Thursday Fulham Stuff (08/02/18)...

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Liverpool loanee Sheyi Ojo returns to Fulham training ahead of Bolton clash

The 20-year-old has returned to training after missing the past three games with injury

Liverpool loanee Sheyi Ojo has returned to full Fulham training after missing the past three games through injury.

The 20-year-old missed the 6-0 thumping of Burton, the 3-1 victory over Barnsley and the 2-0 win over Forest as a result of a tweak he picked up in training after the win over Middlesbrough.

But the Liverpool man has now returned to full training and could be in contention for the trip to the Macron Stadium on Saturday to face Bolton Wanderers in the Championship.

However, with Ojo's return, Fulham now have six fit loanees, meaning one of Tomas Kalas, Lucas Piazon, Oliver Norwood, Matt Targett, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Ojo will definitely miss out on a place in the squad.

Meanwhile, Tom Cairney remains a major doubt for the tie as he continues his recovery from a setback of his knee injury that has plagued him all season.



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/liverpool-loanee-sheyi-ojo-returns-14256591

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Sky Bet Championship stats XI of January: Ryan Sessegnon, James Maddison and more

The New Year can represent a fresh start for players and clubs alike and the Sky Bet Championship certainly saw some improved performances from a number of individuals in January.

WhoScored.com are on hand once again to run through the team of the month, according to their unique statistical ratings...

Goalkeeper: Joe Wildsmith (Sheffield Wednesday) - 7.5

Life under new manager Jos Luhukay may not have got off to the most thrilling of starts, with three consecutive 0-0 draws in the league, but the Owls have improved dramatically at the back. Wildsmith also produced the joint-most saves in the Championship last month (17).

Right-back: Bruno Manga (Cardiff) - 7.7

Manga has been key to Cardiff's superb season so far and in steadying the ship after a worrying wobble over Christmas. Filling in at right-back when required or in a back three, the 29-year-old has been extremely consistent and produced 16 tackles and interceptions combined to help keep two clean sheets in January.

Centre-back: Curtis Davies (Derby) - 8.0

Kicking off this year where he left off last, Davies has been a rock for the Rams at the back as they sustained their bid for automatic promotion. The experienced centre-back ranked second for both clearances (36) and aerial duels won last month (35) as Derby conceded just once in four games.

Centre-back: Daniel Ayala (Middlesborough) - 7.6

Without a single goal prior to last month, all of a sudden Tony Pulis walks through the door at Boro and centre-back Ayala is a goal machine! The Spaniard scored three times in January as the Teessiders kept up their pursuit of a play-off finish.

Left-back: Ryan Sessegnon (Fulham) - 8.4

If 17-year-old Sessegnon was on the radar of a number of clubs before the turn of the year, it's fair to say that number will have multiplied following a sensational month. Adapting to play at left-back or on the left wing, the Fulham academy graduate carried on his knack of being in goalscoring positions regardless of his position, scoring at least two more goals (six) than any other Championship player last month.

Right wing: Robert Snodgrass (Aston Villa) - 8.5

Steve Bruce's utilisation of the loan market continued last month and if either Axel Tuanzebe or Lewis Grabban can make anything close to the impact of Snodgrass then their spells will be deemed a great success. The Scotsman played the starring role as Villa enjoyed a perfect league record in January, scoring three times and registering two assists and he has now had a direct hand in 14 league goals this season.

Central midfield: James Maddison (Norwich) - 8.0

Young playmaker Maddison has gained a reputation for the spectacular this season and added to his individual goal of the season showreel with another stunner at Brentford. That was one of three goals from the Norwich man in January, who the Canaries will have been delighted to keep hold of, if only until the end of the season. With an assist from 10 key passes and 12 successful dribbles, the 21-year-old will be hot property come the summer.

Central midfield: Kevin McDonald (Fulham) - 7.9

An unsung hero for free-flowing Fulham given the attacking talents around him, 29-year-old McDonald does much of the dirty work that allows Slavisa Jokanovic's side to perform. The Scot got in on the act last month with his first goal of the season and was key to the Cottagers' winning start to the year, with the side conceding just once across his three appearances.

Left wing: Adama Traore (Middlesborough) - 8.2

No matter what level he is playing at, once you let Traore turn and run at your defence there is almost no stopping him. The young winger is becoming a real fan favourite at the Riverside and while there's no question his end product is still often wide of the mark, the Spaniard registered a goal and an assist last month whilst completing more dribbles (31) than nine of the remaining 23 teams in the Championship last month. That's right. Teams!

Striker: Steve Morison (Millwall) - 8.1

One could have been forgiven for assuming that at his age the Championship was a step too far for veteran forward Morison after a long goal drought to start the campaign. The 34-year-old has found some form though, hitting a superb strike against Norwich before coming back to haunt another former club with a hat-trick of assists in one of the games of the season at Leeds.

Striker: Sam Gallagher (Birmingham) - 7.9

If Steve Cotterill's side are to survive this season then they will need Southampton loanee Gallagher to continue his impressive form of recent weeks. The Blues boss has started to get the best from the youngster since his appointment, with the 22-year-old doubling his league tally with three goals in January.



http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11688/11233252/sky-bet-championship-stats-xi-of-january-ryan-sessegnon-james-maddison-and-more

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Ojo back in full Fulham training
by Dan on February 7, 2018

Sheyi Ojo has returned to full Fulham training at Motspur Park this week and handed head coach Slavisa Jokanovic a selection dilemma ahead of Saturday's trip to Bolton Wanderers.

