Friday Fulham Stuff (16/06/17)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Former Fulham man leaves Wolfsburg with fans split on whether they'd want him back at the Cottage

The Iranian international rejoined the German club in January but has now been released, and fans have take to Twitter to give their view on a possible return

Former Fulham man Ashkan Dejagah has left Wolfsburg after the club decided against extending his contract, with fans split on whether they'd like to see him back at Craven Cottage.

The 30-year-old joined the Cottagers from Wolfsburg in 2012 and played two seasons at the club before leaving for Al-Arabi after Fulham were relegated, although he was named as Player of the Season.

He rejoined Wolfsburg in January 2017 on a six-month deal but the club have decided against renewing his contract, and fans in west London are split on whether they would like to see him return to the club now that he is a free agent, although there is a lot of support for a return.



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/former-fulham-man-leaves-wolfsburg-13188337

[WhiteJC]

 
Fan's view: Fulham being away on Boxing Day isn't just unlucky - it damn right stinks

Chelsea being drawn at home on Boxing Day means Fulham will most likely play away, and fan Dave Salisbury isn't too happy about it

Fulham fans should avoid black cats, broken mirrors and walking under ladders, because they're the unluckiest fans in the football league.

How else can you explain the fact that their team will be playing their 2017 Boxing Day fixture away from home for the FIFTH year on the trot? A quick search on the internet reveals that the chance of this happening is one in thirty two, or just over 3%. As a certain previous chairman used to say: You lucky people!

Although the EFL fixtures have yet to be released, the announcement this morning that Premier League Chelsea are playing at home on December 26 almost certainly guarantees that Fulham will be away on that date. We're never at home on the same day, due to stretched Met Police resources.

(The last trouble I saw at Fulham was when Putney Costa Coffee sold out of frangipanes, but this holds no sway with the boys in blue).

So why's it such a big deal? Why's this particular Fulham fan getting so precious over a run of Bank Holiday away games? There are two consequences of this run of fixtures, both extremely unfair in their own way.

Firstly, it is unfair on Fulham fans. Those of us who follow Fulham home and away, do occasionally need time with the family.


Fulham scoring against Norwich City on Boxing Day 2013 (Photo: Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)

Our devotion to the cause is beyond the comprehension of many friends and relatives and the Christmas break is the perfect opportunity to earn brownie points, repair bonds and build bridges.

For three out of the last four Boxing days, my wife and I have left bemused relatives at the crack of dawn to follow our team to glamorous destinations like Norwich and Derby. It's beginning to wear a bit thin! We didn't have the heart to do it for a fourth time last season.

Meanwhile, the Chelsea fans next door (I've not used names, to avoid embarrassment) have had their delightfully 'unique', extended family over for the last four Boxing Days, had a lengthy lie in and shuffled off to Stamford Bridge after a leisurely brunch.

Meanwhile, the more cerebral members of SW6 have had to travel many miles using a much reduced public transport service, or simply driven themselves to the game after a pretty sober Christmas Day.

At a time when Sky are already pushing fans to the limit with 'imaginative' kick off times like Thursday evening, the last thing we need is for the EFL fixture guru to put the boot in as well.


Matt Smith scores against Newcastle (Photo: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Secondly, it's not fair on the Club. Football Clubs can usually expect a bumper gate on a Boxing Day, as friends and family re-join the fold and accompany the more regular fans on their pilgrimage.

Fulham are no exception and a crowd of, say, 21k instead of 17k can make an awful lot of difference to finances. With Financial Fair Play demanding that we account for every penny, the extra income can be the difference between a play-off and an embargo. I guess it's lucky for Chelsea then.

Except, you've guessed it, they would get a capacity crowd anyway! Such is the pull of any Premier League fixture that they would probably sell out on Christmas morning! So they really don't need the 'favour' of a Boxing Day fixture – and yet it has come along for five years on the trot!

We're a fairly happy go lucky bunch at Fulham but we know our football and we know when something is fair, and when something is just a little bit rotten. I'd love some input from the Premier League or the EFL but from where I'm standing, something about this fixture debacle really stinks.



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fans-view-fulham-being-away-13188699

[WhiteJC]

 
Ticket Office Early Closure

The Ticket Office will close at 1pm on Friday 16th June. We will re-open as usual at 9am on Monday 19th June.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/june/15/ticket-office-early-closure

[WhiteJC]

 
Kidzania Takeover

Fulham Football Club has taken over the KidZania London Stadium for an end of summer term Sports Week.

