Monday Fulham Stuff (21/05/18)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Look away now Fulham - Aston Villa have this huge Wembley advantage

Aston Villa meet Fulham in the Championship play-off final on May 26

John Terry, Ahmed Elmohamady, Robert Snodgrass and Co were signed by Steve Bruce to tackle the eventuality which awaits them at Wembley.

Experienced performers with big game knowhow – Villa's squad is full of them.

The Championship play-off final against Fulham on May 26 won't even come close to being the biggest game of John Terry's career.

Terry's appearances in multiple Champions League semi-finals, Premier League title deciders, FA Cup finals and England internationals means he'll lose little sleep over a meeting with the Cottagers at the national stadium.

Former England skipper Terry knows Wembley like the back of his hand.

And that can be said for many of Villa's players. If Steve Bruce picks the starting XI many expect him to select then he'll be choosing a group of players who all have prior Wembley experience.
Sam Johnstone

Villa's goalkeeper played for Preston North End in the 2015 League One play-off final as the Lilywhites beat Swindon 4-0.
Ahmed Elmohamady

Egyptian utility man Elmohamady was part of Bruce's team which beat Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship play-off final two years ago.
James Chester

The supporters' player of the season played in the FA Cup final at Wembley in 2014 as Arsenal defeated Bruce's Hull City team.
John Terry

Is there a player who's played at Wembley more than JT?
Alan Hutton

The Scottish Cafu played for Villa in the FA Cup final defeat to Arsenal in 2015.
Robert Snodgrass

Another member of Hull's Class of 2016.
Mile Jedinak

The Australian captained Crystal Palace to promotion via the play-offs in 2013.
Conor Hourihane

Hourihane enjoyed two Wembley appearances for Barnsley in 2016 as they completed the EFL Trophy and League One play-offs double.
Jack Grealish

Solihull-born Grealish was the star of Villa's FA Cup semi-final win over Liverpool in 2015 and also played the final.
Albert Adomah

Adomah was part of Middlesbrough's team which lost to Norwich City in the 2015 play-off final.
Lewis Grabban

Grabban was in the Norwich team which defeated Adomah's Boro.

Fulham?

Expected starting XI: Bettinelli; Fredericks, Odoi, Ream, Targett; McDonald, Cairney, Johansen; Kamara, Mitrovic, Sessegnon

Of that starting XI, just two players have previous experience of playing at Wembley – and it isn't something either of them looks back on particularly fondly.

Matt Targett started Southampton's 5-2 defeat to Spurs in the Premier League on December 26, while Stefan Johansen featured in Norway's 1-0 friendly defeat to England in 2014.

Does experience guarantee success? Certainly not, but you'd rather have a team full of players that have experienced Wembley before rather than an XI of novices.



https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-fulham-playoff-final-14678160

[WhiteJC]

 
On Sale To Booking History

Tickets for Fulham's Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Final against Aston Villa at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 26th May, 5pm are now available to supporters with a Booking History.

Fulham supporters will be located in the East End of Wembley Stadium, and fans can purchase up to five tickets each for this fixture. Ticket prices for this match are listed below, 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)

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.

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.

On-Sale Dates
Tickets for the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off 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. Please note ambulant disabled tickets can only be purchased during the appropriate sales windows.

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.

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. Please note we only have a limited amount of packages available for this game, starting from £369 (inc VAT) per person. Supporters interested in purchasing can call 0203 871 0810 (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm) (Opt.1) or email [email protected]

Ticketmaster Customer Service – once purchased, should supporters have any queries regarding the dispatch of 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.

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/20/play-off-tickets-booking-history

[WhiteJC]

 
Hastings sign ex-Fulham ace

Hastings United Football Club has completed the signing of a player who once made a Premier League appearance for Fulham.

Alex Smith, who came on as a substitute for the Cottagers against West Bromwick Albion during the 2012/13 season, has joined Hastings ahead of the 2018/19 campaign.

Hastings manager Chris Agutter told the club's website: "'I am thrilled to welcome Alex to the club. I know him from his time at Eastbourne Borough and have witnessed at first hand what Alex is capable of. "He is an outstanding talent, possesses a wand of a left foot and I know playing from wide right he will cause Bostik League South East defences an awful lot of problems.

"Alex has had a spell on the sidelines through injury, during which he and myself have stayed in touch. We've discussed at length the project as a whole, including the club's ambitions, the professional environment that we've created and the brand of football that we play - all of which have culminated in Hastings United being in a position to secure a player that's experienced the highest level of English football."

A product of the Fulham academy, Smith spent 11 seasons with Fulham and signed his first professional contract in 2009. Smith later had loan spells at Leyton Orient and Stevenage before joining Swindon Town and then Yeovil Town. He has since played non-league football for Woking and Eastbourne Borough.

The 26-year-old told the club's website: "I'm delighted to be signing with Hastings United FC. As soon as the manager expressed an interest and outlined the club's plans for the future, it was a project I was excited to be a part of. I'm excited to start the new season and play my part in the club achieving great success."

Two products of the club's academy, goalkeeper Louis Rogers and right-back/midfielder Bradley Pritchard, have also committed to the club for next season.



