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Monday Fulham Stuff (17/04/17)...

Started by WhiteJC, April 17, 2017, 07:35:37 AM

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WhiteJC

 
Season is deader than a dead thing in a dead place. And now plenty of scope for a cull of some dead wood

Atlas was a well-known character from Greek mythology whose function was to carry (literally in the eyes of the ancients) the weight of the world on his shoulders by physically separating the Earth from the firmament above.

He and Hercules – no introduction needed - did not always get along particularly well. One of the Twelve Labours of Hercules was to muck out the Augean stables in a single day – a feat never attempted in thirty years by the locals as the 3,000 cattle that occupied the stables were sacred, long-established and produced one heck of a lot of, erm, dung.

Can you see the analogy yet?

I hope Stuart Webber is distantly related to either or, preferably, both of them. I feel it would help if there is a bit of the Atlean or Herculean in his gene pool considering the tasks awaiting him.

For not only does the weight of assuaging the thirst of the NCFC-supporting world rest squarely on his shoulders; he also has a lot of dung to shovel out. And 'right quick', as we say in these parts.

Friday's Fulham encounter was of course the flipside of the Reading triumph.

The only bright spots of the match for me were a few laughs from the Barclay. No more than when Chris Martin was red-carded for a naughty little elbow on Mitchell Dijks and the chants of "He's one of our own" and "One Chrissy Martin" went up.

It brought a smile to the face, and introduced the prospect of 45 minutes against 10 men, aka hope.

Of course, it took Ryan Bennett less than three minutes to extinguish the hope...

Quite what he was doing putting his hands on Tomas Kalas when the ball was going nowhere but out I have no idea. He was caught wrong-side admittedly, but referees give those as often as they don't and if I know that then a professional footballer should too.

From thereon in we huffed and puffed like a team of geriatric sloths on a relaxing holiday in the South American jungle resort of their choice.

An excellent (it grates, but the truth sometimes does) Fulham side continued to hold the same high line and we could not get behind them. Well-organised, totally committed and head and shoulders above us in every department, even without the imbiber from Beccles on the pitch for the entire second half.

I could moan about Wes's corners struggling to reach the edge of the six-yard box. Equally I could vent my spleen about Russell Martin playing Floyd Ayite onside for Fulham's gut-wrenching third by standing stock-still as if Kenny the hypnotist from Little Britain had told him: "Look into my eyes. Not around my eyes", etc.

I was not as impressed with the referee as Gary says he was in his Saturday article. If a team starts time-wasting after just six minutes – and Fulham did – why not crack down on them early doors? It took Mr Madley until the 67th minute to book Marcus Bettinelli, and the goalkeeper was by no means the only culprit.

And some strange decisions were certainly made, although he got both the red card and the penalty right for sure.

It must be said that Fulham employed every trick in the book to knock us out of our stride, but apart from a four-corner burst after Cameron Jerome's goal, we didn't really hit a stride of any particular note. But that counts for nothing in the grand scheme of things.

This season is deader than a dead thing in a dead place, as Edmund Blackadder might have said. And in truth it has been for a long, long time.

Therefore, it's all eyes to the future. Let's hope our Atlean-Herculean Titan enjoys a better working relationship with Michael and Delia than the originals did with Zeus and Hera.

The jungle drums say he has carte blanche to do things his way, so let's hope that's the way it is. I have no reason to believe otherwise and he's got off to a great start with his trio of "removals".

Let's also hope the Colney stables are rather less occupied by dung-producing beasts in August.

********************************************************************************************************

We hear an awful lot about how the FA Cup has been devalued by clubs fielding weakened teams and sometimes making less than the expected amount of effort from Round Three to the quarter-finals.

Despite the furore, this year's semi-finalists just happen to be Arsenal, Chelsea, Man City and Spurs.

And what to make of that, I'm not quite sure.


http://norwichcity.myfootballwriter.com/2017/04/16/season-is-deader-than-a-dead-thing-in-a-dead-place-and-now-plenty-of-scope-for-a-carrow-road-clearout/

WhiteJC

 
Fulham vs Aston Villa: Stick or twist with the team that beat Norwich on Good Friday?
Step into Slavisa Jokanovic's shoes and select the XI you want to see take on Aston Villa at Craven Cottage on Easter Monday

If you were in Slavisa Jokanovic's shoes, would you stick or twist with the same Fulham side that beat Norwich so comfortably on Friday?

