Thursday Fulham Stuff (18/05/17)...

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NUFC handed big boost in their pursuit of Fulham star Tom Cairney

It has been widely reported that Rafa Benitez is a fan of Fulham's Tom Cairney and hopes to bring him to the club this summer. Last night, our chances of landing the Championship star were significantly boosted.

Fulham played Reading in the second leg of their play off semi-final and you guessed it, they lost. This confirms that Fulham will be playing Championship football once again next season.

Cairney has excelled for Fulham this term, with 13 goals and 11 assists, and has spoken of his dream to play Premier League football.

Should Fulham have gone on to win the play offs, our hopes of signing him would've been significantly reduced, with the London club having little reason to sell their star man. Now they're set for another year in the second tier, however, a move to Newcastle may appear all the more tempting for the midfielder.

The Express reported over the weekend that Newcastle would have to fork out a whopping £20m to sign the 26 year-old this summer, but following last night's play off defeat, Fulham may find it all the more difficult to hold onto their man.



http://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2017/05/17/nufc-handed-big-boost-in-their-pursuit-of-fulham-star-tom-cairney/

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Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic ALREADY battling to keep midfielder Tom Cairney

Newcastle United interested in Tom Cairney after Fulham miss out on promotion - the international is believed to be on NUFC's shortlist

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic says his club will put up a fight to hold on to Tom Cairney this summer.

The Scotland international is believed to be on Newcastle United's short-list this summer and after being quoted £20million for the midfielder's services last January, the Magpies may be back with a fresh enquiry.

But Jokanovic, who was left reeling as his side were dumped out of the play-offs by Reading, was in determined mood despite missing out on promotion to the Premier League.

When asked about the future of his star players, Jokanovic said: "I expect our best players are going to stay with us – this is the information I have from the board.

"We are talking about our most important players – they are going to stay with us.

"Next season will be complicated.

"We'll push to be promoted.

"We must be clever in the period in front of us.

"It depends on the summer.

"Right now, it depends if we bring in what we need.

"We're talking about being clinical and solid and talking about different things."

Fulham's defeat to Reading summed up how cruel the play-offs can be.

The Cottagers were one of the best sides Newcastle faced in the Sky Bet Championship and took six points off Rafa Benitez's side.

But they are now facing up to another 46-game slog in the second tier.



http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-boss-slavisa-jokanovic-already-13046057

[WhiteJC]

 
Newcastle Will Now Bid For Top Midfield Target

Rafa Benitez is very keen to bring Fulham's 26 year-old Tom Cairney to Newcastle this summer and with Fulham losing 1-0 at Reading last night in the second leg of the Championship playoff and being eliminated 2-1 on aggregate, the way is now open for Rafa to make an approach for the Scottish International midfielder.

Cairney has been a star man for Fulham this season and twice played brilliantly against Newcastle, just in case Rafa had any doubts he was good enough for Newcastle.

It would have been more difficult to pry Cairney away from Fulham is they had been promoted this season, but now Newcastle can offer Tom Premier League football next season and Newcastle will likely move in with an offer for the recently capped Scottish International playmaker.

Tom is also said to be keen to pay in the Premier League.

One problem is apparently Fulham now want £20M for him, but Newcastle can make an offer where the transfer fee increases given the number of times he plays in the Newcastle first team over the next few years.

Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic will be loathe to lose one of his best players, as the impressive Serbian manager will want to challenge for the automatic promotion spots next season, but if he gets a decent fee for Cairney he can also bring in some new players.

We fully expect Newcastle to make a strong move to sign Tom Cairney.

Last season Tom played a total of 51 times for Fulham in all competitions with 13 goals and 12 assists and Rafa Benitez believes he can make the step up to the Premier League with Newcastle.



http://www.nufcblog.com/2017/05/17/newcastle-will-now-bid-for-top-midfield-target/

[WhiteJC]

 
Cairney open to Newcastle move

Newcastle could reignite a move for Fulham midfielder Tom Cairney after he suffered heartache in the play-offs on Tuesday night, according to a report.

The Chronicle claim that the Magpies are looking to sign the 26-year-old sensation and follow up their strong interest in January.

It is understood that Fulham placed a £20million price tag on the Scotland international, but may now have to accept a lower fee after missing out on promotion in a semi-final defeat to Reading.

The report details that Cairney is believed to be interested in a deal to Newcastle and he wants to be playing Premier League football during the peak of his career.

Rafael Benitez is planning for next season in the Premier League after winning the Championship title this year.

The north-east club will be looking to establish themselves in the top flight and are expected to receive financial to do so.

Cairney has been targeted as a potential addition and he has been in great form in the Championship this season.

