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Thursday Fulham Stuff (19/10/17)...

Started by WhiteJC, October 19, 2017, 07:36:21 AM

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WhiteJC

 
Aston Villa news digest: Potential changes; Villa's Inbetweener; Xia compared

The latest from Villa Park

Inbetweener

Jordan Lyden finds himself in an unfortunate position.

The midfielder has excelled for the U23s, scoring five goals in seven games during an impressive run.

But with so many seniors ahead of him in the pecking order, breaking into the first-team is still proving to be a tough task.

The 21-year-old is a good all-rounder. Not only does he score goals, he also sticks to his defensive duties and is happy to create for others, when asked.

But getting past Conor Hourihane, for example, still seems some way off.

The Irishman has bagged four goals for the first-team this season compared to Lyden's five for the second string.

And as he still has plenty to learn, it's difficult to see Steve Bruce swapping him for the experienced Glenn Whelan.

That's without mentioning those on the sidelines who are also trying to force their way in.

Josh Onomah is seen as a more attack-minded option but even he can't hold down a regular starting berth.

And then there's the returning trio of Mile Jedinak, Jack Grealish and Henri Lansbury.

Callum O'Hare has also impressed so much in the last 12 months that he's jumped ahead of Lyden in Bruce's plans while Jake Doyle-Hayes has also enjoyed game-time this term.

The Australian is Villa's Inbetweener. Too good for the U23s but still struggling to make the first-team.

So what next for one of the club's brightest young players?

Well, first of all, he needs to keep himself fit.

Injuries have hampered his progress in recent years and had he not been sidelined with a hamstring problem last term, he most likely would have featured in the Championship.

Remember, this was a player who finished the 2015/16 season in the team until an injury on the final day of the season against Arsenal kickstarted a long list of niggling setbacks.

But now he's back, is there a danger of Villa developing him for the benefit of another team?

Academy staff certainly hope not. Lyden has been at Bodymoor Heath since he was seven when he spurned advances from Chelsea to join Villa.

His rise through the ranks saw him stand-out at every age level and that pattern has continued.

Bruce has spoken highly of him since he took over a year ago and he's given him brief game-time in the Carabao Cup earlier this season.

A loan spell seems the most obvious option when the transfer window opens in January, though.

Lyden had offers from League One and Two in the summer but decided to stick around.

Here's what he said about a possible temporary move:

"I've been fit all season, which is the main thing," Lyden told theworldgame.sbs.com.au .

"We will see what happens come January. If I'm in the mix for the first team then I will obviously stay

"But if not then I'll probably go out on loan. There were a few League One clubs interested at the start of the season and that's not a massive step down, I don't feel.

"It's competitive men's football and I feel that would be good for me."

That wouldn't mean his Villa career is over. Far from it.

Lyden still has another year on his contract and although he turns 22 in January, age is still on his side.

Reflections on Saturday

THE GOOD

Another sell-out away following from the claret and blue faithful. Those travelling supporters are a different class.

And so is Sam Johnstone.

The on-loan Manchester United stopper may have conceded two goals but he helped keep the scores down with another fine display.

Seeing youngster Callum O'Hare get more minutes under his belt was also a positive.

THE BAD

Steve Bruce's decision to play with two strikers back-fired on this occasion. Looking back he should have changed it.

Keinan Davis struggled to make an impact and it looked like one game too many for him.

Jonathan Kodjia was also poor and will need to improve his game when Fulham visit on Saturday.

Changes

Steve Bruce has named virtually the same starting XI for Aston Villa's last five matches but a resounding defeat to promotion rivals Wolves has cast doubt over their own Premier League possibilities.

Twelve points from the last 15 on offer suggests there is no need to panic. However, it's only right that some of Villa's fringe players are considered for selection ahead of Fulham's visit to Villa Park on Saturday.

Team news

Mile Jedinak (groin) remains a doubt. The Australian's 45-minute outing against Middlesbrough in September is the only football he has played this season.

Gabby Agbonlahor isn't expected to be involved and hasn't played since early September.

Henri Lansbury is back in contention for a place in the squad having overcome a knee injury sustained before the international break.

Jack Grealish has returned to full training following kidney surgery and played 60 minutes of Villa's under-23s' win over Wolves on Monday night.

Neil Taylor will serve the second of his three-match ban following a red card against Bolton.

Possible changes

Villa's back five appears settled. Alan Hutton was one of few bright sparks to emerge from Saturday's defeat at Molineux and is again expected to deputise for Taylor at left-back.

Wingers Robert Snodgrass and Albert Adomah weren't able to offer the attacking threat supporters had witnessed in the games prior to Wolves due to their defensive duties.

Bruce watched Grealish play left-midfield for Villa's under-23s at New Bucks Head and that position appears to be the 22-year-old's most likely route back into the first XI.

However, Adomah's form over the last month has been stunning so Grealish has a tough job on his hands to wrestle back the jersey.

Josh Onomah is usually the first off the bench for Villa and will be desperate to start his first Championship game since September 9.

The Tottenham Hotspur loanee has impressed and could dislodge either Keinan Davis or Conor Hourihane, depending on what formation Bruce plumps for.

Big money striker Scott Hogan has been made to wait patiently for his chance this season and is another option for Bruce to consider should the manager want to alter his attack.

Our prediction...

Despite several of Villa's stand-ins presenting compelling cases for inclusion against Fulham, Bruce has waited too long to find the winning formula to change his team after a minor hiccup.

The claret and blues were outclassed at Molineux but they are unlikely to face another Championship team of such quality for the remainder of the campaign.

With that in mind, we expect Bruce to continue with the XI that started against Wolves. However, Snodgrass and Adomah must be given freedom to create havoc, as they did in wins over Barnsley, Nottingham Forest, Burton Albion and Bolton.

Grealish watch

Jack Grealish made his long awaited return from injury in Aston Villa's under-23s' 2-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers at New Bucks Head.

While the Solihull-born star didn't get his name on the scoresheet, he was instrumental in Kevin MacDonald's side's crucial Premier League 2 clash.

Before his withdrawal after 60 minutes, Grealish was able to help Villa into a commanding 2-0 lead as Harry McKirdy and Jordan Lyden struck.

Where did he play?

Steve Bruce had planned to build his team around Grealish before that devastating injury blow in late July.

The 22-year-old was handed the No.10 jersey and was pencilled in to play behind Villa's main striker and dictate Villa's play.

In his absence Villa have found 4-4-2 to be their winning formula, leaving Grealish's No.10 role somewhat redundant.

