Saturday Fulham Stuff (08/04/17)...

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Friday
QPR	1 - 2	Brighton

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Klopp Turns His Attention Towards £20m Atletico Madrid Ace From Fulham's Ryan Sessegnon

Even as Liverpool are tracking Fulham defender Ryan Sessegnon, the club to continue to be linked with several defenders – especially left backs. Manager Jurgen Klopp has clearly identified the left back is a position that needs significant strengthening in the summer. After learning about Alberto Moreno's inability to defend only on the opening day of the season, manager Klopp has resorted to using James Milner as the club's first choice left-back. As a midfielder by trade, Milner has not exactly been the perfect option in this regard but he has been able to do the job.

One of the latest players to be linked with a move to Anfield is Theo Hernandez. The 19-year-old plays for Deportivo Alaves – on loan from Atletico Madrid – and he has caught the attention of Jurgen Klopp several months ago. Hernandez is being lined up as a potential replacement for James Milner, as there is still the possibility of Liverpool failing to sign Sessegnon from Fulham. Furthermore, the Fulham defender is only 16 and may not be ready for all of the Premier league action straight away, despite being part of the Championship outfit this season.

A potential obstacle towards signing Hernandez could be the player's £20 million release clause, although it is likely that Atletico Madrid may be interested in the possibility of negotiating a higher transfer fee. Hernandez has featured in 24 league matches this season and he has contributed four assists. He was signed from Atletico Madrid in the summer on a loan deal which does not expire until the summer. The player has a contract with Atletico Madrid until the summer of 2021. Hence, it is likely that the Spanish outfit will demand a substantial transfer fee in order to sell the youngster.

Hernandez has been unable to get first team action at Atletico Madrid due to the presence of Filipe Luís. With the former Chelsea defender still going strong at the Vicente Calderon, it is highly unlikely that Hernandez will be able to get first team opportunities straightaway.

Besides Hernandez, it has also been rumoured that Liverpool are keen on making a move for Inter Milan midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia. The 24-year-old has been made as the top transfer target for Liverpool and Tottenham. Both clubs have moved ahead of Chelsea in the race for the midfielder, who is expected to cost around £ 25 million. The defensive midfielder will be a great option to replace Lucas Leiva, who was linked with an exit even in the summer.


http://thekoptimes.com/2017/04/07/klopp-turns-his-attention-towards-20m-atletico-madrid-ace-from-fulhams-ryan-sessegnon/

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Grant: Nine Point Aim

Peter Grant's men travel to Newcastle on Monday to continue their PL2 campaign. With only three matches left of the regular season, Grant is looking for his side to pick up maximum points to secure the top Play-Off place.

The Whites are sat in second in Division Two, with the Magpies closely following two points behind in fourth place. Second to fifth go into Play-Offs, and only four points separate Fulham and sixth.

"We've always had very difficult games against Newcastle, we played very well up there last year," Grant stated. "We played exceptionally well actually and had a very good result. But they have beaten us here comfortably last season.

"We played them earlier this season and we played quite well. It's always been good games because they have very good players.

"They play the way you would expect a Peter Beardsley team to play. They pass and move the ball well, they've got players that can hurt you, and so far every game has been very tight as well.

"The games I've had as a coach against Peter I think we've won two and they've won one, so it's been very, very tight fixtures," he said. "It's very topsy-turvy games, but always exciting games because both teams try to play the right way and try and win the game.

"There's been times where we have to defend well against the ball, but you have to attack with purpose because they know how to defend well and they are very well organised.

"They are still in there challenging, the same as us. All the fixtures we've got left they're all challenging in that top five, to stay in that top five so we know it's going to be a fixture that's very difficult and we will have to be at our best to win it."

After this match, the Whites have Blackburn Rovers to play who are in sixth and still harbouring hope of making the Play-Offs, as well as Wolverhampton Wanderers who are close behind in third.

"Nine points is absolutely the aim; we obviously want to finish second in the league," commented Grant. "We've challenged very, very hard through the season.

"We lost Stephen Humphrys at an important time when he went on loan, I genuinely believe he could have got us 20-25 goals in this period. He got 12, he's still top goal scorer and he's been away for three months now.

"So that was a loss in but we have other guys coming in now chipping in with the goals, but I feel at that time Stephen was very hot.

"It was the right decision was to let him go out on loan. That's part of the development of the group so everybody's taken up that mantle. So we know it's three tough games and we are hoping we've got five left, with the additional Play-Off fixtures.

"Some of the young boys are coming in and pushed themselves into the fold, some of the Under-18s as well so hopefully they're going to be all fit and that's all we ask for going into this period of games and hopefully we do ourselves justice."

Kick off is Monday 10th April 2pm, there will be live updates on the @FulhamFC Twitter feed.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/april/07/grant-nine-point-aim

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Aluko: Fulham Can Still Get Playoffs Spot Despite Derby County Setback

Nigeria forward, Sone Aluko, is still optimistic Fulham will feature in the English Championship playoff despite recently dropping out of the top six.

Fulham dropped out of the Championship playoffs zone and are now seventh in the league table after losing 4-2 away to Derby County in the  on Tuesday.

The defeat to Derby ensured Sheffield Wednesday deposed  them and now occupy the last playoffs spot.

Despite that setback, Aluko is still sticking to his guns on his prediction as Fulham prepare to face Ipswich Town on Saturday.

"It's a challenge for the club but before that there is still a lot of work to be done," Aluko told Fulham's official website.

"It's been a good season and I've really enjoyed it – all in all, I'm happy I've played most games and had a good month.

"You always set goals and targets and I still have some that I'm setting between now and the end of the season, sometimes they're month to month and sometimes game to game.

