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

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The pros and cons of Tom Cairney's Scotland call up, according to Jokanovic
Cairney and Chris Martin have been called up to the Scotland squad for their international matches; a friendly against Canada and a World Cup qualifier against Slovenia

Tom Cairney 'absolutely deserves' his maiden Scotland call up, insists Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic.

Cairney and Chris Martin have been called up to the Scotland squad for their international matches; a friendly against Canada and a World Cup qualifier against Slovenia.

The former Blackburn man could make his debut for the Tartan Army and, while the call up has ruined Jokanovic's probable plans to wrap his talisman up in cotton wool for the duration of the international break, he knows that it is a just reward for his fine form.

The Serbian said: "He absolutely deserves it. We're really happy for him.


Having a go: Tom Cairney fires a shot off against Leeds (Photo: Darren Pepe)

"We'll have less time to rest him but he has to be satisfied as it's some compensation for his team and himself. They are doing very well. He deserved his call up."

Cairney will be in action for Fulham on Tuesday night when they take on struggling Blackburn.

A win for the Whites will lift them into the play-off spots for the first time since September but a point for Rovers will raise them out of the drop zone.


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/pros-cons-tom-cairneys-scotland-12736608

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'Look what happened to Barcelona' Fulham boss warns team after win over Newcastle

Fulham boss Jokanovic: "It's very, very difficult for us to be directly promoted but we are going to try..."

Slavisa Jokanovic has warned his players, that after beating Newcastle at St James Park it is no good doing a Barcelona and end up losing to Blackburn at home on Tuesday night.

Whilst admitting it is more Championship than Champions League, the Fulham boss points to Barcelona dramatically beating PSG in the premier European competition, only to then lose against Deportivo who despite the win are still in the bottom six of La Liga.

Barcelona beat PSG 6-1 to progress 6-5 on aggregate on Wednesday night, only to lose 2-1 at Deportivo despite Suarez equalising.

Even with their win on Saturday, Fulham are still 17 points behind both Newcastle and Brighton, Jokanovic admitting 'It's very, very difficult for us to be directly promoted but we are going to try...'.

To stand even a remote chance, Fulham will need to beat Blackburn at Craven Cottage on Tuesday night, a match which is their game in hand.

To do so, the Fulham boss insists the team must forget all about the Newcastle match.

I wish I could...

Slavisa Jokanovic:

"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.

"It is a tricky game for us and we must forget our last game (win over Newcastle) and think only about what is in front of us.

"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 very important we win the next game and I try not to look at the table too much, we could be in the top six and 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."


http://www.themag.co.uk/2017/03/look-happened-barcelona-fulham-boss-warns-team-win-newcastle-united/

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Could Fulham be back in the Premier League after stunning 3-1 win at Newcastle United?



After a cracking weekend of Championship footballing action, result of the day had to go to Fulham, who stunned league leaders Newcastle United with a 3-1 away win at St James' Park.

The Toon, who have been leading the way for most of the campaign, were silenced by a proficient and confident-looking Fulham side, who proved why they've been floating around the play-offs for most of the campaign.

Slavisa Jokanovic certainly had a game plan in mind when he took his players north for the crunch tie against the Magpies but he wouldn't have expected such a good display, spearheaded by the seriously talented Ryan Sessegnon.

He's a player that continues to grow in market value after another fantastic performance and he'll certainly be one to watch as the Cottagers continue their march up the table.

And with Reading losing to fellow play-off chasers Preston North End on Saturday, we could be set for a very exciting end to the season indeed with plenty of teams still buzzing around the top-six.

But what we do know is that if Fulham can maintain this level of form going into some very winnable games over the past couple of weeks.

They host Blackburn next week before welcoming Wolves to Craven Cottage the week after. They then travel to doomed Rotherham, who lost again this weekend who seem like a dead cert to face the drop if things continue in this stead.

