Saturday Fulham Stuff (19/01/19)...

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Andy Cole feels Newcastle 'created their own problems' with the sale of Aleksandar Mitrovic

Despite claiming Rafa Benitez is 'working wonders' at Newcastle United, Cole feels the Magpies made a mistake by replacing Aleksandar Mitrovic


Andy Cole (Image: Getty Images Europe)

Former Newcastle United forward Andy Cole feels Newcastle have "created their own problems" by selling Aleksandar Mitrovic and replacing him with Salomon Rondon in the summer.

Rafa Benitez could never fully trust the young Serbian forward and, despite an impressive loan spell at Fulham last season, he decided to sell the 24-year-old to the Cottagers.

Newcastle received around £22million for Mitrovic, which would have represented good business had it been reinvested in the squad.

Mitrovic has scored eight goals this season, two more than Rondon, although the Venezuelan has been one of Newcastle's standout players this term.

Cole certainly knew how to find the back of the net in a Newcastle shirt, having scored 69 goals in 84 appearances for the Magpies.

And he feels that despite Benitez 'working wonders' during his time on Tyneside, he made the wrong call by letting Mitrovic go in the summer.

"I think with the manager they have, he works wonders with the players he has and the money he's spent. How long can that continue?" Cole said while appearing on Sky Sports show The Debate.

"If you look at what's at the bottom there are maybe a few teams worse off than Newcastle but, if they do get a little bit of money to spend now to get two or three players to strengthen the squad, he'll keep them up.

"The strange one for me is looking at who they brought in. They got rid of Mitrovic and brought in Rondon. Rondon's not going to score more goals than Mitrovic; he's not going to do it, so you create your own problems.

"They had [Dwight] Gayle, who is a good Championship player, but he is not a Premier League player. He is not going to score you loads of goals in the Premier League.

"There you are taking away more goals when you haven't got many anyway, and Mitrovic is better than the pair of them."

One of the big frustrations among the Magpies fanbase has been Mike Ashley's apparent reluctance to spend money during the January transfer window.

And, while Cole acknowledges Ashley may be reluctant to part with funds while takeover talks continue, he insists the owner simply has to spend 'a few quid' if Newcastle are going to climb out of relegation trouble.

"They are going to have to spend a small amount if the injuries keep adding up. He is going to have to spend money," Cole added.

"He doesn't want to spend money because he is desperate to sell the football club. I think we all know that. But he is going to have to spend a few quid now.

"He is different. He has made his mind up that he no longer wants the football club, and I know that Newcastle United fans are very, very frustrated that he no longer wants to put any more money into the football club.

"It is his football club, he doesn't want to put any more money in to it, so they have just got to get on with it until they get a buyer who can take them to where they want to go as fans and supporters. Mike Ashley is done with it."

And when asked if Benitez gets a 'free pass' as a result of the fans' anger towards Ashley, Cole responded: "Yeah, because he keeps them in the Premier League and that is where the fans want to be.

"Rafa Benitez is clever at times because he plays the fan card against Mike Ashley really well, because he is in a position to do it.

"If he was getting loads of money, buying loads of players and wasn't getting the right results, it is totally different. But, the position he is in, you can do that."



https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/andy-cole-feels-newcastle-created-15695869

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Simon Jordan's Fulham comments reveal the ignorance of football punditry



Former Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan was on Jim White's talkSport radio show on Thursday, discussing Fulham and their return to the Premier League.

Jordan criticised the appointment of Claudio Ranieri, but most notable was his flagrant inaccuracies over Fulham's transfer business — a widespread ignorance that permeates football punditry.

"I think [Jokanovic] was slightly naive about the manner in which he was going to approach the Premier League," Jordan said. "Khan gave him 100 million quid to go and buy players with, and he felt he could attack the Premier League in a certain way — and it unwound Fulham."

Jordan gets a simple fact utterly wrong when he claims Shahid Khan gave Slavisa Jokanovic "100 million quid" to buy players.

Anyone with even a remote knowledge of the way Fulham operates knows that Jokanovic is not responsible for buying or selling players, and that the player recruitment is controlled by a team headed by Vice Chairman Tony Khan.

There are a number of accurate critiques to make about Jokanovic, but player recruitment is clearly not one of them, as the manager had no say in the vast number of summer signings brought in at Fulham.


(Photo by Craig Mercer – CameraSport via Getty Images)

One of the biggest issues with Fulham's start to the campaign has been the lack of quality defenders — blame that solely must lie with the player recruitment team.

Jokanovic was not cut out for the top flight, but he was done no favours by Tony Khan, who failed to sign adequate defensive cover — leaving the likes of Tim Ream, Denis Odoi, and Cyrus Christie to play signficant roles despite lacking Premier League quality.