Read more at: https://www.bexhillobserver.net/sport/football/hastings-sign-ex-fulham-ace-1-8504419

[WhiteJC]

 
Sessegnon's England future to be assessed

Ryan Sessegnon's England future will be assessed after the summer.

The winger, who turned 18 on Friday, has been omitted from the World Cup squad despite reports he could be included by boss Gareth Southgate.

He has scored 16 goals for Fulham this season, with the Whites chasing a Premier League return as they face Aston Villa in the Championship play-off final on Saturday.

That match also put him out of the picture for the Under-21s' Toulon Tournament, with England facing China the same day, but Southgate has made it clear Sessegnon is in his future plans.

However, he will be handled with care and Under-21 boss Aidy Boothroyd insists Sessegnon will not be rushed.

Boothroyd said: "It's about where we put him and also where we think he can get to.

"Those are the conversations we have about individual players every three or four months when we have an audit.

"The next one is after the summer so we'll look at Ryan and look at where we picture him.

"In terms of England, he's got one Under-21 cap. He did OK, didn't pull up any trees but we know he's a wonderful player who will thrive at Fulham and certainly with us.

"He's an exceptional talent – I'm surprised he didn't get a Bafta this week as he's got everything else. He's going to have to get the biggest sideboard known to man for all his awards.

"But the thing which excites me about him is he's so focused about what he wants to do. Nothing is going to get in his way.

"It's going to be really interesting as he's a marked man now, the best players will work it out and come through it and he will because he's an outstanding talent."

Boothroyd gave Sessegnon his Under-21 debut in March in their 2-1 Euro 2019 qualifying win over Ukraine.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/sessegnons-england-future-to-be-assessed

[WhiteJC]

 
Palace ready to move for Fulham's Ryan Fredericks

Crystal Palace are considering a summer move for Fulham defender Ryan Fredericks, according to the Sunday Express.

The report claims that Roy Hodgson is a fan of the player and has watched him on occasions this season.

West Ham had also been interested in the player, but David Moyes' departure from the club could spell an end to their pursuit.

Fredericks is out of contract at Fulham this summer and could leave for nothing if they do not secure promotion to the Premier League.

Despite West Ham ending their interest, if the Whites do not go up via the play-offs, interest is undoubtedly going to rise in the player's services.

The 25-year-old has been one of the star performers in Fulham's push for promotion. Slavisa Jokanovic's men are due to battle Aston Villa at Wembley for a place in the Premier League.

Crystal Palace will be looking to strengthen their squad this summer to avoid another relegation battle next season.



https://readcrystalpalace.com/2018/05/20/palace-ready-to-move-for-fulhams-ryan-fredericks/

[WhiteJC]

 
West Ham to end Fredericks interest following Moyes' exit

West Ham are likely to end their interest in Fulham defender Ryan Fredericks following David Moyes' exit from the club.

The Sunday Express claims that Crystal Palace now lead the race to sign the defender if the Whites are unable to clinch promotion against Aston Villa in the play-off final.

Moyes himself had been scouting the Fulham man personally as he enters the final stages of his contract with the Championship club.

Roy Hodgson has been stepping up Palace's interest by scouting the player himself throughout the play-offs.

Fredericks, who came through the ranks at Tottenham, has been unable to agree terms over a new deal at Craven Cottage and is widely expected to leave if Villa win in the play-off final.

The 25-year-old has been a key member of the Fulham squad who have been pushing for promotion this season and will undoubtedly attract plenty of interest as a free agent this summer.



https://readwestham.com/2018/05/20/west-ham-to-end-fredericks-interest-following-moyes-exit/

[WhiteJC]

 
Top 50 Players of the EFL – 6th: Tom Cairney (Fulham)

Fulham midfielder Tom Cairney has been voted by you as the 6th best player in the EFL.

Over the last month, we have been gathering votes from you to find the best managers and players in the EFL. And after counting the votes, we have discovered you think that Cairney is the 6th best player in the Football League. He has not moved since also appearing 6th on the Top 50 Players countdown last year.

When you have a brilliant player on your books, the battle isn't just to make sure you get the tactics right so you can get the best out of him. No, the main struggle is making sure he stays at your club. With more and more money being splashed out, it can be very easy to tempt a club to sell up on its prized asset. There was a lot of interest in signing Cairney last summer but Fulham decided to hold on. And that decision has paid off brilliantly.

Once again Cairney has often been the star of the show, though this year he has been overshadowed by another Fulham player who may or may not end up on this list later on. He has been a midfield marvel this season, being the engine that makes sure the rest of the Cottagers can be at their best. In his 37 appearances for the club this season, he has been able to score five goals as well as register five assists.

His season is not over yet as Fulham prepare to face Aston Villa in the Sky Bet Championship play-off final.



http://the72.co.uk/103044/top-50-players-efl-6th-tom-cairney-fulham-2/

[WhiteJC]

 
Former Bristol City, Fulham and Hull City defender looking to take his next step in football

A look back at the experienced defender's career and what could be next after his release by Brighton & Hove Albion

Bristol City Academy graduate, Liam Rosenior, announced earlier this week that he has parted with Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion.

