Tuesday Fulham Stuff (12/06/18)...

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Promoted teams in profile: Fulham

We round-off our profiles of the promoted teams with an in-depth look at play-off winners Fulham, who returned to the top-flight for the first time since 2014.

Fulham's Premier League return was completed at Wembley a fortnight ago, with a narrow 1-0 victory over Aston Villa in the Championship Play-Off Final.

Captain Tom Cairney was their goalscorer, finishing gracefully under Villa goalkeeper Sam Johnstone after latching onto Ryan Sessegnon's pass midway through the first half.

It was perhaps fitting that Sessegnon and Cairney, the two cornerstones of an impressive Fulham side, combined to score the goal that sent them back to the top flight after a four-year absence.

The pair were two of the three nominees for the EFL's Championship Player of the Season award, which was clinched by teenage sensation Sessegnon.

Manager
Fulham's impressive run at the sharp end of the season was based on a productive record in front of goal, with Jokanović's side by far the most prolific of the four contenders in the play-off showdown.

The Serb himself lead Watford's ascent to the Premier League in 2015, while also enjoying a stint on English soil as a player, with Chelsea between 2000-02.

Growing up in former Yugoslavia, Jokanović has lived and managed in Serbia, Thailand, Bulgaria, Spain, Israel and now England - an extensive list for a 49-year-old.

Connections
- Saints were 1-0 victors over Fulham in this year's Emirates FA Cup competition, with James Ward-Prowse netting the game's only goal.

- Saints boss Mark Hughes agreed a new three year contract a few weeks back, but managed at Craven Cottage between 2010/11, following the departure of Roy Hodgson to Liverpool.

- Full-back Matt Targett spent the second half of the recent season on loan at Fulham, playing an integral part in their promotion push, making 21 apps and scoring once.

- Saints captain Steven Davis enjoyed a brief spell in west London between 2007/08, before departing for Rangers.

Head-to-head record
Southampton wins: 27
Draws: 24
Fulham wins: 21

Previous three meetings
Oct 2013: Southampton 2-0 Fulham (Premier League)
Feb 2014: Fulham 0-3 Southampton (Premier League)
Jan 2018: Fulham 0-1 Southampton (FA Cup)



https://southamptonfc.com/news/2018-06-11/in-profile-fulham-premier-league-1718

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Transfer gossip: Mail link Fulham with defender Diop

Some of the recent transfer speculation involving Fulham...

Fulham are among Premier League clubs the Mail say are interested in Toulouse defender Issa Diop.

The France Under-21 international has previously been linked with various European sides and the Mail now say Fulham, Everton and West Ham have been monitoring him.

It is claimed that Toulouse would listen to offers for Diop but want £26m.

The Mail also believe Fulham are ready to trigger a £2m release clause in Joe Bennett's Cardiff City contract.

West London Sport revealed last year that Fulham were interested in the left-back.

Whites linked with Henderson

Fulham want to sign goalkeeper Dean Henderson from Manchester United, The Sun claim.

Henderson, 21, and apparently rated at £1m, was on loan at Shrewsbury last season and has discussed a potential move to Bristol City.

The Sun claim Fulham and Stoke also want Henderson, who has been touted as a possible replacement for England keeper Jack Butland at Stoke.

Fulham are said to want him because second-choice keeper David Button is expected to join Brighton.

Sessegnon speculation goes on

Manchester United are ready to test Fulham's resolve to keep Ryan Sessegnon by tabling a bid for the teenager, The Sun claim.

Fulham's promotion back to the Premier League has not stopped speculation over the future of Sessegnon, who signed a long-term contract at Craven Cottage last summer.

Tottenham have long been keen on him and have been hoping to tie up a deal to sign him, while a number of other top clubs have been linked with him.

Those clubs include United, with The Sun running several stories in recent months claiming that Old Trafford boss Jose Mourinho will make a move for Sessegnon at the end of the season.

And The Sun say United are set to offer £50m for the 18-year-old despite Fulham making it clear they have no intention of selling.

The newspaper also claim United are now ahead of Tottenham in a race to sign him.

The likes of Paris St-Germain have also been linked with Sessegnon this year.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/football-fulham-eevrton-west-ham-diop-linked

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Fulham linked with Cardiff and Bristol City defenders and Manchester United goalkeeper

The latest Fulham transfer gossips includes a host of names from England and Europe

The latest round of gossip surrounding Fulham has seen the club linked with Cardiff City defender Joe Bennett, Bristol City full back Joe Bryan and Manchester United keeper Dean Henderson.

Since promotion to the Premier League, the Whites have been linked with name upon name as the side look to strengthen for life in the top flight, with the latest among a whole host of players being touted for moves to Craven Cottage.

As yet though, no one has come in the door at the west London club, who being pre-season in less than a month with a behind-closed-doors friendly with Crawley Town at Motspur Park, with the only movement being Ryan Fredericks' departure to West Ham.

Time is still on Fulham's side and work is well underway to bring new faces in, as it has been since before the side were promoted - here's the latest gossip surrounding the club.