In all, Jordan's placement of blame on Slavisa Jokanovic for Fulham's poor summer business is completely misguided and reveals a widespread lack of research from the world of football pundits.



https://tbrfootball.com/simon-jordans-fulham-comments-reveal-the-ignorance-of-football-punditry/

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Player wants transfer, and Fulham are ready and waiting for him

Fulham have been linked to Grégoire Defrel several times during the January transfer window, and those links aren't likely to stop.

Friday's edition of Il Messaggero reports that Defrel wants to leave Sampdoria after the arrival of Manolo Gabbiadini from Southampton earlier this month.

The only clubs named as wanting to sign him are Fulham and Atalanta.

Defrel is actually on loan at Samp from AS Roma, and it's thought to be a good opportunity for the capital club to make some money this month.

Over at Tuttosport, they also say in their Friday edition Fulham and Atalanta are on the track to signing the player.

Since Claudio Ranieri took over at Fulham there have been endless rumours in the Italian media about the club being interested in a whole bunch of players.

This is either because it's a nice new link to pluck out of thin air, that agents believe they have a good chance of sending players there, or due to genuine increased interest in the Italian market.

Defrel has six goals in Serie A so far this season, from 13 starts and five substitute appearances. He's a centre forward, but does tend to drift out and to the right a little.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/player-wants-transfer-fulham-ready-waiting/

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Fulham vs Tottenham Hotspur Preview: Injury turmoil to undermine Spurs?

Tottenham's title hopes have all but vanished after their 1-0 defeat to Manchester United at Wembley last week. In what can only be described as a game of two halves Tottenham will go into their match against Fulham feeling hard done by having not even taken a point.

The Red Devils made the most of Spurs' slow start and threatened on the counter-attack before punishing Tottenham with a goal from Marcus Rashford just before the break. He coolly slotted past Hugo Lloris, who received criticism for his positioning as the shot came in.

In the second half the roles reversed with Tottenham taking control of the game creating chance after chance only to be denied by a spectacular performance from David De Gea. The Spanish international kept only his 4thclean sheet of the season, pulling off a number of excellent saves with his feet.

Mauricio Pochettino will be boosted by the return to form of Kieran Trippier who had an excellent game against United, not only offering a lot in defence but also posing as an attacking threat with his crosses into the box. With Llorente likely to start against Fulham this could be a way for Tottenham to find their goals.

To make matters worse for the Lilywhites their already thin squad became even thinner as Moussa Sissoko limped off after pulling up with a muscle injury as he chased the ball. It is fascinating to think that after initially being ridiculed by Spurs fans in his first two seasons at the club Sissoko has become a vital player in the starting eleven and he will be a huge loss to Spurs.

Secondly, just before the final whistle Harry Kane sustained an injury to his left ankle which was later revealed to be ligament damage meaning the England captain will be out until March at the earliest.

Spurs' attacking options will be limited for at least the next four fixtures. They will also be without key attacker Heung-Min Son, who has flown to the United Arab Emirates to represent South Korea in the Asian Cup. Furthermore, Lucas is still out with a knock and is doubtful to return in time for Tottenham's visit to Craven Cottage.

Tottenham also have problems in midfield with a number of key players out injured or having departed. Spurs finalised a deal with Guangzhou over the transfer of Moussa Dembele, who has gone to the Chinese Super League club for £11million. Dembele was extremely highly regarded at the club and having made over 250 appearances in six years he is a huge loss.

Eric Dier is also not expected to be fit to start after missing the last month following an appendix operation and Victor Wanyama has been out for a number of months due to a knee injury. Spurs will have to resort to giving 18-year-old Oliver Skipp his second Premier League start alongside Harry Winks.

Pochettino has insisted that the injury crisis will not lead to any new signings and that it will be an opportunity for younger players to prove themselves. With no new signings imminent, Spurs will resort to starting Fernando Llorente up top.

The 33-year-old, who had been linked with a move away from Wembley, will certainly make his first Premier League start of the season. In his six substitute appearances this season he has looked a threat.

The 6′ 4″ striker is excellent at drawing in defenders with his hold up play, creating space for those around him to exploit. This style of play led to Spurs grabbing a winner against Burnley before Christmas and he did likewise when he came on and caused Manchester United a real problem, so Spurs shouldn't have too much to worry about.

Meanwhile at Craven Cottage, Claudio Ranieri, whose side are second from bottom in the Premier League, has decided to add to his squad by signing Ryan Babel. The Tinkerman hopes the experienced 32-year-old Dutch international will help the Cottagers climb out of the relegation places. However, it will be extremely unlikely that Fulham, who have only recorded three wins this season, will pull off an upset against third-placed Tottenham.



http://blog.twelve.football/2019/01/18/fulham-vs-tottenham-preview/

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Hendrick Credited With Fulham Goal

Jeff Hendrick has officially been officially credited with Burnley's first goal in the 2-1 win over Fulham at Turf Moor.

