Friends of Fulham

 
Kelly keen to kickstart league season against Cottagers

Midfielder hoping to get the ball rolling on Saturday

Our season began in earnest in midweek against Gillingham with a 2-0 win in the Carabao Cup – and now Liam Kelly, who netted twice against the Gills, hopes that the Royals can get the points tally ticking over in the Sky Bet Championship.

At the back end of last season, our last Madejski Stadium fixture was a 1-0 second-leg play-off triumph against Fulham to send us to Wembley... they are our first visitors in our new league campaign, on a brand new playing surface.

"We know how good Fulham are – we played them a lot last year, and of course the last time we played them was one of the best nights here all season," Kelly said.

"We just want to try and start the season well and hopefully we can do that by beating Fulham on Saturday.

"We know how we want to play – and now the pitch out there is second to none.

"So now that everyone knows how good it is and everyone is getting used to it, we can get the ball down and play our stuff. "

Join us for the home kick-off to our new Championship season this weekend – Adult tickets begin from just £20.  Click the button below for more information.



https://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/2017/august/kelly-keen-to-kickstart-league-season-against-cottagers/

 
The Fulham man who could be Jokanovic's secret weapon for promotion this season

(https://cdn.footballleagueworld.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Ryan-FredericksRyan-Fredericksbbcbcbc-800x504.jpg)

Fulham are one of the teams in the Championship who are quietly expected to perform this season, despite not spending bucketloads of money like some of their rivals have.

Slavisa Jokanovic is well liked down at Craven Cottage and he turned them into a very well-groomed unit last time out.

The Cottagers are a team that are inconsistent at best and it's always difficult to predict how well they will do at the start of any campaign.

But last season the team were quality and with a couple of seriously impressive players in the ranks in Sessegnon and Cairney, both of whom have stayed, you shouldn't rule Fulham out this season either.

But there's one player we at the FLW think doesn't get nearly enough credit for his work in the first-team and that's defender Ryan Fredericks.

The 24-year-old might not have grabbed the plaudits like his fellow full-back Sessegnon last season but when he's on his game, he's certainly up there with the best in the division.

Enigmatic, hard-working and when he puts the after-burners on, blisteringly quick, Fredericks certainly has a lot of proving to do this time around to show that last season was no fluke.

He's built like an athlete and for the Whites, having two full-backs that can charge up and down the flanks all game is a real positive.

On his day, Fredericks really can be unplayable but a big part of his development now must be sorting out his consistency.

As aforementioned, when he plays well, he plays seriously well. But his day does not come often enough and that's something that will make him a better player this time out, if he can find his feet and turn in good performances week-after-week.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/the-fulham-man-who-could-be-jokanovics-secret-weapon-for-promotion-this-season/

 
Fulham loanee not out for revenge over Reading

Piazon returns to one of his former clubs tomorrow

Lucas Piazon insists he will not be on a revenge mission against Reading tomorrow – and is only interested in bagging the points for Fulham.

The Whites make the trip to the Madejski tomorrow just three months after the Royals knocked them out of the Championship play-offs in May.

Chelsea loanee Piazon played in the second leg of that semi-final defeat, and two months later returned for a second loan spell with the Whites.

But despite the disappointment of seeing his Wembley dream shattered, Piazon is keen not to get mixed up in talks of Fulham getting their own back.

"Revenge is a bit strong," he said. "The season has just started and we want points from the beginning, and the three points tomorrow.

(http://i4.getwestlondon.co.uk/incoming/article13060649.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/Reading-v-Fulham-Sky-Bet-Championship-Play-Off-Second-Leg-Madejski-Stadium.jpg)
Agony: Piazon after the play-off defeat at Reading (Image: Adam Davy/ PA)

"It was really hard to take, we were very disappointed after the Reading game and it made it even worse for us.

"But the season has just started and we have the opportunity to go again, do it week by week and try to get promoted."

Those play-off games weren't the first time Piazon came up against his former loan club since a spell with Reading two years ago.