Rosenior, alongside Seagulls teammate Steve Sidwell took to social media to let fans know he will not be playing at the Amex next season, with the end of June marking his contract expiration.

The defender hadn't featured for Albion since January, in an FA Cup victory over Middlesbrough.

During his 16-year career so far, Rosenior has played in all four divisions, making almost 450 appearances for Bristol City, Fulham, Torquay, Reading, Ipswich, Hull, and Brighton.

Dominic Scott-Bone takes a look back at his career and what the future might hold.

Breaking through

Born in South London, Rosenior moved to Bristol with his family after his father (Leroy) was signed by Bristol City.

After City, his father stayed in the Gloucestershire area which led to Liam following in his footsteps through the Bristol City academy in 2001.

For a season, Rosenior played in the U18s and was a promising young midfielder looking to break through.

His professional debut for the Robins came against Stoke City on 20th April 2002.

In the following 2003/04 season, he became a regular in Danny Wilson's side, making 23 appearances and scoring twice.

His best performance in a red shirt came against Carlisle United in the Football League Trophy Final, where he scored the second goal in a 2-0 win at Wembley.

However, this would prove to be his last appearance for City, as Fulham were to secure his signature.



International stage

While performing consistently in a white shirt for Fulham, it was time for Rosenior to step up. Still wearing a white shirt, just this time with three lions on his chest...

The Cottagers full-back was called up to the England U21 squad in March 2005 and made his debut in a 2–2 draw with Germany U21.

His performances after that earned him a call-up to the England U20 squad for the Toulon Tournament in June 2005, where he played three times and scored one goal.

However, over a year and a half passed before he would add to his England caps.

The next came in a 1-0 win against Netherlands U21 on 14 November 2006.

Rosenior made it into the squad for the 2007 European U21 Championship but only made one appearance, as a substitute in the semi-final against Holland U21 once again.

He took part in the penalty shootout of this game, scoring his penalty as England lost 13–12.

Due to age, this would prove to be his seventh and last appearance for England after not making the step up the first team.


Liam Rosenior in action for England under-21s in 2007

First departure

Immediately after being signed by the Cottagers, Rosenior paired up with his dad at League Two side Torquay United on a season-long loan, playing 10 times and helping the club achieve promotion.

It wasn't all rosy as the defender had to prove people wrong.

He told the Independent: "When I went to Torquay I knew I was good enough to be there. I took a step back down to play at Torquay. People said, 'Oh, he's failed at Fulham, he's not going to make it.'

"I wanted to prove people wrong and that was a major stage to do that. I'm grateful to my dad for giving me that chance. I learnt more in three months there than anywhere else. At Torquay, there was no assistant manager - just my dad, the physio and the physio's dog.


Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United competes for the ball with Liam Rosenior of Fulham

"We didn't have any training equipment, no indoor facilities. The training pitch was a cabbage patch and if it rained too hard we worked on the beach."

He was eventually given his chance in the Fulham first team by Chris Coleman in the following 2004/05 season.

Rosenior from here on in enjoyed three seasons in the Premier League and established himself as a fans favourite, after transitioning from a winger into a full-back.

He scored on just the one occasion for Fulham, in a League Cup tie against Lincoln City on 21 September 2005.

Despite securing a four-year contract extension in July 2006, and making 90 appearances for Coleman's side, Rosenior left for Reading on 31st August 2007 for an undisclosed fee.



Premier League spell

With Reading, again Rosenior established himself and featured prominently for the one season of Premier League football the Royals had, and the 2008/09 Championship campaign the next.

He scored his first goal for Reading in the Premier League's highest-scoring game of all time.

This was a 7–4 defeat to Portsmouth on 29 September 2007 which had nine different goal-scorers. The goal came on the stroke of half-time and initially was given to Stephen Hunt but after close consideration, the goal was Rosenior's.

With one year remaining on his Royals contract, he was sent out to Ipswich Town on loan.

Under Roy Keane, Rosenior appeared 31 times helping the team cement their status in the Championship and played with up-coming Premier League mainstays, Gareth McAuley, Jonathan Walters, Connor Wickham, Jack Colback and Damien Delaney.

Tigers time

Hull City were the next club to come knocking, as Rosenior's contract ran out.

He helped the Tigers win promotion to the Premier League in 2012/13 and made a total of 144 league appearances, including 42 in the top flight.

The south Londoner appeared at left-back in the Tigers' 2014 FA Cup final line-up against Arsenal, however, featured sparingly the following season.


Steve Bruce, manager of Hull City and Liam Rosenior of Hull City

Sunny Brighton

After his release from Hull City, Rosenior signed for Championship outfit, Brighton & Hove Albion, on a three-year deal in the summer of 2015.

The Englishman played a massive part in the Seagulls finishing third during the season that followed, however, the club failed to be promoted after an aggregate defeat to Sheffield Wednesday.

Albion made up for their disappointing play-off campaign in the 2016/17 season and managed to achieve automatic promotion with Rosenior featuring in 10 league games.

Although they missed out to Newcastle in securing the Championship title, Chris Hughton and his team played their first season in the top flight in the club's history and managed to avoid relegation fairly comfortably.

Rosenior rarely featured though due to injury and competition for places in the full-back positions, yet still provided much impact to the squad behind closed doors.



