Saturday Fulham Stuff (27/01/18)...

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West Ham United eyeing move for Fulham's Tom Cairney

West Ham United have been linked with a move for Fulham captain Tom Cairney.

The 27-year-old has helped Fulham climb into Championship promotion contention in recent weeks and the club have insisted the midfielder is not for sale.

West Bromwich Albion reportedly had a £15 million bid rejected earlier this month, but Sky Sports have claimed the Hammers are set to test Fulham's resolve.

Cairney, who has also previously been linked with a move to Newcastle United, joined Fulham from Blackburn Rovers for £3m in the summer of 2015.

The Scotland international has developed into one of the best midfielders in the Championship in recent years.

After being rejected at the age of 16 by Leeds United, Cairney joined Hull City and he went on to establish himself as an important member of their first-team squad. He joined Rovers on loan in August 2013 and completed a permanent move the following January.

Cairney was surprisingly sold to Fulham in June 2015 and has gone on to score 22 goals in 111 appearances in all competitions for the club.

He made his debut for Scotland in March 2017, starting in a 1–1 home draw with Canada in a friendly.



http://sportslens.com/cairney-west-ham-fulham/223892/

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Albion boss Chris Hughton leaves door ajar for Oliver Norwood to make permanent move to Fulham

BOSS Chris Hughton has left the door ajar for a permanent move from Albion for Oliver Norwood.

But Fulham will have to raise their offer considerably for the Seagulls to contemplate losing the Northern Ireland international midfielder.

The Seagulls have rejected a bid from the Championship promotion challengers to turn Norwood's season-long loan switch into a permanent deal. It fell well short of their valuation.

Hughton said: "He's gone there and played games. They are on a good run at the moment. If it's right for all three parties then yes, possibly something will be done.

"At this moment he is still our player and we are delighted he is playing regular games and playing in a team that is playing well."

Norwood is under contract with Albion until June 2019. They are reluctant to lose the 26-year-old without knowing which division they will be in next season.

Norwood joined the Seagulls on a free transfer from Reading two summers ago. He made 33 appearances in last season's promotion campaign before moving to Fulham in July.

Norwood has made an impressive contribution at Craven Cottage, five goals in 26 league games helping them to within a point and a place of the top six.

Meanwhile, an Argus source has rubbished reports linking Albion with 23-year-old Spanish midfielder Victor Camarasa from Real Betis.

Albion have no firm plans to replace Steve Sidwell, who has undergone ankle surgery during his recovery from a back operation which has prevented him playing any part in the Premier League survival bid.

Beram Kayal returned recently from a broken leg to compete with this season's regular central midfield pairing of Dale Stephens and Davy Propper. German Pascal Gross, used primarily as a No.10, can also play in midfield.

Albion last night cancelled Kazenga LuaLua's contract with immediate effect to allow the winger to join Sunderland on a free transfer for the rest of the season.

LuaLua's second loan in as many seasons with Queens Park Rangers was cut short in December.

Hughton said: "The competition for places in our wide areas means that it has been very difficult for Kazenga to play the number of matches he would have liked here.

"He has worked tremendously hard during his time with us and has played a major part in the club's history. I would like to wish him all the very best for the future on behalf of everyone at the club."



http://www.theargus.co.uk/sport/albion/15898541.Hughton_leaves_door_ajar_for_Norwood_to_make_permanent_move_to_Fulham/

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West Ham have little chance of grabbing midfielder

West Ham are interested in signing Fulham captain Tom Cairney.

And Sky Sports sources are reporting we are ready to pay £15m for the midfielder.

However, with the Cottagers positioned in seventh place just outside of thee of the  play off places there is next to zero chance of picking up the Scottish international.

Sources at West Ham refused to deny an interest in the 27 year old when CandH approached them this morning but it's clear Fulham do not want to sell Cairney.

They have said publicly the club does not intend to lose any of their key players in the January transfer window confirming  David Moyes' comments that it's "really hard" to do business in this window.