The Irish midfielder had a big hand in both goals as the Clarets came from behind to defeat the Cottagers 2-1 and make it three Premier League wins in a row.

At the time, both Burnley goals were recorded as own goals, with Joe Bryan and Denis Odoi both named as the unfortunate goalscorers.

However, the Premier League have now confirmed that following an appeal the hosts' equaliser, which resulted in an angled shot cannoning in off Bryan's knee, was on target.

Hendrick has therefore been awarded the goal, doubling his tally for the season.

Ironically, his other strike came in the first Premier League meeting between Fulham and Burnley at Craven Cottage, back in August.



https://www.burnleyfootballclub.com/news/2019/january/hendrick-credited-with-fulham-goal/

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Club agree personal terms with Fulham player, now need to convince Cottagers

Turkish media outlet Fanatik report Super Lig club Yeni Malatyaspor have made progress in their efforts to sign Aboubakar Kamara from Fulham.

Earlier this week we covered reports from Turkey that Kamara is a target for the Super Lig club after they recently sold their first choice striker Khalid Boutaib.

Fanatik have reported on claims by the Ihlas Haber Agency (IHA) that Yeni Malatyaspor have agreed personal terms with Kamara and now they will look to convince Fulham over a loan deal.

With the arrival of Ryan Babel this week, Kamara is likely to drop down the pecking order at Craven Cottage and may need to move on before the transfer deadline.

The player was recently criticised by Claudio Ranieri after he went against team orders and took, and missed, a penalty against Huddersfield Town.

According to Fanatik, Yeni Malatyaspor are hoping to get an agreement with Fulham as soon as possible.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/club-agree-personal-terms-fulham-player-now-need-convince-cottagers/

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Report: Fulham interested in signing Fiorentina's Bryan Dabo

Bryan Dabo failed to make an appearance during a loan spell at Blackburn Rovers but can he save Fulham from Premier League relegation.

Fulham fans won't want reminding that their side have the worst defensive record in the Premier League right now, a miserable statistic summed up by as a pair of calamitous own-goals condemned them to a 2-1 defeat to Burnley last time out.

But, according to the Sun, manager Claudio Ranieri has now identified the tough-tackling defensive midfielder Bryan Dabo as the man capable of adding some steel to his error-prone side.

The 26-year-old Burkina Faso international has been playing for Fiorentina since signing from St Etienne last year but he has struggled to make much of an impression at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.

Dabo has made just seven Serie A appearances with all of those coming off the bench. And, according to The Sun, Fiorentina are willing to listen to offers and could allow the Marseille-born midfielder to leave on loan.

Dabo was linked with a move to Bundesliga strugglers Hannover earlier in January, as reported by Kicker, but he has unfinished business in English football, having failed to play a single game during a loan spell at Blackburn Rovers in 2014.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2019/01/18/do-report-fulham-interested-in-signing-fiorentinas-bryan-dabo/

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Hendrick awarded goal against Fulham

Premier League's Goal Accreditation Appeals Panel amends Joe Bryan own goal to strike by Burnley midfielder

Burnley's equalising goal against Fulham last Saturday has been awarded to Jeff Hendrick following an appeal.

The Clarets ran out 2-1 winners against Fulham at Turf Moor courtesy of two strikes that were both originally adjudged to be own goals by Fulham's Joe Bryan and Denis Odoi.

However, Burnley have successfully appealed the award of the first goal, originally Bryan's, which has been attributed instead to Hendrick following a decision by the Premier League's Goal Accreditation Appeals Panel.

The three-person panel reached their verdict after reviewing the match footage.

The decision means that Burnley can no longer claim the distinction of being the only team to score twice in a Premier League match without registering a shot on target since Opta started recording such stats in 2003/04.

Hendrick now has two goals for the season, as many as he scored in total last season and also the season before.



https://www.premierleague.com/news/976948

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Newcastle United to rival West Ham United, Watford and Fulham for £13m forward

Newcastle United have been linked with a move for forward Gregoire Defrel.

Rafa Benitez is looking to strengthen his attacking options in this month's transfer window.

United's manager wants to sign a No 10 and a winger as well as a left-back.

And the club has been linked with a move for Defrel, who is on loan at Sampdoria from AS Roma.

A report in Italy has claimed that Newcastle are "very close" to agreeing a deal worth just over £13million for the Frenchman.

The Frenchman scored 23 goals in 73 appearances for Sassuolo before joining Roma on a permanent deal last year after a loan spell.

