Tuesday Fulham Stuff (03/10/17)...

WhiteJC · October 03, 2017, 07:34:19 AM

Tottenham news: Fulham demand £50m for wonderkid Ryan Sessegnon
TOTTENHAM will have to shell out a whopping £50million to land Fulham star Ryan Sessegnon.

Fulham have slapped a £50million price tag on Ryan Sessegnon

The 17-year-old is one of the hottest prospects in English football but Daniel Levy will not be able to get him on the cheap.

Spurs made a £25m bid for the left-back in the Summer, but the offer was rejected outright by the west London side.

And now the Sun report that the Championship club could demand as much as £50m for him.

Sessegnon has been compared with Gareth Bale due to his ability to dominate a game from his left-back role.

Manchester United are also refusing to drop their interest in the England U19 player, amid reports Jose Mourinho is still unhappy with Luke Shaw.

Fulham missed out on promotion in the Championship play-offs last season but Sessegnon was the brightest star of their season.

He scored seven times and made 30 appearances in all competitions.

Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport ranked Sessegnon as one of the top 30 Under-20s players in Europe.

While in May 2017, Sports Illustrated named him as the 19th-best under-20 player in world football.

Fulham striker Neeskens Kebano called him "the future of English football" with fellow teammate Stefan Johansen saying it was "99% certain he will be one of the top left-backs in the world".

Sessegnon cited the likelihood of playing regularly in the first team as the reason for committing his future with Fulham until 2020 in the summer.

He said: "Last season I got a lot of opportunities so I want to continue that.

"When you are young you just want to play as many games as you can."

Tottenham already have two top-class left-backs in Danny Rose and Ben Davies, with the latter having been in sensational form so far this season.

But Maurico Pochettino reportedly believes that Sessegnon would be the perfect understudy to Davies, with Rose expected to move on in the not-too-distant future.

http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/861199/Tottenham-news-Fulham-demand-50m-wonderkid-Ryan-Sessegnon

WhiteJC · October 03, 2017, 07:35:57 AM

Conceding late goals at Fulham is becoming an annoying habit, according to Ryan Fredericks

Fulham picked up seven points from three games and despite another late goal Fredericks says the results against QPR has given them confidence

Ryan Fredericks believes Fulham's knack of conceding late goals is becoming an annoying habit, but that their 2-1 win at QPR gives them confidence they can ride out results.

The 24-year-old had a huge part to play in the opening goal when his strike took a deflection off Jack Robinson to wrong foot Alex Smithies and give Fulham the lead before the break.

Stefan Johansen got his second goal in two games after Rui Fonte teed him up on the edge of the box, with QPR affording him too much space and time, allowing him to rifle the ball into the bottom corner.

Conor Washington got what proved to be a consolation goal in the 92nd minute - another goal that Fulham conceded after going ahead, something that Fredericks has said is becoming an annoying habit.

He said: "It's becoming a bit of an annoying habit, conceding late goals, but we rode it out against QPR and it gives us confidence that we can survive when the tide is against us.

"We should've won the Middlesbrough game too, but we'll take what we've got - seven points in six/seven days isn't too bad and we need to keep up this form and keep climbing now.

"We weren't too fussed about the performance, we weren't the best in the second half but the important thing is the three points and climbing up the table."

http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/conceding-late-goals-fulham-becoming-13703340

WhiteJC · October 03, 2017, 07:37:56 AM

Report: Fulham boss wants January reunion with Watford's Craig Cathcart

It is claimed that Cathcart is not in Marco Silva's long-term plans at Watford, whose former boss wants him at Fulham.

Fulham want to sign Watford's Craig Cathcart in January, the Mirror reports on page 46 of its printed edition on Monday.

Cathcart played under Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic at Watford in the season the Hornets achieved promotion to the Premier League.

However, the versatile defender has only played once this season, owing to muscle and knee injuries.

And according to the Mirror, he does not feature in Marco Silva's long-term plans at Vicarage Road, despite signing a new deal earlier this year.

Cathcart, 28, began his career at Manchester United and has also played for Plymouth Argyle and Blackpool, with whom he won the first of his 33 Northern Ireland caps.

Fulham recruited Spanish defender Marcelo Djalo in the summer, but the 23-year-old has only appeared in the Carabao Cup so far.

The Championship side lost in the play-off semi-finals last season and are currently 10th in the standings, three points outside the top six.

http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2017/10/02/report-fulham-boss-wants-january-reunion-with-watfords-craig-cat/

WhiteJC · October 03, 2017, 07:39:04 AM

Riverside Stand Consultations

Fans are reminded that there will be two public consultations regarding the Riverside Stand redevelopment.

The exhibitions will provide an opportunity for supporters to learn more about the plans and provide any feedback.

Both consultations will take place at the Café at the Cottage, from 2-8pm on Thursday 12th October, and prior to our meeting with Preston North End from 9am-1pm on Saturday 14th October.

Furthermore, we would like to encourage fans to take part in our matchday survey before this Friday (6th October). This is just six short questions about your Craven Cottage experience, and takes under one minute to complete.

http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/october/02/riverside-stand-consultations

WhiteJC · October 03, 2017, 07:41:27 AM

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic reveals plan to organise game over international break to test fitness of players

The Fulham boss wants to organise a game during the international break to test the fitness of players such as Rafa Soares who hasn't featured for the first team yet

Slavisa Jokanovic has revealed he is hoping to organise a game during the international break to give those who haven't had many minutes this season some playing time.

Fulham's U23 side already have a game scheduled against Brentford B on Thursday (October 5) at the Bees' training ground but Jokanovic wants to check on the fitness of those who have been injured, while assessing the level of the players who have played very little part this season.

Players like Marcelo Djalo, Michael Madl and Marcus Bettinelli haven't featured regularly in the white of Fulham yet this season, but Jokanovic insisted that players who haven't played so far will have their part to play further in what he described as a long season.

Rafa Soares is also continuing his recovery from injury and will continue that over the break and Jokanovic is still looking at how he can help the side.