The Cottagers will be without Chris Martin after he was sent off at his old stomping ground for an alleged elbow, which the club have appealed.

The manager only made one change for the last game, with Tim Ream replacing Michael Madl in what was a good call from Jokanovic as the American put in a heroic display to keep the hosts at bay.

It's only two days break with Aston Villa coming to Craven Cottage, although the Villians did play on Saturday instead of Good Friday against Reading.


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-vs-aston-villa-stick-12898613

WhiteJC

 
PL2 Match Preview: Blackburn

Fulham travel to Blackburn Rovers on Tuesday to play their penultimate PL2 game of the regular season. This fixture was postponed last month due to pitch conditions.

A draw would be enough for the Whites to secure a play-off spot, with Blackburn the only team that can gate-crash the top 5 with their two remaining games.

The Whites currently sit in fourth, and the Only way they could fall out of the play-off spots is if they lose their last two remaining matches, Blackburn win both, West Ham win their remaining game and turn over an eight goal deficit between themselves and Fulham.

Even so, the Whites will be doing everything possible to secure all three points, and without a doubt are targeting all six remaining points in a bid to gain a home semi-final at Craven Cottage, by finishing second or third.

Their final match is against Wolverhampton Wanderers, and everything could come down to the final game.

Last time out, Fulham succumbed to a 3-1 defeat at Newcastle on Monday afternoon, with Josh Smile getting on the score sheet.

The Whites started the afternoon in second but finished the day in fourth in the table as both Newcastle and Wolves leapfrogged them, with the latter having beaten Norwich City on Monday the evening.

Fulham had been on a long standing unbeaten run of eight league games, including beating Swansea City who have since been promoted.

Peter Grant's PL2 side however have faltered recently with two defeats and a draw in their last three matches, plus being knocked out of the PL Cup on penalties by Norwich.

Since the turn of the year, Blackburn have won four matches and lost four. Their home form has been impressive, having won three out of four, and only having lost to Swansea.

This is a must win for Rovers to keep alive any hope of getting out of the second division this season, and therefore this match can be expected to be a action packed encounter.

You can see how the PL2 table stands below. Kick off for this match is 7pm, Tuesday 18th April at the Leyland County Ground.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/april/16/pl2-match-preview-blackburn


WhiteJC

 
Fulham vs Aston Villa: Prediction, team news, starting line ups, live, TV, online, head to head and odds - Championship preview

Fulham take on Aston Villa at Craven Cottage on Monday looking to record their third win on the bounce as they target a place in the play-offs.

Slavisa Jokanovic's side recorded an impressive 3-1 win away to Norwich City on Saturday despite going down to ten men after Chris Martin was sent off.

Villa lost 3-1 at home to Reading on Saturday, and Fulham will be confident of another win as they target a late push for Premier League promotion.

Scroll down for Standard Sport's comprehensive preview...

START TIME

The match kicks off at Craven Cottage at 2.45pm, Monday April 17.
TV AND LIVE ONLINE COVERAGE

The match will be televised live on Sky Sports 1, with coverage starting from 2.30pm.

Alternatively, you can follow all the build-up and action from 1.45pm with Standard Sport's London Football live blog. Enter your email address below to be informed when coverage begins.

TEAM NEWS

Fulham are set to be without striker Chris Martin following his red card in Saturday's victory at Norwich, though the club are appealing the decision.

