Thursday Fulham Stuff (15/06/17)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Grenfell Tower Donations

Everyone at Fulham was troubled by the news of the fire at Grenfell Tower this morning in West London.

In an attempt to help those affected, Craven Cottage will be open to accept donations from supporters, staff and local residents to provide the victims with much needed items.

If you can spare any clothing, toiletries, children's toys, or baby items, please bring them down to Craven Cottage Main Reception, located midway along the Johnny Haynes Stand on Stevenage Road, which will be open until 7pm.

Alternatively, if you live closer to Motspur Park, we will be accepting items at our Training Ground Reception.

These items will then be taken to the drop off point tonight at Clements Church, 95 Sirdar Road.

Please keep an eye on social media in case the request for item donations changes throughout the day.




http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/june/14/grenfell-tower-donations

[WhiteJC]

 
Tomas Kalas' quest for Premier League football may continue at Hull City

Hull City's new manager Leonid Slutsky is considering a move for Chelsea's serial loanee centre-back Tomas Kalas. The deal would land Kalas at his third Championship team in three seasons.

If not for the potential confusion with Chelsea's starting right wing-back, Tomas Kalas could rightly take the nickname "Moses." No matter what Kalas does, no matter how well he plays, no matter for whom he plays, he seems destined to always be peering into the Premier League promised land without ever stepping foot on a top flight pitch.

Hull City need to strengthen their squad for their first season back in the Championship. Between the relegation and the change in management, Hull will have significant turnover during the off-season. Centre-back starter Harry Maguire will likely be amongst the departing. Hull's new manager, Leonid Slutsky, believes Tomas Kalas could be a long-term solution for the core of the Tiger's defence.

Kalas has not been linked with any Premier League clubs, including his parent club. He will almost certainly spend at least one more season in the Championship. Barring any interest from a Premier League side, Kalas should demand a permanent transfer to either Fulham or Hull City.

A third consecutive season on loan in the Championship will do nothing for Kalas. A third season in the Championship, under any circumstances, is not what he would consider ideal. Therefore, he at least needs the assurance that he has a path up and out. Only a transfer, not a loan, gives him that.

Chelsea have little reason to deny him. Kalas has one season remaining on his Chelsea contract. They will not want to lose him on a free transfer. Unless he somehow breaks into the squad during pre-season, he has no incentive to sign an extension nor does Chelsea have much reason to offer one. He will be well behind Chelsea's raft of centre-backs on the depth chart. And he probably sees Nathan Ake's second half of last season as yet another example of what can go wrong for a Chelsea loanee.

Kalas' consistently high performances in the Championship indicate that he is a Premier League-calibre player. Given his distant chances of playing for Chelsea, his best opportunity may be to help a team earn promotion. He already did this once with Middlesbrough. Chelsea denied him the chance to stay at Boro and play 2016/17 in the top flight.

He came close to promotion with Fulham last season. The Cottagers finished sixth and lost to Reading in the promotion playoffs. Fulham have already expressed interest in extending Kalas' stay, either for another year on loan or permanently.

If Hull can stabilize their club's internal dynamic, and that with the fans, they can contend for promotion within a few years. Fulham are already on the brink of a return. Tomas Kalas can help either club get over the hump. But he needs to know that he will get his reward of Premier League football for doing so.



http://theprideoflondon.com/2017/06/14/tomas-kalas-hull-city/

[WhiteJC]

 
EXCLUSIVE: Nigeria must learn lessons from South Africa defeat – Sone Aluko

The forward says the Super Eagles must improve in all areas after their surprise defeat to Bafana Bafana as they prepare to face Cameroon in August

Fulham star Sone Aluko has urged the Super Eagles to learn and move on from Saturday's stunning defeat to South Africa, insisting there are lots of improvements to be made.

Goals from Tokelo Rantie and Percy Tau were all Stuart Baxter's men needed to silence Nigeria at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo – a result that could have big implications in the race for 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

Though hurt about the three-time African champions losing their invincibility to Bafana Bafana, the 28-year-old whose brace rescued the team from defeat in 2014 is trusting the Eagles can make adjustments from the frustrations of their performance against the 1996 African champions.

''It was painful and every time Super Eagles lose it's always painful,'' Aluko told Goal.

''I'm a fan first and foremost and as somebody who wants to go back into the team it is even more frustrating because you feel like there is something you can help offer the team.

''It's just ironical; same stadium, same two nil. We lost this game 2-0 and when I played [against South Africa in 2014], I scored two goals though there's no saying if I played this game I'd have scored two goals.