He said: "He's had a few days working with us, we're going to try, in this international break, to organise some game with another side to check him and check some other people who haven't had enough minutes in the beginning of the season.

Limited game time: Marcelo Djalo (Image: Paul Burgman/Press-Photos.com)

"If you ask about Rafa, he is comfortable on the ball and is tactically very well and we are going to observe him and how he will adapt himself in this competition and at the end we will bring him in at fullback.

"We must discover how he can help us, at the end, after two training sessions with us it's too early for us and he is not in his physical best level and we expect he will be better this international break.

"It's very good for the team and himself to put their fitness in the highest level and the season is long and during the season all the people who aren't in my first plan will be in part of the competition, 100%, and Rafa Soares must push himself like other parts of the team.

"This competition for places is daily, during the week they must compete between themselves and at the end of the week or sometimes in this competition, three times during the week, they must compete against different teams.

"I will choose what I believe is best for my team to be closer to winning the games."

http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-boss-slavisa-jokanovic-reveals-13703720

WhiteJC · October 03, 2017, 07:42:40 AM

Jokanovic eyes January move for Cathcart
by Dan on October 2, 2017

Fulham have been linked with a January move for Watford centre back Craig Cathcart in this morning's Daily Mirror.

Slavisa Jokanovic has been a longstanding admirer of the Northern Ireland international defender since the former Manchester United trainee won promotion to the Premier League under the Serbian head coach in 2015. Fulham have been consistently linked with a move for Cathcart, who recently signed a new four-year deal at Vicarage Road, since the summer and Jokanovic is known to be keen to boost his defensive options.

The Mirror suggests that the former Blackpool defender is not part of Mauro Silva's long-term plans at Watford, but his current absence from the Hornets' 25-man Premier League squad is largely due to a knee injury that is likely to keep him out of action until after Christmas. Cathcart's only first team appearance – in a goalless draw against Brighton – resulted in him being substituted due to that knee problem after 19 minutes.

The 28 year-old, who has made 87 appearances for Watford since signing on a free transfer from Blackpool in June 2014, has been a regular in Michael O'Neill's Northern Ireland squad. He started all four fixtures during their run to the Euro 2016 second round in France and would likely be in high demand were he to be made available in the January transfer window.

http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/10/jokanovic-eyes-january-move-for-cathcart/

WhiteJC · October 03, 2017, 07:43:42 AM

Derby County Tickets

Tickets for Fulham's match against Derby County this coming November are now available for supporters to purchase on General Sale.

The White's welcome the East Midlands outift on Saturday 18th November, 5:30pm in what will be the Club's first game back at the Cottage following the International Break.

Priced from just £30 for adults and £15 for juniors, supporters can secure their seat online, by phone on 0203 871 0810 (opt. 1) or in person from the Fulham Ticket Office.

http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/october/02/derby-county-on-general-sale

WhiteJC · October 03, 2017, 07:44:49 AM

Fredericks: Fulham must end 'annoying habit' of letting in late goals
by Dan on October 2, 2017

Ryan Fredericks says Fulham must get out of the 'annoying habit' of letting in late goals – but he believes seeing out seven minutes of added time after conceding one against QPR on Friday will give his side the confidence to climb the table.

Slavisa Jokanovic's men clung on to their slender advantage to win the west London derby at Loftus Road and Fredericks feels that the Whites can use that success to tell themselves they can battle to earn results when they are put under serious pressure. The full-back believes that taking seven points from three tough fixtures will give Fulham a real boost going into the international break.

Speaking to GetWestLondon's Ryan O'Donovan after the final whistle at Loftus Road, Fredericks said:

It's becoming a bit of an annoying habit, conceding late goals, but we rode it out against QPR and it gives us confidence that we can survive when the tide is against us.

We should've won the Middlesbrough game too, but we'll take what we've got – seven points in six or seven days isn't too bad and we need to keep up this form and keep climbing now. We weren't too fussed about the performance, we weren't the best in the second half but the important thing is the three points and climbing up the table.

http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/10/fredericks-fulham-must-end-annoying-habit-of-letting-in-late-goals/

WhiteJC · October 03, 2017, 07:46:55 AM

Transfer talk: Fulham linked with unlikely move for Watford defender Craig Cathcart

RUMOUR: Craig Cathcart (right) has been linked with a move to Fulham

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic is said to be interested in a move for Watford centre-back Craig Cathcart.

The Northern Irishman played under Jokanovic at Vicarage Road as Watford earned promotion from the Championship and it is thought the Fulham chief is still a keen admirer.

And according to The Mirror, he is eyeing a January reunion with the 28-year-old.

It is, on first glance, a move that appears unlikely though. Just like at Watford, Jokanovic has little say in the Whites' transfer business and is just tasked with coaching and managing the side.

Read more at http://www.hertfordshiremercury.co.uk/transfer-talk-fulham-linked-with-unlikely-move-for-watford-defender-craig-cathcart/story-30524148-detail/story.html#jBHgoiSs4DGTj5jX.99

WhiteJC · October 03, 2017, 07:48:37 AM

Jokanovic wants friendly over international break
by Dan on October 2, 2017

Slavisa Jokanovic is trying to arrange a friendly during the international break to give a number of his Fulham squad some game time before the Whites return to competitive action.

Fulham's Under 23 side are scheduled to face local rivals Brentford at Jersey Road on Thursday but Jokanovic is keen to use another fixture to check on the fitness of a number of first-team squad members who haven't had regular football in recent weeks. The game could allow defenders Michael Madl and Marcejo Djalo as well as goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli to gain some match fitness as well as gauging how far along the road to the recovery Tom Cairney and Rafa Soares are.

Speaking specifically about Soares, who came through an Under-23 game with Blackburn last week, Jokanovic told GetWestLondon's Ryan O'Donovan:

He's had a few days working with us, we're going to try, in this international break, to organise a game with another side to check him and check some other people who haven't had enough minutes in the beginning of the season. If you ask about Rafa, he is comfortable on the ball and is tactically very well and we are going to observe him and how he will adapt himself in this competition and at the end we will bring him in at full-back.