The attacking midfielder made 51 appearances during the course of a long campaign, scoring 13 goals and supplying 12 assists in return.

He has had just a brief 11-game spell with Hull in the Premier League so far during his career and may now be prepared to make the step up with Newcastle.



https://thisisfutbol.com/2017/05/blogs/cairney-open-to-newcastle-move/

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'He's coming home!' Derby County fans react to end of Chris Martin's season with Fulham

Chris Martin's loan spell with Fulham is over and the striker is set to return to parent club Derby County next season.

Martin and Fulham's promotion hopes were ended on Tuesday night when they were knocked out of the Championship play-offs by Reading.

A Yann Kermorgant penalty gave Reading a 1-0 victory in the semi-final second leg at the Madejski Stadium, securing a 2-1 aggregate win.

The Royals will meet Sheffield Wednesday or Huddersfield Town in the final at Wembley later this month.

Rams fans have been reacting online to the news that Martin is now free to return to Derby.

Shane Malpass posted on Twitter: "For all doubting Chris Martin at Derby - 60 goals and assists in 137 appearances. Him and Nugent could be one hell of a force next year."

Shane Milburn added: "I gave Martin stick last season but if you seriously believe we should get rid of him and 'move on', you're nuts. Best we have."

Shane Malpass posted on Twitter: "For all doubting Chris Martin at Derby - 60 goals and assists in 137 appearances. Him and Nugent could be one hell of a force next year."

Shane Milburn added: "I gave Martin stick last season but if you seriously believe we should get rid of him and 'move on', you're nuts. Best we have."

Many supporters welcomed the prospective return of Martin, though some were not so keen.

"Am I the only one that really doesn't want Chris Martin to come back?" said @BrandonDCFC.




Read more at http://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/he-s-coming-home-derby-county-fans-react-to-end-of-chris-martin-s-season-with-fulham/story-30337432-detail/story.html#DQiJqu504ghlbiwQ.99

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Transfer news: Fulham defender on loan at Shrewsbury potential Charlton Athletic target


Jack Grimmer has just scored for Shrewsbury

Karl Robinson is reported to be linked with a move for 23-year-old Scottish defender, Jack Grimmer.

The tenacious centre-back finished the season on loan to Shrewsbury Town, making 24 appearances in League One, and is seen by Robinson as someone who will fit in nicely at The Valley.

Grimmer began his career at Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership where he played between 2009-12.

He agreed to join Fulham in January 2012, with Aberdeen receiving a £200,000 fee plus incentives.

He made a total of 17 appearances for the London side during the 2014-15 campaign, and signed a new two-and-a-half-year contract in March 2015.

On January 5 2016, Grimmer returned to Shrewsbury on loan for a second spell until the end of the season and signed a third deal, ending the 2016/17 season with the Shropshire outfit.

He was a Scottish international from the age of 15, right up through the ages to U21.




Read more at http://www.kentlive.news/transfer-news-fulham-defender-on-loan-at-shrewsbury-potential-charlton-athletic-target/story-30337518-detail/story.html#EFYV2WSEFEzMlULt.99

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Could Derby County striker Chris Martin have a future at Fulham? Here's what Slavisa Jokanovic said

Chris Martin's loan stint with Fulham came to an end on Tuesday night.

The Cottagers were knocked out of the Championship play-offs by Reading, who secured a 2-1 aggregate victory.

Martin's season-long stay at Craven Cottage is now over and Derby County manager Gary Rowett expects the striker to be back with the Rams for the 2017-18 campaign.

But could Fulham still try to land the Scotland international on a permanent basis?

Head coach Slavisa Jokanovic was asked about Martin's future after the Reading game, along with those of fellow loan players Tomas Kalas and Lucas Piazon.

"It's not the time right now to talk about my plans in general," Jokanovic told getwestlondon. "These players you ask me about are two Chelsea players and Chris Martin, a Derby player.

"This is not in my hands. It depends on different things. I'm very happy with the collaboration of these people this season
behind us but this situation is not in my hands."

Asked if he was confident of keeping Fulham's best players, Jokanovic added: "Yep. This is the information I have from the board of the club. We're talking about most important players. They promised me they're going to stay with us."




Read more at http://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/could-derby-county-striker-chris-martin-have-a-future-at-fulham-here-s-what-slavisa-jokanovic-said/story-30337552-detail/story.html#3cZ7sPhTTHv8edKr.99

[WhiteJC]

 
Jokanovic delivers bullish message on the potential departure of Fulham's best players

Slavisa Jokanovic is confident Fulham will keep hold of their "best players" over the summer, despite the Cottagers failing in their quest for Premier League football, reports London News Online.