Coaches from Fulham FC Foundation will be hosting the first ever Sports Week at KidZania, which kicked off today (Wed 14th June) and will run until this Sunday the 18th June, Father's Day.

An indoor city run by kids, KidZania blends learning and reality with entertainment. Located in Westfield London, children can independently explore over 60 real-life activities and test their skills in a variety of professions!

Children visiting the City across the five-day takeover will have access to the Club's qualified coaches who have put together a special programme filled with a range of activities. As well as brushing up on a range of football skills, coaches will work with children to develop technique, teamwork and confidence.

Our popular official mascot, Billy the Badger, will also be making a special appearance across the five days. Children visiting during Sports Week will receive a Fulham gift and will be able to use their KidZos earned to purchase selected Fulham merchandise from the KidZania store.

Head to www.kidzania.co.uk/whats-on/fulham-fc-takeover-june-2017  for more information!




http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/june/15/kidzania-takeover

[WhiteJC]

 
Tottenham target Ryan Sessegnon has to play regularly, otherwise a move doesn't make sense according to Sone Aluko

The 17-year-old's team mate believes he has to play regularly if he leaves and shouldn't interrupt his development

Sone Aluko believes that Ryan Sessegnon must play regularly if he chooses to leave Fulham , otherwise a transfer away doesn't make sense.

The 17-year-old has been heavily linked with Tottenham and has yet to sign a professional deal at his boyhood club, despite being eligible for one since May.

Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal are all keen on the youngster, but he looks set to seal a move to the north London club, and although his team mate Aluko believes he is well ahead of his years, he still has a lot of developing to do.

And Aluko has questioned whether he will get the game time at the big clubs needed and has said that his decision making is key for him at this time.

He told Goal.com : ''He's well ahead of his age. There is a lot of learning for him still to do and that will only come with playing games and gathering experience. This is his first season in professional football.


Fulham's Sone Aluko (Photo: Lewis Darling)

''He is an exceptional talent. I think what is important for him is to keep progressing - and he's progressed this year because he played regularly.

''So if he does go to a big club, which is going to happen at some point, those big clubs loan players out all the time - if he goes to a Manchester City or Tottenham or Manchester United or wherever, would he play in their first team now?

''If he goes and doesn't play, it doesn't make sense. But if he goes there and goes out on loan and plays regularly, it's still good for him. So there are a lot of options for him.

''When you are good, you have options. That's why I say his decision making is key for him. He shouldn't interrupt his development.''



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/tottenham-target-ryan-sessegnon-play-13188929

[WhiteJC]

 
Star Sixes

The world's greatest players will reunite in a brand new legend's world cup 6-a-side football tournament at The O2 in London this July, and Fulham fans can get discounted tickets!

See a galaxy of stars – including Gerrard, Owen, Ferdinand, Pires, Ballack, Deco, Puyol, Roberto Carlos, Rivaldo and Del Piero – under one roof as they once again pull on their national shirts to renew international rivalries.

The star-studded tournament will feature 12 teams – England, Brazil, Spain, Germany, Mexico, Italy, France, Portugal, Denmark, Scotland, Nigeria and China – across 4 days of intense competition.

This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get up close to so many of the legends of the game – book through the Fulham box office to secure your place or visit starsixes.com for more information.


Call the Ticket Office on 0843 208 1234 (option 2) to secure your place. Prices can be found below, with a £1.50 transaction fee applicable.

Date    Doors open    Adult price    Under-16 price
Thursday 13th July    6pm    £55 £44    £25 £20
Friday 14th July    6pm    £55 £44    £25 £20
Saturday 15th July*    11.30am    £55 £44    £10
Saturday 15th July    6pm    £55 £44    £25 £20
Sunday 16th July    5.30pm     £55 £44     £25 £20

*Early session
Event information

Where are my tickets located?

FFC's allocation of tickets are in blocks 406,407,106,107,108 and 115 – first come first served.

How long is each match?

In the group stage, games will last 20 minutes while the semi-finals and final will consist of two halves of 15 minutes, separated by a short half-time break.

Will there be any pre- or post-match entertainment?

Star Sixes intends to be more than just a football tournament, with a spectacular show built around the matches. Keep an eye on the Star Sixes website and social media for further information including special guest and artist announcements.