We must discover how he can help us, at the end, after two training sessions with us it's too early for us and he is not in his physical best level and we expect he will be better [after] this international break. It's very good for the team and himself to put their fitness in the highest level and the season is long and during the season all the people who aren't in my first plan will be in part of the competition, 100%, and Rafa Soares must push himself like other parts of the team.

This competition for places is daily, during the week they must compete between themselves and at the end of the week or sometimes in this competition, three times during the week, they must compete against different teams. I will choose what I believe is best for my team to be closer to winning the games.

http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/10/jokanovic-wants-friendly-over-international-break/

WhiteJC · October 03, 2017, 07:51:44 AM

PNE's Darnell Fisher suspended for Fulham clash

Right-back Darnell Fisher will miss Preston North End's visit to Fulham later in the month because of suspension.

Fisher's yellow card in the 2-2 draw against Sunderland was his fifth of the campaign, triggering a one-match ban.

His caution on Saturday was for kicking the ball away after being pulled-up for a foul on Lee Cattermole. The 23-year-old has been booked in his last four games, adding to the yellow card he got in the home win over Reading in August.

Signed from Rotherham 10 days before the start of the season, Fisher has impressed in the right-back role. He has started all but one of North End's Championship games, a groin strain keeping him out of the 3-1 victory at Birmingham. Calum Woods filled in for him at St Andrews and would be one of two options to play at Fulham – Marnick Vermijl is the other. Woods' appearance in the Birmingham game was his first start since the final day of the 2015/16, a torn cruciate ligament having kept him out in the meantime.

Game-time for Vermijl has been limited so far this season. The Belgian's only start came at Accrington Stanley in the Caraboa Cup, while he replaced Woods for the last 10 minutes at Birmingham. He was back in the squad for the Sunderland game but was an unused substitute. On the injury front, North End hope the international front will provide sufficient time to shorten the injury list.

Ben Pearson missed all of September's games with a thigh injury. A bout of shingles meant Paul Gallagher played only twice – a start against Barnsley and a run as a late sub in the victory over Cardiff. John Welsh was missing from the squad at the weekend due to a calf niggle. North End boss Alex Neil said: "It was a niggle on the calf and as John was out for nearly a year with his calf last season, it was a concern. "John has given me more than I expected from him, with him going Saturday and Tuesday the other week.

"I didn't think it would be fair for him to go again for the Sunderland game. "He wasn't right and we didn't want to take any risks." Tom Barkhuizen came off in the second half on Saturday and was limping, that down to fatigue according to Neil. Said Neil: "Tom was going to come off anyway, I had the sub ready. With three games in a week, he'd run himself into the ground."

Read more at: http://www.lep.co.uk/sport/football/preston-north-end/pne-s-darnell-fisher-suspended-for-fulham-clash-1-8783699

WhiteJC · October 03, 2017, 07:53:22 AM

Queens Park Rangers: Late pressure from QPR had Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic worried

Rs nearly made a late, great comeback in west London derby against Cottagers

Queens Park Rangers' late onslaught in their loss to Fulham in the Championship on Friday had Cottagers boss Slavisa Jokanovic breathing a sigh of relief at the final whistle.

With the Rs trailing 2-0 heading into nine minutes of stoppage time, Conor Washington struck in the second minute of time added on to set up a grandstand finish.

Sadly, no second QPR goal was forthcoming as the Cottagers claimed all three points at Loftus Road.

The hosts' late charge, though, had Jokanovic worried and the Fulham boss was pleased to survive the pressure from QPR at the death.

"I'm always happy, especially when we win a west London derby," Jokanovic told the Fulham website. "I am happy for the supporters, too. I believe we deserved it.

"At the end we suffered when QPR were in our territory and they started to push us in the box with many players.

"I must be satisfied because we survived this complicated moment. We suffered after their goal, but fortunately we defended well and won the game."

http://www.kilburntimes.co.uk/sport/football/queens-park-rangers/queens-park-rangers-late-pressure-from-qpr-had-fulham-boss-slavisa-jokanovic-worried-1-5218846

WhiteJC · October 03, 2017, 07:55:31 AM

Fulham set to make January move for Premier League player

Championship side Fulham are set to make a move to sign Watford defender Craig Cathcart, the Mirror reports on page 46 of its printed edition on Monday.

Manager Slasiva Jokanovic wants a reunion with his former centre half who helped him win promotion to the Premier League in 2015, who has only played once for the Hornets this season, mostly due to injury.

However, Cathcart seemingly does not feature in the plans of Watford manager Marco Silva, allowing Fulham a chance to bolster their back line in January.

With 33 caps for Northern Ireland to his name, Cathcart has been in and out of the Watford side since joining the club in 2014 from Blackpool, making just over 70 appearances in that time.

Fulham have yet to start the season with the explosive form in which they finished the last, having lost in the play off semi-final to Reading last season.

Unbeaten in their last three, however, things are looking up for the London based side, who will be hoping to go all the way this year.

The verdict

Fulham have shown a very decent ability to score goals on a regular basis this season, albeit not quite to the extent they managed to in 2016/17.

Their defence has been far from perfect, however, and with the club only keeping two league clean sheets so far this season and letting in 10 goals, they could do with some back line additions.

Their options of Tomas Kalas, Tim Ream and Michael Madl are impressive, but it seems with summer signing Marcelo Djalo is out of the picture so far, and thus they could use another option.

https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-set-to-make-january-move-for-premier-league-player/

WhiteJC · October 03, 2017, 08:01:58 AM

Highbury Hero Supreme, the Swaggering Supermac Malcolm Macdonald

The latest trip down memory lane in the time machine takes us back to the the long hot summer of 1976 when new Arsenal manager Terry Neill smashed the British transfer record paying a third of a million pounds for his marquee signing goal machine Malcolm Macdonald.