"I've not changed anything from when I signed – I thought the manager spoke well and he wanted to build a team that could challenge and by the time we got to the first international break I believed this is a team that can go all the way and get into the playoffs.

"It's still in our hands and we still have to play Wednesday so if we do what we know we can do an execute our game plans I think we can make it and I felt that way since I came here."


http://www.completesportsnigeria.com/aluko-fulham-can-still-get-playoffs-spot-despite-derby-county-setback/

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Fulham fans point the finger at duo after Derby defeat
Ayite the standout but Ream and Button come in for low scores

ulham fans have shown their disgust at the performance at Derby by giving half of the 14 who played a score under five out of 10.

Floyd Ayite was the standout player at the iPro Stadium, taking man of the match comfortably with a rating of 7.9 after his two goals.

Sone Aluko (6.5) and Tom Cairney (6.1) rounded off the top three but every other player scored below 6/10 with Ryan Fredericks (5.7), Kevin McDonald, Scott Malone (both 5.1) and Stefan Johansen (5.0) the only players recording half marks or more.

It's not pleasant reading for goalkeeper David Button with Fulham fans giving him a rating of 2.6/10 and it's not much better for Tim Ream who scored 3.4 while Lucas Piazon was handed 4.6.

Substitutes Ryan Sessegnon (4.7), Gohi Cyriac and Neeskens Kebano (both 4.3) did little to impress the Fulham faithful when they came off the bench.


Lukas Jutkiewicz battles with Tim Ream (Photo: Birmingham Mail)

Full table

Floyd Ayite 7.9

Sone Aluko 6.5

Tom Cairney 6.1

Ryan Fredericks 5.7

Kevin McDonald 5.1

Scott Malone 5.1

Stefan Johansen 5.0

Tomas Kalas 4.8

Ryan Sessegnon 4.7

Lucas Piazon 4.6

Gohi Syriac 4.5

Neeskens Kebano 4.3

Tim Ream 3.4

David Button 2.6



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-fans-point-finger-duo-12859767

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Parklife

Six games to go, two points off the top six. It's still all to play for, Sone Aluko tells Saturday's matchday programme.

"I'm still pretty relaxed," says Aluko ahead of the visit of Ipswich Town. "Personally, I've been in this situation before so I knew there will be changes in the league table before the season is out.

"As the cliché goes, we'll take it one game at a time. We've got six very big matches and every point at this stage is crucial. We're still confident we'll make it into the Play-Offs. But first off we'll be concentrating on Ipswich and trying to get a result.

"I've been saying since I came here that I think we'll make it into the Play-Offs. We're still in with a shout so to be in such a good position at this stage of the season is only a positive. We're disappointed we're not in the top six but we're still very optimistic we'll be back in there when these six games are done."

To read the full interview with Aluko, pick up a programme on Saturday.

Other highlights from the matchday magazine include:

    Head Coach Slaviša Jokanović and skipper Scott Parker pen their latest columns
    Ryan Sessegnon dishes the dirt on his Whites teammates
    Gus Uhlenbeek looks back on his spells at Ipswich and Fulham
    We profile Fulham and Town legend Bobby Robson
    Ronny Goodlass revisits his brief stay in SW6
    We continue our countdown of '100 Memorable Moments' in the Club's history
    And Brian McBride 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 9am on Saturday.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/april/07/aluko-programme-ipswich

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MATCH PREVIEW | FULHAM V TOWN

Blues defender, Jordan looks ahead to Town's trip to the capital

Jordan Spence refuses to believe that Fulham are the side that will take the burden of pressure this weekend, and that Town still have just as much to play for.

The Blues travel to Craven Cottage to face Slavisa Jokanovic's Play-Off chasing Whites, but Jordan has his own targets he wants to achieve.

"We know what they're chasing after, but they have no more incentive than we do to go out there and put a performance in," he told Ipswich Player HD.

"Hopefully we can go and get a positive result, but they're a good side.

"You recognise some of their players but I'm not too much of a respecter of persons when it comes to football, we'll just go out there and put our best foot forward.

"I don't think the pressure is more on Fulham, and I don't think it should be. The incentive is there for everyone, particularly us, given it could be the first time we record back-to-back wins this season.

"If you want to keep a winning mentality, you can't be content with saying the other team is under more pressure than you.

"The greatest pressure you can put on yourself should be from yourself individually and not from outside sources.

"Their fans will expect them to beat us, but we certainly won't be helping that effort."



Read more at http://www.itfc.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/fulham-v-ipswich-town-match-preview-3662418.aspx#uEtXVYySlOmmD5QO.99

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Arsenal scout Fulham flop

Arsenal scouts were reportedly watching Benfica's Konstantinos Mitroglou during the Portuguese side's 3-3 draw against Estoril.

    Mitroglou sign for Fulham from Olympiacos for £12m
    Mitroglou was at Fulham from 2014-2016
    Mitroglou scored no goals for Fulham
    This season, Mitroglou has scored 25 goals in all competitions

The former Fulham striker was actually left out of the Benfica squad on the day, which Record [via Sport Witness] claims the Arsenal scouts were already aware of.

During his time at Fulham, Mitroglou made just three appearances, having suffered with a long-term knee injury. He spent a loan spell at Olympiacos where he scored 16 league goals in 24 appearances, and another at Benfica where he scored 16 in 24, before he signed for the club permanently in 2016.

Although he's had a good season, scoring 25 goals in 39 appearances over all competitions, it's unlikely that he's a signing Arsenal fans would welcome considering his reputation for being a flop.

