Thursday Fulham Stuff (20/09/18)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham To Lose Jokanovic To Spurs? 5 Managers To Replace Under-Fire Tottenham Hotspur Manager Mauricio Pochettino

It's not been a happy September for Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino at all. Following a 2-1 turnaround loss to Inter Milan in their midweek Champions League game, the Lilywhites registered their first three back-to-back losses under the Argentine's stewardship and the club's worst run since early 2014.

Pochettino's frustration boiled over in a fiery post-match press-conference at the San Siro amid the odds being absolutely lacerated for him to be the first Premier League manager to leave his post.

Of the 32 managers to take the reins at Spurs, the average tenure is 127 games per spell.

Mauricio Pochettino has now reached 200 games. A tepid summer that brought no new signings and an out-of-form Harry Kane leaves Pochettino at a loss for options. In February this year, a decade was marked since Spurs last won a trophy, maybe it's time for a shake-up.

The Sportsman has a ponder over who could replace poor Poch.

Domenico Tedesco (Schalke)

A manager who fits the Spurs ideal with being only just 33 years age, following the trend set by Pochettino (and to a lesser-extent Tim Sherwood and André Villas-Boas).

Tedesco has worked absolute wonders with Die Königsblauen, finishing second in last year's German top tier, and attracting interest in Tedesco from not only within the Bundesliga but around the continent. Though he's suffered a torrid start to 18/19, his contract does expire with the club at the end of the season, which could may verywell see him become the first Italian to manage at Spurs.

Eddie Howe (Bournemouth)

Few expected the Cherries to start the season so strongly, but in Josh King, Ryan Fraser, and Callum Wilson, Howe currently has an attacking line-up to currently rival the best of them. Heavily linked with a move to Arsenal following Arsene Wenger's resignation, this could be seen as a major coup to procure the young English manager whose compliments directed towards him continually snowball.

Slaviša Jokanović (Fulham)

Though tiptoeing with trepidation with his first steps into the Premier League, Spurs would want him to reproduce the dazzling football he implemented in the Fulham's successful promotion push from the Championship last season. He could also persuade long-term Spurs target Ryan Sessegnon to swap West London for North.

Diego Simeone (Atlético Madrid)

Though the Argentine's main ambition is said to be managing at former club Inter Milan, a manager of Simone's prestige should be welcomed with open arms in North London should he decide to end his seven-year association with Atlético Madrid. A loss to Monaco could have dented his credibility slightly but his Atlético side turned it around at the Stade Louis this week. The Spurs style may change considerably with the patented one-goal winning margin and irk the supporters scintillated by Pochettino's previous free-flowing incessant football, but the Spurs defence is not dissimilar to the one he currently operates at Los Rojiblancos, with a solid back-four line. Proven in winning silverware and competing against the elite.

Jorge Jesus (Al-Hilal)

The epitome of a Marmite manager, the four-time Primeira Liga winner and Whitney Houston stalker has only recently signed a mega-money move to be coach of Saudi side Al-Hilal after a tumultuous time at Sporting CP, the club he swapped fierce rivals Benfica for back in 2015.

AVB won the Primeira Liga with Porto and seemed to satisfy the Spurs hierarchy after a failed period as head honcho at Chelsea. If those credentials are worth their salt, then Jesus completely emulates them. A move that would certainly revive outside interest in Spurs, and always seems to be a deal which happens on Football Manager as well.

Best remembered by most Lilywhites fans for his touchline-barny with then-manager Sherwood in Spurs' Europa League match against Benfica in 2014.



https://www.thesportsman.com/articles/fulham-to-lose-jokanovic-to-spurs-5-managers-to-replace-under-fire-tottenham-hotspur-manager-mauricio-pochettino

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham U21 scouting report: How the latest crop of wonderkids got on against Wycombe

We kept a close on eye on several of Fulham's youngsters during their 2-1 defeat to Wycombe last night

Fulham U21s went down 2-1 against a very experienced Wycombe Wanderers side as Mark Pembridge's team put in a very commendable shift against League One opposition.

The game itself provided us with an opportunity to see how some of the latest Fulham academy stars were getting on, with Luca Ashby-Hammond, Tyrese Francois and wonderkid Harvey Elliott all taking part in the game.

