Saturday Fulham Stuff (10/02/18)...

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Results

Friday
Millwall	1 - 1	Cardiff

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Q&A With Fulham

Despite finding themselves in the midst of an eight-game unbeaten run, Fulham will have to perform if they are to extend that at Bolton on Saturday.

Those are the views of Whites supporter Dan Crawford (@dancrawford85), who spoke to us ahead of their Sky Bet Championship trip to Macron Stadium.

In the following Q&A interview, Dan shares his views on Fulham's ambition of Premier League football, how Tim Ream's return to form has coincided with their upturn in form, as well as why the duo of Sammy Ameobi and Zach Clough could see the home side emerge victorious.

Q: Fulham go into the weekend occupying 5th place in the Sky Bet Championship. From a fans' perspective, has this been successful campaign so far and what are your aspirations for the end of the season?

A: I think it would be far to say that, initially, Fulham did hit the heights expected of them following the phenomenal form at the end of last season.

It might have been a combination of a hangover from the agonising play-off defeat, injuries to key players and the rest of the Championship having had the summer to work out how Slavisa Jokanovic likes his teams to play, but it was a very slow start.

Some fans even questioned Jokanovic's future as head coach after a defeat at Wolves in November, but the team grafted out some crucial wins over Christmas to climb the table and we are now very much back in the play-off picture. The more optimistic parts of the fanbase believe we can catch Derby in second, but for now the focus has to be on remaining in the top six.

Q: Fulham are currently on an eight-game unbeaten run, beating the likes of Middlesbrough and Cardiff along the way. What has been the key factor in your success of recent weeks - has one player shone above the rest or has it been a valiant team effort?

A: It would be easy to highlight the contribution of young Ryan Sessegnon, who has moved forward to play on the left wing and scored six goals in January alone. But the key to Fulham's recent resurgence has been being tighter at the back.

Jokanovic brought academy graduate Marcus Bettinelli back to keep goal in December and he has made some vital saves, particularly against Barnsley and last weekend in the win over Nottingham Forest.

Just as crucial has been the superb form of Tim Ream, someone the Bolton fans will remember fondly, who has been an absolute revelation since coming back into the side and is arguably Fulham's Player of the Season so far.

Q: In the reverse fixture, Wanderers were agonisingly denied all three points at Craven Cottage as Tom Cairney headed home in stoppage time. Wanderers gave a good account of themselves on the day - can you see similar events occurring on Saturday?

A: I thought Bolton were really unlucky at Craven Cottage back in October. They defended really bravely, were well organised and posed a real threat on the break - and showed commendable spirit.

I watched last Friday night's win over Bristol City and those battling qualities, as well as plenty of skill, were in evidence again.

I'd expect Phil Parkinson to want his team to show a bit more adventure at home and that may suit Fulham, who have struggled this season to break down sides who have sat in and been patient against us.

Q: Looking forward to Saturday - who would you view as Fulham's biggest threat and, vice versa, who do you view as Wanderers' key man?

A: It rather depends who Jokanovic goes with up front. Rui Fonte has shown signs of adjusting to the physicality of the Championship - with a couple of goals against Burton Albion - but Fulham have real options in attack now, with Aboubakar Kamara hitting his stride over Christmas, and Aleksandar Mitrovic, who arrived on deadline day, enjoyed an excellent debut as a substitute last week.

Bolton would be wise to watch out for Sessegnon and Matt Targett, who have struck up a strong understanding down the left flank.

I've always been a big admirer of Zach Clough, so it will be interesting to see how he goes at Bolton again. He's always had the ability to find an extra yard of space and, either create something or crack off a shot, whilst Fulham have struggled against strikers of the ilk of Sammy Ameobi so if the pair play together then they may pose real problems for the visiting defence.

Q: Finally, how do you see Saturday's game panning out and, more importantly, will Wanderers avoid the drop and Fulham secure promotion?

A: Fulham will be after a win here to extend their fine recent run, but they would be foolish to underestimate Bolton and I'm sticking to my belief from the last preview I did with you that Wanderers have enough quality to get out of trouble.

We've always enjoyed our visits to Bolton - it's a very special club, with a welcoming set of fans - and I do hope that you can survive. I'm going for a 2-1 Fulham win, but it certainly won't be straightforward.

As for our promotion prospects, I can't bring myself to jinx Fulham's fabulous form at the moment. We've never even won a play-off match, but records are there to be broken, and the immediate target has to be keeping ourselves in that top six.

After this weekend, Fulham have six matches that include three or four against potential promotion rivals that will probably define our season - so we'll have a clearer idea by the end of February.



https://www.burndenaces.co.uk/2018/02/09/qa-with-fulham.html

[WhiteJC]

Sessegnon named Championship player of the month
by Dan on February 9, 2018

Ryan Sessegnon has picked up his second player of the month award in two days after being named as the SkyBet Championship January player of the month having already scooped the PFA's prize.