Joe Bennett - Cardiff

The Cardiff defender is one of a long list of names linked to the club by the Daily Mail, with the site reporting that Fulham are willing to meet his £2million release clause.

The Cottagers made a move for him last summer, only for him to stay in Wales and help see the side promoted to the top flight, earning plaudits for his consistent performances all season.

Fulham want to sign a left back with Matt Targett, who spent half the season on loan from Southampton, being their preferred option.


Joe Bennett against Sergio Agueroero. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

Joe Bryan - Bristol

The Mirror have linked Fulham to another left back - Bryan of Bristol City.

The left sided player had been linked with a move to Burnley recently, but it seems to have gone quiet on that front.

Bristol Live report that the 24-year-old only has a year left on his contract at Ashton Gate, which could leave the door open for a move away from the club, although last season the club slapped a £10million price tag on his head.



Dean Henderson - Manchester United

Fulham have been linked with a move for United keeper Henderson by the Sun, with the paper claiming the side want him as a replacement for David Button, who has been linked with a move to Brighton and Hove Albion.

The 21-year-old spent the season on loan at Shrewsbury Town last year, helping them to the League One play-off final, with the report claiming he could be available for £1million.

Stoke City and Bristol City have also been linked with a move for Henderson.



Issa Diop - Toulouse

Another link from the Daily Mail, Fulham are named alongside Everton and West Ham as teams interested in the 21-year-old defender.

He's been linked with Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Barcelona and Inter Milan in the past, but helped see Toulouse to Ligue 1 safety last campaign.

The Daily Mail say that Toulouse want £26million for their star man.


Issa Diop in action for Toulouse against Kylian Mbappe (Photo by PASCAL PAVANI/AFP/Getty Images)

Edmilson Junior - Standard Liege

Belgian outlet DH have linked Fulham with a move for 23-year-old Junior after his impressive Pro League campaign last season.

They say that the Whites are battling with West Ham, Wolves and a host of Italian clubs for his signature as they look for options on the wing.


unior Edmilson celebrates after scoring a goal (Image: BRUNO FAHY/AFP/Getty Images)

It's one of the positions that Fulham want to strengthen in, with no one being able to really hold down the right wing spot last season.

The Whites have used the Belgian market to good use in the past, signing Denis Odoi two summers ago and Ibrahima Cisse last season.



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/fulham-linked-cardiff-bristol-city-14768573

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Premier League clubs to have weekend off in February from 2019-20

Premier League clubs will have one weekend off in February from the 2019-20 season.

The break will be split over two weeks, with 10 teams sitting out the first weekend and 10 the following weekend.

The FA Cup fifth round will be moved to midweek dates outside the period set aside for the break, with replays being scrapped at that stage.

The Football Association described it as "a significant moment" that "will greatly benefit club and country".

"It's no secret that we have a very congested fixture calendar and over recent years we have been working with the whole game to find a solution," said FA chief executive Martin Glenn.

Premier League chief Richard Scudamore welcomed the move and, in a wide-ranging interview with BBC Sport, said clubs would not be allowed to exploit the break by playing lucrative friendlies.

"There will be conditions around what they can do," he said.

All three divisions of the English Football League (EFL) will remain unchanged, with a full programme of fixtures taking place on each of the weekends where there is a break.

'We play too many games' - the players


Premier League matches will still be played each weekend during the break

Almost 90% of players questioned in a recent survey by Fifpro said they wanted a mid-season break, with an average preference of two weeks.

The world players' union surveyed 543 players from clubs in some of Europe's biggest leagues, including England, France, Germany and Italy.

Nearly half of national team footballers who play in 50 or more matches a season said they felt they played "too many" games.

Winter breaks are already factored into schedules of the top leagues in Germany, France, Italy and Spain, though they all take place between December and January, which is the busiest period for Premier League teams.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said in January that the festive schedule was "killing" his players.

Earlier in the 2017-18 season his Manchester United counterpart Jose Mourinho said the lack of a break was hampering English clubs' hopes in the Champions League.

However, former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger once said he would "cry" if a winter break was introduced. The Gunners played six games in 19 days during the festive period last season, the Frenchman's final one in charge.

The announcement means further change in the 2019-20 season, which will be the first during which Amazon will show Premier League matches.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44414487

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Grant's PL2 Review

Peter Grant spoke to fulhamfc.com about the ups and downs of his Under-23s' 2017/18 season.

"It's been a mixed bag," commented Under-23s Head Coach Peter Grant on his side's season. "The start of it wasn't particularly good for the first four or five games.

"We played well enough without getting the results, after that we were on a fantastic run and performances were very good.

"We went on a 10 match unbeaten run in the league with a number of victories on the bounce.

"So we are very pleased with that. Some of the boys did very well and went out on loan, younger boys came into the squad and we are very happy with them.

"Results wise, it was a very up and down season, but on performances I was pleased altogether."

This season Fulham competed in the Checkatrade Trophy for the first time, playing all three of their group matches away at 1st team stadiums against 1st team opposition.

