Wednesday Fulham Stuff (21/03/18)...

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Clash of two in-form Championship sides will be televised


Fulham's Ryan Sessegnon (rigth) and Millwall's James Meredith in action

Millwall's home game against Fulham – a clash of two of the top form teams in the country – has been selected for TV coverage.

The decision by Sky Sports to screen the game at The Den has seen it moved to Friday April 20 with a 7.45pm kick off.

Fulham are unbeaten in 16 Championship matches with the Lions on 12.

Millwall have not lost at home in 11 fixtures. The west Londoners are on an eight-game undefeated streak away from Craven Cottage.



https://www.londonnewsonline.co.uk/clash-of-two-in-form-championship-sides-will-be-televised/

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Tom Cairney: Watford set to join West Ham United and Newcastle United in race for Fulham man


Hornets linked with Fulham skipper

Watford are reportedly among a number of Premier League teams looking to sign Fulham captain Tom Cairney this summer.

The Hornets are said to be ready to rival West Ham United, who had an £18 million bid rejected for the midfielder in January, and Newcastle United for the 27-year-old's services.

Fulham are firmly embroiled in the chase for Championship promotion, sitting third in the table and look assured of a play-off spot at the very least.

Cairney, who has been capped once by Scotland, could well be allowed the leave the Craven Cottage outfit should they fail to secure a return to the top flight for the first time since being relegated in 2014.

Fulham are likely to demand around £20m for Cairney in a summer which could see them shorn of key players such as Ryan Sessegnon and Ryan Federicks if they miss out of promotion.

Cainey has been a key man for the Cottagers this term, finding the net three times in 26 outings for the west London club.

He has scored twice in his last three outings and opened the scoring as Fulham drew 2-2 with QPR on Saturday.



http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/16098742.tom-cairney-watford-set-to-join-west-ham-united-and-newcastle-united-in-race-for-fulham-man/

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Cottage International

Get your football fix this international break and take in a World Cup warm-up friendly between Colombia and Australia at Craven Cottage on Tuesday 27th March (8pm).

Tickets for the clash are available to buy now, priced from £25 adults and from £15 juniors.

A familiar ground for both sides, Colombia last played at Craven Cottage in November 2014, where they defeated USA 2-1. The Socceroos meanwhile, have visited London's original football club on six other previous occasions, earning five wins and a draw, their last visit in September 2014.

World-class stars James Rodriguez, Radamel Falcao and Davinson Sanchez have all been included in Colombia's squad for the upcoming international break, whilst the Australian contingent boasts a number of familiar faces including Tim Cahill, Aaron Mooy and Mile Jedinak. The squad lists for both nations are listed below in full.

Tuesday 27th March will be the first time in 17 years that Colombia and Australia will compete against each other, with an enthralling encounter expected on the banks of the River Thames.

Fans can purchase their tickets online at fulhamfc.com/tickets, by phone on 020 3871 0810, and in person from the Fulham Ticket Office, located on Stevenage Road.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/march/20/cottage-international

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Tom Cairney keen to replicate Fulham form for Scotland

Fulham skipper Tom Cairney is determined to prove his worth for Scotland by transferring his impressive club form onto the international scene.

The 27-year-old was coveted by Premier League sides in January after becoming the fulcrum of the Cottagers' own charge towards the top flight, with Fulham reportedly snubbing an £18m offer from West Ham.

Yet while he has starred at club level, the playmaker has struggled for action in a Scotland jersey, earning just one cap under previous boss Gordon Strachan in a friendly against Canada.

Speaking after his first training session with new boss Alex McLeish, Cairney said: "I've been playing well the last few seasons for Fulham.

"I'm not at my peak yet but I'm playing good football and hopefully I can carry that on with Scotland.

"I don't know what formation we are going to play but I'll just look to do what I do for my club, get on the ball, make us play and try to nick a goal when I can."

He added: "I am 27 now, I've played a lot of games and I'd like to think I could try and get a place in this team as hard as that is.

