Thursday Fulham Stuff (19/04/18)...

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Neil Harris: Millwall aren't overawed by anyone

Neil Harris says Millwall aren't intimidated by anyone ahead of their clash with Fulham on Friday.

The Lions host the automatic promotion hopefuls, who have not suffered a Championship defeat since December.

But Harris, whose team boasts a 17-game unbeaten league run, said: "We're not overawed by anybody and when teams have got most of the ball against us, we're not fazed at all.

"We went behind in a very hostile atmosphere last Saturday [against Sheffield United] and scored within 30 seconds of the restart.

"I think that goes to show the belief, the character and the strength in the group at the moment.

"We'll certainly need all of that on Friday night. What a great opportunity for the players to go and express themselves and enjoy it."

Fulham are battling Cardiff and Aston Villa for second spot after Wolves sealed their return to the Premier League last weekend.

Meanwhile, the Lions are in a race with Middlesbrough, Derby, Bristol City and Preston to make the play-offs.

Harris added: "It's a big test because Fulham are on a great run and they are a very, very good side.

"We've had really difficult tests all season. The opening game of the season was a really tough test because it was our first game back at this level.

"We played Wolves home and away, the best team in the league, Cardiff home and away and we stood strong against these sides. We've been in every game.

"We lost 3-0 at Derby but probably could have got something out of the game, we were the best team for the majority of it."



http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/sport/millwall/16166403.Neil_Harris__Millwall_aren___t_overawed_by_anyone/

[WhiteJC]

 
PSG Have Held 'Multiple Meetings' With Ryan Sessegnon's Representatives Over Huge Transfer

Just days after Fulham's teenage sensation Ryan Sessegnon was nominated for the PFA Young Player Of The Year award, the 17-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain.

Sessegnon, who was nominated for the prestigious award alongside the likes of Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling, has been a stand out performer in the Championship this season.

In fact, he is the first ever player outside of the top flight to be recognised for the award and clearly PSG have been watching the talented youngster in his breakthrough season at Craven Cottage.

The French club have already held multiple meetings with Sessegnon's representatives, according to reliable source Espoirs du Foot, as he battles the likes of Ruben Neves and Tom Cairney for the Championship Player Of The Year award.

Get French Football News reported on the transfer rumour earlier:

Fulham might be battling for promotion to the Premier League, but the lure of Champions League football could sway the talented left sided player in the near future, with a big money move predicted.

The left-sided winger has weighed in with 14 goals in all competitions this season.

Back in March last year, reports claimed that Liverpool won the race for the signature of Fulham's 17-year-old wonderkid, beating off competition from Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.

Those rumours quickly evaporated, though, but clubs are still chasing the youngster it seems.

Sessegnon has already drawn comparisons with a young Gareth Bale, who operated at left-back as a teenager for Southampton and then Spurs, before moving into a more prominent forward role.



http://www.sportbible.com/football/news-transfers-psg-have-held-multiple-meetings-with-ryan-sessegnons-representatives-20180418

[WhiteJC]

 
Barcelona join race for in-demand Championship star

Barcelona are the latest club to show an interest in Fulham sensation Ryan Sessegnon, The Mirror reports.

Sessegnon recently picked up five prizes at the EFL awards, including the accolade of being named as the Championship Player of the Year.

With 14 goals and six assists to his name this season, the left-back-turned-winger is inevitably attracting a lot of attention from some major clubs across Europe yet again ahead of the re-opening of the summer transfer window.

Tottenham Hotspur have been heavily linked as they seek a long term replacement for Danny Rose, while PSG have also been mentioned as a potential suitor.

But now La Liga giants Barcelona want to try to prise the 17-year-old away from Craven Cottage.

Sessegnon, who is on the shortlist for PFA Young Player of the Year, is currently in a promotion battle with Fulham as the Cottagers scrap it out with Cardiff City for the one remaining automatic promotion spot.

