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Wednesday Fulham Stuff - 19/02/20...

Started by WhiteJC, February 18, 2020, 03:36:43 PM

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WhiteJC

Plaudits for Parker: Attacking Fullbacks and Near-Post Runs
Eamon Levin praises Parker's decision to include his fullbacks in the attack and looks at how the Whites are turning a previously underwhelming offence into a well-drilled machine.


Near-post runs? Fullbacks flying down the flanks? Four players in the box? Where is my Fulham FC and who are these eerily similar-looking players?

I often criticize Scott Parker's tactics but after recent performances (Barnsley aside, for obvious reasons...) he deserves praise. An albeit mind-numbing nil-nil draw at Charlton was sandwiched between contests against Middlesbrough and Huddersfield that exhibited two of the best offensive performances of the season thus far. An uptick in the fullbacks' involvement in the front third, players attacking the near post, and a willingness to get into the box are all beginning to turn Fulham's offence into the juggernaut it was expected to be.

Parker has abandoned his attempt at a tactical upheaval and finally looks to have come to his senses as the team exhibit a greater understanding of football's fundamentals. It will be this return to basics that pushes the Whites over the hump and into the top two.

Flying Fullbacks
The forward movement of Fulham's fullbacks in attack has been instrumental in the Whites' promotion push as of late. To the confusion of many, Parker opted to use his fullbacks conservatively at the beginning of the season. A combination of the more defensive Dennis Odoi and Steven Sessegnon operated on the right while Joe Bryan was visibly reluctant to break lines down the left. Perhaps Parker believed the talent in his front five would be enough to break down opponent's defences? Or maybe he didn't trust his defence enough to let his fullbacks join up-front.

Whatever the reason, anyone could see that Knockaert and Cavaleiro's constant inside movement did nothing to stretch the defence and create space for others to operate. As games passed and Fulham began to enter the run-in, it became glaringly obvious that if the fullbacks were kept back, the Whites would fall short of reaching the top two. It was a momentous decision to move the fullbacks up the field. Matches that otherwise would have resulted in losses or draws earlier in the season have become wins.

The addition of Cyrus Christie to the regular starting XI and the development of Joe Bryan as an attacking option down the left could be the catalyst for a legitimate push into the automatic promotion places. Sessegnon and especially Odoi have been terrific options in the defensive line but Christie provides crucial width and solid pace down the line. The same can be said of Bryan's marauding runs down the left flank. Of Fulham's past six goals, four have come from the fullbacks getting into the attacking third and driving balls across the box.

In the past, 1-0 wins like those against Middlesbrough and Blackburn developed into slow-moving stalemates in which the Whites' offensive firepower quickly flamed out. However, with the fullbacks pushing up, it forced opposition defenders to stay wide, allowing Fulham's central players room to manoeuvre in crucial moments. Against Middlesbrough, Huddersfield, and Blackburn, Joe Bryan was able to receive passes following overlapping runs and play the ball across the face of goal; once for Knockaert and twice for Mitrovic.

Near-post Power
The Whites' play in the box has improved massively in recent weeks. In particular, the increased regularity of near-post runs has boosted the number of legitimate scoring chances.

Near-post runs are the crux of any wide attack because they accomplish two tasks. First, they place the attacking player between the ball and the defender, giving him control – he can settle, shoot or move the ball into the box. Second, by attacking the near post, defenders are driven back towards their own goal, opening space for teammates to run into, and pushing back the offside line.

Case in point; Mitrovic's two near-post finishes in the last two games. Against Huddersfield, he beats his man to Bryan's cross and slams home into the roof of the net. Against Blackburn, he arrives first and places his body between the ball and his defender with his back to goal. Once the defender commits to a tackle, Mitrovic spins the other way and buries the match winner. Tom Cairney's goal against Huddersfield is similarly excellent. He places himself between the ball and his defender, giving himself the requisite space to flick the ball up and finish neatly.