"There is a lot of very good midfield players here so we'll just see."



https://stv.tv/sport/football/1410711-tom-cairney-keen-to-replicate-fulham-form-for-scotland/

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How Fulham made club history by going 16 games unbeaten

We've taken a look back at how Fulham made club history by going 16 games unbeaten with the draw against QPR

A 2-2 draw against QPR ensured Slavisa Jokanovic's Fulham made club history by going 16 games unbeaten in the league - a run that has stretched all the way back to December 16.

Their last loss came against Sunderland in that 1-0 loss up at the Stadium of Light, which was the Black Cats first win at home in a year.

Play-offs and flirtation with the automatic spots looked a long way off their, but 12 wins and four draws later Fulham are comfortably in the top six and seven points off Cardiff City in the automatic spots.

It has been a sensational run, and we've taken a look back at just how Fulham made history, scoring 39 goals in those 16 unbeaten games.

Here's how they did it:

Fulham's 16 game unbeaten run

Fulham 2-1 Barnsley


The first of Fulham's wins came at home to Barnsley, where Sheyi Ojo gave the Whites victory after Tom Bradshaw had equalised 14 minutes after Floyd Ayite's opener.

Fulham 4-2 Cardiff City


Wales beckoned and a brilliant attacking display ensured Fulham returned home with three points. Tim Ream, Ayite, Ryan Sessegnon and Stefan Johansen all hit the target as the Whites beat third placed Cardiff.

Fulham 2-2 Hull City


It looked like it was going to be another dismal performance from Fulham, who went two goals down before the break. But a double Aboubakar Kamara strike ensured they left with a point.

Fulham 4-1 Ipswich


The first game of 2018 saw Fulham grind it out against Ipswich, but four goals in six minutes from Sessegnon and Kamara meant the home side eventually ran riot against ten-man Ipswich.

Fulham 1-0 Middlesbrough


A last-minute Oliver Norwood penalty ensured Fulham left the north east with another three points as they beat Middlesbrough 1-0. It could be said that this was where the side started to believe play-offs was really on.

Fulham 6-0 Burton


The biggest win of the run came at the Cottage as Fulham absolutely thumped Burton 6-0. Two Rui Fonte strikers, two Sessegnon hits and goals from Lucas Piazon and Kamara ensured it was a rout for the Cottagers.

Fulham 3-1 Barnsley


If Burton was a rout, Barnsley was the complete opposite. Two stoppage time goals gave Fulham three points after Liam Lindsay gave the hosts the lead, but Kevin McDonald and another two Sessegnon goals made sure the run continued.

Fulham 2-0 Nottingham Forest


Aitor Karanka brought his Forest side to the Cottage, and left with nothing. Piazon and Johansen both scored to ensured the Spaniard's new-look side went home empty handed.

Fulham 1-1 Bolton


A trip to the freezing cold Macron was next, and although Fulham didn't really click all afternoon, they left with another point. Matt Targett scored his first Fulham goal but a sublime Adam le Fondre effort rescued a point for Bolton.

Fulham 2-0 Aston Villa


The Whites embarked on their 'big six' set of fixtures and toppled Villa at the Cottage. Sessegnon scored again while Ayite also netted a wonderful 40-yard goal to ensure Fulham made up space on their rivals.

Fulham 1-1 Bristol City


Up next was Bristol City, and Fulham came through a right battle at Ashton Gate with Aleksandar Mitrovic netting for the away side. Bobby Reid equalised but it was now 11 unbeaten for Fulham.

Fulham 2-0 Wolves


The league leaders were next to get a humbling at the hands of Fulham as they beat Wolves 2-0. Sessegnon and Mitrovic hit the back of the net to make it 12 games unbeaten.

Fulham 2-1 Derby


A trip to a frozen Pride Park was next up for Fulham, but it was soon warmed up by Mitrovic, who scored again, while Sessegnon also hit the back of the net for Jokanovic's side. Tom Huddlestone made it nervy but it was a good win in the end for Fulham.

Fulham 3-0 Sheffield United


A routine win at the Cottage came in the shape of Sheffield United as Mitrovic bagged a brace, while Tom Cairney got his first goal since 2017 for the Cottages.

Fulham 2-1 Preston


The weather may have been cold, but Mitrovic was on fire. Another two goals from the Serbian ensured Fulham came away from a right battle with Preston with all three points after it looked like Sean Maguire had secured a point.