So with some seriously exciting times ahead for Jokanovic and his players, who seem to be well up for the promotion challenge, could we see Fulham back in the Premier League next season if they do ghost into the top six?

Well, if we do see them turn out at Wembley, you can beat plenty of sides won't fancy coming up against them either.

This is a side that cruised against the supposed "best" side in the division. Impressive stuff indeed.


http://footballleagueworld.co.uk/could-fulham-be-back-in-the-premier-league-after-stunning-3-1-win-at-newcastle-united/

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Should Newcastle United Go For This Fulham Star In The Summer Transfer Window?

Newcastle failed to open up a lead as they faltered miserably at St. James' Park last weekend to a rejuvenated Fulham side. The Cottagers bulldozed past Rafael Benitez's men and earned a scintillating 1-3 win to reclassify themselves as promotion hopefuls. However, in constructing the Geordies into a fearsome outfit once again, Benitez got a perfect glimpse of a talismanic midfielder whom he should pursue once the curtains of the summer transfer window get lifted.

Tom Cairney found himself comprehensively marked by the black and white crop in their last outing but he somehow managed to create acres of spaces and chipped in with a goal apart from vehemently troubling the Newcastle United backline time and again.

The former Real Madrid gaffer was thoroughly invested in the idea of bringing Cairney under his ranks in the transfer window which transpired in January but failed to get the deal across the line. Nonetheless, his interest made perfect sense.

The 26-year-old is a left-sided playmaker who might not possess the fastest of legs but he nullifies his drawback in a shrewd manner by capitalising on the intelligent football brain of his. He pulls the strings in a sensational manner, making precise movements on and off the ball, has the ability to maintain the decorum of his style of play under pressure and makes the opponents' defence go haywire with his creative abilities. A perfect utility player through and through, the former Blackburn Rovers man would fit perfectly under Benitez's regime.



Under the notable tutelage of Slavisa Jokanovic, Cairney has thrived quite well and has cemented his spot in the starting line-up, courtesy of his calibre, week in and week out. In a total of 34 appearances in the Championship this term, he has notched up 34 appearances for Fulham, during which he has bagged 9 goals, created as many as 95 chances and has also registered 7 assists to his name to maintain his stronghold as a player who has only seen an upward rise in his career's trajectory.

What is much more intriguing is the way he has managed to knit the London-based outfit together. Cairney boasts of a pass accuracy of 92% which is simply phenomenal, to say the least. Benitez would be keen to bolster the quality of his midfield, for an uplift to the Premier League appears to be seemingly likely for the Magpies, and Cairney does fit the bill quite well.


http://the4thofficial.net/2017/03/newcastle-united-go-fulham-star-summer-transfer-window/

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Blackburn Rovers boss Tony Mowbray relishing Fulham test

TONY Mowbray has acknowledged the tough test his side will face at promotion-chasing Fulham tonight but is looking for Rovers to 'put some pressure' on their relegation rivals with a positive result.

Rovers slipped back in to the relegation places, despite making it five games unbeaten with a 2-2 draw at Norwich.

But a positive result at Craven Cottage (7.45pm) would move them out of the bottom three.

Fulham will be eyeing an incentive of their own however, knowing a win would see them move in to the top six after a 3-1 win at Newcastle on Saturday.

But despite coming up against one of the league's in-form sides, head coach Mowbray said: "We'll be ready for it, we know we're playing against probably the form team in the league at the moment who had a fantastic result at St James' at the weekend.

"We know it's a tough ask but it's a game where there is not a full programme, it's a game in hand, and we have to look to take some points and put some pressure on the teams around us.

"It's a tough ask but it's a challenge we're looking forward to.

"Hopefully we're going to go there and ask some questions of them, make life difficult for them when they have possession and see how we come out."

Rovers have won just twice on their travels this season, at Derby and Newcastle, but not since November, a record they will likely have to improve on if they're to avoid the drop, with six of their remaining 10 games coming away from home.