Seagulls exit

After announcing his departure, Hughton was quick to praise Rosenior's influence behind the scenes.

"Liam has played a huge part in our achievements over these few seasons. Unfortunately, over that time, he's had a couple of injuries that kept him out for periods but at this moment he is in good shape.

"His value has not only been on the pitch but also off the pitch.

"He has also made a small contribution to the success of the under-23s. Because he wants eventually to be a coach and a manager he's had an involvement with them. That has been great for them and for us as a club."

Rosenior, writing in his column for the Guardian, gave a clue about his next step:

"So while I'm sad at leaving such a wonderful club and while I'm uncertain of my next step in the world of football, I feel blessed to have been part of the journey that has seen Brighton get promoted from the Championship to securing their status in the Premier League.

"I'm getting to the final stage of completing my Uefa pro licence in coaching and managing may be the next step, though at the moment I'm still open to playing. I will make sure I take heed of the lessons I have learned from my time at Brighton and apply them in the future as a player, coach or manager"

We haven't seen the last of the Bristol City Academy graduate just yet.



https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/liam-rosenior-bristol-city-career-1585751

[WhiteJC]

 
Aston Villa vs Fulham: Our writers predict the outcome of the Championship play-off final

BirminghamLive's football desk tackle a range of questions ahead of the promotion showpiece at Wembley

It's the big one - Aston Villa versus Fulham in the Championship play-off final.

The two sides will do battle at Wembley on Saturday for a place in the Premier League.

Villa beat Middlesbrough 1-0 over two legs in the semi final while Fulham were 2-1 winners against Derby County.

Our writers have looked ahead to the promotion showpiece and here's what they are predicting.
What's your score prediction - and why?

Joseph Chapman:

1-1 AET. It'll be decided by penalties. Can someone hand me a pair of tweezers for these splinters?

Mat Kendrick:

It's going to be tense, very tense. Fasten your seatbelts, strap yourselves in and all that nonsense - it's going to be so, so tense.

1-1 after normal time. 1-1 after extra time and then a penalty shoot-out. Villa to eventually edge it on penalties - before a claret and blue party breaks loose.

I did warn you it was going to be tense!

Shane Ireland:

I think Villa will win by a single goal, 2-1 and probably after extra time.

The nerves and the occasion almost dictate that the game will be cagey - and I can see Villa's experience showing in the end.

Alex Dicken:

I'm going to plump for 1-1.

God knows who'll prevail after extra time, and possibly penalties, but my prediction at the start of the season was for Villa to win promotion via the play-offs so I'll stick with that.

Steve Wollaston:

I can see it being a very tight game rather than a free-flowing game of goals that you might expect from the two sides and the attacking players within their teams.

I think it's going to be 1-1 in normal time with subsequent extra time and penalties. God knows who wins if that is the case.

Brian Dick:

Villa will win 2-1.

Fulham are a lovely footballing side and they'll revel in the big playing surface but Villa are masterful without the ball and their experienced players will ensure they don't get pulled out of shape. Going forward they have the high quality players to hurt Fulham.

Which Villa player do you think will trouble Fulham most?

Joseph Chapman:

Robert Snodgrass.

Mile Jedinak and Alan Hutton were both immense and rightly recognised over two legs against Middlesbrough, but in an attacking sense I think Snodgrass' endeavour and dead ball delivery could be key to hurting Fulham.

Mat Kendrick:

There's several players who could prove pivotal and it's hard to pick an individual out as Villa pride themselves on their team ethic.

But go on then - I'll say Robert Snodgrass. Snoddy has been the Championship's creator supreme this season in terms of assists, claiming 14 of them (join top with Barry Douglas of Wolves).

The quality of his deliveries in open play and set pieces might well be crucial to Villa's hopes of carving out chances in a potentially tight game.

Shane Ireland:

Jack Grealish, with Robert Snodgrass a close second.

I've been so impressed with Grealish whenever I've seen him play and he's more than a handful for any defence in the divison.

Snodgrass has made a big impact this season too.

Alex Dicken:

Jack Grealish. On ability alone no player on the park will be able to match Grealish - not even Ryan Sessegnon.

He's the one Villa player capable of beating opposition defenders in their twos and threes and holds the keys to unlocking Fulham.

Steve Wollaston:

Jack Grealish will cause the most amount of problems for Fulham. Regardless of what stage of the game the two teams are at, he will pick the ball up and run at defenders.

On a pitch the size of Wembley and with tired legs, that could have a real impact on the later stages of the game. The script seems to be written for Grealish one way or another with this game.

If Villa lose, it's hard to see him staying. If they win, it's easy to see him being the hero.

Brian Dick:

If Fulham risk men going forward they will be vulnerable to quick counter attacks, there will be space down their left, the Villa right, for Robert Snodgrass to exploit.

It wouldn't surprise me at all if he finishes the game with a couple of assists.

Who is the Fulham man Villa should be most wary of?

Joseph Chapman:

Aleksandar Mitrovic. The Championship's answer to Diego Costa. He's a bully to centre-halves, but has plenty of quality too. John Terry and James Chester will have to be on top form to deny him.