The 27-year-old arrived at Craven Cottage two years ago from Blackburn Rovers  and has made 18 appearances for the Championship club this season, scoring one goal.



http://www.claretandhugh.info/west-ham-have-little-chance-of-grabbing-midfielder/

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Transfer Talk: West Ham try to tempt Fulham with £15m bid for West Brom and Newcastle target Tom Cairney

The 27-year-old has been linked to a number of clubs this January after resisting a move in the summer

West Ham have made a £15m bid in the hopes of luring Fulham star Tom Cairney to the London Stadium this month according to Sky Sports.

The Hammers are looking to improve their midfield and are on the verge of loaning Inter Milan's Joao Mario and have been linked to the likes of Jonjo Shelvey this month.

The Cottagers have made it clear that they are not looking to sell key players ahead of their push for promotion and rejected bids for Cairney during the summer.

It was reported earlier in the window that West Brom were considering a £15m for the Scotland but it is understood that no bid arrived.

The ex-Hull player joined Fulham from Blackburn Rovers for just around £3m and has impressed ever since.

The 27-year-old was subject to a £20m bid from Newcastle in the summer and has since signed a new deal - one of the longest at the club.



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/transfer-talk-west-ham-try-14205410

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Brede Hangeland at Craven Cottage

Fulham legend Brede Hangeland will be making a special appearance at Craven Cottage on Saturday 3rd February, when the Whites take on Nottingham Forest in the Sky Bet Championship (3pm).

Hangeland signed for Fulham in January 2008 and went on to make over 200 appearances for the Club, notably leading the Whites to the 2010 UEFA Cup Final against Atletico Madrid.

The former Club captain will be spending the day catching up with fans across some of our Matchday Hospitality areas, including The Clubhouse, Chairman's Club and McBride's.

Matchday Hospitality packages remain available to purchase, and supporters can book from £99 per person (+VAT), to take advantage of meeting Brede, before watching all the match action unfold.

Secure your Matchday Hospitality package today online, by emailing [email protected] or calling 020 8336 7555 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5:30pm).



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/january/26/hangeland-returns

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Fulham midfielder leaves Craven Cottage to join Legia Warsaw

The talented youngster is heading straight to Benidorm for a training camp

18-year-old Mikolaj Kwietniewski has left Craven Cottage to join Polish side Legia Warsaw for an undisclosed fee.

The transfer was confirmed yesterday evening as Kwietniewski brought to an end his four-and-a-half-year stay with Fulham.

The youngster had joined the west London side from Korona when he was just 14 after being spotted by scouts at a tournament before progressing through the Fulham ranks.

He made 10 appearances in Premier League 2 and had three outings in this season's Checkatrade trophy against Portsmouth, Charlton and Crawley Town.

Kwietniewski has signed a three-and-a-half-year deal at Legia and will wear the number 17 shirt.

The Warsaw club's technical director said: "Our scouting department characterized Nicholas as a very talented young player and when the opportunity arose to bring him down, we did.

"He has been training and developing in the very good Fulham academy for the last years. His move to Legia is part of our plan to invest in the future that we announced.

"Nicholas will have time to adapt to the club, because we think about him in the long term, but we hope that in the future he will become an important, stable player of the first team."



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/fulham-midfielder-leaves-craven-cottage-14205862

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Leeds Fixture Televised

Fulham's meeting with Leeds United at Craven Cottage on Tuesday 3rd April (7.45pm) has been selected for live television coverage on Sky Sports.

The date and kick-off time of this fixture will remain the same.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/january/26/leeds-fixture-televised

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Barnsley v Fulham preview


Barnsley manager Paul Heckingbottom

Barnsley midfielder Gary Gardner is back in contention for his side's home game against Fulham.

On-loan Gardner was ineligible to face his parent club Aston Villa last week, but could return to the starting line-up. Winger Ryan Hedges could also return to the squad after overcoming a thigh injury and defender Adam Jackson (knee) is edging closer to a return to first-team action.

Midfielder Lloyd Isgrove (dead leg) and centre-half Angus MacDonald (illness) are still out as the Reds chase just their second win in 14 league matches.

Matt Targett will go straight into contention for Fulham after his arrival on loan from Southampton. Tom Cairney is also available to return, but Slavisa Jokanovic must decide whether or not he will start.

