Wednesday Fulham Stuff (07/02/18)...

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'Incredible talent': Southampton's Matt Targett describes new Fulham teammate Ryan Sessegnon

Southampton's Matt Targett joined Fulham on loan during the January transfer window.

Southampton defender Matt Targett has described his new Fulham teammate Ryan Sessegnon as an incredible talent and feels the 17-year-old will only get better, Getwestlondon report.

Targett joined Fulham from the Saints on loan during the January transfer window until the end of the season.

The Cottagers are currently enjoying an excellent run of form in the Championship, and during their recent five successive league victories youngster Sessegnon has really come to the fore with some outstanding displays.

The left-sided wonderkid has scored six goals and recorded one assist in his last five outings, prompting Targett to label him an incredible talent and cite his potential as scary.

"He's an incredible talent, he's only 17, it's quite scary to be honest, but he will only get better and hopefully we can carry on building on that partnership," Targett told Getwestlondon.

"With the positions you take up on the pitch, he's clever and got inside the full back and then run so for me it's my job to deliver the ball to him. If he carries on making those runs I'll do my best to try and find him."

Sessegnon predominantly started his Fulham career as a left-back, but Targett's arrival from Southampton has allowed the England U19 international to play further forward and wreak havoc in the final third.

The two left-sided players have struck up an immediate understanding, utilising their youth and pace down the flank to really stretch the opposition and offer the likes of Tom Cairney more space through the middle.

Boss Slavisa Jokanovic hasn't been afraid to give his young star added responsibility, and in such form, it will surely be only a matter of time before Sessegnon is playing Premier League football whether that's with or without Fulham.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/02/05/tt-incredible-talent-southamptons-matt-targett-describes-new-ful/

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Bolton boss Phil Parkinson challenges team to continue good defensive work against Fulham

Bolton kept a cleansheet against sixth placed Bristol last Friday and the boss has challenged them to continue that against Fulham

Bolton boss Phil Parkinson has challenged his side to continue the good defensive work they did against Bristol against free-scoring Fulham on Saturday.

The Trotters kept a clean sheet against now-sixth placed Bristol City on Friday in their 1-0 victory, a win that saw them take their tally to 29 points for the season.

Fulham, on the other hand, are in the form of the season, with five straight wins seeing them up to fifth in the Championship table ahead of a trip to the Macron to face Wanderers on Saturday.

And the Bolton boss has challenged his side to keep up their strong defensive performance when the Cottagers visit.

"Me and Steve Parkin spend a lot of time working with the defenders and telling them that those blocks, last-ditch tackles and clearances can be just as valuable as a goal," he told The Bolton News .

"It can give the whole team a lift, as we saw on Friday night.

"The standard of defending against Bristol City was very, very good across the board. And that has to be the example we set now. It has to go into every game we have remaining this season, starting with Fulham."



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/bolton-boss-phil-parkinson-challenges-14251807

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Brede Hangeland names the best ever Fulham XI that he played with at the Cottage

The former Fulham mans has named the best ever XI that he's played with at Craven Cottage

Brede Hangeland has named the best ever Fulham XI that he played with in his time at Craven Cottage - and has included seven of the 11 men that started the Europa League final.

The Norwegian played for Fulham for six years after Roy Hodgson signed him from Copenhagen in 2008 before moving onto Crystal Palace on a free transfer.

In that time, he was part of the Great Escape and the Europe League final side, who lost 2-1 to Atletico Madrid in the final at Hamburg in 2010.

During his time at the Cottage, Hangeland played with players like Mark Schwarzer, Moussa Dembele and Dimitar Berbatov, and speaking to the Fulhamish Podcast , he's named the best ever XI he's played in.

He said: "This team will look like the European team with Mark Schwarzer in goal, who was head and shoulders above any other goalkeeper I've played with and a top guy and top professional.

"At right back it's difficult whether to pick (John) Pantsil or (Chris) Baird, but probably Pantsil for his famous laps around the Cottage.

"At centre back is definitely Aaron Hughes and myself, and (Paul) Konchesky has to be the left back so the back four is solid.

"I'll go with Danny Murphy and one of the few players who will get a spot and wasn't in the European team is Moussa Dembele, because he's just the best player I've played with and was fantastic.

"On the wings, Damien Duff and Clint Dempsey and up top Bobby Zamora and Andy Johnson have to be there.

"It's tough to leave Zoltan Gera out and no spot for Berbatov, I need team players in my team."