With that in mind, Grealish operated from the left of midfield against Wolves with Callum O'Hare and Corey Blackett-Taylor making up a speedy, skillful three-man supporting act for striker Harry McKirdy.

The action

Like his fellow academy graduates, Grealish was composed on the ball and looked to showcase his qualities in front of Bruce, Stephen Clemence and technical director Steve Round.

Grealish appeared to have the beating of Prince Oniangue down the left and used the ball sensibly the vast majority of the time.

One teasing run saw Michal Zyro hack Grealish down on the left for a free-kick that came to nothing.

Grealish and Villa's other floppy-haired playmaker, Callum O'Hare, appeared to have a decent understanding and exchanged passes in tight areas on several occasions.

Despite Grealish having spent a couple of months out of action, he looked fairly fit and was constantly harrying and hassling Wolves when they were in possession.

Grealish made way for Jordan Cox after 60 minutes and may well have designs on a place in Bruce's squad for Fulham's Villa Park visit on Saturday.

The owners

The Championship might not be the cash cow of the Premier League when it comes to the financial figures involved.

But there is still plenty of money swirling round English football's second tier.

With that in mind we've taken a look at who owns each of the 24 Championship clubs.



http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-news-digest-potential-13776873

WhiteJC

 
Aston Villa scouting report: Fulham player ratings and potential weakness for Steve Bruce to exploit

We take a look at how the Fulham players performed in their last match and might be the men to watch

Fulham are the opposition for Aston Villa at the weekend and travel to Villa Park after a 2-2 draw with the increasingly impressive Preston North End.

The Cottagers were 2-0 down at one point and managed to claw things back in a second-half fight back.

Here we take a look at the players that Villa have to face and who is in form and out of form ahead of the weekend.

Here's how our sister title Get West London rated the players.

Button 7: Produced a lovely save to keep the score at just 1-0 in the first half. Struggled to find his passing range which didn't allow Fulham to build from him as they have done. Despite the score it was another good game from Button.

Odoi 6: Made a few good challenges at right back but didn't have the presence going forward that Fredericks brings to the team. Didn't provide the outlet on the right that Fulham needed.

Kalas 6: Struggled with the physicality that Hugill brought to the game and couldn't win his duels with the Preston front man.

Ream 6: Started the game well and looked the dominating presence at centre half. Gave the ball away cheaply for the second goal but looked strong at the back.



Sessegnon 6: Had a decent first half and was the cause of a few problems down the left, but the second goal came from him and Ream being unable to deal with the ball.

Norwood 6: Was caught in possession a number of times in the first half that led to opportunities for Preston. Was better in the second half but still unable to do much in possession. Lovely penalty to halve the defecit.

Johansen 4: Struggled in midfield to get the time and space as a result of the relentless Preston pressure, particularly Pearson who didn't even allow him time to breathe.

McDonald 7: Was the best performer in the first half and tried to get things going for the Whites. Continued the same form into the second half with Cairney in front of him once again.

Ayite 6: Started the game really well, constantly hounding the Preston defence and winning the ball in dangerous areas.

Fonte 6: Tried to come deeper to get the ball but wasn't really able to get on the last man's shoulder like he would've wanted to. Did well to win the penalty, which came as a result of his drive to continue hassling the Preston backline,

Kebano 5: Didn't have the best of halves and was largely anonymous for the most part. Was subbed for Cairney at half time.

Subs

Cairney 7: Changed the way the side played completely after coming on, dictating play as he looked to bring Fulham back into the tie.

Mollo 6: Didn't really affect play too much after he came on for Johansen, but has a few driving attacks.

Weakness

Here's how Ryan O'Donovan summed up the performance and the potential weakness in the Fulham style.

Fulham will be pleased that they managed to salvage a point from yesterday's game with Preston, but there are warning signs that must be heeded from that first half display.

Preston were physical, relentless and extremely fit and Fulham didn't know what to do to combat that in those first 45 minutes - there was no space in the midfield and anything that went near the away side's box was snuffed out by at least two players.

Let's be brutally honest - Slavisa Jokanovic's side were dreadful in the first 45.

There were mix-ups, players weren't on the same wavelength and Ben Pearson was causing havoc along with Daniel Johnson in the midfield.

It was the first time this season a team have come to the Cottage and not sat back - Alex Neil's side were in Fulham's faces from the start, right up until the 60th minute when he brought Pearson off and sat back.

If they had continued pressing high, I don't think Fulham would've come back like they did and that in itself is a warning that Jokanovic and his men must heed.

We all know Fulham aren't a physical side, you just need to look at them when they're shaking hands with the opposition before the game that they aren't the biggest of teams, they pride themselves on their style of football and rightly so.

However, when a strong side like Preston match you in the middle of the pitch, you need to stand up and be counted and Fulham didn't do that in the first 45.

Stefan Johansen was too easily snuffed out by Preston's midfield and Oliver Norwood found he had no space at all to turn and pick a pass and was dispossessed a number of times in dangerous areas.

The only one who could hold his head high after that was Kevin McDonald, who looked to get on the ball and did a good job harrying Preston's forward line.

Neil's side have figured out the way to stop Fulham, and although every team won't have the fitness or players capable of doing what they did, teams will know from watching the footage back that snuffing out Fulham's midfield with deep lying midfielders will cut supply lines and render them useless.

It was fortunate that Sean Maguire was forced off through injury too, he was causing all sorts of the problems down the left, assisting and scoring the second and I feel if he was on for the second half, he would've scored some of the chances Josh Harrop missed.

Ipswich were a side that attempted to be physical but they didn't have the players capable of harassing Fulham like Preston did and the Whites were able to pick off the space that the high press can sometimes allow.

Not every side will play like Preston, but I think yesterday showed that if Fulham one huge weakness in their side, coming up against a fit, physical side like Neil's is it.

It's a lesson learned, Fulham fought back as Preston sat off and they got a point from the game and they know going forward how to deal with such a ferocious press, but if they play like they did in that first 45 minutes they may not be so lucky next time.



http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-vs-fulham-13777082

WhiteJC

 
Safe Standing Gets A Step Closer To The Championship


Shrewsbury Town have now confirmed that they have reached their crowd funding target of £65,000 to create a safe standing section at New Meadow.

Having set the target a few months ago, more than £65,000 has been raised and chief Executive Brian Caldwell now believes the club are in a position to be a 'flagship club' for tackling the popular topic at hand.

'Safe standing has been something fans have campaigned to see introduced for many years. We will now continue to work closely with our local Safety Advisory Group to gain the necessary certification for the safe standing area and hope to have supporters watching home games from the safe standing area before the end of the season. As one of the few clubs with an all-seater ground able to introduce a rail seating section, Shrewsbury Town will now lead the way in making the case for a change in policy and adding a standing option to the match-day experience for all clubs and fans.'