Get in the Box!
Fulham's commitment to getting players in the box demonstrates the desire to score goals. For a team that often sees its talented front-five fall flat, this push to put the ball in the net is something Fulham supporters have been waiting for. While Mitrovic, Knockaert, and Cairney put away their chances in recent games, it's important to notice that behind them all are at least three other Fulham players making their ways into the box. If Parker can continue his side's desire to score while maintaining their recent defensive record, automatic promotion is certainly a realistic achievement.

Parker has finally begun to demonstrate his maturity as a decision maker. The best footballing sides execute the simple things and, finally, Fulham are beginning to do just that. With the fullbacks moving forward into the attack, forward players attacking the near post and players committing themselves to get into the box, Parker's offence is beginning to look like the powerful unit everyone expected it to be. Parker is clearly learning from his mistakes and the team is benefiting.

With 13 games to go, and Leeds well into their annual collapse, I have only one more wish for Parker: take us home.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2020-02-18-plaudits-for-parker-attacking-fullbacks-and-near-post-runs/

WhiteJC

Kevin McDonald sends personal message to Fulham fans following shock defeat

Fulham fan favourite Kevin McDonald has delivered a balanced response after he and his teammates were comprehensively beaten 3-0 by Barnsley at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

It was another blow to their hopes of an immediate return to the Premier League via the automatic promotion places, but McDonald was quick to insist on Monday evening that the result would not be fatal.

Taking to Instagram, and writing alongside a photograph of himself, McDonald said: "Not a time to over react! We learn from our mistakes and move onto the next game. Thanks for all your support we will need it now more than ever for the next 13 games."

Cauley Woodrow gave the vistors the lead in the first half after Marek Rodak had brought down Jacob Brown in the Fulham penalty area, the striker stepping up to net his 12th of the season.

Things got worse for Fulham in the second half when Brown was set through on goal by Woodrow again, clipping the ball past the onrushing Rodak and into the bottom corner.

It was Woodrow who rounded things off with just ten minutes remaining as well, finding space on the left hand side before eventually lashing the ball home.

The verdict

This is the sort of time where having figures like McDonald in and around the dressing room could prove so important.

He has been there and done it in the second tier so when he says there is no need to overreact, chances are there is no need to overreact.

Fulham are still in a very good position. Yes, the defeat to Barnsley was a very bad one but how they respond to the loss is even more important.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/kevin-mcdonald-sends-personal-message-to-fulham-fans-following-shock-defeat/

WhiteJC

Terence Kongolo shares fresh update regarding Fulham injury lay-off

Fulham defender Terence Kongolo has shared a fresh update regarding his injury recovery after being ruled out for the rest of the season with a foot injury.

Kongolo completed his loan move to join the Cottagers from Huddersfield during the January transfer window, but he only managed to make two appearances for the Championship promotion chasers before sustaining his injury problem.

The 26-year-old made his Fulham debut during the 4-0 FA Cup drubbing at the hands of Manchester City before he came off the bench in the 1-0 victory over Blackburn, but it was in this outing that he picked up the knock that will keep him sidelined.

Kongolo has now taken to Instagram to share an image of him in his hospital bed as he begins his road to recovery, with the Dutchman now having to set his sights on making a return to action during pre-season.

Kongolo made 11 appearances for parent club Huddersfield this term prior to his mid-season loan switch, with the Netherlands international having fallen out of favour under Danny Cowley towards the end of 2019.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/terence-kongolo-shares-fresh-update-regarding-fulham-injury-lay-off/


WhiteJC

4.4 aerial duels won per game: Is this Fulham man the 'missing ingredient' in Parker's promotion push?

Michael Hector finalised his move to Fulham from Chelsea on New Year's Day.

And what a move it's turning out to be. Fulham have signed a host of good players this season, on-loan and permanently, but none are having the same impact as Hector.