But having upset the odds before, Mowbray is hoping they can do it again.

He added: "This team and club have been to some big clubs and big grounds and got some positive results when maybe people didn't think that they could.

"That shows a lot about their character, so this is just the next test for this group of players.

"At times they have risen to those questions and we'll see what Tuesday night brings.

"I have said before, there's a surprise among myself, and possibly themselves, with their performance levels over the past two weeks.

"They have been pretty high, I felt that we have been really unfortunate not to have beaten Cardiff and Norwich on the back of two wins at home.

"They are doing really well, they have to keep going, believing in themselves and working hard for each other and see where it takes us.

"There are 10 games to go, a lot of football to be played and points to be played for."

Mowbray was left frustrated by Rovers' failure to take all three points against Norwich on Saturday having played against 10 men for more than 70 minutes.

But despite dropping back in to the bottom three, Mowbray admits there were plenty of positives to take as they move in to the final 10 games of the season.

"Every game is an incentive for us to pick up points at the moment," he said.

"There was a slight frustration perhaps that we got an away point at Norwich, one of the more fancied teams in the league, and dropped two places.

"But that's football, we understand that, and that we have to win games between now and the end of the season, where they come doesn't really matter.

"Whether it be Fulham away, Norwich away, or Preston at home, we need to start picking up points and the more three points we get the better."



http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/rovers/news/15153573.Rovers_boss_Mowbray_relishing_Fulham_test/?ref=mac

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Arsenal, Everton, Liverpool and Tottenham target will have no problem remaining grounded, insists Fulham boss
Despite his brace against Newcastle, Jokanovic believes that he doesn't need to do much to keep Sessegnon's feet on the ground

Ryan Sessegnon will remain grounded, despite his rise to prominence at Fulham this season.

The 16-year-old has been performing at a level beyond his tender years and has been linked with a move to a host of clubs in the summer including Tottenham, Everton, Liverpool and Arsenal.

Despite his brace against Newcastle, Jokanovic believes that he doesn't need to do much to keep Sessegnon's feet on the ground.

He said: "It's not difficult for myself. He's working very hard. He's a clever man and a clever player.


Gaining attention: Ryan Sessegnon in action against Leeds United (Photo: Darren Pepe)

"He doesn't drop his intensity and his motivation for working with us.

"He's waiting for his chances. If I give him one, he's normally available to do a good job and that's it.

"He doesn't need to change so much. He must push the same and still harder. He'll be motivated and that's it.

"He's got an important period in front of him. He's still 16 and can play 20 years more. It's only important that he shows responsibility in training and in tomorrow's game. He needs to think step by step."


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/arsenal-everton-liverpool-tottenham-target-12736613

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What happens now for Derby County's Chris Martin?

The on loan Fulham striker's future has been thrown into doubt with Steve McClaren's sacking.

Fulham's Chris Martin celebrates scoring their first goal

Derby County striker Chris Martin's future at Pride Park has gone from being incredibly secure to highly unstable within 24 hours following the sacking of Steve McClaren.

The Scotland international, currently on loan at Fulham, refused to play for his temporary club and demanded a move back to Pride Park in January as McClaren was there, according to the Telegraph.

Martin then signed a new contract at Derby, on the basis he'd be an integral member of McClaren's side, with both McClaren and Martin waxing lyrical about each other, as reported by the Derby County official website.

Now McClaren's been sacked, Martin's in limbo all over again as he waits to see whether incoming manager Gary Rowett, as reported by the Telegraph, will include the 28-year-old in his plans or not.

The likelihood of Fulham keeping Martin beyond his loan spell - whether they achieve promotion to the Premier League or not - was always going to be unlikely given Martin's behaviour at Craven Cottage, leaving everything up in the air.