The England U20 World Cup winning winger has missed Fulham's last three fixtures after picking up an injury during training following the narrow win at Middlesbrough last month. Ojo, currently on loan at Craven Cottage from Liverpool, will likely be challenging Saturday's goalscorer Lucas Piazon – also recently back from injury – for spot in Jokanovic's starting eleven at the Macron Stadium this weekend.

The 20 year-old has endured misfortune with injuries since moving to Fulham in August. He badly dislocated his shoulder during the derby win at QPR in September and suffered this latest setback just as he was beginning to become an integral part of the Whites' attack. Ojo has scored four goals in eighteen appearances so far this term for Fulham, also adding two assists.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/02/ojo-back-in-full-fulham-training/

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Fulham's dominant approach will be key to their charge to the Premier League

Slavisa Jokanovic wants his teams to dominate football matches - and that style of play will be key in their assault on the Play-off places

Slavisa Jokanovic has said it many times - Fulham want to dominate teams, possession and the game in order to bring about victory - and that is key to their charge to the Premier League.

It's been a primary element of their recent run of form, which has seen them with five on the bounce, six wins in a row at home and only two losses in their last 13 games.

Possession football with a ruthless, cutting edge.

But through all the possession stats, the clean sheets and the sheer amount of goals scored by the side, the standout characteristic is the side's ability to grind down teams.

Fulham are relentless, it's a trait of Jokanovic's that we've seen since he came to the Cottage.

He likes his teams to dominate play, get on the ball and play football, and while that all looks pretty in the possession stats, it's what it physically does to the opposition that has been key to Fulham's rise from nothing to promotion candidates in the space of three months.

The Cottagers have scored a goal in 88th minute or later in their last FOUR games now - Oliver Norwood's last minute penalty against Middlesbrough, Aboubakar Kamara's 88th minute goal against Burton, Ryan Sessegnon and Kevin McDonald in the 90th plus minute against Barnsley and now Stefan Johansen in the 90th against Forest.

It's not luck, nor is it just an anomaly.

The way that Jokanovic has Fulham playing, added to their fitness levels, means that teams are completely worn down by the relentless dominance the side have during the game and just can't continue to match the side as the game wears on.

Forest on Saturday were well in the game for the first 70 minutes and were resolute and difficult to break down, but once the 70 were up the benefits of Fulham's style of play really showed through.

It's key to the way Jokanovic plays, and it's reaping rewards.

Teams that face Fulham know what kind of a game they're in for, and that immediately presents a psychological hurdle the opposing side need to overcome before they even step out onto the pitch.

Add to that the amount of running they'll have to do, and the fact they won't see much of the ball, and facing Fulham becomes just that little bit worse.




(Image: Paul Burgman)

There's no doubting that this kind of style will continue as the season progresses, we saw it last season that Fulham took time to get to full fitness, but once they did, there was no stopping them when they were in the mood.

And that brings me to the poor start the side suffered and that horrid October month.

For whatever reason, it seems like the Cottagers are only able to get into their rhythm and full fitness midway through the season.

Whether that's because the style of play is so demanding it takes that long for the player's bodies to get up to speed, or because pre-season wasn't up to standards, is up for debate, but it's the second season in a row that this has played out.

If Fulham do get promoted to the Premier League this season, that can't happen in the next campaign, because the side will find themselves in the relegation zone and well adrift of safety by this point.

It's something to look at over the summer for sure, but when the side are clicking, fitness levels are high and they're playing like they are at the moment, watching Fulham is a sheer joy.



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulhams-dominant-approach-key-charge-14256623

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Johansen's desire drives Fulham forward
by Dan on February 7, 2018

The last minute of normal time against Nottingham Forest on Saturday encapsulated what Stefan Johansen brings to the Fulham midfield. Joe Worrall, a defender so highly rated that Forest rejected bids well over £10m from Premier League suitors during the last knockings of the January transfer window, brought the ball down and considered how to serve up the visitors' last chance at Craven Cottage. He reckoned without the Norwegian midfielder snapping at his heels, who pinched the ball away after a heavy first touch.

That was on the halfway line in front of the Riverside Stand dugouts. Johansen, a ceaseless runner since he joined Fulham from Celtic last August and become the final piece of one of the best midfield combinations in the Championship, looked absolutely shattered. But he summoned reserves of energy from somewhere and sprinted clear, bursting into the penalty area and – with the ground and perhaps Aleksandr Mitrovic himself expecting a square pass for the Newcastle loanee to mark his debut with a goal – kept his composure to slot past Costil Pantilmon.

The goal was similar both its manner and importance to another late strike of Johansen's earlier this term – his superbly taken clincher at Cardiff City on Boxing Day. This one sealed a game that had been full of toil and frustration for Fulham – against a dogged Forest side who had threatened to take the lead on a number of ocassions before Pantilmon found Lucas Piazon's rasping drive too hot too handle. It said everything about Johansen's desire that, after another all-action performance in the engine room, he was the man who pinched possession on the halfway line and sprinted half the length of the pitch to finish things off in the blink of an eye.

There was some comment on social media about the Norwegian's finger-to-the-lips gesture after scoring. Contrary to popular belief in the era when any online comment is defensible, footballers are fallible human beings and around read what fans' think of them. I wouldn't read too much into the way players celebrate – and if the little reminder to the Hammersmith End of his pivotal role in this side works as well for Johansen as it did for Bobby Zamora during his time at Fulham, then everyone will soon be laughing along with him.