"I think it was fantastic," he said. "It was something I have always backed anyway.

"I think it is very important, because people always come to watch the boys play and question the fact that Under-23s level is different to senior football.

"I don't really buy into that; I just think that there is a fear factor for coaches because everything is so short term which means they are scared to take young boys in. I don't think it has got anything to do with ability.

"I was very pleased with the boys and very disappointed we didn't qualify, we lost two goals after the 90th minute against Charlton Athletic to put us out after we were leading 2-1 at that time.

"All in all, it was good going to Portsmouth, Crawley and obviously Charlton. It was a fantastic experience for the young boys and they've done very well with it."

Asked which was his standout performance of the season, he replied: "I thought the game against Wolves away from home was excellent in the PL2, we played very well.

"I thought it was two teams who had a right go at each other. Ok, we ended up winning the match 4-1, but it was never a 4-1 game.

"There were fantastic goals, a great work ethic, the team passed the ball really well and we moved it well, created chances and like I said scored some wonderful goals. So that was the most complete performance of the season for me.

"There were a lot of good performances during that period and I was pleased with that throughout the season.

"You can look at the league table and get frustrated because there was only one team that gave us a bit of a doing, and that was Blackburn away.

"We couldn't handle their power and we didn't play particularly well and they end up winning 4-0. Every other game we were capable of winning and they were very close games.

"We didn't take our chances in certain games and the oppositions did, we made errors. That's the experience they gain and they learn from that at this level, I've always said that. We've got work to do when we get to the new season."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/june/11/grants-pl2-review

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Wembley sale will be opened up to other offers as FA seeks higher fee than Shahid Khan's £600m bid

The sale of Wembley stadium will be opened up to other bidders in the autumn in a bid to flush out a higher offer than the £600 million on the table from Fulham owner Shahid Khan.

FA bosses have already been approached by at least three other potential buyers since the Standard last month revealed they have been in talks with the US billionaire, who also owns the Jacksonville Jaguars NFL franchise.

Although Mr Khan is said to be "in the box seat" in the negotiations, the FA team leading the talks are keen for the sale not to be seen as "a done deal".

It is understood that the FA's advisers, City investment bank NM Rothschild, have been instructed to "actively make it clear we are open to offers" after the summer. A higher price could allow more money to be ploughed back into grassroots football through new all-weather pitches and improvements to existing grass playing surfaces.

The Standard has also learned that:

Mr Khan originally offered just £200 million but was persuaded that the stadium was worth far more because of its potential for hosting an NFL franchise.

The FA will insist on a "golden share" type mechanism in any sale agreement so that it can block a resale to another owner thought to be an unsuitable custodian of the national stadium.

FA officials led by chief executive Martin Glenn are locked in detailed discussions with Mr Khan's team about legal safeguards that will allay fears that the sale could leave English football locked out of its traditional home ground.

FA sources said the game's governing body would need to be convinced that the stadium will remain the permanent "home of English football" available to host major England matches and tournament bid events. Other "non-negotiable" conditions include keeping a royal box, a "natural" playing surface and a capacity of at least 80,000. The FA must also be allowed to keep its headquarters at the stadium. Only after all the "rules of engagement" have been agreed and formalised will the FA move into "a more active process open to other bidders", the sources said.

The approaches made since Mr Khan's offer was made public have come from property and private equity companies and are not thought to be viable.

The FA makes almost all its money from its ownership of the stadium through its "Club Wembley" hospitality and corporate box business, which will not form part of the sale. The current value of its future stream of profits have been estimated at about £300 million.

Running football matches and other events such as rock concerts at Wembley currently makes only a small profit.

But this could be dramatically increased by boosting the number of event days by relocating an NFL franchise to London, the FA believes.

A spokesman for Mr Khan declined to comment, and the FA would not comment.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/wembley-sale-will-be-opened-up-to-other-offers-as-fa-seeks-higher-fee-than-shahid-khan-600m-bid-a3860006.html

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Carabao Cup: Extra time scrapped & VAR to be used at Premier League grounds

Manchester City won the EFL Cup for a fifth time in 2018 - only Liverpool have won it more often

The Carabao Cup is to scrap extra time for the 2018-19 season, while all games at Premier League grounds will use VAR.

EFL Cup matches will now go straight to penalty kicks if the scores are level after 90 minutes to reduce "additional fatigue issues" following a vote by English Football League clubs.

Extra time will now only be played in the final at Wembley, while the ABBA penalty format is also to be scrapped.

Seeding will be removed for the first two rounds of the competition.

But round one will remain regionalised into North and South sections.

A "statistical analysis" demonstrated that almost 85% of matches played in the Carabao Cup were decided after 90 minutes, leading to clubs opting to stop the extra 30 minutes before a penalty shootout.

The decision to revert back to a Team A, Team B penalty system after a one-season trial with the ABBA format will be applied to all EFL competitions.

Checkatrade tweaks

The future format of the Checkatrade Trophy has also been on the EFL's agenda, with some minor changes for next season already agreed.