Francois and Ashby-Hammond have been training regularly with the first team at Fulham, while others have featured in pre-season and training camps over the course of the last few months.

We picked a few of the Young Whites to keep an eye on - here's what we made of their performances.

Tyrese Francois

10-15 minutes

Was in charge of the space in front of the back four and advanced midfield but saw little of the ball in the early stages.

15-30 minutes

Lovely tackle, touch and pass in the middle of the pitch on the 20 minute mark - his first real involvement in the game, but from that alone it was clear the technical talent he posesses.

Wasn't afraid to get involved in the physicality of the game in the middle of the park.

30-45 minutes

Dropped deeper to get the ball in order to start having an impact on proceedings, dropping between the two centre halves to receive the ball.

Was shutting down the space well in this period of the game and intercepting passes as Wycombe attempted to thread balls through Fulham's midfield.

45-60 minutes

Continued to sit deep and play more of a quarter back role to try and find his forward players, which now included the likes of Elliott and Carvalho.

60-75 minutes

Lovely bit of skill the middle of the park to take the ball down on his chest before flicking it back the other way. leaving his marker for dead.

75-90 minutes

Continue down the same form he had played all game, getting onto the ball, showing some nice touches, all the while looking to set Fulham forward.

Luca Ashby-Hammond

10-15 minutes

Couldn't do anything about the goal and was beaten by a well hit strike.

Was brave in the area in the 11th minute to win the ball brilliantly from a corner and punch to safety under heavy pressure from Wycombe.

15-30 minutes

Tried to get onto the ball more and play out from the back, but the high pressure from Wycombe meant that he found touch instead of his man.

Showed a good command of his box and wasn't afraid to come out and take high crosses into the area.

30-45 minutes

Again showed good reading of the game to collect the ball on the edge of the box as the home side tried to carve through an opening.

45-60 minutes

Got down well to deny Wycombe a second, despite not having had much to do he showed great awareness to make the low save.

Showed yet more ability when clearing balls into his box to punch a Wycombe corner away in a crowded area.

60-75 minutes

Made a smart save low down from a cross as he continued to display a strong ability to read and collect high and low crosses.

Made another good save 73 minutes in at his near post and held onto the ball well.

75-90 minutes

His good night continued as he made a really good save low to his left in the 83rd minute to deny Nick Freeman.

Made a fantastic reflex save from yards out, nodding the ball over the bar with his head to stop Wycombe scoring a winner.

Timmy Abraham

10-15 minutes

Won some aerial duals when Ashby-Hammond looked for him long against Wycombe's defenders.

Almost found himself through when he capitalised on some dodgy Wycombe defending, but keeper Yves Ma-Kalambay was quick out of his box to snuff out the danger.

15-30 minutes

Was making some decent runs into the channels for Fulham on the occasions the Young Whites saw some ball possession, but was rarely found.

When he was found, he struggled with the physicality of the Wycombe defence to try and get in front of them and win the football.

30-45 minutes

Came a bit deeper to receive the ball instead of making runs in behind, meaning he saw more of the football and was able to play his wide men in, causing Wycombe some problems.

Was taken off at half time but a decent display.

Moritz Jenz

10-15 minutes

Showed some nice composure in the early few minutes of the game to take down crosses under pressure and try play out from the back.

Again, was comfortable and confident enough in the ninth minute to get the ball down and play from the back, beating two men before passing off to one of his midfielders.

15-30 minutes

Put in a brilliant block to deny Wycombe from six yards out in the 17th minute after a cross field pass had split the team.

30-45 minutes

Some more good defending on the 18-yard box as he started to get to grips with the physicality that Akinfenwa was presenting.

Was taken off at half time despite a good showing.

Substitutes
Harvey Elliott

45-60 minutes

Showed his class early on with some neat touches but was welcomed to the physicality of mens' football after he was bundled off the ball.

Made some decent runs in behind Wycombe's defence through the middle but the balls were snuffed out by the home side before they could reach the youngster.

60-75 minutes

Continued to look for the ball in promising areas and looked to possess a very good touch as he tried to beat his men on the turn and break through the lines.

