Friday Fulham Stuff (08/03/18)...

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Alfie Mawson – the story so far

Alfie Mawson's move from Swansea City to Fulham at a rumoured £15m rising to a potential £20m makes him the most expensive defender in Fulham history. What is Alfie Mawson's journey to that point and what will he give to Slavisa Jokanovic's side? That's what I aim to tell you.

Born in London, Alfie Mawson was released from the Reading academy at 15 years old and had unsuccessful trials at Bournemouth and Millwall before being picked up by Brentford on scholarship terms. It was at Griffin Park where Mawson received and signed his first professional contract at 18. Largely part of the Development Squad at Brentford, Mawson spent time on loan with six different spells in his three years as a professional at the Bees (including three separate loans over the course of ten months at Maidenhead in the Conference South). Further spells at Luton and Welling were to come before a Football League club came calling.

Wycombe Wanderers signed Alfie Mawson on a season long loan as a 20 year old with Chairboys boss Gareth Ainsworth looking to rebuild after a 22nd placed finish and safety on the final day in his first full year in charge at the club. Despite initially being signed as cover following an injury, Mawson struck up an impressive partnership with ex-Fulham academy player Aaron Pierre with Wycombe and did not look back as the club finished in the play off positions. Mawson's performances in the heart of the Wycombe defence saw him place 3rd in the running for League Two Player of the Season as well as sweeping up at the clubs' awards do – taking home both the Players' Player and Supporters' Player of the Season awards.

Naturally, Mawson's performances and accolades caught the eyes of many and having rejected Brentford's offer of a new contract, the Londoner was free to pursue his options and evaluate his next move. Barnsley of League One came calling and Alfie decided to join the Yorkshire club then managed by Lee Johnson. Unfazed by the leap in competition, another strong season came and again Mawson was central at the back for a team that made the play offs, but this time he was successful with a 3-1 win over Millwall. As part of this season in Yorkshire, Mawson played more games than any other Barnsley player which also won the Football League Trophy in the first of what would be two Wembley visits in a 3-2 win against Oxford United.

At 22 years of age, Alfie Mawson's blitzed development drew even more attention. This 22 year old English central defender, nominated for the League Two Player of the Year, a key part in two play off appearances in two years (in two different divisions) who is showing astute defending qualities and comfort on the ball wasn't to be waiting for Premier League football for long. In January 2014, Mawson joined Welling United on loan in the Conference Premier: in August 2016, he was transferred to Premier League club Swansea City for a rumoured £5m. His first start for Swansea wasn't to come until October, but a man of the match display in a clean-sheet draw against Watford announced the centre back's arrival to Premier League football.

A strong season continued where it started and Alfie Mawson's trophy cabinet may have needed an upgrade as he took home Swansea's Young Player of Year in his first season at the club. His strong performances were rewarded as he made his debut for England at under 21 level and was subsequently taken to the European Championships, starting every game and was arguably England's strongest performer as they reached the semi-finals before being knocked out by Germany on penalties (of course).

Swansea have had issues off the field before and during his time at the football club, in just two years he's played under five different managers as the Welsh club lost all identity that was continued through Brendan Rodgers, Michael Laudrup and Garry Monk. Despite the chaos of coaching changes, Mawson's performances didn't waiver and he received a call up the senior squad of the England set up from Gareth Southgate. Yet to make his debut, you do wonder whether a World Cup inclusion may have came if not for requiring surgery from a knee injury. Alfie Mawson was nominated for Player of the Season from the Supporters and also finished in the top 3 for Players' Player of the Season and with two more strong performances (and an impressive four year journey) was naturally going to see Premier League interest following Swansea's relegation.

Now on the verge of a return to the Premier League with Fulham, Alfie Mawson may be Fulham's most experienced player in terms of games played in the division. Now in a team that has a very clear footballing style and identity, Alfie Mawson should fill the right-sided central defence position and will encouraged to show his bravery on the football as only eleven central defenders played more short passes than him in the Premier League last season and no centre back completed more over a distance. Beautifully weighted balls out to the flanks with be paired with the unglamorous side of centre back play as he ranked 7th in the division for blocking shots and 8th in the division for both clearances and aerial duels won last season. There are question marks about his turn of speed and agility to recover balls in behind against the high defensive line utilised by Slavisa Jokanovic but you hope there's enough around Mawson to make it a non-issue.