The Greece international's contract with Benfica runs out in June 2020.


http://dailycannon.com/2017/04/arsenal-scout-fulham-flop/

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Why Does This Team Continue to Break My Heart? - Notes for Fulham

HarryfromBath assesses the mood in the opposition camp ahead of Saturday's game at Craven Cottage by delving into their forums.

"Oh Fulham, you are such a team of disappointments", "With Fulham you sometimes just tend to know, and I know this bunch aren't good enough for that top six. The hunger, desire, confidence, passion and winning mentality aren't there", "We have not played well since winning at Newcastle."

"Back to seventh lads, rollercoaster." Cottagers are worried that their play-off charge may have hit the buffers. Tuesday's listless defeat at Derby was preceded by an unconvincing win at Rotherham and two poor home displays against Wolves and Blackburn which yielded just a solitary point.

"Form is such a mysterious thing", "Our inexperience, lack of squad depth, quality, bottle and even nerve seem to be coming back and biting us on the backside", "The players need a rest or a kick up the backside. The whole team was stale and jaded at Derby", "We haven't got our spark back yet."

"We have Ipswich, Norwich, Villa, Huddersfield, Brentford and Sheffield Wednesday, all potentially hard fixtures at the best of times. How are we going to negotiate this obstacle course?", "Our run in is really difficult. Put it this way, if we do make the top six, winning at Wembley is definitely doable."

"We have done really well and exceeded expectations but we are not good enough yet", "We really screwed up by not winning the easy games against Wolves and Blackburn", "We have come a long way. We're an excellent football team and lovely to watch but to win things you must be able to defend."

Slavisa Jokanovic (Slav)
"Slav's style of play has taken us from being a near relegation to now controlling our fate in a play-off race", "Considering our first two seasons in the Championship, this achievement is nothing short of a miracle. Can anyone honestly say they would have not taken this at the start of the season?"

"Trust in Slav." The 48-year-old Serbian guided Watford to promotion in 2015 and has been praised for overhauling the playing squad last summer and creating a side which plays a brand of attractive and stylish football. "Our manager has taken us further forward than I could ever have imagined."

"Slav has had to rebuild the shambles of several seasons of mismanagement by the senior personnel at the club", "He is a genius. He started the game at Newcastle with no out-and-out strikers and we scored three goals against the tightest defence in the league and smashed them off their own pitch."

"I love Jokanovic. He's our one ray of hope because he knows what he is doing, even if I don't always agree with his selections", "His selections are so predictable and at times surprising", "I doubted him when he arrived but he has come good in a very imaginative way and deserves our fullest backing."

Expansive Football
"I like our football. We are obviously effective and we rip our opponents apart in some games", "Our teamwork is some of the best in the league", "We play with real attacking flair and intent", "We play between the lines finding pockets of space to exploit. The long pass is exactly what we do not do."

"Our expansive style of play that has led to so many goals being scored inevitably exposes our centre-backs and we concede more than is average too", "As a team we go forward well but defend poorly", "A Derby fan summed us up perfectly by saying we attack like Barcelona but defend like Barnet."

Fulham's starting XI for Tuesday's loss at Derby was set up in the attacking 4-2-3-1/4-3-3 system they have preferred this season. The system they use recognises the strengths of the squad. Their pacy full-backs have licence to combine with quick and technically strong wingers and attacking players.

"We have sacrificed solid defensive capability for attacking flair and intent." Central defence is seen as a serious problem. The style of play is a contributing factor but keeper David Button and centre-back Tim Ream are seen as weak links. "The defence is where summer homework needs to begin."

"We struggle when up against big, strong athletic strikers and teams going direct. It happened away to Newcastle when they brought Daryl Murphy on and has been happening all season", "We push on our full-backs so far forward that the central defenders are even more vital than in most defences."

"Stop Tom Cairney and Stefan Johansen and you stop Fulham", "Every team has to be built around a strong spine. Other than Kevin McDonald and Johansen in midfield we have a very weak spine." The side's success this season has been built on a solid central midfield and creative wide attacking pace.

Cairney is the side's most creative playmaker with his passing and goals contributing greatly to a successful season. Sone Aluko, Neeskens Kebano, Floyd Ayite and Lucan Piazon all play in a similar mould, bringing speed, flair and technical ability to the side out wide or in a central attacking role.

Highly-mistrusted Derby loanee Chris Martin is the side's only recognised striker. "We are proving that we don't need an out-and-out striker", "It's a paradox, isn't it? We don't have a proper striker and often look like we have no idea where the goal is, yet we have scored a huge number of goals."

An Unfinished Squad
"We have too many players in the same mould." Jokanovic recruited 14 new players last summer and a small and unbalanced squad is viewed as an impediment to promotion this season. "We have a large number of playmakers and wingers but we need reliable centre forwards and centre-backs."

"We have a small squad and a lack of real quality to ring the changes if we want to make a real end-of-season push", "Our small squad is hurting us. It's a shame but I have faith", "The team seem a bit jaded. Our squad is not deep enough for rotation of key players and this must start to affect things."

"We can all see there is little physical presence in this side. We do not have the midfield enforcer to support the creative boys", "We have an embarrassment of riches in small, fast and nimble strikers and only Chris Martin who offers something different, but who is probably unlikely to do so now."

Derby 4 – 2 Fulham
"This defeat has been coming", "We are falling to pieces at the moment", "That was an awful mess, making David Nugent look like Luis Suarez", "Yet another game where we have gifted goals. This is why we are not good enough to gain promotion", "We really love giving away gifts, don't we?"

"Oh dear, what a great start. A soft goal." David Nugent put Derby in front on eight minutes lifting the ball over David Button. Floyd Ayite swept in an equaliser on 35 before an unmarked Nugent added a second three minutes before the break having seen his penalty saved shortly beforehand.

