Monday Fulham Stuff (20/11/17)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Teenage Nigerian Left Back Makes League Debut For Fulham

The versatile Nigerian left back Adetayo Edun was handed his league debut by manager Slaviša Jokanović as Fulham were held to a 1-1 draw by Derby County in the EFL Championship on Saturday evening.

Prior to stepping out onto the Craven Cottage turf yesterday, Edun had featured five times for the first team of the Cottagers, but all the appearances came in the League Cup.

''It's also good news for England and the Fulham academy that we used Tayo today, who is a European champion with the youth England national team,'' manager Jokanović told fulhamfc.com.

''We also used Luca de la Torre, who is another young player who has been working with us for over a year. Both players showed they can play in this level.

''They didn't play scared, and they impressed against one of the more experienced teams in the Championship. This can be important and exciting news for us.''

The 19-year-old Edun has represented England at Under 17, Under 18, Under 19 and Under 20 level.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel



http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=25495

[WhiteJC]

Fluent Fulham make their point
by Dan on November 19, 2017

It might not have been the home win Slavisa Jokanovic craved, but this was Fulham's most complete display at Craven Cottage this season and, after more than matching a well-drilled Derby County outfit on the cusp of the top six, there was plenty of evidence to encourage the Serbian head coach that there's light at the end of the tunnel after the Whites barren run. The home side could have clinched all three points – even after Jokanovic's former Watford forward Matej Vydra cancelled out a peach of a free-kick from Ollie Norwood – had Fulham found the predatory instinct to match their patient probing or if referee Darren Bond given one of two strong penalty shouts.

Perhaps the pleasing element of this entertaining draw came from the manner in which two of the latest highly-rated Motspur Park youngsters took to senior football. Academy graduates Tayo Edun, who looked very assured on his first league start, and Luca de la Torre, such a livewire off the bench in the final half an hour, offered energy and creativity in equal measure. Neither were overawed by the prospect of facing the experienced Derby duo of Tom Huddlestone and Joe Ledley in the centre of the park. Edun was full of running and contributed to the fact that the Rams failed to muster a shot of any description in the first 45 minutes, whilst de la Torre – in his second striking substitute appearance of the season – provided the dynamism that put the Whites back on the front foot after Vydra's equaliser had threatened to spark a Derby comeback.

Fulham had much the better of the first period, playing at a higher tempo that visibly rattled Gary Rowett's men. Ryan Sessegnon, released from left back to roam from further forward, burst into the box only to denied by a timely clearance from the excellent Ledley before Norwood, who used the space afforded to him in a deep-lying playmaker role to great effect, delivered a dangerous cross that Floyd Ayite appeared to have headed into the far corner only for Scott Carson to spring to his right and claw the ball to safety.

Derby threatened intermittently, with David Nugent very nearly embarrassing David Button and a surging run from the back by the fit-again Richard Keogh hinting at their ambition, but Rowett's side struggled to get their passing game going. The Rams boss was furious at the way the visitors went behind just before the half-hour, after referee Bond ignored an incorrect offside flag against Rui Fonte to penalise Curtis Davies for a wild challenge. Nugent that used his hand to repel Norwood's set-piece and the Northern Ireland international made light of the ball being moved ten yards closer, sending a swerving strike through the wall and past Carson.

The visitors did have opportunities to go in at the break level. Vydra nipped in to nick the ball from a dawdling Tim Ream but the covering Denis Odoi, who was superb at left back, bailed out his centre half with a timely tackle before the American reassuring headed clear an inviting Chris Baird cross with Bradley Johnson setting himself for the finish. After the interval, Craig Forsyth produced a splendid tackle to halt Ryan Fredericks' raid down the right – and the visitors were level moments later after Lawrence and Vydra punished some sloppy Fulham decision making.

A quick throw from Button was intended to release Sessegnon into space but yellow shirts swarmed around the teenager who surrendered the ball in a dangerous area, allowing Welsh international Lawrence to drive dangerously towards the eighteen yard-box. The former Leicester midfielder found the perfect pass to play Vydra through on goal and the Czech forward slipped his eighth goal of the season beyond the advancing Button to the delight of the travelling fans.