Shrewsbury applied to have safe standing back in June, with plans to have rail seats fitted to one section of their Salop Stand by the end of the 2017/18 campaign.

They are one of a few clubs to have the choice, as New Meadow is a decade old and not governed by the all seater legislation that permits clubs in League One and Two to keep terracing that existed prior to 1994.

Now this doesn't impact at Championship level and the second tier of football is certainly not going to notice any changes any time soon, but for proponents of 'safe standing' and those clubs on record as being interested in the potential and those offering themselves up for a trial should legislation change, it's an important step and gives the campaign something tangible to build on in the English game - Scotland's Celtic already having such a safe standing area.

As plans now progress the section should house around 400 fans and work as a live test model as the safe standing campaigns continue and allied to experiences gained from Celtic, and other countries such as Germany, keeping the issue front and centre and demonstrating the 'safe' value will only strengthen the cause of those lobbying for a change.

EFL chief executive Shaun Harvey added.

'I am pleased that Shrewsbury Town has successfully sourced the necessary funding to support the proposed installation of rail seating. I know the campaign has benefitted from a strong community effort and I congratulate the club's supporters, as well as those from other clubs that have contributed. The EFL is committed to seeking a change in the law that will give all of our clubs the same opportunity to install standing accommodation at their grounds should they wish. We are keen to see how the installation enhances the match-day experience at Shrewsbury Town and we hope it provides evidence we can take to government to support our objective.'



Read more: http://www.derby.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=508771#ixzz4vvxDjIYg


WhiteJC

 
The Championship owners guide: How do Fulham, QPR and Brentford's owners compare?

We've compiled a list of every owner in the Championship, their background and their worth - here's what we discovered

The Championship might not be the cash cow of the Premier League when it comes to the financial figures involved.

But there is still plenty of money swirling round English football's second tier.

With that in mind we've taken a look at who owns each of the 24 Championship clubs.

Acquaint yourselves with the money men (and women) here:

Aston Villa

Owner: Tony Xia

Nationality: Chinese

Net worth: £990m

Background: Landscape design, planning, new energy. He is the owner and chairman of RECON Group.

The successful Chinese businessman bought Villa for £76million in June 2016 after checking out a number of other clubs including West Bromwich Albion.

Little was known about the 40-year-old prior to the takeover other than that he studied landscape design at Harvard University and was one of the top students in the class.

He arrived as the owner and chairman of the RECON Group - an organisation which operates in a number of sectors including, health, new energy, IT, health and agriculture, smart transportation, as well as sport and leisure.

Xia quickly fell in love with Villa and the claret and blue faithful also took him into their hearts as he started and continues to engage with the fanbase via social media and regular visits to Villa Park.

Many scoffed at his ambitious plans early on. He claimed that he would help transform Villa into a feared force once again and claimed they could be champions of Europe again within a decade.

And although the clearly have some way to go before any of that becomes a reality, you can't know Xia for not trying.

His first appointment - Roberto Di Matteo - didn't go to plan but he backed him with sufficient funds to get the players he wanted into the club.

Steve Bruce has had his hands tied behind his back due to Financial Fair Play regulations, but he's still been able to recruit a number of his top targets.

Xia's plans to buy other clubs and use Villa as the cornerstone of his operations have gone quiet.

But there are plans in place to increase the capacity at Villa Park, improve the academy and training ground facilities and regenerate the area of Aston.

It feels like it all hinges on promotion back to the top-flight, though.

(Gregg Evans)

Barnsley

Owner: Patrick Cryne

Nationality: British

Net Worth: £40m (approx)

Background: Terminally ill Cryne hit the national headlines a few weeks ago when he advised fans in his programme notes that he did not expect to reach the end of the season.

A local businessmen who made his money in software he rescued the club from folding at the turn of the millennium and has stood by them since.

He has, though been preparing for a handover and it is thought a takeover is imminent which will see 98.5% of the club sold for £20m to an American-Chinese consortium consisting Chien Lee, Paul Conway and Billy Bean - of Moneyball fame.

In a nod towards tradition Cryne's son James is expected to take a 1.5% stake and remain involved at Oakwell.

(Brian Dick)

Birmingham City

Owner (or majority share holder): Paul Suen (Trillion Trophy Asia)

Nationality: Chinese

Net worth: £450m (reported)

Background: Distressed stocks, casinos, energy, real estate.

Little is know about the Hong Kong-based businessman – except that he's known as the 'King of Penny Stocks' for his reputation of turning round struggling companies.

Suen wholly owns Wealthy Associates, which in turn wholly owns Trillion Trophy Asia. TTA has business premises at Great Eagle Centre, Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong.

He is described as having 'extensive experience in strategic planning and corporate management of business enterprises in Hong Kong and the People's Republic of China. Suen is 56-years-old and there are no pictures on public file of him.

Nevertheless he came at a time when Blues' parent company Birmingham International Holdings was mired in a legal wrangle with previous owners and directors - until it was put into administration.

That allowed the mysterious, BVI registered Trillion Trophy Asia, to emerge as preferred bidders to takeover - which they did in October 2016.

Since then they have invested heavily but have had no return on their investment on the field.

Having got rid of Gary Rowett when Blues were on the brink of the Championship play-offs, they have presided over the disastrous tenures of Gianfranco Zola and Harry Redknapp.

Eventually the money they've put in will surely lift Blues up the table - but first they need stability and hopefully Steve Cotterill is the man to bring that.

(Brian Dick)

Bolton Wanderers

Owner (or majority share holder): Ken Anderson

Nationality: British

Net worth: Unknown

Background: Bolton Wanderers' owner is Ken Anderson, a Monaco and Switzerland-based former football agent who now owns 94.5 per cent of shares in parent company Burnden Leisure Limited through his own company Inner Circle Investments.

Anderson launched a joint venture with ex-footballer Dean Holdsowrth in March 2016 to buy the club from former owner Eddie Davies for just £1, and took on around £7million of incumbent debts.

After promotion to the Championship, he is now looking to sell Bolton Wanderers for £25million.

(Shane Ireland)

Brentford

Owner: Matthew Benham

Nationality: English

Background: Benham used to work as a city trader before setting up sports betting exchange website Matchbook. He also owns Smart Odds and bought Brentford, the club whom he supported as a boy, with the hope of transforming them into a Premier League club.

Gambling tycoon Benham became Brentford's full shareholder in 2014, the year he bankrolled promotion from League One to ensure the Bees would be playing second tier football for the first time in 21 years.