Now McClaren has been sacked however, if Slavisa Jokanovic's Fulham do get promoted, expect some serious back-peddling from Martin.


http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2017/03/13/what-happens-now-for-derby-countys-chris-martin/

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"It is a game we should look forward to" - Blackburn Rovers head coach Tony Mowbray relishing Fulham test

BLACKBURN Rovers should not concern themselves with Fulham's rising reputation or league position, according to head coach Tony Mowbray.

The Cottagers have won plenty of plaudits this season for their style of play and Slavisa Jokanovic's side will move in to the top six with victory over Rovers at Craven Cottage tonight (7.45pm).

A 3-1 win at Newcastle United on Saturday has only heightened the expectations on the Londoners who, like Rovers, are unbeaten in their last five games

But Mowbray said: "When you're a team at the top end of the table I know that you have targets and goals, as they must have.

"When they look at the table they are in a situation where they can break the top six and jump above Sheffield Wednesday.

"That's a huge spur for them, I'm not sure there will be any negativity or concern in their minds about us, it will be all about them and how well they have played and how focused and concentrated they are on moving in to the top six.

"For us, for different reasons, we have to be focused and it is a game we should look forward to, not concern ourselves about them.

"We know they're a good team who will have a lot of the ball, but that doesn't mean they're going to win."

Former Rovers man Tom Cairney has been at the heart of much of Fulham's good play this season, and the Scot scored a late winner in the reverse fixture at Ewood Park back in August.

His form this season has earned him plenty of admirers, as well as first call-up to the Scotland national squad.

Fresh from a brace against Newcastle on Saturday, 16-year-old Ryan Sessegnon has also been making the headlines.

But Mowbray says Rovers' focus won't simply be about frustrating Fulham, adding: "Like every football game we have to try and stop them scoring and look to score ourselves.

"You have to be prepared for everything – we know they're a top team with fast strikers and a 16-year-old who is grabbing all the headlines.

"It's all generally filtered through Cairney who keeps the ball moving around the pitch very nicely for them, and is a player that Rovers fans know well. But we hope to go there and ask some questions of them."

Rovers fell back in to the bottom three after Saturday's draw at Norwich, despite playing against 10 men for over 70 minutes.

Mowbray was left frustrated by the result, having worked hard to get 2-1 in front, only to concede an equaliser within three minutes.

But looking back on the game, the head coach believes there were plenty of positives to take from the performance.

"I think it is right to emphasise the positive stuff from the weekend," he said.

"Ultimately the frustration came from being in front with eight minutes to go and not taking all three points.

"But it was great to see the desire to keep going.

"We'll take those positives into the next game and realise that we can hurt teams, we can score goals, we can be competitive in all games, whatever type it is."


http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/rovers/news/15152904._It_is_a_game_we_should_look_forward_to____Blackburn_Rovers_head_coach_Tony_Mowbray_relishing_Fulham_test/?ref=mac

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Blackburn Tickets

Fulham are back in action this evening as we face Blackburn Rovers under the Cottage lights, and you can be there to watch all of the action!

Add your support to the Fulham faithful as the Whites look to continue their fine form and push towards the top-six, with tickets for the match - kick-off 7:45pm - available to purchase on General Sale.

Priced from £25 adults and £10 juniors, supporters can purchase tickets online today at fulhamfc.com/tickets, by phone on 0843 208 1234 or in person from the Fulham Ticket Office.

Be there to back the boys - Come On You Whites!



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/march/14/blackburn-tickets

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Tom Cairney to arrest Scotland's slump

Tom Cairney is the heartbeat of his side. His craft, guile, and fight have led Fulham to 7th in the table, and two points off 6th. It was about time he received a call-up to the national team.

It has been an extremely underwhelming start to World Cup qualification for Gordon Strachan's Scotland. One win in four – that against a woeful Malta – has left them languishing in fifth place. They are behind Lithuania, Slovenia and Slovakia. They were thumped 3-0 by England back in November, and suffered a demoralising 3-0 loss at Slovakia, and drew a must-win match against Lithuania, at home.