But there is already talk over the England under-21's long term future in West London with scouts reportedly watching him in action recently.

Barcelona are currently flying ahead at the top of La Liga and have identified Sessegnon as a top target ahead of this summer.

The Verdict

I still believe that Ryan Sessegnon will stay at Fulham if they get promoted and rightly so as he would be in a familiar environment. The next logical step in his career is to play regular games in the Premier League rather than make a big move too soon and waste away on the bench somewhere. But can any 17-year-old resist the lure of playing for Barcelona? That's a tough dilemma for the teenager.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/barcelona-join-race-for-in-demand-championship-star/

[WhiteJC]

 
Sunderland on General Sale

Be there for Fulham's final home game of the 2017/18 regular season when the Whites take on Sunderland on Friday 27th April, kick-off 7:45pm.

Junior tickets are just £5 in all areas of the ground for this game, with adult tickets from £35.

Tickets are now available on General Sale, so why not guarantee your seat at Craven Cottage today join our push for promotion!

Fans can buy online, by telephone on 0203 871 0810 (opt 2) or in person from the Fulham Ticket Office.

COYW!



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/april/18/sunderland-on-general-sale

[WhiteJC]

 
Southampton loanee Matt Targett - Moving to Fulham 'would be an option'

The full back moved to Craven Cottage on loan in January

Matt Targett has not ruled out a move to Fulham this summer but is playing his cards close to his chest.

The 22-year-old has impressed the Craven Cottage faithful since joining in January and he has enjoyed becoming an important player.


(Image: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Targett revealed last week that he had received no contact from the Saints since he moved but he hasn't ruled out a return.

He told Sky Sports : "We'll have to see. Obviously Southampton aren't in the best position in the Premier League at the moment and I'm very happy here.

"I've done well here so far and I just want that to carry on, to push on and get Fulham back in the Premier League. We'll have to wait and see what happens in the summer for both Ryan [Bertrand] and myself, potentially.

"It would certainly be an option, but it would be down to both clubs agreeing a fee. I haven't spoken to anyone at the club, so I'm fully focused on doing a job here at Fulham.

"[Automatic promotion] is going to be difficult, but it's been amazing here; coming here playing week-in week-out, feeling like an important player. The fans have been fantastic with me, too, so it's worked out to be a great move so far."

Targett also revealed how the move to the capital came about after their meeting in the FA Cup Third Round.

The full-back noted that he thought it would be good move.

He said: "We played Fulham in the FA Cup third round and I was on the bench for that," he said.

"Afterwards, the manager said to me that Fulham were very interested in me and I thought it was a great club to be at. They play some great football and are on a great run at the moment, just outside the play-offs at that point. It was an exciting moment for me.

"With Mauricio Pellegrino, he seemed to rotate his team quite a lot but not in the full-back positions, so I've had limited chances. When Ryan [Bertrand] has been fit, he's first choice and one of the first names on the teamsheet, so it has been very difficult. I just had to keep being patient, wait for January and then try to get out on loan, which I have."



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/southampton-fulham-matt-targett-transfer-14544686

[WhiteJC]

 
PFA Championship Team of the Year: Wolves & Fulham trios named in line-up

Ruben Neves is one of three players from promoted Wolves to be named in the PFA Championship Team of the Year.

Goalkeeper John Ruddy and centre-back Willy Boly are also in the line-up.

Fulham also have three inclusions - midfielder Tom Cairney, full-back Ryan Fredericks and teenager Ryan Sessegnon, who won the EFL's Championship Player of the Season award on Sunday.

Cardiff City, Norwich City, Sheffield United, Bristol City and Derby County all have one representative apiece.

The division's three leading goalscorers - Leon Clarke of Sheffield United, Matej Vydra of Derby and Bobby Reid of Bristol City - are all named in the side.

Sol Bamba has been part of the Cardiff defence which has conceded the fewest goals in the second tier this term, while Norwich midfielder James Maddison has scored 14 league goals in a wonderful breakthrough season at Carrow Road.