''But we shouldn't even be looking for miracles because the Super Eagles are big enough to win games. Any team can lose games, that can happen but I think the manner of the loss is what pains people the most.''

Nigeria face Cameroon on August 28 as the race for 2018 Fifa World Cup Russia gets hotter, and Aluko reveals the kind of change Rohr's men need.

''Well, success is not a very good teacher. Sometimes when you keep winning you're successful you don't actually learn much,'' he continued.

''But sometimes when you lose,  it highlights the small errors and small margins you have to improve on.

''So if we take lessons from that defeat,  the Super Eagles will be back. We were missing key players and the defending wasn't great.

''The team didn't seem like it gelled well, so there are lots to take from the game. Even the attacking seems  disjointed. Before facing Cameroon,  there are lots of improvements that can be made.''




http://www.goal.com/en-za/news/4622/africa/2017/06/14/36357302/nigeria-must-learn-lessons-from-south-africa-defeat-sone

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham turned down £20million Newcastle bid for Tom Cairney, claims Slavisa Jokanovic

The Scotland international was linked with a move to St James' Park in January with Aston Villa also understood to be interested

Slavisa Jokanovic has confirmed Fulham turned down a £20million bid from Newcastle for midfielder Tom Cairney.

The 26-year-old enjoyed a fine season for the Cottagers as they made the play-offs before losing to Reading on penalties in the semi-final.

The Scotland international was linked with a move to St James' Park in January with Aston Villa also understood to be interested.

But boss Jokanovic, while confirming an offer was rejected, says Cairney should stay at Craven Cottage.

"He [Rafa Benitez] asked for him and they offered £20m, but we didn't let him go," he said. "He's not for Newcastle, there is no business there. He fits in at Fulham.

"When the team has problems, the ball always goes to him and he keeps it."

The player himself is keen to test himself at the highest level but would like to do so with Fulham.

"Every player has to back themselves to play at that level and I believe once I get there — and I hope it's with Fulham — I really will show I can do things at that level," he said earlier this season.

"It's all about getting there in the first place, but I do think it does suit my game."



http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/newcastle-transfer-news-tom-cairney-fulham-rafael-benitez-a7789181.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham FC ask fans to help out with Grenfell Tower fire disaster in London

Cottagers seek donations after horrific London fire at Latimer Road



Fulham Football Club are looking to help all those directly affected by the Grenfell Tower fire in West London this morning.

The club say Craven Cottage will be open to accept donations from fans, staff and local residents to provide the victims with support and items they desperately need.

Anything from clothing, toiletries, children's toys and baby items would be of great appreciation and use. Fulham fans can bring items to Main Reception up until 7pm.

However, if fans live closer to the club's Motspur Park training ground, items will be also be taken there, which will then be delivered to the drop-off point this evening at Clements Church, 95 Sirdar Road, near to the scene at Latimer Road.



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-ask-fans-help-out-13184064

[WhiteJC]

 
Bookies make Fulham favourites to sign Derby County's Tom Ince with Sheffield Wednesday among other main contenders

The Derby County winger could be on his way out of Pride Park, with Fulham and Sheffield Wednesday seemingly in the running.

Derby County winger Tom Ince

Bookmakers Bet Victor are offering odds on Tom Ince's next club.

The Derby County winger could be on his way out of Pride Park this summer, with Rams boss Gary Rowett hinting he may have to sell his stars to raise funds for new arrivals.

The Sun reported on Tuesday that Huddersfield Town have opened talks with Derby regarding an initial season-long loan deal, while another newly-promoted side, Newcastle United, have been strongly linked in recent months.

Nevertheless, Bet Victor's latest odds suggest it's one of Derby's Championship rivals, Fulham, who currently lead the race.

The Cottagers are 5/1 to sign Ince - who scored 14 league goals in 2016-17 - before 3 September this year, with another second-tier side, Sheffield Wednesday, occupying slightly longer odds of 6/1, alongside Huddersfield, Newcastle and Swansea City.

Sheffield Wednesday were linked with a move for Ince during last summer's transfer window, and are said to want to add to their wide options this summer.

Both the Owls and Fulham - who currently employ Sone Aluko, Floyd Ayite and Neeskens Kebano in the Derby star's position - were beaten in May's Championship play-off semi-finals.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2017/06/14/bookies-make-fulham-favourites-to-sign-derby-countys-tom-ince-wi/

[WhiteJC]

 
Premier League fixtures: A look at how Fulham fared on the opening day of their 13 top-flight seasons

With Premier League fixtures being unveiled today, we take a look at how Fulham performed on the opening day of their 13 seasons in the Premier League.