Fulham 2-2 QPR


The record fell against QPR - but not in the way Fulham will have hoped. Cairney and Piazon had given the side a 2-0 lead and looked comfortable, but a Luongo strike on the stroke of the half changed the game. Pawel Wszolek equalised for QPR in the second half - but it made it 16 unbeaten for Fulham.




https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-history-sixteen-games-unbeaten-14434284

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Matchday Mascot Competition

Win the chance to be the Socceroos matchday mascot for Colombia v Australia at Craven Cottage on Tuesday, 27th March

One lucky winner will enjoy an extremely rare opportunity to be Australia's match day mascot when they take on Colombia at Craven Cottage on Tuesday 27th March.

Match Day Mascot Package Includes:

    Pre-match stadium tour
    Two matchday tickets (which includes one ticket for the mascot and one for accompanying adult)
    Free matchday programme per person
    Leading the Socceroos out on to the pitch with the Captain
    Pre-match centre circle photo

Matchday mascot must be between 6-12 years old.

How to take part:

Step 1

Contribute £10 to Fulham FC Foundation's work in the community via JustGiving by following this link.

Contestants must be 18 years of age or older.

Step 2

Answer the following question by typing your answer in the 'message' box:

Which former Fulham FC goalkeeper is the most capped player in the history of Australian Men's football?

Step 3

Tick 'No, do not add Gift Aid'.

Entry will be invalid if Gift Aid is selected.

Step 4

Tick the box that says 'I'm happy to be contacted by Fulham Football Club Foundation'.

This is the last stage of the donation process before 'Donate now'. Without this, we won't be able to contact you if you win the contest!

Contest closes Wednesday 21st March 2018 at 11.59pm. One lucky contest winner will be contacted Thursday 22nd March 2017.

*For more information on HMRC's Gift Aid Regulations, please visit: http://just.ly/gift_aid_HMRC




http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/march/20/mascot-competition

[WhiteJC]

 
Wolves, Fulham or Brentford? Steve McClaren reveals who his favourite Championship team are

The former England manager has revealed which of the three clubs he deems to play the best football are his favourite

Former England boss Steve McClaren has revealed that he thinks the Championship have three teams that play great football, but that Fulham are his favourite.

McClaren was watching the side's 2-2 draw with QPR on Saturday as part of Sky Sports' pundits team and he revealed how impressed he has been with Fulham this season.

That draw was the 16th undefeated game in a row, which is now a club record, and McClaren has said how he loves watching Slavisa Jokanovic's side play football, and has put them above both Wolves and Brentford as his favourite team.

He said: "I love watching them play.

"We talk about three teams that play great football, Wolves, Fulham and Brentford and Fulham are my favourite team, they have been for the last two or three seasons.

"They play great football and when they're on song they're really flowing."



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/wolves-fulham-brentford-steve-mcclaren-14434799

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Fulham's Ryan Sessegnon compared to Bale, but more like Salah or Sterling

It was when he was asked who his idol was growing up that it really hit home exactly how young Fulham's Ryan Sessegnon is. "Luke Shaw," was the response, in an interview with the Daily Telegraph. Shaw, just for clarity, is 22-years-old.

Sessegnon, who has been one of the driving forces behind Fulham's increasingly fierce tilt at promotion, is not 18 until May but already has 68 first-team appearances to his name. He has started every league game this season and even in the two EFL Cup fixtures he was rested for, he came off the bench both times.

Conventional wisdom states that players this young should be eased in, not given too much too soon and certainly not asked to play the whole of a grinding Championship campaign, as their game is developing.

But with Sessegnon the only thing young about him is his age. When you watch him play you don't see someone who isn't old enough to legally buy a drink. "He's a young man who did an adult job with a lot of quality," said manager Slavisa Jokanovic in February, after Sessegnon had won the PFA's Championship Player of the Month award.

Maturity is the theme that crops up most frequently with anyone you talk to about Sessegnon.

"That's one of his major strengths," Keith Downing, who managed the England Under-19 side that Sessegnon was a part of last summer when they won the UEFA European Championship, tells ESPN FC.