Suddenly, the momentum was all with the visitors. The Rams should have gone ahead five minutes after the goal when Odoi stood on the ball, presenting a glorious opening to Huddlestone. His through ball sent Nugent haring through but Button did well to narrow the angle and parry the striker's shot to safety. It was the introduction of de la Torre that provided more Fulham penetration with the American youngster almost immediately combining with fellow substitute Aboubakar Kamara as he started and finished a flowing move with a header that looped over Carson's bar.

The home side had the better chances in the closing stages, even once pantomime villain Chris Martin made another appearance at Craven Cottage, but couldn't force a winner. Floyd Ayite was furious with himself for lifting Fulham's clearest opening high in the Hammersmith End and either side of strong penalty claims, when Sessegnon was tripped by Lawrence and Baird appeared to handle against his old side, Tom Cairney – who was free enough from his troublesome knee injury to complete the full ninety minutes – curled a late left-footed drive over the crossbar.

Whilst Jokanovic might have rued another defensive mistake that cost Fulham three points, his side – without the experience of Kevin McDonald and Stefan Johansen in midfield – pushed Derby back for long periods and delivered a display of real promise. The Whites face a testing trip to league leaders Sheffield United on Tuesday, but at least they'll have their former Blade back from suspension at the base of the midfield.

FULHAM (4-3-3): Button; Fredericks, Odoi, Kalas, Ream; Edun (de la Torre 64), Norwood, Cairney; Ayite, R. Sessegnon, Fonte (Kamara 60). Subs (not used): Bettinelli, Soares, S. Sessegnon, Cisse, Kait.

DERBY COUNTY (4-2-3-1): Carson; Baird, Forsyth, Keogh, C. Davies; Ledley, Huddlestone; Lawrence (Russell 79), Johnson (Weimann 72), Vydra (Martin 72); Nugent. Subs (not used): Mitchell, Pearce, Hanson, Winnall.

REFEREE: Darren Bond

ATTENDANCE: 18,192



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/11/fluent-fulham-make-their-point/

[WhiteJC]

 
Report: Nottingham Forest plotting fresh move for Fulham goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli

Nottingham Forest tried to bring goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli in from Championship rivals Fulham during the summer and are plotting a fresh move.

According to a report from The Sun on Sunday (print edition; 19th November 2017; page 65), Nottingham Forest are plotting another move for Fulham goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli during the January transfer window having failed to sign the stopper during the summer.

Mark Warburton may have been hoping in the last window that Adam Federici would prove to be his number one for the campaign, but the Bournemouth man's loan was cut short due to injury before the 32-year-old could make an appearance for Forest.

Jordan Smith has started all of the side's Championship fixtures this term, and appears to have the potential to be a fantastic player for the club for years to come, but it appears that Warburton still wants to bolster his options further.

According to The Sun on Sunday (print edition; 19th November 2017; page 65), Forest are considering making a fresh move for Fulham stopper Bettinelli.

The Sun on Sunday reports that the Cottagers wanted £5 million for the 25-year-old in the summer, but Forest are hoping - with Bettinelli making just one EFL Cup appearance all season - that the asking price may have since dropped and they will have more luck this time around.

It remains to be seen how Fulham respond if Forest come calling again, but it would perhaps not be the greatest surprise if their asking price has not dropped too significantly given that he was not exactly the undisputed number one last season either so it is not like his situation has changed drastically in recent months.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2017/11/19/report-nottingham-forest-plotting-fresh-move-for-fulham-goalkeep/

[WhiteJC]

 
Former Fulham man Chris Baird doesn't think the home side should have had two penalties

The referee waved away two penalty appeals from Slavisa Jokanovic's side, despite replays suggesting they may have been penalties

Chris Baird doesn't think that Fulham should have had two penalties against his Derby side, despite replays showing the home side can be aggrieved not to have been awarded them.

Both incidents occurred in the second half - first Ryan Sessegnon was tripped by Tom Lawrence but referee Darren Bond waved away the appeals, while Denis Odoi's strike seemed to strike a raised Baird hand on it's way to the goal.

But the Derby man doesn't think either were a penalty and defended his alleged handball, saying his arm wasn't raised to block the strike.

Speaking after the game, he told the Derby Telegraph : "To be fair, it did hit my body first and then went on to my arm - but my arm wasn't raised.

"It was close to my body and it was only a yard away, so it would have been very harsh if he'd given it.