Fulham suffered a 2-1 aggregate defeat to Reading in the Sky Bet Championship's play-off semi-final, which confirmed that Jokanovic's side would remain in the second-tier of English football next season.

Slavisa Jokanovic is confident Fulham will keep hold of their "best players" over the summer, despite the Cottagers failing in their quest for Premier League football, reports London News Online.

Fulham suffered a 2-1 aggregate defeat to Reading in the Sky Bet Championship's play-off semi-final, which confirmed that Jokanovic's side would remain in the second-tier of English football next season.

Whilst Liverpool are keen to take Sessegnon to Anfield to solve their ongoing problem at left-back.




https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/jokanovic-delivers-bullish-message-on-the-potential-departure-of-fulhams-best-players/

[WhiteJC]

 
Slavisa Jokanovic: Fulham boss expects best players to remain at Craven Cottage

Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic guided Fulham to sixth place in the Championship.

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic expects his best players to stay despite defeat in the Championship play-offs.

The Whites lost 1-0 at Reading on Tuesday for a 2-1 aggregate defeat by Jaap Stam's side.

"I expect our best players to stay with us next season, this is the information I have been given from the club's board," Jokanovic told BBC London.

Jokanovic added Fulham needed to make "clever" signings over the summer and "expected another promotion push".

Fulham were the form side heading into the play-offs, going on a six-game unbeaten run in the final few weeks of the regular season.

But, following a 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage in the first leg, they came unstuck at the Madejski Stadium through Yann Kermorgant's second-half penalty for the Royals.

"Towards the end of this season, we started to believe we could be a promotion contender," Jokanovic, 48, added.

"We haven't done it this season, so it's clear we need to improve our squad and be more competitive in the season ahead.

"I believe we can make progress next season and at the same time, we must show ambition over the summer."

Fulham finished the season with a number of loan players, including strikers Lucas Piazon from Chelsea and Chris Martin from Derby.

"The situation keeping hold of the loan players isn't in my hands, it depends on different clubs and I've been very happy with the cooperation we've had this season," the former Watford boss added.

"But I'm confident we can keep hold of the most important players, that's come from the board. They've promised me they will be staying with the club."




http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39948682

[WhiteJC]

 
Report: Jack Grimmer could end miserable Fulham stay with Charlton Athletic move

Jack Grimmer failed to make any sort of an impact in five years at Fulham - and now the former Aberdeen youngster could be on his way to Charlton Athletic.

Representing his country at every age group from Under-15s to Under-21s, Scotland youngster Jack Grimmer looked likely to take his career to the next level when swapping Aberdeen for Fulham in 2012.

However, five years on, the tenacious defender has featured just 19 times for The Cottagers, all but two of those appearances coming in the 2014/15 season. And it's not as if he's been given the chance to build on that progress despite being rewarded a new two-and-a-half year contract at the end of that breakthrough campaign.

Grimmer has spent each of the last two seasons on loan at League One strugglers Shrewsbury Town.

However, with Shrews boss Paul Hurst seemingly unconvinced, the 23-year-old started just 22 games in the third tier, flitting in and out of the starting XI.

Addicted to Addicks?

Nonetheless, Kent Live reports that League One rivals Charlton Athletic are keen to keep Grimmer in the division next season. According to Transfermarkt, he is out of contract in the summer and it's clearly unlikely that Fulham will offer him the chance to fight for his place at Craven Cottage.

The fact that the aggressive Grimmer didn't exactly set the world alight at a team finishing just two points above the relegation zone in the season just gone means he isn't exactly the kind of signing that will get a flurry of punters tipping Charlton for title glory in the near future.

Yet, with The Addicks reportedly facing up to the prospect of losing experienced centre-back Jason Pearce amid links with Birmingham City, Bolton Wanderers and former club Wigan Athletic (Kent Live), Grimmer could be an affordable and available replacement.

And surely Grimmer will jump at the chance to bring an end to five underwhelming years with Fulham.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2017/05/17/report-jack-grimmer-could-end-miserable-fulham-stay-with-charlto/

[WhiteJC]

 
What next for Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic?

Slavisa Jokanovic agonisingly missed out on the chance of becoming the first foreign boss to bag two promotions up to the Premier League after his Fulham side lost 2-1 on aggregate to Reading in the play-off semi-finals.

Now the club's season has come to a close, we ponder where the Serbian will be plying his trade next term.

Despite missing out on the third and final Premier League promotion spot, Jokanovic can fondly look back on a decent campaign, during which his troops played some of the best football in the division, as they impressively hauled back Leeds to grab a place in the top-6.