"He hasn't got ahead of himself. He wants to get better but importantly has the capacity to take that on board much quicker. He's very quick to grasp instruction and opinions on the game, which shows maturity beyond his years."

That last point is the key to why Sessegnon has been so consistently good this early in his career. It is one thing having the focus and awareness that one usually associates with maturity, but it's the ability to learn quickly that has been vital. Often, if a kid like Sessegnon made his debut at 16, as he did in October 2016, and barely broke stride, it would be easy for confidence to turn into arrogance. Sessegnon has managed to avoid that.

It's even more remarkable that he's managed to do so with the distraction of swirling transfer speculation, as every big Premier League club, most prominently Tottenham and Manchester United, seem to have been credited with an interest in him. He had the opportunity to leave last summer, but chose to stay and develop at Fulham.

"I remember talking to Ryan before we went to Georgia [for the U19 European Championships], because there was massive speculation he was leaving, but he just wanted things to settle down," Downing says. "That shows maturity. He just wanted to get better at football rather than concentrate on the noise around him."

His teammates agree. "I've been asked what makes him special quite a lot lately, and I think his mindset is it," Fulham midfielder Tom Cairney told Sky Sports recently. "I remember his first game against Leeds. I thought the gaffer had made a mistake putting his name on the teamsheet but he was the best player on the pitch. Since then he's got better and better. To deal with what he has at his age..."

Furthermore, Sessegnon is doing all of this while still figuring out what his best position is. When he first entered the youth ranks he was a forward, but was eventually shifted back as coaches saw his potential as an attacking left-back. It was there he made his Fulham debut, then in January they signed left-back Matt Targett on loan from Southampton, allowing Sessegnon to play as an attacker again.


Ryan Sessegnon Craig Mercer - CameraSport via Getty Images

It's there he looks most comfortable, even if a good portion of the 14 goals he already has this season were scored from left-back. What's even more interesting is that so many of those strikes have come from inside the area. Watch his goals this season, and you'll notice that a good proportion have been the result of him arriving late into the box to finish off a team move.

That sense of timing is arguably his biggest strength: while many players in that sort of position might excel at individual goals, long runs and shots from outside the area, Sessegnon is essentially a poacher. He's a left-back turned winger with a striker's instincts.

"There is that timing, but also the athleticism to get there," says Downing.

In that respect he's a very modern footballer. Comparisons have been made to players like Gareth Bale, which are completely understandable given he's a young British player who started as a full-back but moved further forward -- as Bale did at Tottenham before moving to Real Madrid.

But in some ways he might be more similar to someone like Mohamed Salah. The Liverpool forward is having a remarkable season as a wide goal scorer, not a centre-forward but certainly not a traditional winger either, exploiting space in the box to devastating effect, as Sessegnon does. Manchester City's Raheem Sterling is similar, in the first-half of the season anyway, able to arrive in the area from wide positions at just the right time to snaffle goals.

Of course, Sessegnon is not quite of their standard yet, but the speed at which his career has progressed so far, when he's still just 17, it wouldn't be a surprise if he got there soon.



http://www.espn.co.uk/football/club/fulham/370/blog/post/3426523/fulhams-ryan-sessegnon-compared-to-balebut-more-like-salah-or-sterling

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2.1 shots per game, 4 goals: Celtic need to launch a move for this star when Musonda goes back

Despite their draw with QPR on Saturday, Fulham have had a very good season which has been built on the attacking style of play that Slavisa Jokanovic demands.

Given that, the Cottagers have a range of quality options in the final third, with Liverpool loanee Sheyi Ojo a real talented player for Fulham.

Whilst injuries have hampered his season, Ojo has still managed to score four goals from out wide and brings a lot to the team with his dribbling and ability to beat players to create goalscoring opportunities.

Yet, that's not going to be enough to see the England youth international force his way into the team at Anfield given the quality Jurgen Klopp has, so another loan move may be beneficial.

And, here at FLW we think Celtic would be the ideal destination for the player.

Firstly, Brendan Rodgers will know all about the player and what he can do having been at Liverpool whilst Ojo was working with the younger groups.