Fixtures

The discounted tickets can only be purchased over the phone, so call the Ticket Office on 0843 208 1234 (option 2) to secure your place.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/june/15/star-sixes

[WhiteJC]

 
Could Hull boss' links with Chelsea scupper Fulham's transfer hopes?

Hull manager Leonid Slutsky and Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich are friends, which could spell trouble for Fulham's pursuit of Tomas Kalas.

Newly appointed Hull City manager Leonid Slutsky is hoping to use his close friendship with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich to his advantage in the transfer market this summer.

Slutsky was appointed Tigers boss following the departure of Marco Silva and is targeting promotion from the Championship at the first time of asking in 2017/18.

So in order to do this he may be relying on bringing in talent from the Premier League on loan, with Blues centre-back Tomas Kalas reported by the London Evening Standard to be on the radar.

"In the Championship we have some loan options. It's four players from one team, and it's a possible situation to get some players from Chelsea," Slutsky told Sky Sports.

"We spoke with him about this situation, but it's not the absolute option. If we need some players, I think it's possible."

Kalas spent the last 12 months on loan at fellow West Londoners Fulham and they are keen to bring the defender back to Craven Cottage.

Slavisa Jokanovic felt the 24-year-old fitted his style perfectly and ahead of another promotion push themselves, would like to have the Czech Republic international back in his ranks.

However, despite their geographical advantage it seems that the friendship between Slutsky and Abramovich could end up seeing many teams miss out on targets from Stamford Bridge.




http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2017/06/15/could-hull-boss-links-with-chelsea-scupper-fulhams-transfer-hope/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham turn down club record Newcastle bid for Tom Cairney

Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic claims they have rejected a club-record bid of £20million for midfielder Tom Cairney from Newcastle.

Cairney was one of the best performers in the Championship this past season and has earned plenty of admiring glances as the Cottagers reached the play-offs, only to narrowly miss out to Reading in the semi-finals.

The 26-year-old was linked with Aston Villa in January, but Newcastle have emerged as genuine contenders to sign the player following their return to the Premier League.

But Jokanovic claims that he has already turned down a £20m move from Newcastle – more than the Magpies' current record outlay which is the £16m spent on Michael Owen in 2005.

"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."

Cairney himself discussed leaving Craven Cottage earlier in the season.

"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.

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



http://www.teamtalk.com/news/fulham-turn-down-club-record-newcastle-bid-for-tom-cairney

[WhiteJC]

 
When will QPR, Brentford and Fulham embark on their FA Cup journeys this season?

The FA have announced when all the rounds will take place - here's all the information you need to know

The FA have announced the dates of ALL the FA cup rounds for the coming season, so when will QPR , Fulham and Brentford start their quests for Wembley glory?

All three sides will enter the competition at the third round, as per usual, with the date set for Saturday, January 6 2018 for when the three sides will go into FA Cup action.

The draw for the third round will probably take place on Monday 4 December, which is when the last game of the second round ties will take place.

The final, if QPR, Fulham and Brentford get to it, will take place at Wembley Stadium on May 19, with the semi-finals on 21 and 22 April.

If you're looking for when the competition starts, it begins on the exact same weekend as the Football League - August 5 with the Extra Preliminary rounds starting then, with the First Round proper kicking off on November 4.

Meanwhile, the Carabao Cup first round draw takes place at 1pm tomorrow, with Brentford, QPR and Fulham all seeded for the draw.



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/qpr-brentford-fulham-embark-fa-13190728

[WhiteJC]

 
Grenfell Tower Update

A reminder that there is now no more room at Craven Cottage or Motspur Park, and so we kindly request that fans do not bring us any further items.

The response from the Fulham Faithful has been nothing short of wonderful in an attempt to help those affected by the Grenfell Tower fire, with a vast amount of clothes, food, baby products and toys donated.

However, both the stadium and training ground are now at full capacity, with no more room for further donations.

The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea have also politely requested that item donations are no longer made, but individuals wishing to contribute to the cause can do so here: thekandcfoundation.com/donate/.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/june/15/grenfell-tower-update

[WhiteJC]

 
Former Burton Albion loan star Cauley Woodrow could feature for England's under-21 side tomorrow

Former Burton Albion loan star Cauley Woodrow could feature in England's under-21 European Championship opener on Friday night against current holders Sweden.

Woodrow was included in England's squad after manager Aidy Boothroyd deemed his performances for Albion enough to warrant a place in the Young Lions squad. They will be hoping for a positive start to the campaign when they take on the Swedes at 5pm BST tomorrow.