Lucas Piazon is likely to deputise, while Marcus Bettinelli is expected to continue in goal ahead of David Button.
POSSIBLE STARTING LINE-UPS

Fulham: Bettinelli; Fredericks, Kalas, Ream, Malone; Johansen, McDonald, Aluko, Cairney, Ayite; Piazon

Aston Villa: Johnstone, Hutton, Chester, Baker, Amavi, Hourihane, Jedinak, Lansbury, Bacuna, Kodjia, Adomah
HEAD TO HEAD

Fulham wins    21
Aston Villa wins    22
Draws    21

BETTING ODDS (via 888Sport)

    Fulham to win: 19/25
    Draw: 51/20
    Aston Villa to win: 18/5


http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-vs-aston-villa-prediction-team-news-starting-line-ups-live-tv-online-head-to-head-and-odds-a3515531.html

WhiteJC

 
Report: Wolverhampton Wanderers want Derby County's Chris Martin

Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Paul Lambert worked with Derby County-owned Fulham striker Chris Martin at Norwich City.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are interested in signing Chris Martin from Derby County in the summer transfer window, according to The Sunday People (print edition, page 51, April 16, 2017).

Martin, who is on loan at Championship rivals Fulham at the moment, has a contract with Derby until June 2020, according to Transfermarkt.co.uk.

Wolves manager Paul Lambert worked with Martin at Norwich City, but, according to the report, the Wanderers will have to pay over £7 million in order to secure the services of the Scotland international.

The 28-year-old is a very good striker, and he has proved that he can be a success at the Championship level.

Martin has scored 10 goals and created 27 chances in 27 appearances in the Championship for Fulham so far this season.

Fulham are doing well in the league at the moment, and there is a chance that the Cottagers could end up in the playoffs this campaign.

If the London outfit do get promoted, then Wolves could find it a problem to sign Martin. Fulham could be interested in signing the striker on a permanent basis and the player himself could be keen on playing Premier League football.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2017/04/16/report-wolverhampton-wanderers-want-derby-countys-chris-martin/

WhiteJC

 
Fulham head coach set to replace Slaven Bilic at West Ham United

Fulham head coach Slavisa Jokanovic is being lined up by West Ham United as a replacement for Slaven Bilic according to a report from the Daily Express.

While West Ham haven't done that badly in the last few games, they drew 2-2 with Sunderland yesterday and won last week against Swansea City, their season has been seen as a disaster by the higher-ups. After challenging for a place in the Champions League last season, everything has fallen apart since they moved from Upton Park to the London Stadium and have been battling against relegation this season.

And while he was a fan favourite last year, Bilic is set to get the blame for this downturn and looks set to be sacked in the summer following the end of the season. And West Ham are already looking for his replacement and previous reports have indicated they will be looking at successful bosses from the Sky Bet Championship to be their new manager, with Newcastle United's Rafa Benitez and Huddersfield Town's David Wagner being linked to the role within the last few months.

But now they have moved onto another great Championship manager as this report says they will be making a move to appoint Slavisa Jokanovic as their new head coach. He has really turned Fulham around as instead of battling against relegation like they did last season, they are fighting for a spot in the play-offs and are currently 7th in the league. But as he has never managed in the Premier League, he was sacked by Watford shortly after he got them promoted, he may be tempted to jump up and join West Ham.


http://the72.co.uk/79060/fulham-head-coach-set-replace-slaven-bilic-west-ham-united/


WhiteJC

 
Rush of blood to the head rules Chris Martin out of Villa clash

Chris Martin will miss Fulham's Sky Bet Championship clash with Aston Villa after seeing red at Norwich.

The striker was sent off during the 3-1 win over his former club and, although Fulham plan to appeal against the dismissal, the visit of Villa will come too soon for Martin.
Denis Odoi's participation remains in doubt. The Belgian defender sat out his fourth straight game due to insufficient fitness but there was better news for former England midfielder Scott Parker, who took a place on the bench following his recovery from a back injury.
Keeper Marcus Bettinelli is keeping David Button out of goal in a team pushing hard to remove Sheffield Wednesday from the final play-off place.
Villa boss Steve Bruce is unlikely to have Wales international Neil Taylor available for the trip to Craven Cottage.
The left-back picked up a groin injury in training on Thursday and missed the 3-1 defeat against Reading on Saturday with Jordan Amavi taking his place.
Amavi is in line to retain his place if Taylor is not available while goalkeeper Mark Bunn, who has been an understudy to Sam Johnstone for majority of the season, is also a doubt with a knee problem.
Jonathan Kodjia could lead the attack again if he comes through unscathed after playing a full 90 minutes following a knock, with Scott Hogan waiting in the wings after recovering from an ankle issue, but Gabby Agbonlahor (hamstring) and Rushian Hepburn-Murphy (ankle) are out.


https://www.clubcall.com/aston-villa/rush-of-blood-to-the-head-rules-chris-martin-out-of-villa-cl-1848686.html

WhiteJC

 
These are Aston Villa's left-back options ahead of trip to Fulham
Neil Taylor is injured and both Jordan Amavi and Leo Bacuna struggled on Saturday

Aston Villa have problems at left-back as they take on Fulham at Craven Cottage tomorrow.