Here's how they would line up:





https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/brede-hangeland-fulham-best-xi-14252046?service=responsive

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Former Fulham man gives verdict on new signing their fans will enjoy

Fulham legend Tony Gale was full of praise for his former club's new striker Aleksandar Mitrovic after the Serbian made his debut in Saturday's 2-0 win against Nottingham Forest.

Mitrovic saw a deadline day move to his former club Anderlecht collapse and his countryman Slavisa Jokanovic swooped to bring him to Craven Cottage, ahead of divisional rivals Middlesbrough, at the eleventh hour.

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He didn't get off the mark but he did get 35 minutes of action under his belt, looking sharp as he looks to make an impact in the Championship, impressing under his Serbian compatriot Jokanovic and get in good form to perform at this summer's World Cup in Russia.

Gale is also impressed with the work of the club to bring him in and told the club's official website: "It was pleasing to see Aleksandar Mitrović get a runout after signing for the club a few days earlier.

"We needed a striker – I've seen quite a bit of Mitrović at Newcastle and I think his physicality is what we need. I read that he turned down Middlesbrough in favour of us, which is quite a statement.
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"He clearly wants to play in a team that creates chances, and we certainly do that. He also gives us another option up top, and if we play to his strengths then that adds another string to our bow.

"He can play, but he also gives us an option to stick some crosses into the area a bit more as he's very good in the air."

The Verdict

Fulham have needed a striker to finish off the abundance of chances their flowing football creates for about 18 months now.

They have tried no shortage of options but I think Mitrovic is the one of the highest quality they have managed to secure so far and they'll get into the play-offs, for me, if he hits the ground running.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/former-fulham-man-gives-verdict-on-new-signing-their-fans-will-enjoy/

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Bristol City Away Tickets

Tickets for Fulham's match against Bristol City on Wednesday 21st February (7.45pm) are now available for all supporters to purchase on General Sale.

The Whites will be looking for more of the same following last season's 2-0 victory over the Robins courtesy of goals from Lucas Piazon and Tom Cairney.

Tickets are priced at £27 for adults and just £12 for under-12s. Supporters can view the full pricing structure and find out how to secure their tickets by clicking here.

Free Coach Travel

Following the successful launch of the #FollowFulhamAway campaign earlier this season, Grosvenorcasinos.com are delighted to announce they will be providing free travel once again for Fulham fans heading to Ashton Gate.

Supporters can secure their free coach travel online or by calling the Fulham Ticket Office 0203 871 0810.

COYW



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/february/06/bristol-city-tickets

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U18s Travel to Plymouth

Fulham's Under-18s travel to Plymouth Argyle on Wednesday evening for their Fifth Round of the FA Youth Cup. Kick off at 7pm at Home Park. The winners will reach the quarter-final.

The Young Whites so far have beaten Huddersfield Town at the John Smith's Stadium on penalties after a 1-1 draw back in December, before navigating their way past Swansea with a 2-0 win in tough conditions.

Fulham will not take the Pilgrims lightly, Plymouth have so far knocked out Manchester City, Burnley, AFC Wimbledon and Eastleigh FC to get to this stage of the prestigious youth tournament.

"It will definitely be a hard fixture," commented Under-18s Coach Colin Omogbehin.  "They knocked out a very strong Manchester City side so they won't be push overs.

"They will be difficult, we will look at what they have done and what they will be doing, we'll put our plan in place and be ready for them. We look forward to it."

If you wish to come and show your support for the Young Whites, tickets are priced at £5 for adults, £3 for over 65s and £1 for under 18s.

You can follow updates from the match on the Club's official twitter feed, @FulhamFC.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/february/06/u18s-travel-to-plymouth

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Why Fulham's next seven fixtures are season defining
by alandrewett on February 6, 2018

Fulham's recent revival has been pleasing for all of us to see and I'm surely not the only one who believes Slavisa Jokanovic's side is on the cusp of realising their true potential. The deadline day arrivals of Cyrus Christie and Aleksandr Mitrovic have given the Whites' squad some real strength in depth, which could help a first time in fine form push on and finish the season in fine style.