The Brazilian played in both the 5-0 hammering Fulham dished out at Craven Cottage last season and their 1-0 defeat at the Madejski two and a half months later.

He added: "It always is special going back. It'll be a tough game but I believe we can win the game there."



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-loanee-not-out-revenge-13462465

 
Reading FC starlet Liam Kelly says Royals need to prepare for 'one of the hardest games of the season'

LIAM Kelly has warned his Reading FC teammates to focus on their own game as they prepare for what he described as one of the toughest games of the season against Fulham tomorrow (Saturday).

Midfield maestro Kelly, who bagged his first goals of the season in the 2-0 win over Gillingham in midweek, wants Royals to put their dissappointing opening day defeat to Queens Park Rangers behind them.

Reading welcome Slavisa Jokanovic's Fulham to Madejski Stadium tomorrow (Saturday) in what has been billed to be an eye-catching fixture.

The two sides last faced each other in the play-off semi-finals back in May with Reading eventually winning 2-1 on aggregate.

And 21-year-old Kelly says Royals know what to expect when they host the Cottagers.

"Saturday (against QPR) was hard to take," he stated.

"Not only the result but the way we played too.

"We played then a lot last season, we had them in the semi-final of the playoffs.

"We know what they are about and we know what we have to do to win.

"It's probably going to be one of the hardest games of the season so we just need to go out there and do our stuff.

"We need to concentrate on our own game.

"Last year our home form was up there amongst the best in the league so if we can do that again this season then that will put us in good stead."

Jaap Stam could be boosted by the potential return of Paul McShane who is thought to be edging closer to fitness after suffering a slight knock in pre-season.

Meanwhile Stephen Quinn made his long awaited return to first-team action on Tuesday and could feature against the Cottagers.

Fulham's Sone Aluko will be at the centre of attention after the Nigerian has been heavily linked with a switch to Reading.

It is understood Royals have seen multiple bids knocked back for the 28-year-old but reports this week claim Reading are continuing their pursuit of the forward.



http://www.readingchronicle.co.uk/sport/readingfc/15467878.READING_FC__Liam_Kelly_calls_for_focus_ahead_of__difficult__Fulham_clash/

 
Chelsea priced Fulham out of a permanent move for Tomas Kalas

Defender rejoined Whites on loan this summer, but could have signed a permanent deal

Getting Tomas Kalas back on loan was one of Fulham's key pieces of business this summer.

The 24-year-old was an integral part of the Whites side that made it into the Championship play-off places last season, only to be denied by this weekend's opponents Reading in the two-legged semi-final.

Much like every other Chelsea loan star, Kalas signed a contract extension at Stamford Bridge and then rejoined Fulham on a season-long loan deal, despite interest from relegated Hull City.

And in an interview with ctsport.cz , the Czech international has admitted he only had eyes for Craven Cottage.

He said: "It was my choice. I was waiting for my offers, and Fulham was a priority given the choice. I've been living with the team, especially with the style of football they play. I think it can move on and on.

(http://i2.getwestlondon.co.uk/incoming/article13451495.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/GettyImages-827765500.jpg)
HIGH WYCOMBE, ENGLAND - AUGUST 8: Lucas Piazon of Fulham scores his teams first goal during the Carabao Cup First Round match between Wycombe Wanderers and Fulham at Adams Park on August 8, 2017 in High Wycombe, England. (Photo by Harry Murphy/Getty Images)

"Everybody probably heard of Hull, there was also interest from several other clubs, but I really wanted Fulham."

And Kalas has revealed that his parent club priced him, and team-mate Lucas Piazon, out of a permanent move to Fulham.

He added: "Fulham asked about the availability of me and Piazon. Chelsea said two sums that Fulham said was too much for them. And it was done.

"I did not expect that amount when I had the final year of my contract. Chelsea, on the other hand, is not in the position to need to sell players at a price and get some money. It is quite understandable."