West Ham, Watford and Fulham have also been linked wiht Defrel.



https://www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/football/newcastle-united/newcastle-united-to-rival-west-ham-united-watford-and-fulham-for-13m-forward-1-9544876

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It's Great Time To Play Tottenham Hotspur – Fulham Legend

Tony Gale has claimed it is the ideal time for Fulham to face Tottenham Hotspur, but admits Spurs still have enough quality within their ranks to make up for the absence of certain key players.

The Cottagers return to action in the Premier League when they host city rivals Tottenham in Sunday's tea-time kick-off in west London.

Claudio Ranieri's men suffered a 2-1 defeat in a significant relegation six-pointer clash against Burnley at Turf Moor during their last outing and are in desperate need of results at the moment.

And Fulham will face yet another stern challenge in the form of Spurs, who are next in line to visit Craven Cottage as they aim to shake off the disappointment of the defeat to Manchester United.

Claudio Ranieri's men suffered a 2-1 defeat in a significant relegation six-pointer clash against Burnley at Turf Moor during their last outing and are in desperate need of results at the moment.

And Fulham will face yet another stern challenge in the form of Spurs, who are next in line to visit Craven Cottage as they aim to shake off the disappointment of the defeat to Manchester United.

"We haven't had much luck this season but this is something that's gone in our favour.

"Obviously they've still got a lot of firepower, but with Heung-Min Son off on international duty and Harry Kane injured, that's a big percentage of their goal threat gone.

"Kane not playing is massive.

"It's not just his goals, it's what he does in his linkup play as well.

"Harry tends to drop deep a lot of the time, and then the other wider players get in advanced of him."

However, the Fulham legend also admitted Spurs have enough quality within their ranks to fill the void left due to the absence of their two talismanic attackers in Son and Kane.

"Let's not get carried away, though. It's not like Spurs don't have top class players to fill those gaps", he continued.

"People tend to forget they've still got Fernando Llorente there who's a player I rate very highly.

"Plus they've still got Lucas Moura and Erik Lamela, so it's not like they're completely without attacking options.

"They've still got real quality, but missing their two top scorers will put a few doubts in their mind and therefore it is a good time to play them."

Kane is expected to be ruled out for at least a month due to his ankle injury, whereas Son is in the United Arab Emirates to represent South Korea during the 2019 AFC Asian Cup.



http://www.insidefutbol.com/2019/01/18/its-great-time-to-play-tottenham-hotspur-fulham-legend/406325/

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Fulham's recruitment in context: the season we lost Dembele and Dempsey

The transfer business of 2018/19 will be discussed long into the year, especially if Fulham do fail to drag themselves out of this sorry mess. But we're all about context at CCN and so I'd like to remind the world about the 2012/13 season.  With Dembele/China in the news, I got to thinking back...

You'll recall that in 2011-12 Fulham rampaged to a pretty exciting 9th place finish. By getting knocked out of all the cups quite early the team was able to focus on the league, and we saw some legitimately exciting football under Martin Jol.  The core performers that year were:

Mark Schwarzer, still as strong as ever
Stephen Kelly, the archetypal solid right back after John Paintsil had been offloaded under Mark Hughes
Brede Hangeland and Aaron Hughes (enough said)
John-Arne Riise, who disappointed some fans but who brought a lot to the team and probably was underrated in retrospect
Chris Baird, by now a swiss army knife player, able to help out anywhere but increasingly at home in midfield, which is nuts when you think about his early days at the Cottage
Steve Sidwell, who brought energy and goals from midfield
Danny Murphy, the team's brain, which is not to undersell the rest of the players' intelligence, but he was just super-sharp
Dickson Etuhu, another Europa League legend, now settled into a solid groove
Mousa Dembele, first identified as an attacking player with no great end product, but soon to become a midfield colossus
Clint Dempsey, reborn under Mark Hughes, stratospheric under Martin Jol
Damien Duff, a terrific pro on the wing, much loved by fans
Andy Johnson, again, probably underestimated but always brought serious work rate at the front – we'd miss that after he left
Bryan Ruiz, who terrorised his own fans with a couple of laboured early performances but who would grow into a wonderful craftsman, even if only a handful of us really ever believed that!
Pavel Pogrebnyak, an unexpected Russian who couldn't stop scoring

If you've forgotten how explosive this team really was, there was a 6-0 win over QPR at home, a 5-2 hammering of Newcastle (Dempsey 3), 5-0 v Wolves (Pogrebnyak 3!) and to be honest, a few hair-raising thrashings going the other way. But probably this would be the purest joy I'd felt in that particular era: exciting football with compelling players. Fulham belonged. There were games towards the end of the season with Mahmadou Diarra and Dembele in midfield when you had to pinch yourself: it almost didn't seem fair. Diarra wasn't able to stay fit but there were two, I think, world class players together in our engine room. Wow.

BUT the team absolutely messed up the off-season.

