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Tuesday Fulham Stuff (15/05/18)...

Started by WhiteJC, May 14, 2018, 07:10:58 PM

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WhiteJC

 
Play-Off Final Information

Following Fulham's Play-Off Semi-Final victory over Derby County this evening and subsequent progression to the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Final, the Whites will be facing either Aston Villa or Middlesbrough at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 26th May, kick-off 5pm.

The Club will be allocated 38,144 tickets for the Final, with Fulham supporters located in the East End of Wembley Stadium.

We are able to confirm the ticket price categories for this match, which are divided into five pricing sections. Each category has a concession rate for 17-21 years, over 65s, and juniors aged 16 and under:


Category Adult 17-21 Years Over 65 / 16 and Under
1 £98 £73.50 £38
2 £76 £57 £49
3 £64 £48 £32
4 £52 £39 £26
5* £36 £27 £18
*Only available in Level 5 (top tier of Wembley Stadium)



Supporters are advised that tickets located in Level 5 (top tier) will be sold last, and will only become available once Levels 1 & 2 have sold out. Tickets are sold from North to South, with all rows numbered low to high – i.e. Row 1 is nearest the pitch. All price categories will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis and are subject to availability.

Aside from wheelchair disabled tickets and coach travel, there will be no sales from the Fulham Ticket Office for this match.

Instead, all supporters must purchase tickets directly from Ticketmaster, who will be selling tickets for this match on behalf of the Club. Fans are also advised that the Fulham Ticket Office will be closed on Tuesday 15th May.
On-Sale Dates

Tickets for the Sky Bet Championship Final will go on sale with exclusive priority windows, subject to availability, as follows:

    10am, Wednesday 16th May - 2017/18 Season Ticket Holders – maximum 5 tickets per person
    10am, Thursday 17th May - 2018/19 Season Ticket Holders – maximum 5 tickets per person
    10am, Saturday 19th May – 2017/18 Members – maximum 5 tickets per person
    10am, Sunday 20th May - supporters with a previous Booking History – maximum 5 tickets per person

Family Area – There is a designated Family Area for Fulham supporters at Wembley Stadium, located in Blocks 105 to 108 – approx. 1,700 seats, price categories 3 and 4 - in the East End of the Stadium. Tickets in this area will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis, only to fans purchasing adult tickets with junior 16 years and under tickets.

Wheelchair Disabled Tickets - A number of Wheelchair and Personal Assistant tickets are available. These can be purchased directly from the Fulham Ticket Office phone line, and not from Ticketmaster. Supporters must call 0203 871 0810 (opt. 3) between Monday - Friday, 9am-5pm. The price charge to wheelchair patrons is equivalent to the relevant price for the area in which they're situated, with their personal assistants gaining access free of charge. Please note, proof of disability will need to be provided at the point of sale, if this has not previously been provided.

Ambulant Disabled Tickets – These can be purchased directly from Ticketmaster on 0333 003 5942 between Monday - Friday, 9am-5pm and Saturday – Sunday, 10am-2pm.

Coach Travel – A limited number of coaches will be available for supporters to purchase, departing from both Motspur Park and Craven Cottage. Prices will be £15 and £5 for adult and junior Season Ticket Holders respectively, and £18 and £8 for adult and junior non-Season Ticket Holders. Coach Travel can be purchased from the Fulham Ticket Office on 0203 871 0810 (opt. 3), between Monday - Friday, 9am-5pm.

Booking Fees - A £2.40 per ticket booking fee applies to all tickets, along with a £2.40 transaction fee per booking.

Postage – All tickets will be sent via First Class Post as standard, alternatively supporters can request Recorded Delivery at an additional charge.

No more than ten (10) tickets are permitted in any one transaction for supporters wishing to group tickets and be sat next to fellow Season Ticket Holders.

How to Buy

By phone: via Ticketmaster on 0844 453 9063 (closes daily at 8pm Monday-Friday and 6pm on weekends)

Calls cost 7p per minute plus your telephone company's access charge.

Online: www.eticketing.co.uk/fulhamfc (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)

In order to purchase tickets online, supporters will need to log in to their accounts.

Fans are reminded that tickets will not be available to purchase over the counter from the Fulham Ticket Office at Craven Cottage.

Important Information

Hospitality – Fans wishing to purchase Hospitality packages for Sky Bet Championship Final are required to buy directly from the Fulham FC Sales Team from 10am on Wednesday 16th May. Supporters interested in purchasing can call 0203 871 0810 (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm) or email [email protected]

Ticketmaster Customer Service – for all enquiries regarding match tickets, fans can contact a dedicated Ticketmaster enquiry line on 0333 003 5935 (lines open Monday – Friday, 9am-5pm). Calls are charged at a local rate. Please note, you will not be able to purchase tickets from this number.

16 Years and Under – All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Babies – Babies/babies in arms will be allowed entry but must have a valid ticket for themselves.

Client Reference Number – This is a unique digit number printed onto supporters' Season Ticket Cards or match tickets. If in doubt of their number, supporters need to contact the Ticketmaster enquiry line on 0333 003 5935 (lines open Monday – Friday, 9am-5pm).