As well as that, the Celtic boss has proven himself to be excellent at developing younger players, with Raheem Sterling a prime example of a youngster who flourished under his guidance.

Even though some dismiss the standard of football in Scotland, it's phycial nature could benefit Ojo in the long-run too.

However, most importantly, playing in Europe will certainly bring his game on significantly, with the Glasgow giants having made the Champions League group stages under Rodgers twice.

Ojo may not know what his future holds but a move to Celtic could benefit all parties.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/2-1-shots-per-game-4-goals-celtic-need-to-launch-a-move-for-this-star-when-musonda-goes-back/

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Tickets | Millwall v Fulham

Millwall host Fulham in a Sky Bet Championship London derby at The Den on Friday 20th April (kick-off 7.45pm) - and tickets for the match, LIVE on Sky Sports, are now on general sale.

This game is a Category A match.

To book Family Stand Tickets please call 0844 826 2004 and select option 2. Tickets for the Family Stand are not available online.

Group Bookings are available for this match. Please call 0844 826 2004 and select option 1.

Wheelchair/Ambulant Disabled supporters need to call 0844 826 2004 and select option 1 to book tickets.

There are three easy ways to buy tickets:
* Online at www.millwalltickets.com (Booking fees apply)
* By phone on 0844 826 2004 and selecting option 2 (calls to this number will cost 7p per minute from your BT landline.  Calls from other networks may vary and from mobiles will be considerably more. Booking fees apply)
* In person at the Millwall Ticket Office



https://www.millwallfc.co.uk/news/2018/march/tickets--millwall-v-fulham/

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Steve McClaren explains why Aleksandar Mitrovic is thriving at Fulham and couldn't at Newcastle

The former Newcastle boss signed Mitrovic for the Magpies and believes Slavisa Jokanovic is succeeding where Rafa Benitez couldn't

Former Newcastle manager Steve McClaren believes Aleksandar Mitrovic needs to be 'loved' in order to get the best out of him.

McClaren signed the 23-year-old from Anderlecht in the summer of 2015 and the Serbian international, scoring five goals before the former England boss was sacked in March 2016.

'Mitro' is adored by a large section of the Magpies' support but he hasn't been able to quite hit the heights he did in Belgium, or indeed on the international stage with Serbia.

Mitrovic scored six goals in World Cup qualifying as he helped his national team win the World Cup, but he was largely third choice at Newcastle this season - behind Joselu and Dwight Gayle.

When Newcastle secured the deadline day signing of Islam Slimani from Leicester, Mitrovic was allowed to join Fulham and he has scored seven goals in his last six outings for the in-form Cottagers.

And McClaren believes that is because Slavisa Jokanovic is showing Mitrovic the love he was not getting at Newcastle.

"He came in as a young boy at Newcastle, he needs to be loved, needs to be believed in, trusted," McClaren said.


Steve McClaren and Newcastle United's Aleksandar Mitrovic (Image: AFP)

"I think Jokanovic, being Serbian, I think they've got that connection and once you get the best out of him, he's not only a good player outside the box, bringing other players into it, he scores goals."

Mitrovic cited Fulham's style of play, creating loads of chances, as the reason he is thriving in West London.

That didn't sit too well with Magpies boss Benitez who said: "We were the best team in the Championship, so I don't want people to have the wrong idea.

"We were the best in the Championship. We scored more goals than anyone - 85, like Fulham and Norwich. We conceded less goals than anyone - 40 like Brighton - so we were the best team.

"We won the title, we had more shots on target than anyone, so we were attacking, we were second for crosses, so we were attacking and crossing.

"Our style of football was very offensive and we had one key player - and that was Dwight Gayle. He scored 23 goals even when he was two months without playing. Even Daryl Murphy scored six goals.

"When we talk about that we cannot forget that we were the best team in the Championship, an attacking team, creating a lot of chances, with balance in terms of attack and defence - that is the reason why we won."



https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/steve-mcclaren-explains-aleksandar-mitrovic-14436458

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Riverside Stand Plans Approved

Fulham Football Club is delighted to announce that its plans to redevelop the Riverside Stand at Craven Cottage have been approved following a planning hearing at London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham this evening (Tuesday 20 March 2018).