"The one with Tom Lawrence, I don't think there was much in it. I think he (Sessegnon) went down too easily.

"Thankfully, he didn't give it. I don't think they were penalties, personally. Some they give, some they don't."



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/former-fulham-man-chris-baird-13922631

[WhiteJC]

 
Slavisa Jokanovic believes Tayo Edun's performance against Derby is good news for England and Fulham

The manager also insisted his picks the squad based on what is best for his side, having not included Jordan Graham or Yohan Mollo in the squad

Slavisa Jokanovic believes Tayo Edun's performance is good news for Fulham and England and has insisted he picks his squad based on what is best for his team.

The England U20 international made his first league start in the 1-1 draw with Derby, and was included in the squad along with Luca de la Torre, Mattias Kait and Steven Sessegnon, while Matt O'Riley was part of the larger group - in front of summer arrivals Jordan Graham and Yohan Mollo.

Slavisa Jokanovic believes Tayo Edun's performance is good news for Fulham and England and has insisted he picks his squad based on what is best for his team.

The England U20 international made his first league start in the 1-1 draw with Derby, and was included in the squad along with Luca de la Torre, Mattias Kait and Steven Sessegnon, while Matt O'Riley was part of the larger group - in front of summer arrivals Jordan Graham and Yohan Mollo.


Tayo Edun on the ball (Image: Darren Pepe)

"We gave a debut to one English international young player, who is European champion with England and he is good news for England and good news for Fulham academy.

"I use de la Torre, both players played well, both played hard and both weren't worried to play against one of the most experienced teams in the Championship.

"I am not talking about future, I am talking about present, we don't know what will happen in future but at present these people deserve to be in the squad, both people deserved to be around the squad.

"It's not important whether they are 16,17,18, 19 or 26 year old player."



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/slavisa-jokanovic-believes-tayo-eduns-13922723

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham 1-1 Derby County: Tayo Edun impresses and other things we learnt from Craven Cottage

There were a number of talking points from Saturday evening's game with Derby, here's what we discovered from the draw

Fulham made it six games without a win as they were pegged back by Derby County on Saturday evening, drawing 1-1 with Gary Rowett's side.

Oliver Norwood's thunderous free kick opened the scoring in the first half for the home side , but Matej Vydra's early second half goal clawed Derby level with one of their only shots on target.

Fulham continued to try find a breakthrough, but one wasn't forthcoming, with Floyd Ayite and Luca de la Torre both sticking the ball over the bar.

Here's what we learnt from the Saturday evening game:

Slavisa Jokanovic isn't afraid to give youth a chance
Tayo Edun, Luca de la Torre, Mattias Kait and Steven Sessegnon were all included in the matchday squad, with some fans worried about the amount of youth he had selected for the Derby game, with Yohan Mollo left at the training ground.

But Jokanovic's faith was rewarded as Edun and de la Torre put in Championship worthy performances as Fulham drew with Derby, with Edun looking the part in the Fulham midfield.

It's testament to the work the Academy are doing at the club, and to have several products in the squad would be pleasing in general, but to see how they held their own with one of the Championship's most experienced sides was even better.

Fulham still lack attacking threat in the final third
If there is one thing that has been plainly obvious this season, it's that Fulham don't look threatening in the final third, and that was clear once again on Saturday.

Looking at the stats, they're one of the worst teams in the division for passes into the final third, which based on the way the side play, isn't good enough.

Yesterday we saw more crosses across the face of goal, but after Rui Fonte had been taken off there was no one making the runs and gambling to get on the end of them.

There was more creativity with Tom Cairney on the pitch, for sure, but the lack of attacking threat in that final third was an issue once again.

Denis Odoi had a fine game at left back
Odoi has proven this season that he's one of the most versatile players in the division - whether he's selected at left back, right back, centre half or left back, the Belgian will do a job for the side.

It was the same again on Saturday, where he put in a solid performance at left back, keeping Tom Lawrence in check for the most part of the game.

However, one thing I will say is that because Odoi isn't naturally left footed, he is unable to overlap Ryan Sessegnon like Ryan Fredericks does with Floyd Ayite on the far side and that stems Fulham's attacks somewhat.

For one reason or another, it doesn't seem that Rafa Soares is favoured by the management team, so Odoi at left back is something we could see more of going further from here.