Formally of Brentford, a Chelsea fan growing up that idolised John Terry isn't the thing that captures the hearts of Fulham supporters but after becoming the clubs most expensive defender, his whole hearted displays and courage in and out of possession very well could. History suggests that the down-to-earth centre back will continue his strong performances or even improve, and the very real possibility that Alfie Mawson will be the first Fulham player to play for the England National Team since Bobby Zamora is something worth cherishing. Adding much needed size and presence to the Fulham defensive line, Alfie Mawson was once quoted in an interview with the Guardian saying "I just want to be known for being a good footballer and a nice fella. That's enough for me." And I think that's enough for us too.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/08/alfie-mawson-the-story-so-far/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham strengthen defence with Mawson

Alfie Mawson signs a four-year deal at Craven Cottage after two Premier League seasons with Swansea City

Fulham have added to their defensive options with the signing of Alfie Mawson from Swansea City.

Mawson has signed a four-year deal to move to the west London club for an undisclosed fee.

"I'm excited by the project going on here and the football being played last season was lovely on the eye but also effective and I can't wait to be a part of it and get going," he told Fulham's official website.

The centre-back came through the ranks at Brentford and, after non-league spells with Luton Town and Welling United, made his senior breakthrough with League Two side Wycombe Wanderers in 2014/15.

A move to Barnsley followed and, after impressing in League One and the Championship, Mawson earned his Premier League break with Swansea in 2016.

The 24-year-old made 65 PL appearances for the Swans and scored six goals.

He was an ever-present last season and, although the Welsh side suffered relegation, his performances were rewarded with a call-up to the England squad in March.

Mawson is the sixth signing of the summer for a Fulham side who open their Premier League campaign against Crystal Palace on 11 August.



https://www.premierleague.com/news/790344

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham complete signing of Alfie Mawson from Swansea on four-year deal for initial fee of £15million

    Fulham have completed the signing of defender Alfie Mawson from Swansea
    Mawson joins newly-promoted Fulham for an initial transfer fee of £15million
    The centre back produced some excellent performances while at Swansea

Fulham have completed the signing of defender Alfie Mawson from Swansea on a four-year deal.

The centre back produced some impressive performances for Swansea last season despite their relegation to the Championship and joins for an initial fee of £15million, which may eventually rise to £20m with add-ons.

The 24-year-old, who was called up to the England senior squad in March, expressed his delight at securing a move to Craven Cottage.


Alfie Mawson has become Fulham's latest signing after he joined the club from Swansea


Mawson joins Fulham for an initial fee of £15million that could rise to £20million with add-ons

He told the club's official website: 'I'm really happy to get this over the line and join Fulham. I'm excited by the project going on here and the football being played last season was lovely on the eye but also effective and I can't wait to be a part of it and get going.

'I'm excited to be a part of this great club moving forward and to help achieve success in the Premier League.'

Vice-chairman and director of football operations Tony Khan said: 'I'm pleased to announce that Fulham Football Club has signed Alfie Mawson! Alfie is an exciting young player with a strong future at a position of major importance to our club.


Fulham's new signing produced some excellent performances for Swansea

Alfie is also very highly regarded by our scouting department and our data analysts, giving us great confidence in our back line as we prepare long term for Premier League competition.

'It's only fitting that such a fine homegrown talent like Alfie will flourish in the presence of the finest supporters in London at Craven Cottage for years to come. Come on Fulham!'

Mawson becomes the latest arrival at newly-promoted Fulham during a busy summer for the club, with Jean Michael Seri, Maxime Le Marchand, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Fabricio having all signed permanent deals, while Andre Schurrle has joined on loan.


Mawson is eager to get started at Fulham as he looks to make a major impact for the club


The defender has been allocated the No 26 shirt for his first season at Craven Cottage

Although he commenced his senior career at Brentford, Mawson made just one first-team appearance for the club as he was sent out on loan on several occasions.

