Friday Fulham Stuff (24/11/17)...

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Fulham and QPR to battle it out for a shock deal for PSG midfielder

Fulham and QPR are both interested in a move for PSG midfielder Christopher N'Kunku, according to Calciomercato.

The 20 year-old has reportedly told the Ligue 1 side that he wants to leave the club in January. This has left Championship duo Fulham and QPR on red alert.

N'Kunku was born in Lagny-sur-Marne near Paris. He has represented France at U16, U19 and U20 level. He was once tipped as one of PSG's brightest young talents but his chances have been limited over the past year or so. This has mainly be due to the club spending huge amounts of money on players in N'Kunku's position and he has found it hard to battle for a starting position.

As a youngster, N'Kunku played for AS Marolles and RCP Fontainebleau before joining PSG in January. e made his debut in December 2015, coming on from the bench for PSG in the 87th minute in a Champions League fixture against Shaktar Donesk.

He made sixteen appearances for PSG in all competitions last season, with only eight coming in Ligue 1 which were mostly off the bench. His chances this season have been even fewer which have left him wanting a move away.

N'Kunku would be an ambitious signing for either Fulham or QPR. They have both made slow starts to the Championship season and will be looking for some reinforcements to bolster their ranks as they look to climb up the table. The signing of N'Kunku from PSG would certainly be an eyebrow raiser if one of them could pull it off in January.



http://the72.co.uk/93926/fulham-qpr-battle-shock-deal-psg-midfielder/

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Manchester United target Ryan Sessegnon becomes first 17-year-old to score a hat-trick in one of England's top four flights since... Dele Alli

    Ryan Sessegnon netted three as Fulham beat Sheffield United 5-4 on Tuesday
    The treble saw Sessegnon emulate Dele Alli, who achieved the feat for MK Dons
    The Fulham starlet has attracted interest from the likes of Manchester United
    Alli has since gone on to become one of the leading lights for Spurs and England

In a nine-goal thriller at Bramall Lane on Tuesday, Fulham wonderkid Ryan Sessegnon showed once again why he is considered one of the hottest prospects in English football.

The 17-year-old netted a hat-trick to help Slavisa Jokanovic's side edge out Sheffield United 5-4 in a thrilling Championship clash.

In the first half Sessegnon curled home a right-footed effort before turning home a cross at the back post to put the visitors ahead at the break.


Ryan Sessegnon scored a hat-trick as Fulham beat Sheffield United 5-4 on Tuesday night


He became the first 17-year-old to score a hat-trick in one of the top four tiers since Dele Alli

The youngster then fired past Jamal Blackman from a tight angle to make it 5-2.

The triple took Sessegnon's tally for the season to four and also earned him a place among some very elite company.

For on Tuesday, the Fulham starlet became the first 17-year-old to net a hat-trick in one of the top four tiers of English football since Dele Alli.

Alli achieved the feat in March 2014, when he scored all three goals for MK Dons in their 3-1 victory at Notts County in League One.


Sessegnon curled home from outside the box before netting twice more at Bramall Lane


Since his hat-trick in 2014 for MK Dons, Alli has gone on to become a leading light for Spurs

The attacking midfielder has since gone on to earn a move to the Premier League and is now one of England's leading lights ahead of the World Cup in Russia next summer.

For now, Sessegnon will continue to ply his trade in the second tier, having resisted interest from the likes of Tottenham and Manchester United and signed his first professional contract with the London club last summer.

Craven Cottage is the current home of a number of promising England youngsters. Liverpool forward Sheyi Ojo is enjoying a loan spell with the Championship side and he netted twice in the win at Bramall Lane as Fulham took all three points.




Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-5107065/Sessegnon-emulates-Dele-Alli-Fulham-hat-trick.html#ixzz4zKVgGEuU
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Sheffield United 4-5 Fulham: What we learned from a crazy night at Bramall Lane

It was a game that will live long in the memory of everyone who was there - here's what Ryan O'Donovan took from a crazy night in Sheffield

What a game of football.

It's one of those that will forever live in the memory of everyone that was there, and one that we probably won't see again for a long time to come.

Two hat-tricks, both on different sides and one from a 17-year-old who has the world at his feet, this game had everything and it's somewhat difficult to put it into words.

Nevertheless, here's what we took from Fulham's mental game in Yorkshire.

Never in all my life...
I've never seen anything like that before, and I doubt anyone at the famous old ground had either.