The Fulham teenager beat off competition from Aston Villa's Scott Hogan, Middlesbrough defender Daniel Ayala and the Norwich City midfielder James Maddison to claim the crown after scoring six goals in Fulham's four league matches last month. The England youth international netted twice during the Whites' second half comeback that blew away Ipswich Town at the start of the month before claiming a double in the 6-0 thrashing of Burton Albion. He grabbed a vital equaliser as Slavisa Jokanovic's side came from behind to win at Barnsley and sealed the three points at Oakwell with Fulham's third goal in stoppage time.

Sessegnon said on receiving the award that he had enjoyed a terrific month, but didn't want to take all the credit for Fulham's 100% start to the new year:

It's a great feeling to be named the Championship Player of the Month but I think it's credit to the team and the way we've all been playing in January, which has allowed me to get this award. It's an amazing feeling.

It's been down to the gaffer playing me in a higher position allowing me to play further forward and scoring more and creating more goals. At this minute, I'm liking my role further up the pitch with the ability to contribute goals and assists.

It wasn't a double celebration for Fulham, though, with Jokanovic missing out on the managerial gong. That went to Aston Villa's Steve Bruce who had the matched the Serbian's record of four wins from four in January.



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

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Paper round-up: West Ham linked with Roberts

West Ham reportedly want to sign Patrick Roberts from Manchester City this summer.

The Sun say the Hammers and Leicester will battle for the signing of the former Fulham youngster, who is currently on a season-long loan at Celtic.

West Ham were interested in the 21-year-old prior to his move to City from Fulham, while Leicester reportedly wanted him in January in a proposed swap deal involving Riyad Mahrez.

Meanwhile, Jack Wilshere has been tipped to sign a new contract at Arsenal.

The Daily Telegraph and the Daily Mail say Wilshere, whose current deal at the Emirates Stadium expires at the end of the season, is ready to accept a pay cut and commit his future to the club.

Striker Alexandre Lacazette is under pressure at Arsenal and faces the prospect of leaving in the summer, according to former Gunners star Emmanuel Petit.

Petit is quoted by The Sun as saying: "Lacazette is under massive pressure. He needs to improve or face the exit this summer.

"Aubameyang's signing tells me it might already be too late. Arsene Wenger's belief in Lacazette has gone.

"After six months his statistics are not exactly tremendous."

And Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld has declared himself fit for this weekend's north London derby against Arsenal at Wembley, The Independent reports.



http://londonfootballnews.co.uk/transfer-gossip/football-west-ham-celtic-patrick-roberts-man-city-090218/

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Ryan Sessegnon's Player of the Month award is his way of saying thank you to his Fulham team mates

The 17-year-old won the accolade after scoring six goals in four games, and Slavisa Jokanovic believes it's his way of saying thanks to his team mates

Slavisa Jokanovic believes Ryan Sessegnon's Player of the Month award is the youngster's way of saying thank you to his Fulham team mates who have helped him out.

Sessegnon won the award after six goals in four games - a period where the Cottagers won all four of their games with a goal difference ratio of 14-2.

The youngster has always spoken highly of his team mates, and said after winning the award he wouldn't have been able to do it without them, and Jokanovic believes the award is the youngster's way of saying thank you to those around him.

He said: "Around him are many fantastic news, and last of these good news is he was nominated for Player of the Month.

"I believe he deserves it, he's a young man who made an adult job with many qualities, but for another side his team mates have really helped him and supported him to grow up in the right direction.

"Ryan gives back to them this favour in the best possible way and I believe we must be satisfied with him and he must be satisfied with his team mates especially."

Jokanovic missed out on the Manager of the Month award to Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce, who also had a 100% record in January, and the head coach is hoping he'll be the successful one the next time the two meet.

He added: "My time was a few years ago, I don't need any awards, it's nice.



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/ryan-sessegnons-player-month-award-14266659

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Kevin McDonald: I'd rather Fulham started slowly and ended the season well than the other way round

The Scotsman has been a staple in the Fulham midfield since joining from Wolves - we sat down with him to discuss how important that midfield trio is

If you were to show people a picture of a football pitch and to point which area they thought Fulham were strongest in, most would move their finger to the middle of it.

Fulham's midfield has been a Holy Trinity of sorts for the past two seasons, with whatever trio of players Slavisa Jokanovic picks becoming the engine and creativity of the side.

Tom Cairney, Stefan Johansen and now Oliver Norwood have all been part of that trinity, but the one constant force in the midfield powerhouse is Kevin McDonald - Fulham's shield.