A move to Barnsley followed in 2015, where Mawson impressed as he earned a switch to Swansea a year later.

Composed in possession and a fine header of the ball, Mawson made caught the eye in the Premier League during his time at Swansea and will be determined to now make an impact for Fulham.

Mawson could make his competitive debut for Fulham at home to Crystal Palace on August 11 as the new Premier League season gets underway.



http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-6020345/Fulham-complete-signing-Alfie-Mawson-Swansea-four-year-deal.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham starlet Edun set for Ipswich loan

HITC Sport understands Ipswich Town are poised to sign Fulham midfielder Tayo Edun on loan.

Fulham midfielder Tayo Edun is set to join Ipswich Town on loan with the player undergoing a medical at Portman Road, HITC Sport understands from sources close to the club.

Fulham are willing to loan out Edun so that he gain more first-team experience as he is unlikely to break into Slavisa Jokanovic's first-team plans next season.

A number of clubs have expressed an interest in taking Edun on loan, but Ipswich have won the race for the versatile performer.

Ipswich boss Paul Hurst is keen to bolster his squad before the close of the transfer window and he sees Edun as a key addition to his plans.

Edun, who has come through the ranks at Fulham, is highly-regarded within the corridors of power at Craven Cottage and was handed a new deal last summer.

The 20-year-old made his debut for Fulham in the League Cup win over Leyton Orient in September 2016 and he has gone on to make seven appearances in Slavisa Jokanovic's side.

Edun has figured for England all the way up from Under-17s to Under-20s and he was a member of the England Under-19s that won the U19 European Championships last summer and was subsequently named in the team of the tournament.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/08/02/por-fulham-starlet-edun-set-for-ipswich-loan/

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'Has any club been better in this window?' - Fulham fans delighted with Mawson signing

Defender joins on a four-year deal

Fulham have completed a deal for Swansea City defender Alfie Mawson.

The 24-year-old sealed the move from the Championship side to west London in a deal worth a reported £20million and has signed four-year deal at Craven Cottage.

The Hillingdon born defender featured in all of the Swans' Premier League games last season and scored three times, but could not prevent them from being relegated.

Mawson moved to Wales in 2016 from Barnsley and impressed for his former club last season - attracting interest from the likes of West Ham, Burnley and the newly promoted Premier League side, Fulham.

His performances last season saw him called-up to Gareth Southgate's England squad for the pre-World Cup friendlies with the Netherlands and Italy.


Alfie Mawson is attracting interest from around the Premier League

He started his career at Brentford, and he also had loan spells with Luton, Welling and Wycombe.

The Cottagers have been extremely busy this transfer window - spending in the region of £75million.

Alfie Mawson is attracting interest from around the Premier League

He started his career at Brentford, and he also had loan spells with Luton, Welling and Wycombe.

The Cottagers have been extremely busy this transfer window - spending in the region of £75million.



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/has-any-club-been-better-14984516

[WhiteJC]

Cottage Talk Extra: Breaking News Analysis - Alfie Mawson
Take a listen to a podcast that focuses on Fulham Football Club.

In this episode, we analyzed the signing of Alfie Mawson for Fulham. Co-hosting this episode was Yannis Tjanetis and Max Cohen from The Boot Room.

to listen to the podcast follow the link...
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/cottagetalk/2018/08/02/cottage-talk-extra-breaking-news-analysis--alfie-mawson

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham sign Alfie Mawson from Swansea on four-year contract

• Fee for centre-half understood to be in the region of £15m
• Move follows signing of striker Aleksandar Mitrovic on Monday


Alfie Mawson was impressive for Swansea last season despite their relegation. Photograph: Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans/REX/Shutterstock

Fulham have made another big-money move by signing Alfie Mawson from Swansea. The centre-half has moved to Craven Cottage on a four-year deal for an undisclosed fee after impressive showings in spite of Swansea's relegation.