Supermac a larger than life extrovert was such an exciting player to watch. He walked onto the pitch with a swagger and played football in a swashbuckling style. Standing at 5 foot 10 and a half inches, with bandy legs that couldn't stop a pig in a passage his game was all about pace and power. Excellent in the air as well, he had total belief in his own ability to put the ball in the back of the net.

Powerfully build he could hold off defenders and there was no finer sight in football than Liam Brady or Alan Ball playing a through ball into space for Supermac to sprint after, the Highbury crowd would be roaring him on and he'd be off after the ball leaving defenders trailing in his wake, like a lion chasing down its prey on the Serengeti Plain.

Malcolm was so fast that when he appeared on the TV series "Superstars" he once ran the 100 metres in 10.4 seconds. The athletics commentator Ron Pickering told him that only one man in Europe had run faster that year and his time would qualify him to get him into any Olympic squad in Europe!

Supermac also had a left foot shot like the hammer of Thor. I don't think I've ever seen a player kick a ball harder than him. He would shoot on sight, his motto was "if you don't buy a ticket you don't win the raffle". Malcolm was also brave and would go where others would fear to tread if he thought he could get a goal out of it. He wasn't much of a team player and didn't bother tracking back. Malcolm lived purely to score goals and that was all he was interested in.

Malcolm McDonald was born on 7th January 1950 in Fulham. He lived a stones throw from Craven Cottage in Finlay Street, with his mother father and three younger brothers. Malcolm's father had his own painter and decorator business and one day when Malcolm was about four years old his father came home from work on a Saturday lunchtime and said to him "Come on son put your winter Woolies on, I'm going to take you to your first football match".

They were in the Putney End at Craven Cottage and Fulham were entertaining Blackburn Rovers. Young Malcolm was on his father's shoulders like a lot of the other kids. About twenty minutes before the kickoff, a man at pitchside motioned for the kids to be passed over the adults heads down to the front behind the goal, where Malcolm and the other kids had a close up view of the action and that's when Malcolm fell in love with the game.

When Malcolm was eight years old he used to walk to the bus stop near Craven Cottage to get the players autographs. Johnny Haynes was the only player to own a car! One day Bobby Robson got off the bus and Malcolm asked "Can I have your autograph please Mr Robson". Bobby handed his bag to Malcolm as he took the pen and autograph book from Malcolm and as they walked towards Craven Cottage Bobby started to ask Malcolm lots of questions. "Do you play football" he asked "Yes Mr Robson I play for my school" "Are you right or left footed?" "Left" Malcolm replied. "Oh your a rare one" he said. "Left footers have always got a chance of making it in the game because they're so rare". He kept asking questions like what sort of player he was and what position did he play, with Malcolm answering all the questions enthusiastically. Eventually they reached Craven Cottage and Bobby signed his autograph book and Malcolm handed him back his bag and Bobby went into the stadium.

Malcolm was so fast that when he appeared on the TV series "Superstars" he once ran the 100 metres in 10.4 seconds. The athletics commentator Ron Pickering told him that only one man in Europe had run faster that year and his time would qualify him to get him into any Olympic squad in Europe!

Supermac also had a left foot shot like the hammer of Thor. I don't think I've ever seen a player kick a ball harder than him. He would shoot on sight, his motto was "if you don't buy a ticket you don't win the raffle". Malcolm was also brave and would go where others would fear to tread if he thought he could get a goal out of it. He wasn't much of a team player and didn't bother tracking back. Malcolm lived purely to score goals and that was all he was interested in.

Malcolm McDonald was born on 7th January 1950 in Fulham. He lived a stones throw from Craven Cottage in Finlay Street, with his mother father and three younger brothers. Malcolm's father had his own painter and decorator business and one day when Malcolm was about four years old his father came home from work on a Saturday lunchtime and said to him "Come on son put your winter Woolies on, I'm going to take you to your first football match".

They were in the Putney End at Craven Cottage and Fulham were entertaining Blackburn Rovers. Young Malcolm was on his father's shoulders like a lot of the other kids. About twenty minutes before the kickoff, a man at pitchside motioned for the kids to be passed over the adults heads down to the front behind the goal, where Malcolm and the other kids had a close up view of the action and that's when Malcolm fell in love with the game.

When Malcolm was eight years old he used to walk to the bus stop near Craven Cottage to get the players autographs. Johnny Haynes was the only player to own a car! One day Bobby Robson got off the bus and Malcolm asked "Can I have your autograph please Mr Robson". Bobby handed his bag to Malcolm as he took the pen and autograph book from Malcolm and as they walked towards Craven Cottage Bobby started to ask Malcolm lots of questions. "Do you play football" he asked "Yes Mr Robson I play for my school" "Are you right or left footed?" "Left" Malcolm replied. "Oh your a rare one" he said. "Left footers have always got a chance of making it in the game because they're so rare". He kept asking questions like what sort of player he was and what position did he play, with Malcolm answering all the questions enthusiastically. Eventually they reached Craven Cottage and Bobby signed his autograph book and Malcolm handed him back his bag and Bobby went into the stadium.

When Malcolm was just 16 his father passed away and the family sold their house in Fulham and moved down to Sussex where Malcolm helped his mother run the confectioners shop they'd bought. But Malcolm wanted to make a career playing football and he signed for Harry Haslem at Tonbridge Angels. In those days Malcolm was a full back.

Harry Haslem left Tonbridge Angels and became the Chief Scout at Fulham. He recommended Malcolm to Bobby Robson and despite keen interest from Crystal Palace Malcolm choose his boyhood team Fulham and signed for a fee of £1,000 in 1968.

Harry took him to meet Fulham manager Bobby Robson and Malcolm knocked on his office door, entered and then stood before Bobby Robson who was sitting behind his desk looking down at some papers. He looked up at Malcolm, then looked at him again, only this time he narrowed his eyes and really scrutinised him. "I know you. You're that eight-year-old that used to meet me at the bus stop to carry my bag down to Craven Cottage and you never kept quiet the whole time!".