The 29-year-old has been an ever-present in the Craven Cottage midfield since joining from Wolves in 2016, being named vice-captain of the club as they look for a route back into the big time of the Premier League.

He might not get the goals (although he made sure to mention that overhead kick he put away against Barnsley) or the plaudits, but he doesn't mind being the unsung hero of the Cottagers' promotion charge.

"I don't mind that," he says, "I've never been one that is going to bang in ten goals a season, that's life - it's never been me and it never will be but I try to set myself targets to get a few goals per season.

"Put it this way, if TC (Cairney), Stef (Johansen) and Ollie (Norwood) get ten goals each, they don't need me to get ten, they've got the strikers as well so I'm happy to chip in whenever, whether it's an overhead kick on the line or whatever, it's one of them.

"I don't mind being the so-called unsung hero, I'm there to do a job for my team and want to do well for myself and the team.

"The centre of the pitch is a massive part of any team and I think if we control the tempo of the games and we win that battle first it gives the others confidence to go and do their thing.

"We've got a really good mixture of players in that midfield three/four just now as it is, you've got Ollie whose brought a bit of everything, he's a mix between me, TC and Stef and he's got it all between him.

"I think it generally gives the team a platform to play and that's the main thing."

And it's not a bad team - five wins on the bounce, six wins in a row at home and fifth in the Championship, Fulham are finally starting to live up to the pre-season hype that saw many name them as promotion favourites.


(Image: Martin Rickett/PA Wire)

But rewind back to November, and a slow start and a winless October had seen them drop to 16th in the league table, well off the Play-off hunt and looking nervously over their shoulders at the wrong end of the table.

It has similarities to last season, where The Cottagers didn't spark into life until the second half of the campaign, but although the Scotsman can't figure out why it takes so long for them to get going, he'd rather they be a team that finishes strong, rather than one that starts well and drops away.

"I'm sure there's a reason for it but I'm not too sure, it was exactly the same as last season and I think it takes us time to get going but you can't really use that as an excuse if you ask me.

"It's football, you don't get time to get going, you have pre-season and then that's you for 46 games.


(Image: Paul Burgman)

"I would think that it seems to be one of those things, I'm sure other teams start good and finish bad, I'm sure that happens but it seems to me that I'd rather it worked this way - I'd rather start slow but finish off really good so hopefully it continues."

One person who didn't have the best of starts to the season was one of McDonald's midfield partners, Johansen.

Having ended the season in fine form, arguably looking like a Premier League player, the former Celtic man struggled to hit those heights in the first half of the season, often fading in games and even finding himself as a false nine.

It's not a position the fans felt was best for him nor the team, but McDonald thinks Johansen found himself there as a result of circumstance and has backed the Norway captain to be a big player for Fulham in the final few months.

He added: "I think the false nine was due to the manager not being too sure what way to set up the team, so I think Stefan was put there just as a temporary thing, I don't think anyone had a long term plan for him to play there.

"He's back in a position where he should be and he's really starting to find a bit of form, he's not scored as many goals this season, but there's still plenty of time left and he'll be a massive player for us for the last few games."



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-kevin-mcdonald-scotland-wolves-14265040

[WhiteJC]

 
Bolton Wanderers In Focus

Have a read of the key matchday details ahead of our trip to Bolton, including some important news regarding travel disruptions.

Possible opposition absentees

Will Buckley - hamstring injury

Stephen Darby - head injury

Aaron Wilbraham - calf injury

Reece Burke - back injury

Dorian Dervite - dead leg
Tickets

Fans can buy through the Fulham Ticket Office in person or on 0203 871 0810 (option 3) until 3pm on Friday. Cash only tickets can be bought at the Macron Stadium on the day from the turnstiles at Block F of the Franking Sense South Stand, with no price increase.
Weather

Pack your waterproofs as it's expected to rain in Bolton on Saturday, with temperatures around six degrees.
Getting there

Fans are warned that overrunning improvement works on the Manchester-Bolton-Preston lines will affect journeys on Saturday. Please check before you travel, as previous arrival times have been disrupted because the final part of your journey to Horwich Parkway (the nearest station to the Macron) must now be made by a rail replacement bus, which takes considerably longer. A taxi from Manchester Piccadilly or Preston should take around half an hour, and could be a better course of action for fans making the trip.
He said...