Murphy had been squeezed out by the Dembele Diarra partnership and chose to move to Blackburn rather than take a reduced role. True, he was getting on, but in retrospect seemed to be the kind of player you keep around.

Pavel Pogrebnyak parlayed his late season goal explosion into a lucrative move to... Reading, so the centre-forward position that looked solved was nothing of the sort.

Andy Johnson took his work rate to QPR.  This might be more important than we think.  Dimitar Berbatov scored more goals, but was he more effective overall?

Then it really unraveled. Dembele I believe had a minimum fee release clause, which Spurs met, and he was off, and Clint Dempsey thought he was going to Liverpool but also ended up at Spurs.   These two moves explain everything that's happened since.  Had Fulham held onto these two players I believe all would have been well for some time.  True, ifs/buts/etc, but we had them, and possibly losing them wasn't unavoidable.   Tsk.

In return Fulham replaced all that know how and skill and, yes, work rate, with Dimitar Berbatov, Mladen Petric and Hugo Rodallega for a total outlay of £9m.

In 2012-13 Fulham finished 12th but closed the season with an absolutely dire run in which saw the club go seven games without a win and, perhaps predictably, the next season was impossibly bad. We might meanly call this the Scott Parker era, but in any case, that team relied on Parker and Sidwell in the middle and featured an unfortunately not-what-he-once-was Darren Bent up front.  The squad had visibly lost its mojo and Martin Jol's side was poorly regarded by the fans, who had a couple of really good teams fresh in their memory, and realised that this was not that.   If only...  so it's a lesson in how quickly good things can turn bad.   So yeah, the last off-season wasn't what people wanted in retrospect, but as I've tried to say a few times here, the club were at least trying to do the right thing, spent good money on what looked like good players.  Maybe there are lessons about core DNA or something, losing leaders like Murphy and Dempsey, but fundamentally this off-season looks far, far better than that one.  The result's the same, of course.



https://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2019/01/18/fulhams-recruitment-in-context-the-season-we-lost-dembele-and-dempsey/

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Club hold talks to sign two Fulham players, both could arrive in this window

After being linked with a move for Aboubakar Kamara, Turkish club Yeni Malatyaspor are reported to be targeting his Fulham teammate Neeskens Kebano.

The Turkish club are looking to bring in at least two attackers in this transfer window, as they look to stay in the Super Lig title race. The club currently lie 3rd in the league table.

Fotospor have covered claims from Turkish TV station TRT Spor that Yeni Malatyaspor are now targeting Kebano after being linked with Kamara in the past week.

It's reported Malatyaspor have held talks with Fulham with regards to signing Kebano and the Super Lig side are now looking to convince the player to join the club.

The 26 year old has only played 40 minutes of Premier League football in this campaign and he'll become a free agent at the end of the season.

Earlier today we covered reports from Turkey that Yeni Malatysspor have agreed personal terms with Kamara and now need to hold transfer talks with Fulham to complete the deal.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/club-hold-talks-sign-another-fulham-player-arrive-window/

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Sheffield Wednesday target Neeskens Kebano – What Owls fans can expect from Fulham winger

As The Star revealed on Thursday, Sheffield Wednesday are in talks with Fulham surrounding the potential loan signing of out-of-favour winger Neeskens Kebano.

To get a better grip on what Owls fans could expect from the 26-year-old, we asked podcaster and Fulham fan Jack Collins and it appears as though something of a Cottagers fans' favourite could be heading to Hillsborough.

What's he like as a player?
Tricky, is the word that springs immediately to mind. His close control, skill and ability on the ball are definitely his best assets and he takes defenders on rides when he's at his best. One thing that he offers, that Fulham really lack, is that he carries the ball really well - he's direct and will look to drive up the pitch - which means it's weird that we're letting him go, in my opinion, although I'm pleased he'll get some richly-deserved gametime.

What's his best position?
Kebano can play on either wing and has also played through the middle for us under Jokanovic. I prefer him wide, because it allows him to isolate a full-back and take him on. That said, his knack of scoring scrappy, important goals was something that always stood out - he's one of those players that was always in the right place at the right time two seasons ago - and so having him in front of goal is no bad thing either.

What's his personality like? How will he fit in?
Neeskens has always come across as a fun, happy fella who seems to get on with everyone. He's always smiling, playing jokes on people, etc in his Instagram videos - even when he's not been playing very much and I think you're gaining someone who'll be an asset in the dressing room as well as on the pitch. At Fulham he seemed to hand around with the French cohort which makes sense, but I'm sure he could drop in anywhere!

Was there a stand-out moment in a Fulham shirt?
Not really a moment but there was a spell at the start of 2017 where Kebano seemed to be at the heart of everything that was good about Fulham. He popped up with late winners against Wigan, Nottingham Forest and Preston; as well as securing a late draw away at Cardiff - inspiring a side that were languishing to make that late charge for the playoffs which ultimately didn't work out. You might remember his two goals on the final day love in at Hillsborough in a game that really meant very little, but they were testament to his ability and influence that season nonetheless.

