Friday Fulham Stuff (19/04/19)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham put Steve Clarke top of managerial shortlist as Kilmarnock face fight to keep boss

The 55-year-old is a wanted man and could be an option to replace Alex McLeish as Scotland boss.


(Image: SNS Group)

Steve Clarke is set to be offered a chance to return to England as Fulham eye a move for the Kilmarnock boss.

The 55-year-old has been a major success at Rugby Park and recently hinted he has unfinished business down south.

The SFA are also reportedly interested in making him their manager if they decide to axe Alex McLeish at Thursday's board meeting, but Fulham could steal a march on them, report the Daily Mail.

Fulham are on the lookout for a new gaffer after sacking Claudio Ranieri and being relegated from the English Premier League.

They will be one of the favourites to go straight back up despite their disappointing season and targeting Clarke as the man to lead the charge.

The former West Brom boss is contracted at Rugby Park until 2020 and talks have been held over a new deal.

But he could have another offer on the table with Scotland set to make a decision over the future of Macleish.

On Thursday, SFA chiefs will mull over the disappointing start to the Euro 2020 campaign which saw a humiliating 3-0 defeat in Kazakhstan - dubbed Scotland's worst ever result - followed by an insipid 2-0 win against San Marino.

And McLeish's situation is also set to come up for discussion.

Chief executive Ian Maxwell will sit down with SFA president Alan McRae, vice president Rod Petrie, SPFL chief Neil Doncaster and fellow board members Michael Mulraney, Thomas McKeown and Ana Stewart  on Thursday to thrash out a decision on whether to axe the 60-year-old now.

McLeish has come in for heavy criticism for the disastrous start to the qualifiers, the number of call-offs which have disrupted preparations as well as results and the style of football on show.

Supporters vented their anger at Hampden chiefs during the victory in San Marino last month. Chants of 'F*** the SFA' and 'sack the board' could be heard.



https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-put-steve-clarke-top-14389492

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham teenager Harvey Elliott could earn first-team role as club look to promote academy stars


Big future: Scott Parker says 16-year-old Harvey Elliott has 'unbelievable talent' ( Getty Images )

Fulham's promising 16-year-old winger Harvey Elliott could be handed a regular role in the senior squad next season.

Elliott, who became Fulham's youngest player when he made his debut at Millwall in the Carabao Cup last September aged 15, has been training with the first team and was named on the bench for last Saturday's 2-0 win against Everton.

The England youth international has impressed Fulham caretaker Scott Parker and is set to be given more exposure to the first team during the final weeks of the season as the club prepare for life in the Championship.

Fulham are keen to bring through a talented crop of academy players and could also promote defenders Steven Sessegnon, 18 — twin brother of Ryan — and Marlon Fossey, 20.

"Harvey has got unbelievable talent," said Parker. "Ultimately it will be down to him, how hard he works and how quickly he can make that transition to men's football.

"This club need players like Harvey, Steven Sessegnon and Marlon Fossey and we are looking towards involving them more."



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham/fulham-teenager-harvey-elliott-could-earn-firstteam-role-as-club-look-to-promote-academy-stars-a4121466.html

[WhiteJC]

 
SIX players NUFC could sign from relegated duo Fulham & Huddersfield

One sentence I never understand from some football fans – 'We don't want to sign him, he was part of a team that got relegated!'.

I never buy that logic (would you have said no to Stoke's Shaqiri last summer?), and as a result, I'm sure there'll be one or two players from relegated sides Fulham and Huddersfield that Rafa would happily take this summer (presuming he stays on at St James' Park of course..).

Here's five players from the two Championship-bound sides I think we could / should look at:

Aaron Mooy (Huddersfield)
I'm a fan of Mooy and so if Rafa if you believe some of the Chronicle's reports over the past few years, with them suggesting that the Spaniard's been impressed by what he's seen ever since our 2016/17 Championship campaign. With Shelvey looking likely to leave this summer, the arrival of Mooy could be a shrewd addition. He's good technically and has an eye for a goal but, crucially, is a hard worker too.