The Jamaican has come in and transformed Fulham's defence almost overnight. 'Virgil van Mike' as he's know by Fulham fans, he resembles a lot of the Dutchman's game – he's a calming presence who's good on the ball, fast, powerful and dominant in the air.

He spent last season on-loan at Sheffield Wednesday and they saw how good he is at this level, prompting Fulham to bring him to the Cottage in time for the club's promotion push this time round.

Scott Parker's side look all the better for it, and missed a good chance to keep the heat on 2nd-place Leeds at the weekend after their home defeat to bottom-club Barnsley.

Here's Hector's stats for Fulham so far this season:


His aerial game is his forte. Fulham have enough height in their team to deal with long balls and crosses into the box, but Hector can do so better than anyone in that team.

He makes it look so easy as well, positioning himself perfectly every time to mean that he barely has to move a muscle. In terms of tackles and interceptions though, Hector maybe isn't putting in as many of those as he should be.

Nevertheless, the only stat that matters to a defender is goals conceded, and in the nine that he's played in all competitions for Fulham they've kept four clean sheets, and conceded 11 (four of which were to Manchester City in the FA Cup, and three to Barnsley last time out).

Whether Hector proves to be the final ingredient in Parker's promotion push, we'll have to wait and see, but his effect on the side is evident and if Fulham don't make it to the Premier League this season, they'll have a better chance next time round with Hector playing from day one.

There's still plenty of points to play for though, and plenty of room for improvement. Fulham now have to react to the Barnsley defeat and keep the pressure on Leeds, and hope that they slip up at some point.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/4-4-aerial-duels-won-per-game-is-this-fulham-man-the-missing-ingredient-in-parkers-promotion-push/

WhiteJC

3 mistakes Fulham and Parker can't afford to repeat in season run-in

Despite sitting in 3rd-place of the Championship table, Scott Parker is a man under fire.

The ex-England midfielder was enjoying a steady first full-season in football management up until last weekend, when his Fulham side were dealt an embarrassing 3-0 defeat at Craven Cottage.

It was supposed to be Fulham's home banker of the season and it arrived at a time when they were level on points with Leeds and looking like they could snatch a top-two spot.

But Barnsley did the business – they kept out Aleksandar Mitrovic all afternoon and rendered Fulham weak, leaving fully-deserved of the three-points.

It's now shone a lot of light of Parker's credentials as a manager. But he still has promotion in his sights and every chance of achieving it.

Here we take a look at three mistakes that Fulham and Parker can't afford to repeat in the season run-in:

Selection mistakes
Every manager does it at times and Parker is no different. His team-selection has left fans baffled on occasion – the likes of Denis Odoi at centre-back, and Bobby Reid in central midfield earlier in the season being the stand-out choices.

Parker seems to know what his best starting line-up is now but the defence still sees a lot of changes. He needs to figure out his best defensive set-up and stick with it, and try not to play any player out-of-position.

They've stayed relatively injury-free all season, and there's no need for Parker to play certain players in their less-favoured roles.

Sloppy home defeats
Barnsley weren't the first team to come to Craven Cottage this season and leave with three easy points – Hull City have done so by the same scoreline, and Reading too on New Year's Day.

These are the games that Fulham simply have to be winning if their to have any chance of promotion. There are limited games left and even fewer at home – maximum points need to be taken at the Cottage from now until May, and Parker needs to find a way of stamping out these needless defeats.

Possession doesn't always win games
Parker has persisted with a possession-based game at Fulham, to which has been his downfall at times. They've played some fine football this season, there's no doubting that, but other times they've come out of games with 70% of the ball but no points.

Sometimes their passing game can become laborious, needless and frustrating to watch. They need a bit more cutting-edge to their play. They need to be more direct in possession and take more risks, rather than stringing together 30-odd passes to win a thrown-in in the opposition-half.