He is also the majority owner of Danish side FC Midtjylland. Benham has been the pioneer for the use of statistical analysis within football and has recruited wisely to compete with Championship clubs on much larger budgets in recent years.

(Alex Dicken)

Bristol City

Owner (or majority share holder): Steve Lansdown

Nationality: British

Net worth: £1.5bn (Forbes)

Background: Financial services, Hargreaves Lansdown co-founder.

The Guernsey-based billionaire – educated in Thornbury, South Gloucs – has ploughed many millions into building up the Bristol Sport empire (Bristol City, Bristol Rugby, Bristol Flyers, more) and putting the South West firmly on the sporting map.

While yet to really plant the flag of success there are signs that a serious breakthrough could be on the horizon with Bristol City currently doing well in the Championship and Bristol Rugby looking to bounce back into the Aviva Premiership.

Lansdown celebrates 15 years' ownership of the Robins this month (began October 2002) and can look back fondly at the regeneration of Ashton Gate during his time, as he sold a 4.7% stake in financial service firm Hargreaves Lansdown for £47.2m to help renovate the stadium and modernise the facilities in 2009, and his awarding of a CBE in January for his community and business service to the Bristol region.

His decision to stick with head coach Lee Johnson last season following a club record run of league defeats looks astute, and the 65-year-old will hope that the Robins can soon add to the EFL Trophies (2003, 2015) and League One title honours (2015) accrued during Lansdown senior's tenure, as son Jon Lansdown becomes more involved in the community aspect of the club.

(Gregor McGregor)

Burton Albion

Owner: Ben Robinson

Nationality: British

Background: Robinson owns 98 per cent of the club is British, brought up in Burton.

He runs an insurance company. Robinson was originally chairman from 1976 until 1984 but quit to focus on his business.

He then returned in 1995 and has guided Burton, along with Nigel Clough, to the Championship.

(Richard Cusack)

Cardiff City

Owner: Vincent Tan

Nationality: Malaysian

Net worth: Estimated $1.3 billion

Background: Resorts, food and drink and property before heading into sports ownership with KV Kortrijk, Los Angeles FC and FK Sarajevo - along with Cardiff City - now in his portfolio.

Vincent Tan has has a turbulent relationship with Cardiff City fans in the seven years he's owned the club.

From the dizzy heights of the Premier League and back, to an unpopular blue-to-red rebrand and back and the fall-out with ex-boss Malky Mackay it's never been boring.

But he's recently been widely praised for his appointment and backing of manager Neil Warnock - a decision that has helped propel the Bluebirds back to the Championship's summit and spread the good feeling around the club too.

Tan is now well liked by many fans, who recognise how much money he's pumped into the club in recent times.

(Dominic Booth)

Derby County

Owner (or majority shareholder): Mel Morris

Nationality: British

Net worth: £500m

Background: The local entrepreneur, who was raised in Littleover, Derby, had his first breakthrough with a dating website called uDate, which he built up and then sold for £100m.

Some of that money helped fund Prevx – an internet security company, which he developed and then sold for another healthy profit.

The cash from the uDate sale also provided the seed funding for King Digital Entertainment, an Anglo-Swedish start-up specialising in tournament-style games played over the internet.

King went on to develop Candy Crush Saga and Morris enjoyed a £450m payday following the sale of the company in 2015. He took full control of Derby County in September of that year, when he completed the purchase of the club from North American Derby Partners LP for an undisclosed sum.

(Christopher Watson)

Fulham

Owner: Shahid Khan

Nationality: Pakistani-American

Net worth: $7.2 billion

Background: Arrived in the US from Pakistan with $500 in his pocket as a 16-year-old and enrolled in the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Owns autoparts maker Flex-N-Gate as well as NFL franchise the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Shahid Khan bought Fulham from Mohamed Al Fayed in 2013 and has since gone about changing the way the club is run in order to get them back to the Premier League. Since then, he's hired his son, Tony, as vice chairman and Director of Football operations - giving him and his statistics team full control of the club's transfer department.

(Ryan O'Donovan)


Fulham owner Shahid Khan

Hull City

Owner: Assem Allam

Nationality: British

Net worth: £250m

Background: Marine generators.

The Allam family took ownership of Hull City in December 2010 with Assem Allam installed as chairman and his son Ehab, who takes care of the day to day running of the football club, occupying the position of vice chairman.

According to the Sunday Times rich list, Assem Allam's net worth grew substantially in the last 12 months to increase by £40m to £120m. The family do not attend City home games due to a strained relationship with the club's supporters that started following two applications to the Football Association to change the club's name and then reinforced by a controversial membership scheme which scrapped concessions.

(James Smailes)

Ipswich Town

Owner (or majority share holder): Marcus Evans

Nationality: British

Net worth: £765m (Sunday Times Rich List)

Background: Corporate hospitality, founder of Marcus Evans Group

Evans made his millions through his eponymous corporate hospitality and events business, the Marcus Evans Group, before buying a controlling stake in Ipswich Town in December 2007.

Based in London but with childhood connections to Suffolk, Evans has always endeavoured to keep himself and his family out of the limelight - a lack of public visibility which has sometimes proven a source of frustration for fans of the Championship's longest serving current tenants.

Evans helped to restore control of Ipswich's finances in buying out the club's debts of more than £32m upon his takeover. But despite swiftly setting sights on promotion to the Premier League, Town have failed to make any significant progress in the ten years since.

Following an early rush of spending which accomplished little during Roy Keane's ill-fated reign as Town boss, the purse strings were tightened and Ipswich have spent much of Evans' ownership operating on one of the smallest budgets in the Championship. Such constraints have left the club increasingly relying upon current manager Mick McCarthy to work miracles, and risk putting a long-awaited return to top flight football well beyond the Blues' reach any time soon.

(Darren Campbell)

Leeds United

Owner: Andrea Radrizzani

Nationality: Italian

Net worth: Unknown

Background: Radrizzani made his fortune selling the rights to broadcast a variety of sports internationally. He's a co-founder of MP & Silva Worldwide.

The Premier League is one of their biggest sellers so it's no surprise to hear that Radrizzani wants Leeds United back in the big time within the next five years.

The 43-year-old was born in Milan, studied in his hometown, and became an expert in reading the likely effect of the digital revolution on football rights.

He decided to purchase Leeds United after Kenny Dalglish explained the potential of the club to him over a lunch.

Since taking over he claims to have invested over £100m, which includes £20million to buy back Elland Road.