Mat Kendrick:

Aleksandar Mitrovic. He's a player Bruce would love to have on his side, and Villa did have a dabble to try to get him before getting Lewis Grabban.

He scored 12 goals during Fulham's surge up the table and will give James Chester and John Terry plenty to occupy them at Wembley.

Like a poor man's Diego Costa, he has the brute strength but also has the technical and finishing qualities to hurt teams.

Shane Ireland:

Tom Cairney.

He's a really composed head in the heart of midfield and Villa need to keep close tabs on him.

Aleksandar Mitrovic will be key as well - 12 goals in 15 starts says everything about the Newcastle loan man's threat.

Alex Dicken:

Aleksandar Mitrovic. If Villa beat Fulham on Saturday I'd like to see Steve Bruce go after Mitrovic in the summer.

I see great similarities with Diego Costa and John Terry and James Chester will have their work cut out.

Mitrovic has scored 12 goals in 17 starts since joining Fulham and provides the focal point for Sessegnon, Stefan Johansen and the incredibly talented Tom Cairney to work off.

Steve Wollaston:

Kevin McDonald. A sometimes understated figure but a very important one.

He is a calm head in the middle of the park and he gets things ticking.

He doesn't score many goals and he doesn't get many assists. He does however offer that efficient quality presence in the middle of the park. An important cog in the Fulham style of play.

Brian Dick:

All the chat is about Ryan Sessgenon and Aleksandar Mitrovic but Tom Cairney is the one who arrives late in the box and is difficult to track. He's also got lovely touch on his passing.

Ryan Sessegnon has lit up the Championship this season - how do Villa stop him?

Joseph Chapman:

They wouldn't go too far wrong by adopting a similar approach to that which they took up to stop Adama Traore over two legs.

Ahmed Elmohamady or James Bree will have their work cut out and in a defensive sense Snodgrass will have to be particularly disciplined in covering his full-back too.

Mat Kendrick:

He's just turned 18, so get him loads of Jagerbombs!

Failing that, Bruce will need to hatch a plan for nullifying Sessegnon, like he did for stopping Middlesbrough's Adama Traore in the semi final.

I don't think this will mean Alan Hutton swapping back to the right, but it will mean Villa's defensive midfielder doubling up with the chosen right-back (Ahmed Elmohamady could be fit enough to replace James Bree) to give Sessegnon extra attention.

Shane Ireland:

By cutting off his supply and doubling up when they can.

There's the temptation to bring Alan Hutton back over to the right after his masterful foiling of Adama Traore in the semi final but Steve Bruce is unlikely to want that disruption to his defence.

Villa must get tight to Sessegnon and face him early - if they do, they will win.

Alex Dicken:

Villa have stopped Adama Traore on their route to the final - that is a much more difficult task in my opinion.

I wouldn't expect any plan to be specifically devised to stop Sessegnon.

I do, however, think he's an extraordinary talent who will play at the very top level.

Steve Wollaston:

By not giving him the space to play. They proved with Adama Traore that they can snuff out a threat and have a plan to combat a special type of player.

They do need to make sure that they play Fulham as a team though and not focus too much on him that they take their eye off the rest of the threat posed by them.

Brian Dick:

I'd be tempted to get Alan 'The Terminator' Hutton to play on the right - but then that creates an issue on the left and I'm not sure about being reactive in your selection in that way.

Personally if James Bree has to play right back, Snodgrass and the right-sided central midfielder simply have to help him out.

How should Villa approach the game in a tactical sense (up and at them from the start or more measured)?

Joseph Chapman:

Play-off finals are traditionally cagey affairs. It'd be wise not to go gung ho early on as Fulham's ball players can be a constant danger on the counter.

They need to double up on Sessegnon on the left when out of possession and cut off the supply to Mitrovic that tends to come from Tom Cairney and Kevin McDonald.

Steve Bruce has been here and done it before on more than one occasion, his experience of game management on the big stage will be key.

Mat Kendrick:

Fulham's defence can be got at - and Villa have to make it is their mission to do just that.

As mentioned above, Snodgrass will be influential to Villa in an attacking sense and if Villa can get him on the ball down the right it should hopefully push Sessegnon back down Villa's left.

The Cottagers like to pass the ball, so Villa need to make sure they treat it with care whenever they are in possession.

Jack Grealish, who missed the defeat at Craven Cottage, will again be a very useful outlet to give Villa respite from periods of pressure and to move them up the pitch.

Shane Ireland:

I'd love to say Villa should go out from off all guns blazing, but I'm not sure that's the wisest idea on the vast Wembley expanse at the end of May.

Sure, hit hard and be physical early on, but keep shape and be disciplined.

They have the players to hurt Fulham on the break but the same can also be said for the opposition.

You get the sense that if Villa score first, Fulham could struggle to recover.

Alex Dicken:

I genuinely believe Villa are best served playing it cautiously. If they go toe to toe with Fulham they'll lose.

If Villa sit back and focus on preventing Fulham from scoring, I genuinely believe Grealish, Albert Adomah or Robert Snodgrass can conjure up one piece of magic that could clinch it.

Such is the strength in Villa's defence, I think they're capable of stopping Fulham from scoring.