Showed he had an absolutely brilliant touch as he trapped a ball over the top from Opoku, but his finish was erratic.

75-90 minutes

Quietened towards the end of the game, but his potential was clear from his 45 minute spell.

Brilliant movement and pass on the break to set Kelly through as Fulham almost got a winner.

Fabio Carvalho

45-60 minutes

Produced a lovely through ball in the 48th minute that very nearly found his man through in on goal, but a last minute tackle denied the side.

Looked to drop into space to receive the ball in midfield from his full backs and Tyrese.

60-75 minutes

Runs through the channels in midfield looked good, but he wasn't picked out by his team mates.

75-90 minutes

Quietened but was unlucky not to finish a lovely counter attack, showing good movement to pick the right area of space to receive the ball.



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/fulham-u21-scouting-report-how-15170168

[WhiteJC]

 
Tim Ream hands Fulham fitness boost as he returns to training after back injury


Comeback | Ream has returned to aid Fulham's struggling defence ( Bongarts/Getty Images )

Fulham defender Tim Ream has handed Slavisa Jokanovic a major boost by returning to training after six weeks out with a back injury.

Ream has been sidelined since suffering the injury in the final days of pre-season but the 30-year-old American is now closing in on a return.

Ream was voted Fulham's player of the year last season and he played a key role in their promotion from the Championship.

Fulham have the worst defensive record in the Premier League this season - having conceded 12 goals in five games - and Jokanovic will hope Ream's return will help sure up the defence.

Ream was expected to be a certain starter for Fulham on their return to the Premier League, even after the summer signings of new centre-backs Calum Chambers and Alfie Mawson.

It is unlikely he will be ready to face Watford at Craven Cottage on Saturday but next Tuesday's Carabao Cup tie with Millwall may be a good opportunity for him to return to action.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/tim-ream-hands-fulham-fitness-boost-as-he-returns-to-training-after-back-injury-a3939671.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Notes from September meeting with Fulham FC

On Monday 10 September 2018, Alistair Mackintosh (AM, chief executive officer), Darren Preston (DP, chief operating officer) and David Daly (DD, non-executive director) of Fulham Football Club met with Ian Clarke, Dan Crawford, Les O'Gorman and Owen Smith of the Fulham Supporters' Trust at Motspur Park as part of the ongoing structured dialogue between both parties. The Club and the Trust were joined by PC Tony Delamo to discuss policing issues for part of the meeting.

AM welcomed the Trust representatives, especially the newly-elected members, to the meeting and reiterated his commitment to be as transparent and receive as much feedback from the supporters as possible. He also passed on the apologies of Carmelo Mifsud and Casper Sylsvig, who were unable to attend due to other diary commitments.

MATCHDAY EXPERIENCE AND GROUND ISSUES 

The Trust highlighted multiple issues arising from the recent League Cup tie against Exeter City following significant delays and queuing outside the ground prior to kick off as well as an apparent lack of staff, poor organisation, and inadequate stewarding.

AM acknowledged that they were "internally very aware" of the problems and that the Exeter game was "not our finest hour". DP had written up a report on matchday failings and AM had collected feedback from several other senior Club staff. The expectation of service increases with a lower crowd and there would be "learnings" and that they were "caught by surprise". The club were trialling not raising matchday prices for the Exeter City game and found that there were on the day an unexpectedly large number of walk-ups and late arrivals.

The reduced number of staff appears not to be due  to cost cutting, but rather the short time with which to get enough people to work the match. AM clarified that for all midweek cup games, against teams where there are reduced ticket prices, the Club makes a loss, but this presents an opportunity to attend for people who wouldn't ordinarily be able to. AM promised to learn from this experience and the club will improve in future.

The Trust also raised the Club's decision this season to pay the London Living Wage and suggested that this should help to recruit and retain regular stewards rather than relying on agencies to continually provide staff. AM and DP replied that they felt strongly that it was the right decision, but it does have some knock-on effects. AM revealed that it can be a challenge to retain matchday staff, against a number of competitors in London, and he asked the Trust to help the Club recruit any supporters who might be interested in working on matchdays. DP also said that the introduction of the London Living Wage has meant that some regular stewards have had to reduce their hours because they would otherwise be affected by the benefit cap.