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/chelsea-priced-fulham-out-permanent-13463230

 
Reading FC v Fulham preview: Team news, one to watch, Stam's view and who's the ref?

Fulham will be looking to exact revenge on the side which dumped them out of the play-offs at the Mad Stad in May

Reading FC will host Fulham in their second league game of the season on Saturday, August 12.

The sides will meet at the Madejski Stadium, where Reading knocked The Cottagers out of the play-offs less than three months ago.

Jaap Stam's side are looking to pick up their first points of the 2017/18 campaign after they were beaten 2-0 by Queens Park Rangers in their first game of the season.

While promotion favourites Fulham will be keen to get a good result after they squandered several good chances against Norwich and conceded at late equaliser.

This will be the sixth time Royals have taken on Fulham in the last year.

After getting thrashed 5-0 at Craven Cottage in December, the following game between the teams was called off shortly at half time due to heavy fog.

Reading won the replay 1-0 in January and then beat Fulham 2-1 on aggregate over two legs in the play-off semi final.

When and where?
The sides will play at the Madejski Stadium on Saturday, August 12. Kick off is at 3pm.

Team news
Omar Richards picked up an injury against Gillingham so he is expected to miss Saturday's game.

There are no other new injury concerns, but the likes of Yann Kermorgant and Jordan Obita are still out.

Paul McShane is working his way back from a calf injury but Saturday's game may come too soon.

Jon Dadi Bodvarsson is also a doubt for the match following a knee injury he picked up against QPR.

What Stam had to say
Jaap Stam told the club website Reading know what to expect when they play Fulham at home on Saturday.

He said: "They have a lot of quality in that team, good players that play in a certain way that is very attractive and very difficult for their opposition to play against.

"But we've done it before and we know how they are basically going to play – certain details will be a bit different, but we're expecting that. Hopefully we can do well.

"Fulham is going to be a very big game, everybody knows about the games that we played against them last season, and there's a lot of rivalry.

"It's two teams that want to win playing in a certain way, and it makes it interesting as well.

"We lost at QPR in a way that we are not used to, to be honest. Credit to them in how they performed of course, but we could have done a lot better and we should have done a lot better.

"But onto Fulham at home. Hopefully a lot of fans will turn up, and the players want to show themselves and get a good result of course against a team like that."

Possible line-up
Reading: Mannone, Gunter, Moore, Ilori, Blackett, Popa, Kelly, Evans, Swift, Barrow, Mendes

Ones to watch
Reading's new signing, Modou Barrow, impressed home fans when he made his first start against Gillingham on Tuesday night and he set up Liam Kelly for his second goal of the game.

Royals fans will hope the pacey winger can cause Fulham a few problems this weekend.

Head-to-head
The sides have met 53 times since 1905. Reading have won 20 of those encounters, drawn 15 and lost 18.

Prediction

Odds
Odds from Ladbrokes

Win 12/5

Lose Evens

Draw 13/5

Odds correct at time of writing

The referee
Simon Hooper will be in charge of Saturday's clash. Last season he brandished 149 yellow cards and three reds in 43 games.

He also refereed Reading's 2-0 win over Plymouth in August 2016 and their 4-2 win over Burton in May.

His assistants will be Robert Hyde and Daniel Robathan. While Lee Swabey will be the fourth official.




http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/reading-fc-v-fulham-preview-13458393

 
Reading In Focus

Fulham and Reading meet for the sixth time in under nine months on Saturday. Have a read of the key matchday details.
Possible opposition absentees

Jordan Obita – ankle injury

Omar Richards – leg injury

Paul McShane – calf injury

Jon Dadi Bodvarsson – knee injury

Yann Kermorgant – groin/hip injury
Tickets

Fans will be able to buy tickets on the day from the Away Ticket Office at the South Stand located between gates 9 and 10. These are priced at £25 for adults, £16 for fans aged 65+, £13 for 18-24 year olds, and £8 for under-18s.
Weather

A good chance of it remaining dry all day, with temperatures of around 20 degrees at 3pm.
Getting there

Fast trains to Reading from Paddington take 25 minutes. The ground is then a few miles away, but a shuttle service is available.
He said...