It looked like it would be another defeat after Fulham went 1-0 down after they were carved open for Leon Clarke to open the scoring, but then things got a bit crazy.

If you blinked you would've missed Slavisa Jokanovic's team's two goals - Sheyi Ojo capitalised on a mistake before Ryan Sessegnon smashed home his first about a minute later.

All defence went out the window after the game, as did a sane game of football, and I really don't think I'll see something like that in a long time.

Jokanovic was animated more than I've ever seen him on the sideline, but after the game he cut a cool figure and didn't look like he'd just seen his team concede four goals at Sheffield United and still come away with a win.

It was one of those where you had to be there.

Fulham's attacking pace was frightening
United couldn't cope with Fulham's pace as they broke, and considering they've struggled in the final third in recent weeks, they looked frightening going forward.

There was no answer for Ojo, Sessegnon and Floyd Ayite on the break, and that was evident as Sheffield United looked likely to concede every time Fulham charged forward.

And everything they touched seem to turn to gold on Tuesday.

Ojo bagged two goals, Sessegnon got his hat-trick and Ayite looked like the skillful player we saw last season.

Aboubakar Kamara looked good out on the right when he was brought on and I feel his pace is better utilised out there - being that wide allows him to knock the ball into more space and use his speed to attack the gaps behind full backs, rather than as the main striker and get crowded out.

For a team that had looked like they'd forgotten how to score, last night was a welcome return in the attacking stakes.


Sheyi Ojo and Ryan Sessegnon celebrate (Image: PA)

Ryan Sessegnon - best youngster in the world?
Without wanting to put too much pressure on the 17-year-old, it's fair to say he's one of the best young players in world football right now.

50 senior appearances and a hat-trick to celebrate it, Sessegnon just continues to get better and better.

He was a joy to watch last night with three very good finishes, something you would expect a 26-year-old striker in their prime to do, yet he's doing it at just 17.

I think we all know he won't be at Fulham forever, but it's an absolute privilege to watch someone with the talent Sessegnon has week-in, week-out.

For all the talk about Phil Foden at Man City being the best 17-year-old in the world, I think Fulham's own Sessegnon will have a thing or two to say about it in the next few years.


Ryan Sessegnon celebrates one of his three goals against Sheffield United (Image: PA)

Is this the turning point?
Fulham's season desperately needed a catalyst and was in the danger of petering out after six games without a win.

Tuesday night's victory could well be the kickstart the season needed, a win against one of the top sides in the division is big enough, but to score five and see out the win is an even bigger confidence boost.

Last season, Fulham were extremely dangerous on the attack and looked like they would score at every opportunity, and we haven't seen that this season just yet.

You look at the run of games the side has from here and it presents the opportunity for a run, and who knows where the side could be come the end of December?



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/sheffield-united-4-5-fulham-13936512

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'Stick with your philosophy and it will succeed' – Fulham fans react to manager's message

Fulham travelled to Sheffield United last night, knowing that a win for the hosts would see the Blades regain top spot in the Sky Bet Championship.

Slavisa Jokanovic's side had other ideas however, and emerged from a pulsating game at Bramall Lane with an incredible 5-4 victory.

A hat-trick for teenage sensation Ryan Sessegnon proved the difference as the Cottagers ran riot, with the West Londoner's rising to fourteenth place following the hard-fought win.

Jokanovic's side have struggled this season, and have failed to repeat the electric form which saw the club sneak into the end of season playoffs last term, where the Cottagers fell to a disappointing defeat to Reading.

The club looked back to their goalscoring best last night, and Jokanovic took to Twitter to declare his side 'back on track' following a shaky start to the campaign.

Fulham fans congratulated their boss on the social media site, with fans delighted with the unexpected victory at the high-flying Blades...



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/stick-with-your-philosophy-and-it-will-succeed-fulham-fans-react-to-managers-message/

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Fulham's Floyd Ayite suffers hamstring injury in 5-4 victory over Sheffield United

The 28-year-old hobbled off during the second half after suffering the injury in the win at Bramble Lane

Floyd Ayite was forced off with a hamstring injury during Fulham's 5-4 victory over Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Tuesday evening.

The 28-year-old started the game as the side's main striker in a false nine formation and produced one of his best performances of the season as Fulham and Sheffield United engaged in a memorable game of football in Yorkshire.

But he hobbled off during the second half after suffering a hamstring injury, something that saw Ayite already miss a portion of the campaign early on in the season.