Neil Taylor is a doubt for the clash with a groin injury and both Jordan Amavi and Leo Bacuna endured difficulties as they filled in during the 3-1 defeat to Reading.

Between them, Amavi and Bacuna were at fault for all three goals and clearly both players are better suited in advanced positions.


Aston Villa's Jordan Amavi during the defeat to Reading

It's raising the question, who does Steve Bruce turn next? Here are the options.

James Bree

Villa have moved players out of position in the past so why not give Bree a try on the left? The 19-year-old is still learning his trade but he's way more experienced than the defenders in the U23 set-up having played first-team football for two seasons at Barnsley. Bree's favoured position is right-back, a spot currently occupied by Alan Hutton, and there's no way he'll be dropped after producing his best football in a Villa shirt over the past month or two.

Alan Hutton

In the form of his life, Hutton is playing as well as he ever has. Those surging runs forward are back and he remains tough and rugged in defence. He's been switched over to the left side in times of need in the past and could be considered.

Wing-backs

Bruce could revert to a three-man defence by bringing either Mile Jedinak, Micah Richards or Tommy Elphick into the set-up alongside Nathan Baker and James Chester. That extra protection could then afford either Amavi or Bacuna the freedom to get forward and occasionally fall out of position.


http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villas-left-back-options-12900802

WhiteJC

 
Kick-Off 2.45pm

Fans are reminded that our meeting with Aston Villa on Easter Monday will kick-off at the earlier time of 2.45pm.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/april/16/kick-off-245pm


WhiteJC

 
Fulham v Aston Villa
MON, 17 Apr 2017Championship
Venue: Craven Cottage



Fulham striker Chris Martin is suspended after being sent off for an elbow on Norwich's Mitchell Dijks
BBC coverage

How to follow:
    BBC Radio 5 live, BBC local radio; live text commentary on the BBC Sport website



Fulham are without Chris Martin after the striker received a straight red card in Friday's 3-1 win over Norwich.

Marcus Bettinelli may continue in goal ahead of David Button, while Scott Parker could be involved in the squad after recovering from a back injury.

Jordan Amavi is likely to start at left-back for Aston Villa after Neil Taylor suffered a groin injury.

Jonathan Kodjia played the 3-1 loss to Reading with a knock but should be fit, while Scott Hogan (ankle) is also back.

Match facts
    Fulham haven't lost both league games in a season against Aston Villa since 2009-10 when both were Premier League sides.
    Aston Villa have won just one of their last 10 league visits to Craven Cottage, failing to score in the last three (D5 L4).
    Henri Lansbury has scored a brace in each of his last two Championship away games at Fulham.
    Villa haven't won an away league game on a Monday since August 2009 against Liverpool, losing nine of their 11 since (D2).
    None of Fulham's last 123 league matches at Craven Cottage have ended goalless - the last came on the opening day of the 2011-12 season against Aston Villa.


http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39549919

WhiteJC

 
Cairney calls Scotland debut 'exciting experience'
by Dan on April 16, 2017


Tom Cairney was enthralled by his Scotland international debut last month – describing his first appearance against Canada as an 'exciting experience' and the Fulham midfielder is now targeting a regular place in Gordon Strachan's side.

The 26 year-old, who became the first Championship player to reach a total of ten league goals and league assists in Fulham's 3-1 win at Norwich City on Good Friday, was finally called up to a Scotland squad by Strachan in March after an excellent season at Craven Cottage. The former Hull and Blackburn playmaker relished his new surroundings and described his first taste of international football as a week to remember.