"Everyone knows they're a good side, they got to the Play-Offs last year and in the Semis against Reading were probably unlucky not to progress to the Final. They're in the best run of form they've had all season." – Phil Parkinson, Bolton manager.
Live stream

Overseas subscribers to fulhamfctv will be able to watch a live stream of this game. Follow this link for all available packages, and head to www.fulhamfc.com/live from 2.30pm (GMT) to view.
Grosvenor Casinos match odds

Bolton: 29/10

Draw: 5/2

Fulham: 10/11
Previous five results

Bolton Wanderers 1-0 Bristol City (Sky Bet Championship)

Bolton Wanderers 1-1 Ipswich Town (Sky Bet Championship)

Brentford 2-0 Bolton Wanderers (Sky Bet Championship)

Bolton Wanderers 1-2 Huddersfield Town (FA Cup)

Bolton Wanderers 1-0 Hull City (Sky Bet Championship)



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/february/09/bolton-wanderers-in-focus

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Slavisa Jokanovic insists Fulham cannot be overconfident in defensive capabilities

Three cleans in four games is pleasing - but the head coach thinks Fulham can improve off the ball ahead of the Bolton trip

Slavisa Jokanovic insists Fulham cannot be overconfident in their defensive capabilities, despite keeping three clean sheets in their last four games.

Marcus Bettinelli pulled off a stunning double save in the 2-0 victory over Norttingham Forest to keep his clean sheet intact - adding that to ones he kept against Middlesbrough and Burton Albion.

However, there were a few nervy moments after mistakes by Tim Ream and Tomas Kalas almost saw Forest in, but Jokanovic thinks Fulham showed great spirit, but admits they have to improve themselves off the ball.

He said: "It's good news, to be honest we made some defensive mistakes but fortunately we showed great spirit and Marcus Bettinelli made a great save at the end of the game.

"We cannot be overconfident and to be successful we must be focused, concentrated and trust and at the end we must be a little bit lucky.

"We find some kind of the luck in these few games, especially against Nottingham in the last few minutes and we must be focused to make sure we don't give the opposition these chances to come back and avoid some mistakes and trust in ourselves.

"We can defend well and we can trust where we are off the ball, we are probably better with the ball than we are off it but we must improve this part of the game."



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/slavisa-jokanovic-insists-fulham-cannot-14266944

[WhiteJC]

Can Fulham keep up the momentum at Bolton?
by alandrewett on February 9, 2018

Fulham travel to Bolton tomorrow hoping to keep two fine records going. Slavisa Jokanovic's side have strung together six successive league wins to move to fifth in the Championship table and spark dreams of a surge into the automatic promotion places. The Whites will have history on their side at the Macron Stadium this weekend, having lost just one of their last fourteen league meetings with Wanderers. Jokanovic has already warned his players not to underestimate their hosts – and Fulham don't need to cast their minds too far back to find a reminder of Bolton's potential. It took a 94th minute equaliser from Tom Cairney to rescue a point at Craven Cottage in October.

More recent evidence of the kind of damage the Trotters could do to promotion aspirations could be found in Horwich last Friday night, when Phil Parkinson's side beat Bristol City 1-0. Bolton didn't appear to be missing £6m man Gary Madine, who moved to Cardiff at the close of the transfer window, too much that night with Sammy Ameobi, the scorer of their goal at the Cottage, notching the winner against Fulham fan Lee Johnson's side. Wanderers are making a real fight of their relegation battle and their recent revival has been founded on their home form, with Wanderers only losing one of their last ten matches at the Macron. Parkinson has also made his side tough to break down, with a creditable clean sheet against City proof of how hard to play through Bolton now are.

Tim Ream returns to his former employers tomorrow – having been a firm favourite during his three and a half years with Bolton. The American made 126 appearances for Wanderers and is sure of a good reception from the home fans – his form for Fulham means he is fast approaching a similar status with the Craven Cottage faithful as well. Young Ryan Sessegnon's two player of the month awards this week are a testament to the fact that his performances are now getting the accolades they deserve and he will keen to try and find the net again after following his six goals in January with a quiet afternoon in terms of goalscoring against Nottingham Forest last time out.

Jokanovic confirmed during his press conference yesterday that captain Tom Cairney has resumed training after his knee problems, but the Fulham head coach also told the press that he will leave a decision about the captain's participation in tomorrow's contest as late as he can. The Fulham head coach's toughest choice will be which of his three fully-fit strikers to field up front. Scoring goals hasn't been a problem for the Whites since the turn of the year and there's no doubt that Aleksandar Mitrovic will be desperate to open his Fulham account after an encouraging debut last week.

Fulham have scored in the 88th minute or later in their last four matches and it wouldn't be at all surprising if this game is settled at the death, either. Bolton will be well organised and determined to halt the Cottagers' 100% start to 2018 by 5pm tomorrow, so Jokanovic's charges will have to be ready for the kind of physicality that Lucas Piazon hinted may await earlier this week. Ultimately, I believe Fulham's style of play and confidence on the counter could cause Bolton too many problems if we can get our fluent football going.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/02/can-fulham-keep-up-the-momentum-at-bolton/

[WhiteJC]

QPR Game Televised

Fulham's meeting with Queens Park Rangers at Craven Cottage will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.