The manager regardless remains without the injured Floyd Ayite and Sheyi Ojo. Ayite could yet return next week from a hamstring injury, but the knock suffered by Ojo means he is likely to miss a further week.

Barnsley have won five of their last seven home league matches against Fulham (D1 L1), although they haven't won any of the most recent two, losing 4-2 last season.

The Cottagers have won four of their last five league games against the Tykes (D1).

Barnsley have managed only one goal in their last six home league games, their lowest goal tally in a six game period since March-April 2014.

Fulham have picked up 16 points from a possible 18 and scored 19 goals in their last six games, including a 6-0 thrashing of Ipswich last time out.

The Tykes are without a win in their last six Championship games at Oakwell (D3 L3); only Burton Albion are on a longer winless streak at home in the division (10).

Since Christmas Day, Ryan Sessegnon has been directly involved in seven Championship goals (5 goals, 2 assists); two more than any other player in the competition.

Prutton's prediction

Fulham are well and truly flying at the moment. Just like last season they had a slow start to the campaign and now they're right in the mix for the play-offs.

A victory at Barnsley, who have not won at home since November, would send Slavisa Jokanovic's side into the top six. The Tykes haven't been on a great run themselves and it's hard to see them getting a result here. Away win for me.

David Prutton predicts: 0-2 (9/1 with Sky Bet)



http://www.skysports.com/football/barnsley-vs-fulham/preview/374955

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Wolves and Derby? Or Villa and Cardiff? Leeds, Boro and Fulham for the playoffs? Bristol City and Sheffield United might say no.

    'm putting this post up early as SalutSunderland will be relatively quiet over the weekend whereas next week, with a midweek game and then another on Saturday, we will be busy. Although the piece will move down the home page it should stay visible for about a week, so if you want to take part in our polls you'll have time to do so after the transfer window closes.

    And why might you want to take part in our polls?

    Because it's time to take stock of Wolves, Derby and Cardiff and, perhaps, to start tracking their progress.

It was only three weeks ago that I reviewed the race for promotion. Here's how I finished that piece off

...Wolves have featured in these reviews for a while  (as have Cardiff), are clear of the pack, and look like they have what it takes. After them, only 8 points separate Fulham (10th) from second place Derby.  Goal Differences don't vary much after Derby and Goals For are also close between many of the clubs vying for sixth or better. My reading of the situation is that Villa, especially, might have what it takes to catch Derby and I wouldn't be surprised to see them there or thereabouts in May. Nor can Leeds be discounted and Middlesbrough, under a new manager with a reputation for defense, might also push into the top six.  I'm not so sure about Fulham, although they do appear to be running into form.

All of which begs the question:

Can Derby, Bristol and Cardiff hold on? 

So now you have a chance to answer the question(s) I posed. Wolves and Derby are stilll out in the lead, Cardiff aren't far behind while Fulham have closed the gap and Leeds have slipped. And that's without mentioning Bristol City – impressive at the moment, Sheffield United – who are showing some steel and even Brentford. Will things stay as they are?

What do you think? Here's an up to date track of the original fancied clubs (you can catch up  below if you're new to the series), with spot values for Wolves and Derby.



It looks to me as if Villa, Leeds, Boro and Fulham are all holding their form. But, surely, they can't all make straight promotion or the playoffs. And even if they did there's room for another club or two, given that Sunderland and Sheffield Wednesday (currently 17th) don't look like contenders. So have a go at our polls and let us know what you think:




http://salutsunderland.com/2018/01/wolves-and-derby-or-villa-and-cardiff-leeds-boro-and-fulham-for-the-playoffs-bristol-city-and-sheffield-united-might-say-no/

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PREVIEW: Barnsley Vs Fulham

Paul Heckingbottom's Barnsley side will look to avenge last month's narrow defeat by Fulham on Saturday afternoon, as we prepare to host Slavisa Jokanovic's promotion-hunting outfit at Oakwell.

The Reds will be looking also to turn their fortunes around after last weekend's 3-1 setback at Aston Villa, our first league defeat in five.

Fulham are the Sky Bet Championship's form team. The south-west London side have taken the busy winter schedule in their stride, with December's reverse fixture at Craven Cottage starting a run of six unbeaten in the league, winning five including a 6-0 trouncing of Burton Albion in their last outing.