Speaking to the Scottish Mail on Sunday, Cairney said:

    I didn't know what to expect but it was a week to remember. It was great to get my first cap and, although I didn't get on against Slovenia, it was great just to be involved, even better that Chrissy [Martin] should get the winner for us.

    I did feel there was a bit of tension all week. Even in team meetings there was an edge. You don't normally get players and the manager coming out and continuously saying this is a must-win game but that was the message all week. I haven't experienced anything quite like that before. For it to be that way in my first week was actually quite excited.

Cairney freely admits that he was baffled by the Tartan Army's booing of his Fulham team-mate Chris Martin's arrival as a late substitute and was delighted to see the striker score the crucial goal that extended Scotland's slim qualifying hopes.

    When Chrissy came on, I wondered what was going on. Were the fans really booing him and why? I just didn't understand it. But it was funny because a few of the lads on the bench said right away that it was a stick-on he would score the winner.

    He is my roomie at Fulham, so I was especially delighted for him. He's like my dad in that he's the sensible one, with the kids at home and all that. He's quite quiet and reserved and just has an older head on his shoulders. He was buzzing when he came in afterwards and every player went up to congratulate him.

    I know Chris is there to score goals but he does a lot more work than people realise. He has a very clever brain. It doesn't sound much but his hold-up work, bringing the rest of us into play, is top-notch. Whenever, I lift my head he is there. He is a big strong man and it's easy to hit his feet or his chest. He's a great target man. Yes, he will be judged on goals but international football is the to level and that's not easy.

His international debut was a proud moment for Cairney, who had a large collection of his family in attendance at Easter Road.

    I had the family there for both games, I'd say 12 to 15 of them. I think Easter Road was quite an emotional night for my dad. I've always wanted to see if I could play at international level. I've now got that under my belt but I'd like to get a few caps if I can.

    Gordon Strachan spoke to me one-on-one, he just wanted to know about my background and then told me to go out and do exactly what I'd been doing for Fulham. I knew I needed to get on the ball and play passes but it's always that little bit harder when you're laying in a new team.

    I think I held my own in training and felt comfortable alongside guys like Darren Fletcher and Robert Snodgrass against Canada, even if the pitch wasn't great – I haven't played in conditions like that for a long time. But I managed to show glimpses of what I've been doing for Fulham. I just wish Chrissy had helped me out by sticking away his chance when I put him through. Clearly, I was just warming him up for the Sunday!

Cairney remains confident that Fulham can conclude an exciting season by making the Championship play-offs.

    That's the aim. We keep hopping in and out of the top six but that's just the way this league goes. It's heart attack material. All being well, we'll make the play-offs and I'll be up to speed when the next Scotland squad is announced.

Fulham's creative hub hasn't even considered a break at the end of the season – with mouthwatering prospect of a Scotland-England clash at Hampden Park on the horizon.

    I've not even thought about holidays. Who wouldn't want to be involved in Scotland v England? Hopefully, I've done enough to suggest I can be around the squad but the manager didn't give me any indication of that. The Slovenia game was everything and the overwhelming feeling was one of relief. It wasn't the time to be asking about myself.

    People had been asking me about Scotland for the last for few seasons and I got a bit tired answering the quest. When it finally game, it was a great feeling. I'm hungry for more. Being on the bench for a qualifier at Hampden was quite an experience. Stuart Armstrong had a great debut and set up the goal, so I've no complaints about not playing'.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/04/cairney-calls-scotland-debut-exciting-experience/

WhiteJC

 
Aston Villa must go back to basics at Fulham - they must provide a Reading response
Villa writer Gregg Evans' verdict after the Royals win at Villa Park

It takes a lot to really rattle Steve Bruce and rattled he was after watching his side lose 3-1 at home to Reading on Saturday.

Mistake after mistake compounded by a below-par display from almost every player in claret and blue resulted in a first home defeat for two months.

There's little time to dwell on that defeat, of course, with Monday's trip to Fulham taking place just 48 hours later.

But Villa's players will know they need to seriously buck up their ideas or risk the wrath of a manager you don't want to get on the wrong side of.

Bruce is a delight to work with and he rewards his players for success,

But when it goes wrong like it did against Reading, boy do his troops know about it.