Bolton Wanderers are up next on Saturday and that will not be easy, but if Fulham can keep their 100% start to 2018 going this weekend, the following six fixtures that see Jokanovic's men host Aston Villa, travel to Bristol City, welcome league leaders Wolves to Craven Cottage, take on second-placed Derby County at Pride Park, entertain Sheffield United and go to Preston North End will arguably decide what the Fulham faithful can expect in May. In the reverse fixtures earlier this year, the Whites only claimed five points from a possible eighteen – and Jokanovic will demand a much higher return if his charges are to sustain a serious push for promotion to the Premier League. The Whites are certainly full of confidence at the moment and, having registered six straight league wins at home, Jokanovic has succeeded in turning Craven Cottage back into a fortress.

The head coach's tinkering with his starting line-up has also paid dividends. The return of Marcus Bettinelli between the sticks has certainly made a difference with the Fulham academy graduate making critical saves at crucial points in recent matches. Bettinelli's aptitude under the high ball is still fairly suspect for my money, but results have improved and you can't argue with the additions to the clean sheet column, which was fairly blank earlier in the campaign. The earlier than expected return of Lucas Piazon has also been a real boost with his goals and assists in recent outings – and it's a joy to see him back.

One of the highlights of the season so far for me has been the performances of Denis Odoi, whose versatility across the back four has been vital when Fulham were short of defensive cover. The Belgian defender has become 'Mr. Reliable' and doesn't look out of place anywhere across the back line. That seamless ability to slot in where he's needed in what has become a miserly defence could prove pivotal if he is needed during the upcoming run of tricky fixtures.

With the team improving game by game and acquiring points at a steady rate, it feels good going into games with opponents fearing Fulham again. We can't afford to underestimate an improving Bolton side on Saturday as they are fighting for survival, but I am hoping our class can prevail to deliver six wins in six. We can then head into a crunch clash with Aston Villa at Craven Cottage looking to make it a magnificent seven against John Terry and co.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/02/why-fulhams-next-seven-fixtures-are-season-defining/

[WhiteJC]

 
The Tony Gale Column

These columns are so easy to write these days when we can't stop winning! Nottingham Forest put up a bit of a fight on Saturday, but in the end we had enough about us to see them off. Both sides were guilty of a couple of mistakes, but thankfully we were the ones who profited. Sometimes that's the way it goes when you're down the wrong end of the table. We've got a tricky period coming up soon so it's important that we see off these teams in the bottom half to maintain our good form. These matches can easily go either way – we were the better side against Forest but on another day it could have been a different story, as Marcus Bettinelli had to make several important saves.

It was pleasing to see Aleksandar Mitrović get a runout after signing for the Club a few days earlier. We needed a striker – I've seen quite a bit of Mitrović at Newcastle and I think his physicality is what we need. I read that he turned down Middlesbrough in favour of us, which is quite a statement. He clearly wants to play in a team that creates chances, and we certainly do that. He also gives us another option up top, and if we play to his strengths then that adds another string to our bow. He can play, but he also gives us an option to stick some crosses into the area a bit more as he's very good in the air.

From new signings to old ones, Brede Hangeland was back at the Cottage on Saturday. He wasn't as good a player as me, but he was pretty decent! No, I thought he was excellent for Fulham. I think people outside of the Club underestimated Brede and didn't realise how competent a footballer he was. My abiding memory of him is when he used to slide balls in with the inside of his right foot down the left flank to the player who had made a good run. But when the situation called for it, you always knew he'd win his headers, too. He enjoyed good times at Fulham, especially under Roy Hodgson, and it was nice to see him back.

We're off to Bolton this weekend, and after starting the season poorly they've really turned things around lately. They're a dangerous side at the moment and going to their place is an awkward fixture. On their current form I'd say it's as tricky a fixture as any of those we've got coming up. I would still make us favourites, though. If we keep playing like we have been, creating chances and being solid at the back, then we know we're going to play the good football which should be enough to see us win. We're on a roll and we don't want to hit the buffers in these next half a dozen games. A cold February afternoon up north, let's go and get a result.

It was frustrating to see most of the teams around us pick up points last time out, but you can only do what you do. We've just got to keep pace with the others. Yes, they're winning, but aside from Aston Villa nobody has as good a record as us over the last eight games. It's a good time to be hitting our stride like that. It's a shame we had a slow start, but what the team has done is believe in the way that they play. That's admirable, and the fact that we're picking up some real form now is reward for that philosophy.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/february/06/the-tony-gale-column

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham contracts: The full list of how long each player is tied down to the side for

We've compiled a list of when each and every one of Fulham player's contract runs out at the Cottage - here's how long each has left

The January Transfer Window has come and gone and we now have a clear picture of who is a Fulham player - until the end of the season at least.