An understandably disappointed, yet determined, Jokanovic has since said that he's keen to go one better next season, although he understandably wants reassurance from the board that his best players remain at Craven Cottage.

Fulham are likely to be swamped with offers for their main men, which includes Jokanovic himself, who currently features in the next West Ham, Middlesbrough and Watford manager markets.

Back in February Jokanovic put pen to paper and signed a new two-year deal with the west London outfit, as he extended his stay through to the summer of 2019.

However, the well-travelled boss, who has managed teams in Spain, Israel, Serbia, Bulgaria and Thailand, could well be swayed by a move to one or two top-flight clubs, who could well be searching for a new gaffer this summer.

Jokanovic led Watford up to the Premier League in 2015, but then left the club, meaning he's yet to manage in England's top-flight. Rumours are rife that the Hornets could part ways with Walter Mazzarri in the summer, and if this is the case, many fans would welcome the return of the 16/1 priced Jokanovic.

If reports are to be believed then West Ham could be searching for a new boss should they dispense of Slaven Bilic, with Jokanovic an 8/1 shot for the Hammers post, and if Southampton sack Claude Puel then he will no doubt be one of the names under consideration.

Alternatively, a move to relegated Middlesbrough (14/1) has been mentioned, although it's difficult to imagine Jokanovic leaving Fulham for a fellow second-tier side.




http://www.thesackrace.com/news/17th-may-2017/what-next-for-fulham-boss-slavisa-jokanovic

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Fulham man Sone Aluko reveals not making it to Wembley never crossed his mind and insists side must bounce back

Fulham will play in the Championship again next season after being knocked out of the Play-offs by Reading and Aluko says they must get up and go again

Sone Aluko says not making it to Wembley with Fulham never crossed his mind before the Play-off game with Reading, but insists they must bounce back from the defeat.

Slavisa Jokanovic's side were knocked out of the Championship Play-offs after they were defeated 2-1 on aggregate by Reading , with Yann Kermorgant's penalty sealing the fate of the tie.

It was hard to take for the side and for the 2000 travelling supporters, who pundits far and wide had tipped as the side to go up from the end of season showpiece.

It wasn't just the pundits who were confident - Aluko himself revealed that not making it to Wembley never crossed his mind, but has said his team mates need to learn from this experience and take it into next season.

He said: "It's a tough one to take, a real tough one, I didn't even consider ourselves losing, I was so confident we would get to the final at least.

"They way we played, we probably deserved to win, second half especially we dominated the game and had some big chances but that's football and that's life.

"We have to get up and go again and as a team we need to bounce back from this, it's a really tough feeling to take.

"We can only go one way, we have to learn from this and improve, we had patches in the season where if we were slightly better we wouldn't be in the position we are and we'd be first or second.

"Over the course of the season these mistakes were made and you look at the amount of penalties we missed and we dominated most games so it's tough because we're a good team and we know it.

"There's a lot of improvement for us still."




http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-man-sone-aluko-reveals-13047856

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Newcastle given huge boost in bid to sign £20m assist machine after major development – report

Newcastle United are set to launch a fresh bid to sign playmaker Tom Cairney after Fulham's play-offs heartache, according to a report.

The Chronicle claim the north-east giants are ready to revive their interest in the 26-year-old following the London club's semi-final defeat to Reading on Tuesday night.

It is said that Newcastle were quoted a £20million fee for Cairney during the January transfer window but Fulham are likely to now accepted a lower bid.

The Chronicle report that the Scotland international is "interested" in a transfer to Newcastle and he also has family ties to the club as his grandfather was an avid Magpies supporter.

Cairney has a contract with Fulham that runs until 2019 with an option for a further 12 months.

But he is entering his peak years and could view a transfer to Newcastle as an excellent career move, especially given that manager Rafael Benitez is a big admirer of him.

Benitez is stepping up preparation for the north-east club's return to the Premier League after they stormed to the Championship title this year.

Left-footed Cairney has been one of the outstanding players in the Championship this season.

Cairney has a contract with Fulham that runs until 2019 with an option for a further 12 months.

But he is entering his peak years and could view a transfer to Newcastle as an excellent career move, especially given that manager Rafael Benitez is a big admirer of him.

Benitez is stepping up preparation for the north-east club's return to the Premier League after they stormed to the Championship title this year.

Left-footed Cairney has been one of the outstanding players in the Championship this season.




http://www.footballinsider247.com/newcastle-to-reignite-cairney-pursuit/

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Liverpool target five transfers with Ryan Sessegnon top of the list as Jürgen Klopp begins summer recruitment

Exclusive: Klopp will also look to raid Bundesliga revelations RB Leipzig and is very confident of landing left-back Andrew Robertson from relegated Hull City

Liverpool are confident they will strike a deal for Fulham's highly-rated Ryan Sessegnon, initiating a busy summer where Jürgen Klopp wants to bring in five new signings to bolster the squad for a campaign involving competition on four fronts.