I don't think this Fulham defence, with chancers Tim Ream and Denis Odoi in the middle, are capable of keeping Villa at bay.

Steve Wollaston:

Villa need to flood the midfield. For me the game will be won and lost in the centre of the park, if they can unsettle Fulham early on and get the game by the scruff of the neck, I think they will do it.

What they can't do is be the team that lets the other control the rhythm and flow of the game.

The way Villa get the wide players into the game will be the key, utilising the ability of Grealish to burst through the midfield is equally vital.

Brian Dick:

Let Fulham come on to them and hit them on the break.

They also need whoever plays centre midfield - ideally Jedinak plus AN other, to make sure they make physical contact with the opposition ball-players. I wouldn't be opposed to seeing Jack Grealish stand on Kevin McDonald's toes when Villa are out of possession.

How important will Villa's fans be on the day?

Joseph Chapman:

Enormous. Villa fans proved their worth in the second leg at Villa Park when they roared their team over the line.

Like the players, the supporters need to be at it from the off with no let up, even if there's a set-back.

Mat Kendrick:

I am convinced Villa will win the contest in the stands.

Villa have averaged 32,000 fans this season compared to Fulham's 20,000, so the claret and blue end will mostly be made up of hardcore supporters rather than daytrippers.

They are due a final win at the new Wembley - and the Holte End on Tour will make an almighty racket to do their bit.

Shane Ireland:

Vitally important.

We've seen before how supporters from this area can make the difference on the day at Wembley.

Villa Park was rocking for the game against Boro and the sea of claret and blue will have the national stadium booming too.

Fulham froze when they were beaten by Blues on the final day of the season at a sold out St Andrew's, and Villa's fans could make that same kind of impact on them.

Alex Dicken:

Huge. I'm not sure if Fulham will sell out - but Villa could sell out the whole stadium if they were allowed.

The claret and blues will undoubtedly win the battle in the stands.

We've seen the players raise their game in front of big crowds this season - here's hoping they can do it again.

Steve Wollaston:

It goes without saying that the support will be immense on the day. Villa have some of the best fans in football and they proved that the last time the club were at Wembley.

Hopefully they will get their rewards this time.

Brian Dick:

Not as important as at Villa Park - this game will be played on the pitch and between the players' ears.

But they help keep the energy levels high and if Villa take the lead they'll make it very hard for Fulham.



https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-fulham-play-offs-14682852

[WhiteJC]

 
In Appreciation of Fulham 2017-18

Win or lose on Saturday, it will be the end of a team that has had an extraordinary run. If Fulham makes it to the Premier League, new faces will come in and higher caliber teams next season may make things not quite as fun next year (although I feel like Fulham and Villa will play a better match at Wembley than the one today for the FA Cup). If Fulham doesn't make it to the Premier League then the team will be gutted and our top players, and likely the manager, will head to the Premier League without the club. In that scenario Fulham should come away with a nice wad of cash, but they'll be starting over. Either way, the end is here for a remarkable and memorable team.

I realized in the Derby match that every one of the starting players have earned my respect and appreciation. So before getting caught up in the inevitable changes that will follow the playoff final, I'd like to take a moment to appreciate the guys on this team and what they've accomplished.

    Bettinelli turned things around on defense and probably could have gotten enough additional points for Fulham to get automatic promotion if he'd been able to play all season.
    Fredericks was always a workhorse on the right side sprinting up and down the field (hopefully he finally gets a goal on Saturday).
    Odoi has achieved legendary status after that header against Derby.
    Ream regularly shuts down opposition attacks just as they are getting started and his excellent passing out of the back can have a domino effect that leads to scoring chances.
    All we needed from Targett was a left back with a pulse so Sessegnon could stay up top, but he's done so much more by slipping perfectly into Fulham's playing style.
    McDonald stepped up into a larger leadership role this year and made critical plays at both ends of the pitch.
    Cairney isn't scoring like last year, but he's still great at unlocking defenses and making opportunities.
    Although I'm always terrified he'll get a red card for an over enthusiastic tackle, I love watching Johansen fly around the pitch and cause trouble with and without the ball.
    When Kamara first got playing time I thought he was too selfish to fit in with Fulham, but over the past few weeks he's been an inspiration. Kamara has been able to reinvigorate the offense when it seemed drained and he has proven himself to be a team player by motoring back to cover on defense.
    Mitrovic was finally The One who was able to unlock the scoring potential that we all felt Fulham was capable of.
    Sessegnon is a joy to watch. He is an amazing player and a terrific person too. He deserves success and accolades at the highest level of football. That may not come with Fulham but we can always say "We knew him when..."
    Finally, when given the decision making authority he was looking for, Slavisa Jokanovic put together a record-setting run that will have a permanent place in Fulham lore.

Fulham has given us plenty to cheer about this season and it is unfortunate we only get to watch this version one more time. This team has done a lot, but closing out 2017-18 with a Wembley victory would be the perfect end for one of the best Fulham squads ever.



http://fulhamusa.com/threads/in-appreciation-of-fulham-2017-18.9765/

[WhiteJC]

 
Wolves, Fulham, Aston Villa, Leeds United and Bristol City - how many days did each Championship club spend in the top six?

