning to play-off rivals by beating Blackburn

    Fulham, currently in seventh, are pushing for a Championship play-off spot
    West London side are two points behind Sheffield Wednesday with game in hand
    Slavisa Jokanovic's side go into game on the back of 3-1 win over Newcastle

Fulham can climb into the play-off places for the first time since the opening weeks of the season if they beat Blackburn on Tuesday night.

The in-form Cottagers won 3-1 at leaders Newcastle at the weekend to move to within two points of sixth-placed Sheffield Wednesday.

And full back Denis Odoi feels they sent out a warning signal to the rest of the play-off chasers with their display at St James' Park.


Fulham defender Denis Odoi has called on his team-mates to replicate Newcastle victory


Ryan Sessegnon scored a brace at Newcastle's St James' Park to help Fulham claim a win

'I think we put on one of our best performances of the season,' Odoi told the club website.

'It gives us a massive boost heading into our upcoming games.

'Our goal is to be in the top six. We want to be there at the end of the season and play in the play-offs.'

Nevertheless Odoi is not taking Tuesday's opponents lightly with Blackburn enjoying a mini-revival under Tony Mowbray.

'They are fighting against relegation so they will be giving their all to stay in the league,' he added.

'We need to fight and if you want to be in the top six you need to compete against these teams.

'We sent out a signal at Newcastle and we want to do that on Tuesday. It shows that we are not just relaxing. We are hunting for that place in the top six.'

Rovers remain unbeaten since Mowbray took over but their new boss thinks the hectic schedule is starting to tell.

'We've got a couple of fatigue injuries with Charlie Mulgrew and Sam Gallagher picking up slight hamstrings,' Mowbray told Rovers' website.

'Saturday was our fifth game in 15 days, Tuesday will be the sixth in 18 days, and Saturday will be the seventh in 22 days.

'At some stage a few of their bodies break down because of the work, especially at the intensity that we are trying to play at trying to get some points.'


Slavisa Jokanovic's side are just two points behind sixth-placed Sheffield Wednesday

West London takes centre stage in the Championship with the evening's other fixture taking place just along the Thames where Brentford host struggling Wolves.

The Bees look destined for a mid-table finish but Wanderers are hovering just a point above the relegation zone, although they will be buoyed by ending an eight-game winless streak after beating Rotherham on Saturday.

Matchwinner Andreas Weimann told the club website: 'We got the job done and now we'll go into Brentford with a bit more confidence.

'We've finally got the win and now we need to push on - Brentford is a tough place to go but it's one of our games in hand and we need to try to make the most of it.'


Tony Mowbray has changed Blackburn's fortunes around since taking over the reins



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-4309596/Fulham-send-warning-play-rivals-says-defender.html#ixzz4bHjaZIj9
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Leeds United: Whites' rivals Fulham keep play-off target fixed firmly in their sights

Fulham will climb into the Championship's play-off places for the first time since the opening weeks of the season if they beat Blackburn Rovers tomorrow.

The West London club have the opportunity to close the gap on Leeds United and the league's other promotion contenders as they fulfil their game in hand at Craven Cottage.

Fulham, who held Leeds to a last-gasp 1-1 draw in the capital last week, pose the biggest threat to the top six following an impressive win over league leaders Newcastle United at St James' Park on Saturday. Slavisa Jokanovic's side are two points behind sixth-placed Sheffield Wednesday and full-back Denis Odoi believes their display against Newcastle sent out a warning to the clubs above them. "I think we put on one of our best performances of the season," Odoi told the club's website. "Our goal is to be in the top six. We want to be there at the end of the season and play in the play-offs. "We sent out a signal at Newcastle and we want to do that on Tuesday. It shows that we aren't just relaxing. We're hunting for that place in the top six." Leeds were on the verge of opening up an 11-point lead over seventh-placed Fulham before Jokanovic's side snatched a dramatic draw at Craven Cottage last Tuesday. United, Sheffield Wednesday and Reading are looking for Blackburn to slow Fulham's charge tomorrow evening and Rovers are unbeaten under new manager Tony Mowbray.