The Rams confirmed victory after Nugent completed his hat-trick just before the hour mark when he charged down Button's clearance and Johnny Russell added a fourth on 67 when he capitalised on a poor throw-out from the keeper. Ayite's second goal on 79 minutes was nothing more than a late consolation.

"Not a day for our defence", "All our back four are to blame for tonight", "Derby highlighted that our defence will need major surgery whatever division we are in next season", "Nugent had so much space to score his second goal", "If you need to score five goals to win then it isn't a striker issue."

Rotherham 0 – 1 Fulham
"Phew, three points and job done", "An unnecessarily difficult match", "A potential banana skin has been avoided", "Rotherham will be relegated if they lose so the spirit of their performance isn't all that surprising", "Their spirited performance is being easily enhanced by our lacklustre display."

"I suppose we have to be content with scraping an ugly win." The Cottagers confirmed Rotherham's relegation from the Championship with an unconvincing win courtesy of Sone Aluko's 66th minute goal. "The game had an end-of-season feeling, nothing to play for and let's get down to the beach."

"I hate to single out Chris Martin", "He's doing what he does best, disrupting our season." The striker was selected for a first start in four games (above) but did little to impress Cottagers. "Martin cannot play against his favourite... er... parent club on Tuesday at Derby", "He hasn't done one good thing."

Fulham 1 – 3 Wolves
"What the hell is going on?", "The old Fulham are back", "We just have not turned up today. We cannot keep throwing points away like this and expect to reach the play-offs", "Back to how we were in the early part of the season, dominant on the ball but just managing to create one shot on target."

Ivan Cavaleiro opened the scoring for the Wolves on 34 minutes after Helder Costa dispossessed Ryan Fredericks and Andreas Weimann doubled their lead two minutes after the interval. Substitute Denis Odoi's looped shot on 54 halved the deficit before Dave Edwards added a third on 72 minutes.

"Our defending was shambolic", "No bloody defence again", "Helder Costa was too good for our full-backs. He's a special player, certainly Premier League quality and he highlighted that we aren't ready for promotion with these players", "We just cannot keep dropping points against teams like this."

"That is an attacking line-up with pace", "Wolves will attack straight down our right flank on to Ryan Sessegnon. Ayite will give him no cover whatsoever." Cottagers had misgivings when they saw the starting XI and their fears were well-founded. "The whole selection was far too forward thinking."

Goalkeepers and Defenders
"A big decision is needed here. David Button does not deserve his place but changing goalkeeper is a big call." The 28-year-old former Brentford man "has been a disaster waiting to happen despite his brilliant shot-stopping at times", "He didn't cover himself in glory for Derby's third or fourth goals."

"Button is fine between the sticks but his tendency to play as an outfielder coupled with defenders who see him as some kind of sweeper is where I see a problem. Goals are too often conceded from panicked back passes which put him under pressure", "Too many mistakes for a top-six goalkeeper."

"Ryan Fredericks has pace down the wing and him getting behind defences has been so important to us." The 24-year-old played for Middlesbrough on loan from then-parent club Spurs in 2014/15. "He is often our only attacking outlet". "He is all about pace but he often lacks footballing intelligence."

"QPR did their homework on Fredericks in January and gave him no space to run into. He picked up a silly booking when his temper got the better of him", "He has got to learn to keep his discipline as he winds himself up when opponents frustrate him", "He's blessed with pace but a liability sometimes."

"Despite how much Fredericks offers a threat and pace, we seem to be better balanced with Dennis Odoi playing at right-back." The 28-year-old summer addition from Lokeren "is a smarter defender and a better footballer", "He isn't much slower than Fredericks but is better in most other areas."

"Scott Malone is extremely comfortable when defending." The 25-year-old ex-Cardiff and Millwall full-back "is a hard worked with deceptively clever close ball control but he does need when to learn how to cross and when to cross low or high", "He brings lots of pace, energy and work rate down the left flank."

"Malone has some understanding of defensive positioning and communicates well with his fellow defenders", "He is a hardened professional and a straight-out defender who will do a better job than Sessegnon when the pressure is on", "He has been integral to Sessegnon's successful development"

"Ryan Sessegnon is an impressive young man." The 16-year-old youth product "is a class player and the best prospect we have but is too inexperienced to be a reliable left-back starter up against good Championship teams. It was clearly apparent that Wolves were targeting him in their recent win."

"I'm amazed at how many games Sessegnon has played this season. It's astonishing what he has achieved. It's notable how our seasoned players are happy to give him the ball even allowing for his errors", "He is more comfortable going forward with his pace and teams target space behind him."

"Tim Ream is a disciple of the Philippe Senderos school of defending. It doesn't matter how well he does for 88 minutes, the chances are he will do something to gift up a scoring opportunity." The 29-year-old ex-Bolton centre-back "is decent with space and time but a worry when under pressure".

"Ream is comfortable on the ball and passes well with a good left foot, but he is not a rough-and-tumble defender or one who relies on pace", "He is weak and slow at the best of times", "He lacks pace and toughness and is just not a good enough defender", "He is not strong enough at times."

"Michael Madl is a better ball player and a more solid defender compared to Ream." The 29-year-old ex-Sturm Graz man "reads the game well and is quicker than Ream", "He is quick, aggressive and is one of the better ball-playing centre-halves in the division", "A solid defender with a fighting spirit."

"Madl should start. He always impresses and is surprisingly good in the air. He is strong in the tackle, has good positioning and good distribution. He picks out attackers with long precise passes", "He is better suited to playing Mick McCarthy's robust team", "Tomas Kalas is better when next to Madl."