The Trust highlighted the common-sense stewarding by Brighton and Hove Albion's stewards at the away game earlier this month, especially in terms of entry and exit from the stadium and how  Fulham fans were encouraged to remain in the ground following the final whistle. PC Delamo was less impressed with the stewarding both on the concourse prior to the kick off and with a slowness to police who were standing in seating areas. AM advised that the Club and Brighton were trialling a seated section in the away end for this game. However, ticket sales in this block were very low and eventually the club had to take the decision to open it up to general sale.

The Trust raised the news of a new planning application concerning the Hammersmith End. DP confirmed that this was the installation of a new commentary box to be located between the Hammersmith End and the Riverside Stand so that the Club could comply with the Premier League broadcast regulations. DP said that the box should be in place for the home game against Watford. It remains to be seen how this will impact upon movement of supporters in this area, although no viewing of the match will be affected. Both the Trust and the Club will monitor developments.

The Trust raised the fact that, at the start of both home league matches so far, the blind commentary service had not been working and supporters were actually listening to commentary from an alternative game. AM and DP were concerned to hear this feedback and said they would ensure that this was sorted for the next fixture.

All parties agreed that the Craven Cottage PA system remains very poor. DP agreed that it is very hard to hear at the back of the Riverside, and the Trust representatives also relayed that the same problems remain in the Johnny Haynes stand. The general consensus was that the investment in new equipment has  not been successful and the Club will be looking at other ways to improve the situation.

The Trust also brought the nationwide On the Ball campaign, designed to encourage clubs to provide free female sanitary products at football matches, to the attention of the Club and suggested that Fulham should sign up. Following a discussion at the meeting, the Club announced on Thursday that they would be immediately joining the On the Ball campaign. You can read the Club's official statement, with comment from the Fulham Supporters' Trust here

TICKETING ISSUES

The Trust raised the status of the members' discount on home match tickets, as some members had written in after not being offered a discount for the forthcoming Arsenal game. AM replied that the membership discount is not intended for top-tier games such as  Arsenal, but only applies to certain other games. However, the club would rather not issue a list of the games it does apply to as they are exploring the idea of offering discounts to some games which they currently wouldn't, if there are any movements due to scheduling clashes.

The Trust raised a number of issues and suggestions around away ticketing, including:

    the inability to choose a particular seat for away matches, which provokes problems around standing and sitting in the Fulham section (which were particularly problematic at Brighton and Hove Albion),
    reintroducing the previously provided information on the Club website regarding blocks that were available and the order that they would be sold in,
    splitting blocks into front and rear if individual seat choice was not available
    and the possibility of simplifying the loyalty point tiers.

The Trust also asked if the Club could provide more information on how tickets remained on sale for away games to assist supporters. AM and DP said that the Club would take these suggestions under consideration, consult with their ticket office colleagues, and report back.

The Trust also highlighted IT issues around access to Arsenal tickets, with season ticket holders unable to purchase tickets on the advertised date. This issue was eventually resolved with the assistance of Katy Brecht, the Club's head of ticketing, but caused significant problems. DP confirmed that the option to print tickets at home, whilst being useful in previous seasons was now being abused by touts and had been withdrawn. AM and DP confirmed that the Club will be attending a Premier League meeting on combating touting to discuss issues faced this season.

AM confirmed that the Club are still looking to set up a ticketing exchange system for  season ticket holders who are unable to attend particular fixtures, but it remains 'a work in progress'. Casper Sylsvig is leading on this work, in conjunction with his ticket office colleagues, and the Club hope to be in a position to announce a development as soon as possible.

The Trust representatives also reiterated our concerns around this season's ticketing pricing, especially for the forthcoming Bournemouth home game, and the potential for pricing out previously loyal supporters. DP agreed to take the Trust's feedback on board, discuss internally to identify what would be possible and then organise a ticketing workshop with the Trust.