Mowbray, however, said a hectic schedule was starting to takes its toll on a squad which has been fighting relegation all season. "We've got a couple of fatigue injuries with Charlie Mulgrew and Sam Gallagher picking up slight hamstrings," Mowbray said. "Saturday was our fifth game in 15 days, Tuesday will be the sixth in 18 days, and Saturday will be the seventh in 22 days. At some stage a few of their bodies break down because of the work."



Read more at: http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/leeds-united-whites-rivals-fulham-keep-play-off-target-fixed-firmly-in-their-sights-1-8436667

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Jokanović's Blackburn Preview

Slaviša Jokanović has put Saturday's win behind him as he prepares to face Blackburn Rovers.

Fulham produced a fine display to triumph 3-1 at league leaders Newcastle United, but a different test awaits on Tuesday as Rovers come in search of the positive result which would move them out of the relegation zone.

"It is a tricky game for us," Jokanović admitted. "We must forget our last game and think only about what is in front of us.

"Yesterday Barcelona didn't win against Deportivo La Coruna after their great win against PSG. We cannot compare these levels but we must be focused on our job. We can't relax and make some kind of mistakes.

"We have our battle, and [Blackburn] are in a relegation battle too. They've got a new coach and they didn't lose any of their last five games. The characteristic of this coach is to try and play football.

"It's different to the way Blackburn played in the past. Step by step I detect that they've improved their results. This is a simple observation, they want to change their style too, they are combining a little bit more.

"They try to play with the ball a little bit more, they do use the long ball for some situations, but less than in the past."

Victory at Craven Cottage would see the Whites move into the Play-Off positions for the first time since mid-September, but Jokanović isn't paying too much attention to that just yet.

"It's very important we win the next game," he stated. "I try not to look at the table too much. We could be in [the top-six], we could be out too, but it's not the last day for us.

"The competition lasts nine months. We started pre-season at the end of June and we're now in March. We're in a good position for fighting for the top-six, we are where we want to be.

"The Championship starts right now for ourselves in this short league between the seven top teams. It's very, very difficult for us to be directly promoted but we are going to try and not be bottom of this league. We are going to push ourselves as high as possible.

"We have to fight with some teams who have more points than we have at the moment and we're going to try and cut this distance. This is our fight and the only thing we're thinking about in this moment is making sure we're ready for tomorrow night's game."

Ryan Sessegnon's match-winning brace at St James' Park earned plenty of plaudits over the weekend, and his Head Coach is pleased with how the 16-year-old is applying himself.

"He's working very hard," Jokanović explained. "He's a clever man, a clever player. He hasn't dropped his intensity or his motivation to work with us.

"He's waiting for his chances and when I give him a chance he normally always does a very good job. He doesn't need to change so much, he needs to push the same and still harder.

"He needs to be motivated and in front of him there's going to be an important period, like all football players. He is still 16 and he can play for 20 more years."

Tom Cairney also continued his fine form on Tyneside with a stunning opening goal in front of Scotland manager Gordon Strachan, who duly named him in a squad for the first time two days later.

Asked if that's a well-justified call-up, Jokanović replied: "Absolutely, we are very happy for him to get the call-up. He deserves it.

"We are going to have less time to rest him but he has to be satisfied because this is recognition for his team and for himself. They are doing very well and, it's simple, he deserves this."

Jokanović will have a fairly full group of players to select from for Tuesday evening's game, with a couple of exceptions: "Scott Parker has a back problem and will be outside of the squad.

"Floyd Ayité is very close to being in the team, too. The other people are ready for tomorrow's game."

Tickets for Tuesday's game are available for supporters to buy on General Sale, priced from £10 for juniors and £20 for adults.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/march/13/jokanovics-blackburn-rovers-preview

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Jokanovic warns Fulham squad that Newcastle win is in the past and the season starts with Blackburn
The Whites secured a fabulous victory in the north east with Tom Cairney continuing his fine form and wonderkid Ryan Sessegnon adding a brace before Daryl Murphy's late consolation

Slavisa Jokanovic has told his Fulham side that Newcastle is in the past now and the primary focus must be on Blackburn.

The Whites secured a fabulous victory in the north east with Tom Cairney continuing his fine form and wonderkid Ryan Sessegnon adding a brace before Daryl Murphy's late consolation.

But for the ever-demanding Jokanovic, that game is consigned to the history books and he is only focused on Blackburn.