Ryan Sessegnon (Fulham)
The 18-year-old was tipped for big things last summer, but hasn't quite hit it off during his first season in the top flight. That said, he'd still demand a big fee, being a bright English talent who could be an exciting addition to our ranks, with him being comfortable operating as left wing-back or left-winger. I can't see us paying the fee required, but if Ashley really does want young players with huge potential, he would be worth a punt.

Phillip Billing (Huddersfield)
The 22-year-old looks a promising talent and could become a very handy midfielder with the right management, being 6ft 4′ but pretty mobile and impressive technically for his size. With Shelvey, Diame and Hayden all at risk of leaving this summer, we may be in need of new blood in the middle of the park.

Tom Cairney (Fulham)
At 28 and after a quiet season with Fulham it's hard to know if Ashley would sanction this deal, but the Chronicle did reveal just a few days ago that Rafa Benitez is still an admirer of the midfielder. Considering Fulham's relegation and our 'long-term interest', it's definitely one to watch.

Terence Kongolo (Huddersfield)
The Dutch international has impressed me whenever I've watched Huddersfield over the past year. He can play at left-back or at centre-back – meaning he could be well suited to Rafa's 4-2-3-1 and 3-4-2-1 systems.

Joe Bryan (Fulham)
You're probably thinking 'a Fulham defender? really?!' but Bryan is a player Benitez looked last summer by all accounts and could give us another much needed option at left wing-back. He arrived from Bristol City for £6m so the 25-year-old could be available at a reasonable price if he fancies another crack at Premier League football. He has good delivery, is sound technically and seems like a decent athlete, so could be a decent option to add to our limit ranks at left-back.

Fulham's Callum Chambers is a player Rafa's been linked to in the past (although I don't think we need another centre-back; even if he is versatile), while Ryan Babel has also impressed during his short stint at Craven Cottage, with him being a player Benitez signed many moons ago for Liverpool.

Cameroonian midfielder Andre Zambo Anguissa may be one to watch too. It was reported last summer that we were interested in the 23-year-old before his big money move from Marseille to Fulham, so Rafa may take another look given we'll be woefully short of CDM's should Hayden and Diame leave.



http://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2019/04/18/six-players-nufc-could-sign-from-relegated-duo-fulham-huddersfield/

[WhiteJC]

 
Scott Parker says Fulham face 'big year' in the Championship next season
Timothy Fosu-Mensah unlikely to face Bournemouth on Saturday

Fulham caretaker boss Scott Parker says it is going to be a "big year in a difficult league" for the club in the Sky Bet Championship next season.

The Cottagers have already been relegated from the Premier League and face Bournemouth, Cardiff, Wolves and Newcastle in their final four fixtures.

Fulham spent over £100m in the summer after they were promoted to the top flight for winning last season's Championship play-off final but are preparing for a return to England's second tier after just one year.

"It'll be beneficial for everyone to take this time to really focus, reassess and plan for next year," Parker said on Thursday ahead of Saturday's trip to Bournemouth.

"It's going to be a big year, in a difficult league. Now is an opportunity to get ahead of the game."

Parker is widely tipped to take the reigns at Craven Cottage on a full-time basis and his pursuit for the manager's job was boosted by an impressive 2-0 win over Everton last time out.

The 38-year-old, however, insists beating Bournemouth will be a "tough task" after they hammered Brighton 5-0 away from home in their last match.

"The Everton win was a relief for everyone," Parker added. "Performance-wise, at home, it was very, very pleasing.

"We're playing against a very good team [Bournemouth], with a first class manager. It'll be a tough task for us, but we go into it with massive confidence after a strong performance."



https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/11697259/scott-parker-says-fulham-face-big-year-in-the-championship-next-season

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham would do their attacking unit a world of good by signing this on-loan 28-year-old hitman – Agreed?