(Gregg Evans)

Middlesbrough

Owner (or majority shareholder): Steve Gibson

Nationality: British

Net worth: £195m, according to this year's Times Rich List

Background: The life-long Boro fan has a 75% stake in Gibson-O'Neill Ltd which is the holding company that owns Middlesbrough FC and the lush rural Rockliffe site that includes the club's training complex and a swanky five star hotel and gold club.

In 1981 Gibson borrowed £1,000 from his father and alongside old college friend Michael O'Neill founded Bulkhaul, a company specialising in the transportation of bulk liquids, powders and gases in the chemical industry.

It was initially based on Teesside, then the hub of a massive domestic petro-chemical industry but rapid exansion has seen Bulkhual become one of the global players in the industry with centres and offices worldwide. The company covers the principal global trade routes and works closely with major chemical companies in Europe, America and the Far East.

Bulkhaul ceased manufacturing at Teesside, but its main base of operations remains in Middlesbrough.[5]

Gibson was the main force behind the consortium of local businesses that saved the club from liquidation in the summer of 1986, taking over the ground and football obligations - and debts - of a club in the hands of the official receiver.

Since then, having taken over as chairman in 1994, he has bankrolled a golden era of success with a new stadium, a first ever trophy in 2004 and two season sin Europe that ended in the UEFA Cup final in 2006.

Following relegation in 2009 Gibson was reported to be funding the club to the tune of £1m a month but much of that debt has been written off in various restructures.

Gibson, who was awarded an OBE in 2016, remains the chairman and figurehead of the club.

(Anthony Vickers)

Millwall

Owner: John Berylson

Nationality: American

Net worth: $175million

Background: Born in Boston, U.S, Berylson is a Harvard MBA and a former US Marine. He worked in Rhode Island refinancing banks and had a successful financial career. There was even a time when he considered working in public office and he also claims to know the Queen!

He was part of the American consortium who bought Millwall in 2007 after being introduced to English football by fellow-Massachusetts businessman Robert Kraft.

Liverpool and Leeds United were also considered but Berylson wanted to be based in London.

(Gregg Evans)

Norwich City

Owner: Delia Smith, Michael Wynn-Jones (majority shareholders)

Nationality: British

Net worth: £23m (Mirror, 2015)

Background: Delia Smith, famed television cook, and her husband Michael Wynn-Jones became majority shareholders of public limited Norwich City in 2003 as the Canaries prepared to embark on a title-winning promotion to the Premier League.

The couple have overseen plenty of highs and lows in their tenure, including a drop into League One and consecutive promotions back to the top flight.

Celebrity Stephen Fry and former Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls, both supporters, are on the club board.

(Joseph Chapman)

Nottingham Forest

Owner (or majority shareholder): Evangelos Marinakis

Nationality: Greek

Net worth: Unknown, reported to be $650million in 2015

Background: Shipping

Had previously failed in an attempt to takeover Forest in 2016, before eventually getting the green light in May. Headed a consortium – along with fellow Greek businessman Sokratis Kominakis – which bought the club off Fawaz Al Hasawi.

The Reds became the second football club in Marinakis' portfolio, as he has been the majority owner and president of Olympiacos since August 2010.

Made his money in the shipping business. He is the founder and chairman of Capital Maritime & Trading Corp, and also has experience in the governance of football through his role as vice-president of the Hellenic Football Federation and president of Superleague Greece.

(Sarah Clapson)

Preston North End

Owner: Trevor Hemmings

Nationality: British

Net worth: £850m (Sunday Times Rich List, 2017)

Background: Hemmings, 82, is well known for being North End owner - but he's perhaps better known for his horse racing exploits.

He owns over 100 horses and has had three Grand National wins - Hedgehunter, Ballabriggs and Many Clouds.

His company, Deepdale PNE Holdings, acquired 23.4% of the club in 2010, taking the overall ownership to 51.4% - and a controlling stake.

Hemmings also owns Trust Inns, a company that runs almost 500 pubs around the UK. They bought more than 100 pubs from Mitchells and Butlers in 2006 for just over £100m.

(Joseph Chapman).

Queens Park Rangers

Owner (or majority shareholder): Tony Fernandes

Nationality: Malaysian

Net worth: £345m (as of 3/1/17 in Forbes)

Background: Tony Fernandes is a Malaysian entrepreneur most famous for introducing the world's first budget airline, AirAsia.

He started his career working with Virgin Atlantic and was financial controller for Richard Branson's Virgin Records in London between 1987 and 1989.

He also worked for Warner Music in Malaysia before purchasing AirAsia in 2001. Fernandes has also had business interests in leisure and Motorsport, as well as hosting The Apprentice Asia in 2013, where aspiring businessmen and women competed for the chance to work with him.

(Phil Spencer)

Reading

Owner (or majority shareholder): Dai Yongge, Dai Xiu Li

Nationality: Chinese

Net worth: Unknown

Background: The brother and sister pair made their fortune through a massive property empire.

Mr Dai has been the chairman of Renhe Commercial since 1999, which is an organisation owned by his sister behind a vast network of underground shopping centres in China. The company has centres - which are converted from air-raid shelters - in more than 30 Chinese cities, including Harbin (Heilongjiang), Guangzhou (Guangdong), Wuhan (Hubei), and Shenyang (Liaoning).

His sister Dai Xiu Li is reportedly one of the wealthiest women in China. In 2014 according to the American business magazine Forbes she was worth £700m.

She is currently on the board of Renhe Commercial as a non-executive director and is president of Beijing Renhe Football club, who were recently relegated to China League One. She also owns Belgian side KSV Roeselare.

After graduating with a degree in Chinese Literature in 1986 and working as a journalist in China, she moved to England in 1991 and married teacher Tony Hawken. The pair lived in South Norwood, near Croydon but divorced in 2014, after 21 years together.

Along with her brother she formed Renhe Commercial Holdings in the early 1990s and by 2008 it was listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange.

The pair made an attempt to buy Hull City last summer following the Tigers' promotion to the Premier League. However, the bid failed due to some of the members in the pair's consortium running into problems during the Premier League's fit and proper persons' test.

The takeover was completed on Tuesday, May 16, 2017 with Dai Yongge and Dai Xiu Li becoming majority shareholders after the club gained approval from the EFL.

(Jonathan Low)

Sheffield United

Owners: Kevin McCabe and Prince Abdullah bin Mosaad bin Abdulaziz Al Saud

Nationality: McCabe (British) Prince Abdullah (Saudi Arabian)

Net worth: McCabe £150m (approx) Prince Abdullah £110m (estimated)

Background: McCabe, who is from Sheffield and has made his money in property investment, has been the long term owner of Blades. However in 2013 he sought further investment to improve the club's position which is where Prince Abdullah came on the scene.