It remains to be seen whether or not the forward will be fit for Saturday's game at the Cottage with Millwall, but apart from questions marks over his fitness Slavisa Jokanovic should have an otherwise fully fit squad to choose from.

Stefan Johansen returned from his absence as a substitute in the victory, while Neeskens Kebano also returned to the squad after a hip injury had ruled him out Saturday's 1-1 draw with Derby.



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulhams-floyd-ayite-suffers-hamstring-13936980

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'You could be the key to our success this season' – Fulham fans react to star's performance

Fulham travelled to South Yorkshire last night to take on a Sheffield United side knowing that a win would see them overtake Wolves at the summit of the Championship table.

The three points returned to London with the Cottagers however, with Slavisa Jokanovic's running out 5-4 winners in arguably the game of the season so far.

A topsy-turvy affair at Bramall Lane saw the visitors come out on top, with a Ryan Sessegnon hat-trick and a Sheyi Ojo brace settling the tie in Yorkshire.

Ojo, who has just returned to first team affairs following a spell on the sidelines, looked like the classy player Liverpool splashed a fair bit of money on as an 18-year-old, with the pacey winger tearing the Blades back-line apart with a magnificent display.

Two goals and an assist to boot marked Ojo's finest display in a Fulham jersey, and fans will be delighted to see the promising young Englishman finally living up to his potential as one of the brightest young players in the English game.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/you-could-be-the-key-to-our-success-this-season-fulham-fans-react-to-stars-performance/

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Sheyi Ojo scores 2, assists 1 on injury return as Fulham edge 9-goal thriller

Sheyi Ojo marked his first game back from a shoulder injury with two goals as Fulham sealed a dramatic 5-4 victory over Sheffield United on Tuesday.



Ojo was sidelined with a dislocated shoulder at the end of September, having been withdrawn midway through the second half in Fulham's 2-0 win over QPR.

The 20-year-old was initially expected to miss three months of action, with his return date pencilled in for the New Year, but instead he made a swift recovery.

Taking to the field for his first outing since that night at Loftus Road, Ojo made his eighth start for the Cottagers, lining up on the right wing.

Fulham went behind within six minutes through Blades striker Leon Clarke, but it was Ojo who restored parity just before the half-hour mark.

The winger had already gone close after a smart interchange driving into the box, before he latched onto a sloppy backpass to surge through and sidefoot past Jamal Blackman to make it 1-1.



Former Liverpool target Ryan Sessegnon, making his 50th competitive outing for Fulham at just 17, put the away side ahead two minutes later, before Clarke added another for United.

Sessegnon pushed Slavisa Jokanovic's side back in the lead just before half-time, firing home from Ojo's great cross from the right.

Ojo and Sessegnon then scored a quick-fire double late on to give the Cottagers a commanding lead, with the latter sealing a landmark hat-trick.

Ojo's second goal of the night was an impudent effort with his left foot, which crept past Blackman at the far post as the No. 19 peeled away in elation.

Clarke and Samir Carruthers both scored for Sheffield in the closing stages, setting up a tense finale, but Fulham held on to seal the three points in what Ojo described as a "mad game."

The youngster will now set his sights on reclaiming his regular starting role under Jokanovic, as he aims to carve out a long-term future at Liverpool.

Having spent much of last season on the sidelines, Ojo's shoulder injury was a major blow, but the speed of his recovery highlights a determination to succeed.

Fulham are currently 14th in the Championship, having taken 23 points from their first 18 games, and the performances of their Reds loanee could be key to climbing up the table.

And if Ojo does return to Anfield next summer, the hope will be that he convinces Sessegnon to join him there.



https://www.thisisanfield.com/2017/11/sheyi-ojo-scores-2-assists-1-injury-return-fulham-edge-9-goal-thriller/

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Man United fans urge club to sign Fulham hat-trick hero Ryan Sessegnon

Manchester United's reported summer transfer target Ryan Sessegnon scored a hat-trick for Fulham in their 5-4 win against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Tuesday night, and Red Devils fans have urged their club to sign the teenager.

Sky Sports reported in August that United were keen on the impressive 17-year-old, who can play either at left-back or in a more advanced left-sided role, but a move failed to materialise before the window slammed shut.