Fulham opinion: Why Fulham need to consider a move for Dwight Gayle

The Chronicle Live has reported that Fulham are interested in signing Newcastle United star Dwight Gayle. Currently, on loan at West Bromwich, the 28-year-old has done remarkably well for the Baggies this season.

Paired with former Southampton forward Jay Rodriguez, Gayle has flourished, using his pace and agility to lethal effect in the Championship. This move has helped him rediscover his best self, scoring 21 goals so far, including two hat-tricks.

West Bromwich are keen on keeping hold of the 28-year-old at the club, but they do have competition. As revealed above, Fulham are now interested in his signature, with the Cottagers relegated back to the Championship

Despite spending over £100 million last summer, Fulham were unable to survive at the top-tier. They could lose the likes of Ryan Sessegnon (Mirror) and Aleksandr Mitrovic (Leicester Mercury), who have been linked with a move away.

Losing their top scorer in Mitrovic will hurt the club, which could see them drop even further down if they do not find an adequate replacement. Dwight Gayle can be that replacement, despite the 28-year-old's previous struggles in the Premier League.

Gayle has proven to be a very lethal Championship goalscorer, averaging 19 goals in the three seasons he's spent in the second-tier. It shows why Fulham could use a player like him.

While Mitrovic has hit double figures this season, the 24-year-old has also managed to disappear from games at times. Mitrovic will also command at least a £40million fee, with Tottenham, Leicester City, Everton and West Ham in the race (Leicester Mercury).

That would provide the Cottagers with some cash to spend on new signings, and Gayle needs to be on that list. With the right manager and the right signings to improve their squad, they have a chance to do well in the future.

Conclusion
The Cottagers need someone who is reliable at a Championship level and the 28-year-old has proven that he is exactly that.



https://soccersouls.com/fulham-would-do-their-attacking-unit-a-world-of-good-by-signing-this-on-loan-28-year-old-hitman-agreed/

[WhiteJC]

Cottage Talk In The Community: Fulham FC Foundation - Interview With Paul Peschisolido
Take a listen to a podcast that focuses on Fulham Football Club.

This is a special episode as Emilio Di Nello spoke to former Fulham player Paul Peschisolido. During the interview, Paul talked about his time at Fulham, but also discussed his participation in the upcoming 140 mile cycle run on behalf of the Fulham FC Foundation. If you would like to donate click here for the FFC Away Day Cycle 2019.


You can also listen to the show by following this link...
https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2019/4/19/18495604/cottage-talk-in-the-community-fulham-fc-foundation-interview-with-paul-peschisolido

[WhiteJC]

 
Should Be A Home Banker

The Cherries fans have had their best weekend for a while with AFCB thrashing Brighton 0-5, the best win against Brighton home or away since 1949. This win being in the Premier League must rank higher than the 1-6 away win in 1949 which was in Division 3 South. On Saturday no goals were conceded either and the win against Brighton also takes us over the 40 point target, with 41 points.

Our next game is on Saturday at Dean Court against the team with the worst away record this season in the Premier League, Fulham (the Cottagers). Fulham have yet to win away this season, they have also conceded 44 goals on their travels. So after thrashing Brighton in front of their despairing fans, the odds are this could be another goal fest for the Cherries. As we know this is football and things don't always go like that. With both sides without any pressure on them, it will be who steps up to the plate on the day. Let's hope the Burnley performance can be put down to one of those days and with Steve Cook back I don't think we should have any concerns on that account.

This season Fulham have had three different managers. First to leave was Slavisa Jokanovic who got Fulham promoted up into the Premier League via the play-offs. He was replaced by Claudio Ranieri who took Leicester City to the Premier League title for the first time in their history. But in his short time at Fulham, things didn't work out and he was replaced by Scott Parker, a former Fulham player. Parker is at present caretaker manager, he is also Harry Arter's brother-in-law.