Tomas Kalas
"I would sign Kalas permanently in a second if he wanted to join." The 23-year-old loan signing from Chelsea was on loan at Middlesbrough last season. "A classy defender who suits our playing style. He is exactly what we need, someone with real quality who can both defend and pass reasonably well."

"Kalas is reliable when called upon. He is fast, physical and one of the most athletic centre-backs in the league", "His height is an issue we have struggled with all season at set pieces", "A huge part of our success this season and essential in shoring up the defence and continuing our style of play."

Central Midfielders
"Scott Parker is not great for us coming on to keep things tight. If anything, he's better if we're losing or chasing a winner." The 36-year-old ex-Newcastle, West Ham and Spurs man has been reduced to cameo roles lately with a back injury. "His experience and mental strength help manage pressure."

Scott Parker Kalas imageScott Parker

"Kevin McDonald is the glue that holds the midfield together." The 28-year-old ex-Wolves player "is the architect of the side and the reason our attackers have licence to rom with the freedom to play in the way we do", "He anchors the midfield superbly, dictating games in front of the back four."

"McDonald has an incredible understanding of the game, breaking down play with a superb passing range", "A linchpin and a colossus in the middle", "He gives and takes a lot of knocks", "The closest we have to an enforcer but he's unable to frighten opponents with a tough uncompromising style."

"We rely on Stefan Johansen to dominate midfield and keep things ticking over with his composed and tidy displays." The 26-year-old Norwegian arrived last summer from Celtic. "He expends a lot of energy as a real box-to-box player", "A great passer with a great engine who scores and assists."

"Johansen often has to clear up on defensive duty", "He has no back-up and needs one. You can see his level has dropped and he has looked tired in recent games", "He has looked jaded lately which is unsurprising given his energetic displays all season", "His form has dipped in the past few games."

Tom Cairney
"Everything goes through Tom Cairney." The 26-year-old ex-Blackburn man "is good at finding space and making things tick", "He is technically brilliant and some of his goals have been sensational", "He is one of our best players and often is the difference between two sides in contests this season."

"Cairney is a wonderful player in form but non-existent when he doesn't play", "When the team is struggling he becomes non-existent. He thrives when the team is in the ascendancy", "He is class to watch but is so one-footed it is there for all to see", "Why does he bother putting his right boot on?"

Wingers and Wide Midfielders
"I love watching Neeskens Kebano play." The 25-year-old summer arrival from Genk "is a proper player full of pace and brave as a lion", "He is lively and electric over 10 yards and with quick feet and certainly looks confident", "He tracks back well and wins the ball well, he has a top attitude."

"Kebano is not an out-and-out striker but has a lot of pluses in his locker, pace, power, good upper body strength, and good first touch and timing and he okays with an aura of confidence. He knows where the goal is and that's a massive advantage", "Neeskens is Fulham's version of Sadio Mane."

"Floyd Ayite has been crucial breaking down teams that sit back and want to slow the game down and frustrate us." The 28-year-old former Bastia man "has a great touch and draws defenders away to give strikers space to score", "He has quickly adapted to the pace and physicality of this league."

"Ayite really is a lottery in front of goal. Poise and composure should be a given and are not, work on them", "His finishing leaves something to be desired bit his tricks and skill are a joy to watch every week", "He gives us that added edge running at defenders with pace when teams park the bus."

Sone Aluko
"I can't think of many forwards in the Championship I would swap Aluko for", "He works so hard and is brilliant at dribbling and keeping hold of the ball. If his finishing was better he would be playing for a top team", "He is sublime on the ball, some of his through balls and assists have been just divine."

The 28-year-old summer arrival from Hull "is under-rated by a lot of fans. He is the player that makes the difference when we attack. It is noticeable how things happen when he is on the ball, the best at beating opponents and opening things up for others. Defenders panic when he gets on the ball."

Strikers
"Cyriac looks a natural striker and is full of energy." The 26-year-old Ivory Coast international arrived on loan from Oostende in January and is being used as bench option. "He's not a back to goal player but he will run wide and use the ball there or run on to things in the middle and finish", "He will be dangerous against slow centre-backs and he jumps well for someone who is not naturally very tall."

"Cyriac is physically similar to what we already have but he seems to be more comfortable playing in the middle, rather than being a converted winger", "He looks very lively but it is evident that he does not have the understanding with the midfielders and wingers that will come with more game time."

"Lucas Piazon is a very different player to our other attackers, both subtle in movement and clever in possession. He doesn't catch the eye but has pace and guile to beat people." The 23-year-old is on a season-long loan from Chelsea missed six games after injuring his jaw but returned against Derby.

"Piazon is hardly a dynamic game-changer, more somebody to throw on as a last roll of the dice", "He is as useful as a petrol-based fire extinguisher, not a centre forward and we have better players for the inside-forward role", "He is weak in possession but has good control and a good first touch."

Chris Martin
"Our top centre forward has burned his bridges left, right and centre by refusing to play for the club", "His attitude and lazy manner, his lack of effort and application are there for all to see", A sculpture that moves occasionally when it wants to", "He seems to be in premature retirement."

The 28-year-old joined on loan from parent club Derby in August but he incurred the wrath of West Londoners for making himself unavailable for Fulham's December trip to Reading. Derby's wish for him to return early was vetoed by the Cottagers and the episode has left some lingering bad feeling.

"Martin is very divisive. He doesn't look bothered", "He offers nothing. He comes on and our heads drop. He moans at everyone around him but fails to do simple things like hold the ball up and make himself available for the pass", "He will get goals against his old enemy Ipswich when we play them."