Aleksandar Mitrovic, Matt Targett and Cyrus Christie all joined the club in January, while no key players left the Cottage for pastures new.

The Cottagers have done a good job of tying down the vast majorities of their stars to long-term deals, with club options for a further year on most newly-agreed contracts and new signings at the club.

That includes the likes of captain Tom Cairney, Kevin McDonald and Marcus Bettinelli - all who have long term contracts with club options to further extend it, should they wish to do so.

With contracts ending in June and some running all the way through to 2021, the side look in good shape for the future.

2018

Ryan Fredericks - June 2018

Cauley Woodrow - June 2018 (with club option of a further year)

George Williams - June 2018

Loan deals -

Tomas Kalas - May 2018

Lucas Piazon - May 2018

Oliver Norwood - May 2018

Sheyi Ojo - May 2018

Aleksandar Mitrovic - May 2018

Mattt Targett - May 2018

2019

Stefan Johansen - June 2019 (with club option of a further year)

Neeskens Kebano - June 2019 (with club option of a further year)

Kevin McDonald - June 2019 (with club option of a further year)

Floyd Ayite - June 2019 (with club option of a further year)

David Button - June 2019 (with club option of a further year)

Tim Ream - June 2019 (with club option of a further year)

Denis Odoi - June 2019 (with club option of a further year)

Jon Dagur Thorsteinsson - June 2019

Stephen Humphrys - June 2019

2020

Ryan Sessegnon - June 2020

Steven Sessegnon - June 2020

Rui Fonte - June 2020 (with club option of a further year)

Ibrahima Cisse - June 2020 (with club option of a further year)

Marcus Bettinelli - June 2020 (with club option of a further year)

Marcelo Djalo - June 2020 (with club option of a further year)

Tayo Edun - June 2020

Luca de la Torre - June 2020

Matt O'Riley - June 2020

2021

Tom Cairney - June 2021 (with club option of a further year)

Aboubakar Kamara - June 2021 (with club option of a further year)

Cyrus Christie - June 2021 (with club option of a further year)




https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/fulham-contracts-full-list-how-14253537

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Fulham fixtures: We predict how the Cottagers will do against Bolton, Aston Villa, Bristol City and Wolves

We've had a look at how we think Fulham's fixtures will go during February

What a February Fulham have ahead of them.

After a trip to Bolton on Saturday, they face three teams who are around them in the Championship table, with Aston Villa, one of the form sides in the league, coming to visit Craven Cottage.

There's also a visit to Bristol City, who are sixth in the division, followed by league leaders Wolves coming to west London in a game under the Sky lights. - it's worth noting that Fulham lost all three of the reverse ties.

That's four key fixtures as Slavisa Jokanovic's side look to continue their Play-off aspirations, and we've had a go at predicting how the games will go.

Bolton Wanderers, away, 10/02

The only game this month that sees Fulham face a team that isn't in the top six, but a tough game for the Cottagers nonetheless.

After beating Bristol in a 1-0 win on Friday night, Bolton will feel they can cause another upset when the high flying Cottagers come visiting on Saturday.

It's one where three points will make the next set of fixtures that little less daunting, and Fulham will be confident themselves of getting three points from the Macron.

Prediction: 3-1 Fulham win

Aston Villa, home, 17/02

What a game this will be.

Villa come to Craven Cottage with second place firmly in their sights, coupled with a great run of form that has seen Scott Hogan scoring goals for fun.

Both Fulham and Villa, at time of writing, are the form teams in the division and this has the makings of one of the matches of the season.

So long as Fulham don't lose, they'll see it as a good result.

Prediction: 1-1 draw

Bristol City, away, 21/02

Four days later and Fulham are at Ashton Gate to take on the destroyers of Manchester United, Bristol City.

Lee Johnson's side did a job on Fulham at the Cottage in the reverse fixture but I don't think that will repeat itself this time around - Fulham are a different team since then and have finally started to click.

It will be a tough task, Ashton Gate is a hard place to go but the style of play that Bristol play will suit this reinvigorated Fulham side.

Prediction: 2-1 Fulham win

Wolves, home, 24/02

As if February wasn't hard enough, league leaders Wolves come to visit SW6 in the final game of the month in what will be the toughest test of the season.

The league leaders play some of the best football in the division, at times playing like Barcelona and are sure to be gracing the Premier League next season.

I can't see Fulham winning this one, despite the game being one of the best to watch this season.