Of course he can accept mistakes and errors as every footballer makes them.

But Villa made way too many on Saturday and at times it was painful to watch.

If there is not a reaction at Craven Cottage there will be stern words even if everything of notable worth is now out of Villa's reach this season.

What's important to note is that the boss wasn't majorly scathing of his side after the latest defeat.

He believes they are still giving their all and have not thrown the towel in on this campaign just yet.

The players may be longing for the beach after a taxing and disappointing season but they will continue to fight for every point, Bruce believes.

So how do they go about improving standards when they travel to London?

Well, maintaining a disciplined and organised set-up would be a good starting point.

Sloppy for all three goals against Reading, Villa need to get back to basics to avoid conceding in such embarrassing fashion in the capital.

The left side of defence was a problem especially with Jordan Amavi having a difficult time of late.

He needs something to change between now and the end of the season or his place in the side could come under serious threat.

With Neil Taylor struggling with a groin injury and Leo Bacuna struggling to make up for Amavi's mistakes when he filled in for the Frenchman, Villa could find themselves exposed down that flank.

Fulham will be fired up for the clash as they continue their push for the play-offs.

It's crucial that Villa don't give up on the season and give the Cottagers an easy ride.


http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-must-go-back-12900979


WhiteJC

 
Here's what Steve Bruce thinks about Aston Villa playing two matches in 48 hours
Villa take on Fulham at Craven Cottage on Monday after losing to Reading on Saturday

Steve Bruce has warned his players not to use Aston Villa's hectic schedule as an excuse at Fulham.

Villa will have had a day's less rest than their hosts when they kick off at Craven Cottage at 2.45pm on Monday.

The rest of the Championship played on Friday, including the Cottagers, who won 3-1 at Norwich City.

But Villa's 3-1 home defeat to Reading took place yesterday, 24 hours later after club officials agreed to leave Good Friday free of a Villa Park fixture following requests from the nearby Aston Parish Church.

"We've been asked to play twice in 48 hours which is a huge advantage to Fulham," said Bruce.

"However, we have deal with it. We don't want to start making excuses.

"We've got Fulham, who are arguably the form side at the moment. We have to make sure that we are ready and, physically, be in as good condition as we can.

"I don't know why we're playing today and we have to be asked again to play on Monday.

"It's because of the church? I'll go and say a prayer when I go out!"

Bruce has told his players that must strive to be competitive during their final four matches of the Championship campaign.

After Fulham, they host Birmingham City in the Second City derby, travel to struggling Blackburn Rovers and end the season against champions elect Brighton and Hove Albion at Villa Park.

"The lads have picked themselves over the last few weeks because they've put a hell of a good run together," said Bruce.

"We've got some big games coming up. I don't want the season just to peter away.

"We've got a big derby next week, we've got Fulham and arguably the champions, Brighton, coming on the last game of the season, so it's all to play for."


http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/heres-what-steve-bruce-thinks-12900037

WhiteJC

 
Wolves plot £7m move for Martin
by Dan on April 16, 2017


Wolves are preparing a £7m summer bid for Derby's on-loan Fulham striker Chris Martin, according to a report in the Sunday People.

Martin, who is currently on loan at Craven Cottage, was one of Wolves' top transfer targets during the last summer transfer window and the Midlands side had two bids – believed to be around £5m and £6m turned down before the Scotland striker completed a deadline day move to Fulham. Despite Martin's decision to sign a three-year contract extension under former Rams boss Steve McClaren admit his unsuccessful attempts to abort his loan spell, the Londoners still have an option to exercise a clause in their agreement with Derby and sign the 28-year-old on a permanent basis.

The Scotland international, who is definitely out of tomorrow's crucial clash with Aston Villa and could miss the remainder of Fulham's Championship campaign after being sent off at Norwich on Good Friday, has been in excellent form under Slavisa Jokanovic. Martin has managed ten goals – and created 27 chances – as Fulham push for a play-off spot and the Serbian head coach has already spoken about his interest in keeping the former Canaries striker around.