With fans, players and pundits up and down the country analysing the newly-released Premier League fixtures which were announced this morning, we take a look at how Fulham performed on the opening weekend of their 13 seasons in the top flight.

Their record was fairly encouraging, having won five, drawn four and lost four of their 13 openers, including avoiding defeat in each of their last five openers.

19th August 2001 - Manchester United 3 Fulham 2

A Louis Saha brace wasn't enough to avoid defeat at Old Trafford against Manchester United.

17th August 2002 - Fulham 4 Bolton Wanderers 1

A five-goal thriller, including three penalties saw Fulham take a big win through strikes from Louis Saha, Steve Marlet and a Sylvain Legwinski brace.

16th August 2003 - Fulham 3 Middlesbrough 2

Steve Marlet, Junichi Inamoto and Louis Saha secured a victory against a spirited Middlesbrough at the Cottage.

14th August 2004 - Manchester City 1 Fulham 1

18-year-old Collins John stole the show after he drew Fulham level following Robbie Fowler's opener for City.

13th August 2005 - Fulham 0 Birmingham City 0

The sides couldn't be separated as they drew a stalemate with the Blues.

20th August 2006 - Manchester United 5 Fulham 1

Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne reunited emphatically following "that" incident at the World Cup, combining alongside former Fulham man Saha to put five past the West London side.

12th August 2007 - Arsenal 2 Fulham 1

David Healy's early goal was cancelled out by emphatic efforts from Robin Van Persie and Alexandr Hleb.

16th August 2008 - Hull City 2 Fulham 1

Caleb Folan and Geovanni secured a first Premier League win for Hull City following an opener from Seol Ki Hyeon.

15th August 2009 - Portsmouth 0 Fulham 1

Bobby Zamora scored the only goal of the match as Fulham recorded an opening-day victory at Fratton Park.

14th August 2010 - Bolton Wanderers 0 Fulham 0

Both sides cancelled each other out in a forgettable open-day encounter.

13th August 2011 - Fulham 0 Aston Villa 0

Two outstanding saves from Villa keeper Shay Given was enough to deny Fulham taking three points at Craven Cottage.

18th August 2012 - Fulham 5 Norwich City 0

Mladen Petric scored twice on the way to a crushing 5-0 victory over Norwich City in Fulhams' penultimate game in the top-flight.

17th August 2013 - Sunderland 0 Fulham 1

An encouraging start to a disappointing season as Pajtim Kasami clinched the victory at the Stadium of Light.



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/premier-league-fixtures-look-how-13184331

[WhiteJC]

 
Why Fulham fans are the losers AGAIN to Chelsea after Premier League fixtures announced

Cottagers all set for another away day trip on Boxing Day

Fulham are set to be away on Boxing Day yet again, after the Premier League's new fixtures for next season were released involving champions Chelsea.

The fixture computer has given the Blues a home game the day after Christmas - for the fifth year in a row.

That means, of course, Fulham fans face another trip on the road, and they have to wait another week to find out their Championship fixtures.

The computer always pairs rivals Chelsea and Fulham so that they alternate their home matches due to policing demands. Both clubs not played at home on the same day for more than 47 years, dating back to the 1960s.

So where have Fulham had to travel to on Boxing Day in the last four seasons? In 2013 they went to Norwich City and won 2-1, in 2014 it was a 2-0 defeat at AFC Bournemouth, in 2015 it was another 2-0 defeat, this time to Derby County, but last season they won 2-0 at Ipswich Town.



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-fans-losers-again-chelsea-13184693

[WhiteJC]

 
Transfer Talk: Ex-Fulham man Chris Smalling set to leave Manchester United with Arsenal, West Ham, West Brom and Everton interested

The defender is deemed to be surplus to requirements at Manchester United, with Jose Mourinho looking to mount a title challenge next season.

ormer Fulham defender Chris Smalling looks set for a busy summer as speculations mounts regarding a move away from Old Trafford.

The defender is deemed to be surplus to requirements at Manchester United, with Jose Mourinho looking to mount a title challenge next season.

Smalling is expected to be one of the first names out of the door, and according to the Telegraph, clubs such as Arsenal, West Ham, West Brom and Everton supposedly interested.

The 27-year-old from London signed for Fulham from Maidstone United in June 2008 before moving on to Manchester United in 2010.