Parking – Parking for supporters and supporters' coaches can be purchased via www.wembleyofficialparking.com or 0208 903 6966. Coach parking is charged at £65.00 per coach and car parking is charged at £30.00 per car. Blue badge holders can purchase parking at a cost of £15 per space.

No Resale Of Tickets – It is an offence under Section 166 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, for any unauthorised person to sell tickets.

Fulham Football Club is carrying out the ticket selling instructions of Wembley Stadium and The EFL. All ticket sales are final and non-transferable/refundable. All sales are subject to the Football League and Wembley Stadium conditions of issue and ground regulations. Fans wishing to view the full terms and conditions of any EFL Conditions of Sale and Wembley National Stadium Limited (WNSL) Ground Regulations can find out more information by clicking here.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/may/14/play-off-final-information

WhiteJC

 
Fulham beat Derby to reach Championship play-off final

Fulham ended their play-off hoodoo in style by coming from behind to beat Derby 2-0 and put themselves one win away from the Premier League.

The Cottagers had not won any of their previous seven play-off ties, including Friday's Championship semi-final first leg, but second-half goals from Ryan Sessegnon and Denis Odoi overturned a one-goal deficit at Craven Cottage and sent them to Wembley.

Sessegnon, tipped for a potential summer move to a big club, will take the headlines but it was an all-out attacking display from Slavisa Jokanovic's men, who were worthy winners.

Fulham, who have only lost twice since December 16, will now meet either Aston Villa or Middlesbrough at the national stadium on May 26 and are 90 minutes away from a first return to the Premier League since 2014.

The Rams would have wanted to put up more of a fight and they are condemned to an 11th successive season in the second tier.

After a disappointing night at Pride Park on Friday, Fulham were desperate to wipe out their deficit as quickly as possible and they could not have wished for a better chance in only the eighth minute.

The Cottagers showcased their attacking speed as they broke from a Derby corner with Aboubakar Kamara squaring for Sessegnon but the 17-year-old first touch was not great and his shot was too close to Scott Carson, who palmed behind for a corner.

Aleksandar Mitrovic took a while to get into the game, but he soon became a threat and was within inches of an opener 10 minutes before half-time when he superbly turned Curtis Davies on the edge of the area and curled just wide.

The only reason Fulham did not go into half-time at least a goal to the good is due to the heroics of Carson, who pulled off three top drawer saves in the space of five minutes.

First he blocked Kamara's swerving shot, then tipped over Ryan Fredericks' dipping effort before saving the best until last when he miraculously kept out Mitrovic's powerful header.

Carson, though, was finally breached just two minutes after the restart as Sessegnon struck.

A long ball in was beautifully chested down by Stefan Johansen to Sessegnon, who showed composure to slash the ball high past Carson.

The onslaught continued and 19 minutes later the hosts found the goal that put Wembley in sight when Odoi climbed highest from a corner to head home into the far corner.

Having turned the tie in their favour Fulham looked for the goal that would have put it to bed and Kamara had the chance as he beat an on-rushing Carson to the ball, but instead of trying to score he shamelessly dived in an attempt to get the goalkeeper sent off and was the one who was shown a card.

That did not bother the home side too much, though, as their game management was impressive, failing to allow Derby to mount any serious pressure.

The negotiated six nervous minutes of added time to spark a celebratory pitch invasion.



http://www.itv.com/news/2018-05-14/fulham-beat-derby-to-reach-championship-play-off-final/

WhiteJC

 
Newcastle United Striker In Dilemma To Find His Right Destination: Will He Start For Fulham Next Term?

Fulham might have suffered a 1-0 loss to Derby County in the First Leg of the promotion playoffs but this does not take away the incredible campaign they had till now. Third in the league and just 2 points shy of the automatic promotion spots is something to be applauded.

Slaviša Jokanović has made some of the best moves throughout the regular season and one of them has been Alexandar Mitrovic's loan signing from Newcastle United.

The Serbian arrived at Craven Cottage in January and immediately hit the ground running. He has scored 12 times in his 17 Championship appearances and is already a crowd favourite.

It was a refreshing surprise to see the 23-year-old turn his bad run of form to such eye-catching standards in the English second division. He finally feels at home with the club and could very well be on his way to a permanent move, if Rafael Benitez agrees to the switch.

However, that might prove to be a real hiccup as the Magpies manager remains keen on signing more players in the coming summer window. Newcastle have miraculously climbed their way up to the 10th spot of the Premier League table after spending the majority of the season near the relegation scraps.

Benitez has successfully taken out three loan signings from the winter transfer window and boosted the team to get out of the relegation worries. He has also warned the United ownership about his future intentions with the club.

The former Real Madrid boss understands that maybe a similar result could not be achieved in the coming season if financial backing is not provided by the hierarchy. He has demanded for more quality players and almost countless times Mike Ashley has ignored his concerns.

If a similar scenario occurs in the months of July and August, Benitez will have to dive into his own books and try to scavenge something out of what he has. Mitrovic is certainly a gleaming gem in the pile of dirt who could answer a majority of his problems next season.