Jose Mourinho and the Red Devils scouts will surely have been keeping a close eye on the Cottagers starlet's progress though, and his stunning treble against the Blades in the Championship will have caught their attention.



https://www.footballfancast.com/premier-league/manchester-united/man-united-fans-urge-club-to-sign-fulham-hat-trick-hero-ryan-sessegnon

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'Stay until we win the Champions League please' – Fulham fans plead with sensational man to remain with the club

Fulham travelled to Sheffield United last night knowing that a win for the hosts would see them overtake Wolves at the summit of the Championship table, but the visitors obviously did not read the script at Bramall Lane, upsetting the home side with a remarkable 5-4 victory.

A hat-trick from teenage sensation Ryan Sessegnon and a brace from fellow winger Sheyi Ojo settled the tie at Bramall Lane, condemning the Blades to just their second home league defeat of the season.

Manager Slavisa Jokanovic will be delighted with the character showed by his young side, and will be particularly happy with the performances of his young wide men.

Sessegnon in particular stood out as the star man at Bramall Lane, with the 17-year-old confirming his status as the best young player in the entire Football League.

The London-born youngster has attracted the interest of the Premier League's top clubs, and this performance will probably have added a couple of million to the Cottagers' valuation of their most prized asset.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/stay-until-we-win-the-champions-league-please-fulham-fans-plead-with-sensational-man-to-remain-with-the-club/

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Slavisa Jokanovic knew how important that Sheffield United win was - his animated touchline antics show it

The manager is usually a cool character on the sideline, but he was a different man completely during the win at Sheffield United

Slavisa Jokanovic normally cuts a cool character on the sideline and in press conferences, but during Fulham's 5-4 win over Sheffield United he was a different man.

He kicked every ball, contested every throw-in and celebrated each goal like he was reliving his playing days, and that in itself tells a story and gives us a look into the mind of the manager.

There's no doubting that he was under pressure heading into the game, maybe not enough pressure to warrant thinking about a sacking, but enough to worry the manager after six games without a win.

And what a big win it turned out to be.

Even at 2-1, Jokanovic sensed their was an opportunity for Fulham to end that run, and in turn take a huge scalp in the form of the Yorkshire giants.


Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic on the touchline against Sheffield United (Image: PA)

He didn't move from the edge of his technical area and, more than once, had a few words to say to the fourth official about throw-ins near his side.

His touchline antics were reminiscent of Jose Mourinho in his heyday, inciting the crowd with every movement he made, especially when he was off down the touchline after Ryan Fredericks and John Fleck clashed heads.

It was a Jokanovic we've not seen before, and one that suggests he was feeling a bit of pressure after Fulham's poor run of form and he will be hugely relieved to have managed to get the three points.

I'm surprised there wasn't a dent of his foot prints in the Bramall Lane technical area with the amount of time the boss spent there, but credit where credit is due, he helped see his side through a mental night in Yorkshire.

Fulham seem to have found that golden touch in front of goal - now Jokanovic needs to sort the defence.



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/slavisa-jokanovic-knew-how-important-13938121

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Tottenham fans urge club to sign Fulham hat-trick hero Ryan Sessegnon

Tottenham Hotspur's reported summer transfer target Ryan Sessegnon scored a hat-trick for Fulham in their 5-4 win against Sheffield United in the Championship at Bramall Lane on Tuesday night, and Spurs fans have urged their club to sign him.

The Telegraph reported in August that the north London outfit had had a £25m bid for the teenager rejected by the Cottagers, and a move failed to materialise before the window slammed shut.

Mauricio Pochettino's men will have been keeping a close eye on the left-sided player's progress this term however, and they will have been impressed to see the 17-year-old – who can play at left-back or in a more advanced role – net a brilliant treble on Tuesday, even though it may have raised his price tag even higher.

Tottenham supporters were quick to have their say on his latest performance, and while one is confident and believes he is "Spurs-bound", another simply said "Sessegnon in January please Poch".




https://www.footballfancast.com/premier-league/tottenham/tottenham-fans-urge-club-to-sign-fulham-hat-trick-hero-ryan-sessegnon

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Liverpool fans urge club to sign Fulham hat-trick hero Ryan Sessegnon

Liverpool's reported summer transfer target Ryan Sessegnon scored a hat-trick as Fulham beat Sheffield United 5-4 in a crazy Championship encounter at Bramall Lane on Tuesday night, and Reds fans have urged their club to sign the impressive teenager.

The Liverpool Echo reported in May that the Merseyside outfit were keen on the 17-year-old but they pulled out of a potential deal after thinking he was destined to join Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur during the summer – a move that never materialised.

Despite being just 17 years of age the left-sided player – who can play at left-back or in a more advanced role on the flank – was making his 50th first-team appearance for the Cottagers against United and he marked the occasion with a brilliant hat-trick.