Not been a good season for Fulham since their promotion. Relegated with Huddersfield, with the last relegation spot still to be decided. Since our 0-3 win at Craven Cottage back in the last game of October, Fulham had 5 points after 10 games and were in 18th position, AFCB after the same number of games were 6th with 20 points.

Fulham's next game was at away at Huddersfield Town on the 5th November, it was Huddersfield who lit up the night, with their first win in the Premier League this season, even if it was an own goal by Fulham. The Cottagers had to travel again for the next game which was up in Merseyside at Anfield against Liverpool, the home side won 2-0 and it was Jokanovic's last game in charge. Back at the Cottage and with Ranieri in charge for his first game against Southampton who were the visitors, there were 5 goals in the game and Fulham scored 3 of them to take all 3 points and give Ranieri a win for his first game as their manager.

The busy month of December was next for Fulham with the first game away against fellow London club and near neighbours Chelsea, Chelsea won 2-0. The next game was back home and it finished 1-1 against Leicester City. Back on the road again and Manchester was the next port of call against Manchester United, United won 4-1. Another all London game was next against West Ham at Craven Cottage, the Hammers won 0-2. Fulham then had to travel to the North East to play Newcastle United, it finished 0-0. Another draw followed with the home game against visitors Wolves, it ended 1-1. The last game of the month and year ended with a Fulham win by 1-0 against Huddersfield Town.

Into January 2019 and the first game was on New Year's Day and in London at the Emirates Stadium against Arsenal, not a good start to the year for Fulham, losing 4-1. Fulham lost the next two games, first away 2-1 at Burnley and then at home against Spurs by the same score. The last game of the month was back at Craven Cottage where they beat Brighton 4-2.

February started with a visit to Selhurst Park the home of Crystal Palace, Roy Hodgson's side won 2-0. Back home again and Fulham lost 0-3 against Manchester United. London Stadium the home of West Ham was the next venue and Fulham were beaten 3-1. Last game of the month and Fulham were away at Southampton, it finished 2-0 to the home side and was Ranieri's last game as Fulham manager. Ironically he started and finished as manager against Saints.

March started with Scott Parker taking over as caretaker manager at home against Chelsea another side he used to play for, Chelsea won 1-2. It wasn't going to be a good month for Parker as his side lost all their games. Away at Leicester 3-1, at home to Liverpool 1-2 and 0-2 at home against Manchester City.

Of the two games so far in April, away against Watford, Fulham lost 4-1. In their last game at home against Everton, Scott Parker had his first win in charge, as his side won 2-0.

The last time we played Fulham at Dean Court was in the Championship winning season, with the Cherries winning 2-0. In all our league games at Dean Court against Fulham, AFCB have Won 8, Drawn 3, Lost 2. In all competitions, AFCB have Won 13, Drawn 9, Lost 10.

Six Game Form Guide in the Premier League – Starting with the latest game first:

AFCB WLLDWL – Fulham WLLLLL

Home Form Table
AFCB – 10th P17 W7 D5 L5 GF29 GA24 Pts26

Away Form Table
Fulham – 20th P17 W0 D2 L15 GF11 GA44 Pts2

AFCB Team News
After the Brighton game, it doesn't seem there are any new reported injuries.

AFCB Player To Watch
Ryan Fraser seemed to be at the heart of everything at Brighton and if he can produce this form again on Saturday he should be able to give the Fulham defence a torrid time. Callum Wilson and Ryan have built up a good understanding.

Fulham Team News
Two players picked up injuries in their home win against Everton, Timothy Fosu-Mensah with a knee injury and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa got a knock. Two other players who have been out are Alfie Mawson because of lack of fitness and Floyd Ayite with a muscle injury, both may be available for Saturday. Others missing have been Lazar Markovic with a calf strain and Marcus Bettinelli with a knee injury.

Fulham Player To Watch
Both Aleksandar Mitrovic their leading scorer and Ryan Babel have been on form for them and Babel has scored three times in his last four Premier League games.

David Coote is the referee.