There's a surprise at the top of the list

After Bristol City's extremely impressive start to the 2017/18 season, many inside Ashton Gate and in the Football League tipped The Robins for a top six finish.

Lee Johnson's side ultimately ended up eight points off the top six in 11th place following a disappointing end to the campaign, which also saw a Carabao Cup run to the semi-final.

The Robins will be ruing the chance they missed at a shot of promotion to the Premier League, no more so than the fact that they spent 154 days of the season in the top six.

This puts them fifth in the list of sides who have spent the most amount of days inside the top six for the 2017/18 season, above Fulham and Middlesbrough who have both secured play-off spots.

City spent 122 days outside of the top six, with only 14 of those days spent in the bottom half of the table in 13. The Robins spent the most amount of days in 4 than any other position, 62 days.

Cardiff City and Wolves have both secured automatic promotion to the Premier League and have also both spent the most amount of time in the top six. Cardiff (274 days), who finished 2, have actually spent more days in the top six than Wolves (267 days) who finished as champions.

Aston Villa (192 days) and Derby County (161 days) sit 3 and 4 in the list respectively, with both sides securing their play-off place. Sheffield United (142 days) coming just behind City, sitting 6 on the list.

20 of the 24 teams in the Championship spent at least a day if not more in the top six, with only Brentford, Reading, Bolton Wanderers and Burton Albion having not spent any time at all in the top six.

ays spent in the top six in the Championship 2017/18 campaign:

    Cardiff (274), League Position: 2
    Wolves (277), League Position: 1
    Aston Villa (192), League Position: 4
    Derby (161), League Position: 6
    Bristol City (154), League Position: 11
    Sheffield United (142), League Position: 10
    Leeds (101), League Position: 13
    Fulham (100), League Position: 3
    Middlesbrough (88), League Position: 5
    Ipswich (50), League Position: 12
    Preston (40), League Position: 7
    Nottingham Forest (35), League Position: 17
    Millwall (14), League Position: 8
    QPR (7), League Position: 16
    Sunderland (6), League Position: 24
    Norwich (6), League Position: 14
    Hull (4), League Position: 18
    Sheffield Wednesday (4), League Position: 15
    Barnsley (1), League Position: 22
    Birmingham (1), League Position: 19


https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/championship-top-six-wolves-villa-1546585

[WhiteJC]

 
Championship play-off final odds: How the bookies rate Aston Villa and Fulham's chances

AVFC came through against Middlesbrough, Fulham eliminated Derby

Fulham are now odd-on favourites to win the Championship play-offs.

Derby beat Fulham 1-0 in the first leg of the semi-final, but goals from Ryan Sessegnon and Denis Odoi helped them to a 2-0 win in the return fixture at Craven Cottage.

They face Villa who came through their two-leg semi-final against Middlebrough, thanks to Mile Jedinak's first leg winner.

And despite Villa's rich history and Steve Bruce's impeccable play-off record, every bookmaker on Oddschecker believes the Londoners will win.

Latest odds to win the play-offs

Fulham 4/6

Aston Villa 11/10

(Source: Ladbrokes)

Some go even further:

Fulham 4/7

Aston Villa 13/10

(Source: Boyle Sports )

The regulations

The EFL guidelines state:

"In the Final, if the score is level at the end of 90 (ninety) minutes, extra time will be played, followed

if necessary by kicks from the penalty mark, in accordance with the Laws of Association Football."

TV details

Every play-off game will be broadcast live by Sky Sports. The final takes place on Saturday, May 26 at 5pm.
History makers - a decade of finals

2017 Huddersfield Town 0 Reading 0 (Huddersfield on 4-3 on penalties)

2016 Hull City 1 (Diame 72) Sheffield Wednesday 0

2015 Middlesbrough 0 Norwich City 2 (Jerome 12, Redmond 15)

2014 Derby County 0 QPR 1 (Zamora 90)

2013 Crystal Palace 1 (Phillips pen 105+1) Watford 0

2012 Blackpool 1 (Ince 48) West Ham United 2 (Cole 35, Vaz Te 87)

2011 Reading 2 (Allen OG 49, Mills 57) Swansea City 4 (Sinclair pen 21, 22, pen 80, Dobbie 40)

2010 Blackpool 3 (Adam 13, Taylor-Fletcher 41, Ormerod 45+1) Cardiff City 2 (Chopra 9, Ledley 37)

009 Burnley 1 (Elliott 13) Sheffield United 0

2008 Bristol City 0 Hull City 1 (Windass 38)

And what the managers think

After 48 games, it's all come down to this.

10 months of arduous Championship competition will come to a head in the play-off final at Wembley on Saturday, 26 May.

Aston Villa and Fulham will battle it out at the national stadium for a spot in the Premier League.

Villa brushed aside Middlesbrough in the semi final, a goalless draw in the second leg enough to preserve their 1-0 lead from the first clash at the Riverside.

Fulham, meanwhile, were made to do it the hard way, coming from behind to book their place in the promotion showdown. The Whites lost 1-0 to Derby County at Pride Park before beating the Rams 2-0 at Craven Cottage.

Villa boss Steve Bruce has been here before - he's chasing his fifth promotion.