It simply isn't good enough for a nation with rich footballing history. Scotland has cut a static, lethargic and enthused outfit on several occasions under Strachan, desperately craving a spark. The Tartan Army need a player capable of winning matches: at international level, that makes all the difference.

Wales, with superstar Gareth Bale will always have a match-winner on the pitch. There is always the potential that they will clinch three points, even if they aren't playing well. An inviting cross by the Welshman led to an own-goal in their round of 16 victory over Northern Ireland – up until that point, Wales had not played particularly well, but that moment of pure quality was enough to see them reach the quarter-finals.

Of course, Cairney is not in the same category as Bale – one plies his trade at the biggest club in the World, whilst the other plies his trade at Fulham – but Cairney is made of the same winning fibres.

He has nine goals and nine assists in the league this season; can score vital goals, but also turn provider. Tom Cairney is equally gifted and this balance is needed at Scotland.

The Scottish boss knows this, it seems. Speaking after his press conference, he said this of the 26-year-old:

"Tom Cairney was the best man on the pitch at St James' Park (a 3-1 win for Fulham), but that was no surprise – he has been the best man on the pitch on many occasions"

And it's true. Cairney has been one of the best players in the Championship this season.

With Scotland suffering from a chronic shortage of genuinely attacking gifted players, Cairney has the potential to fill this void and become the goal-scorer and playmaker Strachan covets.

Scotland host Canada in a friendly, followed by a crucial match against Slovenia. If Scotland can clinch three points against Slovenia, they will trail them by just one point: Slovenia currently sit second in the table. Lose, however, and the gap between themselves and Slovenia becomes seven points. Such margins are seldom recovered in international football.

All is not lost, currently, for Scotland. They still have the potential to sneak their way into a play-off spot. But, they must win against Slovenia. And if they must win, Strachan must select players who possess the necessary qualities to win matches.

Tom Cairney has never been capped at senior level. If he is given that first cap against Canada, and if his second comes against Slovenia, he could be the difference between a World Cup campaign that is beginning to pick up momentum and yet another disappointing failure for the Scots.


http://www.itsroundanditswhite.co.uk/2017/03/14/tom-cairney-arrest-scotlands-slump/

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David Button: Goalkeeper warns Fulham not to relax as they chase play-offs

Former Tottenham and Charlton goalkeeper David Button spent three years at Brentford before joining Fulham

Goalkeeper David Button says Fulham can not afford to be complacent as they target a Championship play-off place.

The Whites will move above Sheffield Wednesday into the top six if they beat Blackburn at Craven Cottage on Tuesday.

Button, 28, who joined Fulham last summer from Brentford, told BBC London: "There's 10 games to go, nearly a quarter of a season.

"A lot of things can change so as confident as we are, we've got to make sure we maintain that."

Fulham are the Championship's in-form side, taking 17 points from their last seven games, including a 3-1 victory at leaders Newcastle on Saturday.

Reaching the play-offs would mark a dramatic turnaround in 15 months under head coach Slavisa Jokanovic after they finished 20th last season.

The former Watford manager transformed the squad ahead of his first full season, including bringing in Button - and the goalkeeper praised Jokanovic for his impact.

"The gaffer and his team know exactly what they want from us and drilled it into us from day one," he added.

"Why it's clicked recently I'm not too sure. Obviously there were a lot of changes in the summer, a lot of new faces.

"We're getting to know each other and we've shown on the pitch that it has come together."


http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39266113

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Here Comes A Soul Saver

With 10 regular games left to play this term, Neeskens Kebano is a man on a mission to ensure the Whites' season is extended with a Play-Off place come May.

"Compared to the other teams in our league, I definitely think we play the best football in this division," he tells Tuesday's matchday programme for the visit of Blackburn Rovers.

"The way we play is very entertaining. We have most of the possession in games and we're happy with how we're playing. We create lots of chances, we score quite a few goals. We just need to keep on winning and hope we can climb back into the top six."