Malcolm was in the reserves and Harry Haslem had suggested to Bobby that he played Malcolm at centre forward. Bobby gave Malcolm his opportunity, bravely putting him in the first team at centre-forward and he scored 5 goals in eight games. Then Robson was sacked by Chairman Tommy Trinder and Johnny Haynes who'd taken over as caretaker manager and was Malcolm's boyhood hero put Malcolm back in the reserves.

When Bill Dodgin became manager he gave Malcolm a few more games here and there but it wasn't what Malcolm wanted. He went to see Bill Dodgin and demanded to see the Chairman who agreed to let him go.

Luton Town paid £17,500 to take Malcolm to Kenilworth Road in July 1969 and it was there that he really began to build his reputation as a lethal goalscorer under manager Alec Stock. Luton won promotion from Division three in Malcolm's first season at the club and he scored 58 goals in 101 games in his two seasons at Luton and he was becoming hot property.

Newcastle United paid £185,000 to sign Malcolm in the summer of 1971. Alec Stock said to Malcolm "We're going to send you up there in a bit of style old son" and he turned up to sign for them at St James Park in a Rolls-Royce which was owned by somebody connected to Luton who had a dealership. But when his chauffeur, who was one of Luton Town's directors opened the back door to let Malcolm out, one of the battalion of pressmen shouted "That's the first time I've ever seen someone turn up in his signing-on fee!".

Joe Harvey Newcastle's manager greeted Malcolm with "You're the little bastard who's just cost me an extra £35,000" as Malcolm had inflated the transfer fee by scoring a hat-trick in his last appearance for Luton. At the press conference Malcolm vowed to score 30 goals for Newcastle that season and he duly obliged.

Malcolm made his home debut against Liverpool at St James Park and Newcastle went one down to an Emlyn Hughes goal. Newcastle were awarded a penalty, given away by Kevin Keegan and Malcolm confidently stepped forward to take the spot kick smashing it into the top corner in front of the Gallowgate End. Liverpool then missed a penalty and seconds later the ball was at Malcolm's feet, he left Larry Lloyd for dead and hit an unstoppable drive into the top corner. The whole stadium broke into "Supermac superstar how many goals have you scored so far" Supermac had arrived on Tyneside. He went on to score a hat-trick and ended up being helped off the pitch concussed and missing his four front teeth after being done by Ray Clemence, when trying to score a fourth goal. It was a real Roy of the Rovers home debut.

Supermac's home debut for Newcastle

The Newcastle fans adored him. They'd finally found somebody to live up to 1950's hero "Wor" Jackie Milburn. He wasn't a Geordie like Jackie but they loved the flamboyant brash Londoner.

Malcolm got his first England cap in 1972 and had won seven caps under Alf Ramsey and In April 1975 Malcolm was selected for England against World Champions West Germany. But when he reported for duty at the team hotel Manager Don Revie who'd picked Supermac for the first time said to Malcolm "you're only here because the press demanded it and if you don't score I'll never pick you again". Shades of when Revie picked Charlie George. Supermac scored England's second goal in a 2-0 win and when Malcolm turned up for the European Championship Qualifier against Cyprus four days later Revie repeated what he'd said before "If you don't score tonight I'll never pick you again"

Malcolm thought to himself you bastard, what a thing to say to me and he told captain Alan Ball about it. Bally said "Just leave it with me" and after the team meeting before the game Bally gathered together Supermac, Alan Hudson and Mick Channon. He told the other two what Revie had said to Supermac then said "Do you know what the England goalscoring record is?" They all said no and Bally went on "Willie Hall got five against Northern Ireland in 1938 and tonight this man (pointing to Supermac) is going to score six and we are to make it happen". Supermac got five goals, had one disallowed for offside and hit the post with another shot. At the end of the game the scoreboard at Wembley read Supermac 5 Cyprus 0. As Don Revie was walking away Supermac pointed at the scoreboard and shouted across the pitch "Read that and weep you bastard, read that and weep". That was Malcolm's last goal for England and he ended up scoring 6 goals in 14 appearances for England. All of them coming when he played for Newcastle United.

Supermac wearing the three lions

1975-76 was Supermac's last season at Newcastle. They'd appointed a dour new manager named Gordon Lee and right from the word go it was obvious there was a clash of personalities with Malcolm. Gordon Lee didn't like managing big names and they didn't come much bigger than Supermac. But Newcastle did reach Wembley again losing the 1976 League Cup Final 2-1 to Manchester City, when Dennis Tueart, ironically a Geordie scored the winner with a spectacular overhead kick. Supermac finished as Newcastle's top scorer in all five seasons he played there, notching 138 goals in 257 games.

On a hot summer's day in 1976 Supermac was sitting with Terry Neill and Arsenal Chairman Dennis Hill-Wood in the Chairman's beautiful garden. Arsenal had bid £275,000 for Malcolm, which Newcastle had accepted then changed their minds. Arsenal had gone back in with an increased bid of £300,000, which again Newcastle had accepted then changed their minds again. Was it going to third time lucky?

The Chairman's butler emerged from the house with a telephone on a silver platter with a very long lead and walked across the immaculate lawn down to where they were sitting and placed it down on the table. The Chairman rung his counterpart at Newcastle United Lord Westwood and the phone call went something like this. "Good afternoon it's the Arsenal Chairman here. I'm offering you a third of a million pounds for Malcolm Macdonald. Do you accept our offer? You do and you're not going to renege for a third time are you? Alright then the deal is done Lord Westwood". Dennis Hill-Wood then put the phone down turned to Supermac and said "Welcome to Arsenal Football Club".

The fee was £333,333.34p, a British record transfer fee. Ken Friar told Malcolm the original cheque was for £333,333 but Lord Westwood insisted on the 34p saying "They'd agreed a third of a million and they wanted the full amount!"