Leaders Wolves won promotion on 14 April and need one more point from their remaining three matches to be crowned champions, while Cardiff, Fulham and Aston Villa are all challenging for the second automatic promotion spot.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/43808543

[WhiteJC]

 
Games of interest for weekend 20-22/04
Yet another London derby, this time we travel south of the river to Championship "new boys" Millwall

21 games unbeaten, what a phenomenal run! The draw with Brentford felt like a defeat? ...and with Cardiff winning they've leap-frogged us into 2nd place however we're sure of a play-off place. Congratulations to Wolves, our draw gave them automatic promotion.

The Millwall game was always going to be the toughest of our run-in? now that they've got a play-off place they'll want to keep their impressive run of 17 unbeaten going, I'm sure Slaviša and the lards will be working hard to upset them.

The race for the top six, at least places 5 & 6 is getting interesting with Middlesborough, Millwall (currently 5th & 6th) and Derby (1 game in hand against Cardiff), Preston NE and Sheffield Utd hard on their heals any of these could be in the top 6 after Saturday's games.

other games of interest include...

FRIDAY 20TH APRIL

Millwall v Fulham

SATURDAY 21ST APRIL

Birmingham City v Sheffield Utd

Bolton v Wolves

Brentford v QPR

Cardiff v Nottm Forest

Derby v Middlesbrough

Ipswich v Aston Villa

Preston NE v Norwich



COYWs



http://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=147

[WhiteJC]

 
PFA Team of the Season

Ryan Fredericks, Ryan Sessegnon and Tom Cairney have been named in the PFA Championship Team of the Season.

Voted for by their peers, it is the second year in a row in which Sessegnon and Cairney have received the accolade, while it marks a worthy recognition for Fredericks who has contributed seven assists from right-back in 2017/18.

It follows on from the trio already being named in the EFL equivalent Team of the Season.

Promoted Wolverhampton Wanderers also have three players in the PFA team; John Ruddy in goal, Willy Boly in defence, and Ruben Neves in midfield.

Cardiff City's Sol Bamba takes the other centre-back spot, while James Maddison of Norwich City takes his place in midfield alongside Cairney and Neves.

The division's current top scorers make up the front line, with Matej Vydra (Derby County), Bobby Reid (Bristol City) and Leon Clarke (Sheffield United) occupying the three forward positions.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/april/18/pfa-team-of-the-season

[WhiteJC]

 
English football winter break 'agreed in principle' for 2020

The FA, Premier League and EFL are close to agreement over the introduction of a winter break, Sky Sports News understands.

The FA council were being briefed on Wednesday on the progress of talks which were prompted by FA chief executive Martin Glenn almost two years ago.

Sky Sports News understands the majority of planned changes are agreed in principle - with the first break pencilled in for January and February in 2020.

If agreed, one round of Premier League matches would be played over two weeks, giving clubs a break from league action.

In return, the FA Cup fifth round will be played in midweek, with extra-time and penalties replacing replays.

It is also understood that some members of the FA council are unhappy they have not played a bigger part in negotiations, with talks having been carried out at board level.

Teams on a break from league action would be allowed to travel abroad for training camps.

However, money-making tours in the US or Far East would not be received so well.



http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/11336411/english-football-winter-break-agreed-in-principle-for-2020

[WhiteJC]

 
Transfer gossip: Arsenal now linked with Fredericks

Some of the recent transfer speculation involving Fulham...

Arsenal are the latest club to be linked with Ryan Fredericks.

The Sun claim Arsenal have been watching the right-back and want to sign him at the end of the season, when his Fulham contract expires.

The Mail recently claimed West Ham are considering a move for Fredericks, who has been discussing a new deal at Craven Cottage.

Hammers boss David Moyes recently attended a Fulham game, prompting speculation about who he might be interested in.