The German also hopes to sign both Timo Werner and Naby Keita from Red Bull Leipzig and Andrew Robertson from Hull City, as he seeks to sign at least one left-back, a forward, a central midfielder and a centre-half. Southampton's Virgil van Dijk has been the main target for central defence but, although Liverpool are still pursuing the Dutch international, it is currently felt by those close to him that Chelsea are his likeliest destination.

Conscious of how Liverpool's early-season title challenge faded, as well as how they will face an even bigger fixture list next season in either the Champions League or Europa League, Klopp wants to add more options - especially at left-back.

That area has been a problem position for the side for a long time and precedes the current manager, but the club feel they can finally solve it with the signing of £15m Sessegnon, despite competition from Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City. Given he is just 16 years old, however, Liverpool are also looking to bring in Robertson of Hull City - a deal that should be even easier to strike now that Marco Silva's side have been relegated to the Championship.

A raid on Bundesliga revelations Red Bull Leipzig is also expected, with Klopp keen on 21-year-old forward Werner and 22-year-old midfielder Keita.



http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/liverpool-transfer-news-five-summer-targets-ryan-sessegnon-virgil-van-dijk-timo-werner-nady-keita-a7740511.html

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Fulham tell Slavisa Jokanovic that best players won't be sold as club face crucial test of their ambition

Slavisa Jokanovic has been assured Fulham will not sell their best players after missing out on ­promotion but the club face a crucial test of their ambition.

Fulham remain in the Championship following defeat in the play-offs and this summer is crucial to their hopes of getting back into the Premier League.

Jokanovic cannot afford to lose talent such as Tom Cairney and Ryan Sessegnon and has urged the board to back him in the transfer market for another promotion push next season.

If Fulham keep captain Cairney and teenage prospect Sessegnon, and strengthen with a few key signings, they could go up automatically.

Fulham were the best footballing side in the division this season and Jokanovic has built their best team since they were relegated from the top-flight three years ago.

They are not far away from a side that could challenge for the title next season.

Jokanovic knows signing a top striker is crucial and if Fulham can add some experience to their exciting young squad then they would be among the promotion favourites.

But if Cairney and Sessegnon are sold and the team is weaker next season they risk squandering the momentum being built by Jovanovic.

The manager said: "The club must make the rights steps this summer if we want to show ambition.

"It depends on the summer. It depends whether we bring what this team need and what can improve our squad. We need to show ambition and desire. I expect our best players to stay with us. This is the information I have from the board. They have promised me these players are going to stay with us.

"Next season is going to be complicated, like every year in the Championship. Half of the division is going to push for promotion. If we want to be in this half we must be clever in this period in front of us."

Jokanovic has done an excellent job at Craven Cottage and has made no secret of his desire to manage in the Premier League.

The 48-year-old has made it clear he wants to do that with Fulham but if the club do not match his ambition it could leave him open to offers from other clubs. Jokanovic recently signed a new contract until the summer of 2019 and is happy in west London. But the job he is doing has not gone unnoticed at Premier League level.

Jokanovic was linked with West Ham last month and, while the future of Slaven Bilic now looks more secure after the club secured their Premier League spot, he clearly has admirers in the top-flight.

Fulham must make a statement this summer by keeping hold of their best players and making some key additions to show they are serious about going up.

Speculation about Cairney and Sessegnon is only likely to grow after the defeat at the Madejski Stadium in the second leg.

Cairney is viewed by many as the best player outside the Premier League and has been linked with Newcastle and Bournemouth. The 26-year-old midfielder orchestrated play against Reading last night and did his growing reputation no harm with another excellent display.

Sessegnon, who turns 17 tomorrow, is wanted by host of big Premier League clubs with Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham among those keeping a close eye on him.

Fulham were the better side last night but substance overcame style as a streetwise Reading team reached Wembley, where they will play Sheffield Wednesday or Huddersfield Town.

A 49th-minute penalty from Yann Kermorgant — awarded after Tomas Kalas was penalised for handball — decided the game.

Fulham came back from behind in the first leg on Saturday when Cairney grabbed the equaliser. Last night, they searched frantically for a way back into the game but lacked composure in front of goal and could not find a way past the inspired Reading goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi.

That missing clinical edge is something Jokanovic needs to add to the team next season.

He said: "We did not put it in the net and we paid an expensive price. In both games we played better football than Reading but in football the only important thing is the result.