Fulham have the tools and capabilities to achieve promotion this season, but they're not always showing it, and that could be the difference between them and another season in the second-tier.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/3-mistakes-fulham-and-parker-cant-afford-to-repeat-in-season-run-in/

WhiteJC

%u2018Best night in history%u2019 %u2013 Plenty of Fulham fans react to Europa League throwback post


A decade has passed since Fulham%u2019s infamous Europa League campaign.

Roy Hodgson and his henchmen stunned the football world when they reached the final of the 2010 Europa League final.

They met an Atletico Madrid side in the penultimate game who were fronted by Diego Forlan and Sergio Aguero, and a brace from the ex-Manchester United man saw them prevail as eventual 2-1 winners following extra-time.

It marked the peak of the club%u2019s now 140-year history, and it%u2019s ten years ago to the day since Fulham met Shakhtar Donetsk in the Round of 32.

This was where Fulham%u2019s journey was supposed to end %u2013 facing the current holders who%u2019d topped their group and scored 14 goals through the six games, Fulham pulled-off the first of many upsets on their road to the final in Hamburg.

Bobby Zamora and Zoltan Gera linking up and providing the goals that day, as they did throughout the tournament, giving Fulham a 2-1 win on a memorable night at the Cottage.

A 1-1 draw in Ukraine took them through to the Round of 16, and plenty of fans have shared their memories of the first-leg in London:

bobby.zamora25: What a night. %uD83D%uDC4D%uD83C%uDFFD%u26BD%uFE0F @fulhamfc

jjharrison85: What a goal this was!! Loved watching this from the Hammersmith End %uD83D%uDD25%uD83D%uDD25

joewfulham: What a season, the manger the players %uD83D%uDE4F%uD83C%uDFFB unreal

moycey1: Zoltan Zamora.

hugoaymla_: Best night in history.

knzombie: On his right foot as well %uD83D%uDE0D%uD83D%uDE0D%uD83D%uDE0D this team was top tier.

fordsbeard: Oh Bobby Zamora!




https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/best-night-in-history-plenty-of-fulham-fans-react-to-europa-league-throwback-post/


WhiteJC

'As much as it will hurt' – Derby County's Fulham clash has plenty of Nottingham Forest fans talking

Plenty of Nottingham Forest fans will have one eye on Derby County's Friday night game with Fulham this week, as a win for their arch rivals could well see the Reds move ahead of the Cottagers if they can pick up three points against QPR on Saturday.

Forest currently sit just one point off third place in Fulham in fifth place and will no doubt be keen to put an end to their recent inconsistent run in the league that has seen Sabri Lamouchi's side pick up just two wins in their last five Championship outings.

They face a QPR side who have only won once in their last five league games, with the Reds surely being the overwhelming favourites to secure the three points against the struggling R's this weekend.

Given the potential importance of Derby's clash with Fulham this week, we felt now was a good time for Football League World Journalist Chris Thorpe to ask members of the Nottingham Forest Supporters Group on Facebook if they have been thinking about their rival's fixture this week, thus prompting a wide array of responses from the fans.

Here, we take a look at some of the best comments from the Forest faithful on the topic in question via social media.

Simon French: Nope.

Leo Musson: I care more about Forest, but I will be hoping the Sheep win as much as it will hurt.

James York: Would rather Fulham win as I don't want to see them (Derby) sneaking in the play-offs.

Liam Goodwin: Hoping for a draw.

Stuart Dean: Hope they lose!

Keith Price: Don't even think Derby will get a point. Expecting a Fulham win.

Spencer Paul: I think it'll be a Fulham win.

Mick Keetley: Yes I'll be watching and I want the Sheep to win.

Steve Shaw: Fulham win, I would never want Derby to win.

Rob Willetts: I'll take a draw.

Dave Morley: No. I don't care about any other team other than Forest thanks.

Mark Richardson: It's my birthday and wanting the Sheep to win is not a good place to be. I will be a few beers in by the end of the game either way.