Consultations with supporters and local residents were held last October at two exhibitions at Craven Cottage prior to plans being submitted in December. 

The Club's previous Riverside Stand design received planning permission in 2013 and this enhanced scheme also incorporates the opening of the riverside walk from Putney to Hammersmith, an aspect of the approved design and a major benefit to the local area, in addition to improved facilities for users on both match and non-match days.

The new stand will increase the overall capacity of Craven Cottage and the main works are expected to commence in the Summer of 2019, with a full timeline of scheduled works announced in due course.

Fulham Football Club Chairman, Shahid Khan, said:

"Our goal for a brighter future for Fulham Football Club, the neighbourhood, our borough and all of London is now at our doorstep. Tonight's news wouldn't be possible if not for supporters and local residents who believed in our vision, so I hope they will join us in celebrating what will be a new and important chapter in the history of Fulham and Craven Cottage. While there are too many people to thank, no one who helped to play a role in this process to date will ever be forgotten."

Fulham Football Club CEO, Alistair Mackintosh, added:

"We are all delighted with the outcome of the decision this evening. Craven Cottage has been the home of Fulham Football Club since 1896 and it's fantastic news for our supporters, our local community and everyone associated with the Club.

Subject to fulfilling the necessary conditions, we are excited that plans to redevelop the Riverside Stand may proceed and improve facilities available throughout the year, helping to deliver our Chairman's long-term vision of providing a world-class venue whilst safeguarding the Club's future at Craven Cottage.

We are grateful for the support, ideas, energy and inspiration of our Chairman, Mr Shahid Khan, in improving the design and bringing it to this point. Thank you also to the Fulham Supporters' Trust for their assistance and all the supporters and staff who have commented on, provided ideas for, and backed the scheme in addition to the great work by everyone involved with the project."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/march/20/riverside-stand-plans-approved

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Fulham granted planning permission for redevelopment of Riverside Stand at Craven Cottage

The plans were approved at a meeting of Hammersmith and Fulham council's planning committee

Fulham have been granted planning permission for the redevelopment of the Riverside Stand at Craven Cottage.

Hammersmith and Fulham council approved the plans at their planning committee on Tuesday March 20, which will see the existing stand demolished and replaced by a new two-tier stand that will increase the capacity to just under 29,000.

The Club's previous Riverside Stand design received planning permission in 2013 and this enhanced scheme also incorporates the opening of the riverside walk from Putney to Hammersmith, an aspect of the approved design and a major benefit to the local area, in addition to improved facilities for users on both match and non-match days.

The new stand will increase the overall capacity of Craven Cottage and the main works are expected to commence in the Summer of 2019, with a full timeline of scheduled works announced in due course.

Fulham have been granted planning permission for the redevelopment of the Riverside Stand at Craven Cottage.

Hammersmith and Fulham council approved the plans at their planning committee on Tuesday March 20, which will see the existing stand demolished and replaced by a new two-tier stand that will increase the capacity to just under 29,000.

The Club's previous Riverside Stand design received planning permission in 2013 and this enhanced scheme also incorporates the opening of the riverside walk from Putney to Hammersmith, an aspect of the approved design and a major benefit to the local area, in addition to improved facilities for users on both match and non-match days.

The new stand will increase the overall capacity of Craven Cottage and the main works are expected to commence in the Summer of 2019, with a full timeline of scheduled works announced in due course.


An artist's impression of the Riverside Stand looking from the Johnny Haynes Stand

"Subject to fulfilling the necessary conditions, we are excited that plans to redevelop the Riverside Stand may proceed and improve facilities available throughout the year, helping to deliver our Chairman's long-term vision of providing a world-class venue whilst safeguarding the Club's future at Craven Cottage.

"We are grateful for the support, ideas, energy and inspiration of our Chairman, Mr Shahid Khan, in improving the design and bringing it to this point. Thank you also to the Fulham Supporters' Trust for their assistance and all the supporters and staff who have commented on, provided ideas for, and backed the scheme in addition to the great work by everyone involved with the project."