Johansen has enjoyed peaks and troughs this term – not hitting the heights of his first season at Craven Cottage, when he was fantastic, but the main reason for his dip in form has nothing to do with his ability. The energetic midfielder was nursing a groin niggle earlier this season, which severely limited his mobility at times, but he was willing to play through the pain at a time that Fulham were without other key members of their midfield. Not only has Johansen battled on while less than fully fit, there was a period before Christmas where he lined up as a false nine without complaint with the Whites struggling for goals. That's the mark of the man.

Even though he hasn't been playing the sparkling football that accompanied his peerless performances during Fulham's incredible end to the last campaign, Johansen has still made a considerable contribution to Fulham's points haul. At one point during the Whites' slow start to the season, it seemed like he was the only man able to find the net with any regularity. The Vardø native has six goals to his name this term, including vital winners against Hull City and QPR, and a beautiful free-kick against Aston Villa. Factor in a couple of assists – and it underlines his ongoing importance to Jokanovic.

It seemed astonishing to me that Celtic were willing to let a player who had proven so integral to their success in recent years leave for what seemed a relative patience. Johansen's face might no longer had fitted in Glasgow, but with each passing day, the £2m Fulham paid for his services seems even more like a steal. Alongside Kevin McDonald and Tom Cairney (with Ollie Norwood doing a creditable job since he has joined on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion), Johansen's determination coupled with his considerable footballing ability makes Fulham's midfield one of the most feared in the English second tier. It's one of the reasons why the Craven Cottage faithful can still dream of returning to the top flight this year.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/02/johansens-desire-drives-fulham-forward/

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Sessegnon Wins PFA Award

Ryan Sessegnon has been voted the PFA Player of the Month for the English Football League Championship by football fans across the country.

In a vote run by fan engagement experts, Snack Media, Sessegnon was a comfortable winner, receiving 27 per cent of the vote for January. That knocked fellow England starlet James Maddison (19 per cent) into second place.

In the second of four divisional votes carried out over seven days via Snack's digital and social networks, it was clear that Sessegnon's incredible performances over the last month – including an amazing six-goal-haul – has resonated not just with Fulham fans, but with supporters of all teams.

The full list of contenders from the final shortlist polled were as follows:

•        Ryan Sessegnon (Fulham) - 27%

•        James Maddison (Norwich) - 19%

•        Robert Snodgrass (Aston Villa) – 17%

•        Steve Morison (Millwall) - 15%

•        Daniel Ayala (Middlesbrough) – 12%

•        Scott Hogan (Aston Villa) – 10%




http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/february/07/ryan-sessegnon-wins-pfa-award

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Fulham's Kevin McDonald and Ryan Sessegnon named in WhoScored? Championship team of the month

Fulhan won all their games in January and both McDonald and Sessegnon have been named in the Team of the Month

Kevin McDonald and Ryan Sessegnon have been named in the WhoScored? Championship team of the month for January.

Fulham's 17-year-old, who has been named at left back in the team of the month, gets into the side with his rating of 8.4, while McDonald is one of the central midfielders with a rating of 7.9.

Fulham won all of their games in January, with Sessegnon scoring six goals in four games - here's what WhoScored? had to say about the pair:

Sessegnon - "If 17-year-old Sessegnon was on the radar of a number of clubs before the turn of the year, it's fair to say that number will have multiplied following a sensational month.

"Adapting to play at left-back or on the left wing, the Fulham academy graduate carried on his knack of being in goalscoring positions regardless of his position, scoring at least two more goals (six) than any other Championship player last month."

McDonald - " An unsung hero for free-flowing Fulham given the attacking talents around him, 29-year-old McDonald does much of the dirty work that allows Slavisa Jokanovic's side to perform.

"The Scot got in on the act last month with his first goal of the season and was key to the Cottagers' winning start to the year, with the side conceding just once across his three appearances."

Here's who else made the team:

GK - Wildsmith (Sheffield Wednesday)

RB - Ecuele Manga (Cardiff)

CB - Davies (Derby)

CB - Ayala (Middlesbrough)

LB - Sessegnon (Fulham)

RW - Snodgrass (Aston Villa)

CM - Maddison (Norwich)

CM - McDonald (Fulham)

RW - Traore (Middlesbrough)

FW - Morison (Millwall)

FW - Gallagher (Birmingham)



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-kevin-mcdonald-ryan-sessegnon-14257361?service=responsive

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Ryan Sessegnon voted PFA Player of the Month for performances in January

It's been a good month for the youngster, who won the award after scoring six goals in four games

Fulham wonderkid Ryan Sessegnon has been named PFA Player of the Month for January.

The 17-year-old, who scored six goals in January, was voted as Player of the Month by fans, winning 27% of the vote, putting him ahead of Norwich City's James Maddison.

It's been an impressive month for, who also found himself in the WhoScored? Team of the Month after his performances over the course of January, which helped his side to a 100% record and saw them break into the Play-offs.

The voting went as follows:

Sessegnon (Fulham) 27%

Maddison (Norwich) 19%

Robert Snodgrass (Aston Villa) 17%

Steve Morison (Millwall) 15%

Daniel Ayala (Middlesbrough) 12%

Scott Hogan (Aston Villa) 10%



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-ryan-sessegnon-tottenham-award-14257529?service=responsive

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Sessegnon wins PFA Championship player of the month award
by Dan on February 7, 2018

Fulham's Ryan Sessegnon has won the PFA's Championship player of the month award for January after earning the votes of football fans up and down the country.

The 17 year old, who was the subject of fevered speculation during last month's transfer window, receives the accolade after scoring six league goals – two more than anyone else – as Fulham made a 100% start to 2018.