The move, understood to be for a fee in the region of £15m, takes Mawson back to his west London roots; the defender came through the ranks at Brentford before moving on to Barnsley and then Swansea in 2016.

"I'm really happy to get this over the line and join Fulham," Mawson told his new club's official website. "I'm excited by the project going on here and the football being played last season was lovely on the eye but also effective and I can't wait to be a part of it and get going. I'm excited to be a part of this great club moving forward and to help achieve success in the Premier League."

Slavisa Jokanovic's team have been active in the transfer market since they secured a Premier League return via the play-offs, bringing in Jean Michaël Seri, Maxime Le Marchand, Fabri and André Schürrle.

The Newcastle striker Aleksandar Mitrovic followed suit on Monday, joining the club for whom he became a cult hero during a loan spell last season in a deal worth an initial £22.5m.

Mawson has impressed across his two Premier League seasons to date, being named the Swans' young player of the year in his maiden top-flight campaign. Capped by the England under-21s, the defender was called up by Gareth Southgate for senior duty for the first time in March but failed to make an appearance against the Netherlands or Italy.



https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/aug/02/fulham-sign-alfie-mawson-from-swansea-on-four-year-contract

[WhiteJC]

 
Edun set for Ipswich loan

Young Fulham midfielder Tayo Edun is poised to join Championship side Ipswich Town on loan.

The England youth international has undergone a medical in East Anglia this evening and the completion of the deal could be announced as early as tomorrow. Edun, who played four times for Fulham's first team last term, had been training with the club's under-23 squad during pre-season as the Whites sought an appropriate club where he might be able to continue his development, with his first team opportunities at Craven Cottage limited by Fulham's summer spending. He went on trial at MLS outfit Portland Timbers in June, but a Championship opportunity is believed to be more to the taste of both Fulham and Edun.

The versatile 20 year-old made his senior debut for the Cottagers in League Cup win at Leyton Orient in August 2016 and stepped up impressively in central midfield on his first league start in the 1-1 draw against Derby County last October. He can operate at left back, but has been used most extensively as a holding midfielder of late – having made that position his own during some storming displays for the England Under 19s as they won the European Championship in 2017.

Edun would be at Portman Road under the guidance of the new Ipswich manager Paul Hurst, who previously aided the development of former Fulham right back Jack Grimmer and striker Stevie Humphrys when he was in charge at Shrewsbury.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/08/edun-set-for-ipswich-loan/

[WhiteJC]

 
McDonald calls on Fulham to continue spending spree

Kevin McDonald has urged Fulham to keep up their summer spending spree in order to ensure that the club can compete in the Premier League this season.

The newly-promoted Whites have already signed six new faces for an estimated total of around £82m since winning the play-off final against Aston Villa in May, with defender Alfie Mawson arriving from Swansea this evening. The Scottish midfielder called on Fulham's recruitment team, led by the club's head of football operations Tony Khan, to continue spending in the final days of the August transfer window to increase the chances of Slavisa Jokanovic's side making a strong start to their first top flight campaign in four years.

Speaking to Football.London's Ryan O'Donovan after Wednesday night's friendly against Sampdoria, McDonald said:

    We've strengthened where we needed to strengthen and I'm sure they'll bring in a few more as well, but we need strength in depth. We need two players in each position and that's what they always say. There will be a lot of rotation throughout the season and it's good to have these players.

    We brought in some real quality players and you saw them show up tonight and they're all great additions and it can only be a bonus for us all.

McDonald was full of praise for loan signing Andre Schurrle and the way the German winger has fitted in to the team ethic since coming to the club.

    Schurrle came in. He's a World Cup winner so he's a big player as such and he's such a down to earth guy. It's a pleasant surprise because it could be a bit different coming to Fulham. But he's been a real nice guy, settled in well. He's a good guy and loves a laugh and he is enjoying himself and you saw on the pitch tonight that he has that real quality to him. He's such a great signing for us, along with the rest of them.

The Scottish international also highlighted the qualities of Jean-Michael Seri, a surprise capture from Nice earlier in the window, who could add a touch of craft and class to the Whites' possession-heavy game.