A win for the Reds could see them leapfrog Reading and increase the gap from the drop zone, whilst Fulham will be looking to extend their tremendous recent streak and move into the play-off places.

Fulham

Fulham have competed in the second tier since 2014, when their relegation from the Premier League ended a 13-year top-flight stay.

During that time, the Cottagers peaked as high as seventh in Roy Hodgson's spell in charge, a year after he led them to a 'great escape' from relegation and subsequently qualified for the Europe. The 2009/10 season saw Hodgson and Fulham embark on an historic Europa League run, reaching the final in Hamburg where they were narrowly pipped by Atletico Madrid after extra-time. The team claimed the scalp of elite giants Juventus on the way, after coming from two goals down to win 5-4 on aggregate, one of Craven Cottage's most famous nights.

Since plying their trade in the Championship, Fulham somewhat struggled initially with 17th and 20th-placed finishes in their first two seasons. In Jokanovic's first full season at the helm in 2016/17, the club achieved his target of a top six finish, beaten by Reading in their play-off semi-final.

Jokanovic's clear aim for Fulham this year is to achieve at least another crack at the play-offs, with his squad looking in better shape than ever to look ahead to the next level.

Fulham's cup record has not quite matched their league form – beaten 1-0 at home in both domestic competitions – by Bristol Rovers in the Carabao Cup second round, and in the third round of the Emirates FA Cup by Southampton earlier this month.

Playing Style

Jokanovic likes to play an attacking style of football, tending to opt for a 4-3-3 setup with plenty of lively talent going forward.

A tall, powerful defence provide excellent cover for one of two competing goalkeepers. Their three-man midfield transition from defence to attack very efficiently, and spray the ball out to their dangerous wide men. The midfield and wide players contribute equally as effectively on the goal front, with a variety of talented athletes at the manager's disposal.

The Squad

Fulham's play-off push is helped in large by their remarkable young squad. Before the 30th birthday of American centre-half Tim Ream in October, the entire Fulham squad were in their twenties or teens. This leaves plenty of potential for Jokanovic and his coaching staff to work with.

Between the sticks, the hand has changed during the course of the campaign. With former Tottenham man David Button previously starting league matches, the number one spot was claimed by Marcus Bettinelli in December, with the 25-year-old in contention for his ninth league start on the bounce.

The back four for the Cottagers sees the bulky centre-back pairing of senior pro Ream and Tomas Kalas, on loan from neighbours Chelsea, complement the natural width of full-backs Ryan Fredericks and Denis Odoi. Whilst Fulham rely heavily on this defensive line-up, they have recently recruited left-back Matt Targett on loan from Southampton, who is in line for a debut, and boast a further option in Portuguese defender Rafa.

In midfield, Jokanovic likes to set up with a bank of three. Skipper Tom Cairney is back in the first-team fold after a short time on the sidelines, and box-to-box central lynchpin Oliver Norwood has plenty of Championship experience. Norwegian Stefan Johansen has put in a series of good displays with an eye for goal, with Kevin McDonald and Neeskens Kebano reliable performers this campaign, and the likes of Lucas Piazon can drop back to provide another option. Sheyi Ojo and Togo international Floyd Ayite were very impressive last month against the Reds, with on-loan Liverpool youngster Ojo netting the winner.

Up top, Fulham use plenty of width with a three-man front line. Undoubtedly the one to watch for Saturday's visitors is 17-year-old Sessegnon. The wide man, who can also operate at left-back much in the mould of a young Gareth Bale, tends to favour the left-hand side. He tops Fulham's scoring charts with nine in the league so far, and was the first Championship scorer born in 2000 when he netted against Cardiff in August 2016. On the right could be one of their versatile wide midfielders or the man they call 'AK47', Aboubakar Kamara. Alternatively, Brazilian Piazon could push for another start on the right, with former Arsenal striker Rui Fonte likely to lead the line at Oakwell after his two goals last weekend.

In The Dugout

Slavisa Jokanovic has been the Fulham manager since December 2015. After avoiding relegation by 11 points following his appointment, the 49-year-old Serbian achieved the play-offs in his first full season, gleaming his reputation among the fans at Craven Cottage.