His opposite number Slavisa Jokanovic is after his second promotion in English football.

Here's what both bosses said about their semi final wins and how they looked ahead to the big one.

Steve Bruce

What did he have to say about how they made it to Wembley?

"The longer it went on - and when it hit the crossbar - I thought 'dear oh dear, you can't put me through that!'

"But what has got us through is our defence.

"Both games they've had only one shot on target and defensively we've been good all season.

"We now have 10 days to make sure we're ready and fully prepared for the final.

"It was always going to be tough but what has got us through is our defence over two games.

"If any team deserved to win the game tonight I think it was us."

What's he said about the final?

"Eighteen or 19 months ago this club was in a mess but the experienced players have done the job for us and we're delighted about that.

"As a one-off it's fantastic if you go up through the play-offs, although I would love to have been second and sitting on a beach now.

"To win it we will have to play very, very well because Fulham are a fantastic footballing side.

"We've beaten them, they've beaten us, so it's all to play for.

"Can I make it five promotions? Let's hope so."

Slavisa Jokanovic

What did he have to say about how they made it to Wembley?

"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," he told football.london.

"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.

"In general, my point of view is we played better football than Derby over two legs.

"For one side, behind of us and Derby is long season and if you want in the middle of November when we were 17, no one gave us a chance to have opportunity for the Premier League.

"Derby too had up and downs but they found way to win and have opportunity.

"It's part of the Championship and it isn't easy for me to explain everything, they made great job, didn't finish, we made great job and still haven't finished.

"Only one game and this is what we will prepare and interpret - it's more important game in last four years."

What's he said about the final?

"When I can find benefits I start to be interested in stats, we didn't play 43 years in Wembley, this is great for us.

"Today, after first half, last 20 years, nobody won the final, it's great we beat many records this year, for another side we're satisfied and proud and happy after this night.

"We know it's not enough to take the fans to Wembley, what we need is to start working for this game ahead of.

"All the season will depend on this last game, we know how it's important to win there but we know it's more important we show quality to win the game.

"Now we must rest our minds and bodies and prepare for the game and we will have the time to be ready."



https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-play-off-odds-14626159

[Carborundum]

" I wouldn't be opposed to seeing Jack Grealish stand on Kevin McDonald's toes when Villa are out of possession."

- BirminghamLive football desk's Brian Dick adopting the Ronseal approach

[HatterDon]

Look away now Fulham - Aston Villa have this huge Wembley advantage

Aston Villa meet Fulham in the Championship play-off final on May 26

John Terry, Ahmed Elmohamady, Robert Snodgrass and Co were signed by Steve Bruce to tackle the eventuality which awaits them at Wembley.

Experienced performers with big game knowhow – Villa's squad is full of them.

The Championship play-off final against Fulham on May 26 won't even come close to being the biggest game of John Terry's career.

Terry's appearances in multiple Champions League semi-finals, Premier League title deciders, FA Cup finals and England internationals means he'll lose little sleep over a meeting with the Cottagers at the national stadium.

Former England skipper Terry knows Wembley like the back of his hand.

And that can be said for many of Villa's players. If Steve Bruce picks the starting XI many expect him to select then he'll be choosing a group of players who all have prior Wembley experience.
Sam Johnstone

Villa's goalkeeper played for Preston North End in the 2015 League One play-off final as the Lilywhites beat Swindon 4-0.
Ahmed Elmohamady

Egyptian utility man Elmohamady was part of Bruce's team which beat Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship play-off final two years ago.
James Chester

The supporters' player of the season played in the FA Cup final at Wembley in 2014 as Arsenal defeated Bruce's Hull City team.
John Terry

Is there a player who's played at Wembley more than JT?
Alan Hutton

The Scottish Cafu played for Villa in the FA Cup final defeat to Arsenal in 2015.
Robert Snodgrass

Another member of Hull's Class of 2016.
Mile Jedinak

The Australian captained Crystal Palace to promotion via the play-offs in 2013.
Conor Hourihane

Hourihane enjoyed two Wembley appearances for Barnsley in 2016 as they completed the EFL Trophy and League One play-offs double.
Jack Grealish

Solihull-born Grealish was the star of Villa's FA Cup semi-final win over Liverpool in 2015 and also played the final.
Albert Adomah

Adomah was part of Middlesbrough's team which lost to Norwich City in the 2015 play-off final.
Lewis Grabban

Grabban was in the Norwich team which defeated Adomah's Boro.

Fulham?

Expected starting XI: Bettinelli; Fredericks, Odoi, Ream, Targett; McDonald, Cairney, Johansen; Kamara, Mitrovic, Sessegnon

Of that starting XI, just two players have previous experience of playing at Wembley – and it isn't something either of them looks back on particularly fondly.

Matt Targett started Southampton's 5-2 defeat to Spurs in the Premier League on December 26, while Stefan Johansen featured in Norway's 1-0 friendly defeat to England in 2014.

Does experience guarantee success? Certainly not, but you'd rather have a team full of players that have experienced Wembley before rather than an XI of novices.



https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-fulham-playoff-final-14678160

Good thing we're not facing the 2003-04 Gunners -- they're old too.