Why's it not worked out this season?
To be honest, I'm quite upset that he's not really been given a chance. When he's come off the bench, he's often looked lively and driven us up the pitch, but ultimately he was given his chance from the get go against Oldham in the FA Cup and not only failed to grasp it, but had the worst game I've seen of his in a Fulham shirt. Nobody played well, to be fair, but with Babel coming in, he's fallen even further down the pecking order and if Fulham are to be relegated this year, I'd be glad to see him back in a white shirt next season with some minutes under his belt.

Will he make a difference to Wednesday?
I think so, yes. He's an impact player, someone the crowd should warm to because he's not afraid to square up a player and try and beat them. He's affable, friendly and always been a fan favourite at the Cottage, so I can only imagine that his impact at Hillsborough will be a positive one if he gets the chances that I expect he will and lives up to his undoubted ability. Look after him please, we love Neeskens!



Read more at: https://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-wednesday/sheffield-wednesday-target-neeskens-kebano-what-owls-fans-can-expect-from-fulham-winger-1-9545067

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Should Fulham Stick Or Twist – There's A Danger Either Way

With just a couple of weeks left in the January transfer window, many Fulham supporters are feeling disappointed in the lack of arrival of promised additions to strengthen our squad.

The addition of Ryan Babel is welcomed, but we have had several loanees that have not given us that 100% fighting spirit which was needed. We have a very tough run-in of games left, and it looks more like a return to the Championship is more likely than not.

Recruiting new players to help save us from relegation was necessary, but we knew that last year. If we were really serious, these players should have been brought in as early as possible in January, as the games are running out, and the points deficit is growing bigger.

Although it hurts me to say this, I believe Fulham will not survive this season. Burnley and Southampton have recently got harder to beat, and Newcastle will pull clear eventually like they normally do.

This leaves manager-less Huddersfield, Cardiff and ourselves battling to survive. I think these are the three clubs who will get relegated.

Now, is it really the time to twist, or should we stick?

If we keep the majority of players that brought us up last season and refrain from selling them, we should have the nucleus of a strong side, ready to challenge for the Championship title.

Last season's squad players we should keep are; Bettinelli, Odoi, R. Sessegnon, Cairney, Ream, McDonald, Johansen, Ayite, Cisse, Kamara and Kebano.

They have all been tried and tested in the Championship and be used to the long season.

From our new recruits we should try to hold onto; Seri, Anguissa, Le Marchand, Bryan, Christie, and Mawson.

The following players will inevitably leave; Mitrovic, Vietto, Fabri, Babel, Chambers, Rico & Fosu-Mensah.

If we add these youngsters;

S. Sessegnon, Elliott, De La Torre, Humphries, O'Riley and Ashby-Hammond to name just a few, we would have a strong squad ready for whatever the Championship has to throw at us.

The only question remaining is, who will manage this team to success next season?

COYW's



https://fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/should-fulham-stick-or-twist-theres-a-danger-either-way/

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Fulham v Tottenham Hotspur
SUN 20 Jan 2019   Premier League
Venue: Craven Cottage

Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino will have to rejig his forward line, with Fernando Llorente a possible option

TEAM NEWS

New signing Ryan Babel could make his Fulham debut after signing from Besiktas earlier this week.

Defender Alfie Mawson remains a long-term absentee with a knee injury.

Tottenham's Moussa Sissoko has been ruled out with a groin problem, but Eric Dier, who has not played since early December due to appendicitis, could be involved.

Harry Kane is sidelined with an ankle injury and fellow forward Son Heung-min remains absent on international duty.

With Lucas Moura not yet ready to return from a knee injury, that could mean Fernando Llorente starts up front.

MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES

@SimonBrotherton: Tottenham will have to overcome the absence of their two biggest goal threats, as well as opponents who are desperate for points.

Harry Kane and Son Heung-min have scored almost half of Spurs 46 goals in the league, but Kane's out until March and Son is at the Asian Cup with South Korea.

Tottenham's squad isn't the biggest and will be at full stretch with the EFL Cup semi-final second leg against Chelsea coming up, as well as FA Cup and Champions League games to mix in with their Premier League push.

Fulham go into the weekend five points from safety and with an inferior goal difference, so they need to turn things around quickly on the pitch as well as in their yoga classes.

VIEW FROM THE DUGOUT

Fulham manager Claudio Ranieri: "It will be a tough match, but we are ready. I prepare the team to improve our mistakes and play our own football.

"We have to be very awake, as every situation is dangerous."