"Newcastle is in the past now. We are now concentrating on what is in front of us. We don't live in the past. We live in the present and future," the Fulham boss said.

"We take confidence from it and that's it. We have games in front of us in the Championship. We are fighting with some teams who have more points than us at the moment.


Use the momentum: Slavisa Jokanovic's Fulham side are preparing to face Blackburn (Photo: Ker Robertson/GettyImages)

"We're going to try and cut the distance to the top six. This is our fight right now and Blackburn is solely what we're thinking of in this moment."

Victory for Fulham would take them into the play-off places for the first time since the league was seven games in but Jokanovic believes the Championship starts right now.

He said: "After eight nine months since starting pre-season in June we're in a good position to fight for the top six.

"The Championship starts right now. This short league between seven top teams – it's difficult for us to be directly promoted but we'll try and push as high as possible."

For Blackburn, a draw at Craven Cottage on Tuesday night would lift them out of the relegation zone at Bristol City's expense.

Jokanovic knows the contest against Tony Mowbray's side will be difficult and urged his side to learn from Barcelona and not follow up a heroic performance with a defeat, much like the Catalan giants did against Deportivo La Coruna over the weekend after their magnificent fightback against Paris Saint-Germain.

The Serbian said: "We have our battle. They are in a relegation battle too with a new coach. They're unbeaten in five games.

"The characteristic of this coach is to try and play football. It's different to what Blackburn are used to in the past.

"I detect they improve their results. They want to change the style too and they try and play with the ball more than they did before.

"Sometimes, they'll play a long ball but less than the past. It can be a tricky game for ourselves and we must forget our last game and focus on what's in front of us.

"Barcelona didn't win against Deportivo after the great win against PSG. We can't compare the levels and do our job and not be relaxed and make mistakes."

Scott Parker misses the game with a back problem, while Floyd Ayite is unlikely to be risked.


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/jokanovic-warns-fulham-squad-newcastle-12735807

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Fulham vs Blackburn Rovers Preview: Three questions
Paul Hill is a freelance writer, and a Blackburn fan. He graciously accepted our invite to answer some questions.

Cottagers Confidential: Blackburn got a tough run of games after drawing at Norwich, you have to travel to Craven Cottage to take on Fulham, host Preston, then travel to Brighton and Reading. That's five teams in the top ten in a row. Given your current position in the table and that run of games, how confident are you that you can do enough to stay up?

    Paul Hill: If there's anything the Championship isn't then it's predictable. This has been proven in our two wins over Newcastle this season and two draws with Huddersfield, which gives me some confidence going into the tough run of fixtures. My heart (and head...just about) both tell me that we'll survive this season. We've been extremely unlucky with late goals and bad decisions, plus, with Tony Mowbray in charge, we've looked far more solid, organised and are five games unbeaten with him at the helm.

CC: Only Rotherham, Forest, and Norwich are giving up more goals a game than you are. Has the defense been the problem this year? What makes the team give up so many goals?

    PH: We've been extremely unlucky with injuries in our defence all season. Apart from Derrick Williams at left-back our other three defensive positions have not been settled at all, which, in my opinion, is the single biggest important factor in defensive stability in a team- consistency. Jason Lowe, Charlie Mulgrew, Gordan Greer, Elliot Ward, Darragh Lenihan, Ryan Nyambe, Tommie Hoban, Wes Brown and Adam Henley have all filled in the other three positions and none have had the chance to lock down their place. However, the new manager seems to be settled on Nyambe, Mulgrew, Lenihan and Williams for the time being- so hopefully he can stick with that quadrant for the remainder of the campaign.

CC: If you were in charge of Blackburn, what would be your strategy going into this run of fixtures? Are there any you'd try harder to win, or would you just throw everything you have at every one of them and hope for the best?

    PH: The nature of the Championship dictates that you can't plan too far ahead so I would just pick the best/fittest team available for each game. If we can get a settled 11 going then I'm sure we'll be able to pick up enough points.

CC: Predicted score and lineup?

    PH: 1-1 (Tom Cairney to score)- Steele; Nyambe, Lenihan, Mulgrew, Williams; Conway, Guthrie, Lowe, Feeney; Emnes; Joao


http://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2017/3/13/14911194/fulham-blackburn-rovers-english-championship-preview-three-questions