Dwight Gayle has struck out in front of goal this season, managing just 5 goals and 4 assists in his 37 appearances for United. He might be impactful in other aspects of the game but Benitez needs his number nine to score more goals.

Islam Slimani was brought in from Leicester City to provide a different dynamic to the Magpies attack but even he turned out to be a Tyneside flop. Mitrovic is coming off a wonderful run of form which he will look to carry over to St James' Park next season.

Fulham will either have to pay an astronomical rate to get him this summer or just accept the fact that Mitrovic will be returning to his parent club.



http://the4thofficial.net/2018/05/newcastle-united-striker-dilemma-find-right-destination-will-start-fulham-next-term/


WhiteJC

 
Aleksandar Mitrovic is on his way to Wembley

Victory at Craven Cottage on Monday night means Aleksandar Mitrovic and Fulham are on their way to Wembley for the play-off final.

Aleksandar Mitrovic will be lining up at Wembley later this month.
The Newcastle loan striker didn't get on the scoresheet but played a full part as Fulham won 2-0 at Craven Cottage to win their Championship play-off semi-final.

Trailing 1-0 to Derby County from the first leg, Aleksandar Mitrovic was unlucky to see a first half header brilliantly saved by Scott Carson.

However, two minutes after the break, Fulham opened the scoring on the night and levelled the tie, Sessegnon getting the goal.

Denis Odoi then scored the crucial winning goal on 66 minutes when heading home from a corner.


Fulham completely dominated and by the end of the game it was 10 v 1 when it came to efforts on target.

Mitro coming close to adding a third in the later stages.

The two goals were enough though and Fulham will play either Aston Villa or Middlesbrough for a place in the Premier League next season.

They meet at Villa Park on Tuesday night and Villa lead 1-0 from the first leg.

A bit of a football fest on Saturday 26 May.

The Championship play-off final kicks off at 5pm at Wembley and then 7.45pm, the Champions League final kicks off in Kiev, between Real Madrid and Liverpool. If the play-off final goes to extra-time then it will almost be clashing with that game in the Ukraine.

Good luck to Aleksandar Mitrovic and Fulham in that play-off final, not difficult to favour them anyway when the alternative is Villa or Middlesbrough.



https://www.themag.co.uk/2018/05/aleksandar-mitrovic-way-wembley-newcastle-united-fulham/

WhiteJC

 
Aleksandar Mitrovic: "This is the reason I came here"

Aleksandar Mitrovic said that he was "so proud and so happy" after helping Fulham reach the Championship playoff final.

The Cottagers entered the second leg of their Championship playoff semi-final trailing 1-0 to Derby County, but turned things around on home soil to record a 2-1 aggregate success.

Mitrovic joined Fulham on loan from Newcastle United during the January transfer window, and the centre-forward has netted 12 Championship goals in the second half of the campaign.

The 23-year-old has said that such occasions was 'the reason he decided to join Fulham'.

"This is the reason I came here. It is unbelievable. I think we deserve to get promoted as we play good football and created chances. I am so proud and so happy," Mitrovic told Sky Sports News.

Fulham will face either Aston Villa or Middlesbrough in the Championship playoff final on May 26.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/news/mitrovic-this-is-the-reason-i-came-here_325933.html

WhiteJC

 
EFL Play-Offs: Sessegnon and Odoi fire Fulham to Wembley


Second-half strikes from Ryan Sessegnon and Denis Odoi saw Fulham overturn their one-goal deficit to Derby County and claim a place in the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Final.

A hectic first-half played out at Craven Cottage, as both sides saw chances go amiss. The hosts went closest though, Aleksandar Mitrovic saw his point-blank header turned away by Rams stopper Scott Carson to ensure it was goalless at the break.

Slavisa Jokanovic must have laid on a hell of a half-time speech, as his side came out firing after the interval, and it didn't take them long to break the deadlock.

Mitrovic cushioned a Matt Targett cross to the feet of Sessegnon, and the Championship Player of the Season obliged with a fine finish into the roof of the net.

Fulham were then on the hunt for the second, and tie-clinching goal. It came just after the hour mark, and from the unlikliest of sources.

Denis Odoi nodded home a fine front-post header, sent the fans into raptures, and his team to Wembley.



https://www.efl.com/news/2018/may/efl-play-offs-sessegnon-and-odoi-fire-fulham-to-wembley/


WhiteJC

 
When is the Championship Play-Off Final 2018? Date, tickets, venue, start time, kick-off

Fulham ended their play-off hoodoo in style by coming from behind to beat Derby 2-0 and put themselves one win away from the Premier League.

The Cottagers had not won any of their previous seven play-off ties, including Friday's Championship semi-final first leg, but second-half goals from Ryan Sessegnon and Denis Odoi overturned a one-goal deficit at Craven Cottage and sent them to Wembley.

Sessegnon, tipped for a potential summer move to a big club, will take the headlines but it was an all-out attacking display from Slavisa Jokanovic's men, who were worthy winners.

Fulham, who have only lost twice since December 16, will now meet either Aston Villa or Middlesbrough in the showpiece final and are 90 minutes away from a first return to the Premier League since 2014.