The wait for a clean sheet continues
Another game, another one without a clean sheet.

It's been 12 games in a row without one now for the side and it's looking like it may be more of a psychological thing, as opposed to talent wise.

Derby only had the one clear chance on Saturday, but they scored from it, and apart from that the defence didn't really put a foot wrong.

People want to see Marcus Bettinelli back in goal, but I don't really think you can lay the blame of this at David Button's goal - for me, he's been one of the most consistent performers this season.

It's something that needs to be sorted out soon - conceding goals was a problem last term and it seems to have become even more of one this time around.



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-1-1-derby-county-13922764

[WhiteJC]

 
FA Youth Cup Confirmation

The Under-18s FA Youth Cup fixture against Huddersfield Town will be played on Friday 15th December in a 7pm kick-off at the John Smith Stadium.

The Young Whites were pitted against Huddersfield in the third round proper when the draw took place nine days ago at Wembley Stadium.

Tickets will be available on the gate for any fans that wish to come and support the Young Whites, with tickets priced at £4 for adults and £2 for concessions.

This is not the first time these two youth sides have come up against each other. In the memorable 2013/14 campaign where Fulham reached the final, the Young Whites overcame the Young Terriers at Craven Cottage 2-1 in the sixth round to progress.

Unlike the senior competition, there are no replays for FA Youth Cup fixtures, and therefore if the match is level after extra time the fixture will be decided by penalties



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/november/19/fa-youth-cup-confirmation

[WhiteJC]

 
Transfer Talk: Nottingham Forest linked with move for Fulham goalkeeper

Reports in the national press have linked Forest with a move for the stopper, with Mark Warburton believed to be a fan of the 25-year-old

Nottingham Forest have been linked with a January move for Fulham keeper Marcus Bettinelli, according to the Sun on Sunday.

The stopper hasn't managed to get into the first team after losing his place to David Button in the summer after getting injured and has made just one appearance for the side in the Carabao Cup.

Button's form has meant that Bettinelli has been unable to dislodge him, but the 25-year-old would'be been the number one choice had an injury in pre-season not occured.

And now, the Sun on Sunday report that Mark Warburton will make a move for the keeper, despite him only signing a contract extension until 2020 in August.

They also state that Forest made a move for him in the summer, but were quoted £5million by the Cottagers.



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/transfer-talk-nottingham-forest-linked-13923010

[WhiteJC]

 
U23s Travel To Southampton

Peter Grant's Under-23s take on Southampton in the PL2 on Monday evening at the Staplewood Training Ground.

Last time out the Whites lost in the Checkatrade Trophy in dramatic circumstances, with the Addicks coming from behind to score twice in the 89th and 91st minute to win the tie 3-2, effectively knocking Fulham out of the competition.

In the PL2 however, Fulham have won three in a row and will be looking to continue their march up the table. With their upturn in form, the Whites now sit in fifth in the table, the final play-off place.

In their last league game, the Whites beat Norwich City at Motspur Park 2-0. A first half goal from Elijah Adebayo gave the hosts the advantage and Cameron Thompson sealed the win in the dying minutes.

Southampton are one spot below Fulham in the PL2 Division 2 table, separated only by goal difference. The Saints' form has dipped as of late with one win in their last four matches, and they will be looking to get back into the play-off spots.

Southampton drew their last match in the Checkatrade trophy 3-3 with Northampton Town, and also knocking them out of the competition at the same stage as Fulham.

In the Saints' last match PL2 match, they lost in a South coast clash against Brighton 1-0 at home.

Live match updates will be provided on the Club's twitter account, @FulhamFC.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/november/19/u23s-travel-to-southampton

[WhiteJC]

 
Derby County's Chris Baird talks about his battle with Fulham wonderkid Ryan Sessegnon

The 35-year-old replaced Andre Wisdom at right-back for the game at Craven Cottage

Derby County veteran Chris Baird relished his battle with Fulham wonderkid Ryan Sessegnon at Craven Cottage.

Baird, 35, was drafted in at right-back for Saturday night's Championship clash in West London after Andre Wisdom was ruled out for personal reasons.

The former Northern Ireland international found himself up against a player half his age.

At 17, Sessegnon has been tipped for great things and the England Under-19 international has reportedly attracted interest from a string of top Premier League clubs.