As a result, Moyes has recently also been linked with Fulham's Tom Cairney, keeper Marcus Bettinelli and on-loan striker Aleksandar Mitrović.

Speculation over Cairney's future

Leicester and Newcastle plan to battle it out for the signing of Cairney this summer, The Sun has claimed.

The Sun said Fulham face the prospect of losing Cairney as well as Ryan Sessegnon if they do not win promotion back to the Premier League this season.

Newcastle have previously shown an interest in the Scotland international and have been tipped to move for him, and it's claimed Leicester are also keen.

The Mirror  recently claimed Cairney will be allowed to leave for £20m if the Whites fail to win promotion.

The Mirror declared this will "spark a race" for the Scotland international and will interest West Ham, Watford and Newcastle.

Sessegnon speculation also continues

Speculation also continues over the future of Fulham youngster Sessegnon.

Tottenham have long been interested in the teenager and are hoping to agree a deal to sign him this summer, while a number of other Premier League clubs have been linked with him.

The Sun have claimed that Sessegnon, 17, could reject a move away  if Fulham win promotion to the Premier League.

The Sun previously claimed Manchester United are ready to pay £40m in order to land Sessegnon.

The newspaper quoted 'an Old Trafford source' as saying: "The club have been keeping tabs on him and the reports back are fantastic.

"He is even being compared to Gareth Bale at the same stage of his career. He has all the attributes.

"He is quick and has an eye for goal. Jose has been impressed with him and he will be a star."



http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/football-fredericks-arsenal-linked-1804018

[WhiteJC]

 
Arsene Wenger weighing up deal to sign Fulham star Ryan Fredericks on a free transfer

Ryan Fredericks has enjoyed a superb season at Fulham (Picture: Getty)

Arsene Wenger is keen for Arsenal to pursue a summer deal for Fulham defender Ryan Fredericks, reports say.

Right-back Fredericks has developed into a key player for the Cottagers since signing from Bristol City in 2015, playing almost 100 games for the club.

The 25-year-old was named in the PFA Championship Team of the Year on Wednesday and has attracted attention from a number of Premier League sides.

The Sun say Gunners boss Wenger is looking at the possibility of striking a deal for Fredericks, who will be out of contract come the summer.

Arsenal signed Aaron Ramsey and Rob Holding from the Championship and scouts from the Emirates have been impressed by defender Fredericks in Fulham's promotion push.

West Ham are said to be keen to secure his signature but Arsenal are firmly in the mix, with Wenger looking for competition and cover for Hector Bellerin.

Fredericks' form has helped Fulham climb to third in the Championship – they could still secure an automatic play-off spot if Cardiff falter.

Fredericks started his career at Tottenham, playing four first-team games after graduating through the academy, and was one of three Fulham players in the PFA Team of the Year.

Arsenal, who are sixth in the Premier League, are also considering a move for Norwich City ace James Maddison.



http://metro.co.uk/2018/04/18/arsene-wenger-weighing-deal-sign-fulham-star-ryan-fredericks-free-transfer-7477332/

[WhiteJC]

 
Look closer to home: 4 English players that Fulham should launch transfer bids for

Being a Fulham fan right now must be so much fun.

Arguably the most exciting teenager in the country is at the club, they're right up there for a Premier League return and they play wonderful football.

If the season were another ten games long, Fulham would likely finish top two.

Their form has been nothing short of sensational, with all of the players working hard and pointing in the same direction.

Whether it is Ryan Fredericks at the back, Ryan Sessegnon wherever he finds himself or Tom Cairney acting as the team's beating heart, they've found a formula that works.

Even if this season they fall short, there's surely every chance they'll be back amongst the top four next campaign also.

The side has been built around a very English spine, even with loan players such as Sheyi Ojo or keeper Marcus Bettinelli. They added talent from other nationalities here and there, Aleksandar Mitrovic perhaps the most effective, but the team has a very English feel to it.