    Seri's English is alright as well – he's good and he's come in again and done well. He's played a defensive role and the box-to-box [role] through pre-season. He's come in and settled really well and looks another great signing, as they all do. Every single people we've brought in looks good and has strengthened the squad and we're ready to get the season started. No one likes pre-season but it has to be done, everything's getting their fitness levels up and everyone is good.

McDonald believes that the permanent signing of striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, who enjoyed a cameo off the bench at Aldershot in midweek, will provide a significant boost to the players and fans alike.

    Mitro is Mitro – for the fans he's a massive signing. He's come in and work hard and brings a real platform for us when we need one. He was brilliant last season and one of the main reasons we got promoted and it was great to get him over the line and back at the club.

    He's the number one striker – he's a big number nine and we're looking for Mitro to play every game and that's the way it is. Hopefully, he brings the same form from last season to this one and he can be a real force in the Premier League.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/08/mcdonald-calls-on-fulham-to-continue-spending-spree/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham join hunt for Hernandez

Fulham have registered their interest in taking Theo Hernandez on loan from Real Madrid, according to reports in Spain today.

The left back looks certain to leave the Bernabeu this summer and, although Real Sociedad has long looked like his mostly likely destination, the Premier League new boys have now offered Hernandez a route to England. Hernandez remains keen on a switch to Sociedad, but the Spanish club appear unable to match Real Madrid's demands and a deal is far from secure. Madrid are unlikely to sanction the Sociedad move at present, with Hernandez's suitors unwilling to pay more than a fraction of his current wages.

The Spanish press suggest that Fulham have already volunteered to pay a €2m loan fee to secure his services and are willing to pay Hernandez's wages in full. The Whites, who are desperate to recruit a first-choice left back after failing to secure a deal to bring Matt Targett back to Craven Cottage on a permanent basis, would face competition from a number of European sides, with Marca suggesting that at least seven clubs have been in contact with Real Madrid over Hernandez's availability.

The Marseille-born left back, who has spent his career in Spain since joining Atletico Madrid's academy at the age of nine, made 23 appearances for Real last season but is keen to establish himself as a first-team regular elsewhere now at the age of 20 as he fears his career could stagnate as a bit-part player at the Bernabeu. He made three Champions' League appearances as Real retained their crown by beating Liverpool in May's final.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/08/fulham-join-hunt-for-hernandez/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham make offer to loan Real Madrid player: €2m fee plus entire wages

Marca report Fulham are interested in Real Madrid fullback Theo Hernandez.

The 20 year old moved from Atletico Madrid in the summer 2017 transfer window, and picked up 13 matches in La Liga plus a further four in the Copa del Rey.

For several weeks it's been reported in Spain that a loan exit is on the cards as Madrid hope to allow the player to pick up more minutes elsewhere and hopefully develop further.

Theo played his best football whilst on loan at Alaves from Atletico Madrid and probably needs continuity to hit the heights again.

Marca report Fulham have made a loan offer for the player, but face competition from Real Sociedad.

Fulham are prepared to pay a €2m loan fee to Madrid and cover all the player's wages, according to Marca.

Whilst Real Sociedad are thought to have the advantage, the Basque club don't want to pay all of Theo's wages.

Marca claim, that as well as Fulham, Real Madrid have offers from up to six other Premier league teams.

This could all be a way to pressure Real Sociedad, especially as those other sides aren't named.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-make-offer-loan-real-madrid-player-e2m-fee-plus-entire-wages/

[WhiteJC]

 
Travel Disruption

This weekend there will be no District Line services between South Kensington/Edgware Road and Wimbledon/Kensington Olympia/Ealing Broadway/Richmond.

Therefore, fans will not be able to travel to the Celta Vigo game via Putney Bridge and should make alternative arrangements.

Putney mainline train station is approximately a 20-30 minute walk to Craven Cottage, as is Hammersmith tube station which is serviced by the Circle, Piccadilly and Hammersmith & City lines.

Fans are therefore advised to plan and allow for plenty of time for their journey to and from Craven Cottage. Please check the latest updates before you set off for the game.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/august/03/travel-disruption