It is something that is sure to have caught the attention of Jurgen Klopp following another disappointing performance from Alberto Moreno in the Champions League.

Liverpool supporters were quick to have their say on his showing via social media, and while one said "go and sign Sessegnon from Fulham in January", another pleaded with the club to "just pay the money" needed to get him.



https://www.footballfancast.com/premier-league/liverpool/liverpool-fans-urge-club-to-sign-fulham-hat-trick-hero-ryan-sessegnon

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TC: Heart-Attack Material

Tom Cairney believes Tuesday's victory could hold some real significance in the context of Fulham's season.

The Whites came out on top from an end-to-end game to secure a confidence boosting three points against high-flying Sheffield United, much to the relief of a breathless Cairney.

"I think the game was a bit heart-attack material if you were involved in it, but it was a great one for the neutral that will get shown for years," he said after the match. "It was pleasing to be playing, and to get my first win since I've been back was nice.

"We knew it would be tough, they're near the top of the league so we knew they'd fly out of the blocks, but we knew we'd also create chances like we always do. In a weird way, I think there were more goals than chances, if that makes sense.

"I felt like anyone could score when they went forward, it felt like Under-10s football at times! It was hard on the lungs and the legs.

"I'm still trying to get my match fitness, but 90 minutes like that and breaks at the end trying to take it into the corner will only stand me in good stead.

"I think you need nights like this sometimes to kickstart a season, and we have to go and back it up on Saturday with three points against Millwall. We're confident we can do that.

"Millwall's always going to be a tough game, a London derby, and if we can attack like we did in this match then I'm sure we'll score goals."

Ryan Sessegnon stole the headlines with a first professional hat-trick on what was his 50th appearance for the Club.

"Scoring a hat-trick at 17, that's taking the mick a little bit isn't it?" Cairney joked. "I'm delighted for him, he's dealing with the pressure unbelievably.

"He played a lot last season, he played all summer, he's come back and he's played every game this season, so it's a credit to him how he's dealing with things and to get a hat-trick just sums him up."

Towards the end of the game, Cairney put in a real captain's performance, notably clearing off the line from James Hanson, and then brilliantly running down the clock with a series of dribbles in stoppage time.

Of the decisive clearance, Cairney said: "I always get told to clear the box to catch people offside, but I saw the big Hanson at the back stick on his own and I just thought, 'I've got to stay and help.'

"It turned out to be the correct decision, it was a right foot swinger and I managed to clear it off the line.

"I could have won a penalty right at the end because I cut across the defender, but I don't think the ref was ever going to give it because me and him were bickering all night!"



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/november/22/tom-cairney-heart-attack-material

[WhiteJC]

 
Sessegnon On The Left, Cairney As No.10 – Strongest 4-2-3-1 Fulham Line-up To Face Millwall

Predicted Fulham Line-up To Face Millwall In EFL Championship

Fulham have a London derby at the weekend with Millwall crossing the river and this one looks like a great chance for the Cottagers to gain some momentum this season.

An incredible 5-4 win at Sheffield United during the week was much like the Fulham we got to know last season, with the change of formation clearly suiting their better players and is something we have shouted for on these pages for some weeks.

Lucas Piazon is still out but Fulham otherwise have a clean bill of health and may line up in their more successful 4-2-3-1 formation:
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Manager: Slavisa Jokanovic
GK – David Button

Of course, he'll have his work cut out to keep clean sheets in this line-up, but he's doing a decent job in goal anyway.
RB – Ryan Fredericks

The attacking right-back is a big part of the way Fulham play and should line up in his usual spot.

CB – Tomas Kalas

Last season's preferred central defensive pair is back together and will keep plugging away in what is a very open and expansive Fulham side.

CB – Tim Ream

Doing his best to keep things as tight as possible at the back, adding his crucial experience to the cause.
LB – Dennis Odoi

He's no Scott Malone in this position, however, his shift to this position has been absolutely crucial. Should start against Millwall.
CM – Kevin McDonald

The club rebuffed big money offers from Nottingham Forest for McDonald in the summer and he is rewarding them again with some fine displays.
CM – Stefan Johansen

Came off the bench in midweek but should surely start in this game. Another player who much prefers this formation as opposed to the 4-3-3 deployed earlier in the campaign.