I can remember Supermac's debut as if it was yesterday. I'd just purchased my first season ticket in the East Stand Upper for £50 I think. It was a bittersweet moment as I'd finally left the Clock End and North Bank terraces behind me. I had a fantastic view of the Highbury pitch looking splendid on a beautiful August day as it always did for the start of a new season, before deteriorating and by the winter the grass was invariably replaced by mud in the goal mouths and centre circle, as were all the pitches up and down the country.

The excitement and anticipation was incredible as the team came out and there was Supermac looking every inch the superstar that he was. But what a disappointing day as we went down 1-0 to newly promoted Bristol City on the opening day of the season.

But it wasn't long before Supermac started banging in the goals. It has to be said he had some wonderful players in his two full seasons at The Arsenal to provide the goal service. The craft and creativity of Alan Ball, Liam Brady and later Alan Hudson, as well as the crossing ability of Geordie Armstrong and then Graham Rix and he couldn't have had a better partner upfront than the industrious and unselfish Frank Stapleton.

I remember playing Newcastle United on 4th December 1976 at Highbury. It was one of the few games on due to the weather and the conditions were difficult even with Arsenal's under soil heating. The players found it difficult but both sides contributed to a brilliant match with Arsenal winning 5-3. The Geordie's had come down in their droves and before the kick off a Newcastle fan ran on and presented Supermac with a black and white scarf. Typically Malcolm chose his first game against the Magpies to register his first hat-trick for the Gunners. At the end both sets of fans applauded Supermac as he waved to the Arsenal fans in the North Bank and the Geordie's in the Clock End. It was also Alan Ball's last game for the Gunners.

I remember playing Newcastle United on 4th December 1976 at Highbury. It was one of the few games on due to the weather and the conditions were difficult even with Arsenal's under soil heating. The players found it difficult but both sides contributed to a brilliant match with Arsenal winning 5-3. The Geordie's had come down in their droves and before the kick off a Newcastle fan ran on and presented Supermac with a black and white scarf. Typically Malcolm chose his first game against the Magpies to register his first hat-trick for the Gunners. At the end both sets of fans applauded Supermac as he waved to the Arsenal fans in the North Bank and the Geordie's in the Clock End. It was also Alan Ball's last game for the Gunners.

Supermac shoots down Man Utd

I was also at Stamford Bridge when we played Orient in the FA Cup Semi-Final and we ran out comfortable 3-0 winners, with Supermac again getting a brace and Graham Rix scored the other one.
The FA Cup Final against Ipswich Town was Supermac's third Wembley Final and as it would turn out his last opportunity to win a major trophy. Unfortunately our key man Liam Brady wasn't fit and should never have played. We were awful on the day lost 1-0 and it could have been a lot more. Only Pat Jennings, David O'Leary and Alan Hudson avoided a tongue lashing from Don Howe that day. Malcolm ended the season scoring another 25 goals in 52 games. But there were dark days ahead for Supermac.

The following season Malcolm played the first four games scoring the winner against Manchester City. But in the fourth game against Rotherham United in the League Cup he injured his knee and that was the beginning of the end for Supermac. It was December 1979 before he played his next game, coming on as a substitute against Red Star Belgrade at Highbury but the knee wasn't right.

He didn't return for the rest of the season until he made his final appearance for The Arsenal on 14th May 1979 against Chelsea in the last game of the season at Stamford Bridge, two days after we'd defeated Manchester United in the FA Cup Final. I was there for his last match and you could tell he was struggling but there was one last little bit of magic to come from Supermac as he scored our equaliser in a 1-1 draw. As we went down the steps to leave the ground we had to endure the Chelsea fans throwing bottles at us.

He played nine games out in Sweden for Djurgardens IF and scored two goals. But the game was up for Supermac and he announced his retirement in August 1979 at just 29 years old. As he left Highbury for the last time walking down the steps from the marble halls Malcolm had tears rolling down his cheeks.

Malcolm returned to his first love Fulham as manager, with his old teammate Geordie Armstrong as his coach. Fulham won promotion from Division three in 1981-82 and almost got into the top flight the following season, eventually finishing fourth. He left Fulham in 1984 and had a season at Huddersfield Town in 1987-88. But it didn't go well as they got relegated, losing one game 10-1 to Manchester City.

After a failed business venture and a divorce from his second wife Malcolm was in terrible pain from his long standing knee injury and he started to drink whisky as a painkiller, becoming so reliant on it he became addicted and ended up drinking a bottle a day. He was done for drink driving and was sacked by the radio station he worked for. He was at his lowest ebb when he received a call from his old Newcastle teammate Micky Burns, who put him in touch with the PFA. They paid £12,000 for the operation and rehabilitation on his knee and Malcolm turned his life around. He stopped drinking in 1997 and is now happily married to Carol, ex-wife of AC/DC singer Brian Johnson. Malcolm is also back working on local radio in the North-East and living a contented life up in Northumbria.

A more recent photo of Supermac

Malcolm scored 57 goals in his 108 appearances for The Arsenal. Supermac was a sensational player to watch in his all too brief time at Highbury. He was an throwback to the archetypical centre-forwards of old. Playing in the style of a sort of latter day Ted Drake. I can't pay him a higher compliment than that.

As always thanks for reading and they'll be another Highbury Hero along shortly.

http://www.gunnerstown.com/arsenal/2017/10/02/highbury-hero-supreme-the-swaggering-supermac-malcolm-macdonald/

WhiteJC · October 03, 2017, 08:04:30 AM

The Craven Corner: Despite the slow start, Fulham fans have plenty of reasons to be optimistic about this season.

At the start of the month, the fans would have feared the September fixtures, but after 11 points from the 6 fixtures, Fulham are starting to move on up.

It's been a slow start to the season for Jokanovic's Fulham this year, and that's mainly due to the absence of key players, with Tom Cairney still missing. Despite the slow start, a strong September has pushed Fulham back up to tenth, just three points away from the play-offs.