Cottagers' Views on ITFC and the Game
"Let's do Ipswich in style on Saturday", "We have to beat Ipswich otherwise it will be a mountain to climb", "Ipswich will be another Wolves or Blackburn type side and will make it difficult for us", "If we can't beat Ipswich at home playing our natural game, then we simply are not good enough."

Cottagers believe they have a stronger team and are broadly confident of winning on Saturday. This has not stopped a minority questioning whether their nerve will hold given their recent run of poor results and having slipped out of the play-off places after Tuesday's defeat at Derby.

"Every game is now unpredictable. I can't even say we will beat Ipswich with confidence although they are one of the worst teams I have seen this season", "Our current form is the issue. I'm not confident at all in beating Ipswich", "Let's hope the visitors don't win too many corners."

"Ipswich on Saturday at Craven Cottage is a chance to outwit Mick McCarthy, that really shouldn't be that difficult", "With a tough game against a physical Mick McCarthy Ipswich side coming up we will get one point at least", "McCarthy is guaranteed to set his stall out to rough Fulham up."

"Ipswich will set their stall out not to lose so Slav needs to outwit them. The players need to outrun them, out-pass them, out-compete them and out-fight them. McCarthy will fire his players up so we will need lots of energy on the field of play if we are to secure maximum points."

"I think Chris Martin should start", "I would play him in this game. Want him to or not, he will handle the physicality Ipswich will bring", "He knows where the goal is and he won't easily be muscled out by the opposition. It will also be a good test of whether or not he is up for the rest of the season."

Some Cottagers took a dim view of some of our January transfer business. "If you think we were bad take a look at what McCarthy has been doing at Ipswich. He has a couple of seemingly half-decent signings but he has also signed three players from outside the EFL on decent length contracts.

"One was unattached and two have been around the hoop in the Conference. Kieffer Moore from Forest Green was not even a regular in their team and has been loaned all over the place. McCarthy claims he will terrorise defences. I wish them well but can't help wondering how long they will last?"

Websites
The busiest Fulham message-board is the knowledgeable and courteous Friends of Fulham.

Great insight as ever, thanks Harry.

This is difficult to call. Everything points to a comfortable home win....but this is the Championship and the business end to boot!

0-1 then!!
   


- See more at: http://www.twtd.co.uk/ipswich-town-news/31488/#sthash.gfnxYyOs.dpuf

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham winter transfer target labelled 'a sh**ty' kid, club appear to have dodged a bullet

January was a stressful month for Fulham fans, especially towards the end, when the transfer window was close to shutting.

Lacking numbers up front, Slavisa Jokanovic was after a new striker, and a certain desperate chase ensued, ending with the club bringing in Cyriac on loan from KV Oostende.

However, the Ivory Coast forward wasn't the club's first choice, as Sint-Truiden's Yohan Boli was further up the list.

After some futile efforts, the player ended up staying in Belgium, but more against his will than anything else, even explaining in February he would have 'loved' to move to a club like Fulham.

Set to remain with the Jupiler Pro League side until the end of the season at least, the 23-year-old is now embroiled in an agent dispute involving his father, Roger, and one of his former representatives Eric Depireux.

Speaking to DH, the agent reveals how, after helping the striker get out of a tough patch at KSV Roeselare, eventually helping him reach Sint-Truiden in less than two years, he was stabbed in the back by the player and his family.

The decision to extend his client's stay at the club until 2019 was made without him, and Depireux was eventually frozen out completely, only contacted once by Boli's mother to tell him to stop trying to get in touch.

However, Depireux does admit he was warned about the striker's behaviour more than once by others who knew the player and his family, with one even describing Boli as a 'sh**ty kid', yet he always tried to see the good side of him.

While the agent had nothing to do with the Fulham negotiations, but it appears that Jokanovic and the Craven Cottage faithful have dodged a bullet here by missing out on him.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-transfer-target-labelled-shtty-kid-club-appear-dodged-bullet/

[WhiteJC]

 
MICK: WE WILL BE DIFFERENT THIS TIME

Boss aware of Fulham threat after Boxing Day knockout but says Blues will be ready for the test

Mick McCarthy says Fulham will be in for a different game than the one they had at Portman Road on Boxing Day.

The Cottagers eased to a 2-0 win on the day but Blues have enjoyed a good record at Craven Cottage lately and go there on Saturday backed by big travelling support.

"Fulham were very good at our place but we were hopeless and that helps if the opposition are not very good against you," the Town boss told Ipswich Player HD.

"We will certainly be different on Saturday. We will press them more. Whether we couldn't or didn't do that last time, I don't know.

"I saw them play Blackburn a while back and they were brilliant in the first-half but didn't score. Blackburn got at them in the second-half though and played their football as well and in the end they deserved the 2-2 draw.

"Fulham would have gone into the top six if they won that night so maybe they were feeling it a bit.

"There will be pressure on them on Saturday for the same reason, they are just outside the Play-Offs but we've got work to do as well. We still need more points to make sure we're safe."



Read more at http://www.itfc.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/mick-mccarthy-and-fulham-v-ipswich-3662758.aspx#sauYO6JwMibFo8wi.99

[WhiteJC]

 
Win a Mascot Place

The Club's Main Team Sponsor, VISIT FLORIDA, is offering one young fan the chance to lead the team out against Aston Villa on Easter Monday at Craven Cottage!

So, if you know a junior Fulham supporter who would love the opportunity to be a mascot on Monday 17th April, answer the question below correctly to put them in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize!

What holiday is Florida named after?


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/april/07/win-a-mascot-place

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham missing full back for Ipswich but former Spurs man available again
One in, one out for Whites against Ipswich

Fulham are only missing Denis Odoi for Saturday's contest with Ipswich Town.

