Wednesday Fulham Stuff (12/07/17)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Dembele still being linked with Chelsea

The Daily Express have picked up on yet more reports linking Chelsea with Celtic's former Fulham forward Moussa Dembele.

The Frenchman was linked with Chelsea prior to joining Celtic despite no approach for him being made and he has continued to be touted for a move to Stamford Bridge.

It is again being claimed that Chelsea are targeting Dembele, with West Ham also linked along with Marseille.



http://www.westlondonsport.com/features-comment/chelsea-manutd-jose-mourinho-matic-inter-linked

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham's former Birmingham City midfielder Foday Nabay training with Aldershot Town

The Sierra Leone-born England youth international joined Fulham in the summer of 2013 from Birmingham City and have been described by the Cottagers as a 'powerful central midfielder' with the Championship club admitting they are expecting "big things" of him.

Fulham's Foday Nabay is thought to be moving closer to a loan move to Aldershot Town for the upcoming season.

The midfielder was one of only two trialists to feature in the Shots' starting XI against Brentford on Friday night and manager Gary Waddock admits he 'looking at' a move for the 18-year-old.

The Sierra Leone-born England youth international joined Fulham in the summer of 2013 from Birmingham City and have been described by the Cottagers as a 'powerful central midfielder' with the Championship club admitting they are expecting "big things" of him.

The promising youngster, who turns 19 on Saturday, August 5 – the first day of the National League season – is still under contract at Fulham and so it is expected any move for the midfielder would be a loan one.

"He is still at Fulham," Waddock explained. "We asked permission for him to train and play with us and they granted that so he will remain with us next week.

"We spoke to Fulham over the course of the week and asked if he could play [against Brentford] and they gave us permission for him to play.

"We are looking at him at the moment."




http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/fulhams-former-birmingham-city-midfielder-13313449

[WhiteJC]

 
Follow Fulham Away

Details of the cheapest train tickets available for Fulham's away matches throughout August:

Wycombe Wanderers – Tuesday 8th August (7.45pm)
A return train ticket from London Marylebone to High Wycombe is currently priced at £19.80. Trains are regular, and outbound journeys can take as little as 23 minutes, if you're on the 5.50pm departure for example. The stadium is a few miles from the station, but with trains running back into the capital until 11.42pm you will have plenty of time, even if the match goes to extra-time and penalties.

Reading – Saturday 12th August (3pm)
Fans will be very familiar with Reading away, with this our fourth trip there inside 12 months. Your best bet for our first league match on the road of 2017/18 is to get a day return, which costs £18.70, and takes 25 minutes from London Paddington to Reading.

Leeds United – Tuesday 15th August (7.45pm)
One of the pricier away days, trains are considerably dearer to get to Leeds, and there are no return journeys back the same evening after the game.

Ipswich Town – Saturday 26th August (3pm)
Buying two singles is the cheapest way of getting to and from Ipswich. This will come to £20 total, with each leg costing a tenner between London Liverpool Street and Ipswich, provided you select the correct train.

Prices correct at the time of writing.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/july/11/follow-fulham-away

[WhiteJC]

 
With Aston Villa, Fulham and Middlesbrough making early moves, should QPR fans be worried by the lack of transfer activity so far this summer?

Reporter Phil Spencer analyses the transfer activity at Loftus Road and discusses why the market is particularly volatile at this stage of the summer.

It's been a steady start to the summer transfer window for QPR.

Les Ferdinand and co have put a clear emphasis on shipping players out to bring players in, however this system has been very much a one-way street thus far.

The offloading of fringe players such Michael Doughty and Ben Gladwin early on was encouraging, with Ollie showing the ruthlessness needed to fine tune his squad.

But the acquisition of Josh Scowen, as good a signing as it is, hasn't done enough to fill the Hoops' faithful with confidence going into the new season, with many waiting with bated breath for the announcement of further signings.

However, this is easier said than done, as the market is particularly volatile at this time of the summer, with clubs still taking stock of their squads before deciding on who is available for a move.

This leads to long drawn out negotiations, and inflated transfer fees with the selling club very much holding the cards.

The Loftus Road side are determined to get value for money, and so will not be held to ransom at this stage in summer for any player they are after.

With this in mind, it's naive to think that the Ian Holloway will have his squad finalised in time for the season opener with Reading on August 5, however you'd expect the side to have made three or four signings by then, with a further one or two expected before the end of the summer.