When and where is the final?

The 2017-18 Championship Play-Off Final will take place on 26 May, 2018 - the same day at Liverpool's Champions League Final vs Real Madrid.

The Play-Off Final will be played at Wembley Stadium, London, and kick-off is scheduled for 5pm BST.

Tickets

Details about Fulham's ticket allocation will be available via their club website in due course.

Click here to find out more.

The FA is offering hospitality packages for the final, with the Diamond Package available for £369 (including VAT).

Click here to find out more.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/when-is-championship-playoff-final-2018-date-tickets-venue-start-time-kickoff-a3839016.html

WhiteJC

 
Player ratings as Ryan Sessegnon and Denis Odoi goals send Fulham to Wembley
It will be either Aston Villa or Middlesbrough in the play-off final after Fulham beat Derby County 2-1 on aggregate

Ryan Sessegnon and Denis Odoi goals were enough for Fulham to beat Derby County 2-0 on the night and 2-1 on aggregate to send Fulham to Wembley.

Fulham had a bagful of chances in the first half, with Aleksandar Mitrovic, Stefan Johansen and Ryan Sessegnon all going close to breaking the deadlock.


The Serbian came the closest - his point blank header was somehow kept out by Scott Carson who was diving the wrong way towards the end of the first half.

But Fulham got their goals when Sessegnon turned up in the right place at the right time once more to smash home the first, before Odoi leaped like a salmon to plant a header into the far corner to make it 2-0.

Here's how we rated the side:

Bettinelli 8: Didn't have anything to do in the first half. Pulled off a good save to deny Johnson and commanded his box in the air well.

Fredericks 8: Attacked down the right with pace and threat and was a constant thorn in the side for Derby's full backs.

Ream 9: I've really run out of things to say about Ream's performances. Mr Consistent for Fulham.

Odoi 8: A decent performance at the back from Odoi, although he did give away a few silly fouls in dangerous areas. Fantastic header to grab the second.

Targett 7: Decent display from Targett out on the left. Solid at the back, even if he didn't get going forward as much as he would've liked.

McDonald 9: Another strong performance in the heart of midfield from McDonald. Kept the Derby midfield at bay and put in a number of good challenges.

Johansen 7: Not a great first half from Johansen, with his decision making not the best. Better second half from the Norwegian.

Cairney 9: Dictated the play in the middle of the park. Everything came through the skipper and he rose to the big occassion.

Kamara 8: He's getting better and better in a Fulham shirt and his performance against Derby was another strong showing.

Sessegnon 8: Didn't have a great game but he popped up at the right place and right time to score the first goal. Reading of the game is far beyond his years.

Mitrovic 8: Better performance than on Friday and won the personal duel with Davies this time. Really solid display from the Serb, all that was lacking was a goal.


Subs -

Kalas 7: Slipped in the centre back role to add some steel in the final 15 minutes and did well in the air.

Norwood N/A: Not enough time to impact proceedings.



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/fulham-player-ratings-sessegnon-odoi-14657930

WhiteJC

 
Fulham 2-0 Derby County Player Ratings: unbelievable Kamara

ulham have reached their first ever play-off final after a 2-1 aggregate semi-final victory over Derby County was completed by a 2-0 win on Monday night, thanks to goals from Ryan Sessegnon and Denis Odoi. Here's our player ratings from the game.

The Whites

Marcus Bettinelli – brave from crosses when he needed to be but didn't face a single shot on target in the first half and was even more of a spectator in the second. 6

Ryan Fredericks – made more of his trademark powerful runs than we saw in the first leg and was one of Fulham's main attacking outlets after the break. He'll surely be playing in the Premier League next season, regardless of the result at Wembley. 8
Denis Odoi – by no means the perfect centre-back, but it is hard to imagine Fulham sustaining attacks as well as they did tonight without his unerring control under pressure. Deserved his goal, in which he showed great determination to beat his man to head home at the near-post. 9
Tim Ream – endured one or two shaky moments but also made some impressive interceptions, especially during Derby's attacks in the latter stages. 8
Matt Targett – at times in the first half, Fulham tried to get him involved too early. The left-back's strengths, rather than starting up attacks with forward runs as Fredericks does, is delivering the final cross which we saw for Sessegnon's goal. 7

Kevin McDonald – some crisp passes into Mitrovic in the first half. Guilty of being shaken off the ball on one or two occasions but largely a controlling influence. 8
Tom Cairney – collected the ball off the centre-backs in the first half hour, then grew in influence in more advanced areas as the game progressed. Brought the full-backs into play with his well-measured passes. 9
Stefan Johansen – got forward more freely than we normally see and as a result, had a hand in the goal, chesting the ball down for Sessegnon. 8

Aboubakar Kamara – made a real impact with his strong runs, which the team missed in the first leg. Set up a great chance for Sessegnon early on and was a constant threat, giving Fulham the pace and power that they simply don't have when Piazon and Ayite are there. 10
Aleksandar Mitrovic – had more joy than he did in the first leg. Turned Davies for a rasping effort from outside the box that flew just wide forcing a fine save from Carson with a close-range header; although he didn't manage a goal himself, he was the focal point of Fulham's attacks. 9
Ryan Sessegnon – in the first half, Sessegnon very rarely touched the ball and when he did, he gave it away. And yet, as we saw for the equalizer moments into the second half, he has a habit of coming up with moments of pure composure when it matters most, that no other 17-year-old in world football can produce. 6