"They have a lot of quality in that team – good players that play in a certain way that is very attractive and very difficult for their opposition to play against. But we've done it before and we know how they are basically going to play – certain details will be a bit different, but we're expecting that. Fulham is going to be a very big game – everybody knows about the games that we played against them last season, and there's a lot of rivalry." - Jaap Stam, Reading manager
Grosvenor Casinos match odds

Reading: 5/2

Draw: 13/5

Fulham: Evens
Previous five results

Reading 2-0 Gillingham (Carabao Cup Round One)

QPR 2-0 Reading (Sky Bet Championship)

Reading 2-3 Vitesse Arnhem (Friendly)

Reading 1-1 Cercle Brugge (Friendly)

Reading 0-0 Sparta Rotterdam (Friendly)



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/august/11/reading-in-focus

 
Reading v Fulham


Reading hope to have striker Jon Dadi Bodvarsson (ankle) available.

Captain Paul McShane has completed a three-game ban after his red card in their play-off semi-final last season.

Fulham are without goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli (hamstring), but midfielder Kevin McDonald is available having returned to training this week.

Tom Cairney, Tomas Kalas, David Button, Oliver Norwood and Stefan Johansen should start after being rested in Tuesday's 2-0 EFL Cup win over Wycombe.

Reading manager Jaap Stam told BBC Radio Berkshire:

"I know my squad, I know my players, everyone knows what we did last season. We did very well, we ended up third in the league and went to the play-off final, but I think we still need to grow as a club.

"We still need to grow as a team. To say are we a contender for going up this season and winning the league, I don't think we're there yet. We need to be realistic as a club.

"Eventually we want to get to a certain stage like Fulham, you can keep your own squad, you can keep your best players.

"Every season you can add one or two players to make the team stronger, and then you can say we're ready to get promotion."

SAM's prediction
Home win - 24%   Draw - 25%   Away win - 51%

SAM (Sports Analytics Machine) is a super-computer created by @ProfIanMcHale that is used to predict the outcome of football matches.

Match facts

    Reading are unbeaten in their past four home league encounters with Fulham (W2 D2), their longest unbeaten run against the Cottagers.
    Fulham have only lost one of their past five Championship contests against the Royals (W3 D1), although that loss came in their most recent encounter at the Madejski Stadium.
    Reading have not lost their opening two league games of a season since 1998-99 whilst in the third tier.
    Fulham have failed to keep a clean sheet in nine of their past 10 meetings with Reading in all competitions.
    Since the start of last season, no Championship side has scored more league goals (excluding play-offs) than Fulham (86).
    Since August 2016, Reading have received six red cards in the Championship (including play-offs) - only Nottingham Forest (9), Sheffield Wednesday (7) and Norwich (7) have seen red more often.



http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40834643

 
Reading vs. Fulham Preview: Three questions with The Tilehurst End
It will be hard for this match to be more disappointing than the last visit to Madejski stadium.



Fulham continue their tough opening run of fixtures by returning to the scene of heartbreak from last season as they take on Reading FC at Madejski Stadium. Our friends over at The Tilehurst End stop by to discuss this match, Reading's offseason, and predictions for the coming season.

Cottagers Confidential: What do you expect from Reading this season? What's a reason this year could be worse than last year? Better than last year?

    The Tilehurst End: Right now it's hard to know what to expect, other than the unexpected. I don't expect it to be easy, nor am I thinking just because we came third last season we'll be up there again. We lost key players in Danny Williams and Ali Al-Habsi who've not been replaced with slam dunk better players so far, but Jaap has said often he wants to do more business before the window shuts.

    The worst case scenario is last year is shown to be a freak season and we just meander in mid table.