Derby County's Chris Baird keeps tabs on Ryan Sessegnon of Fulham (Image: Andy Clarke)

Baird, who turns 36 in February, joked: "He's got some years on me! I was tired at the end but it was a good battle.

"He's a good little player and he will be a really excellent player in the future - but I used a bit of my experience to nullify some of his chances.

"To be fair, not much really happened down my side. It was a good battle and I think a fair result in the end."

Baird was on familiar territory, having enjoyed a successful spell at Fulham earlier in his career before returning on loan during his first season at Derby.

"I love it here," he said. "I had six great years here and I have great memories. The fans are always great to me.

"It's always nice to come back and, hopefully, I'll have many more years of coming back - or go to the Prem!"



http://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/derby-countys-chris-baird-talks-800098

[WhiteJC]

 
Chris Coleman: Sunderland boss says uncommitted players will be moved on

New Sunderland manager Chris Coleman has warned the size of the challenge he faces means he will quickly get rid of players he feels lack commitment.

Coleman, 47, left his job as Wales boss to sign a two-and-a-half-year deal to succeed the sacked Simon Grayson.

He admits it is a "daunting task" with Sunderland bottom of the Championship.

"If you're committed you're in, if not you're out," said the former Fulham boss. "You can't pretend at it. What we don't need are any shrinking violets."

He added: "We will find out who is going to be coming along on this next chapter pretty quickly I think. Whoever is not will need to go and play football somewhere else.

"If this challenge is too big for them then they need to move on."

'When it turns it will be hard to stop'
Coleman is Sunderland's 10th permanent manager since Roy Keane's exit in December 2008 and he will be joined at the Stadium of Light by Kit Symons, who was his assistant at Wales.

He says friends in the game told him not to visit the club's training ground and stadium until he was sure about taking the job to prevent the high-quality facilities from swaying his judgement.

But he inherits a club that were relegated from the Premier League last season and set an English football record of 20 successive home games without a win following Saturday's 2-2 draw with Millwall.

"Nothing good ever came from a comfort zone and I know I'm in no comfort zone at Sunderland," added Coleman, who will take charge of Tuesday's trip to Aston Villa.

"Someone will turn this club around, whether it is me or the next one. I want that to be me, of course.

"You can go through a career as a manager and never manage a big club. I always wanted that experience and here I am. We are bottom of the league, that's reality. It's still a big club, still Sunderland.

"It is going to be a big challenge. I am going to need all the supporters, players, staff, everybody to come with me on this.

"Sooner or later it will start turning. Then it is such a big club that when we gather momentum, it's hard to stop."

From Fulham to Athlitiki Enosi Larissa
Welshman Coleman finished his playing career at Fulham in 2002, but stayed at Craven Cottage to join the coaching staff.

He took over from manager Jean Tigana in April 2003 on a caretaker basis and helped the side avoid relegation from the Premier League and was consequently rewarded with the full-time role.

He led the Cottagers to ninth place in the Premier League in his first full season in charge, but was eventually sacked in April 2007.

Spells at Real Sociedad, Coventry City and Greek side Athlitiki Enosi Larissa followed before he was appointed as Wales manager in January 2012, two months after the death of predecessor Gary Speed.

Former defender Coleman guided Wales to the semi-finals of Euro 2016 but he arrives at the Stadium of Light after they failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.

What is it like to manage Sunderland?
Former Black Cats manager Simon Grayson on BBC Radio 5 live's Sportsweek

I don't think the club is unmanageable but it is a big proposition for anybody because of the name, where it's been, the fanbase etc. What we found more difficult than I realised was trying to transfer the positivity from the training ground to the Stadium of Light, where there has been a lot of negativity and poor results over the years.

I met him [owner Ellis Short] when I was interviewed for the job and at the first game of the season and that was the last I heard or saw of him. He moved to America. In his defence, he has put £250m into that club and is still funding it now.

That's a hell of a lot of money. It has been mismanaged for many different reasons and there has been a lot of money wasted over the years. Certainly, there comes a point where maybe enough is enough for somebody.

The biggest thing Chris will need is time because it just doesn't happen overnight when a club has been through some real dark stages. Looking from the outside, he will know there is something wrong somewhere because of where they are.

He will go to the training ground and see huge facilities and an absolutely brilliant venue to go and work every day but it's what happens on the grass that matters.