Prediction: 2-1 Fulham loss



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-fixtures-predict-how-cottagers-14253750

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The Craven Corner: After a perfect January, there's plenty of reasons to get excited at Fulham.


Slavisa Jokanovic has had a dream transfer window, and now has the squad to achieve promotion.

The transfer window has closed, and Fulham have kept their stars, while adding a few top quality additions over the course of January too.

First of all, the board deserve a lot of credit for their work during January. Not only did they manage to keep the likes of Ryan Sessegnon, Tom Cairney and Ryan Fredericks at the club after some serious interest from Premier League clubs. But, we managed to sign Cyrus Christie, Aleksandr Mitrovic & Matt Targett – three signings that add true quality to this squad.

Mitrovic is an outstanding signing and will be the name that gets the headlines now the window has closed, but upon reflection the three signings strengthen any weak points in our squad. Mitrovic is the answer to our striker worries, after Aboubakar Kamara and Rui Fonte haven't scored consistently over the course of the season, and Targett is the perfect addition to allow Ryan Sessegnon to play further forward for the second half of the season.

As for Cyrus Christie, it's a signing I never expected to happen, but after thinking it through it makes a lot of sense. With Fredericks' long-term future at the club still in doubt, Christie brings a similar profile to that right-back position. While, I still expect Fredericks to be the first choice for that role, Christie signing on a long-term deal means we have a decent replacement ready to go for next season, should Ryan not sign a new contract before the end of the year. Fredericks has been in contract talks with the club for a good six months, and with both parties failing to reach an agreement so far, Christie's arrival means we haven't got to panic buy in the summer, and that also means Cyrus can settle at the club before taking the right-back slot on a full-time basis next year.

As for the players that departed Fulham this month, my pre-window predictions came true. With Yohan Mollo & Rafa Soares both having their contracts terminated, after failing to impress Slavisa this season. While there were further departures for Jordan Graham, Michael Madl & Ragnar Sigurdsson, all of which struggled to make an impact at the club and while I wish Madl all the best for the future, he sadly fell behind Kalas, Ream & Odoi for the centre defensive role in our side.

But, there's a great vibe around Craven Cottage at the moment, both the fans, players and staff all seem optimistic about what we can achieve this season and once again, Fulham were rampant at home this weekend. Slavisa stuck with the same front three that destroyed Burton in our last home fixture, and while it was the right thing to do, Fonte failed to make the same impact against Forest as he did against Burton. His performance lead to an introduction for Mitrovic before the hour mark and the Serbian's presence was definitely felt by all. It's safe to say that the Newcastle loanee is a passionate player, and his work-rate and physicality proved a tough challenge for the Forest back four, with the Serbian coming so close for a debut goal after his header was cleared off the line. Despite his fiery past, Mitrovic is still only 23 years old and with his talent and structure, this loan move to Fulham could be the changing point in his career, and if his cameo was anything to go by, Jokanovic has finally found a striker he can rely on.

Although, I have been a fan of Kamara this season, he will be behind Mitrovic for the second half of the second. But, I do hope that we see AK47 feature a lot in the remaining games, and with Jokanovic having both Mitrovic & Kamara in his match-day squads, I really hope we see Fulham line up with both strikers starting before May, as that would be a really exciting duo.

Despite all the excitement around our attacking talent, I have to commend the efforts of Marcus Bettinelli and Tomas Kalas this weekend. Betts' double save in the second half was just as valuable as a goal, and Kalas looked back to his best, being calm on the ball and dominant when called upon. Their efforts were rewarded with a much deserved clean sheet, and it's great to see Bettinelli improve on his distribution too this weekend, as that's been an aspect of his game that many fans have criticised.

As for the second half of the season, the sky is limit if I'm being honest. We've really turned the screw in recent months, and have climbed up the Championship week after week. Currently in 5th, with Tom Cairney still to come back to the side again once he's fully-fit which means we'll only get stronger as the season progresses. Not only that, but we're currently unbeaten in our last 8 league games, and if we keep up that form there's no reason why we can't make a push for the automatic places this season.

February will be an incredibly tough month for the club though, and it will determine how good this squad really is. With games against Bolton, Aston Villa, Bristol City & Wolves to come, Fulham will be taking points from the sides around them if they are successful in February. If Fulham can take 9-12 points from the next four games, then Slavisa's men would have closed the gap on the automatic spots, putting themselves amongst the promotion places at the business end of the season.