Personally, I think we're in a surprisingly good position at this stage of the season, as a lot of the teams above us which occupy the promotion spots, won't be there in May. Even though Cardiff and Sheffield United have been impressive in the opening eleven games, I don't believe that they have the strength in depth as some other teams do in this division, and if you compare our position to the other 'favourites' for promotion this season, we look much healthier. (Notice how far Reading have fallen after a big summer, and rumours that Jaap Stam may be fired - It's okay, you can admit it.... it feels good to see them in 20th).

Even though it's not been the best start for Fulham, it's good to see the side grinding out results even when we are not in top form, and that was obvious against QPR on Friday.

While, derby games are always unpredictable, I was surprised to see our side sit so deep against QPR. It allowed QPR to really put pressure on our back line when they were in possession and there was far too many passes that were knocked across our own area from a goal kick. Luckily, the defenders didn't give the ball away, but one mistake and Button would have had to deal with a one on one opportunity.

Don't get me wrong, I understand that by sitting deep, it brings the QPR back-line further up the field and then the likes of Ojo and Mollo can use the space behind on the counter. But, I would have liked to have seen a more direct approach at times from Fulham, or even push further up the pitch to relieve some pressure that was on us throughout the game.

Friday's game was a strange one though, as I didn't expect Sheyi Ojo to retain his place in the side, especially after Kebano scored against Forest, but Jokanovic kept his faith in the Liverpool loanee.

After watching Ojo's performances this season, I don't think he's warranted a starting spot over the options that we have out-wide, and I still think he's a bit too raw for this level and will need a lot of coaching to improve. There's no denying that he's a talented footballer and his physical attributes are an asset to any side, but there's too many times this season he hasn't got his head up and picked out the pass in the final third, and when you spend £9m on a striker like Fonte, you have to make sure he's getting service from the wingers selected.

Unfortunately, Ojo was stretched off the field on Friday with a dislocated shoulder, which was sad to see. He chose to join Fulham over many other clubs, so to see him side-lined for three months when he was just getting started is a shame. On the other hand, I think he will then need more time after his injury to earn his spot back in the side, and having to work hard to force his way back into the side in the new year, will be a good experience for him. Especially, when he is up against the likes of Neeskens Kebano, Yohan Mollo, Ryan Sessegnon, Jordan Graham, Floyd Ayite & Lucas Piazon – all of which possess a lot of quality. But, for now - I hope Sheyi makes a swift and full recovery!

As for the other winger Yohan Mollo, it was a pleasure to see him starting for the club, after a series of impressive cameo's from the bench. Even though he didn't see enough of the ball during his time on the pitch, it's clear that he is here to prove a point after a bit of journeyman-like few years at different clubs. The former Nancy star, looks a handful and you can clearly see that he has played a lot higher level than the Championship as his decision making and creativity is very impressive. Despite, the early high praise for Mollo, I still think there's more to come from him.

As he continues to settle and gets a solid run in the starting eleven, I think he'll become a key asset for us this season and his performances will only get better.

There was also another new-boy this month who stood out from the crowd, and that was forward, Aboubakar Kamara. The French forward, managed to score in back to back games against Nottingham Forest and Middlesbrough, and his performances started to show glimpses of what he is truly capable of. In August, the former Amiens man looked very rash with his decision making and control of the ball; but after notching his first goal for the club, he is starting to show signs of improvement. It was gutting to see him pick up a light injury against Nottingham Forest, but once he recovers, he will provide the much needed competition for Rui Fonte, who still needs to settle himself.

As for October, Fulham have four winnable fixtures, with the hardest challenge coming away to Aston Villa on the 21st. While, an away day at Villa Park has many good memories, any side Steve Bruce manages is incredibly tough to break down, and with their recruitment over the summer, Villa possess one of the strongest squads in the league.

But, with games against Preston North End, Bolton Wanderers & Bristol City all in October, I don't see why Jokanovic's men can't take a minimum of nine points from their next four league fixtures.

That may sound too ambitious or optimistic, and no disrespect to the sides we'll face this month, but if we are serious about promotion this campaign, then we need to take maximum points from those games. Especially when November starts with back to back games against Wolves and Derby, two incredibly hard games against sides that will be in the top six come next summer.

But, on the other hand, I can't see any reason why Fulham fans shouldn't be optimistic about this season, especially when we should see the return of Tom Cairney back by the end of October, and with TC in our side, Fulham shouldn't fear anyone in this division.

Although Oli Norwood has done a great job in deputising for Captain Cairney, there ain't nobody, like Tom Cairney.

https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2017/10/2/16392506/craven-corner-despite-slow-start-fulham-fans-have-reasons-to-be-optimistic-about-this-season

WhiteJC · October 03, 2017, 08:06:06 AM

Stefan Johansen: Class & Creativity in Cairney's Absence

In light of midfield maestro Tom Cairney's absence from Fulham's starting fold, many a Whites fan would have been left scratching their head to who would temporarily take the batten from the influential Scotsman. In terms of raw creativity, Slavisa Jokanovic's options in the middle of the park are fairly limited, with a more holding, conservative attitude to administering play being exemplified by the likes of Kevin McDonald, Oliver Norwood and Ibrahima Cisse – but what of Stefan Johansen?

For many, of course, the Norwegian national captain is undoubtedly hailed as one of the club's most innovative outlets, and Fulham have certainly been crying out for that spark of ingenuity of late, with goals and victories being scarce. However it's clear to see that in regards to the last two domestic outings in particular, 'StefJo' has valiantly taken it upon himself to fill the demonstrative void left by the South-West Londoners' enigmatic number 10, exemplifying why he is invaluable to Fulham's cause for the heavily desired promotion push.

Putting the game to bed against an ever threatening Nottingham Forest outfit on the 26th September was imperative, as unfortunately Fulham have indeed been plagued with conceding in the dying embers of proceedings in recent weeks. However, on this occasion at the City Ground, it was the Cottagers' turn to have the last laugh.