    EFL clubs will now be able to include players who are on loan at National League clubs.
    Category One teams who take part will only be allowed to name two players who are over the age of 21 and have played more than 40 first-team games.

Further feedback on the competition was also garnered and a club meeting is scheduled for September when other possible changes will be discussed.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44415928

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Everton could surely blow their rivals out the water in race to sign Joe Bryan

Everton were said to be targeting Joe Bryan of Bristol City back in the January transfer window.

Everton could surely blow Fulham out of the water in the race to sign Joe Bryan from Bristol City, if they are still interested in the left-back.

Everton were strongly linked with Bryan during the January transfer window in the Daily Mirror, but could not get a deal over the line.

The Toffees have still not solved their left-back problem, but new competitors for the full-back have emerged.

The Mirror claim that Fulham are interested in snapping up Bryan this summer, to bolster their squad after promotion.

However, if Everton do want Bryan then they would still surely be the favourites to land him.

Everton have the potential to offer more in terms of transfer fees and wages than Fulham, and they also would be the more appealing club to join.

Bryan could still remain a good option for the Toffees, as his form in the Championship has been highly impressive.

And if Marco Silva does want to bring the 24-year-old to Goodison Park then he should still feel confident that Everton could win the race, despite the increased competition.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/06/11/everton-could-surely-blow-their-rivals-out-the-water-in-race-to/

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Fulham should rival Wolves for perfect Fredericks replacement

Fulham are likely to be on the lookout for a new right-back.

Newly-promoted Premier League side Fulham are likely to be busy in the transfer market this summer, and a right-back will be a priority for Slavisa Jokanovic after losing Ryan Fredericks to West Ham United.

The former Tottenham Hotspur defender decided not to renew his contract with the Cottagers despite helping them gain promotion back to the Premier League, and has instead moved across London on a free transfer.

A new right-sided defender is required, then, and it Jokanovic should be pointed in the direction of AC Milan speed machine Ignazio Abate who is reportedly interesting fellow top-flight newcomers Wolves.

The 31-year-old is likely to leave the San Siro this summer, and Italian outlet Gazza Mercato claim Wolves are keen on landing the 22-time Italy international who could be available on the cheap this summer.

The former Torino defender has only one more year remaining on his current contract with no signs of a renewal, despite being Gennaro Gattuso's vice captain.

It has seen a handful of MLS clubs also become interested in Abate, but he may feel there is still plenty of life left in his career. A move to the Premier League will surely prove tantalising.

Wolves would certainly have an advantage over Fulham in terms of finances, but Fulham's need to sign a right-back could see them push the Midlanders aside - if they do enter the race to sign Abate.

His pace, willingness to get forward and ability to provide an assist are all traits that Fredericks showed off during the 2017-18 season. He would be the perfect replacement for new West Ham defender.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/06/11/fulham-should-rival-wolves-for-perfect-fredericks-replacement/

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EFL clubs vote to end compulsory matchday programme publication

The Fleetwood Town programme for their FA Cup third-round tie against Leicester City in January

English Football League teams will no longer be obliged to print matchday programmes for every game after a vote at the league's annual general meeting.

In April the EFL said some clubs wanted the option not to print them because of declining sales and increased costs.

Programmes had been mandatory as a result of partnership and sponsorship agreements held by the EFL.

However, Championship, League One and League Two clubs can now make the decision on a match-by-match basis.

"There's so much news that people are accessing instantly through their phones now, I can see how it's a struggle at lower levels to keep the programmes fresh. It makes the economics of it tough," said Dr Alexander Jackson, collections officer at the National Football Museum.

"In future programmes will probably be accessed digitally so, in a sense, they won't go away, they'll mutate with technology."

The EFL will continue to produce programmes for all its major games, including the Carabao Cup final and all three play-off finals.

'Programmes are very powerful'
Dr Jackson has written a thesis named 'Football's Consumer Culture and Juvenile Fan Culture' which focused on the years 1880-1960, when programmes were in their formative years and were often just teamsheets.

A section of the museum, based in Manchester, is devoted to the rituals of going to a match and includes an array of programmes across the decades.

"In terms of what we get offered programmes are probably one of the most popular donations," he told BBC Sport.

"Programmes bring back memories of going to a specific game. A programme is a very powerful thing, as once you look at it you can start reeling off names of players from that era."

He said museums have started to prepare for the day that programmes - and other memorabilia - move away from hard copies and become computer-based.

"That's the challenge museums will have in all sorts of ways - how do you collect digital history? Museums are looking at how to address and approach this as it progresses.

"How people engage with the game is still the same, but it's going to be interesting how we best collect and reflect."

A challenge to programme editors

Programmes were initially produced to help supporters identify the players

Collecting programmes remains a popular hobby, with a number of fairs held in England each year.

In 2014, a copy of the 1901 FA Cup final programme between Tottenham and Sheffield United was sold for £19,000 at auction.

Macclesfield Town fan Matthew Todd has around 30,000 of them in total, selling many both online and at a stall at the club.