However this could also hinge on Holloway making some difficult decisions himself, with the potential for first team squad members needing to be offloaded to fund other targets who Ollie would see as a better fit for his team going into the new season.

As frustrating as it is for the fans, it's vital that they trust the actions taken by the club, as the management look to take the right action to ensure that the squad is in better than going into this season, than they were finishing the last.



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-fulham-middlesbrough-making-13315651

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham are at genuine risk of seeing Jokanovic walk, and you can't blame him

Fulham enjoyed a prolific campaign last season under Serbian boss Slavisa Jokanovic, suffering a narrow defeat to Reading in the playoff semi finals which condemned them to another season of Championship football.

Fulham fans can be happy with the performances of their side last year, and the news that Tom Cairney and Ryan Sessegnon have committed themselves to the club for at least another season will be cause for celebration for those associated with the west London club.

In recent days however things have turned a little sour at Craven Cottage, with reports emerging that Jokanovic has become unhappy with the club's transfer policy, and their unwillingness to go after the targets the boss has identified as the men to improve his squad.

Fulham fans will be concerned about the future of their beloved manager, who walked out on Watford after leading them to the Premier League following a dispute with the club's board.

Jokanovic is no stranger to laying down the law, and if he feels he is undermined or underappreciated by his employers, he will not stand for it.

The Mirror reported that the Serb is unhappy with the transfer policy set out by Assistant Director of Football Operations Craig Kline, who does not allow players over the age of 28 to sign for the club, and insists on interfering with coaching and having his own men join in team meetings.

This is Jokanovic's team, and the manager has every right to feel that his authority is being undermined whilst under such close scrutiny.

Fulham run the risk of losing their manager, and there is a serious possibility he could walk.

A similar situation occurred at local rivals Brentford, when Mark Warburton left the club in disagreement over the Bees' intention to adopt a 'moneyball' approach towards recruitment.

Fulham operate a similar method, and this is causing friction between manager and the board.

One side will have to back down as the two parties are on a collision course, and the Cottagers are at serious risk of losing their influential manager if they do not back down in their rigid approach to the transfer market.




https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-are-at-genuine-risk-of-seeing-jokanovic-walk-and-you-cant-blame-him/

[WhiteJC]

 
Transfer Talk: Fulham, Birmingham City and Derby County chase Nantes midfielder Valentin Rongier

At just 22 years of age, Rongier has his best years ahead of him and is thought to be keen on an opportunity to challenge for promotion to the Premier League.

Fulham have expressed an interest in French midfielder Valentin Rongier, according to GWL sources.

The defensive midfielder, who is currently contracted to French Ligue 1 side Nantes, is attracting the attention of a number of English clubs including Birmingham City and Derby County.

Rongier suffered a career-threatening anterior cruciate ligament injury in October 2015, meaning he missed the majority of the 2015-16 season, but played an instumental part in the French side's campaign last year, making 31 appearances for the club.

At just 22 years of age, Rongier has his best years ahead of him and is thought to be keen on an opportunity to challenge for promotion to the Premier League.

It's thought that a fee in the region of £3m would be required to convince Nantes to part with one of their prized assets.



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/transfer-talk-fulham-birmingham-city-13316185

[WhiteJC]

 
This Premier League full-back would be the ideal replacement for Scott Malone at Fulham

Fulham fell narrowly short of achieving promotion last season.

The Cottagers lost over two legs against Reading in the semi-final of the Championship play-offs and their anticipated return to the Premier League was put on hold for at least one more season.

However, after a couple of seasons of struggling in the second tier, a promotion challenging campaign was very much welcomed by the Fulham fans.

Since discovering that they were a Championship club next season, Fulham have managed to tie star duo Ryan Sessegnon and Tom Cairney down to new deals and fend off interest from the Premier League.

They did not manage to keep another key player though as Scott Malone was snapped up by eventual play-off winners Huddersfield Town.

As a result, Fulham will be looking for a new left-back.

Young Ryan Sessegnon can play there but has looked better when pushed forward into a left-wing role.

Therefore, signing a new left-sided full-back would boost Slavisa Jokanovic's options in that department.

Fulham should be looking at Stephen Kingsley, who could try to force a move away from Swansea City this summer for his career's sake.

The once-capped Scotland international will be harbouring international ambitions and a regular run of games in a high-achieving Championship side will get him noticed by Gordon Strachan.