After such a successful January, on and off the pitch, I can't be more excited as a Fulham fan as I really feel we'll get even better with each passing game; and with Mitrovic leading the line and Cairney still waiting in the wings, Fulham will have a great opportunity to prove just how good they really are.

P.S - For those of you who are travelling to the Bolton game you may see a Q&A with me in the match-day programme!



https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2018/2/6/16970698/the-craven-corner-after-a-perfect-january-theres-plenty-of-reasons-to-get-excited-at-fulham

[WhiteJC]

 
Championship promotion race: Derby County, Aston Villa, Cardiff, Fulham or Bristol City - who's more likely to go up?

The Robins are currently in sixth - but they still have chance of securing a place in the Premier League

Bristol City remain in the mix to win promotion to the Premier League this season despite a blip in their form.

The Robins currently sit in sixth place in the Sky Bet Championship with 51 points after a run of one win in their last six league atches.

Wolves are set for the top-flight with 12-point gap to third but the race for second place and the play-off spots is hotting up.

Derby County are second with Aston Villa one point behind in third while Cardiff City, Fulham and the Robins are still in with a chance.

But which side is more likely to get promoted?

According to prediction-based website FiveThirtyEight, Lee Johnson side only have a 12% chance of going up this season.

The site uses statistics to make predictions on various sports, mainly football, and the sites says that Derby will finish behind Wolves in the automatic spots.

They use a model for the entire season which rates each club after every match and then simulates the rest of the campaign thousands of times before getting an outcome.

Derby (55%), Cardiff City (42%), Aston Villa (36%) and Fulham (27%) all have a better chance of winning promotion than City.

The Robins have been handed 45% chance of finishing in the play-offs spot with Derby (52%), Cardiff (61%), Villa (65%) and Fulham (60%) all likely to finish between third and sixth place in the table.

The site predicts that Bristol City will finish with 74 points, enough to secure sixth spot ahead of Preston (32%) and Middlesbrough (24%).



https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-bristol-city-promotion-1176495

[WhiteJC]

Support Fulham FC's Riverside Stand planning application
by Sarah on February 6, 2018

The public consultation period for comments regarding Fulham Football Club's planning application to redevelop the Riverside Stand at Craven Cottage has been extended until Monday 26 February by Hammersmith and Fulham Council.

Fulham fans will not need to be reminded about the storied history of Craven Cottage – indeed, the club's existence, desire and right to play at one of English football's most romantic grounds has been an open question ever since they moved in during the early twentieth century. The club's current application, put together in association with Putney-based planning consultants Populous, builds on the 2013 planning permission that approved the extension of the capacity at Craven Cottage to 30,000 seats.

Whilst many more local residents attend matches at the Cottage then in previous years, there remains some significant opposition to Fulham's plans in the local community. Users of social media might have seen the Evening Standard story last month that highlighted a number of hysterical complaints on the eve of the initial closure of public comments – as well as prompting one of the most bizarre online interventions from a blogger and social media expert known as LibertyLdnGirl.

It is vital, therefore, that the local Council – who have been supportive of Fulham's presence in Hammersmith and Fulham since the Back to the Cottage campaign early in the new millennium – is made aware of the strength of support for the latest proposals from Fulham fans. You can comment even if you are not a resident within the Borough and the Council is obliged to take account of your views, as long as they reference valid planning grounds. Fulham's full planning application can be viewed here. This letter to Hammersmith and Fulham Council from the Fulham Supporters' Trust in support of the application is also well worth a read.

Supporters wishing to submit comments to the Council can do so via the online planning portal. It is important that comments reference the key benefits of the latest scheme, which are as follows:

    the enhancement of the spectating experience and improvement of match day facilities for supporters
    an improved look and feel of the ground
    enabling the historic Craven Cottage site to continue to be used for high level professional football, enhancing the value of listed buildings and ensuring that the site is used for its primary purpose
    the opening up of river walk, completing stretch from Hammersmith to Putney, which will deliver significant benefits both to the wider community and local environment
    additional amenities provided for residents on non-matchdays in Fulham

Given that the new stand would safeguard Fulham's future at Craven Cottage and allow the club to both match the hospitality offer made by many of their London rivals as well as opening up considerable commercial opportunities on non-matchdays, the successful progression of this planning application is arguably just as important as any of the fixtures Slavisa Jokanovic's side will play between now and May. If you have ten minutes to signal your support for these plans, please do so without delay.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/02/support-fulham-fcs-riverside-stand-planning-application/