Tomas Kalas (on 76) – slotted in at centre-back with Odoi moving to left-back when Targett went off. 5
Oliver Norwood (on 90+1)

The Rams

Scott Carson – had a good first half, making an excellent close-range stop from Mitrovic's header. Could not be blamed too much for either goal. 6

Richard Keogh – relatively solid in the first half, but guilty of letting Sessegnon get free for the equalizer. Exposed for a lack of pace on the break late on. 4
Curtis Davies – found it harder to contain Mitrovic than he did in the first leg and was often forced back, unable to make the kind of interceptions that had been key to Derby's clean sheet last time out. 3
Craig Forsyth – made one or two last-ditch clearances in the first half but his lack of height was problematic at times, especially when asked to duel aerially with Mitrovic. 4

Andre Wisdom – the one player alert to stabilize an early Fulham counter-attack and tried to impose his physicality high up in the second half when Derby were chasing a game. Most of the Rams' problems didn't come down his side and thus shouldn't be considered a main culprit for defeat. 5
Tom Huddlestone – one of his main qualities on paper is his passing range, but because Fulham had the ball for so long, that rarely came to the fore. It was clear to see that his tiring legs affected his positioning. 3
Bradley Johnson – a player with the athleticism he has should have imposed himself further up the pitch, but perhaps with Huddlestone so often dropping deeper he found it hard to do that convincingly. 4

Ikechi Anya – Rowett picked him at wing-back to combat the pace of Fredericks, but what he also lacked in comparison with his right-sided opponents was power. A naturally attack-minded player who looked a little outside his comfort zone defensively, a problem that was exposed in the second half. 3
Andreas Weimann – Rowett appears to like Weimann for his work rate and the tactical balance he provides, but the ex-Aston Villa man does not offer too much quality in possession and when the midfield was not following up on his pressing, there was not a great deal of point in it. 4

Tom Lawrence – showed flashes of what he can do with one dangerous cross in the first half, but he was a largely marginalized as an attacking entity. 5
Cameron Jerome – his work rate couldn't be faulted but at 31, it was hard for him to sustain. Taken off on 75 minutes, meaning that he has only completed a full match on four occasions since November. 4

Kasey Palmer (on 67) – injected some fresh legs and pressed high up the pitch, threatening in flashes. 6
Matej Vydra (on 67) – suggestions that he could have been brought on earlier, but there are question marks about whether Rowett trusts him out of possession. 5
David Nugent (on 75) – didn't stop running but alas, couldn't gain as much possession as he might have hoped to due to Fulham's control. 5



http://www.thefootballab.co.uk/2018/fulham-2-0-derby-county-player-ratings-unbelievable-kamara/


WhiteJC

 
Slavisa Jokanovic praises 'special' Ryan Sessegnon after Fulham make play-off final

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic has heaped praise on Ryan Sessegnon after the teenager inspired their passage to the Sky Bet Championship play-off final.

The Cottagers were trailing by one goal to Derby after the first leg of their semi-final, but Sessegnon struck the equaliser at Craven Cottage on Monday night before assisting Denis Odoi's winner, securing a 2-1 aggregate win and a trip to Wembley.

"He's focused and concentrated on improving himself, he's shown a great level of self-belief and he's clinical when the ball arrives to him in the box," said Jokanovic. "He wants to be top level and push himself and I'm sure he'll be at that level soon.

He's 17-years-old and he's special. At this stage [of his career] it's really fantastic, but at the end he knows it's about focusing and concentrating if he wants to prove himself, but he did a great job for us and himself."

Jokanovic also reserved plaudits for man-of-the-match Aleksandar Mitrovic, who has played a key role after joining on loan from Newcastle midway through the season.

"He's special for us, he didn't score tonight but he did a fantastic job for us," said Jokanovic. "He understands very well the different moments of the game and he's showed his quality."

Fulham dominated for virtually the entire game at Craven Cottage on Monday night, and Jokanovic believes they have answered some of their critics after losing their final game of the season at Birmingham to miss out on automatic promotion and being beaten in the first leg of the tie at Pride Park on Friday.

"We played fantastic football, we controlled everything, created many chances and didn't give them many opportunities," the Fulham boss continued. "In the first half we were unlucky but in the second half we pushed stronger and scored two fantastic goals. We're very satisfied for the team and for our supporters, who deserve one of these nights.

"I've been asked many times about our self-belief and confidence but today we were really focused and organised and played close to perfect today. We have to be satisfied with that."

For Fulham, it was a first victory in a play-off match and it will be a first trip to Wembley in 43 years. Jokanovic insists, however, that the job is not done yet.

"We've beaten many records this year and we're really proud and happy, but we know it's not enough yet just to take the fans to Wembley," he said. "We need to start working for this game because the whole season will depend on it.