The 26-year-old's expertly weighted free-kick on the edge of Forest's box arced over a powerless defending wall and rendered Jordan Smith hapless as he clawed at thin air, a divine execution which sent Fulham's following faithful into raptures and secured a 3-1 win on the road – the perfect tonic before the highly anticipated west London derby showdown with their rivals from Shepherds Bush the following Friday evening.

Queens Park Rangers were gunning to burst Fulham's bubble after their emphatic victory in Nottingham, and with the 'Hoops' stuttering domestically themselves, Ian Holloway's contingent had a point to prove against their fierce local counterparts on their home patch.

The spectating hoards at Loftus Road were waiting eagerly with bated breath for a piece of magic with the 1-0 scoreline dangling precariously in the Whites' favour, a moment to ignite the encounter in the final phases of the tie. One of the probing clubs was gifted the opportunity to lift the roof in the 85th minute – arise, Sir Johansen. Finding a pocket of space on the parameter of QPR's penalty area, the Norwegian midfielder composed himself, looked Alex Smithies in the eyes and dispatched a low, pinpointed effort into the bottom right corner of the goal.

As the net bulged, 2,600-or-so jittery Fulham fans entered a state of sheer euphoria; they were 2-0 up, and though the 'R's' did manage to notch a goal of their own in the second of the nine additional minutes through Conor Washington, Johansen's ruthless, Cairney-esque intelligence with the goal at his mercy ultimately gave his club the bragging rights and supremacy with a glorious 2-1 victory, yet again away from Craven Cottage.

Johansen's strike meant that Fulham entered the international break with their tails up. Demonstrated by the Nordic playmaker's exemplary efforts, snatching 6 points from a possible 6 in two consecutive away fixtures is a measure of the growing, spirited character within Slavisa Jokanovic's resurgent set-up. An equally relentless ethic will act as a building block for Fulham's anticipated rise to the summit of the Championship table.

Lauded by many for their slick, fluid, seamless style on the pitch, it's inevitable that the Whites will bother the pack which currently lead the way, and if Johansen in particular – who has scored 3 goals himself from the middle of the park so far this term – can maintain his sculpted, calculated manner on and off the ball, Fulham will be in much better stead to ruffle a few more feathers as the weeks progress and the season unfurls.

https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2017-10-02-stefan-johansen-epitomises-fulhams-class-creativity-in-cairneys-absence/

WhiteJC · October 03, 2017, 08:09:23 AM

Fulhamerica Homecoming

Nov. 14 Match against Colombia at Craven Cottage is Familiar Stomping Grounds for Numerous Players who have Represented U.S. MNT

If there is one venue the U.S. Men's National Team could call home outside United States, it would undoubtedly be Fulham's Craven Cottage. Plenty of current and former players can find the stadium on the river Thames without a GPS.

The list of U.S. internationals that pulled on the Fulham jersey is long and distinguished, including goalkeepers, goal scorers, FIFA World Cup veterans and aspiring leaders.

Goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann (1999-2002) was the first to don the Cottager's kit in the modern era and former U.S. MNT midfielder and defender Eddie Lewis arrived a year later (2000-2002). Despite not playing a game the whole season, his coach Jean Tigana insisted on keeping Lewis until season's end, making him the last to arrive at the USA's pre-World Cup training camp in 2002. Lewis went on to deliver one of the most famous crosses in U.S. history.

Later in the decade, three-time World Cup veteran Kasey Keller spent a season at Craven Cottage (2007), while striker Eddie Johnson had a three-year spell there (2008-11) spent mostly on loan.

The most accomplished and celebrated U.S. players at Craven Cottage are strikers Brian McBride and Clint Dempsey. McBride (2004-08) scored 33 goals during his tenure and became such a fan favorite that the stadium pub now bears his name. He was a two-time Fulham Player of the Year, and was named captain for the 2007-08 season. Most recently, McBride was named to a special committee to help select the club's next manager.

"I think it's the perfect fit. The Fulham supporters are incredibly loyal and have a great appreciation for what the American players bring to the table," McBride said of Craven Cottage. "For the U.S. players and fans who will be there for the first time, they will experience a very special place. There is a heart and soul to Craven Cottage that goes beyond just a stadium; it's like playing in front of your family."

Not to be outdone, Dempsey picked up McBride's scoring reins at Fulham. In addition to famous goals – the game-winner against Liverpool that saved Fulham from relegation in 2007 and the wonder strike against Juventus in the Europa League Round of 16, among others – the Texan set the team record for the most career tallies in the Premier League (50) by an American, surpassing his 2006 World Cup teammate, McBride.

Former U.S. captain Carlos Bocanegra also made a big impression with the Fulham faithful (2004-08), becoming one of the few MNT players in history playing outside the United States to wear the captain's armband for both club and country. He was the second leading scorer in the 2006-07 campaign with five goals – behind McBride – and finished his career there with eight total in 116 appearances.

"I'm thrilled that the U.S. Men's National Team will play at a stadium that has meant so much to the American players who got their chance at Fulham," Bocanegra said. "The fans there were incredibly supportive of us, and we have so many great memories there. Craven Cottage has one of the most intimate atmospheres I've ever played in. Sitting in the Cottage is like having a rooftop seat at Wrigley Field – it's an experience every fan should have in their lifetime."

The American line of succession at Fulham has now been passed to 18-year-old Emerson Hyndman, who played extensively in Fulham's Youth Academy and scored a goal in the U-18 FA Cup Final. Now earning regular minutes for the first time, Hyndman debuted for the senior MNT in the 1-0 win against the Czech Republic in Prague this past September.

http://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2014/10/22/11/48/141022-mnt-v-col-craven-cottage-sidebar

Stoneleigh Loyalist · October 03, 2017, 09:14:25 AM

Malcolm Macdonald

After leaving Fulham as Manager and going to the North, and Midlands, Ray Harford stayed in his same house close to mine in Stoneleigh.

We know that Super Mac went through a bad patch after his retirement, but it was sad to see his appearance and battered old car during his visits to Ray Harford's house.
Fortunately he seems to have come out of this.
Good luck to him.

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