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino on coping without Harry Kane: "When he is one of the best strikers in Europe it is going to affect performances.

"We are positive we can cope and we have players who can cover his position. It won't affect our approach to the games."

LAWRO'S PREDICTION

Even without Harry Kane, Moussa Sissoko and Son Heung-min, I still think Spurs will have far too much for Fulham, who have only signed one player - former Liverpool winger Ryan Babel - this month.

Prediction: 0-2

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

    Tottenham have won the four most recent meetings in all competitions.
    Fulham have failed to score more than once in any of their last 12 Premier League matches against Spurs.
    This is the 50th top-flight fixture between Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur. Spurs have 28 wins to Fulham's eight, with 13 draws.

Fulham

    It's three competitive defeats in a row for Fulham - but they did win their most recent league fixture at home.
    They have set their worst record after 22 matches of a league season (W3, D5, L14).
    The Cottagers have conceded 49 goals, more than any other Premier League team.
    They have lost just one of their last five home league matches (W2, D2). All but two of Fulham's 14 points this season have been earned at Craven Cottage.
    Fulham are looking to win successive home games in the Premier League for the first time since April 2013.
    They have lost their last six Premier League London derbies - only QPR, who lost seven in a row in 1995-96, have ever lost more consecutively in the top flight.
    Aleksandar Mitrovic has scored in all three of his Premier League appearances against Tottenham.

Tottenham Hotspur

    Spurs have won six of their past eight league matches, but have lost two of the last three.
    Tottenham have the best away record in the Premier League, with 10 wins from 12 matches.
    Victory against Fulham would put Tottenham on 51 points after 23 matches, which is one game fewer than they have ever taken to reach a half-century of points in the Premier League.
    Spurs are the only team in the top four divisions of English football not to have drawn a league match this season.
    They could fail to score in consecutive Premier League fixtures for the first time since May 2015.
    Tottenham have lost three of their four league games played on a Sunday this season, winning the other.
    Harry Kane has missed only one of Spurs' last 68 Premier League matches: a 1-0 defeat at Manchester United in October 2017.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/46853938

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Dier back in full training

Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a major injury boost ahead of their Premier League clash against Fulham with Eric Dier back in full training.

The midfielder has been out of action since mid-December after falling ill with appendicitis and undergoing an emergency operation to fix the issue.

The 25-year-old destroyer has now returned to full training ahead of Sunday's away clash at Craven Cottage in a huge boost for Mauricio Pochettino, who has face an unending series of injuries this season.

OPINION

There can be no doubt how big a boost this really is for Pochettino, especially after the injury suffered by Moussa Sissoko last time out against Manchester United. Luckily for the club it has been found that Sissoko will only miss around two weeks of action, but having Dier back in contention to replace him in a like-for-like switch eases their concerns massively. It was a bit of a shock for all involved when the England international was taken ill in December, with Pochettino seemingly unaware of the severity of the situation when he reported Dier missing through injury ahead of their win over Burnley. The midfielder then underwent surgery to remove his appendix and has made a quick recovery, which has come at a perfect time for Spurs. It would not be surprising to see him thrown straight in against Fulham, with Harry Winks in need of a midfield partner after the injury to Sissoko.



https://thisisfutbol.com/2019/01/blogs/premier-league/dier-back-in-full-training/

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Claudio Ranieri transcript: Fulham boss on Spurs, potential incomings and Ryan Babel

Read everything the Fulham manager had to say ahead of the game with Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday

Any news on injuries?

There are no new injuries, everyone else is available.

What impact can Ryan Babel have on Fulham?

I hope Ryan can bring his experience and strength, he's a quality player who can score some goals because we need goals and of course I hope he can adapt to our football as soon as possible.

I am happy because he played for Liverpool and he knows the Premier League very well.

Is he match ready?

He's not fit 100 per cent so I must choose if we start with him or during the match.

Bust-up between Mitrovic and Kamara?

It wasn't a battle it was a chat and something that happens in every team, nothing more.

Re-occurring theme?

I don't think it was for the penalty.

Transfer window - Bryan Dabo a player you're interested in?

No no no, of course I don't speak about players who can come because now is an important moment for us.

I know we are looking for every opportunity to improve and I am waiting.

Rumours of Gary Cahill?

I don't know, Gary is a very important player and for us it would be fantastic but I don't know if he wants to come and fight with us.

Looking ahead to Spurs game - a good chance to win?

I'll tell you at the end of the match if there is something good for us. There is no Son or Kane but there are other players and champions and they can change systems and do what Pochettino wants and it will be a tough match.

We are ready and I hope sooner than later some luck turns.

Direct threats that Spurs have?

Every time I prepare the team to improve our mistakes and play our football. Against Spurs we have to be very awake because every situation is dangerous.

But we are dangerous in counter attack and when we play.