    The optimist in me says that when the treatment room clears out and we get a couple more in, we'll build momentum for another crack at the top six.

CC: Who are your picks to go up? Make the playoffs? Get relegated? Why?

    TTE: Hard to look past Villa and Boro for the cash they've spent. I'm sure Derby, Hull, Fulham, Wolves, Sheff Weds and Sunderland will be there or there abouts but let's be honest, it's the Championship and I'm not sure how many predicted Reading, Fulham and Huddersfield to be in the top six last season. Brentford are my sleeper pick this year though.

    Down the bottom and all three promoted teams are up against it, though Sheffield United seem to be on a good roll. Burton are another you'd think might be down there again.

CC: Which new player on Reading is going to be the most important this year? Who was your biggest loss?

    TTE: I think our most important signing might not have been made yet. If he has been, then one of Jon Dadi Bodvarsson or Vito Mannone will have to have big years to step up for the injured Yann Kermorgant and departed Ali Al-Habsi respectively.

CC: Predicted score and lineup?

    TTE: I'm going for 1-1. Our injury list is very fluid at the moment so picking a team is pure guess work but...

    Mannone, Obita, Blackett, Moore, Ilori, Guntee, Evans, Swift, Kelly, Barrow, Bodvarsson.




https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2017/8/11/16131140/reading-vs-fulham-preview-three-questions-the-tilehurst-end

 
Inside The Madejski Stadium

Reading fan Seb Jones discusses heartache in the Play-Off Final, and what he thinks the Royals can achieve this season.


Has the disappointment of the Play-Off Final gone away yet?

To lose a Play-Off Final is always disappointing, especially on penalties. In that situation you feel like you've so nearly made it to the Premier League, so losing at that point is particularly crushing. However, despite our appalling record in Play-Off Finals, the two previous times we've lost in a Play-Off we've gone on to win promotion the following season, so I'm hoping that history repeats itself. Also, my disappointment is tempered by the fact that, at the start of last season, not many people backed us to go as far as we did in the league. If you'd offered most of our fans third place I think they would have taken it in a second.

Is the expectation that Reading will build on that this season?

Absolutely! Over the summer Jaap Stam signed a new contract which was great news because it shows a real intention to build something at Reading. The new owners have made all the right noises about taking the club forward into the Premier League so I am optimistic about the future. As for our targets, I think we should be aiming for the Play-Offs again, although there are a lot of strong teams (including those coming down from the Premier League) who will be challenging for those places. Overall, I wouldn't consider the season a failure unless we finished outside the top 10.


Was the opening day defeat a bit of a shock?

Given that in pre-season we beat QPR 5-2, I'd say it was fairly shocking. Although, worse than the actual defeat was the nature of it. QPR could have easily had a few more goals while we rarely, if ever, looked threatening. This was all against a side who few people are tipping for success, which makes it more worrying. It's worth mentioning, though, that we are currently struggling with a large injury list which includes several key players. Once these guys return to fitness I'll be significantly more confident about fixtures going forward.

Have you been happy with your summer business?

Hard to say until we have a chance to get a closer look at some of the new signings. Arguably our best piece of summer business was Stam signing a new contract, having seen him linked with nearly every job going since the Play-Off defeat. Out of all the new guys, Modou Barrow looked the most exciting player against QPR. His sub appearance showed off a good turn of pace and a direct style that could put some opposition defences in trouble. Jon Dadi Bodvarsson was also a vital addition to the team, given the injury to Yann Kermorgant and our lack of other striking options.

As for the departures, losing Ali Al-Habsi (a two-time player of the season winner) was a big blow but time will tell if Vito Mannone is a good replacement. Other than that, the only other major departure was Danny Williams. With Williams, I had been resigned to him leaving for much of the season given the expiration of his contract so it wasn't too hard to take, but he was a still a key player who will be missed.


Which of your players should Fulham watch out for on Saturday?