The date of this fixture (Saturday 17th March) has not changed, but it will now kick-off at the earlier time of 12.30pm.

The Whites will be looking to complete the double over our local rivals, having beaten them 2-1 at Loftus Road back in another televised match back at the end of September.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/february/09/qpr-game-televised

[WhiteJC]

 
Bolton boss Phil Parkinson backs former Newcastle man to do a job on Fulham's Ryan Sessegnon

Sammy Ameobi scored Bolton's goal in the reverse fixture and Parkinson is backing him to be one everybody is talking about - not Sessegnon

Bolton boss Phil Parkinson is backing Sammy Ameobi to do a job on Ryan Sessegnon when the two sides meet at the Macron on Saturday.

The former Newcastle man bagged the Trotters' goal in the reverse tie at the Cottage, where a last minute Tom Cairney header ensured Fulham salvaged a point in what was an uninspiring display from the hosts.

But fast forward to February, and Fulham are now fifth having won their last five games on the bounce - with Sessegnon having just won the Player of the Month award after becoming the Cottagers' top scorer with 11 goals this term, as well as thriving as left forward.

It looks more likely that Matt Targett will be the man to deal with Ameobi, but Parkinson is still backing his man to be the one everyone is talking about after the game.

He told the Bolton News : "Sessegnon is a great talent, but I have to say, I think Sammy did great against him down at Craven Cottage. He rose to the challenge playing against a player the country has been talking about.

Bolton boss Phil Parkinson is backing Sammy Ameobi to do a job on Ryan Sessegnon when the two sides meet at the Macron on Saturday.

The former Newcastle man bagged the Trotters' goal in the reverse tie at the Cottage, where a last minute Tom Cairney header ensured Fulham salvaged a point in what was an uninspiring display from the hosts.

But fast forward to February, and Fulham are now fifth having won their last five games on the bounce - with Sessegnon having just won the Player of the Month award after becoming the Cottagers' top scorer with 11 goals this term, as well as thriving as left forward.

It looks more likely that Matt Targett will be the man to deal with Ameobi, but Parkinson is still backing his man to be the one everyone is talking about after the game.

He told the Bolton News : "Sessegnon is a great talent, but I have to say, I think Sammy did great against him down at Craven Cottage. He rose to the challenge playing against a player the country has been talking about.


(Image: Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images)

"We know Fulham's two centre-backs are going to see a lot of the ball. We'll have to be patient, but equally the other night we got more belief and calmness when we got hold of the ball. That was good to see," he added.

"Fulham are a team which can leave itself exposed. When you win back possession you have to have that degree of calmness to get that first pass off.

"If you can, then we have got players who will cause them problems."



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/bolton-boss-phil-parkinson-backs-14267341

[WhiteJC]

 
Major Tottenham target wins award – time for Spurs to up the ante

Long-term Tottenham Hotspur target Ryan Sessegnon has been named as the Championship Player of the Month for January, with the Fulham wideman's reputation continuing to grow.

The versatile left-back has been pushed forward into a winger's role of late and starred at Craven Cottage, justifying the widespread media reports suggesting Spurs wanted the teenager in the summer.

Still only 17, the Fulham teenager is a prodigious talent and as such Tottenham will face real competition for his signature should they re-enter the race to land him this summer.

Since Mauricio Pochettino's appointment in North London, the club have put real faith in young players and this has paid dividends on and off the pitch.

It is this recent track record of progressing young English players that will surely be appealing to Sessegnon when the time comes to decide his next destination.

While there are plenty of reasons for the 17-year-old to pick Tottenham over other Premier League teams, Daniel Levy needs to up the ante and get the ball rolling on landing the teenager.

Spurs reportedly had a £25 million offer rejected by Fulham in the summer and as such the fee needed to land Sessegnon appears to be growing on a month-by-month basis.

The fact that he continues to thrive in the Championship, with his latest award a testament to this, will only entice other Premier League suitors to move for him in the near future.

As such, Tottenham need to get ahead of the competition and make him the club's number one transfer target ahead of this summer.

Improving Pochettino's squad at Spurs is a tough ask, but having someone with Sessegnon's versatility and potential would be a boost in both the short and long terms.

While other members of the Premier League's higher echelons may look for international stars from overseas this summer, an uncapped teenager from Roehampton looks like the ideal addition for Tottenham.



https://whiteheartlane.com/major-tottenham-target-wins-award-time-spurs-ante/

[WhiteJC]

 
Bolton Wanderers v Fulham
SAT 10 Feb 2018   Championship
Venue: Macron Stadium

Bolton's West Ham loanee Reece Burke had been out with a back injury

Bolton Wanderers have a few slight concerns with injuries, with winger Will Buckley nursing a hamstring injury and Will Brown a calf problem.