"In a few days when we analyse and look at the bigger picture we can be proud with the progress we have made this season. From a team that was fighting not to be relegated in League One to be one step away from the Wembley.

"However, at the same time we must show ambition to be stronger."




http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-tell-slavisa-jokanovic-that-best-players-won-t-be-sold-as-club-face-crucial-test-of-their-a3541541.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham may have lost but I was pleased they kept attacking right to the end - it's the romantic in me

Coumnist Chris Bishop reveals the football romantic side to him and has an answer to those who questioned his last blog post

Well that's it. Thank heavens, I can forget about football until August.

We can argue that Yann Kermogant handballed before Tomas Kalas - I thought it could have been a push. I was hoping he could chip a Leicester repeat for us, but he showed tremendous composure to stick in the bottom corner.

We could also argue that if Marcus Bettinelli had managed to outmuscle Chris Martin for that last minute header he could have done a much better job of putting it away. But then we are probably clutching at straws.

I enjoyed watching John Swift I think he will make a fine player. How he missed that goal in the second half, heaven only knows. I could see Bettinelli didn't know much about it.

What did please me was that Fulham kept attacking right to the death against a defence packed tightly in the six yard box. Sone Aluko - we all love you here in Africa - you only have to beat a guy once.

But Reading won comfortably by successfully strangling the running game; snuffed it out, ruthlessly.

Wasn't pretty was it?

"We won and that's all that matters."

So says one of my new Reading Twitter friends last night. I am not a hypocrite, I have probably said it myself down the years.

But isn't this why the South Americans and Europeans run rings round us ? Why we don't win World Cups? That desperate desire to choke games at the expense of attacking football.

Sorry I will always be a football romantic and there is nothing anyone can do to change my mind.

Speaking of which, I was choking with laughter when I saw the righteous wrath of Reading fans after my last column. Many seemed to be labouring under the misapprehension that I was writing a match report, which I was not. This publication asked me to write a blog as a Fan, not an analyst which I do not profess to be.

It always makes me laugh this online hectoring. Abuse always demeans an argument. It is the big chance for a computer programmer or shelf filler to make themselves feel important.

True, I wrote the last column in hot blood and maybe I should have slept on it, but some of this online bellowing was the sort of stuff you hear shouted at street corners after the pubs have closed.

"This guy claims to be a journalist," wrote another guy.

I have been a journalist for 36 years and won a string of awards reporting from scores of countries from South America to the South Pacific; I have walked through minefields, fought through tear gas, suffered truncheon blows and death threats in search of the truth.

More than once I have flown into war zones in Angola in the spiral - that is, for those of you who drive on the M4, the terrifying, death defying, spin in to land to avoid surface-to-air missiles. It was a lot more scary than tweets, I can tell you. I have been shoved into filthy cells, at gunpoint, in the cause of my craft and never gave up.

When anyone has the guts to do just one of the above they can talk to me about journalism. I tried to do you all the justice of a reply, in the interests of free speech, don't bother to write next time. Quite frankly, I am a busy editor and don't have the energy for this rubbish.

Another called me a plastic fan. What? in 1997 I flew from assignment in Zimbabwe to Heathrow and drove to Carlisle for and away game. It rained, but thankfully we won.

One online interaction did catch my eye. The bloke, whoever he is, who wrote a mock apology for Reading's performance at Fulham. It was a scream and sir you have a future as a comedy writer.

Speaking of which its only a blasted game. I try to put some perspective and humour into our passion. I tire of people who write about football as if it is an A-Level subject instead of the simple game we all grew up with.



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-lost-pleased-kept-attacking-13048138

[..FOF..]

The only person I'm hoping we keep is Mr Joka himself.

He have proven with Watford and now Fulham that he knows how to give a team a shot at promotion.

The ball is in Tony and Shahid Khan's court to back him in the transfer windows.

[WhiteJC]

 
What issues will Fulham face after defeat in the Championship Play-off semi final?

The season came to an end in unfortunate circumstances - we take a look at the key issues that Fulham will face over the next couple of months

So the season has come to a bitterly disappointing end that no one associated with Fulham wanted.

Instead of winning promotion to the Premier League we're all still trying to get our heads round the fact that it wasn't to be and that next season we'll be travelling to Hull, Sunderland and Middlesbrough.

Fulham fans can be proud though.

The team played some of the best football in the division and despite going down over two legs to Reading every single person at Craven Cottage this season can hold their heads high and be proud of the efforts the side put in over the course of year.

Now the building starts for an assault on the automatic spots next season - that has to be the aim now.