With that in mind, we've scoured the football world to come up with four English players we think would add value to the current Fulham side, be it at the top of the Championship or upon a Premier League return.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/look-closer-to-home-4-english-players-that-fulham-should-launch-transfer-bids-for/

[WhiteJC]

 
Millwall boss Neil Harris warns Fulham to prepare for hostile Den atmosphere

Millwall manager Neil Harris has warned Fulham they will need to deal with an intimidating atmosphere and have the stomach for battle at The Den on Friday night.

The London rivals meet in a crucial game in the race for the Premier League, with Millwall bidding for a play-off place and Fulham chasing automatic promotion.

The Den is renowned for its hostile environment created by a sold-out home crowd and Harris has said opposition players "sink or swim" in the atmosphere.

Ryan Sessegnon, 17, will play for the first time since being named Championship Player of the Year and EFL Young Player of the Year and he and his Fulham team-mates have been told to expect a fiery reception.

"The Den can be a hostile environment and an intimidating place to play," said Harris.

"Not for my players. My players are going to thrive off it and enjoy it. That is down to the opposition to deal with it in the best way they can.

"We have seen a lot of teams over the years struggle. I hope it gives us that added edge to be able to impose ourselves on the game.

"I know when The Den is full and it is rocking we are a very difficult club to stop in that scenario. Players sink or swim, my players will be swimming. They will be flying.

"It is your home environment and you want it to make your players produce their best. It has certainly done that in the past few years. We have got the best performances out of the players when The Den has been alight."

Harris added: "Ryan Sessegnon's talent is there for all to be seen. I certainly hope he is playing in the Premier League next year because that will benefit the England team in the future. It is going to be a challenge to stop him and his  team-mates on Friday."

Friday's game is between the top form sides in England, with Millwall unbeaten in 17 matches while Fulham have not lost in 21 games

Harris has done a remarkable job at Millwall and Burnley boss Sean Dyche says the 40-year-old should be named Manager of the Year ahead of Pep Guardiola.

Harris said: "Dychey, because we talk, he knows where we are at. I think there are seven or eight teams in the four divisions who deserve a special mention. It is very kind when people talk about us as one of those team.

"I am the first to heap praise on what Dychey has done at Burnley, what John Coleman has done at Accrington and what Paul Hurst has done at Shrewsbury.

"But there are a lot of teams at the top, Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, Nuno Espirito Santo at Wolves, Nathan Jones at Luton. Just because they have got the biggest budgets, it is just as important they achieve."



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/millwall-boss-neil-harris-warns-fulham-to-prepare-for-hostile-den-atmosphere-a3817341.html

[WhiteJC]

 
The Tony Gale Column

Saturday was a frustrating one because we were so close to getting a huge three points. It felt like a defeat because the equaliser came so late in the game, but the momentum isn't broken, we are still undefeated. We keep waxing lyrical about Aleksandar Mitrović and that goal from him was one of his best. It was a really good finish that deserved to be a match winner, but we need to move on from that. We're involved in a situation now where we've got to try and win the last three games and hope other teams slip up, but that can happen.

We've got to get the disappointment out of our minds and come right out the traps in the next game at Millwall. If we give them the sense that we're nervy, then they're a direct team who will press in on us and try and make it an uncomfortable evening for us. Millwall will play to their strengths. I don't think we'll see that pitch watered on Friday night. It's going to be on the back of a few dry days so it will be firming up a bit and getting a little bit bobbly. You've got to play to the conditions and sometimes those conditions won't suit us.

I'm really looking forward to it. I'm going, I'm sitting in the Fulham end up in the top tier. I'm going to go there and enjoy it. You play all season to set up games like these, and we need to take the game to Millwall. The last few matches we haven't played as fluidly or as well as we had previously in our good run. The reason for that is that teams are giving us the respect that we deserve, and they're trying to counter what we do by pressing in, stopping us from playing, and basically making it really difficult for us. We've got to counter that, we've got to get wise to it.