RIVERSIDE STAND UPDATE

AM provided an update on the Riverside Stand, having missed the previous meeting. He confirmed that the Club remained out to tender to potential sub-contractors and reiterated that no contract will be signed until the Club are totally satisfied with the offer on the table. The Club are not totally satisfied with the current responses received but are looking to move on with the project as soon as possible. AM revealed that chairman Shahid Khan is very focussed on the detail of the scheme and, in response to follow up questions from the Trust, wanted to assure supporters that the plan is not in danger of slipping a year.

COMMUNICATIONS

The Trust raised comments from supporters about a significant lack of information on the Club's website. Several members had raised the lack of information about Scott Parker on the coaching section of the website and the continued listing of Jose Sambede Carreira as the Club's goalkeeping coach despite press reports on his departure last month. AM said that these updates were a combination of slowness and ensuring the Club abides by employment law, but promised that these instances would be rectified as soon as possible.

Some Trust members had been in touch about inaccuracies in the Academy reports on the Club's website. AM replied that the Club had recently recruited a new member of staff to assist with the coverage of the Club's Academy and that he would pass on the comments internally.

In response to a question about Tim Ream's fitness, AM said that the Club generally try not to reveal too much about injuries, although Slavisa Jokanovic is sometimes more forthcoming during his press conferences. AM said that Ream's injury was not 'extremely serious' but had taken him some time to recover from and the Club hoped to have him available for first team selection again shortly.

ORGANISATIONAL

AM confirmed that the Club's finance director Sean O'Loughlin had joined Crystal Palace and his role was currently being covered by his deputy Andy Tye. Whilst the Club had advertised for a replacement, AM revealed that the permanent replacement could be an internal appointment.

In response to various internet rumours of an ownership change, AM confirmed that the ownership of the Club remained with the Khan family and that no changes were either made or planned.

TRANSFER WINDOW

AM provided a brief overview of the August transfer window, having missed the last meeting. He felt the window went very well and fitted with the Club's desire to try and establish themselves as a Premier League club. Slavisa Jokanovic had specified a number of areas where the promoted squad needed improving and the Club worked to bring in high-quality additions. AM said that the Khan family had provided financial backing for the Club to strengthen the squad and that they exceeded the amount they had planned to spend by bringing in a number of players towards the end of the transfer window. He also reiterated the importance of retaining the Club's key players and confirmed that there were no issues with Financial Fair Play, with the Club now operating under the Premier League's version of the rules.

MERCHANDISE

The Trust representatives relayed the feedback of a number of supporters about the lack of stock on some popular lines, including children's replica shirts. The Club recognise that this is an issue, due to long lead-in terms and delays from Adidas meaning that not all stock was received. DD confirmed that CS was due to meet with Adidas in the coming days to resolve these problems. The Club also acknowledged the Trust's comments on the lack of options for female supporters – and AM and DP said that new lines and items were planned.

The red and black shirts, worn during the away games against Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton and Hove Albion, will not be available in the Club shop. The intention was for them only to be used against Newcastle United until the Premier League changed their mind on the Tottenham kit clash. The Premier League have subsequently run the Club's change kit through their colour clash simulator.

POLICING ISSUES

Tony Delamo introduced himself and said that he wanted to come to one of the structured dialogue meetings having been in place for more than a year. PC Delamo was pleased with most matters at Fulham, but detailed that most arrests have been for drug-related offences. He disclosed that this season's drug policy is "nightclub style" i.e. confiscate and eject.

He confirmed that the thrower of the flare at the Exeter City game had been identified and action was currently being taken. He also added that six people involved in trouble at the Rotherham game had now been issued with three-year football banning orders.

PC Delamo wants to be approachable and will continue to liaise with the Club and the Trust as appropriate.

The meeting finished at 1.13pm.



http://fulhamsupporterstrust.com/news/2018/9/10/notes-from-september-meeting-with-fulham-fc.html

[WhiteJC]

 
GW6 Ones to watch: Aleksandar Mitrovic

The Scout says Fulham forward has the form and aerial prowess to punish Watford

The Scout is tipping five players to produce big points in Gameweek 6 of Fantasy Premier League.

Aleksandar Mitrovic (FUL) £6.8m

The Fulham striker is in excellent form ahead of his home match with Watford.

Mitrovic has scored four goals and provided one assist from the first five matches.