After coming so close this time, Slavisa Jokanovic will now want to skip the Play-offs all together and take one of those top two spots to see Fulham into the Premier League.

But now the season is over, where do Fulham go from here? We've taken a look at the key issues the side will face over the summer months ahead of the new season.

Keeping hold of Tom Cairney

Dejected: Tom Cairney (Photo: Harry Trump/Getty Images)

The vultures are already circling after the Cottagers Play-off defeat, most of whom have their eyes on Fulham's talisman Cairney.

This will be the biggest challenge Jokanovic will face over the close season, Cairney is 26-years-old now and will be thinking of what is best for his career - he may not get too many more chances to play in the Premier League.

He has always been fully committed to Fulham, his reaction to last night's defeat is testament to what he feels for this club and he would've loved to have played in the top tier with the side.

It wasn't to be, and with clubs like Newcastle sniffing round a chance to play in the Premier League may be too tempting, especially for a player in the prime of their career.

It would be a fantastic achievement for the club to keep hold of him, but this could go on and on over the summer.

Rebuilding the front line
Another key issue facing Fulham over the summer is their forwards, or lack of.

The side were crying out for a decent striker this season and one failed to arrive - Jokanovic never really fancied Gohi Cyriac while Chris Martin has had more twists and turns than an episode of Eastenders.

I'd be surprised if either remained at the club and that means Fulham will need to sign three strikers, and three good ones at that if they want to challenge for promotion again.

Of course, strikers are at a premium and it won't come cheap, but this will be a key bit of work for Tony Khan, Brian Talbot and Craig Kline in the summer.

You could perhaps say the lack of a quality striker cost Fulham this season, although they managed to score the joint most amount of goals in the division - just imagine what may have been achieved had they had themselves a 20-goal forward?


The future: Tony Khan

Turning loans in permanents
Tomas Kalas, Lucas Piazon, Cyriac, Thanos Petsos and Martin were all on loan this season, but only two of them need to be made permanent.

Signing Kalas and Piazon from Chelsea will be another issue Jokanovic faces, the defense has been a problem this season and Kalas has been phenomenal at the back.

While that was great for Fulham in the season, it's bad news now with everyone knowing what the Czech is capable of and there will be a number of suitors after him as well.

He has said previously that staying at Fulham would be the perfect scenario for him and Jokanovic wants to sign him, so hopefully it's a match made in heaven.

Piazon was the most impressive in the defeat on Tuesday night and looked good before his jaw injury against Cardiff and signing him wouldn't be the worst thing they could do to strengthen the attacking midfield roles.

Both players will have teams after them, the issue Fulham face is making sure they front the queue.

The Ryan Sessegnon situation

Keeping hold of Sess: Ryan Sessegnon (Photo: Adam Davy/PA Wire)

This could well be the saga of the summer, will he or won't he leave the Cottage?

Liverpool are confident they can land the 16-year-old during the transfer window, while Jokanovic insists the best place for him to continue his development is at Fulham.

A move to a club like Liverpool is enough to turn anybody's head, let's be honest, but hopefully the club can do enough to persuade the youngster that moving so early in his career isn't the best of moves and that he can grow into a world class player at the Cottage.

It won't be the end of the world if he does choose to leave, but it will certainly be a help if he stays.




http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/what-issues-fulham-face-after-13049007

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Fulham must make a move for this 15-goal Derby County ace, should Cairney opt to leave

It will take some time for Fulham to get over the disappointment of their play-off semi-final defeat to Reading, with Slavisa Jokanovic's side falling short in their quest for Premier League football, despite defying the odds to finish inside the Sky Bet Championship's top-six.

With just eight-fixtures of the season remaining, Fulham found themselves eight-points behind Leeds United, but a magnificent run of form saw the Cottagers finish the season five-points ahead of the Whites.

Key to that run of form, and Fulham's impressive performances across the season, has been Tom Cairney, who has scored 13 goals for the Cottagers this campaign.

Cairney added 11 assists to his goal tally, and with Fulham's failure to gain promotion, there is plenty of speculation surrounding the 26-year old's future.

Should Cairney leave Craven Cottage, Fulham are likely to land a handsome transfer-fee and they must invest it wisely to replace their best player.

Derby County's Tom Ince is a player that Jokanovic could look to lure to Craven Cottage, with the 25-year old one of the Championship's most high-profile players.

Cairney and Ince play in different roles within their respective teams, so should Fulham make a move for the Derby man, he wouldn't be seen as a direct replacement for Cairney.

However, Ince has 15 goals and six assists across all competitions this season, which shows he could replace Cairney's creativity at Fulham, should the Scottish international opt for a move away.