The Fulham fans have been travelling in their droves to watch the boys play, and we'll have a bumper crowd at the Den as well. It's a good old atmosphere over there, believe you me. Because they're in the running for the Play-Offs, they're getting big attendances now, as you can see by them selling out for Friday night. It's just a shame from our point of view that Millwall didn't see fit to give Fulham the bottom tier which would have made the atmosphere even better, because we certainly could have filled it with our fans.

One plus to come out of last weekend was all the recognition Ryan Sessegnon received. He absolutely cleaned up at the EFL Awards, winning everything he was nominated for. Player of the Season was the big one, and everyone at Fulham should be incredibly proud that he claimed that trophy.

Not just that, he also became the first player outside the top flight to be in contention for PFA Young Player of the Year. That is huge. I'm going to the awards ceremony on Sunday so I'll be first on my feet to applaud the young man. Normally the people nominated for these are at the biggest clubs, but it's great that Ryan's broken the trend. He's so humble, though, that we know he's more concerned with promotion with Fulham than he is personal accolades. Nobody is in any doubt that he's going to put everything else out of his mind and give us some performances in the games coming up. I've seen him do a few interviews lately and he's come across really well and seems to have kept his feet on the ground, and I'm sure that will continue.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/april/18/the-tony-gale-column

[WhiteJC]

 
Newcastle must enter the race for Fredericks

Newcastle United must do everything in their power to sign Fulham's Ryan Fredericks in the summer as the talented defender could be the biggest bargain of the window.

The Sun reported on Wednesday that Arsenal have joined the race for the 25-year-old's signature, alongside West Ham, as the right-back could be available for free at the end of the season.

The newspaper claim that Fredericks is yet to agree a new deal with Fulham, despite his current contract expiring at the end of June.

The 25-year-old has been in sensational form this season, and is one of the reasons why the Cottagers could still win promotion from the Championship this season.

Fredericks has made 42 appearance for Fulham this season, and was named in the PFA's Championship Team of the Year as reported by the BBC.

If the Cottagers fail to secure a place in the Premier League next season, it's clear that the 25-year-old would jump at the opportunity to join a club in the top-flight if one made him an offer.

The Magpies should be the side to come in and pluck him out of the Championship, if Fulham fail in their quest to reach the Premier League.

Fredericks has blistering pace and has the ability to play clever passes in order to help his side go on the attack.

Rafa Benitez's side have already benefited this season from having a talented left-back capable of bursting down the wing and providing excellent crosses, in the form of Kenedy.

However while the Magpies' current option at right-back, DeAndre Yedlin has bags of pace, his crossing in particular needs a lot of work.

Fredericks could easily replace Yedlin in the Magpies' team next season, and create goalscoring opportunities for his new teammates.

The 25-year-old demon has grabbed nine assists in 42 outings this season for Fulham, and could easily use his pace to get even more in the Premier League for the Magpies during the next campaign.

Therefore given Fredericks' talent and how it could potentially make a positive impact at St James' Park, the Magpies should go all out to get his signature in the summer.



https://thisisfutbol.com/2018/04/blogs/premier-league/newcastle-must-enter-the-race-for-fredericks/

[WhiteJC]

 
Matt Targett says he could leave Saints this summer

Matt Targett has been speaking about his future and what will happen after his loan move at Fulham, as per Sky Sports News.

Targett was loaned from Southampton to Craven Cottage in the January transfer window after making only two appearances for the Saints during the first half of the season.

These two appearances were the 1-1 home draw to Huddersfield and the 5-2 loss at Wembley to Tottenham Hotspur.

However, since his move to the Championship, he has performed excellently and has been crucial to the Cottagers going over 20 games unbeaten in their fight to gain an automatic promotion spot.

Still  only 22 years old, Targett has a bright future ahead of him, and has been part of a defence which has conceded just eight goals in 15 appearances for Fulham.