Marcelo Bielsa and 'spygate'

In Italy it doesn't happen. There is so much information every day with video analysts. When we play against them next season if they come up, maybe I will cover all the Fulham training camp.

Impact a win have here?

I think in Italy we say one swallow doesn't make a summer, of course three points against Spurs would be very good but now we are so concentrated on our job.

Luck needs to change - more than that?

We need to continue to fight because the luck doesn't arrive, you haveto fight and be ambitious and do your best. You must fight until the end, never give up. That is my philosophy.

Is this group good enough?

Yes it's a very good group, they did well in the Championship but they have to adapt to the Premier League because a lot didn't play in the Premier League and it's totally different. They need a bit more time.

What are they learning?

Last season they play a lot with the ball, keep possession and Mitrovic would finish the job. Now you must think and defend because there are teams better than you and you must think in two ways, with or without the ball and we must improve a lot when we lose the ball.

How important is defending as a whole team?

I don't blame my defenders. We make mistakes but show them where they make mistakes to improve during the training session. Every day we try to repeat the movement and show how the opponent plays.



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/claudio-ranieri-transcript-fulham-boss-15697990

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Report: Fulham in stand-off with Manchester United over Timothy Fosu-Mensah

Timothy Fosu-Mensah has made just seven Premier League appearances since he joined Fulham on loan from Manchester United.

Almost a fortnight ago, Claudio Ranieri confirmed Fulham's intention to send Timothy Fosu-Mensah back to Old Trafford.

"If Manchester United want him he can go, because with me he hasn't played often and I understand he is young and he needs to play," Ranieri told Sky Sports of the Dutch defender, who has played just seven games since moving to Craven Cottage on a season-long loan.

But it seems that United are looking at the situation from a different point of view.

According to The Sun, the Manchester giants want Fosu-Mensah to stay at Fulham until the end of the season and attempt to force his way into the former Leicester City manager's starting XI.

As a result, it is understood that the United and Fulham have now entered something of a stand-off with neither side prepared to budge on their stance.

Fosu-Mensah, then, has been left in a rather awkward position with Ranieri scouring the market for a replacement, including Bordeaux's Senegal international Youssouf Sabaly.

Fortunately for both clubs, Bayer Leverkusen could swoop in and solve the problem.

According to The Times, the Bundesliga outfit are keen to offer the 22-year-old a fresh start with a loan spell at the Bay Arena until the end of the season.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2019/01/18/do-report-fulham-in-stand-off-with-manchester-united-over-timoth/

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Gary Cahill transfer to Fulham would be fantastic, says Claudio Ranieri

Fulham manager Claudio Ranieri says it would "be fantastic" if they signed Chelsea defender Gary Cahill in the January transfer window

Sky Sports News understands the two clubs have agreed a permanent transfer but agreeing terms with the centre-back remains a stumbling block, as Ranieri hinted on Friday.

Chelsea are prepared to allow Cahill to leave the club this month with the England international having made only seven appearances this season.

Ranieri said: "Gary is a very important player and for us it would be fantastic. I don't know if he wants to come and fight with us."

Fulham spent over £100m on 12 new players in the summer but have the worst defensive record in the Premier League - a minus-29 goal difference - and sit 19th in the table.

On Wednesday, they confirmed the permanent signing of former Liverpool forward Ryan Babel from Besiktas.

The 32-year-old played at Anfield for three-and-a-half years and Ranieri hopes his prior knowledge of the Premier League will help them in their relegation battle.

"I hope Ryan can bring his experience, his strength, he is a quality player, some goals because we need goals," Ranieri said.

"Of course, I hope he can adapt to our football as soon as possible but I am happy because he played for Liverpool so he knows the Premier League very well."

Babel's dyed-red hair has caused a storm on Twitter since his arrival in London but the Italian boss joked he is not taking any notice.

"I leave my players to be free; it's important how they play on the pitch - so the hair is not important," Ranieri said.

Fulham play Tottenham on Sunday at Craven Cottage, live on Sky Sports Premier League.



https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/11610826/gary-cahill-transfer-to-fulham-would-be-fantastic-says-claudio-ranieri

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West Ham & Southampton Tickets

Tickets for Fulham's trips to West Ham United and Southampton next month will go on sale from 10am on Monday 21st January.

The Whites travel to the London Stadium to take on West Ham United on Friday 22nd February, kick-off 7.45pm. Tickets are priced at £30 for adults and £25 for juniors/concessions.

The week after sees Fulham travel to St Mary's Stadium to face Southampton on Wednesday 27th February, kick-off 7.45pm. Adults can secure their seats for £30 and from £12 for juniors.

Supporters are advised to check the full selling schedule on respective match centre pages.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2019/january/18/west-ham-and-southampton-away-ticket-info