Sessegnon, who along with his twin brother Steven came through the Fulham academy after joining the club aged nine, comfortably won the PFA's online vote – taking 27% of the total votes and finishing nine percentage points clear of his nearest challenger, the Norwich City midfielder James Maddison.

Sessegnon, who signed a three-year contract with Fulham in the summer after rejecting interest in his services from across Europe, has recently moved into the left wing position after the Whites completed the signing of Southampton full back Matt Targett on loan until the end of the season a fortnight ago.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/02/sessegnon-wins-pfa-championship-player-of-the-month-award/

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Sessegnon and McDonald in WhoScored's Championship team of the month
by Sarah on February 7, 2018

It is a measure of how well Fulham are playing at the moment that I was surprised that only two Fulham players featured in the WhoScored Championship team of the month when it flashed across my phone this morning. Such has been Fulham's flawless form since the turn of the year, you could make a guess for most of Slavisa Jokanovic's first eleven being considered the cream of the crop.

Fulham's rise to fifth in the table has got the media crowing about the quality of football being played beside the Thames again, as many observers did towards the tail end of last season when the Whites were sweeping all before them on their way to the play-offs. The press plaudits are certainly well deserved, but I prefer it when Jokanovic's men are accumulating points under the radar and progressing up the table almost by stealth. With the likes of Ryan Sessegnon and Tom Cairney being linked with moves away from Craven Cottage constantly during the January transfer window, I suppose Fulham fans will have to get used to the glare of publicity – both good and bad – for the foreseeable future.

Sessegnon's inclusion in the statistically-assembled line-up was hardly a surprise given that the teenager surpassed even his own high standards during January, just as the red tops and Sky Sports were desperate to sell him on to 'a big club'. His deployment at left back suggests this wasn't a line-up based around the positions players occupied for their clubs as last month was the one where the terrifically talented teenager completed the transition from someone learning the full-back role to fully fledged left winger.

When watching the composed nature of Sessegnon's displays, you'd be forgiven for thinking that he had been playing at this level for a decade rather than bursting onto the scene as a sixteen year-old a year ago. His consistent ability to read the game and pick up the right positions in the final third suggests he might mature into the type of footballer who could play anywhere across the front line – and his goalscoring ability is already striking fear into defences up and down the land.

Sessegnon's six goals were crucial in January – it's worth remembering that nobody else in the league, including a number of much-vaunted forwards, got close to matching this total – and his displays were so dominant, it was almost a surprise to see him have a quieter afternoon against Nottingham Forest this weekend. Given his work ethic and veracious appetite to learn more, you can rest assured the teenager will keep on improving right before our eyes; and that is something to savour when you remember just how good he is right now.

The WhoScored metrics also picked out Kevin McDonald as one of the most consistent midfielders in the division. No-one who has watched Fulham over the past eighteen months will disagree with that. The Scot has adopted a different role under Slavisa Jokanovic than he had earlier in his career, but he's made the difference to a midfield that appeared gung-ho in its previous iterations. If Tom Cairney remains Fulham's classiest operator, McDonald is the club's most important fixture – the ballast in front of the back four, who organises and cajoles his team-mates into striving for more. The former Wolves midfielder might do the unflashy work off the ball, but he is no stranger to making important interventions at the other end of the field and his scrappy goal at Barnsley turned a point into three, which might be vital come May.

There are several other members of Jokanovic's side who might have featured on the list. As Alan noted in his article yesterday, both Fulham's form and defensive resolution has improved since Marcus Bettinelli was brought back in goal. His crucial saves both at Barnsley and during the weekend win over Forest were vital in preserving precious clean sheets. I suspect Fulham's defence feel far more confident with the voluble Bettinelli between the sticks – although there isn't any objective data to test that assertion. No article complimenting the Whites marked recent improvement would be complete without a word on Tim Ream's continued excellence at the heart of the defence. The American's transformation from recklessness to reliability is an enduring example of how Jokanovic, like Jean Tigana and Roy Hodgson before him, has been able to turn Fulham stalwarts into far better players through hard work down at Motspur Park.




http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/02/sessegnon-and-mcdonald-in-whoscoreds-championship-team-of-the-month/

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An Aston Villa vs Fulham Play-off semi final? Wolves champions? Here's what's being predicted for the Championship

Prediction website FiveThirtyEight.com have predicted how the Championship will look at the end of the season - so we've taken a look

The Championship table has finally started to take shape as we move into February, and with just a few months left in the season the race to the Premier League is hotting up.

Wolves look to have run away with the title but the battle for second place and the Play-off places are entering an interesting phase, with Fulham set to face all those around them in the next couple of months.

It's a fascinating fixture list that Slavisa Jokanovic's side are facing, with Aston Villa, Bristol City, Derby, Wolves, Preston AND Sheffield United all on the horizon in a period that is sure to mould the landscape of the Play-off places.

After we had a go at predicting the results of the Cottagers' fixtures in February, we taken a look at FiveThirtyEight.com, who have been using algorithms to predict fixtures and how the league table will look come the evening of May 6.

Obviously, Wolves have been given an 80% chance of winning the Championship and a 95% chance of being promoted come the end of the season, with a points tally of 96 - not enough to beats Reading's record total of 106.

Meanwhile, Fulham are being predicted to finish in fifth place, with a total haul of 78 points - that's 27 more than they have now, with the side being given a 60% chance of finishing in the Play-offs.

If the FiveThirtyEight.com prediction is correct, that means they'll face Aston Villa in the play-off semi final, with Cardiff vs Bristol City the other play-off match.