Ince has been a shining light in a disappointing campaign for Derby, and the Rams would not let him go on the cheap, but with Fulham certain to land a multi-million pound deal from Cairney's potential departure, he would be well within their price range.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-must-make-a-move-for-this-15-goal-derby-county-ace-should-cairney-opt-to-leave/

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Kermogant kills off Fulham's dream
by Dan on May 17, 2017

It just had to be a penalty that ultimately ended Fulham's promotion dream, didn't it? This one, awarded contentiously by Martin Atkinson after both Yann Kermogant and Tomas Kalas appeared to handle a bouncing ball in the box, was converted by Kermogant to send Reading to Wembley and extend Fulham's wretched winless play-off record. After the raucous and somewhat riotous Royals celebrations afterwards, you could spot red shirts sinking to their knees disconsolate as Slavisa Jokanovic's side ran out of gas approaching the penultimate hurdle in an extraordinary season.

Fulham certainly gave it everything, especially in a frenetic finale as they even pushed Marcus Bettinelli forward in search of goal that could have brought extra time, but you felt that the exhaustions of a punishing league and Cup campaign had caught up with the visitors – this might have been one game too many. Even though Fulham's football wasn't as fluent as it could have been – and you have to credit Jaap Stam for ensuring his side shackled Tom Cairney – they still carved out a host of excellent chances, with Ali Al-Habsi making a string of world class saves both before and after Kermogant banished his own play-off penalty demons in the second half.

The Omani goalkeeper had already smuggled Ryan Fredericks' strike onto the post after a typical bustling run onto the post before he made a brilliant stop to claw away Cairney's curling free-kick and then hauled himself up to thwart Sone Aluko from the rebound. In the second half, Al-Habsi smothered a shot from ex-Royal Lucas Piazon, made an outstanding reaction drive to tip Kevin McDonald's placed drive over the crossbar after a brilliant burst from Aluko and then threw himself at the feet of Chris Martin when the substitute seemed well placed to equalise.

In the final minute of stoppage time, with Bettinelli a permanent fixture in the Reading box, Stefan Johansen swung over a cross from the left and Martin glanced a free header wide of the far post – summing up both a frustrating evening and an ultimately unfulfilling loan spell for the Scotland international. Fulham had soon plenty of application and endeavour but were punished for the lack of potency in the final third that has been the story of their season.

Reading were much more ambitious than at Craven Cottage on Saturday, roared on by a fired-up Madjeski crowd and they went close to taking the lead in the thirteenth minute when Kermogant shook off the attentions of both Kalas and the excellent Tim Ream to swivel and shoot at goal. It looked like the opening goal, only for Bettinelli to brilliantly palm it around his post.

The hosts started the second half in rousing fashion. Kermogant's fine cross located Lewis Grabban in space, but the Bournemouth loanee's attempted flick was easily gathered by Bettinelli. The tie's crucial moment arrived just a minute later. Kermogant and Kalas chased a floated ball forward by van der Berg and, after the former Leicester striker had pushed the centre back, Atkinson adjudged the latter guilty of handball. TV replays suggested the French forward had also used his hand to try and gain possession, but that was all academic once Kermogant squeezed his spot-kick under the body of a disappointed Bettinelli, who had guessed right.

The Fulham goalkeeper recovered quickly as he palmed away a Grabban drive at goal to prevent Reading from doubling their lead just moments later and Bettinelli was in the right place at the right time to gather John Swift's stabbed shot when the ex-Chelsea midfielder had almost the whole goal to aim after being perfectly picked out by Chris Gunter. For a moment it looked as if Fulham could be swept away by a Royal tide, but they came again – with wave after wave of attacks towards the end, but Jokanovic's side couldn't produce the piece of magic that would have been necessary to beat the inspired Al-Habsi.

READING (5-3-2): Al-Habsi; Gunter, Blackett (McCleary 66), Ilori, Moore, van der Berg; Evans, D. Williams, Swift (Kelly 75); Kermogant (Mendes 89), Grabban. Subs (not used): Jaakola, Gravenberch, Beerens, Popa.

BOOKED: Kermogant, Moore.

GOAL: Kermogant (pen 49).

FULHAM (4-1-2-3): Bettinelli; Fredericks, Malone (Martin 73), Kalas, Ream; McDonald; Cairney, Johansen; Aluko, Ayite (Sessegnon 58), Kebano (Piazon 58). Subs (not used): Button, Odoi, Parker, Cyriac.

BOOKED: McDonald, Johansen, Malone.

REFEREE: Martin Atkinson (West Yorkshire).

ATTENDANCE: 22,044.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/05/kermogant-kills-off-fulhams-dream/