He is the second-most productive forward in FPL, with 31 points.

Only Sergio Aguero (£11.4m), with 37 points, has scored more.

Mitrovic's 20 shots overall is, again, bettered by only Aguero, who has 25.

And the Serbia international has been the most accurate player in FPL, with 10 shots on target.

His last home fixture was particularly fruitful.

Fulham beat Burnley 4-2 in Gameweek 3.

Mitrovic scored twice, provided an assist and was awarded maximum bonus for a 16-point haul.

Head for heights

He will look to target a potential weakness in Watford's defence.

The Hornets have conceded 13 goal attempts from headers this season, a total which puts them in the bottom five teams.

Eight of Mitrovic's efforts on goal have come from headers, a tally that only Christian Benteke (£6.4m) can better, with nine.

Should Watford fail to nullify that aerial threat, Mitrovic has the form to take full advantage.



https://www.premierleague.com/news/853310

[WhiteJC]

 
My Expectation Levels For Watford (h) Revealed

After the defeat at the hands of Manchester City, last weekend, a defeat that many suspected was always on the cards, our next Premier League game sees us welcome Watford to Craven Cottage, this Saturday.

It's fair to say that although our start to the 2018 / 2019 season has been comfortable, we're a the stage where we now need to pick up some points against teams that I perceive are sides that are of a similar standard to ourselves.

Watford, in my opinion, are one of those sides.

Back in the heady days of the summer heatwave, I carried out an analysis of the sides Fulham have to get results against to ensure they maintain their Premier League status.

If I recall correctly, Watford (h) was one such fixture.

But, at the time, I didn't realise that the Hertfordshire based club would get off to such a good start and until the fifth match of the season would have a 100% record, something they should be proud of.

However, I haven't changed my mind, I see this fixture as one in which Fulham must take all the three points available, but, how do you, the Fulham fraternity see this game going?



https://fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/my-expectation-levels-for-watford-h-revealed/

[WhiteJC]

 
Games for the Weekend 22/09
We're back home at the cottage to face one of Slaviša's pervious teams.

After last weekend's disappointing, although not too surprising, result we're back at home to face a Watford team who will be looking to continue their stay towards the top of the table.

There have been some reports that Tom will be fit for the game, I don't think he will be, more likely he'll be back for the Everton game? Tim Ream has also started training, I think he's also more likely to start the Everton game.

Watford have had an exceptional start to the season, 4 wins out of 5, only loosing to Man Utd, so far and currently their sitting 4th!, so this is likely to be another testing game.

Slaviša Jokanović was in charge of Watford when they gained promotion however, in their wisdom(?) they didn't keep him as manager, so I'm sure he'll want to get a result to show them what they've missed out on! I know he'll have the lads fully 'fired up' for this encounter.

Remember this game is a 12:30 kick-off!

Games of interest...
Saturday 22nd
Fulham v Watford
Burnley v Bournemouth
Cardiff v Man City
Brighton v Spurs

Sunday 23rd
West Ham v Chelsea
Arsenal v Everton

COYWs


http://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=393

[WhiteJC]

 
Revisiting A Familiar Subject But With A Different Slant

Speculation surrounding the purchasing of Wembley Stadium, by our owner, Shahid Khan, isn't at the same level as it was previously.

Now, that's not to say that our owner is any less interested in buying the hugely attractive stadium, we suspect that the ramifications such a deal would generate are still being discussed.

Opinions, in the different sectors of our sport, vary.

Some see it as the perfect move, enabling the money received to be spent on developing grassroots football.

Others see it as a betrayal of the taxpayer who provided a large amount of funds towards the stadium being completed.

But, as a Fulham fan, how do you feel about it?

Is it a deal that you agree with?

Is it a deal you think shouldn't go through?

Is it a deal you feel might be detrimental to Fulham Football Club?

Or are you more concerned with the Khan family continuing, as they have been, to fund the evolution of our own club?

Here at Vital Fulham, we'd be interested to read your opinions in the comments facility beneath this article.