"It's important we show enough quality and confidence to win the game, but for now we'll clear our minds and rest our bodies to prepare."



http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/11373104/slavisa-jokanovic-praises-special-ryan-sessegnon-after-fulham-make-play-off-final

WhiteJC

 
'Fulham were almost perfect' - Jokanovic waxes lyrical about his team after play-off semi

It was a great performance from the Whites and Slavisa Jokanovic was delighted with how his side performed in the game

Slavisa Jokanovic was waxing lyrical about his Fulham players after they beat Derby County 2-1 on aggregate to reach the Championship play-off final.

Ryan Sessegnon and Denis Odoi both scored as the Whites overturned a 1-0 deficit from the first leg to reach Wembley for the first time in 43 years and win their first ever play-off game.

It was a solid performance from start to finish, with Fulham controlling the game and peppering the Rams goal with shot after shot, but it took until the second half for the 17-year-old wonderkid breaking the deadlock.

And Jokanovic was delighted with his side, stating he felt it was almost the perfect performance from Fulham as they reached the final.

He said: "Yeah, you ask me many times about our trust and self belief and if we are confident and sometimes we, like all the football teams, we can play bad but today we were focused and organised and we created many things.

"We played very good football, this season is 49 games behind us and many times we play close to the brilliant level and today we were really close to perfect and at the end I must be satisfied with work that my team offered tonight and in general I must be satisfied and happy when I'm thinking of my team, about people around me, about our supporters and all of us need this happiness.


(Image: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

"Yes, it's true, my team played fantastic football and we played very good on the field, we controlled everything, created many chances we were really focused and organised for try avoid their defensive transition and don't give them opportunity to make dangerous situations in front of the goal.

"We created many things without being lucky, in the second we push stronger, score two goals and I must be satisfied for the team, for the supporters - this happiness we need many times and I believe these people deserve one of these nights."



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/fulham-were-almost-perfect-jokanovic-14658316

WhiteJC

 
Fulham Players Rated In Hard-fought Victory Vs Derby County: Denis Odoi Gets 9/10!

Fulham played hosts to Derby County as part of the second leg of their Championship playoffs semi-final tie. The Cottagers were looking to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first-leg going into this clash. The home team started the match on the front foot but failed to find the back of the net in the first half. However, the Cottagers carved up the Rams defence early in the second half and scored the opening goal of the game courtesy of Ryan Sessegnon's emphatic finish from close range in the 47th minute.

They doubled their lead in the 66th minute through Denis Odoi's goal which ultimately ended up sending Fulham into the final of the Championship play-offs. The contest ended with a 2-0 scoreline in favour of Slaviša Jokanović's team.

Let's shed some light on how each Fulham player fared during the encounter against the Rams.

GK: Marcus Bettinelli – 7.5/10

The Fulham goalie distributed the ball well and made a few smart saves to earn a clean sheet on the night.

RB: Ryan Fredericks – 8/10

He was a wonderful outlet down the right flank and created a lot of free space for his teammates with his darting runs into the Derby box.

CB: Denis Odoi – 9/10

The centre-back scored the crucial second goal of the game which sent Fulham into the final of the Championship playoffs. He also managed to keep the Derby attack at bay and earned a well-deserved clean sheet on the night.

CB: Tim Ream – 6/10

He made a few errors during the game and but did enough to secure a shut-out during the contest which keeps his team's promotion hopes alive.

LB: Matt Targett – 6.5/10

It was his cross which led to the Fulham opener when he floated in an inviting ball which Johansen chested to set up Sessegnon, who finished emphatically from close range.

CM: Tom Cairney – 8.5/10

He controlled the game well and sprayed some wonderful passes to set up his teammates. The Fulham skipper rose to the occasion and delivered a classy performance in midfield.

CM: Kevin McDonald – 8/10

He put in another strong display at the heart of the Fulham midfield. The Scotsman had a great match at the centre of the park as he put in a number of good tackles to win back possession for his team.

CM: Stefan Johansen – 7/10

The Norwegian went missing in the first half but was responsible for the opening goal when he chested the ball expertly into Sessegnon's path who converted the chance with ease.

RM: Aboubakar Kamara – 7/10

He was a menace for the Derby defence and his pace was a wonderful asset for the home side.

ST: Aleksandar Mitrovic – 8/10

Another outstanding showing from the Serbian, he held the ball up well and won a lot of aerial duels in the opposition half.

LM: Ryan Sessegnon – 8/10

The 17-year-old found it difficult to get himself involved in the game before the half-time break. However, he came back to put in a strong showing in the second half which was capped off by a goal in the 47th minute.

Substitutes:

CB: Tomas Kalas – 7/10

He came off the bench to see out the 2-0 victory for the home team.

CM: Oliver Norwood – N/A

He came on in injury time to 'run the clock' and hardly had any time to make an impact.



http://the4thofficial.net/2018/05/fulham-players-rated-hard-fought-victory-vs-derby-county-denis-odoi-gets-910/


WhiteJC


Sessegnon and Odoi send Fulham to Wembley
by Dan on May 15, 2018

Thirty five years after Malcolm McDonald's dream of guiding Fulham back to the top flight died after the intervention of unruly Derby fans at the Baseball Ground, the Whites earned a modicum of revenge on an electric night at Craven Cottage. Second half strikes from Ryan Sessegnon and Denis Odoi carried Slavisa Jokanovic's side to Wembley as Fulham overhauled Derby's one-goal advantage from Friday's first leg, recording their first play-off win in eight attempts at precisely the right time.