"I put a challenge out there to programme editors," he said. "There are a lot of issues that are very bland, all written by one person and with no articles by the fans.

"Certain clubs follow the same template and they all look the same.

"Clubs have allowed programmes to slip off people's radars by letting standards slip a bit - if the product was good I'm confident it would sell better.

"I still think there's something in programmes. It might be one of those things where you don't miss it until it's gone."

Trying something different
But this is not as simple a decision as either keeping with the status quo or ditching programmes altogether.

League Two side Colchester United have come up with a novel idea to give every supporter a copy as part of their match ticket next season.

"I guess it was influenced by the EFL vote a little bit, but for us it's an opportunity to stand out from the crowd," said the club's media manager Matt Hudson.

"We were perhaps at a point where we needed to put ticket prices up anyway, but to soften the blow we have added the programme.

"Internal discussions say this gives the programme a chance to regain its importance as part of the matchday experience."

With programmes taking so long to put together, is there a worry that clubs who opt out of publishing them will make cuts to their media departments?

Ralph Shepherd, former editor of Notts County's programme, believes press teams would still have plenty of other jobs to justify their roles.

"I don't think a club's media team would need to shrink, necessarily," he said. "There is such a huge appetite for information, whether that be live tweeting, live social media videos as well as youth and ladies' games.

"Fans love the feel of a physical programme. I know I still keep editions and it will be a sad day if they were to go monthly or cease to exist."



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44396446

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What Slavisa Jokanovic and his Fulham coaching staff will be doing during the World Cup

The head coach will be concentrating on making sure plans are in place ready for the start of pre-season at Motspur Park

Fulham's promotion to the Premier League has coincided with the World Cup, meaning it's set to be an even busier than usual summer for the west London side.

As we all know, the transfer window is usually a hectic time for clubs, but with players jetting off to Russia for the tournament it's going to be even more difficult to push through deals, with a lot of them most likely being done once the competition ends.

The Whites are in an interesting place compared to other clubs though - with Tony Khan and his recruitment team focusing solely on transfers, Slavisa Jokanovic and his coaching staff, including trusted lieutenants Javier Pereira and Alberto Escobar, will have more than enough time to examine what needs doing on the playing side of things next season.

With no contracted players from Fulham at the World Cup, the core of the side will be returning to pre-season come the end of the month, fresh from their holidays and promotion at Wembley, ready to take on the Premier League.

Here's what the coaching staff will be doing over the summer while the World Cup is on.

Planning, planning and more planning

Once the season was done, Jokanovic jetted back off to Spain to spend some much deserved time with his family and friends ahead of the new season.

With recruitment not a priority for the head coach, it's unlikely he's going to spend much time on the phone chasing potential new transfers like he's counterparts, meaning he'll be focused on preparing his tactics for the Premier League.

In the previous two campaigns, Fulham found a style that suited the players at their disposal - a dominant, attacking, passing brand of football that saw them retain possession and attack predominantly down the flanks.


(Image: Paul Burgman)

After the play-offs, Jokanovic insisted that the Cottagers wouldn't be changing their style in the top flight and will continue with the same attacking football that saw them wipe the floor with teams over the past two campaigns.

Jokanovic and his coaching staff will be sitting down and discussing just how they can implement that against some of the best defences and attacks in the world - the upcoming campaign will see them struggle with their style when they face the likes of Manchester City.

Working out how they'll be able to go toe-to-toe with the bigger teams in England will be a top priority for the coaching staff as they work through the World Cup and aim towards the opening game of the season in two months time.


(Image: Victoria Jones/PA Wire)

Pre-season preparations

Last season we saw Fulham start extremely slowly, something that cannot happen in the Premier League.

If they start like they did then, we could well be looking at a disaster of a campaign before the first month has even ended, and so getting pre-season right will be a crucial point for Jokanovic in the next few weeks.

Fulham have already announced some of their pre-season schedule, with a behind-closed-doors friendly with Crawley Town their first point of action followed by a game with Reading, before a trip out to France for two games.

They then head out to Germany for the Cup of Traditions tournament with a week to spare before the first Premier League games, which are scheduled for the weekend of August 12.

That represents a change from last season, where the first point of call was a trip to Poland before behind-closed-doors games with QPR and Chelsea, followed by two more trips abroad in the form of Austria and Germany.

It seemed that Fulham went into the start of the season under cooked somewhat, and it looks like the schedule this season has been designed to ensure that doesn't happen again, with the players and staff being able to make full use of Motspur Park for nearly three weeks at the start of the pre-season schedule before a trip overseas.

It is vital that the Whites get pre-season right and go into that first fixture ready to lay down their dominant style of football and show whoever they get why they deserve to be in the top flight.


(Image: Victoria Jones/PA Wire)

Deciding which Academy stars to bring into the fold

We know Jokanovic likes to use pre-season to get a look at the youngsters coming through the ranks at Fulham - two seasons ago was when Ryan Sessegnon really came into his own when he scored against Brighton and Hove Albion.