If we're looking at automatic promotion chances, Jokanovic's side have been given a 27% chance of making them, as opposed to Derby, who have a 55% chance.

Fulham have, however, been given the highest rating in the Championship for their attack, with it being rated at 1.5, with Wolves, Derby, Cardiff and Brentford coming in second at 1.2.

On the flip side though, their defence is rated as the weakness of the top six on 1.4, with Bristol at 1.3, Villa and Cardiff at 1.2. Derby at 1.1 and Wolves at 1.0.

If we look at the other end, Burton, Sunderland and Barnsley will all be relegated come the end of the season if the predictions come to fuition.



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-vs-fulham-play-14256908

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Ryan Sessegnon is the jewel of English football - it won't be long before he's gracing the world stage

After picking up the PFA Player of the Month award, Ryan O'Donovan has his say on why he thinks Ryan Sessegnon is the jewel of English football

What a month it's been for Ryan Sessegnon - four games, six goals and now the youngest recipient of the PFA Player of the Month award.

I would call it sensational, unbelievable or another superlative, but I think we're well beyond that when it comes to describing the talent of Sessegnon.

He's one of those players that come once in a generation, and everyone who makes the trip to Craven Cottage to see Fulham every other weekend are part of a privileged group of people that have witnessed the roots of a special career.

Like those that saw a young Lionel Messi at La Masia, or a small Cristiano Ronaldo in the Sporting academy, the Cottage faithful have seen what could well be England's future on the world stage.

I have no doubt that Sessegnon will one day grace Old Trafford, the Bernabeu and the San Siro in European finals and in the white of England, and unlike other clubs losing their best players, I don't think any Fulham fan will begrudge him when he does move on.

But instead of thinking of him leaving, let's enjoy what he brings to SW6 and how much he's improved this season already.

That's not to say he wasn't a revelation last season - at 16 he bedded into the Championship like a duck to water, but this season he's been something else.

11 goals - Fulham's top scorer

Four assists - Fulham's second highest

2676 minutes - Most minutes played

30 appearance - Most apps made

Those numbers are staggering, and what stands out for me are the bottom two - he's played the most minutes and made the most appearances this season, but shows little sign of letting up.

I spoke to Huw Jennings about Sessegnon in January and called the youngster 'the anomaly' in young footballers in the fact that very little can deal with the rigours of first team Championship football every week.

But Sessegnon can, and in all honesty, he looks one of the fittest members of the squad.


(Image: Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images)

That in itself highlights just how special he is, but add to it his reading of the game, his ability to pick positions and his goal scoring knack and you're painting a picture of a serious footballer.

He's drawn comparisons to Gareth Bale before, for obvious reasons, but I don't think you can compare the Welshman to Sessegnon.

Bale is able to take man after man on and beat them on pace, and is able to strike the ball from miles out, something we haven't seen the Fulham wonderkid do too often.

Sessegnon can beat his man for sure, but it's his ability to thrive off anyone who plays with him on the left that stands out to me - he uses them to get himself into better positions, often doubling up on right backs and frightening the life out of them.

He's the jewel of English football, grounded, polite and mature for his age - it won't be long before his name is on the world stage.



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-ryan-sessegnon-jewel-england-14257688?service=responsive

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Fulham Academy Director Huw Jennings doesn't want the FA Youth cup to be deemed as 'season defining'

Fulham lost the final in 2014 after being beaten 7-6 on aggregate and the Academy Director recalls the final ahead of trip to Swansea

Fulham's Academy Director doesn't want the FA Youth Cup to be thought of as 'season-defining' for the U18s as they prepare to face Plymouth Argyle in the fifth round.

However, he does take pride from their 2014 run, where The Young Whites lost out to Chelsea over the two-legged final, losing 7-6 on aggregate having beaten the Blue side of west London 3-2 in the first leg at Craven Cottage.

Moussa Demebele, Patrick Roberts and Emerson Hyndman all played in that game, all three of whom have gone onto new stages of their careers, with Jennings believing that Fulham's run to that final was the launch of what will be stellar careers.

However, the Academy Director doesn't think the FA Youth Cup is the be-all and end-all to the U18s season as the current crop of youngsters take on Plymouth tonight, with a next round tie against either Tottenham or Chelsea at home up for grabs.

Jennings said: "These days, I find the youth cup as one of those competitions that is great when you do well but you shouldn't beat yourself up too much if you get eliminated.

"And yet it still does represent, often the key target for most youth players and youth coaches.

"A few years ago we got to the final against Chelsea and the journey was a fantastic experience for all those involved.

"I think it launched the careers of a number of players in that group, Patrick Roberts, Moussa Dembele, Emerson Hyndman, even guys like Cam Burgess who is now at Scunthorpe.


Goal: Emerson Hyndman and Moussa Dembele celebrate in the first leg (Image: Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images)

"Those guys got noticed on the back of that and what pleased me the most about that experience is that we played some fantastic football and I think the Fulham fans acknowledged that.

"We had a terrific turnout for the game at Chelsea, there was a tube strike for the game at Fulham unfortunately but the one at Chelsea was a great turnout for Fulham fans.

"I think they're very discerning fans and recognise what that type of experience can provide for the players.

"Ultimately, we lost out but I take great pride in the run that we had but I wouldn't want anyone to think our season is defined by the Youth Cup."



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-huw-jennings-fa-youth-14163290

[WhiteJC]

 
New Deal For Rodák

The Club is delighted to announce that Marek Rodák has extended his contract, keeping him at Fulham until the summer of 2020.