To read the full interview with Kebano, in which he discusses that disallowed 'goal' against Leeds United and his choice of hairstyle, pick up a programme on Tuesday.

Other highlights from the matchday magazine include:

    Head Coach Slaviša Jokanović and skipper Scott Parker pen their latest columns
    Michael Madl dishes the dirt on his Whites teammates
    Fred Callaghan revisits his eventful stay in SW6
    We continue our countdown of '100 Memorable Moments' in the Club's history
    And Paul Peschisolido picks the best XI he played with during his stint at the Cottage

Priced £3.50, the programme is available along Stevenage Road from two hours before kick-off. Or order it online from ProgrammeMaster.

For just £1.99, the programme is also available as a digital download on your iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, PC or Mac via Apple's Newsstand or Pocketmags from 12pm on Tuesday.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/march/14/kebano-programme-blackburn

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Late goal denies Fulham play-off confirmation

Meredith strikes for West Brom in 1-1 draw in Division 2 at Motspur Park

Fulham were denied the chance of guaranteeing a promotion play-off place as Dan Meredith struck late to give West Bromwich Albion a 1-1 draw at Motspur Park.

Moritz Jenz had given Fulham an early lead, but despite Meredith's goal they stay second in Division 2 and one win from their remaining three matches to clinch a play-off spot.

West Brom are 11 points adrift of the play-off places with four matches remaining.

Fulham next face Newcastle United at the Northumberland FA on Monday 10 April, the same night that West Brom visit Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park.


https://www.premierleague.com/news/348277

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Maintain that momentum

Elliott Bennett feels the belief is building ahead of tonight's match against Fulham.

Whilst disappointed that the side weren't able to claim all three points against his former club Norwich at the weekend, the midfielder knows that off the back of a five-match unbeaten run they have the ability to go to Craven Cottage and come away with a positive result.

Bennett insists that tonight's match will be far from easy, but knows they can face Fulham full of confidence from recent displays.

"The main thing we've got to do is try and get as many points on the board as we can from now until the end of the season," said the midfielder.

"We would have loved all three on Saturday but it was another point closer to where we want to be and we have to take that into Tuesday now and go into that game full of confidence off the back of five unbeaten.

"It is going to be a tough game, we know there are no easy games in this league, Fulham are on a good run but so are we so it is a game we are looking forward to, it is the next one and the biggest one.

"Every game from now until the end of the season is massive and Fulham is the next one up."

Tickets for tonight's match are no longer on sale at Ewood, but they will be available at Craven Cottage, 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.

Matchday prices 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/elliott-bennett-blackburn-rovers-fulham-3624453.aspx#VVWktmu47Rimqc6y.99

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Former Fulham player Leroy Rosenior believes Ryan Sessegnon needs to be patient but the sky is the limit
The Fulham legend also believes that the club is the perfect place for him to develop and that he shouldn't rush anywhere too quickly

Former Fulham man Leroy Rosenior believes that Ryan Sessegnon needs to be patient with his career but reckons the sky is the limit for the youngster.

The 16-year-old is turning heads at Craven Cottage this season and his performances are attracting attention of some of the biggest clubs in the country, including both Manchester sides, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham.

He added further value to his rising stock with two goals at league leaders Newcastle on Saturday, showing composure well behind his years that even had Geordie legend Alan Shearer talking about him.

Rosenior, who was talking to Bwin , believes that the rewards will come for Sessegnon but he needs to be patient, insisting Fulham is the perfect club for him at the moment.

He said: "At 16, people say it's down to him. In my opinion he needs as much help as possible – he has unbelievable potential at that age and he can really choose his destiny.

"What's really pleasing it that he's at the right place for him, in the right environment, and he needs to continue to develop at Fulham.

"You look at the likes of Paul Parker and Dean Coney, who developed brilliantly at Fulham.