There will be discussions taking place between Jokanovic and Huw Jennings, the Academy Director at Motspur Park, not only on which players he will be incorporating into pre-season, but on the new crop of talent coming into the U18 and U23 sides.

Again, Jokanovic doesn't have much input on transfers at the club and that is down to Khan's recruitment team, but Jennings will be talking with Khan on which young players will need loan spells this season and what move might work out best for them, like they did with Marek Rodak, Mattias Kait, Stephen Humphrys and others last season.

With Fulham in the Premier League, the likes of Steven Sessegnon, Matt O'Riley, Tayo Edun, Marlon Fossey and Luca de la Torre may benefit from time away at a Championship club to get some game time.

Watching Serbia

And of course, Jokanovic will be watching Serbia at the World Cup.

He was present at their training camp a few weeks ago to see them put through their paces before heading home to Spain, and with Aleksandar Mitrovic leading the line he will be extra interested in how they get on.

There will also be an eye on Spain, with Escobar, Pereira and Jose Sambade Carreira, the team's goalkeeping coach, all hailing from the country.



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/what-slavisa-jokanovic-fulham-coaching-14769548

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Fulham and Huddersfield ready to test Liverpool's resolve over young Wales striker Harry Wilson

The duo are prepared to pay up to £7million for Wilson, while Liverpool would prefer him to go out on loan again

Fulham and Huddersfield are ready to test Liverpool's resolve over Wales forward Harry Wilson.

The duo are prepared to pay up to £7million for Wilson, while Liverpool would prefer him to go out on loan again to continue his development.

Wilson, 21, was handed a new long-term contract by Liverpool in January before they sent him out on loan to Hull, where he impressed by scoring seven goals in 13 league games.

The Reds feel Wilson, who became Wales' youngest international when he made his debut aged 16 years and 207 days, still has a future at Anfield, even though Jurgen Klopp has only used him once as a substitute in the FA Cup in 2017.


Fulham and Huddersfield are interested in the youngster (Image: John Powell)

Wilson feels he is at the stage of his career where he needs to play regularly to aid his development, leaving Liverpool with a dilemma.

They may be tempted to cash in on Wilson if he is not going to be part of Klopp's first-team squad next season and Fulham and Huddersfield feel he is ready to step up to the Premier League.



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/fulham-huddersfield-ready-test-liverpools-12682584

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Fulham poised to bid for Wilson
by Dan on June 11, 2018

Fulham are set to table a big-money bid for promising Liverpool forward Harry Wilson, according to a Daily Mirror report this afternoon.

The Whites are poised to do battle with Huddersfield Town over the Welsh international and they will first of all need to persuade Liverpool to consider selling the 21 year-old, who only signed a new contract at Anfield back in January. Liverpool felt that Wilson benefited hugely from a six-month loan spell at Hull City, where he scored seven times in thirteen league outings, and would like the youngster to go out on loan again.

Fulham have identified the right wing position as a problem area that needs to strengthened before they make their Premier League return in August. Slavisa Jokanovic is exploring his options after Neeskens Kebano, Lucas Piazon and Liverpool loanee Sheyi Ojo failed to nail down the first-team spot. The Cottagers ended their Championship campaign with Aboubakar Kamara lining up on the right side of a fluid front three.

The Mirror suggests that, whilst Liverpool have assured Wilson he remains part of Jurgen Klopp's long-term plans, the Wrexham-born attacker is considering his future as he seeks more regular first-team football. Klopp has only handed Wilson a single senior outing – as a substitute in the FA Cup – during his time at Anfield and both Fulham and Huddersfield could be seen as options where Wilson can develop without having to drop down a division.

It is understood that Wilson wants to ensure he doesn't drop out of contention for a regular spot in Ryan Giggs' side as Wales begin their European Championship qualification campaign in September. The Mirror believes that Fulham and Huddersfield would be willing to pay as much as £7m for Wilson, who has scored one in four outings for his country.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/06/fulham-poised-to-bid-for-wilson/

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Fulham, Everton among contenders for £26m-rated France U21 defender

Toulouse centre-back Issa Diop has emerged as a transfer target for newly-promoted Premier League side Fulham.

Everton and West Ham United are also looking at the 21-year-old defender, who has represented France 39 times across youth levels.

Diop is valued at around £26m and started 34 games for Toulouse last season.

The 6'4″ defender has attracted the interest of European giants such as Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter Milan, as well as Premier League duo Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.

However, he could be making a switch to another London side in Fulham, as the Cottagers look to strengthen their defence ahead of their first season back in the top flight.

The Daily Mail recently claimed that Fulham and Everton were the front runners to sign the highly-coveted centre-back.

Diop is highly-rated for his strength, pace, aerial ability and leadership, making him a welcome addition to many Premier League sides.

Diop's contract at Toulouse runs until 2020.



https://www.teamtalk.com/news/fulham-everton-among-contenders-for-26m-rated-france-u21-defender

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Race Around Ireland

Fulham FC Foundation's Impact Manager, Andrew Nippard, is taking on the Race Around Ireland to raise money for the charity's community programmes.