David Louise: Fulham win. As much as we are still in the running for top two. I think realistically we're finishing in the play-offs. I did predict second before the season start though.

Bry Shaw: Hopefully a draw.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/as-much-as-it-will-hurt-derby-countys-fulham-clash-has-plenty-of-nottingham-forest-fans-talking/

WhiteJC

Watch Fulham FC Women

Calling all Fulham fans! Show your support on Sunday 1st March as Fulham FC Women face Aylesford Ladies FC at Motspur Park Training Ground.

Fulham FC Women's last outing on the arena pitch resulted in a seven-goal thriller, narrowly being defeated 4-3 by league leaders Dulwich Hamlet Women back in November in front of 500 fans, and the squad will be counting on your support again when Aylesford Ladies visit, kick-off 2:30pm.

Fulham FC Women compete in the London and South East Women's Regional Football League, and we're encouraging all supporters of the Club to come together to cheer on the side for what promises to be an exciting afternoon.

The day will be host to plenty of activities to keep families entertained, including face painters, balloon modellers and an appearance from Billy the Badger, with gates opening at 2pm.

Tickets are priced at £5 for adults and free for juniors*. Fans can secure their tickets now online and in person from the Fulham FC Ticket Office.

*Juniors are not required to purchase a ticket in advance and are admitted free of charge on the day.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/february/18/watch-fulham-fc-women

WhiteJC

'Stick with him no matter what' – Some of these Fulham fans rally behind key-figure despite recent defeat

Scott Parker's Fulham tenure has received mixed reviews.

Sitting in 3rd-place of the table, most will say that Parker, in his first full season in football management has done an outstanding job. He's implemented a clear style of play on the team and has them on the cusp of an immediate return to the Premier League.

But others will say that, given the players and funding at his disposal, Fulham should be streets ahead of anyone in the division.

The 3-0 defeat at home to Barnsley last weekend highlighted a lot of persistent problems for Fulham – often weak at home, over-reliant on goals from Aleksandar Mitrovic to see them through games and not blowing away teams like they should be.

Parker took on the job with already vast amounts of pressure to take them straight back up, and that pressure grows with every weekend that they don't break into the top-two.

We asked Fulham fans of the Facebook group 'There's Only One F in Fulham' whether they think Parker should be sacked if the club doesn't achieve promotion this season, and here's what they had to say:

Giampaolo Tassinari: If he is sacked it means administrators do not understand anything.

Jackie Merchant: We're 3rd in the league in his first full season as our manager. He's still learning so give him time.

Samuel Attard (replying to above): If we're going for promotion we shouldn't just be somewhere for Parker to refine his managerial skills, we need a well-tested manager who can secure us promotion.

Roger Burbridge: The fact he is still in his job shows that he is the long-term coach that the hierarchy think is our future. Surviving after last week's horror show should tell us that – promotion is not going to happen this season.

Steven Thompson: If he does get the sack, it'll show what a mockery the club has become. We all know how hard the Championship is, but when we play a bad game or two, people start calling for Parker to go.

Andy Cramp: If we lose against Derby, Swansea and Preston because we are actually as poor as some think, then that would really dent our prospects and put immense pressure on Scott and the team. We have had bad spells of losing games already so another poor run like that with the squad we have would mean Tony Khan has nerves of steel if he stuck with SP.

Lee Terry: Stick with him no matter what, we need to give these young homegrown managers the time to learn and they will progress.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/stick-with-him-no-matter-what-plenty-of-fulham-fans-rally-behind-key-figure-despite-recent-defeat/


WhiteJC

'Best team on paper' - What Derby County fans are saying ahead of Fulham clash

Derby County news - A look at what Rams fans are saying ahead of Friday night's home clash with promotion hopefuls Fulham.


Tom Cairney celebrates scoring Fulham's third goal in the win over Derby County (Image: Alex Davidson/Getty Images)

Derby County are back in action on Friday night when they welcome promotion-chasing Fulham.