Defender Reece Burke is back in training after a back issue, while Dorian Dervite has had a dead leg.

Fulham will assess captain Tom Cairney, who has missed their past two games with a niggling knee injury.

Boss Slavisa Jokanovic has no other injury worries as the Londoners chase a sixth successive league victory.

SAM's prediction
Home win 22%   Draw 25%   Away win 53%

SAM, the Sports Analytics Machine, is a super-computer built by @ProfIanMcHale of the University of Liverpool.

Match facts
    Bolton have picked up one victory in their last seven home league matches against Fulham (D4 L2) - a 3-1 win in February 2015.
    The Cottagers have kept clean sheets in seven of their last 10 league games against the Trotters.
    Bolton have had only two different nationalities score for them in the Championship this season, while opponents Fulham have had 11, more than anyone else.
    Fulham have collected more points across their last 10 league matches (25 - W8 D1 L1) than any other Championship side.
    The Trotters have collected just one point in the 15 Championship matches when they've conceded the first goal this season (W0 D1 L14).
    Fulham's Ryan Sessegnon has had a hand in nine goals in his last seven league matches (seven goals, two assists).



http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/42927217

[MikeW]

The rumours Pat Roberts is on his way to the hammers are rubbish.  You have to be at least 34 to sign for them!

[WhiteJC]

 
Bolton v Fulham preview


Bolton boss Phil Parkinson

Bolton manager Phil Parkinson will be looking to register back-to-back clean sheets for only the second time this season against free-scoring Fulham.

A new-look back three of Dorian Dervite, David Wheater and Mark Beevers performed well in the 1-0 home win over Bristol City last time out. Parkinson also has on-loan West Ham defender Reece Burke as an option as he tries to figure out how to stop Fulham finding the net.

On-loan Zach Clough will be pushing for a start and Jon Flanagan, who joined from Liverpool in January, will hope to figure after being an unused substitute against Bristol City. Darren Pratley is sidelined by a broken leg.

Fulham will check on the fitness of midfielder Tom Cairney. The Cottagers captain sat out victories over Barnsley and Nottingham Forest with a knee problem.

But Cairney returned to full training on Thursday and suffered no ill-effects, so he could be back in the side. January signing Aleksandar Mitrovic is pushing for a full debut after coming off the bench against Forest.

Opta stats

Bolton have picked up one victory in their last seven home league matches against Fulham (D4 L2), a 3-1 win in February 2015.

The Cottagers have kept clean sheets in seven of their last 10 league games against the Trotters.

Bolton have had only two different nationalities score for them in the Championship this season, while opponents Fulham have had 11, more than anyone else.

Fulham have collected more points across their last 10 league matches (25 - W8 D1 L1) than any other Championship side.

The Trotters have collected just one point in the 15 Championship matches when they've conceded the first goal this season (W0 D1 L14).

Ryan Sessegnon has had a hand in nine goals in his last seven league matches (seven goals, two assists).



http://www.skysports.com/football/bolton-vs-fulham/preview/374981

[WhiteJC]

 
U18s Travel to Brighton

Fulham's Under-18s travel to Brighton on Saturday morning as they turn their attention back to the Premier League South in an 11am kick off.

Last time out the Young Whites beat Plymouth Argyle away in the FA Youth Cup in a midweek fixture. Extra time was needed to settle the tie as Fulham came from behind to win 3-1 at Home Park.

Nicolas Santos-Clase pulled Fulham back into the match with a strike from the edge of the area, before Fabio Carvalho and Jayden Harris finished the match off.

Brighton came to Motspur Park earlier this season in the reverse fixture, the Young Whites ran out 3-0 winners back in September as Timmy Abraham scored a brace and Djed Spence finished the match off in injury time.

The Seagulls drew their last match 1-1 in their away trip at the weekend to Leicester City.

Fulham are fifth in the league on 23 points, Brighton are ninth in the table with 14 points and two games in hand.

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



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/february/09/u18s-travel-to-brighton

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The Friday Column: Ryan Sessegnon wins Player of the Month, Slavisa Jokanovic doesn't use Snapchat and more

Ryan O'Donovan takes a look back at the week, including Tom Cairney returning to training, Ryan Sessegnon's awards and the head coach revealing he doesn't use Snapchat

What's something that I never thought I'd ask a football manager, let alone Slavisa Jokanovic , one of the most intimidating ones out there?

Well, this will certainly be up there:

"How often do you use Snapchat, Slavisa?"