McCabe sold the Saudi Prince a 50% stake in the Blades for just £1. Since then the Prince has invested the best part of £80m in the club.

He had to step down as a director, though, after he was given a governmental post in Saudi - though he remains committed.

McCabe has also resigned from the club's board but has his representatives there and both men remain the power behind the crown at Bramall Lane.

(Brian Dick)

Sheffield Wednesday

Owner: Dejphon Chansiri

Nationality: Thai

Net worth: Estimated £520m

Background: Chansiri's family own Thai Union Group, who are the world's largest provider of canned tuna.

The Chansiri family bought out former Owls owner Milan Mandaric in 2015 and Dejphon immediately set out their aims to reach the Premier League by 2017.

They sacked manager Stuart Gray and appointed Carlos Carvalhal who has guided them to consecutive top six finishes in the Championship.

Bangkok-based Chansiris are among the richest owners in the Championship and have splashed big fees on Jordan Rhodes, Adam Reach and many more talented players in recent transfer windows.

(Alex Dicken)

Sunderland

Owner (or majority shareholder): Ellis Short

Nationality: American

Net worth: £1bn

Background: Private equity

In keeping with a number of British football club owners, Ellis Short is a billionaire, American and shy.

London-based Short was brought on board by former chairman Niall Quinn, and bought a controlling share in 2008. He decided it was time to sell in 2016-17 after years of managerial sackings, hopeless director of football appointments and bad transfers had left the club over £100m in debt.

His unwillingness to throw more good money after bad was one factor in Sunderland's relegation that season.

Needing yet another new manager after David Moyes resignation, Short pulled the plug on talks to sell the club in the summer because it was holding up a new appointment and pre-season was about to start, but he will certainly not turn his nose up at a good offer.

(Stuart Jamieson)

Wolves

Owner (or majority share holder): Fosun International

Nationality: Chinese

Net worth: £7bn (Forbes)

Background: Industrial operations, investment, asset management, and insurance

Compared to some other drawn-out football club sales, Steve Morgan's £30 million disposal of Wolverhampton Wanderers to Guo Guangchang's Fosun International Group was a whirlwind affair.

The diversified Chinese company involved in healthcare, fashion, tourism and property investment completed the deal in July 2016, following Steve Morgan's announcement last September that he was looking for a buyer for the club which he bought from the late Sir Jack Hayward for £10.

Guo Guanchang runs the Fosun business which has investment assets in the Europe including holiday companies Thomas Cook and Club Med, nursery brand Silver Cross and entertainment group Cirque de Soleil.

After the takeover Fosun promised to invest between £20 million and £30 million over the next two years to get the club into the Premier League as soon as possible.

And so far, it's all going to plan.

The decision to appoint Nuno Espirito Santo as head coach in the summer looks a shrewd one, with Wolves firmly in the promotion mix.

(Shane Ireland)



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/championship-owners-guide-how-fulham-13777238

WhiteJC

 
Aston Villa scouting report: How did Fulham's opponents do in their 2-0 loss to Wolves?

We take a look at how the Villa players got on in their last outing as we look ahead to the trip to Villa Park on Saturday

Fulham travel to Villa Park on Saturday to take on Aston Villa on the back of a 2-2 draw with Preston, where they showed grit and determination to come back from two-goals down.

Villa, on the other hand, went down 2-0 at Molineux as Wolves took as Steve Bruce's side were taken apart by their Midlands rivals who are now top of the division as a result.

We've taken a look at their last outing to see who is in and who is out of form after that game.

Our sister site, the Birmingham Mail , were at the game and rated the players on the full time whistle, and it makes for some good reading for Fulham fans ahead of the trip.

Here's how they rated the side:

Johnstone, 8 - Made two brilliant saves from Jota and Bonatini to keep to scores down and stop Wolves scoring the goal-of-the-season in the second half.

Elmohamady, 5 , Slipped up for the goal as he let Jota tee himself up too easily in the box. Couldn't top off a fine week with Egypt with a positive result for Villa.

Terry, 6, Made two important blocks to deny Jota and tried to rally the troops but it wasn't enough.

Chester, 5, Struggled to contain the free-flowing Wolves attacks and finished off a miserable week with another defeat.

Hutton, 7, Stamped his authority on the game with a fine early tackle to deny Costa as he filled in at left-back. Put in strong tackles and tried to get forward. Unfortunate to be on a losing team.

Snodgrass, 5 , Was involved in the thick of the action as he was booked early on and had Villa's best chance when he struck the crossbar with a free-kick.

Whelan, 5, Saw a lot of the ball and got about the pitch but Wolves' midfield were too dominant and it showed.

Hourihane, 5 , Looked fresh and put himself about in the middle. Got stuck in and was booked for his troubles. Didn't create enough, though.

Adomah, 5 , Got caught out a few times defensively but tried to get forward when he could. Subbed.

Davis, 4, Tried to hold the ball up but he was easily dealt with by the Wolves defence. Struggled to impose himself on the game.

Kodjia, 4, Had a couple of half chances but generally looked frustrated as he couldn't find a breakthrough. Ended up on the floor too often and was subbed.

Subs: Hogan (for Davis, 63), 5, Hardly had a touch when he was introduced.

Onomah (for Adomah, 72), 5, Tried to get the ball forward but Wolves were in total control.

O'Hare (for Kodjia, 78), 5, Looked skilful and direct



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-scouting-report-how-13777451

WhiteJC

 
Former Fulham manager among favourites for the vacant Leicester City job

The former Fulham gaffer is currently 5/1 with SkyBet to take over at the former Premier League champions, while Slavisa Jokanovic is well down the list

Former Fulham manager Chris Colemen is currently the second favourite to succeed Craig Shakespeare as the Leicester City boss after the 53-year-old was sacked.

Coleman, who managed the Whites for four years between 2003 and 2007, guiding them to safety before a ninth placed finish in his first full year before being sacked in April 2007 after the club went on a seven-game winless run.

He is now the manager of Wales and led the national side to Euro 2016, where they got to the semi-finals after a magnificent tournament before losing 2-0 to eventual winners Portugal.

Coleman is the 5/1 second favourite for the gig with SkyBet, while Sam Allardyce is the favourite at 4/1.

Behind those two, Sean Dyce is at 5/1, Carlo Ancelotti is at 9/1 and Michael Appleton is at 10/1 - and if you're worried about where the current gaffer is on those odds don't, Slavisa Jokanovic is at 40/1 to take the job, behind people like Ryan Giggs (20/1) and Andre Villas-Boas (33/1).