We had him in January for the 3-3 draw with Watford.



https://bournemouth.vitalfootball.co.uk/should-be-a-home-banker/

[WhiteJC]

 
Are Fulham there for the taking for AFCB?

A quick assessment of Fulham might not give Eddie Howe too many concerns. While they are already relegated, Fulham have managed to get their first win under Scott Parker at home to Everton and in that match they managed their third clean sheet of the season.

If Fulham's home form has added a glimmer of light to their fans the away form has not given their fans any pleasure having not won a match in 2019 on the road. Fulham did get a point away at Brighton last September and a draw with Newcastle in December, but it has usually been a journey full of defeats. On goal form, Fulham are ahead of Huddersfield, West Ham, Cardiff and Newcastle in their last six away games, but if they are scoring a goal in away matches they are usually conceding three or four as well.

If we put that against AFCB's home form in the last six matches, AFCB come out as the 10th best team in the league, scoring 10 and conceding seven goals. It looks like being a tall task for Fulham to get something from the game with Bournemouth.

While Bournemouth need to be on the look out for players that could do better in a stronger team, it will be of interest to see how well Ryan Sessegnon does in this match, if selected. He has managed two goals and six assists in a struggling Fulham side, but could be snapped up by another Premier League team this summer. Tom Cairney has also been a key player for the London team despite only managing one assist and one goal. Ryan Babel got most of the praise for Fulham's win against Everton and Bournemouth will be aware of his talent, while Mitrovich can always find a goal and has done magnificently well to reach 10 goals this season for Fulham.

While AFCB will be favourites to win the match, we can perhaps see a possibility of Fulham scoring so I don't see this as a walkover, despite Bournemouth's morale boosting 0-5 win last time out at Brighton.

Fulham Away Form
LLLLL

AFCB Home Form
WDLDL



https://afcbchimes.blogspot.com/2019/04/are-fulham-there-for-taking-for-afcb.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Report: Fulham interested in Celtic's Neil Lennon

Celtic manager Neil Lennon is reportedly on the radar of Fulham.

According to The Scottish Sun, Fulham are interested in appointing Celtic manager Neil Lennon as their new manager.

It has been reported that Fulham - who will play in the Championship next season after getting relegated from the Premier League - have included Lennon on their list of potential candidate to succeed temporary manager Scott Parker in the summer.

Lennon was appointed the Celtic manager in February 2019 until the end of the season following the departure of Brendan Rodgers to Leicester City in the Premier League.

"Lennon would only seriously consider another club position if he didn't land the Parkhead gig on a permanent basis," adds the report in The Scottish Sun.

Fulham managerial role

Lennon did not have a great time when he was in charge of Bolton Wanderers in England, but there is no doubt that the former Northern Ireland international midfielder is a very good manager.

What the former Celtic midfielder has achieved as the manager of the Hoops is nothing short of remarkable, and it is not a surprise that Fulham are reportedly looking at him.

If Fulham give Lennon the support that he needs in the summer transfer window and allow him to build a team in his image, then he could guide the Cottager back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2019/04/19/report-fulham-interested-in-celtics-neil-lennon/

[snarks]

If Fulham pick Steve Clarke as manager I would have to ask - can I have some of what they're smoking to think he'd be right.

[sunburywhite]

If Fulham pick Steve Clarke as manager I would have to ask - can I have some of what they're smoking to think he'd be right.

I would be more worried in they picked Lennon

That would be the Catcher in the Rye

[Woolly Mammoth]

Not a good choice, does not inspire me at all.
This I feel would be a backward step.

[Nero]

Love to see a meeting between TK, Neil Lennon and AK47, what could possibly go wrong, if it had to be Clarke or Lennon I rather have Lennon, Clarke can go back to Reading

[Bill2]

Love to see a meeting between TK, Neil Lennon and AK47, what could possibly go wrong, if it had to be Clarke or Lennon I rather have Lennon, Clarke can go back to Reading

Sorry but don't want either of those, if not SP lets have Lee Johnson.

[St Eve]

Let's go for the special one