"Fulham isn't a club that naturally attracts the limelight, so it's the perfect club for him to get his head down and continue to work without all the media pressure.

"Sometimes the wrong move can really hurt your career, look at John Bostock. He was at a great club that developed good players and left too early.

"Ryan needs to be reminded that the rewards will come in time, you don't get everything upfront. The more patient you are, the more you are rewarded."


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/former-fulham-player-leroy-rosenior-12738546

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"They will be giving their all to stay in the league" - Fulham full-back wary of Blackburn Rovers threat


THREAT: Denis Odoi is wary of Blackburn Rovers' threat ahead of tonight's clash at Craven Cottage

FULHAM full-back Denis Odoi says his side have to guard against 'fighting' Blackburn Rovers at Craven Cottage this evening (7.45pm).

Rovers go in to the game in the bottom three against a Fulham side who are two points outside of the play-off spots after Saturday's win at Newcastle United.

Both sides are unbeaten in their last five games, but Odoi is warning his side they will need to 'compete' against Rovers if they're to move in to the top six.

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

"They will be giving 100%.

"But it's the Championship and we know that we cannot always play against teams who play football.

"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 and hopefully we can get a positive result."

Fulham beat league leaders Newcastle 3-1 at St James' Park, with Odoi admitting everything came together for Slavisa Jokanovic's side.

They have become well known for their technical ability, but Odoi warns they will need other qualities as well to see off Rovers.

He told his club's official website: "It gives us a massive boost heading into our upcoming games.

"We know technically as a team we are a top three team but the game is more than just playing the ball and technical things.

"You also have to defend and defend as a team and we have not done that a few times."


http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/rovers/news/15152950._They_will_be_giving_their_all_to_stay_in_the_league____Fulham_full_back_wary_of_Blackburn_Rovers_threat/?ref=mac

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Fulham vs Blackburn Rovers: All you need to know as the Cottagers look to break into the play-off places
Fulham play their game in hand against Blackburn at the Cottage tonight and we have all you need to know, including team news and betting odds, right here

Fulham welcome Blackburn Rovers to Craven Cottage as they play their game in hand on their rivals in the Championship.

The game comes hot on the heels of the sensational victory up in Newcastle where Tom Cairney and Ryan Sessegnon goals ensured Slavisa Jokanovic's side beat the league leaders at in their own back garden.

But now, relegation threatened Blackburn are the opponents and they will pose a different test to the one faced on Saturday, but a win for the Cottagers will take them into the play-off places, above Sheffield Wednesday.

Ahead of the game, here's some key information.

When and where?
The game is at Craven Cottage and kicks off at 7.45pm.

Team news
Fulham: Scott Parker will sit the game out as a result of back problems while Floyd Ayite won't be risked. Lucas Piazon is still recovering from his fractured jaw although he has taken part in fitness training.

Blackburn: Corry Evans is out with a groin injury while Charlie Mulgrew and Sam Gallagher face late checks.

Manager views
Slavisa Jokanovic: "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.

"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."

Tony Mowbray: "We'll be ready for it, we know we're playing against probably the form team in the league at the moment who had a fantastic result at St James' at the weekend.

"We know it's a tough ask but it's a game where there is not a full programme, it's a game in hand, and we have to look to take some points and put some pressure on the teams around us.

"It's a tough ask but it's a challenge we're looking forward to."

Fancy a flutter?
Match winner

Fulham: 8/13

Draw: 16/5

Blackburn: 9/2

First goal scorers

Fulham: Chris Martin 10/3, Gohi Cyriac 9/2, Sone Aluko 9/2, Tom Cairney 5/1, Neeskens Kebano 11/2.

Blackburn: Danny Graham 7/1, Sam Gallagher 7/1, Anthony Stokes 10/1, Lucas Joao 10/1, Marcus Emnes 10/1.