He has also had a huge impact on Fulham's wonderkid Ryan Sessegnon. The 17-year-old has pushed forward since Targett's arrival, scoring 14 goals this season, attracting attention from huge Premier League clubs such as Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham.

In a recent interview, Targett said (via Sky Sports News):

Obviously Southampton aren't in the best position in the Premier League at the moment and I'm very happy here. I've done well here so far and I just want that to carry on, to push on and get Fulham back in the Premier League. It would certainly be an option (permanently moving to Fulham), but it would be down to both clubs agreeing a fee.



http://readsouthampton.com/2018/04/18/matt-targett-says-he-could-leave-saints-this-summer/

[WhiteJC]

 
New Deals for Fossey & Davies

The Club is delighted to announce that Academy defensive duo Marlon Fossey and Aron Davies have signed contract extensions with the Club.

Fossey's contract ties him to Fulham until the summer of 2020, with a Club option of a further year.

The right-back moved from Jersey when he was 11 years old to join the Club's Academy after being spotted in a youth tournament.

Even when he was an Under-18 last season, Fossey had been a regular in Peter Grant's Under-23 squad.

Last February he won the Under-20 CONCACAF Championship with teammate Luca de la Torre, having played every minute for the United States.

"I'm feeling great," Fossey commented on his new deal. "It's a good feeling, certainly another milestone in my career. I set this target out a couple of years ago and it's a good feeling to achieve it.

"I'm happy Fulham have shown loyalty and interest in me considering I was out with an injury for a long period of time. I'm excited to get stuck back in, next season is the season."

Tony Khan added: "I'm excited to have Marlon with us at the Club for another two years.

"He is a fantastic player who has shown great personal and professional strength to battle back from recent injuries, and I'm thrilled he will continue his development at Fulham. We all believe he has a bright future here."

Davies' contract ties him to the Club until the summer of 2019, also with a Club option for a further year.

Davies joined Fulham from Bristol City in 2015 as a left-sided centre half.

Now at 20 years old, the Welsh youth international has been Peter Grant's Captain for the Under-23s this term.

"I'm over the moon," commented Davies on signing his new deal.

"I've had a great three and a half years at the Club so far and I'm thrilled to have a new contract and kick on from here.

"I think as soon as Peter Grant gave me the captaincy, my confidence grew because of that trust he's had in me leading the boys. I'm just looking forward to carrying on next season."

Academy Director Huw Jennings added: "I'm pleased for Aron, he has overcome a few challenges during the first contract and we have extended his agreement.

"It's now time that Aron shows he can step up to play senior football, and we will be looking for opportunities for him in the next six months. Hopefully he can go from the base he has created here and go on to establish a good career for himself."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/april/18/new-deals-for-fossey-and-davies

[WhiteJC]

 
Gareth Southgate set to fast-track Ryan Sessegnon into England squad... but only after 2018 World Cup

    Gareth Southgate is a huge admirer of 17-year-old Ryan Sessegnon
    England boss wants him to be playing top-flight football before England call-up
    Southgate wants to give Adam Lallana time to prove his fitness for World Cup

England manager Gareth Southgate wants to fast-track Ryan Sessegnon into his post-World Cup plans.

The Fulham flyer has undoubtedly got a big international future ahead of him, with Southgate a huge admirer of the talented 17-year-old.

And Southgate has already earmarked the teenager for a place in his squad for after the World Cup, provided Sessegnon is playing Premier League football.


Ryan Sessegnon could be handed a first senior England cap after this summer's World Cup


England boss Gareth Southgate is a huge admirer of the talented 17-year-old winger

Fulham have a chance of regaining their top-flight status this season, with Sessegnon set to stay at Craven Cottage if Slavisa Jokanovic's team gain promotion.

Even if Fulham fail in their promotion tilt, Sessegnon is almost certain to be inundated with offers from the Premier League's elite given his status as one of the best youngsters in Europe.