The Rams were forced to settle for a home draw with strugglers Huddersfield Town last time out, making it two without a win following defeat to Bristol City.

On Friday, Phillip Cocu's men will need to upset the form book if they want to get the better of a Fulham side who are currently in third despite defeat last time out.

The Cottagers suffered a shock 3-0 home defeat to Barnsley on the weekend, but even so, they are within three points of the top two, arriving at Pride Park with a renewed sense of hunger after going two games without a win themselves.

Ahead of the game, Rams fans have been discussing what to expect and how Cocu should approach the contest.

Here's what a selection have had to say on the DCFC Fans forum...

Premier Ram - "Will it be a wounded Fulham Friday night after yesterdays result or will they come out determined to right that wrong , either way I think we are going to have to be top of our game to get something out of this, start by cutting out the schoolboyish errors."

SK Ram - "Wounded Fulham for sure. Wounded Derby too, metaphorically and physically for Duane sadly. One of the better teams but we can have this if we're firing."

Cannable - "Supposedly they're a shadow of Jok's (Jokanovic) side and they're just grinding out results thanks to Mitrovic and the 'keeper. Think I'd certainly play Davies to battle Mitrovic, see if he can marshal him like he did in the play-offs.

"Martin gets on well with their players still but he'll be the pantomime villain from their fans' point of view so he definitely starts."

Dimmu - "For me, Fulham is division's best team on paper. I've watched quite few of their games so far and they've never convinced me. With that trio upfront, they simply should be unstoppable in this division. I think their tactics are too careful and that gives us a change to go at them and get the three points.

"Mitrovic vs Clarke should be entertaining wrestle match and is good indicator where Clarke is in his development. I think he will come out of that pair as a winner, Mitrovic playing style and attributes should fit to Clarke's."

Woodley Ram - "Not sure how to call this one, I have gone for a draw but I could perm anyone from 3, it depends if the real Derby turn up or for that matter the real Fulham.

"Fulham have some good players it's going to be a difficult game , probably need Davies height and defence capabilities to help with the Fulham attack.  Also wisdom at right back and I hope Holmes is back."



https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/best-team-paper-what-derby-3861417

WhiteJC

Exclusive: Fulham hijack Leeds bid to sign young defender from PL giants

Fulham have stolen a march on Leeds United in the race to sign Chelsea rising star Ashley Akpan, Football Insider can reveal.

The defender, who turned 16 earlier this month, has undergone a trial at Leeds' Thorp Arch headquarters as well as spent time at Huddersfield.

A Fulham source has told Football Insider that the club are well placed to beat their Championship rivals to a deal for Akpan with a transfer hijack.

Akpan has been invited to the Cottagers' Motspur Park training base this week and will be assessed by their youth-team coaches.

The teenager, who has been at Chelsea since he was 10, is keeping his options open as to his next club.

This comes after Football Insider revealed last month that Akpan has been informed he will not be offered a scholarship deal at Stamford Bridge.

Akpan had appeared well placed to progress from schoolboy terms but he is now set to continue his career elsewhere.

Chelsea have granted him permission to find a new team even though he remains on their books for the time being.

Akpan is predominantly a defender but he can also play in midfield and his pedigree is such that he has been capped by Poland at Under-15 level.

The rising star, who is eligible to play for Nigeria and England as well as Poland, is regarded as an attractive proposition by the leading Championship clubs due to his versatility and potential.



https://www.footballinsider247.com/akpan-heads-to-fulham-after-leeds-united-trial/

WhiteJC

Games for the Weekend 21/02
For this game we travel up to Derby County for a Friday evening game.
Well, the game against Barnsley is one to forget.
At the weekend Derby had a 1-1 draw with Huddersfield, so they had a better day than us.

Historically we're very even against Derby, 4 wins, 5 losses and 5 draws and surely we can't play as badly two game in a row?