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-granted-planning-permission-redevelopment-14437864

[WhiteJC]

 
Tom Cairney: Fulham midfielder targets Scotland berth

Tom Cairney's only cap so far came in last March's 1-1 draw at home to Canada

International friendly: Scotland v Costa Rica
Venue: Hampden Park, Glasgow Date: Friday, 23 March Kick-off: 19:45 GMT
Coverage: Listen on BBC Radio Scotland; text commentary on BBC Sport website.

Fulham captain Tom Cairney believes he can transfer his club form to international football with Scotland.

Cairney, capped once a year ago in a friendly with Canada, was called into Alex McLeish's first squad since the manager returned to the national job.

The Scots face Costa Rica at Hampden on Friday and Hungary away on Tuesday.

"I look to do what I do for my club, get on the ball and try and make us play and nick a goal if I can," said 27-year-old Cairney.

"I've been playing well the last few seasons for Fulham. I feel like I'm getting better. I feel like I'm playing good football. Hopefully, I can carry that on in Scotland.

"I'd like to think that I could try and get a place in this team, as hard as that is. There's a lot of very good midfield players here.

"To be selected in [Alex McLeish's] first squad is great. There's a lot of new faces here as well. We have got to kind of hit the ground running if we can as early as possible.

"New start. New regime. It's obviously got a good feeling to it, so hopefully we can get off to a good start on Friday."

Cairney, who has scored two goals in his last three games, believes taking on the captaincy at Fulham, where he plays with fellow Scotland squad member Kevin McDonald, has enhanced his game.

Kevin McDonald (left) is still waiting on his first Scotland cap

"I've liked the responsibility," Cairney said. "The gaffer [Slavisa Jokanovic] putting that faith in me, putting me as captain, has taken my game on to a new level.

"I've played with [Kevin McDonald] two years now and we've had good success at Fulham.

"He's a little bit more defensive than me. He protects the back four very well and he gets on the ball at the start. We know each other very well, so if we do end up playing together for Scotland then it would be okay.

"The boys finished quite strong [in the unsuccessful World Cup qualifying campaign]. We've got to carry on where we left off. We need to qualify for a major tournament and hopefully we can do that."



http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/43477299

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham should put this Blackburn Rovers player top of their summer shopping list

Fulham are looking increasingly likely to be involved in the play-offs at the end of the season and maybe, just maybe they'll find themselves in the top flight next campaign.

The play-offs are a lottery though, an end of season exhibition that delight fans but surely terrorise managers.

A whole season hinges on ninety minutes of football and, being the unpredictable and exciting game it is, anything can happen.

Teams can sneak in after languishing in the middle of the pack and suddenly win promotion from nowhere. Nothing is guaranteed.

One certainty is summer recruitment and whichever league Fulham find themselves in, they'll be bring in new faces.

It looks likely that Tom Cairney could be on the move, opening up a central midfield spot at Craven Cottage.

I couldn't think of a better player to fit the bill than Blackburn Rovers starlet Bradley Dack.

The link isn't completely random, Dack is Greenwich-born and would surely relish a move back to his native London.

He was at Charlton and Gillingham before his move up north, arguably the best move of his career.

He's thrived under Tony Mowbray, playing a key role in Rovers' resurgence.

They're hunting an immediate return to the second tier and you wouldn't dare bet against them right now.

They're top of the league and five points clear of third placed Wigan. Games in hand could still play a part, but points on the board count even more.

Dack, an attacking midfielder, has 15 goals this season and a further seven assists. To say he's been instrumental would perhaps only just do the impact he's had justice. The £750,000 they paid for him in the summer will be small change compared to the financial rewards of a return to the Championship.

Dack is still only 24 and has the best years of his career ahead of him.

He likes to play in the free role behind the two strikers, with freedom to go and pick up the ball, get into good positions and both create and score goals. He's certainly demonstrated that this season.

If Blackburn do not go up, it would surely be likely Dack could move on, and where better than back in the Big Smoke, close to family and friends?

He'd certainly fit right into Fulham's side, embracing the free-flowing football that has made them genuine contenders this season.

In my eyes, it is a perfect fit, a transfer waiting to happen.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-should-put-this-blackburn-rovers-player-top-of-their-summer-shopping-list/