Analysis
Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown on Football Focus

I think Chris is now ready for this job. He did a fantastic job for Wales and now he needs a new challenge. But Sunderland are in all sorts of trouble. That club is on a slippery slide, it needs correcting urgently.

Former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson on Football Focus

They are in all sorts of trouble because look at the managers that they've had who haven't been able to turn it around. I thought Chris would have waited a little bit longer to get a club in a better position - but that is one heck of a job.

After being announced as manager, Coleman took part in the #ForBradley campaign, with a double thumbs up in tribute to six-year-old football supporter Bradley Lowery from Blackhall Colliery in County Durham, who died from a rare type of cancer in July.



http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/42036617

[WhiteJC]

 
What must Jokanovic do to reignite Fulham's electric form from last season?

Setting the division alight last season with a series of scintillating performances in the second half of the season, Fulham entered the Championship playoffs as the red-hot form side.

However, Slavisa Jokanovic's men fell at the first hurdle, suffering a disappointing two-legged defeat to defeated finalists Reading, leaving the Serbian boss' side facing the prospect of yet another season of Championship football.

This year it appears the Cottagers playoff hangover has hit them extremely hard, with the club languishing in the bottom half following a poor start to the new campaign.

The West Londoners have won just four of their opening seventeen Championship fixtures, drawing eight, with Jokanovic's men struggling to convert draws into wins.

The problem seems to lie at both ends of the field, and after scoring 85 league goals last season, the Cottagers have managed just 19 so far this season, with over a third of the campaign gone.

Leaking 20 goals as well, it appears that Jokanovic has both offensive and defensive headaches.

Injuries have not helped, with the likes of Lucas Piazon and Tom Cairney ruled out for long spells, with the former out for the season and the latter only just reintroduced to first team action.

The pair was sensational last season, and their absence has been keenly felt.

New striker Aboubakar Kamara has failed to hit the ground running, and the sale of Sone Aluko to Reading in the summer may be reflected upon with regret by Jokanovic.

Despite their goal tally last year, it was apparent Fulham lacked a prolific striker, and it is the same this year.

A 20-goal a season man last term would have been enough to see them up, and Jokanovic has failed to address the issue this summer, despite losing Chris Martin following the expiration of his loan deal from Derby.

Players returning from injury could provide the catalyst for improvement at Craven Cottage, but January reinforcements look to be a must.

A prolific striker and perhaps another centre-half should be top of Jokanovic's Christmas wishlist, with chairman Shahid Khan likely to open his cheque-book when the transfer window opens for business.

Fulham can still mount a playoff push, and replicating the second half of the season form they displayed last year will put them in good stead for a top-six spot.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/what-must-jokanovic-do-to-reignite-fulhams-electric-form-from-last-season/

[WhiteJC]

 
West Ham ace Jose Fonte is desperate for younger brother Rui to start winning games with Fulham

The West Ham defender was watching his younger brother in their 1-1 draw with Derby last night and he is hoping Rui starts finding the net soon

West Ham ace Jose Fonte is desperate for Fulham to start winning games as his brother continues to adapt to life at the Cottage.

Rui Fonte arrived from Braga on a three-year deal in the summer but has struggled in his time so far in SW6, scoring just the once against Ipswich

The 27-year-old has failed to find his feet in front of goal, while Fulham themselves are on a six-match winless run which was added to further by the 1-1 draw with Derby - another game where Fonte failed to impress

Older brother Jose injured his ankle against Crystal Palace and has been out of action since and has been spending the time watching younger brother Rui play, and he hopes they start winning soon.

He said: "Anytime I can come and watch him, I will. I've come to every Tuesday match here since the injury and today's the third time I've watched him – hopefully it will be third time lucky.

"I think he's playing well tonight, linking up play well. He won the foul for the goal and I hope he gets the chance to put one away because he needs the goals.

"I just want him to win. Hopefully he will start winning some games and climbing up the table and be in contention for promotion."



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/west-ham-ace-jose-fonte-13924063

[Mullers OG]

Really good to see Baird playing on Saturday.  The Hamburg heroes will always be welcome at the Cottage no matter who they're playing for. 

He looked fit and well.  What a player he was for Fulham and real proof that we mustn't write every new player off before they have had time to settle in.