The Whites defender misses out through injury, while Chris Martin comes back into the squad after missing the 4-2 defeat to Derby through the terms of his loan deal at Craven Cottage.

There is better news for Fulham as midfielder Scott Parker is, once again, available for selection after a back injury.

"Denis Odoi is not ready for tomorrow's game and everyone else is available," Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic said.

"Scott Parker was working the last two days with us and he will be part of the squad."

The one-time England captain has not featured for the Whites since the 3-1 win up at Newcastle in March.

Fulham will be looking to get their play-off push back on track when they take on Mick McCarthy's side on Saturday afternoon.

The defeat to the Rams saw them drop out of the top six after Sheffield Wednesday's win at Rotherham.


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-missing-full-back-ipswich-12862087

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham boss insists under-fire star is pushing forward
Button coming in for fan criticism but Jokanovic insists he's still in his plans

Fulham goalkeeper David Button is remaining fully focused on the job after a difficult night between the sticks at Derby.

Whites fans panned the former Brentford stopper's performance in the 4-2 loss at the iPro Stadium and Slavisa Jokanovic knows it was not the keeper's best game.

However, the Fulham boss revealed that Button has been working hard on the Motspur Park training pitch for the club's final few games, starting with Ipswich on Saturday.

Jokanovic said: "He's like another part of the team. He can't be satisfied with the game against Derby and he's pushing on, working with confidence and to be ready for the games in front of us."


Never in doubt: David Button always thought Fulham would win the game (Photo: Dan Istitene/Getty Images)

Many Fulham fans want to see Marcus Bettinelli take over in goal and, when asked whether Button would remain first choice, Jokanovic responded by saying: "All the players are still my team.

"All the players must be available to push hard in this last game what is in front of us and all the people show desire and responsibility and stronger work to push hard in the games in front of us."


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-boss-insists-under-fire-12862178

[WhiteJC]

 
Jokanović's Ipswich Preview

Slaviša Jokanović has faith that Fulham's style of play will be enough to see off a difficult Ipswich Town team on Saturday.

The Suffolk outfit have proven a resolute force of late, and Jokanović is expecting them to be in his side's faces from the off at Craven Cottage.

"Ipswich is a team that haven't lost many games," he said in his pre-match press conference. "In the last 12-13 games they've lost only two.

"In the last game against Wigan they played very well, won three points, and they're not a team that's in danger of a relegation battle. They're going to come into it with confidence and with desire to win the game.

"Ipswich, with Mick McCarthy, are always very intense, a very solid and strong team. We expect they are going to push hard and try and press us and not give us space to combine easily.

"So we must be confident in what we want to do and try and find our way to play football. We need to be brave. Don't be scared because somebody is going to press us."

With Sheffield Wednesday not playing until later, victory over Ipswich would move the Whites back into the Play-Off spots.

"I believe my players can make important things," he stated. "They've made important things during this season and I'm fully confident we can repeat the best performances that we've offered this season.

"I want to encourage them until the last second of this competition. I am confident we are mentally ready to fight and make important things."

Fulham will welcome Scott Parker into the fold after the Club Captain recovered from a back injury, but Denis Odoi continues to miss out.

"Denis Odoi is not ready for tomorrow's game, but the rest of the team is available," Jokanović revealed. "Parker was working with us today and he will be part of the squad."


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/april/07/jokanovics-ipswich-preview

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham vs Ipswich: How many changes should Slavisa Jokanovic make after Derby loss?
Whites need to win to keep pressure on play-off pack

Fulham look to regain ground in the play-off race when they host Ipswich Town at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

The Whites moved into sixth spot last weekend after winning at Rotherham with Sheffield Wednesday drawing at Barnsley, but dropped out again after the 4-2 loss at Derby with the Owls claiming three points against the relegated Millers.

Slavisa Jokanovic confirmed to GetWestLondon that he almost has a fully fit squad to select from, with only Denis Odoi absent.


Slavisa Jokanovic (Photo: Surrey Advertiser)

Victory would keep the pressure on the teams above them, while defeat would give their rivals a chance to open the gap up to the Whites.


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-vs-ipswich-how-many-12862249

[WhiteJC]

 
How much Fulham spent on agents' fees
The Football Association figures cover February 2016 to January 2017

Fulham have spent £1,285,382 on agents' fees this season, it has been revealed.

The west Londoners spent £316,655 between October 2015 and February 1 2016 on fees, which was amongst the lowest in the league, but like much of the division, there has been a sharp increase this season.

The Football Association figures cover February 2016 to January 2017 and the Whites, though, were one of the average spenders in the Championship.

The league total of £42,429,498 is up by over £16million from £26,124,044 in 2014-15.

The side that spent the most on agents' fees was Newcastle United, who spent a staggering £10,449,578 on player representatives.

That was a full £5m more than second highest spenders Aston Villa, who stumped up £5,421,662.

Struggling Nottingham Forest spent an eyewatering £3,539,912 on agents' fees.

At the other end of the scale, it is no surprise to see Burton Albion at the bottom of the spending list with just £163,331 paid out on agents.

Barnsley spent the second least amount with £188,209 and relegated Rotherham splashed out £261,633.