COYW's



https://fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/revisiting-a-familiar-subject-but-with-a-different-slant/

[WhiteJC]

 
Last few tickets for 30 years of TOOFIF book launch

There are just a handful of tickets left for the launch of David Lloyd's 'There's Only One F in Fulham - 30 years (and more) of Fulham FC and TOOFIF' book on Wednesday 14 November at the Duke's Head in Putney.

As well as your first chance to buy the book, there will be a Q&A with David and a panel of special guests from on and off the pitch to talk all things TOOFIF, Fulham and Craven Cottage.

You can also order the book in advance (at a reduced price) when booking your place at this special event, to pick up on the night.

Taking place at the famous Duke's Head in Putney, your ticket includes a hot and cold buffet and the bar will be well-stocked for the night.

This is an all ticket fixture - come along to enjoy a night of all things Fulham FC, celebrate 30 years of TOOFIF and pick up an early Christmas present for that special Fulham fan in your life - numbers are limited, so book now to secure your place.

You can book your ticket via the Eventbrite link and order the book via the TOOFIF website.



http://fulhamsupporterstrust.com/news/2018/9/19/last-few-tickets-for-30-years-of-toofif-book-launch-1.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Watford can hurt Fulham team in transition

Adrian Clarke says Fulham have been vulnerable after losing the ball and that Watford will test that weakness further

Adrian Clarke looks at tactical battles set to take place in Matchweek 6.
Fulham v Watford

Fulham have established a deserved reputation for their attractive attacking football. But, as they prepare to face Watford on Saturday, head coach Slavisa Jokanovic should focus on their defence.

In possession, Fulham look to make the pitch as big as possible, spreading their players out high and wide to create space.

This makes them difficult to play against but also vulnerable when the ball is lost.

Turnover threat

The Cottagers can be short-handed in the transitions after possession has been squandered, with their centre-backs badly exposed.

In only five matches they have conceded four times from turnovers.

As the graphic below shows, the goals scored against them by Harry Kane, Jeff Hendrick, Glenn Murray and Leroy Sane all stemmed from moments when the ball was turned over.

With both full-backs and most of their outfield players ahead of play when possession has changed hands, Fulham's structure has not been compact enough to cope with the breakaways.

Watford press

Watford will prey on this weakness.

Fulham's approach on home turf almost certainly means the hosts will dominate territory and possession.

However, Jokanovic's men must be wary of the Hornets' strength and physicality.

Strikers Troy Deeney and Andre Gray will press from the front. Behind them a quartet of narrow central midfielders, including the powerful Etienne Capoue and Abdoulaye Doucoure, will hunt in packs to create those all-important turnovers and interceptions.

Watford are excellent at this aspect of the game. In the last five matches, they have repeatedly won the ball back in good areas of the pitch.

Top teams for turnovers in PL 2018/19

Most interceptions	Most times possession won in middle third
Brighton    87	Spurs	151
Cardiff    78	Liverpool	140
Watford    74	Watford	138

Quick counters

Watford's Roberto Pereyra and Will Hughes have both scored from fast breaks this season, and Gray is terrific at racing in behind when opponents are stretched.

To avoid these potential issues, Fulham must pass the ball quickly but with care and avoid committing too many bodies forward.

No Premier League team have faced more shots than Fulham.

A total of 37 efforts on goal have been attempted against them, the same as Burnley and two more than West Ham United, with 35.

By contrast, Watford are far less open. They have faced just 15 shots in 2018/19.

Search for a settled defence

In addition to their problem with counter-attacks, Fulham are still searching for the right combination at the back.

Jokanovic has made at least one change to his back five of goalkeeper and defence in each match, with two alterations made there in each of their last three contests.

Finding a settled defensive unit, along with a style of play that does not leave them so unprotected on turnovers, will make a huge difference to Fulham.

Ahead of their meeting with Watford they have leaked 2.4 goals per match.

If they maintain that average at Craven Cottage, a second league victory will be hard to achieve.



https://www.premierleague.com/news/853432

[WhiteJC]

 
England boss Gareth Southgate eyeing Fulham ace Tom Cairney... even though he has played for Scotland

GARETH Southgate is tracking Fulham midfielder Tom Cairney – even though he has already played for Scotland.