In the run up to asking the question, I did think for a split second it could well be the last thing I ever do, but Jokanovic, who is always good in press conferences, took the question in his stride.

"No, I have never used it in my life!

"Snapchat is probably a great story, a funny story but we use Whatsapp - it's a similar word, really my kids use Snapchat.

"We used WhatsApp."

I am, of course, talking about the Aleksdandar Mitrovic story that appeared in the week claiming the pair spoke over Snapchat on Deadline Day, paving the way for a move to Fulham from Newcastle until the end of the season.

After reading it I immediately thought what on Earth Jokanovic would send over the messaging app, and despite it making for some good 'What's your snap?' questions from people on Twitter it was too good to be true, with Whatsapp being a more normal way of communicating.

The interview with the Times , which is extremely interesting, also revealed how Jokanovic has told the Newcastle man to tone it down with his challenges.

"Slavisa has told me not to do stupid things, he says I have to put my passion into scoring goals, not to do some crazy tackles. I understand this and agree with him."

A player with passion - I'm looking forward to seeing him more in the coming weeks, and if there isn't some sort of Snapchat graphic for when he scores his first goal I'll be really disappointed.

Ryan Sessegnon - Player of the Month



What a month in the life of Sessegnon - he's collected personal awards this month almost as regularly as us mortals get bills in the post.

Six goals in the month, as well as having a hand in nine goals in his last seven league games (seven goals, two assists), the 17-year-old is really something to behold.

It won't be any surprise to those that watch Fulham regularly that his goal scoring tally has gone through the roof since being move further forward, and now with the signing of Matt Targett we'll see Sessegnon paired with another attacking youngster.

It has the potential to be a devastating double team - I was really impressed with Targett against Nottingham Forest and I think his ability going forward will bring out even more from Sessegnon.

I've seen people suggesting including him in the England World Cup squad wouldn't be the worst of ideas, but I don't agree with that - we saw the attention Theo Walcott got when he was included all those years ago and it didn't do his career any help.

There's no need to put that on Sessegnon at just 17 - his time will come but for now he needs to just carry on doing what he's doing at Fulham.

Tom Cairney back in training


Tom Cairney shoots at goal (Image: Darren Pepe)

It's good to see that the skipper is back in training, although it's concerning that his knee injury still seems to be bothering him in February.

He returned to the first team session on Thursday and Jokanovic said he would make a decision on whether he was in the squad to face Bolton on Friday, but the initial assessment on him was that he came through the entire session without much problem.

While it's pleasing that the side are doing so well with the Scotsman, Cairney is their talisman and, as I've often called him, the metronome and any team with the Scotsman in it is better than one without.

I hope his knee injury is sorted once and good, but at this rate it looks like it may take the summer to discover just what is wrong with it.

Phil Parkinson and Sammy Ameobi


(Image: Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

The Bolton manager said before Saturday's game that Ameobi can deal with Sessegnon like he did in the reverse 1-1 draw at the Cottage.

I'm not sure whether Parkinson reckons Sessegnon will be at left back again, that Ameobi will be doing a lot of defensive work against Targett and Sess OR whether the former Newcastle man will be played at right back in order to shackle the wonderkid.

If it's the latter, I think Jokanovic may get a bit of a shock because not even he would envision Ameobi being used as a right back.

Final word

A win on Saturday will make it six from six and keep Fulham well within the hunt for that last automatic place.

For me personally, I think there's a bit too much to do to get that and the Play-offs are looking more likely, but if the side carry on with the form they're in there's absolutely no reason why they can't challenge Derby, Cardiff and Aston Villa for second.

After Bolton, the side face a run of game that every footballer lives for, with all the teams around them facing Fulham before a March 17 derby with QPR in front of the Sky cameras.

It's going to be a great couple of months, but it has to start with victory at the Macron.



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/friday-column-ryan-sessegnon-wins-14268433

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Matchday Live: Bolton

Overseas fans can enjoy a live stream of Saturday's Sky Bet Championship encounter against Bolton Wanderers at the Macron Stadium.

If you are already a fulhamfctv subscriber you can pick up a match pass for just £5, while non-subscribers can access the stream for £10, and also enjoy video content on the official website for 48 hours from the point of purchase!

Please note that you must be abroad and be using an overseas bank account to access the stream.

The stream will kick in around 30 minutes prior to kick-off, with a number of links to the correct page across the website. Alternatively, head to www.fulhamfc.com/live to view the game. We recommend watching via Google Chrome.

For our supporters based in the UK and Ireland, you can listen to full live commentary from Gentleman Jim and Jamie Reid, with a monthly subscription. 

Any fans who experience problems on a matchday with your stream please contact > [email protected].