Match officials
Referee: Andy Davies

Assistants: Geoffrey Russell and Steven Meredith

Fourth official: Stephen Martin



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-vs-blackburn-rovers-you-12738912

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Burton Want Fulham`s Woodrow on a Permanent Basis

With it having been decided that our England U21 striker, Cauley Woodrow, was surplus to requirements, the twenty-two year-old was sent out on loan to our fellow Championship side, Burton Albion.

Today, it is being reported in the inner sports pages of The Sun that Cauley has made a decent impression at the club managed by Nigel Clough.

Our source is of the opinion that Burton Albion are now looking to sign the striker on a permanent basis.

A fee of £750,000 is being mentioned as a possible enticement for the deal to be completed this summer.

Since joining Burton Albion, on loan, in January, Woodrow has made 8 appearances and netted on 3 occasions.

It remains to be seen whether Burton Albion and Fulham can seal a deal, but we`ll endeavour to keep a watchful eye out for any further information relating to this piece of transfer speculation.



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=484090#ixzz4bJBbbOVk

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham man could be set for summer exit as Championship rivals line up record bid

According to The Daily Star via the Sky Sports News Transfer Centre Live Blog on Tuesday 14th March [11:22 GMT], Burton Albion are lining up a club record bid for Fulham striker Cauley Woodrow.

Cauley Woodrow is currently impressing on loan at Burton Albion alongside Fulham team mate Lasse Vigen Christensen and the Brewers want to sign Woodrow on a permanent deal.

Since signing on loan for Burton in January, Woodrow has struck three goals in eight games including the only goal in this weekend's 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest.
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All three goals have turned out to be the winner in narrow one-goal victory margins and this has ultimately earned the Brewers six vital points in their quest for Championship survival.

As a result of Woodrow's good form, Nigel Clough is lining up a £750,000 bid for the 22-year-old, which would smash Burton Albion's record transfer fee.

The previous highest fee paid was £250,000 for Jackson Irvine in the summer and the Australian has also been a key member of their squad this season.



http://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-man-could-be-set-for-summer-exit-as-championship-rivals-line-up-record-bid/

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Bristol City fans will be rooting for Fulham as they take on Blackburn Rovers

Bristol City supporters will be rooting for Fulham when the Londoners host relegation-threatened Blackburn Rovers at Craven Cottage tonight.

Victory at Wigan on Saturday enabled the Robins to leapfrog Blackburn and claw their way out of the bottom three at the end of an uncomfortable week spent in the drop zone.

But City will be plunged straight back into the relegation places should Blackburn win or draw their game in hand.

One place above the Lancashire club by virtue of a superior goal difference, Robins head coach Lee Johnson and his players will be willing play-off hopefuls Fulham to do them a favour in the capital.

Defeat for Rovers will ensure they remain in the relegation zone when City host Huddersfield Town at Ashton Gate on Friday night.

City fans already have good reason to feel well-disposed to a Fulham side that lost 4-0 to the Robins when the two sides met at Craven Cottage in the Championship back in September.

It is almost a year ago to the day since Lee Tomlin netted a brilliant free-kick winner to give City a 2-1 triumph in West London, a result that propelled the visitors to within sight of safety.

Unbeaten in their last seven Championship outings, Fulham will be in confident mood following Saturday's remarkable 3-1 win at title favourites Newcastle United.

But Blackburn will be no pushovers. Unbeaten in five games since Tony Mowbray took over as manager in February, Rovers have taken nine points from 15 and are showing signs of life after having spent months in the relegation zone.

The Lancastrians will be determined to extend their unbeaten run and move back above the Robins, thereby heaping pressure back onto Johnson and his players ahead of Friday's reckoning with Huddersfield beneath the Ashton Gate floodlights.



Read more at http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/bristol-city-fans-will-be-rooting-for-fulham-as-they-take-on-blackburn-rovers/story-30202746-detail/story.html#PLVQsxYSFbM4sDT1.99