The 1,350 mile ultra-cycling race will occur between 26th – 31st August, covering the entire Irish coastline in all its hilly, windswept glory! Cycling in the solo category – meaning no teammates to share the load – Andrew will be supported by a crew of just 5 friends in his race against the terrain, elements, and the clock. With a cut-off time of 132 hours, he'll be required to cover 260-280 miles per day for 5 consecutive days – an achievement that just 5 riders accomplished in 2017.


Andrew will be competing in a field of 18 riders from 8 different countries and has already clocked more than 5000 miles in training. You can support his efforts and the Foundation by donating via JustGiving: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/andrew-nippard-racearoundireland



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/june/11/foundation-race-around-ireland

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NUFC reporter makes surprise Mitrovic admission – A must-read for Newcastle & Fulham fans

According to the Chronicle's Mark Douglas, Aleksandar Mitrovic would actually be keen to remain at Newcastle United IF Benitez handed him more opportunities – revealing that the striker has remained in touch with Rafa since his loan move to Fulham.

The NUFC editor admits that it would be 'one hell of a U-turn' to see Mitrovic back playing in a black and white shirt next season (suggesting we're still likely to cash in), however he insists that Rafa's decision to not play him was never anything personal – and more down to our playing style at the time.

The story claims that Rafa saw him as a 'luxury' in a Newcastle side that faced large periods of games without the ball (hence the decision to loan him out), but it's now claimed that he *might* just be given another shot if Rafa's unable to find a superior replacement this summer.

Here's what Mark Douglas has had to say about the striker's future following his stunning hat-trick for Serbia over the weekend:

    "Mitrovic says that he would be open to move to Fulham but it's also understood that he has not shut the door on a return to Newcastle IF Benitez was to give him more opportunities.
    "The striker has remained respectful and has even spoken to Benitez and Newcastle at the end of his season with Fulham – with Benitez sending personal congratulations to the forward on winning promotion with the Cottagers.
    "It would be one hell of a U-turn but Benitez has always said that there was nothing personal about his decision not to play Mitrovic. If he thinks it would work for Newcastle, he would be happy to shelve his ego and work with Mitrovic again. The striker's 18 goals last season and continued improvement internationally will be giving him food for thought – as well as pushing his value up.
    "There is always the possibility that Benitez will not get anyone of the required calibre to lead the line and then what?
    "Mitrovic is worth more than any other Newcastle striker and if he returns in pre-season with Benitez prepared to play him, there won't be too many Newcastle fans feeling upset."



http://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2018/06/11/nufc-reporter-makes-surprise-mitrovic-admission-a-must-read-for-newcastle-fulham-fans/

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With 5 goals in 2017/18, you can see why Fulham are chasing this dynamic star

Fulham will be looking to strengthen their side as much as possible this summer as they prepare for life back in the Premier League.

The men from Craven Cottage were one of the best sides to watch outside the Premier League last season with their passing style and many will be excited to see how they do in the top flight.

For sure, though, they'll need to sign new players to strengthen their squad for the challenge ahead and one of the latest rumours comes from The Sunday People printed edition about Joe Bryan.

With that said, then, in our latest FLW Spotlight feature we're taking a look at the left-sided ace and his stats from last season:

With 5 goals and 3 assists, it's clear that the left-back has got plenty to offer both going forwards and defensively.

Fulham's left side, of course, is one of their strongest areas with Ryan Sessegnon on the scene and Matt Targett having also impressed out there.

If Fulham cannot get a deal done for Targett on a permanent basis, though, there's a good case to suggest that Bryan is the ideal alternative.

Strong in the challenge and capable of lung-busting runs, he'd certainly preserve the formidable nature of Fulham's left side whilst, at the same time, he wouldn't break the bank.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/with-5-goals-in-2017-18-you-can-see-why-fulham-are-chasing-this-dynamic-star/

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What the 2018 World Cup will mean for Fulham's pursuit of Newcastle man Aleksandar Mitrovic

Fulham want to sign the 23-year-old permanently - but what he does at the the World Cup will have an impact on their attempts

Aleksandar Mitrovic heads to Russia and the 2018 World Cup having set Craven Cottage on fire during his six-month loan spell from Newcastle United.

Having signed on Deadline Day, the 23-year-old banged in 12 goals to help steer Fulham to the Premier League via the Championship play-offs, leaving a lot of people asking just why he wasn't in Rafa Benitez' first team plans up in the north east.

But not Fulham fans - they didn't care, and as far as they were concerned, Mitrovic falling out of favour at St James' Park was one of the best things to happen to their side this season, with the striker forming an integral part of their promotion success.

And in the heat of Wembley Stadium, it looked like it was meant to be as Mitrovic hoisted the play-off trophy above his head in front of the Fulham faithful, after exchanging words with the man who helped pave the way for his arrival in west London, head coach Slavisa Jokanovic.

Aleksandar Mitrovic heads to Russia and the 2018 World Cup having set Craven Cottage on fire during his six-month loan spell from Newcastle United.