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/former-fulham-manager-among-favourites-13777755


WhiteJC

 
Key changes made: Steve Bruce must field this Aston Villa XI against Fulham

Aston Villa have a major opportunity to push on in the Sky Bet Championship, with an impressive run of results lifting Steve Bruce's side to the brink of the play-off places. The Villans currently sit seventh, but are just a point behind sixth placed, Leeds United. 

Bruce's side saw an impressive unbeaten run end on Saturday evening, when his side suffered a 2-0 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux. There was no shame in that defeat to the current league leaders, but how Villa react will give an indication of their promotion credentials.

Here at FLW, we look at the starting XI that Bruce should select this coming Saturday, when Villa are back in Championship action against Fulham. Wolves found weakness in Villa's 4-4-2 formation, and we are expecting a change this weekend.

Bruce is an experienced manager, and knows defensive consistency will be key to success, so we are expecting Sam Johnstone to continue in goal, behind a defence of Ahmed Elmohamady, James Chester, John Terry and Alan Hutton, who will continue to deputise for the suspended, Neil Taylor.

Aston Villa have a major opportunity to push on in the Sky Bet Championship, with an impressive run of results lifting Steve Bruce's side to the brink of the play-off places. The Villans currently sit seventh, but are just a point behind sixth placed, Leeds United. 

Bruce's side saw an impressive unbeaten run end on Saturday evening, when his side suffered a 2-0 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux. There was no shame in that defeat to the current league leaders, but how Villa react will give an indication of their promotion credentials.

Here at FLW, we look at the starting XI that Bruce should select this coming Saturday, when Villa are back in Championship action against Fulham. Wolves found weakness in Villa's 4-4-2 formation, and we are expecting a change this weekend.

Bruce is an experienced manager, and knows defensive consistency will be key to success, so we are expecting Sam Johnstone to continue in goal, behind a defence of Ahmed Elmohamady, James Chester, John Terry and Alan Hutton, who will continue to deputise for the suspended, Neil Taylor.

Villa's ball retention against Wolves in midfield was not good enough, and against a Fulham side who flood the midfield, this is where we are expecting key changes. Conor Hourihane should continue, but be joined by Henri Lansbury and Josh Onomah, with Bruce switching to a 4-3-3 system.

Albert Adomah and Robert Snodgrass are likely to continue in the wide areas, whilst Keinan Davis is unlucky to drop out of the starting XI. Jonathan Kodjia rediscovering his goalscoring touch will be key to a play-off push, and he will be the focal point of attack.




https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/key-changes-made-steve-bruce-must-field-this-aston-villa-xi-against-fulham/

WhiteJC

 
Inside Villa Park

West London Sport Reporter and Aston Villa fan of 25 years Andrew Raeburn provides some in depth analysis ahead of Saturday's fixture.


What's the verdict on Villa's season so far?

Mixed, to say the least. They failed to win any of the first three Championship games and despite going on an eight-match unbeaten run after that, good performances were few and far between. The home goalless draw with Brentford last month was particularly turgid. However, comfortable wins at Barnsley and Burton, and ground out victories over Nottingham Forest and Bolton, lifted us up to the fringes of the Play-Offs, although realism hit again when we came a distinct second best at Wolves last Saturday.

Who have been Villa's stand-out performers?

On-loan Manchester United goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, occasionally criticised last season, has performed well this term. Lambeth-born Albert Adomah was a peripheral figure at the start of the campaign but took his chance when recalled with four goals in three games. Conor Hourihane's hat-trick against Norwich started the run of good form, but the biggest positive has been Keinan Davis - the 19-year-old forward was at Biggleswade Town two years ago after being released by Stevenage, but has impressed in his nine league appearances this season, scoring twice.

How has John Terry settled?

Perhaps unsurprisingly, he was a little ring-rusty early on, having barely played last season. But he has improved as the season has gone on, although Fulham will be keen to exploit his lack of pace and his hesitancy when the ball is knocked around on the ground around him.


What is the expectation amongst fans at Villa Park come the end of the season?

Not unreasonably, that we should be in the promotion shake-up. For some, that is based purely on the fact we're Aston Villa - but the examples of Leeds, Forest and, indeed, Fulham should tell you that, down here, size really doesn't matter. However, many others point to our lavish spending, by Championship standards, and the vast experience of the playing staff and manager. Certainly, we have flattered to deceive since relegation - although a hangover should have been expected given the shambolic way the club fell through the trap door. Sunderland's present troubles are another example of that.

What have you made of Fulham?

I saw more of Fulham right at the beginning of the season, including the friendly with Wolfsburg and the opening-day draw with Norwich, and last saw them in the 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough. Those two league games in particular were notable for the late goals conceded - the six points dropped in the last 10 minutes (also including the Cardiff game) would otherwise have the Whites second, so the base is there if they can concentrate to the last.

Do you have a soft spot for the Whites at all having covered them as much as you do?

I cover all four west London clubs - Chelsea, Brentford, Fulham and QPR - and am not allowed to pick favourites! But I do enjoy trips to Craven Cottage, from the walk through Bishop's Park to the amiable staff in the press room and the atmospheric Palladio as the teams walk out. I am always impressed by the way Fulham try to use the ball - even if it can become a little predictable at times, it is often very hard to counteract. Slaviša Jokanović should be given great credit for playing an attractive style and for always being very honest and open with the media.



Which Fulham players do you think could cause Villa problems?

Villa's defence doesn't have a lot of pace to it, so Floyd Ayité and Neeskens Kebano will be threats, particularly with Stefan Johansen popping balls in behind the back four. It will be interesting to see if Tom Cairney - one of the best midfielders in the Championship for me - is fit enough to start having returned from injury against Preston. And it's probably written in the stars that ex-Villa youngster Jordan Graham will make an impact on his old stomping ground.

Is it hard to stay impartial when you're reporting on Villa games?

I got used to tempering my reactions when commentating on my local side Eastbourne Borough for BBC Sussex (Villa are an adopted side from my very early football-watching days) and I don't get to see Villa in the flesh that much these days as I'm often at Stamford Bridge, Griffin Park, Craven Cottage or Loftus Road. But I will admit to punching the air in the press box when Fabian Delph scored the winner against Chelsea a few years ago...



Where do you think the key battles will be played out on Saturday?

With Neil Taylor suspended, Alan Hutton - much maligned in his regular right-back slot - will likely stand in again at left-back having performed quite well there at Wolves. However, he will face a busy afternoon against Kebano, as will Ahmed Elmohamady against Floyd Ayité. But I also think Villa can cause Fulham problems at the back, particularly if Keinan Davis and Jonathan Kodjia can click again. Robert Snodgrass, cutting in on his left from the right-hand side, will give Ryan Sessegnon a test.