RW – Sheyi Ojo

The on-loan winger scored twice in midweek and loves this role. One of many who'd appreciate the change in shape.
CAM – Tom Cairney

The natural role of Fulham's most saleable asset. Supporting the No.9 from the middle of the park is his true calling and another good show is on the cards.
LW – Ryan Sessegnon

Like a broken record, I have written so many times on these pages this season that Fulham must revert to a 4-2-3-1 and most importantly must stop stunting Sessegnon's progression by playing him at left-back. When playing in this role, he has scored 4 goals in 3 games including a hat-trick in midweek. Enough said.
ST – Rui Fonte

It'll be a toss-up between him and Ayite but with the change of formation, Fonte may appreciate the better support he gets in the no.9 role.



http://soccersouls.com/2017/11/23/sessegnon-on-the-left-cairney-as-no-10-strongest-4-2-3-1-fulham-line-up-to-face-millwall/

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Does Aston Villa loss show Coleman can still inspire Sunderland?

Sunderland may have lost to Aston Villa but were there signs Chris Coleman could save them from relegation?

It probably wasn't the dream start Chris Coleman had envisaged to his time as Sunderland manager as his first match in charge ended in a 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa.

However, with his new team bottom of the Championship and Villa closing in on the automatic promotion spots, a narrow defeat in Birmingham is certainly nothing to be ashamed of.

Unfortunately the cold, hard statistics show that the Black Cats are four points off safety in the relegation zone after 18 league matches so far this season.

Yet were there signs at Villa Park that Coleman's biggest strength in management could be exactly what a squad devoid of confidence needs right now?

After recent displays there was certainly more of the "heart" against the Villans that the Welshman had called for when he took over as boss at the Stadium of Light.

Coleman's biggest successes in his career so far - finishing ninth with Fulham in the Premier League when they were expected to be battling the drop and taking Wales to the semi-finals of Euro 2016 - have come when the 47-year-old has inspired talented players.

Former striker Louis Saha, who both played with and was managed by him at Craven Cottage, said he had not come across someone who could make players stop and listen like Coleman did - as reported by Get West London.

Meanwhile, the Welsh national team's run to the last four of the European Championships (their first major international tournament since 1958, incidentally) was characterised by the speech the manager gave to the BBC, as quoted by Wales Online, after their 3-1 quarter-final triumph against Belgium:

"Dream - don't be afraid to have dreams. Because four years ago I was as far away from this as you can imagine and look what's happened.

"If you work hard enough and you're not afraid to dream and you're not afraid to fail.

"Everybody fails. Don't be afraid to fail. I've had more failures than successes, but I'm not afraid to fail."

Sunderland do have talent at their disposal and while not a master tactician, when it comes to making players believe in themselves again there are few better than Coleman.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2017/11/22/does-aston-villa-loss-show-coleman-can-still-inspire-sunderland/

[WhiteJC]

Five-star Fulham prove their mettle
by Dan on November 22, 2017

It is difficult to concisely summarise all the carnage contained within around a hundred minutes of football at Bramall Lane last night. Slavisa Jokanovic has always subscribed to an attacking footballing philosophy designed to challenge both his on skillful footballers as well as the weaknesses of Fulham's opponents, but this almost kamikaze football that resembled the Kevin Keegan approach supplemented by steroids. The Whites hadn't won at Sheffield United, who were aiming to return to the top of the Championship last night, since Leroy Rosenior snatched all three points in April 1985 but their wrote several pieces of history in a display full of desire, verve and panache – all whilst starting without a recognised striker.

Young Ryan Sessegnon gained all the plaudits in the morning papers – and the seventeen year old's feat of scoring a senior hat-trick, comprising of two sensational finishes and a more prosaic one, on his 50th Fulham appearance certainly should be celebrated. BBC Sport's social media accounts last night proclaimed Phil Foden, who stepped off the bench for Manchester City in Holland, the best English 17 year-old having seemingly forgotten Sessegon's still mindblowing rise from highly-rated academy graduate to one of the first names on the Fulham teamsheet. He became the second youngest scorer of a domestic treble in professional football and became the first Fulham player to register a league treble away from home since Paul Moody nearly twenty years ago.

There's no doubting Sessegnon's talent, but it was funny seeing the national press boys fall over themselves to question how long the Roehampton boy, who rebuffed interest from across England and Europe, to sign a three-year deal with the club who gave him and his twin brother the pathway all the way through to the first team, would deign to stay at Craven Cottage. There was more than a hint of irritation in Jokanovic's responses to the flurry of questions along this line that followed the final whistle. 'It is always the same question – Ryan, Ryan, Ryan,' smiled the Serbian. 'Ryan is growing up in the right direction, he is a young player with a clear head,m he wants to improve and learn. He wants to be better in the future. We will try and support him, but he had the support of his team-mates tonight'.