His playing career ran from 1986 to 2004, representing clubs such as Chelsea, Deportivo and Tenerife as an engine room midfield man. Jokanovic's first managerial job began in 2007 in his homeland at Partizan Belgrade, where he remarkably won two consecutive Serbian domestic doubles.

A spell in Thailand with Muangthong United saw him win the Thai Premier League in 2012, and the highly-rated head coach also achieved promotion to the Premier League with Watford in 2015, indicating his pedigree at this level.

Spanish coaches Javier Pereira and Alberto Escobar join Jokanovic in the dugout, alongside former Reds midfielder of the 1980s, Stuart Gray.

The Stats

Overall, Barnsley have won 31 of 79 matches between the two, with Fulham winning 25. The Reds have not beaten Fulham since a 1-0 victory at Oakwell in 2000, providing an additional incentive for three points this weekend.



https://www.barnsleyfc.co.uk/news/2018/january/fulham-preview/

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Odds slashed: West Ham big favourites to sign pass master after massive bid reportedly tabled

West Ham are the clear favourites to sign Fulham's Tom Cairney, according to the latest bookmaker's odds.

SkyBet have now got the Fulham sensation at just 7/2 to join West Ham in the January window, after reports of a huge bid being tabled.

Sky claimed on their transfer blog on Friday (7.23am) that sources had told them that West Ham will sign another midfielder before the window slams shut.

The strongest name that has been linked is that of Cairney, with Sky sources claiming a massive £15million bid had been tabled, although it was said to have been rejected.

Just over a week ago West Ham weren't even in the market, with West Brom clear favourites at 6/4 and newcastle behind them at 5/1.

West Ham are now just 7/2 to sign the pass-master now, with West Brom the nearest rvials at a huge 10/1.

Cairney has struggled to hit the heights he reached last season because of injuries, but he put himself on the radar with some fantastic playmaking skills in the Championship last campaign.

The 27-year-old midfielder scored 12 goals and added 11 assists in just 45 appearances, and he helped boost Fulham towards the play-offs where they failed to win promotion back to the Premier League.




https://www.footballinsider247.com/odds-slashed-west-ham-huge-favourites-sign-pass-master-massive-bid-tabled/

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Barnsley v Fulham
SAT 27 Jan 2018  Championship
Venue: Oakwell

Fulham are unbeaten in six Championship matches, scoring 19 goals and winning five of those games

Barnsley midfielder Gary Gardner may return after being ineligible against parent side Aston Villa last week.

Winger Lloyd Isgrove (dead leg) is unlikely to play, but full-back Daniel Pinillos could make his debut following his arrival from Spanish club Cordoba.

Fulham could give a debut to left-back Matt Targett after he joined on loan from Southampton on Monday.

Captain Tom Cairney will have his knee injury assessed, while forward Floyd Ayite (calf) is a doubt.

Match facts
    Barnsley have won five of their past seven home league matches against Fulham (D1 L1), although they have not won any of the most recent two, losing 4-2 last season.
    Fulham have won four of their past five league games against the Tykes (D1).
    Barnsley have managed only one goal in their past six home league games, their lowest goal tally in a six-game period since March-April 2014.
    Fulham have picked up 16 points from a possible 18 and scored 19 goals in their past six games, including a 6-0 thrashing of Burton Albion last time out.
    The Tykes are without a win in their past six Championship games at Oakwell (D3 L3); only Burton Albion are on a longer winless streak at home in the division (10).
    Since Christmas Day, Fulham's Ryan Sessegnon has been directly involved in seven Championship goals (5 goals, 2 assists); two more than any other player in the competition.



http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/42756295

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Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic on what new signing Matt Targett could mean for Ryan Sessegnon

The defender joined on loan from Southampton until the end of the season

Fans have waited with baited breathe for Ryan Sessegnon to play higher up the pitch more regularly.

The 17-year-old scored twice in the 6-0 win against Burton from a more advanced position and linked up will with Denis Odoi on the left flank.

Some Cottagers might have even fancied the youngster as a striker given his two 'fox in the box' finishes.