The goalkeeper arrived in SW6 five years ago, and was part of the Under-18 side that reached the Final of the 2014 FA Youth Cup.

He continued to progress through the ranks, and made his First Team debut at the beginning of this season in our 2-0 Carabao Cup victory over Wycombe Wanderers.

Having previously been on loan at Farnborough, Welling United and Accrington Stanley, Rodák has spent the majority of the current campaign in League One with Rotherham United.

He has made the number one spot his own in South Yorkshire, featuring 20 times as the Millers sit fifth in the standings. The 21-year-old has kept a clean sheet in each of his previous three outings.

Speaking to fulhamfc.com, Rodák said: "First of all, I'm very happy to sign a new deal with Fulham Football Club. I've always been happy here, so that's why I've decided to stay.

"I came here when I was 16, played for the Under-18s and the reserves, and this season I played for the First Team in the Carabao Cup.

"That was my first competitive match in the First Team with the other young lads – it provided me with great experience, so hopefully there's many more to come.

"This season at Rotherham has been very good. We're playing good football and keep winning, so hopefully we'll stick close to the top.

"My ambition is to go up and get promoted with Rotherham, and hopefully Fulham will get promoted as well. That would be great for both clubs."




http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/february/07/new-deal-for-marek-rodak

[WhiteJC]

Rodák signs Fulham contract extension
by Dan on February 7, 2018

Goalkeeper Marek Rodák has extended his contract with Fulham and will be staying at Craven Cottage until the summer of 2020, the club announced this afternoon.

The Slovakian under-21 international, who is currently on loan at League One Rotherham United, made an immediate impact after joining Fulham from his hometown club Kosice as he helped the club's under 18 side reach the FA Youth Cup final in 2014. Rodák , who made his senior debut for the club in the League Cup win at Wycombe Wanderers earlier this season where he kept a clean sheet, has enjoyed successful loan spells with Farnborough, Welling and Accrington Stanley and has been a big hit at Millmoor.

The 21 year-old has firmly established himself as Rotherham's number one, making twenty appearances as Paul Warne's side push for promotion back to the Championship. The Millers are currently fifth in the table, with Rodák having kept three consecutive clean sheets in a fine run of the form. The goalkeeper's exceptional progression has seen him rewarded with a new contract, which Rodák  is delighted about. He told the club's official website:

    First of all, I'm very happy to sign a new deal with Fulham Football Club. I've always been happy here, so that's why I've decided to stay. I came here when I was 16, played for the Under-18s and the reserves, and this season I played for the first team in the Carabao Cup. That was my first competitive match in the first team with the other young lads – it provided me with great experience, so hopefully there's many more to come.

    This season at Rotherham has been very good. We're playing good football and keep winning, so hopefully we'll stick close to the top. My ambition is to go up and get promoted with Rotherham, and hopefully Fulham will get promoted as well. That would be great for both clubs.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/02/rodak-signs-fulham-contract-extension/

[WhiteJC]

 
After bizarre pre-January approach, Fulham can now sign defender target on a free for the summer

Back in early December, a strange story emerged in France regarding Fulham's alleged interest in Bordeaux's Diego Contento.

Looking around for a new left-back, the Cottagers tried to first get Maxime Poundjé from the Ligue 1 side, and, when that failed, turned their attention to the former Bayern Munich defender.

However, things didn't exactly go to plan, as they asked him to play for Bordeaux's reserves, explaining they'd send scouts to watch him play then, which the 27-year-old didn't take very well.

Allegedly telling Fulham that if they wanted to see what he could do, they just had to watch videos of his past games, the defender then saw the Championship side walk away from a deal that would probably have sent him to Craven Cottage in January.

Well, if Fulham are still keen, they can bring him on a free in the summer, as it seems Bordeaux have no interest in keeping him around beyond this season,.

L'Equipe on Wednesday explain the former Germany U20 international's entourage tried to get a move sorted in January to either Turkey or Italy for a client described by the newspaper as 'one of the great Bordeaux failures', to no avail.

Yet to play a minute of league football this season, Contento's French adventure is all but over, and Fulham could benefit once Matthew Targett returns to Southampton.

That's if they agree to watch video clips of his past performances, of course.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/bizarre-pre-january-approach-fulham-can-now-sign-defender-target-free-summer/

[WhiteJC]

 
Marek Rodak: Fulham goalkeeper signs new contract until 2020

Slovakia Under-21 international Marek Rodak has kept five clean sheets for Rotherham

Fulham goalkeeper Marek Rodak has extended his contract with the club until the summer of 2020.

The 21-year-old Slovakian joined the Championship club permanently from MFK Kosice in the summer of 2013 following a spell on trial.

He had a loan spell at Accrington last season and make his debut for the Whites in the EFL Cup in August.

Rodak subsequently joined Rotherham United on loan, and he has featured 20 times for the League One side.



http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/42980696

[WhiteJC]

 
Ref watch: Robert Jones to officiate Fulham clash

Robert Jones will take charge of Wanderers' Sky Bet Championship clash with Fulham at Macron Stadium on Saturday.

Enjoying his first campaign as a Football League referee last season, Mr Jones oversaw his first ever Whites fixture back in January 2017 when Phil Parkinson's side hosted Charlton Athletic.

Manning his maiden second tier outing in April, he has taken charge of 30 games so far this season, dishing out 82 yellow cards and six red cards along the way.