Wolves manager Paul Lambert, who worked with Martin during his time at Carrow Road, has identified the 6ft striker as the front man needed to spearhead a promotion push next term. But the People suggest Wolves will need to come up with around £7m to tempt Derby to part with Martin – and new Rams manager Gary Rowett has already suggested that he would like the forward in his plans come the pre-season.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/04/wolves-plot-7m-move-for-martin/

WhiteJC

 
Cairney: In Our Hands

Tom Cairney ranks Fulham's 3-1 victory at Norwich City as "the best away win of the season."

The Canaries had lost only three games at Carrow Road in 2016/17, and went into the Good Friday fixture on the back of a 7-1 thrashing of Reading.

But the Whites produced an immaculate display at both ends of the pitch, with a combination of clinical finishing and resolute defending leading to a deserved victory, despite playing the majority of the match with a man less.


"After their victory last week we knew it was going to be tough," Cairney told fulhamfc.com. "But nobody has doubted our ability this season.

"Our brand of football has never been in question but sometimes we've conceded goals where we should have defended better as a team, but on Friday we defended well from the first whistle.

"We went into half-time a goal up and a man down, and the Manager said: 'It's times like this where you've got to pull something out of the bag if you're going to do anything this season.' And I think we did that.

"We showed on Friday, especially playing for over half the game with 10 men, how we dig in and fight for each other. We created a lot of chances but I think with 10 men it's our best away win of the season by a mile."

The second half was barely under way when Fulham were given a glorious chance to double their lead when Tomas Kalas was fouled in the box.

Spot-kicks have not proven fruitful for the Whites this season, though. Any pressure then Tom?


"I think a little bit, yeah, because we've missed 48 penalties this season!" Cairney joked. "It was the fact that we were 1-0 up with 10 men and we had to win the game.

"It gave us the opportunity to have a bit of a cushion so it was a lot of pressure, and I was thankful to see it hit the net."

Having scored his 10th goal of the season, Cairney darted across to celebrate with the travelling supporters, and he was full of praise for the 1,500-strong contigent.

"They were outstanding," he stated. "That was probably the loudest I've heard them away from home this season.

"I think they appreciated the effort that we were putting into the game, and I'm delighted they were rewarded with three points."

Fulham are back in action on Monday when we entertain Aston Villa in a 2.45pm kick-off at Craven Cottage.

Steve Bruce's side were in fine form prior to taking just one point from their previous two outings, but Cairney knows his team will be in for a game in front of the Sky Sports cameras.

"They were a Premier League team last season and they've spent big," he said. "They've spent a lot of money and have got plenty of talent and ability, people who know how to win Championship games, so it will be tough but if we turn up then not many teams can live with us.

"I was hoping that Villa would do us a little favour yesterday [against Reading] but it wasn't to be and it looks like we're going to have to do everything on our own at the moment.

"It's still in our hands so we've just got to go into it with the same attitude we had Friday and get another three points."


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/april/16/tom-cairney-in-our-hands


WhiteJC

 
Fulham ace reveals what boss told players at Norwich City and hails "best away win" so far this season
Tom Cairney described Fulham's win at Norwich City as the best away day this season so far


Goal time: Tom Cairney and Stefan Johansen celebrate (Photo: Paul Burgman/Press-Photos.com)

Fulham's 3-1 win at Norwich City on Good Friday was their best away win of the season so far.

That's according to midfielder Tom Cairney, who scored at Carrow Road to boost Fulham's play-off hopes.

Speaking to Fulham's official website fulhamfc.com, Cairney expressed his delight and revealed what manager Slavisa Jokanovic told the squad at half-time, following Chris Martin's red card.

"After their victory last week we knew it was going to be tough, but nobody has doubted our ability this season," he said.

"Our brand of football has never been in question but sometimes we've conceded goals where we should have defended better as a team, but on Friday we defended well from the first whistle.

"We went into half-time a goal up and a man down, and the manager said: 'It's times like this where you've got to pull something out of the bag if you're going to do anything this season.' And I think we did that.

"We showed on Friday, especially playing for over half the game with ten men, how we dig in and fight for each other.

"We created a lot of chances but I think with ten men it's our best away win of the season by a mile."