It's thought that a fee in the region of £15m would be enough to secure the signing of the England defender, which may lead to Fulham receiving a percentage of the fee.



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/transfer-talk-ex-fulham-man-13185379

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham considering summer move for Ivory Coast striking sensation

Championship play-off semi-finalists Fulham may look to loan in Oostende forward Cyriac again next season, according to Belgian media outlet Het Nieuwsblad (via Sport Witness).

The 26-year-old spent the second half of last season at Craven Cottage having fallen down the pecking order at parent club Oostende, yet he didn't increase his gametime much under Slavisa Jokanovic as the Cottagers pushed for promotion to the Premier League.

The Ivory Coast international failed to start a single Championship game last term, instead earning ten substitute appearances and netting the one goal in their 2-2 draw with Blackburn back on March 14.

Nonetheless, recent reports suggest that the London outfit may look to bring Cyriac back to Craven Cottage next term, with it clear that he is out-of-favour at Oostende and likely again seeking first team football.

And, given his record at the Belgian top-flight club prior to moving to Fulham, it's clear that he's a forward with much potential, having bagged 21 goals and laid on six assists in just 58 games for Oostende, and with decent goal-scoring spells at Anderlecht and Standard Liege prior to his 2015 move to Oostende, the striking sensation could be a shrewd acquisition for Jokanovic's Cottagers.

Fulham fans may be slightly concerned about a potential deal given the minimal effect Cyriac made on the side last time round, but with the Championship club looking for a sustained promotion push once again next term, having a talented individual like Cyriac in the squad can only be beneficial.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-considering-summer-move-for-ivory-coast-striking-sensation/

[WhiteJC]

 
Championship manager claims to have rejected £20m NUFC bid for star player

Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic claims his side have turned down £20million Newcastle bid for Tom Cairney, stating that the Championship star is 'not for Newcastle'.

It is no secret that Rafa Benitez is a big fan of the 26-year-old midfielder and the Fulham boss has spoken out this week, suggesting the Magpies had a £20m offer rejected for Cairney – a player he appears to have no intention of selling.

Jokanovic said:


    "He [Rafa Benitez] asked for him and they offered £20m, but we didn't let him go,"
    "He's not for Newcastle, there is no business there. He fits in at Fulham."
    "When the team has problems, the ball always goes to him and he keeps it."


Cairney was one of the stand out players in the Championship last season, notching 13 goals and 11 assists for Fulham as he helped them finish within the play-offs.

Fulham's Premier League dream was short-lived, however, seeing Cariney's side beaten by Reading in their play-off semi-final, fuelling rumours of his potential move to NUFC after speaking of his dream to play in the top flight.

Whilst Fulham clearly have no intention of selling one of their prize assets, Cairney's wish for Premier League football and Newcastle's need for midfield creativity means this won't be the last you'll hear of this transfer rumour this summer.



http://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2017/06/14/championship-manager-claims-to-have-rejected-20m-nufc-bid-for-star-player/

[WhiteJC]

 
QPR, Fulham & Harlequins open their doors for Grenfell Tower aid donations

QPR, Fulham and Harlequins have opened their doors to offer relief and support to those affected by the Grenfell Tower fire.

Six people have lost their lives, with police expecting the death toll to rise, due to the blaze in west London.

QPR chairman Tony Fernandes sent his condolences early on Wednesday morning before plans were confirmed, following discussions with chief executive Lee Hoos, that Loftus Road can be used for a relief centre.

A club statement read: "Following the tragic fire at Grenfell Tower in north Kensington, Loftus Road is taking material donations to aid the relief effort.

"If you are able to donate clothing, blankets, toiletries, food, you can make your donations at the Main Entrance of the stadium which is located on South Africa Road.

"Donations can be made until 7pm this evening, and Reception will be open to take further donations from 7am - 7pm on Thursday.

"The club will be working with Kensington & Chelsea Council to deliver all donations to those who have been affected.

"For those who have been directly affected by this terrible incident, you are welcome to use our facilities here at the stadium for rest and refreshments."

Fulham and Harlequins have actioned similar, with Craven Cottage, training ground Motspur Park and The Stoop also open for aid donations.

"If you can spare any clothing, toiletries, children's toys, or baby items, please bring them down to Craven Cottage Main Reception, located midway along the Johnny Haynes Stand on Stevenage Road, which will be open until 7pm," a statement read.

"Alternatively, if you live closer to Motspur Park, we will be accepting items at our Training Ground Reception.

"These items will then be taken to the drop off point tonight at Clements Church, 95 Sirdar Road."