Could the loan signing of Southampton's Matt Targett be the moment supporters have been waiting for though?


(Image: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic was coy in giving his take on the impact of Targett on Sessegnon's role.

He said: "It depends on the game plan but his natural position is left full-back and this kind of player will give more options for my team.

If you ask if Ryan Sessegnon will play only as a winger. It will depend on the game plan.

"He shows he can play perfect in both positions. Some games I play him as winger too if you remember our game but I am talking about Sessegnon when you asked me about Matt.

"He can be the perfect player to play behind the left winger."

The 22-year-old Southampton product has played in the Premier League, the FA Cup, the Carabao Cup and the Europa League at a young age and has impressed the Fulham manager during his short time training with the club.

Jokanovic said: "Matt can be an important player for us. He's young, talented with Premier League experience. In these few days with us he's showed the quality and we believe he will adapt himself fast and he will be able to help us immediately."

Targett will wear the 21 shirt and is excited by the prospect of his debut.

He said: "I'm really happy to be here.

"I am looking forward to helping the side push on to the Play-Offs.

"One of the main reasons I joined is that Club is in a great place at the moment and the results have been fantastic. I can't wait to be a part of that.

"I am very excited to make my Fulham debut and the most important thing is that we pick up the three points when I do."




https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/fulham-boss-slavisa-jokanovic-what-14207908

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In Focus: Tottenham still want Ryan Sessegnon despite potential Lucas Moura deal

According to reports in the Daily Mail, Tottenham Hotspur remain keen on Fulham starlet Ryan Sessegnon, who could cost £50m according to The Times, despite a move for Paris Saint-Germain winger Lucas Moura moving closer.

What's the word, then?
Well, the Daily Mail reports that the Brazil international has been shown around Spurs' training ground ahead of a potential late January move, but it appears as though the north London outfit are still keeping their options open with the 25-year-old potentially available on loan even though PSG are keen to sell him in a £25m deal.

The Daily Mail reports that Tottenham are also still interested in Bordeaux's Malcom and Fulham's Sessegnon, although they warned off the latter according to The Telegraph on January 10, when Fulham vice-chairman Tony Khan said the talented 17-year-old wouldn't be leaving the Championship outfit this month.

How has Sessegnon done this season?
He has been outstanding.

The teenager, who can play as a left-back or in a more advanced role on the left wing, has scored nine goals and provided a further four assists in 28 Championship appearances for Fulham during the current campaign.

Sessegnon has played 61 first-team matches in total for the Cottagers despite his tender years, and he continues to impress with his abilities at both ends of the pitch – he even scored two brilliant goals with his right foot when he netted a hat-trick in his side's 5-4 win against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane in November.

Would he be a good signing for Tottenham?
He certainly would be.

Sessegnon is one of the biggest young talents in England right now and his maturity, quality and versatility suggests that he is already prepared to be a regular for a Premier League team.

Whether he would actually cost £50m or if Spurs would be willing to smash their transfer record to sign him for that amount remains to be seen, but the 17-year-old could easily follow in the footsteps of Gareth Bale and Dele Alli in being a star player plucked from the Football League.

For now, a potential deals looks more likely in the summer than in the remaining days of the January window, but there is no doubt that if Tottenham do end up signing the teenager, they will be the envy of all of their top flight rivals.




https://www.footballfancast.com/premier-league/tottenham/in-focus-tottenham-still-want-ryan-sessegnon-despite-potential-lucas-moura-deal

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Fulham Reunion - A Preview

Saturday 27th January is a date that lives long in the memory of many Macclesfield fans as the day marks 50 years since the Silkmen appeared in the Third Round of the FA Cup for the first-time.

This Saturday, not only will we be taking on Torquay United at Moss Rose, but we'll be celebrating this iconic day in Macclesfield Town history and supporters are more than welcome to join in with us as we pay tribute to one of the greatest Silkmen sides.

However, a lot has changed in 50 years. At the time, Macc were playing In the Cheshire Leagues and an incredible 10,000 Silkmen supporters made the journey down to London for the David vs Goliath tie.