Agents' fees league table

1. Newcastle United £10,449,578

2. Aston Villa £5,421,662

3. Nottingham Forest £3,539,912

4. Norwich City £3,272,127

5. Queens Park Rangers £2,382,562

6. Cardiff City £1,973,635

7. Derby County £1,961,615

8. Reading £1,514,273

9. Brighton & Hove Albion £1,494,208

10. Fulham £1,285,382

11. Blackburn Rovers £1,265,493

12. Wolverhampton Wanderers £1,251,130

13. Sheffield Wednesday £1,125,695

14. Birmingham City £776,487

15. Wigan Athletic £775,333

16. Leeds United £711,364

17. Huddersfield Town £688,869

18. Brentford £626,159

19. Bristol City £514,816

20. Preston North End £482,047

21. Ipswich Town £303,978

22. Rotherham United £261,633

23. Barnsley £188,209

24. Burton Albion £163,331


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/how-much-fulham-spent-agents-12864423

[WhiteJC]

 
Boats to Fulham

We are running two boats to our local Derby clash away to Fulham on Saturday 29th April

The boats have been booked to take us down river from Kew Pier, which is located on the (South side of Kew Bridge) will depart at 11:00 and arriving at Putney Pier (South side of Putney Bridge) at 13:00.

If you are going, there's no better way to go than a boat trip down the Thames and a chance to see all the famous landmarks – Houses of Parliament, London Eye, HMS Belfast.


There will be a pay bar on board, so bringing your own alcohol is not permitted. Please note that the boat is one way and you will have to make your own arrangements for the return journey.

Prices are £11.99 adults and £5 for U-18's.

Please book on-line here on our EventBrite page.  Any questions drop us a email or contact us on Twitter.

Special thanks to Jim Walsh who has once again arranged this nautical trip.


http://bias.org.uk/2017/04/07/boats-to-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic on using plan B as Ipswich await
The Whites are one of the best, if not the best, footballing sides in the Championship when they are allowed to play their football

Slavisa Jokanovic has urged his Fulham side to play with confidence with Ipswich looking to put a further dent in their play-off aspirations.

The Whites are one of the best, if not the best, footballing sides in the Championship when they are allowed to play their football.

However, opponents have sought to press Fulham's defence high up and Derby drew mistakes from them in their 4-2 win over the west Londoners on Tuesday night, leading to some fans suggesting that the boss doesn't have a strong enough plan B.

Ipswich are expected to deploy the same tactics when the two teams meet at Craven Cottage on Saturday and Jokanovic will look to solve the solution.

He said: "We must be brave and play with confidence. If you believe our solution is to start playing long ball and not use midfield players, I don't believe it's our best solution.

"This situation is a legal part of football. We must choose and interpret this moment and what we must do.

"It's not a question of plan A, plan B or C. It's a question about what solution you can find in a different moment.

"If I believe plan B is not better than plan A we'll find a way for victory with plan A."

Former Brentford boss, and one-time Fulham manager target, Mark Warburton once said that plan B was to do plan A better.

When asked if this was what Jokanovic subscribed to, he replied: "All the teams have different squads and it's nice when you can find plans A, B, C and this plan is working and can give you benefits to win the game.

"For different sides, we know it's one football game. It's not all on the same line. There will be complicated moments during the game.

"We must be available for working. From another side, it's our style that brings us many minutes of possession and this situation is good.

"We must work with enough desire and take the best decision in different moments."

Fulham have to win against Ipswich to, at the very least, keep pace with the top six and Jokanovic knows the Tractor Boys will provide a stern test.

He explained: "Ipswich is a team who haven't lost many games – they played very well against Wigan and won three points.


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-boss-slavisa-jokanovic-using-12864981

[WhiteJC]

 
Just axe them.. Jokanovic needs to dispense with these 2 Fulham players ASAP

As we come towards the end of the season, Slavisa Jokanovic will be pleased with the progress that Fulham has made this season as they sit just outside of the play-off places.

A strong summer transfer window and astute recruitment saw Fulham transform from a struggling Championship side, to one that is capable of competing at the very top of the Championship.

This season Fulham have proved to be one of the most attractive sides to watch and without inconsistencies and a slow start to the season, they would be sitting comfortably in the play-offs at this point.

There have been some signings which have not paid off for Slavisa Jokanovic and some players have struggled to adjust, and step up to the higher level that Fulham has played at this season.

FLW writer Elliott Wheat-Bowen looks at TWO Fulham players Slavisa Jokanovic needs to dispense with as soon as possible....

Tim Ream
After joining Fulham from Bolton Wanderers, 29-year-old defender Tim Ream would have been hoping to establish himself as a first-choice centre-half for the Championship side.

However, the arrival of Tomas Kalas from Chelsea and Ragnar Sigurdsson from FC Krasnodar saw Tim Ream fall down the pecking order.

As a vastly experienced defender, the expectation would have been that the United States international would provide excellent defensive cover.

However, when Tim Ream has featured for Fulham this season, he has been a notable weak link with a number of errors which has proved particularly costly in Fulham's pursuit of a playoff place.

With Tim Ream being linked with a move to the United States with a number of MLS sides circling the 29-year-old centre-half,  Tim Ream may be a player Jokanovic looks to dispense with as soon as possible.

Jozabed
In a busy summer transfer window for Slavisa Jokanovic and Fulham, Spanish midfielder Jozabed joined Fulham from Rayo Vallecano.

Having paid such a high fee for the Spaniard, it was expected that the 26-year-old central midfielder would play a crucial role for Fulham this season.

However, Jozabed has struggled to settle at Fulham having made just seven Championship appearances, all of which came off of the substitute bench.

Spanish top flight side Celta Vigo offered Jozabed an early escape in the January transfer window, and Slavisa Jokanovic was more than willing to allow Jozabed to return to Spain temporarily on a season-long loan deal.

In the summer, Jozabed may be a player Slavisa Jokanovic dispenses with as Fulham look to recoup the large transfer fee that they paid for the Spaniard, and instead look to reinvest it to strengthen the squad further.


https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/just-axe-them-jokanovic-needs-to-dispense-with-these-2-fulham-players-asap/