Fans who have experienced issues accessing the stream in the past are advised to have a look at our streaming tips page which we constructed following feedback from supporters, while our FAQs are available here.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/february/09/matchday-live-bolton-wanderers

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Liverpool or Manchester United? Former Fulham man Brian McBride gives his view on who US wonderkid Christian Pulisic should pick

The Fulham favourite has had some words of advice for the 19-year-old to take on board as clubs circle round the wondered

Former Fulham favourite Brian McBride has weighed in with where he thinks US wonderkid Christian Pulisic should ply his trade once he leaves Dortmund.

Like the Cottagers' own Ryan Sessegnon, Pulisic is a man in demand as the top clubs in Europe circle for the 19-year-old's signature, with Liverpool's Jurgen Klopp and Manchester United's Jose Mourinho big fans of the American.

McBride scored 40 goals during his time at the Cottage before heading back to the States to play for Chicago Fire, and he's had some words of advice for the American whizzkid that could also be applied to Sessegnon.

"Choosing for him a club that would help him develop his style and his skill set is going to be a necessity," McBride said, speaking to ESPN .

"The thing that's always in the back of your mind is the desire to play at one of the biggest clubs - they are monster clubs, all of them are, and the fun of moving to a different club and working through the process of making it there.

"I would make sure the club plays the style of soccer I play. If you're going to Manchester United, you know you're not going to be on the ball nearly as much as you are at Liverpool or Real Madrid."



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/liverpool-manchester-united-former-fulham-14269256

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Mitrovic can propel Fulham's unexpected promotion push even further, says Barry Hayles

AS FULHAM'S players hunt down a return to the Premier League after a four-year absence, they could do a lot worse than to summon up the memories of the 2000-01 season and one Barry Hayles.

Striker Hayles was an integral part of the Whites side that cruised to the Division One title, finishing with an impressive 101 points, ten clear of Blackburn.

Attending matches at Craven Cottage when he can, Hayles is now confident that Slavisa Jokanovic's class of 2017-18 can repeat that success.

"Fulham have hit form at the right time and they can definitely make one of the play-off spots," said Fulham favourite Hayles. "There is always a team that hits form at the right time and they've got a great chance, definitely."

Fulham's recent Championship form is certainly impressive, with six wins in their last seven league games heading into this weekend, including injury-time wins at Barnsley and Middlesbrough, as well as a 6-0 thrashing of Burton.

Ten different players have scored in that period, but it is this lack of a consistent single goalscorer that has concerned Hayles. Back in 2000-01, along with Portuguese winger Luis Boa Morte, Hayles played alongside French dynamo Louis Saha and the trio bagged 63 league goals between them.

He said: "I felt like we had more of a cutting edge up top and, if Fulham can get someone in the final third scoring consistently, then they will push on from there.

"I remember watching them play Derby at home in November and they dominated the first half and should have been two or three goals up.

"Derby then equalised from their first attack. But, if Fulham had had that clinical cutting edge, they would have been out of sight."


(Photo: Action Images via Reuters)

One man who has started scoring more goals of late is teenage starlet Ryan Sessegnon, who had bagged six in his last four league games before this weekend.

Though Hayles thinks the 17-year-old is a fantastic player, it is the deadline day loan signing of Serbian international Aleksandar Mitrovic from Newcastle that really caught his eye.

"I think he is a great signing," said Hayles. "He will suit Fulham's game because he can hold the ball up and will be a good focal point for their attacks."

Despite his advancing years, Hayles still plays for Hellenic League side Windsor in the ninth tier of English football.

Working towards his UEFA B coaching badge as player-coach at the Berkshire club, he says it's his love of the game and desire to compete that keeps him going.

"I didn't think I would want to get into coaching, which is why I'm 45 and not fully qualified yet," he said. "But now I've grasped it with both hands and I'm thoroughly enjoying it."

In January, the FA announced it would interview at least one candidate from a black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) background for roles in the England set-up.

And the EFL have extended a pilot of the so-called 'Rooney Rule', seen in American football, to all EFL clubs for the next 18 months. It will cover all first-team vacancies.

Yet Hayles feels there is still some way to go for BAME coaches to break into top jobs.

"I know a lot of players I've played with who have got their full badges and apply for jobs but get bypassed," he said.

"I speak to them and they say, 'Well, I've got all the credentials, why can't I be given the chance?'.

"But that doesn't put me off. I thoroughly enjoy it and the different levels, so I will push on."

Fulham, too, need to push on. A few more goals from the likes of Sessegnon and Mitrovic and they could yet emulate the success of Hayles and his team-mates in 2001.



https://www.theleaguepaper.com/featured/9727/mitrovic-can-propel-fulhams-unexpected-promotion-push-even-further-says-barry-hayles/