COYWs

Games of Interest...
Friday 21st

Derby v Fulham

Saturday 22nd
Brentford v Blackburn
Bristol City v West Brom
Charlton v Luton
Leeds v Reading
Nottm Forest v QPR
Preston NE v Hull
Wigan v Millwall


come on over to the forum and join in the discussion...
https://www.friendsoffulham.com/forum/index.php?board=1.0



https://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=1094


WhiteJC

Derby County old boy claims Rams blocked move to Champions League club

Cyrus Christie has been reflecting on his time at Pride Park

Cyrus Christie says he was denied a move to a Champions League club during his time at Derby County.

Christie made 119 appearances in a three-year spell with the Rams.

The Republic of Ireland international arrived at Pride Park from Coventry City in 2014 before moving on to Middlesbrough in 2017.

The 27-year-old now plays for Fulham, who visit Derby in the Championship on Friday night.

Christie reflected on his Rams career on the Counter Attack podcast, and in particular a difficult period for him under head coach Paul Clement in the 2015-16 season.

The full-back was initially frozen out by Clement, forcing him to look for a move elsewhere.

"He (Clement) just came in and wasn't having me at all - out of nowhere," said Christie.

"He said I was fifth choice - he put two centre-backs ahead of me at right-back.

"He was contradicting himself because he was like: 'I think you're our best right-back... but I just want to play with them'.

"I had somewhere lined up to go and he said: 'No, you can't go there. It's abroad'.

"I said: 'What's the issue with going abroad? They play in the Champions League. You've got to let me go. It's a good opportunity'.

"But he said: 'I don't want you to go there. Let's sit down and discuss some teams that you can go to'.

"The teams he said to me that I could go to, at the time, were fighting relegation.

"No footballer wants to be in a relegation battle. You want to be fighting for promotion and those kind of things.

"I said it to him. I didn't set out as a football to just go into a relegation scrap.

"I'm at a team where I want to fight for promotion and win stuff.

"So I didn't play and he didn't let me go. The chairman (Mel Morris) said I wasn't going anywhere either.

"I said: 'Fair enough - the big man spoke, so there's not much I can do there!'"

Christie, who did not name the club he might have joined, had another disagreement with Clement when he was asked to travel to Portsmouth for a League Cup tie as back-up for the squad.

"He tried to make me come to Portsmouth, to be fair," said Christie.

"He'd already told me I'm not in the squad for the first two games (of the season).

"It was mad that he told me six days before that I'm not in the squad for the next game. Then two lads got injured.

"My head was gone a bit, because my nan was really ill. She's alright now but at the time, they only gave her a couple of days to live.

"So I said: 'Listen, I'm not coming to Portsmouth'. I know two lads got injured but my head was gone and I was a bit all over the place.

"He said: 'I think you should come'. We had a bit of an argument and I said: "I'm not coming, I don't see the point. You already told me (I wasn't in the squad) and I've got this going on, I'd rather be back with my family'.

"He said: 'Alright, if you change your mind, let me know'.

"I didn't travel in the end."

Christie eventually played his way into contention under Clement, helped by his international exploits.

"I came on in a (Derby) game and did well, I think I set up a goal. Then I was out the squad again, so I was just confused as to what was going on," he said.

"I went away with Ireland and scored on my Euro (qualifying) debut (against Gibraltar).

"I came back and started every game for Derby that month.

"Then I went away with Ireland again and we beat Germany.

"Before, they (Derby) were telling me about my price tag. Then, the chief exec (Sam Rush), he was the one saying that I could go, texted my agent saying: 'That's five million on his price tag'.

"It was confusing. I just didn't understand what was going on.

"But then I played every game under Paul Clement after that. He was alright with me in the end. There was no animosity."

Clement parted company with the Rams midway through the season but Derby went on to reach the play-offs and Christie was named the club's young player of the year for 2015-16.



https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/cyrus-christie-derby-fulham-clement-3863206