The Fulham striker joined the Brewers, along with fellow Cottager Lasse Vigen Christensen, and they helped push the Brewers over the line in their fight for Championship survival.

Woodrow scored five goals in 14 games for Albion as they beat the drop by just one point in their Championship debut season, including winning goals at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers and Nottingham Forest.

   And it was no surprise to see reports linking the 22-year-old with a permanent return to Albion upon the conclusion of the Championship season.

His Fulham team-mate Christensen - another crucial January signing at the Pirelli Stadium - is likely to feature heavily in the tournament as he is captaining his Denmark under-21 side.

They play their first game on Sunday evening, against Italy at 7:45pm BST.

Woodrow will be hoping for the chance to make an early mark for England against Sweden, a game that Brewers fans will be able to catch on Sky Sports.

The ex-Brewers star will have to compete with Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham, who spent last season on-loan at Bristol City and bagged 26 goals in the process. Southampton's Nathan Redmond, Leicester City's Demari Gray and Norwich City's Jacob Murphy are other attacking options in Boothroyd's squad.

England follow up tomorrow night's opener with matches against Slovakia and Poland on Monday and Thursday respectively in pool A.



Read more at http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/former-burton-albion-loan-star-cauley-woodrow-could-feature-for-england-s-under-21-side-tomorrow/story-30392358-detail/story.html#zFXWDhw45W80PH89.99

[WhiteJC]

 
HYS: Should Newcastle table another bid for Tom Cairney?

Recent reports from The Independent have revealed Newcastle failed with a £20million bid for Fulham midfielder Tom Cairney after being linked with his services during the January transfer window.

That may seem a steep price for a second-tier player but the one-cap Scotland international was unquestionably one of the most effective players in the Championship last season, finishing up 13 goals and ten assists to his name.

He also averaged the third-most key passes per match, 2.6, of any player in the division, highlighting the creative quality the 26-year-old would offer Newcastle.

The Magpies are preparing for life back in the Premier League with Rafa Benitez seemingly wanting his side to achieve more than simply safety come the end of 2017/18, Cairney could be a wise addition.

But £20million already seems like more than enough for the Cottagers playmaker. So, should Newcastle launch an improved bid for Cairney or focus their transfer attentions elsewhere?



https://www.footballfancast.com/debate/polls/hys-should-newcastle-table-another-bid-for-tom-cairney

[WhiteJC]

 
Newcastle United Have £20m Bid Rejected For This Scottish Star: Why Rafa Will Come Back For Him

Rafael Benitez masterminded a great return to the Premier League at Newcastle Unite last season. The Toon Army are back in the big league and look set to stay here for the long haul. They won the Championship last season and won it with relative ease.

They have been linked to a host of players, as are any club who have just been promoted. But owner Mike Ashley has promised Rafa some money to be spent in order to remain in the Premier League.

Aleksandar Mitrovic confirmed fears that he might leave the club, with many clubs vying for his services. Dwight Gayle was preferred for the striker position and has duly made it his own.

Newcastle made their first signing last month, making Christian Atsu's successful loan a permanent deal.

With Mitrovic's impending transfer, there opens up a space for another player on the roster. Fulham's 26-year old Scottish International, Tom Cairney is one the many names which are suggested. He has had an impressive spell at Craven Cottage.

Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic has since confirmed that Newcastle have indeed had a bid rejected for Cairney.

Jokanovic said:

    "He [Benitez] asked for him and they offered £20million, but we did not let him go.

    "He is 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 26-year-old enjoyed a fine season for the Cottagers as they made the playoffs before losing to Reading on penalties in the semi-final.

Player Stats

Cairney made 51 appearances last season, scoring 13 goals and notching 12 assists in the process. The Scottish international has an astounding pass completion of 92.5%. He also averages 2.5 shots, 2.6 key passes and 1.7 dribbles per game. (whoscored)
What he offers

Cairney is a great dribbler, can hold on to the ball and has a wicked shot on him. He is adept at taking long shots and is always looking for a through ball. Although a great passer of the ball, finishing comes naturally to the 26-year old. He is the perfect player Benitez needs to build a team around.

This deal could well turn out to be a match made in heaven if everything goes as planned.

Cairney has also stated a desire to play in the world's best league and backed himself to do well.

"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," Cairney said.



http://madaboutepl.net/2017/06/fulham-man-to-newcastle-united/