It might be too early for Sessegnon to board a flight to Russia with England's World Cup hopefuls this summer, but the seventeen year-old banished any doubts about his big-game temperment with a finish of the highest two minutes into the second half. The teenager, whose maturity and agility have lit up the Championship for a second successive year, had been denied by a remarkable reaction save from Scott Carson early on but the Derby keeper stood no chance with his powerful left-footed half volley that flew into the top corner after Stefan Johansen had done superbly to chest Matt Targett's cross into Sessegnon's path.

It was just the shot in the arm the home side needed after spurning a hatful of chances before the interval. Jokanovic has instilled serious belief in this side, who had to show serious resilience after missing the chance to seal automatic promotion at Birmingham City on the final day of the season, and their waves of attacks on the Derby goal only continued. Twenty minutes later, they scored the crucial second goal. Sessegnon swung over a corner from the right and Denis Odoi, initially a makeshift centre half who has made the position his own at the expense of Tomas Kalas, soared to glance a sublime header inside Carson's far post.

There was a still a quarter of the game to be played and Derby almost replied instantly with Bettinelli pushing away Jerome's drive at his near post. Gary Rowett reacted immediately sending on Kasey Palmer and David Nugent in search of a route back into the tie. Derby pushed the Whites back deep into their own half and Palmer almost had an immediate impact, jinking his way to the byline before landing a cross onto the head of Andi Weimann, who nodded over when it seemed easier to score. Fulham still looked dangerous on the break – with Johansen going close twice and Kamara being booked for simulation when he appeared the favourite to round Carson – but the Craven Cottage faithful had their hearts in their mouths when Matej Vydra, coached by Jokanovic at Watford, steered wide from close range in stoppage time.

Fulham seemed enlivened by the inclusion of Aboubakar Kamara from the right wing, with the mercurial Frenchman showing intent to ran at the Derby defence from the outset. Tom Cairney had the first sight of goal but his tame shot after 90 seconds from 23 yards was easily fielded by Carson, but the Whites were much more penetrative in the first half than they had been at Pride Park. They should have taken the lead in the eighth minute when Fulham broke from a Derby corner and Kamara intelligently found Sessegnon with a sweeping pass, but Carson produced a superb save high to his right.

At times in the early exchanges, Fulham appeared rampant. Johansen whistled a drive wide before Mitrovic, mostly anonymous in the first leg, turned Curtis Davies inside out before sidefooting wide. Carson then clawed away a venomous Kamara drive at his near post after the French forward had been released by a wonderful piece of distribution from Marcus Bettinelli. The former England keeper then touched over a rasping drive from the rampaging Ryan Fredericks before displaying incredible reflexes to keep out Mitrovic's fierce header from a floated Targett cross.

When the Whites headed in scoreless at half time, it seemed as though Fulham might rue not capitalising on their lightning start – but that reckoned without the home side's rousing second half display. The oldest team in London haven't made a pilgrimage to the national stadium in 43 years and with the miserly Jokanovic at the helm, they'll be little chance of Fulham underestimating the task that still lies at. This seemed like an evening for celebrations – especially when many of the capacity crowd poured onto the Craven Cottage turf at full-time in one of the game's most well-mannered pitch invasions.

FULHAM (4-3-3): Bettinelli; Fredericks, Targett (Kalas 76), Odoi, Ream; McDonald, Johansen, Cairney (Norwood 90); Kamara, R. Sessegnon, Mitrovic. Subs (not used): Button, Christie, Piazon, Ayite, Fonte.

BOOKED: Johansen, Kamara, McDonald, Bettinelli.

GOALS: Sessegnon (47), Odoi (66).

DERBY COUNTY (3-4-2-1): Carson; Keogh, Davies, Forsyth; Wisdom, Anya (Vydra 67), Huddlestone, Johnson; Lawrence (Palmer 67), Weimann; Jerome (Nugent 75). Subs (not used): Roos, Pearce, Ledley, Hanson.

BOOKED: Huddlestone, Palmer.

REFEREE: Chris Kavanagh (Lancashire).

ATTENDANCE: 23,529.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/05/sessegnon-and-odoi-send-fulham-to-wembley/

WhiteJC

 
Fulham take a step closer to EPL promotion

Fulham have defeated Derby County 2-0 at Craven Cottage to secure a 2-1 aggregate victory and move into the final of the Championship playoffs.

They will meet Aston Villa or Middlesbrough, with Socceroos captain Mile Jedinak's goal in the first leg of their playoff giving the Villans the advantage before Tuesday's return leg.


Fulham fans celebrate on the pitch.
Photo: AP


Second half goals from Ryan Sessegnon and Denis Odoi earned Fulham the victory as they seek a return to the Premier League, which they were relegated from in 2014.