The vast gulf between the two sides was reflected in the opposition. Fulham, then managed by Sir Bobby Robson, had international stars such as Allan Clarke and Johnny Haynes in their side but what was to follow would be etched into the history books.

The Silkmen very nearly caused a shock that day. It took the part-timers just two minutes to grab a shock early lead and despite Fulham equalising Macc went on to take the lead once more.

Lifetime fan Geoff Findlow spoke to www.mtfc.co.uk earlier this week and shared his experiences of the clash.

"When the first goal went in, it was crazy, absolutely crazy." Said Geoff.

"I can't describe it, it was one of those games when you hope to score, and then you score in the second minute!

"It was a really good goal, and we were just on cloud nine it was absolutely wonderful.

"When Fulham equalised, I thought to myself 'we're playing well and at least we've scored a goal'. But when we went and scored another one I thought to myself 'What is going on here?'.

"They weren't lucky goals they were good goals, and we were playing them off the park."

Despite leading, eventually Fulham came back to win the match 4-2 but they were helped by some controversial refereeing decisions.

However, the squad would receive a hero's welcome on their return to the town as hundreds of people gathered to congratulate them on a fantastic performance and cup run.

The match was the selected game to be shown on Match of The Day and when the match was broadcast on television, the club were flooded with letters of praise from football fans all across the UK congratulating the side on a courageous display.

A number of this great side will be in attendance at the Moss Rose with supporters invited in to the McIlroy Suite from 12:00 for an informal Q&A with the players in attendance.  We will also be showing highlights of the game and the homecoming on the screens in the McIlroy Suite.

Supporters are more than welcome to attend this event and entry is free with a match ticket for our game with Torquay United.

By Andrew Gate



https://www.mtfc.co.uk/news/fulham-reunion-a-preview

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Fulham boss gives the lowdown on Barnsley and why only one game exists for the Cottagers

The Cottagers are unbeaten in their last six matches

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic will think only of the game against Barnsley and no further ahead of his side's trip to Oakwell.

The Cottagers' next three games are to teams below them: Barnsley, Nottingham Forest and Bolton.

The Serbian manager made it clear they should remain focused on one game at a time however and will have to show the Tykes the respect they deserve, if they are to have any chance of reproducing a performance like the one against Burton last weekend.


(Image: Katie Lunn/Evening Gazette)

He said: "Really I'm not thinking about three games. If we start to count next three, next six, next 18.

"For myself and my team only the next one exists. Next one is the Barnsley game, we are going to respect them like we respected Burton. We must be focused and we must be concentrated and ready to follow the plan and fight altogether.

"This is the only way I know, the only way that is working well and after Barnsley game we will think about next steps."

A win against the Yorkshire side can see Fulham into the play-off places but Jokanovic knows Barnsley also need the points and gave some tactical insights about how the sides match up.

He said: "We played against them one month ago. I remember it wasn't an easy game for us, they scored an equaliser and then at the end we scored one lucky goal and win the three points.

"In this game they used 442, last few games they've tried to play with one striker, didn't score enough goals, signed another tall, strong striker and probably they can try with two strikers.

"This team is very aggressive and a team who are going to try and catch us with a mistake.

"We must be ready and intelligent and brave to take on this press which we expect - especially at the beginning of the game.

"This side is young and really intensive team, they need the points, we need the points too and we expect a long or short game. We must be clever and not give them the opportunity to damage us."



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-boss-gives-lowdown-barnsley-14208838

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Tom Cairney wants to join West Ham but Fulham refusing to sell


Tom Cairney has scored once in 18 appearances for Fulham this season

Fulham captain Tom Cairney wants to move to West Ham but Fulham are refusing to sell their star man, Sky Sports News understands.

The Hammers are ready to pay £15m for the 27-year-old but the Whites have not intended to sell any of their key players in the January transfer window.

The west London club are also in a strong position after Cairney signed a contract extension just last summer until 2021, following interest from Newcastle United.


Slavisa Jokanovic has again been at odds with the Fulham hierarchy this month

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic has been at odds with the club's hierarchy again this month over transfers, accusing them of inaction in the market - but they signed Matt Targett on loan from Southampton this week.

Another Premier League side - West Bromwich Albion - are also interested in signing Cairney, who has been one of the stand-out stars of the Championship in recent seasons.