The Times' Mike Whalley, whose surname proved particularly appropriate constructed his whole match report around a narrative that Donald Trump – were he remotely concerned about such things – would instantaneously have condemned as fake news. The report suggested that the meticulous Chris Wilder hadn't realised Sessegnon had scored a hat-trick until he was asked about it in the post-match press conference and claimed that the Fulham youngster had left Bramall Lane without the traditional memento of a match ball. That would be news to the delirious visiting supporters who waited around to acclaim their heroes after a pulsating contest that had left half the team flat on their back when David Linington finally ended the agony – and saw Sessegnon gripping his prized possession tightly. Never let the truth get in the way of an attractive angle, eh, Whalley?

Sessegnon is probably the most composed teenager I've ever made – and he hasn't let his already phenomenal career go to his head. He'd be the first to admit that his outstanding individual achievement owed much to the endeavour of his team-mates, especially the returning Liverpool loanee Sheyi Ojo, who was virtually unplayable during a virtuoso display that totally vindicated Jokanovic's decision to field England's Under 20 World Cup winner as part of a fluid front three that didn't include Rui Fonte or Aboubakar Kamara. Ojo, easily recognisable from the garish go-faster blonde streaks in his hair, ghosted behind the Blades back-line on numerous occasions and gleefully seized upon catastrophic mistakes from Cameron Carter-Vickers to give Fulham a firm foothold in the contest.

By the second half, Ojo was running riot and, when he had been joined by Kamara after the hour, Fulham looked like they could score on every single counter-attack. The pair combined for a fourth goal that deflected past the on-loan Chelsea keeper Jamal Blackman, but owed much to Ojo's decision to pull the trigger early rather than pause in front of goal. The 20 year-old definitely benefited from a decisive break with Jokanovic's previous tactics as the Whites went more direct to exploit the space behind the Blades' well-drilled backline – and Fulham reaped the rewards all night long.

Barring the early aberration that afforded John Flack too much time to advance on goal – and ultimately handed Leon Clarke the first of three strikes – Fulham's midfield functioned well. Kevin McDonald added both ballast and his usual prompting from the base of the centre three on his return to one of his former clubs, Ollie Norwood was quietly efficient at spreading the play and Tom Cairney, who revealed afterwards that his troublesome knee 'was almost there,' sprinted into oceans of space regularly – something that was greatly appreciated by the Whites' overworked back four during the six minutes of stoppage time. The captain's most priceless intervention, however, when substitute James Hanson headed for goal as the Blades piled forward – it looked destined for the net, until Cairney somehow hooked the ball off the line.

There are plenty of things for Jokanovic to work on in the days ahead but Fulham should reflect on what a positive statement it was to prove their mettle in the city of steel. Only seven sides have scored at Bramall Lane so far this season – and United had only let in four goals at home prior to last night – but Fulham ran them ragged. This was the first time a Fulham side had scored five away from home since 1988 and not since Exeter in 1993 had the Whites been involved in a league game where more than eight goals had been scored. It is no exaggeration to say the visitors could have scored more, as unbelievable as it sounds.

Jokanovic had joked before that watching Fulham in the final few minutes was not a healthy activity. The last ten minutes of this already heart-bothering battle sent pulse rates and blood pressure racing to alarming levels amongst the 600 travelling away supporters. Just when you thought following Fulham away was settling back into the mundane pattern of meek surrender, Jokanovic's men morphed into the great entertainers and produced one of the all-time classics. It might just be the turning point in Fulham's season. We can dream.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/11/five-star-fulham-prove-their-mettle/

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Ryan Sessegnon's Fulham deal has no buy-out clause which ensures bidding war from Premier League sides

    Ryan Sessegnon's contract at Fulham includes no buy-out clause
    This is expected to start a big bidding war between Premier League clubs
    Sessegnon scored a hat-trick in the 5-4 Championship win over Sheffield United
    The 17-year-old signed his first professional contract with Fulham in June

Ryan Sessegnon's contract at Fulham includes no buy-out clause, with a big bidding war expected from Premier League clubs at the end of the season.

Fulham feel they are in a strong position with teenage sensation Sessegnon, who scored a hat-trick in their 5-4 Championship thriller against Sheffield United on Tuesday night.