Derby have now missed out in the playoffs three times in the past five seasons.

The playoff final will be held at Wembley Stadium on May 26.

Fulham attacked from the outset but Derby goalkeeper Scott Carson frustrated them throughout the first half with a series of fine saves.

A one-handed effort kept out a strong header from Fulham's Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic and Carson was at his best again to keep out a powerful drive from Aboubakar Kamara.

But Slavisa Jokanovic's side finally got reward for the efforts two minutes after the interval when 17-year-old Sessegnon showed great composure to drive home a left-foot shot from inside the area.

The decisive goal came in the 66th minute when Belgian Odoi beat Carson with a brilliantly angled header from a corner.

Fulham head to Wembley for the first time since they lost the FA Cup final to West Ham in 1975.

"This club needs this kind of happiness," Jokanovic said.

"After 43 years we will play at Wembley and it is an important achievement for us."

"We deserve this victory and a chance to reach the Premier League."

Derby boss Gary Rowett felt his team had been too nervous.

"I think our composure let us down tonight, we made far too many mistakes on the ball, we looked a bit edgy to be honest," he said.



https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/fulham-take-a-step-closer-to-epl-promotion-20180515-p4zfc1.html

WhiteJC

 
Fulham one win away from Premier League return after Ryan Sessegnon show

TEENAGE sensation Ryan Sessegnon scored once and created another as Fulham edged closer to a Premier League return Monday with a 2-0 win over Derby County in their Championship playoff.

Thanks to a 2-1 aggregate victory, the 'Cottagers' will now play the winners of Tuesday's clash between Aston Villa and Middlesbrough with the former leading 1-0 after the first leg at Wembley on May 26.

English wingback Sessegnon, 17 and thought to be valued at roughly AU$180m -- whose performances have attracted the attention of Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and French champions Paris Saint-Germain -- brought the tie level two minutes into the second-half with his 16th goal of the season, before his corner was headed home by centre-back Denis Odoi in the 66th minute.

For Fulham -- bidding to regain their Premier League status after a hiatus of four seasons -- it is an historic moment as it was is the first time they have won in eight play-off matches.

"We showed a lot of bottle today," Sessegnon told Sky Sports. "Credit to the lads, we pushed and pushed and should have scored in the first half.

"Thankfully I got the goal and it changed the game. The second put pressure on them. We believe in our style of play." For Fulham owner Shahid Khan, Wembley may become part of the furniture as the flamboyant proprietor of NFL franchise the Jacksonville Jaguars has made an offer reportedly worth £800 million ($1 billion) to purchase the 90,000-seater venue.

"This club needs this kind of happiness," purred Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic to Sky Sports.

"After 43 years we will play at Wembley and it is an important achievement for us." After a quiet first-half Sessegnon struck early in the second to rock Derby. Sessegnon -- who many are urging England manager Gareth Southgate to take to the World Cup finals this June -- seized on Stefan Johansen's chest-down to fire the ball into the net past Scott Carson.

Derby replied with Bradley Johnson bursting powerfully into the area and forcing Fulham 'keeper Marcus Bettinelli into a smart save.

However, the hosts -- unbeaten at home since October -- turned the screw ever tighter with Serbian international Aleksandar Mitrovic and Aboubakar Kamara going close.

Carson, though, could do nothing about Odoi's bullet header from Sessegnon's corner in the 66th minute, the Belgian defender rising above his marker to power it into the net.

Derby manager Gary Rowett realised dramatic action was required if his side were to avoid remaining outwith the top flight for an 11th season and threw on two of his substitutes including Czech international striker Matej Vydra.

Vydra had a golden chance of bringing the tie all square on aggregate five minutes after his introduction but headed fellow substitute Kasey Palmer's superb cross over the bar.



https://www.foxsports.com.au/football/premier-league/fulham-one-win-away-from-premier-league-return-after-ryan-sessegnon-show/news-story/9e6daa0693937b435b399aa770515c87


WhiteJC

 
"I came here to play for Chelsea" – Brazilian may get his Premier League chance even if Blues

Fulham have just won the second leg of their playoff semi final against Derby 2-0, putting the Whites into the playoff final of the Championship.

Chelsea loanee Lucas Piazon started that game on the bench, just as he did the first leg. He's been an important player for two seasons in West London, with only a leg break stopping himself from really establishing himself.

Earlier this month SportWitness had quotes from the Brazilian where he made it clear that while he wanted to play for Chelsea, what mattered most was playing full stop.

"I came here in 2011 to play for Chelsea... My desire is to be playing. Go to a place where you do not play, stay on the bench, not being in the match-day squad, it's not cool. I'm 24 years old and what matters is playing either in Fulham or elsewhere."

It sounds like he's pretty resigned to the fact that Chelsea is a distant dream for him now. And not starting in Fulham's two biggest games of the season will hurt. But if the Whites make it through the playoff final back to the Premier League they will certainly want to keep players of Piazon's quality around.

Whether he stays or goes is up to him.



http://www.chelsea-news.co/2018/05/came-play-chelsea-brazilian-may-get-premier-league-chance-even-blues/