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-ace-reveals-what-boss-12901924

WhiteJC

 
Fulham striker has claim for wrongful dismissal rejected

Fulham striker Chris Martin's will serve a three-match ban with immediate effect after his appeal for wrongful dismisal was turned down.

Martin was shown a red card in the first half of the Cottagers' 3-1 win at Norwich City on Good Friday.


http://www.thefa.com/news/2017/apr/16/chris-martin-160417

WhiteJC

 
Red Card Appeal

Following Chris Martin's red card received in the first half of our 3-1 win at Norwich City on Good Friday, the Club appealed against the decision.

However, the decision was not overturned and the striker will therefore serve a three game suspension with immediate effect.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/april/16/red-card-appeal


WhiteJC

 
Martin to serve three-match suspension
by Dan on April 16, 2017


Chris Martin will serve an immediate three-match suspension after Fulham's appeal against his sending off at Norwich on Friday was rejected.

The Scottish international was shown a straight red card for an alleged elbow on Norwich defender Mitchell Dijks towards the end of the first half by referee Andy Madley. The visitors were incensed by the decision and Fulham head coach Slavisa Jokanovic confirmed that the club would submit an appeal after the final whistle.

The disciplinary panel has upheld the referee's original decision and Martin will now miss Fulham's next three league fixtures – leaving the on-loan striker available for the potential play-off place decider against Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough on Sunday May 7.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/04/martin-to-serve-three-match-suspension/

WhiteJC


Cairney chuffed with 'best away win of the season'
by Dan on April 16, 2017


Tom Cairney was full of praise for Fulham's fighting spirit at Norwich on Friday – and described the 3-1 victory at Carrow Road as the 'best away win of the season by a mile'.

The Fulham captain was particularly pleased with the Whites' resistance after the visitors were reduced to ten men shortly before half-time when Chris Martin was sent off for an elbow on Mitchell Dijks. Instead of crumbling under the pressure, Slavisa Jokanovic's side extended their lead and recorded a vital victory in the race for a Championship play-off. Cairney, speaking to the club's official website, felt that the belief such a success will give his team-mates in the run-in could prove crucial.

    After their victory last week we knew it was going to be tough. But nobody has doubted our ability this season. Our brand of football has never been in question but sometimes we've conceded goals where we should have defended better as a team, but on Friday we defended well from the first whistle.

The 26 year-old revealed that Jokanovic had stressed the high stakes resting on the result to his squad at half-time and Cairney was delighted with Fulham's resolve after the restart.

    We went into half-time a goal up and a man down, and the manager said: 'It's times like this where you've got to pull something out of the bag if you're going to do anything this season.' And I think we did that. We showed on Friday, especially playing for over half the game with ten men, how we dig in and fight for each other. We created a lot of chances but I think with ten men it's our best away win of the season by a mile.

The captain was coolness personified in tucking away a penalty early in the second half that put Fulham two goals to the good – although he admits to feeling some pressure given the club's atrocious spot-kick record this season.

    I think a little bit, yeah, because we've missed 48 penalties this season! It was the fact that we were 1-0 up with 10 men and we had to win the game. It gave us the opportunity to have a bit of a cushion so it was a lot of pressure, and I was thankful to see it hit the net.

Cairney was full of praise for the travelling 1,500 Fulham fans, who were saluted by the entire side and coaching staff after the final whistle:

    They were outstanding. That was probably the loudest I've heard them away from home this season. I think they appreciated the effort that we were putting into the game, and I'm delighted they were rewarded with three points.

Fulham's attention has had to quickly switch to the prospect of facing Steve Bruce's Aston Villa at Craven Cottage on Easter Monday and Cairney knows that will not be an easy assignment:

    They were a Premier League team last season and they've spent big. They've spent a lot of money and have got plenty of talent and ability, people who know how to win Championship games, so it will be tough but if we turn up then not many teams can live with us.

    I was hoping that Villa would do us a little favour yesterday [against Reading] but it wasn't to be and it looks like we're going to have to do everything on our own at the moment. It's still in our hands so we've just got to go into it with the same attitude we had [on] Friday and get another three points.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/04/cairney-chuffed-with-best-away-win-of-the-season/