Sky Sports News understands West Brom made an approach for Cairney earlier this month, but no formal bid has yet been made.

The 27-year-old arrived at Craven Cottage in 2015 after signing from Blackburn Rovers for £3m.



http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/11223715/tom-cairney-wants-to-join-west-ham-but-fulham-refusing-to-sell

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Fulham boss reveals stance on Tom Cairney's future amid West Ham rumours

The Hammers are apparently keen on a £15m move

Fulham midfielder Tom Cairney has apparently emerged as a January transfer window target for West Ham, according to Sky Sports.

The midfielder would cost the Hammers around £15m as David Moyes looks to strengthen his midfield following the loan capture of Joao Mario from Inter Milan for the rest of the season.

Rumours of a £12m bid for Nowrich midfelder James Maddison have been dismissed by football.london sources as nonsense but it is now being reported his fellow Championship star could be a target.

Fulham have won five and drawn one of their last six games to get their Championship play-off charge very much up and firing after a slow start, which saw manager Slavisa Jokanovic put under pressure to turn around results.

He has done that and the boss at Craven Cottage has recently spoken out about losing players in January, something he certainly doesn't want to do.

The Croat told our friends at GetWestLondon amid rumours that West Bromwich Albion were ready to launch a bid for the player: "I'm not talking about rumours. I know Tom Cairney is happy here, that's it, that's the only comment I can make."

Newcastle had a £20m bid for the midfielder rejected last summer by the Cottagers so even if the Hammers were considering making their own move, they would have to shell out a fair bit more than the quoted £15m from recent reports.

GWL understood at the time that there was no bid from West Brom for Cairney, who has excelled for the Cottagers since moving to London from Blackburn in 2015 for a reported £3m fee. He has scored 21 goals for Fulham in 101 appearances and has earned a solitary Scotland international cap since moving to the capital.




https://www.football.london/west-ham-united-fc/transfer-news/tom-cairney-west-ham-transfers-14207287

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Cairney wants West Ham move

Fulham midfielder Tom Cairney wants to join West Ham amid interest from the London club, according to Sky Sports.

The news outlet claims that the 27-year-old is keen on making the move to the London Stadium in the January transfer window, but that Championship side Fulham are reluctant to lose their captain.

It is understood they are in a strong position to keep the central midfielder as he is still under contract at Craven Cottage until 2021.

Sky Sports previously reported that West Ham had seen a £15million bid rejected for Cairney as David Moyes looks to reinforce his midfield options in January.

Good move for West Ham?
Cairney has proven himself to be a very good Championship player in the past few years and looks ready to make the step up to the top flight.

The Hammers need an attack-minded midfielder in their side and the Scotland international has shown he can help drive forward into goalscoring positions.

His lack of experience in the Premier League would be the only concern, but West Ham are clearly keen to take a punt on him.

This Is Futbol rating: 7//10

Likely to happen?
The fact that Cairney wants to join West Ham is certainly a big boost, but there is still plenty of work to be done if this deal is to be completed in the remainder of the January window.

Fulham are digging their heels in over the left-footed midfielder and are keen to keep him at the club, with his long contract meaning they are in a strong position to keep him.

It would take a mammoth big from Moyes' side to turn this deal around and see him make the step up to the Premier League.

This Is Futbol rating: 4/10



https://thisisfutbol.com/2018/01/transfers/cairney-wants-west-ham-move/

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Fulham captain Tom Cairney 'keen on West Ham United move'

Fulham captain Tom Cairney is reportedly keen to join West Ham United.

The Hammers have tabled a £15m bid for the midfielder but, according to Sky Sports News, his current employers are unwilling to sell.

West Ham could find it difficult to prise the Whites skipper away as he signed a new contract at Craven Cottage last summer, keeping him there until 2021.

West Bromwich Albion are also said to be interested in the 27-year-old, but are yet to lodge a formal bid with Fulham.

Cairney has established himself as a fan favourite at the Championship outfit since joining them from Blackburn Rovers in 2015.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/west-ham-united/transfer-talk/news/tom-cairney-keen-on-west-ham-move_317178.html