The starlet became the first 17-year-old to net a treble in one of the top four tiers of English football since Dele Alli.


Ryan Sessegnon's contract at Fulham includes no buy-out clause with a bidding war expected

The 17-year-old — scouted by Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur — signed his first professional contract with Fulham in June.

That three-year deal will not put off the Premier League's top clubs, however, and Sessegnon is likely to leave if the Cottagers do not secure promotion from the Championship this season.

Fulham, currently 14th in the table and six points off the play-off positions, are expected to want at least £30million for their prized asset.


Sessegnon scored a hat-trick in the 5-4 Championship win against Sheffield United on Tuesday




Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-5109009/Ryan-Sessegnon-s-Fulham-contract-no-buy-clause.html#ixzz4zKcbdudF
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Millwall boss Neil Harris: We could have sold double our ticket allocation for Fulham derby

Millwall will be roared on by over 3,000 fans at Fulham on Saturday – with Neil Harris claiming they could have sold double their allocation for the trip to Craven Cottage.

The west London hosts have made a slow start to the Championship campaign but pulled off a 5-4 victory at high-flying Sheffield United in midweek.

The Lions are still searching for their first away win of the season but have been unlucky not to end that wait with a number of encouraging displays on the road.

"We will have a big following there," said Millwall boss Harris. "We have sold 3,000 tickets and could've doubled that.

"It's a great opportunity for us as the underdog to go and play at Fulham, a much-transformed club since we used to go there in the 90s. It is an old-fashioned football club steeped in history that has come good again.

"We're really looking forward to the challenge against a team who scored five goals at Sheffield United – that is no mean feat it itself. They carry a huge attacking threat. It will be a good test for us to get out defensive shape against their free-scoring play – then there is the challenge at the other end to make sure we get on the scoresheet."

Ryan Sessegnon, 17, scored a hat-trick against the Blades as Fulham ended a six-game winless spell.

"It was a surprise result but Fulham have got the ability to do that," said Harris. "They can go and score goal, after goal, after goal – they showed that last year and have shown it in glimpses this year.

"They have struggled for consistency, especially at home.

"I've seen bits of him [Sessegnon] in the last 18 months. You talk about modern-day footballers – pace and power – and he has scored a hat-trick away at Sheffield United. He certainly carries a threat, whether he plays left-back or left-wing. As ever we need to try and nullify those threats. It's not just Sessegnon, they've got good players.

"They carry a squad of quality players. It was the same with Hull on Tuesday. We saw how good they were on the counter-attack, how quickly they moved the ball. We saw that with Sunderland and they are bottom of the league but had a £5million Aiden McGeady and Callum McManaman."



https://www.londonnewsonline.co.uk/millwall-boss-neil-harris-we-could-have-sold-double-our-ticket-allocation-for-fulham-derby/

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PL2 Live Streaming

Fulham take on Newcastle United at Mostpur Park this Friday afternoon with kick off at 2pm, and there are a number of ways for you to see the action live.

Fans are invited to head down to Motspur where they can attend the game at a cost of £3 for adults and £1 concessions, while Season Tickets Holders can take it in for free on production of their card.

Alternatively, the match will be streamed live on fulhamfctv for those who are unable to make it to the Training Ground. Simply subscribe or log-in, and head to the website just prior to 2pm for full live match coverage.

Watch all the action as Peter Grant's men look for their fifth league win in a row, having risen to the play-off spots with their thrilling 4-3 win over Southampton on Monday evening.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/november/23/pl2-live-stream-newcastle

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U23s Host Newcastle

Fulham host Newcastle United on Friday afternoon at Motspur Park in a 2pm kick off.

Last time out the Whites beat Southampton on the south coast 4-3 in a thrilling encounter, with Mikolaj Kwietniewski scoring the winner with eight minutes to go.

Fulham sit fifth in the Premier League 2 Division 2 with Newcastle in ninth place.

After a strong opener to the season for Newcastle where they won their first two outings of the PL2 season, they didn't register a win for their following six matches.

The Magpies in their last match however won their first league match since August, beating Reading 4-1 at the Northumberland FA.

Last season Peter Grant's side lost Peter Beardley's Newcastle in the semi-final play-off at St James's Park, with both teams having beaten each other at home once during the regular season.

This match will be live streamed on fulhamfctv, alternatively live match updates will be provided on the Club's twitter account, @FulhamFC.

http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/november/23/u23s-host-newcastle