Harlequins issued the following to Standard Sport: "The Club will be collecting donations in the form of clothing, bedding, toiletries and toys at The Stoop from Wednesday 14th June until Thursday 15th June, at 12:00 midday.

Harlequins would like to ask those supporters who are willing to donate items, to those affected by the Grenfell Tower fire, to drop off their donations at the Club's reception in the IG (west) Stand at The Stoop."



http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/qpr-fulham-harlequins-open-their-doors-for-grenfell-tower-aid-donations-a3565196.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Thank You

Thank you very much to everyone who contributed today and brought your items to Craven Cottage and Motspur Park to show your support for those affected by the events this morning at Grenfell Tower.

We kindly ask for no more donations at this time.

If you were not able to get to one of our locations in time, there are other ways you can help.

For those wishing to donate money, the Kensington and Chelsea Foundation has set up a page for donations here: thekandcfoundation.com/donate/ The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea council is also looking for volunteers to help with the support effort following the fire, find out more via their Twitter page here.

Thank You all once again!



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/june/14/donation-information

[WhiteJC]

 
Popular Kalas Not Coming Back to Fulham

Somebody who impressed during his loan spell with Fulham Football Club, doesn`t look as if he will pull on a Fulham shirt again.

The 24-year-old Czech international centre-back, Tomas Kalas, was outstanding during his loan spell at Craven Cottage and played his part in Fulham reaching the play-offs, an experience that was to sadly end in failure.

Kalas, on the books of our neighbours Chelsea, is no stranger to loan spells having played on the continent before showcasing his talents with Middlesbrough and then Fulham, in England.

Some at Craven Cottage may have hoped that Fulham would approach Chelsea with a view to doing a permanent deal for the player, however, it seems that another Championship side may have beaten us to the punch.

It`s being reported by the Evening Standard, that Hull City are looking to do a deal with Chelsea.

The Humberside outfit also have an advantage over any other clubs wishing to sign Kalas, their new manager, Leonid Slutsky, is a close associate of Roman Abramovich.

Some you win, some you lose.



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=494954#ixzz4k361z8gN

[gang]

Popular Kalas Not Coming Back to Fulham

Somebody who impressed during his loan spell with Fulham Football Club, doesn`t look as if he will pull on a Fulham shirt again.

The 24-year-old Czech international centre-back, Tomas Kalas, was outstanding during his loan spell at Craven Cottage and played his part in Fulham reaching the play-offs, an experience that was to sadly end in failure.

Kalas, on the books of our neighbours Chelsea, is no stranger to loan spells having played on the continent before showcasing his talents with Middlesbrough and then Fulham, in England.

Some at Craven Cottage may have hoped that Fulham would approach Chelsea with a view to doing a permanent deal for the player, however, it seems that another Championship side may have beaten us to the punch.

It`s being reported by the Evening Standard, that Hull City are looking to do a deal with Chelsea.

The Humberside outfit also have an advantage over any other clubs wishing to sign Kalas, their new manager, Leonid Slutsky, is a close associate of Roman Abramovich.

Some you win, some you lose.



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=494954#ixzz4k361z8gN

[gang]

Clearly it's not what you know but who you know that counts.

[mojo]

Doesn't Kalas get a say in any transfer? Leaving football aside, if you were a 24 year old Czech would you rather live in Fulham or Hull?

[ToodlesMcToot]

Popular Kalas Not Coming Back to Fulham

Somebody who impressed during his loan spell with Fulham Football Club, doesn`t look as if he will pull on a Fulham shirt again.

The 24-year-old Czech international centre-back, Tomas Kalas, was outstanding during his loan spell at Craven Cottage and played his part in Fulham reaching the play-offs, an experience that was to sadly end in failure.

Kalas, on the books of our neighbours Chelsea, is no stranger to loan spells having played on the continent before showcasing his talents with Middlesbrough and then Fulham, in England.

Some at Craven Cottage may have hoped that Fulham would approach Chelsea with a view to doing a permanent deal for the player, however, it seems that another Championship side may have beaten us to the punch.

It`s being reported by the Evening Standard, that Hull City are looking to do a deal with Chelsea.

The Humberside outfit also have an advantage over any other clubs wishing to sign Kalas, their new manager, Leonid Slutsky, is a close associate of Roman Abramovich.

Some you win, some you lose.



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=494954#ixzz4k361z8gN

Title of the article aside....where is the bit that says Kalas isn't coming back? There's nothing but guessing here topped off with click bait for a heading.