Having signed on Deadline Day, the 23-year-old banged in 12 goals to help steer Fulham to the Premier League via the Championship play-offs, leaving a lot of people asking just why he wasn't in Rafa Benitez' first team plans up in the north east.

But not Fulham fans - they didn't care, and as far as they were concerned, Mitrovic falling out of favour at St James' Park was one of the best things to happen to their side this season, with the striker forming an integral part of their promotion success.

And in the heat of Wembley Stadium, it looked like it was meant to be as Mitrovic hoisted the play-off trophy above his head in front of the Fulham faithful, after exchanging words with the man who helped pave the way for his arrival in west London, head coach Slavisa Jokanovic.


(Image: Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images)

And now it's worked out, Fulham want him back as their own player, but what happens at the World Cup may have a big say on proceedings.

Newcastle know that the Whites want to sign Mitrovic, but know that a good World Cup will see his price tag rise, especially as more clubs become interested in him, which is why they haven't entered any negotiations for the striker just yet.

The 23-year-old striker has continued his good form as Serbia prepare for the World Cup, bagging a hat-trick against Bolivia in their final warm-up game for Russia as his country won 5-1.

Serbia are in a group with Brazil, Switzerland and Costa Rica, and Mitrovic will be confident he can net in at least two of those games as his country look to qualify for the last 16 and further in Russia.

If he does have a good World Cup, Fulham will be looking at an ever-increasing price for the man who fired them to the Premier League, despite the fact Mitrovic would not be against staying in London.

As mentioned previously, a good World Cup coupled with the amount of goals he scored at Fulham last season will see clubs circling for him too - Crystal Palace have already been touted for a move, while a number of overseas clubs are interested in him.

That puts Fulham in a difficult position - they would like to conclude a deal for Mitrovic quickly, as you would expect, but with Newcastle's position of trying to get as much money for him as possible, any deal for the striker is likely to go well into pre-season.

With him needing a break, it's also likely that if Mitrovic was to sign, he wouldn't be up to the required fitness levels for the start of the Premier League season, leaving Fulham with a headache up top once more.

Of course, if Mitrovic doesn't have a World Cup that he's hoping for, interest may cool somewhat from other clubs on him, while Newcastle won't be able to ask for the higher price they're hoping for on the back of Russia.

That won't affect Fulham, who want to do a deal for him regardless of his performances at the World Cup after his loan spell, but it may put them in a better position.

Whatever happens, Mitrovic's future is unlikely to be sorted out until after the World Cup, with the striker already at the side's training base of the Royal Falke Resort in Kaliningrad.

Successful World Cup or not, Fulham will be heading the queue for his signature ahead of their return to the Premier League.



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/world-cup-mitrovic-transfer-fulham-14770050

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Wembley Stadium sale attracts 'at least three' new potential buyers - but Shahid Khan still in box seat

At least three other people have indicated they wanted to buy Wembley, although Khan is understood to be in the box seat

A chiefs have opened up the sale of Wembley to the highest bidder — and hope to get a £1billion deal.

US billionaire Shahid Khan has made an offer worth £600million, but the Football Association have had strong interest from three other potential buyers.

Khan remains in pole position but the FA are ready to open up the bidding process this autumn, which may also lead to the Fulham owner upping his price towards £1bn.

The FA are making it clear privately that they do not have to sell, they are not desperate to sell - but are desperate to plough more money into grass roots football.


Shahid Khan is the owner of Fulham football club (Image: REUTERS)

That is why Khan's offer is appealing and, because of his interest in football, it is another reason why he fits the FA's criteria for potential future owners of Wembley.

Khan also owns the NFL team Jacksonville Jaguars and that could open up to their games being played at Wembley which could also see England go "on the road" for autumn fixtures.

They are not interested in selling to a football club or an owner who wants to use the stadium all-year-round and that leaves Khan in pole position.

But the interest since Khan's offer was made public has convinced the FA that they could get a better price than the £600m on the table which is boosted by them being able to keep the Club Wembley business which is valued at £300m.

The FA's advisers, City investment bank NM Rothschild, have been told to make it clear that they are now open to offers.

But Khan now knows he faces strong competition for Wembley - and that is likely to drive up the price with the FA confident that will be good news for English football.

A spokesman for Mr Khan declined to comment, and the FA would not comment.



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/fa-open-up-wembley-sale-12684037

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Tim Ream becomes third American to be named Fulham's player of the season

For the fifth time, an American has been named English club Fulham's player of the season.

After Brian McBride in 2005-06 andf 2006-07 and Clint Dempsey in 2010-11 and 2011-12, defender Tim Ream was honored for his play during the Cottagers' 2017-18 season that ended with them winning promotion.

Ream, 30, played every minute of his 47 starts for the London club in the Championship. He was also named player of the season twice at Bolton Wanderers, where he spent his first five seasons in England.

Ream beat out 18-year-old Ryan Sessegnon, considered one of the top young players in England. Sessegnon led Fulham with 15 Championship goals.



https://www.socceramerica.com/publications/article/78303/tim-ream-becomes-third-american-to-be-played-fulha.html