Southgate recognises Sessegnon's immense talent but wants the youngster to have experience of top-flight football before selecting the versatile left-footer.

Meanhwhile, Southgate wants to give Adam Lallana as much time as possible to prove his fitness ahead of naming the World Cup squad.


The highly-rated teenager took home five gongs at the Championship awards night on Sunday


Southgate wants Sessegnon to have top-flight experience before he earns England call-up

Liverpool midfielder Lallana has flown to South Africa to undergo an intensive rehabilitation programme for a hamstring injury in a battle to be fit for Russia.

Lallana is facing an uphill battle to make the squad because he is struggling to play before the end of the season.

Southgate will make regular checks on Lallana, who would be central to his plans if fit, between now and the end of the season.


Adam Lallana will be given as much time as possible to prove his fitness for the World Cup



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-5630493/Ryan-Sessegnon-fast-tracked-England-squad-World-Cup.html#ixzz5D65TlwxL
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Signing Session

Come on down to the Stadium Store on Tuesday 24th April (5pm-6.30pm) for the chance to meet three First Team Fulham players.

The boys in question will be confirmed in due course, and will be around for approximately 90 minutes to sign autographs and pose for photographs with fans.

What's more, during the signing session you can pick an adult shirt for £30 or a kids shirt for £25, with free name and number printing if you choose one of the players in attendance.

Make sure you arrive early to avoid disappointment!



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/april/18/signing-session

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Stats behind teenage superstar Ryan Sessegnon

Championship Player of the Season, the first PFA Young Player of the Year nominee outside the top flight, a target for every major club and reportedly under consideration for a place in England's World Cup squad this summer – not bad for a 17-year-old.

It's been a whirlwind season for Fulham's Ryan Sessegnon, who swept up at the Championship's end-of-season awards ceremony recently. The teenage sensation has built on the confidence of being given his first-team debut last term to become the Cottagers' key player.

The Whites are pushing for a return to the Premier League and the goals, verve and creativity of their young full-back-cum-winger are giving thrust to their engine.

Believed to be a top transfer target for Manchester United, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and many more, one way or another, it's almost certain Sessegnon will be playing Premier League football next term, regardless of whether Fulham go up.

And looking at his statistics for the current campaign, it's easy to see why the England Under-21 international is the apple of every major club's eye.

His 14 Championship goals this term have come at an incredible rate of 0.33 per 90 minutes, meaning, despite spending a significant chunk of his time at left-back, Sessegnon is bagging a goal every three games on average.

What's more, despite his wide starting position, 13 of his 14 strikes have come from inside the penalty area, with 11 of those within a central zone. Although his starting position is as a winger, the teenager is incredibly adept at getting into scoring positions and finishes ruthlessly.

Sessegnon's goals per 90 average also rank him sixth among Championship players aged 21 and under, while his 0.14 assists per 90 is tenth – he is the only teenager in the top ten of each category.

He is the 15th-ranking player aged 21 or under for open-play key passes per 90 in the Championship, and fifth for big chances created per 90.

Perhaps the most surprising of Sessegnon's statistics for the season is that he has played an incredible 3,771 minutes for Fulham, with only 20 Championship players, of any age, seeing more game time.

While it is impressive that one so young has been relied upon so much at senior level, it may also be slightly concerning that he has played this many minutes so early in his career – of all the outfield players to have featured more regularly in the Championship this term, Millwall's George Saville, 24, is the youngest.

With burnout a concern, a gradual introduction to the Premier League, whenever he gets there and with whichever club, might benefit the 17-year-old's longevity.

For now, though, Sessegnon is showing no signs of needing a rest. And if Gareth Southgate is looking for a wildcard for the World Cup, he'll be ready.



https://www.footballwhispers.com/blog/stats-behind-teenage-superstar-ryan-sessegnon?utm_medium=affiliates&utm_source=news-now