David Avent and Jonathan Hunt will run the line, while Ryan Johnson is the fourth official.



https://www.bwfc.co.uk/news/2018/february/ref-watch-robert-jones-to-officiate-fulham-clash/

[WhiteJC]

 
Jokanovic to make 1 big change – Strongest 4-2-3-1 Fulham lineup to face Bolton

Predicted Fulham Lineup To Face Bolton In The EFL Championship

Manager Slavisa Jokanovic deserves a lot of credit for the job he is doing for Fulham at the moment. They are currently in 5th place and have cemented their position as a firm contender for the playoffs come the end of the season.

This has coincided with a winning run in the league that stretches back to the 23rd of December. Fulham will be hoping to keep that going this weekend, with a tough trip to Bolton awaiting them. They may still be without Sheyi Ojo but other than that, the Fulham squad is fighting fit.
Probable Fulham XI
Manager: Slavisa Jokanovic
Formation: 4-2-3-1
GK – Marcus Bettinelli

The Fulham goalkeeper will be looking to keep another clean sheet after shutting out Nottingham Forest in his last game.
RB – Ryan Fredericks

Ryan Fredericks will know that Cyrus Christie is real competition for him in defence but as long as he keeps playing like he is doing so at the moment, he should keep his place.
CB – Tim Ream

Part of a back four that picks itself, Tim Ream is in great form at the moment. He will want to win the physical battle against Bolton.

CB – Tom Kalas

The former Chelsea player is having a brilliant season and has been a part of everything that is good about the Fulham defence.
LB – Matt Targett

The on-loan Southampton defender has slotted in well in the Fulham side. He will be looking for an opportunity to get forward in this game.
CM – Kevin McDonald

The Fulham midfielder Kevin McDonald has begun to influence the play much more in recent weeks, and Jokanovic will be hoping he keeps having an impact.
CM – Oliver Norwood

The Northern Irish international is the grit of this very skilful team. His engine and work rate are second to none.
LW – Ryan Sessegnon

Since Jokanovic moved him to an advanced role, he has been a constant threat on the left-wing. Truly great things are expected of this kid.

CAM – Stefan Johansen

A great link-up player and fast-paced forward Stefan Johansen was the man of the match last time out. Will need to put in an equally good performance this weekend.
RW – Lucas Piazon

Lucas Piazon did what he does best last weekend, he got another goal. He will be hoping to continue his good run, and prove his worth to this team.
ST – Aleksandar Mitrovic

Signing Mitrovic was a huge coup for Fulham, and after impressing by coming off the bench, he should start this game ahead of Rui Fonte.



https://soccersouls.com/2018/02/08/jokanovic-to-make-1-big-change-strongest-4-2-3-1-fulham-lineup-to-face-bolton/

[WhiteJC]

 
Argyle Under-18 1 Fulham 3

Young Pilgrims Bravely Fall in Extra Time

ARGYLE U18s  1
Lolos 22

FULHAM U18s  3
Santos-Clase 69
Carvalho 103
Harris 112

By Chris Groves

ARGYLE'S brave young Pilgrims fell narrowly short of claiming another FA Cup Youth Cup scalp, concluding their superb run at the fifth round stage, losing 3-1 after extra time to Fulham.

Klaidi Lolos capped off a superb first half for the under-18 side, scoring on 22 minutes to grab a deserved lead. A classy finish from Nicolos Santos-Clase levelled things up with 20 minutes to go and, once the game headed into extra time, tiredness began to show. Substitute Fabio Carvalho made it 2-1 to Fulham in the first 15 minutes of the 30 added on, and Jayden Harris put the tie to bed in the final 15.

After the senior team's memorable pair of fixtures against Liverpool in the Emirates FA Cup last season, the youth squad have taken it upon themselves to create some cup memories of their own this season. Following wins over Eastleigh and AFC Wimbledon, Kevin Hodges' team saw off the might of Manchester City and Burnley to earn this last 16 tie with the West London Whites.

For a touch of context to go with Argyle's rampage through the Youth Cup, Fulham play in the South section of the U18 Premier League – the top flight of English football at that age level. They currently sit fifth, after easing past Reading 4-0 over the weekend. In the North section, Manchester City are third, behind only Liverpool and Manchester United. Burnley's youth team, meanwhile, play a level below, in the Under 18 Professional Development team. They are joint-top of the North section with Leeds United and Bolton Wanderers.

A level below that, you'll find the Young Pilgrims, in the South West Division of the Youth Alliance, sitting seventh. Regardless of the age level, then, this had been a giant-killing cup run to remember well before a ball had even been kicked against the Cottagers.

Hodges' attempts to continue that run saw him make two changes to the side that saw off Burnley. Harry Hodges and Matt Ward, the latter a second-half substitute at Turf Moor, came into the side, in place of Michael Peck and Rio Garside.

With a home tie against either Chelsea or Tottenham Hotspur awaiting the winners, a nervy start was expected under the Home Park floodlight. Fulham grew into the game quickest, as Sonny Hilton's cross-cum-shot skidded through that famed corridor of uncertainty, but away to safety.

Defensive resilience had been a key trait of Argyle throughout their cup run, and it was clear that more of the same would be needed to hold off Fulham's attacking threat. After Hilton's effort, Timmi Abraham (brother of full England international Tammy) volleyed his shot over from ten yards out.

The Young Pilgrims would have to maintain a threat of their own going forward, though. Ward broke free of his central midfield position in the ninth minute to put in a right-wing cross; it eventually fell to Ryan Law, who hit his 20-yard shot into the turf and wide. Klaidi Lolos, who scored the injury-time winner against AFC Wimbledon in the second round, then forced Fulham 'keeper Luca Ashby-Hammond into action for the first time.