What sort of game are you anticipating?

I saw both games between the two sides last season. Fulham were comfortable at the Cottage in April but I am expecting something similar to the reverse fixture at Villa Park, which the home side edged 1-0. That wasn't Fulham's greatest performance and it was a fairly drab game, but I don't think either side will dominate.

What score prediction are you going for?

1-1, because I'm wimping out! Villa have kept nine clean sheets in their last 14 home league games, dating back to February, but Fulham's attacking threat - particularly on the counter - will worry Villa. But I think Villa - if Kodjia, Davis, Adomah and Snodgrass can get firing - will also have a goal in them. If they score first, watch Villa retreat and retreat to the point where they're almost playing the stewards onside...



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/october/18/inside-villa-park

WhiteJC

 
Former Fulham, AFC Wimbledon and Margate midfielder signs for Dorking Wanderers

'He typifies the calibre of signing we need to make to move forward...'


Fulham academy product Lewis Taylor in action for AFC Wimbledon against Millwall (Photo by Getty Images)

DORKING Wanderers have bolstered their squad with the signing of former Fulham and AFC Wimbledon player Lewis Taylor, who has most recently played for Kingstonian.

The box-to-box midfielder has signed a deal to keep him with Marc White's Wanderers until the end of the 2018-19 season.

"He has been a long-term target and he's Crawley-based, so he's fairly local," White said of Taylor.

"He's played hundreds of games at this level or higher and scores plenty of goals. He's got a physical presence, he's 6ft 1ins, and we are delighted to have him on board.

"He typifies the calibre of signing we need to make to move forward. He's joining us on a deal that will run until the end of next season, 2018-19, so it's around 18 months.

"When you look at Lewis and then you look at Luke Moore and Matt Briggs, who have both signed long-term contracts at Dorking Wanderers, and then there's David Ray as well. We actually will have a fantastic squad when they are all available.

"At the moment we are in the middle of a club history injury crisis. I've been doing this since day one and I've never seen injuries like this.

"We have a fantastic starting XI that are out, through injury and suspension."



http://www.getsurrey.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/former-fulham-afc-wimbledon-margate-13779166


WhiteJC

 
Transfers: Aston Villa and Fulham watching non-league hotshot - reports

AVFC and this weekend's opponents Fulham are reportedly going head to head

Aston Villa, and Championship rivals Fulham, are reportedly keeping tabs on non-league striker Callum Kealy.

The 19-year-old forward is currently playing for the Metropolitan Police, for whom he only signed this past summer.

Originally at Brighton and Hove Albion, Kealy departed the AMEX Stadium in 2016 having failed to break into Chris Hughton's first-team plans.

The Australian attacker spent last year at fellow non-league outfit Lewes.

He has hit the ground running with the Met Police, though, who play in the Isthmian League Premier Division - Kealy has netted four times in eight matches.

Villa, who have allowed Ross McCormack to join Melbourne City on loan until January, have Jonathan Kodjia and Scott Hogan with Gabriel Agbonlahor as their current forward options.

Keinan Davis, too, has broken into the first-team in the last couple of months and has impressed.



http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/transfers-aston-villa-fulham-watching-13779565

WhiteJC

 
Sessegnon: We Believe

Steven Sessegnon's two appearances for England at the Under-17 World Cup have coincided with a clean sheet in each, and progression to the Quarter-Finals.

The right-back was brought into the starting XI for the final group stage game and claimed two assists in a 4-0 victory over Iraq.

That display saw him keep his place for the Round of 16 tie with Japan, which the Young Lions won on penalties following a goalless draw.


Speaking to fulhamfc.com, Sessegnon said: "My aim was to get into the team as I hadn't been starting, but I was pleased my performance in the Iraq match was enough to see me get the nod in the knock-out stages.

"The second half against Iraq I felt like I played with much more energy and intensity and that helped me with my dribbling and going forward from right-back.

"I'm always looking to keep a clean sheet, just as much as attacking and laying on an assist. If us guys at the back can keep a clean sheet then the forward men are capable of scoring loads of goals."

A bumper crowd of 53,000 in Kolkata saw England have the better of what was a tight game against Japan, but they still needed spot-kicks – of which they netted all five – to progress to the last-eight.

"It was good to win the game in the manner we did," Sessegnon stated. "It was hard but in the end we got it done.

"It's great to walk out to a crowd as big as that with all the chanting and things like that, but when the whistle goes you're purely concentrating on the game so you don't really pay attention to anything else.

"The longer the game went on, the more cautious everyone got as nobody wanted to concede. We tried to make the breakthrough until the final whistle but unfortunately it wasn't happening for us.



"On another day one of our chances would have gone in or someone would have got on the end of a ball in, but it was just one of those things.

"When it went to pens I was happy to leave it to the other guys but if it had come to me I would have been very confident taking one."

England's reward for the victory is a Quarter-Final meeting with the United States in Goa on Saturday; a challenge Sessegnon is relishing.

"I expect them to be fiery and play with energy, so we're going to have to match them for that," he explained. "If we go do that then I think we've got the quality to come out on top. Hopefully on the day we'll have enough to beat them.
"We believe in ourselves and the way we play. We put in a lot of work on the training pitch and also in the classroom watching videos, so we have no reason not to believe we can win any game against any team."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/october/18/steven-sessegnon-we-believe

WhiteJC

 
Fulham man Oliver Norwood believes size of pitch at Villa Park will play into his side's hands

The Whites head to Villa Park on the back of a four game unbeaten run and will be hoping to continue their fine away form with a victory

Oliver Norwood believes the size of the Villa Park pitch on Saturday may play into Fulham's favour as they look to continue their unbeaten run.

The Whites are currently on a four game unbeaten stretch, winning twice and drawing twice as they come up against a Villa side who have done well this season and currently sit seventh place, just one point above Fulham.

Fulham meet Aston Villa on Saturday as Slavisa Jokanovic's side go on their travels once more, something that has yielded better results so far this season than their home games have, having taken 11 of their 18 points from away trips.

And the Northern Irish international is expecting a tough game against Villa but is hoping that the size of the pitch at Villa Park will suit their style of play.

He said: "It will be tough, it's always tough at Villa Park - it's a big open pitch.

"Maybe that will suit us, there will be a lot of space but we have to play more like we did in the second half against Preston than we did the first if we want to come away with anything."



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-man-oliver-norwood-believes-13780522