At Swansea, he has struggled to nail down the regular starting spot at left-back due to the good form of Martin Olsson.

The 22-year-old has played 18 games in three seasons for the Swans since joining from Falkirk and it could be time for him to drop down to the Championship to kick start his career.

Fulham would be the ideal destination for the promising young left-back.




https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/this-premier-league-full-back-would-be-the-ideal-replacement-for-scott-malone-at-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

 
Scholar Signings

The Club is pleased to confirm the following scholar activity:

From Fulham's Academy, Ryan De Havilland, Scott Armsworth, Showkat Tahir, Luca Ashby-Hammond, Sonny Hilton, Matthew O'Riley and Zico Asare have all signed scholarships with the Club.

Furthermore, Timmy Abraham has joined from Charlton Athletic, Ben Davies from JSSL Singapore and Elias Frei from FC. St Gallen AG.

Have a flick through the gallery below with pictures of the scholar signing evening.

"We're delighted with the class of 2017, we were very encouraged by the profile of the players," commented Academy Director Huw Jennings.

"There's a big mixture of boys who have been with us since Under-8s, Zico Asare, Luca Ashby-Hammond and Matt O'Riley have all been with us since Under-8s.

"Others have joined us very recently, Timmy Abraham has come in from Charlton, Elias Frei has come from another country and another club, he's the brother of Kerim Frei, he came to watch his first match on Saturday.

"We've got some other players who have joined us through the schoolboy ranks, like Scott Armsworth, Showkat Tahir, they've come to us in the last 12-18 months. Ben Davis is the first scholar to sign from Signapore, they're is an interesting cohort this year and we will see."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/july/11/academy-scholar-signings

[WhiteJC]

 
Bristol City news and transfer rumours LIVE Aaron Pierre contract latest, Marcus Bettinelli latest, Hordur Magnusson returns

The latest news, views and transfer gossip

Bristol City are two games into their pre-season circuit and have notched up wins against Guernsey and Bristol Manor Farm.

The latter was an 11-0 victory at the Creek with the likes of Diego De Giroloamo, Eros Pisano, Josh Brownhill and Shawn McCoulsky all netting.

Fans also got a glimpse of new £5.3m striker Famara Diedhiou, who was in attendance at Manor Farm and could make his debut this week at either Bath City or Torquay United.

City have a few players out injured as it stands including Milan Djuric (groin), Matty Taylor (groin) and Gary O'Neil (foot).

Lee Johnson is also still thought to be on the lookout for a new goalkeeper and Marcus Bettinelli is still understood to be a target to challenge Frank Fielding and Ivan Lucic.



http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/bristol-city-news-transfer-rumours-185892

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham should renew reported Sergi Enrich interest as Eibar sign potential replacement

Championship promotion chasers Fulham reportedly wanted Eibar striker Sergi Enrich in each of the last two transfer windows.

When you are the smallest club in the history of the Spanish top flight, it helps if you know your way around the free-agents list. Fortunately, Eibar know how to spot a bargain.

After capping their third straight season in La Liga with a remarkable tenth place finish, the team from a town of just 27,000 people has completed the signing of Brazilian forward Charles on a free transfer.

Charles should be another Eibar bargain

The 33-year-old may have been released by Malaga at the end of last season but he remains a reliable, proven La Liga goalscorer. He hit 30 league goals in the last four seasons, including 12 in an impressive 2015/16 campaign.

And, with strength in the air and an impressive poacher's instinct, Charles could be a readymade replacement for Sergi Enrich. The journeyman forward has found a home at Eibar, developing into one of La Liga's most potent Spaniards.

After playing second fiddle to Swansea's record signing Borja Baston in 2015/16, Enrich took centre stage last season and netted 11 goals while producing another seven assists. It's little wonder, then, that Fulham have long held an admiration for the 27-year-old.

Sky Sports claim they made a £3.5 million bid last summer while AS reported in January that the Championship high-flyers, along with West Ham and Marseille, remained interested.

Sergi Enrich

The report adds that Enrich has a £6.8 million release clause in his contract, well within budget for Fulham. And now that Chris Martin has returned to Derby County upon the expiry of his loan spell, the strapping, hard-working Enrich should once again be at the top of their shopping list.