The England manager is looking at a number of players who are eligible for the Three Lions, including West Ham's Irish star Declan Rice.

Nottingham-born Cairney has a Scottish father and English mother so is eligible to play for both countries.

Even though he has played twice for Scotland, they were friendlies against Canada and Costa Rica.

Cairney, who joined Fulham from Blackburn in 2015, is aware of England's interest.

The 27-year-old has frustrated Scotland by repeatedly pulling out of squads, citing injury, with his last appearance coming against Costa Rica in March.

Southgate has complained about the decreasing pool of available Premier League players and is looking at all avenues.

Cairney, who has also played for Scotland's Under-19s and Under-21s, is certain to be picked for the UEFA Nations League game against Israel next month.

If Cairney decides to play in that, he will no longer be able to feature for England.

Rising Hammers star Rice pulled out of Ireland's last squad as he ponders a possible switch to England.

He has played three senior games for Martin O'Neill but none have been competitive.

Asked about an interest in Rice before England's previous two games, Southgate said: "There are so many dual nationality players and he is a good player.

"He has a really difficult decision and there is a lot of pressure on him. I'm conscious he is a young man and there's a spotlight on him.

"He is with Ireland at the moment and as much as we think he is a very good player that decision has to lie with him."

England's next games are in the UEFA Nations League next month, against Croatia and Spain.

This story originally appeared in The Sun.



https://www.foxsports.com.au/football/england-boss-gareth-southgate-eyeing-fulham-ace-tom-cairney-even-though-he-has-played-for-scotland/news-story/6a2c7d85aefb5749ff268c95ce34d575

[WhiteJC]

 
West Ham should have ploughed wasted Jack Wilshere money into signing Fulham star Jean Michael Seri

He may have been free but West Ham United should have ploughed wasted Jack Wilshere money into signing new Fulham star Jean Michael Seri in the summer.

Wilshere has been ruled out for at least six weeks after having ankle surgery (West Ham official site).

But the injury did not come as a surprise.

After all anyone who knows anything about football could see Wilshere's injury coming.

Clearly the midfielder deserves everyone's sympathy.

Players whose bodies have been proven to be fragile over a significant period of time deserve our compassion.

Even if West Ham fans have had their fill of injury-prone players of the decades, come in Andy Carroll.

West Ham have another three years of this thanks to the somewhat crazy deal handed out to the former Arsenal man.

It is easy to say 'I told you so' – especially with the benefit of hindsight – without offering a viable alternative.

Everything West Ham needed and more

But that is where the frustration comes in regarding Wilshere.

West Ham had an alternative and a very good one at that.

When Jean Michael Seri signed for Fulham for a record £35 million it came as something of a shock.

After all the 26-year-old was on the verge of joining Barcelona last summer (Sky Sports) following an outstanding season in Ligue 1 in 2016-17, but the deal collapsed right before the deadline.

The likes of Chelsea and West Ham were said to be seriously interested in the summer with the Hammers at one stage his most likely destination (Sky Sports).

Interest in Seri was seen as evidence West Ham really had implemented a root and branch reform of their recruitment.

But then he signed for Fulham. And good old West Ham went down the tried and trusted route of signing an injury-prone player deemed surplus to requirements elsewhere.

What could go wrong?

Will the Hammers ever learn their lesson?

Well five games into the new season it is already clear which club's budget was better spent.

Seri has starred for Fulham in the middle of the park and scored the goal of the month to boot.

Wilshere was poor in each of the four opening Premier League defeats West Ham endured.

And he has promptly suffered an injury in training ruling him our for around two months.

Quite what Manuel Pellegrini, director of football Mario Husillos or David Sullivan – depending on who you believe signs the players at West Ham – were thinking we will never know.

Seri is everything West Ham needed and still need.

And the galling thing is the Hammers would have quite some team on the boil if they had just focused their budget in the right direction.

As I say this is not Wilshere's fault.

It is the fault of the fools who sign such players and pin large portions of their budgets and expectations on them?

Will West Ham ever learn their lesson?



https://www.moorethanjustaclub.com/columnist/west-ham-should-have-ploughed-wasted-jack-wilshere-money-into-signing-fulham-star-jean-michael-seri/