Sole striker Lolos was clearly confident, and had the poise and precision to turn that into an opening goal for the Greens after 22 minutes. Hard work from Ward in midfield and a calm through ball to Lolos gave a sight of goal. As Klaidi took his time and defenders closed in, it appeared the chance had gone, but he found the bottom corner on the turn to put the cogs of another giant-killing in motion.

Fulham seemed flummoxed, as Argyle's threat on the counter, especially down the right flank, continued to cause problems. A well-weighted ball from Cameron Sangster put Lolos down the right flank, prompting Ashby-Hammond to fly out of his goalmouth. Lolos beat the shot-stopper to the ball and tried to find the empty net from a tight angle, with the ball rolling inches wide of the far post.

Perhaps surprisingly, given the context, the youngsters were constantly calm and efficient in possession. More precise passing and intelligent runs allowed Lolos to break through the right channel and fizz a low cross in that Luke Jephcott could not quite catch up to.

The first half looked like it would close without Fulham threatening at all to find an equaliser. Three minutes from the break, through, a superb cross-field ball found Joe Felix on the left wing. He found a way past Harry Hodges and put in a low cross; Argyle captain Harry Downing positioned himself well to deal with the danger, but a looping slice narrowly over his own goal probably was not what he had in mind.

The possession-based fightback from Fulham that we expected quickly materialised in the second half. Winger Chris Kelly found a little more joy, though his deliveries would only find a sliding Hodges or a towering Downing. Defensive qualities that had served the Pilgrims so well in previous rounds was showing; the midfield three of Sangster, Ward and Tom Purrington were so rarely wasteful with the ball, whilst the defensive quartet were well-positioned throughout.

Kelly was clearly the main source of potential for the visitors, using pace and guile to test Hodges thoroughly. Another left-wing cross somehow evaded everyone on its way through the penalty area, meaning Michael Cooper reached the hour-mark without having to make a save.

However, as high-flying Premier League youth side, you knew that Fulham would not need much to find a way back into the game. Santos-Clase, scorer of both Fulham's goals against Swansea in the last roudn, worked himself a yard of space on the edge of the box and cut a shot to the far corner that few 'keepers would have a shot at stopping. With 20 minutes to go, it was all square.

The tide threatened to turn totally in Fulham's favour. Argyle suddenly had less time on the ball and more agile obstacles in black shirts to navigate around. Santos-Clase almost broke through with a mazy run, before Cooper's palms were finally tested by De Havilliland's long-range effort.

Cooper's considerable talent was once again on show in the final minutes of normal time. First, Joe Felix found his way into the area after great play on the left flank, but before he could let a shot off, saw the ball smothered at his feet by the goalie. Then, in stoppage time, De Havilland and Felix were both denied in a frantic finish, earning the Greens another 30 minutes to find a way back in front.

The expected tropes of an underdog side in extra time quickly appeared as play resumed. Argyle looked understandably leggy, yet defiant, with Downing and Elliott Crawford throwing themselves in the way of Fulham shots. The visitors were eager to move the ball around quickly and test the stamina of Kevin Hodges' battling side, and gaps inevitably began to show. Jayden Harris took on the daunting prospect of running around Sangster and into the box; a mission he accomplished, but Cooper was on hand to turn his shot past the near post.

Fulham runners were becoming more and more difficult to track, and that was the key for the visitors edging ahead on the stroke of half time of extra time. Calm possession around the Argyle box concluded with Tyrese Francois found 15-year old substitute Fabio Carvalho, whose shot span slowly into the far corner.

Out on their feet, it was always an uphill struggle for Argyle to find an equaliser in the final 15 minutes. Rio Garside was brought on to add energy going forward, but he helpless to stop Harris breaking through with pace and slotting his shot underneath the oncoming Cooper to make it 3-1.

Final Argyle sub Michael Peck came close to offering a glimmer of hope, missing narrowly with his first touch. That glimmer turned to a beacon of light as Law won the Pilgrims a penalty, but Sangster could not beat Ashby-Hammond from the spot. 

The FA Youth Cup adventure was over for these brave Pilgrims. But, once the short-term disappointment of defeat washes away, Kevin Hodges and his side are sure to be full of pride for producing a memorable cup run that gives them a taste of footballing glory. We look forward to seeing them come back for more.

Argyle: 1 Michael Cooper (GK), 2 Harry Hodges, 3 Ryan Law, 4 Tom Purrington, 5 Harry Downing (Capt), 6 Elliott Crawford, 7 Billy Craske (12 Aaron Goulty 74), 8 Matt Ward (15 Rio Garside 105), 9 Klaidi Lolos (14 Michael Peck 125), 10 Cameron Sangster, 11 Luke Jephcott. Unused Subs: 13 Max Childs (GK), 16 Andrew Burn.

Fulham: 1 Luca Ashby-Hammond (GK), 2 Djed Spence, 3 Joe Felix, 4 Tyrese Francois, 5 Steven Sessegnon, 6 Jaydn Mundle-Smith, 7 Chris Kelly (12 Reece York 119), 8 Jayden Harris, 9 Timmi Abraham (15 Ryan De Havilland 45), 10 Sonny Hilton (14 Fabio Carvalho 69), 11 Nicolas Santos Clase. Unused Subs: 13 Julian Schwarzer (GK), 16 Dan Martin.

Referee: Alex Blake.

Bookings: Harris116



https://www.pafc.co.uk/news/2018/february/argyle-under-18-1-fulham-3/