And, who knows, Eibar may be a little more receptive to offers this time around.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2017/07/11/fulham-should-renew-reported-sergi-enrich-interest-as-eibar-sign/

[CincyFulham1]

Fulham are at genuine risk of seeing Jokanovic walk, and you can't blame him

Fulham enjoyed a prolific campaign last season under Serbian boss Slavisa Jokanovic, suffering a narrow defeat to Reading in the playoff semi finals which condemned them to another season of Championship football.

Fulham fans can be happy with the performances of their side last year, and the news that Tom Cairney and Ryan Sessegnon have committed themselves to the club for at least another season will be cause for celebration for those associated with the west London club.

In recent days however things have turned a little sour at Craven Cottage, with reports emerging that Jokanovic has become unhappy with the club's transfer policy, and their unwillingness to go after the targets the boss has identified as the men to improve his squad.

Fulham fans will be concerned about the future of their beloved manager, who walked out on Watford after leading them to the Premier League following a dispute with the club's board.

Jokanovic is no stranger to laying down the law, and if he feels he is undermined or underappreciated by his employers, he will not stand for it.

The Mirror reported that the Serb is unhappy with the transfer policy set out by Assistant Director of Football Operations Craig Kline, who does not allow players over the age of 28 to sign for the club, and insists on interfering with coaching and having his own men join in team meetings.

This is Jokanovic's team, and the manager has every right to feel that his authority is being undermined whilst under such close scrutiny.

Fulham run the risk of losing their manager, and there is a serious possibility he could walk.

A similar situation occurred at local rivals Brentford, when Mark Warburton left the club in disagreement over the Bees' intention to adopt a 'moneyball' approach towards recruitment.

Fulham operate a similar method, and this is causing friction between manager and the board.

One side will have to back down as the two parties are on a collision course, and the Cottagers are at serious risk of losing their influential manager if they do not back down in their rigid approach to the transfer market.




https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-are-at-genuine-risk-of-seeing-jokanovic-walk-and-you-cant-blame-him/

Is there any hint of truth in this?  I suspect that it's just lazy journalism, but I would like the club to address the situation.

[Deeping_white]

Fulham are at genuine risk of seeing Jokanovic walk, and you can't blame him

Fulham enjoyed a prolific campaign last season under Serbian boss Slavisa Jokanovic, suffering a narrow defeat to Reading in the playoff semi finals which condemned them to another season of Championship football.

Fulham fans can be happy with the performances of their side last year, and the news that Tom Cairney and Ryan Sessegnon have committed themselves to the club for at least another season will be cause for celebration for those associated with the west London club.

In recent days however things have turned a little sour at Craven Cottage, with reports emerging that Jokanovic has become unhappy with the club's transfer policy, and their unwillingness to go after the targets the boss has identified as the men to improve his squad.

Fulham fans will be concerned about the future of their beloved manager, who walked out on Watford after leading them to the Premier League following a dispute with the club's board.

Jokanovic is no stranger to laying down the law, and if he feels he is undermined or underappreciated by his employers, he will not stand for it.

The Mirror reported that the Serb is unhappy with the transfer policy set out by Assistant Director of Football Operations Craig Kline, who does not allow players over the age of 28 to sign for the club, and insists on interfering with coaching and having his own men join in team meetings.

This is Jokanovic's team, and the manager has every right to feel that his authority is being undermined whilst under such close scrutiny.

Fulham run the risk of losing their manager, and there is a serious possibility he could walk.

A similar situation occurred at local rivals Brentford, when Mark Warburton left the club in disagreement over the Bees' intention to adopt a 'moneyball' approach towards recruitment.

Fulham operate a similar method, and this is causing friction between manager and the board.

One side will have to back down as the two parties are on a collision course, and the Cottagers are at serious risk of losing their influential manager if they do not back down in their rigid approach to the transfer market.




https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-are-at-genuine-risk-of-seeing-jokanovic-walk-and-you-cant-blame-him/

Is there any hint of truth in this?  I suspect that it's just lazy journalism, but I would like the club to address the situation.

No it's from Football League World, any man and his dog can write articles on that website and pretty much every single article on that website is sh*te

[Andy S]

Let's hope so.
Joka must stay

[hovewhite]

Let's hope so.
Joka must stay

Let's hope so.
Joka must stay

Just wish this dissapears as joka is crucial.

[MikeW]

Given the Daily Express still seem to think Diana's alive I think a large pinch of salt is on order with anything they report!