Given the lack of striking firepower in our side, I'd say most of the threat is going to come from the midfield, in particular John Swift and Liam Kelly. Kelly had a quiet game last weekend but I'm hoping his midweek brace in the cup is going to help him kick on for the rest of the season.

What was your take on the Play-Off Semi-Finals a few months ago?

I won't deny that it was a very close tie and at times it could have gone either way but over two legs I think we did enough to deserve the win. I've seen a lot of Fulham fans annoyed that in the second leg we went ahead and then sat back for much of the game but in all honesty I think, against the top scorers in the Championship, that was probably the smartest option. Of course it helped us a lot that Al-Habsi pulled off some stunning saves (as he did right through the season).

Which Fulham players would you take in the Reading side?

I would love to have Tom Cairney at Reading. Pairing the number of goals he created last season with his own scoring ability would make him valuable in any team, but doubly so in a team like ours where goals were hard to come by last season. Aside from that, Ryan Sessegnon would be an excellent fit in our side as a wing-back.

What sort of game are you anticipating on Saturday?

By this point everyone knows how Reading are going to set up, attempting to dominate possession and control the tempo of the game. With Fulham's counter-attacking ability I think we might have to ride our luck at times if we're to come away with a result. I'm not expecting too many goals either way based on the home matches for last season. However, I think there'll still be a fair amount of action on the pitch. The Play-Off Semi-Finals were a pretty fiery affair and I think this match is just going to be a continuation of that with Fulham out for a bit of revenge.

What score prediction are you going for?

I'm going to go for a 1-1 draw. Last season we were very strong at home but with the injuries we have and the performance last week, I'm going to be cautious against what I view as a strong Fulham side.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/august/11/inside-the-madejski-stadium

 
Woodrow features as Fulham youngsters lose to Middlesbrough


Cauley Woodrow played 45 minutes as Fulham's Under-23s were beaten 2-1 by their Middlesbrough counterparts on Friday.

Sean Kavanagh, Matt O'Riley and George Williams also started the game, but the inclusion of Woodrow casts doubt over his involvement in the first-team fixture against Reading.

The striker, loaned out to Burton Albion last season, had a couple of shots early in the match while Williams put an effort into the side netting.

Magnus Norman in the Fulham goal made a couple of saves but Boro broke through in first-half stoppage time, with Patrick Reading pouncing.

Mattias Kait forced a save just after the break but the visitors went 2-0 up when Marcus Tavernier converted a through pass.

Stephen Humphrys scored from the edge of the box almost immediately to reduce the arrears but, despite late efforts from Steven Sessegnon and Jon Dagur Thorsteinsson, Fulham couldn't level.



http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/woodrow-features-fulham-youngsters-lose-middlesbrough

 
Moore looks ahead to important league double-header

Royals aim for six points against two Championship big hitters...

Liam Moore is expecting a very tight affair as we welcome Fulham back to Madejski Stadium in the Championship on Saturday.

This will be the sixth time the Royals and Fulham will have faced off in the last year, but the new season heralds a new start for both teams as both go in search of another good campaign ahead.

Fulham were the last league away visitors to Madejski Stadium back in May in the Play-Offs, but Moore is expecting a tough affair against the Cottagers.

"We both know each other very well, we know it will be a very technical game. Both of us will want possession and try and dominate that, and try and create chances that way.

"It's always a good spectacle, we're in for a good game and I think it's a game where we can go in with full confidence that we can win.

"I think out of all the games we played last season, they were the most meaningful games and it probably left a bit of a bad taste in their mouths.

"It is what it is, it's a new season, second game of the season. They got a draw at the weekend, we're desperate to get some points on the board. It'll be a very difficult game but I'm looking forward to it."

Royals are still without a host of first team players through injury at the moment, but Moore says that the team has to continue to progress in their absence, starting with Fulham on Saturday afternoon.

"We've got to cope, there are no excuses. Teams go through injury crises all the time. It's very difficult, we've got some key players out but we just need to crack on and perform like we can.

"We can make it difficult for teams and we can still win games, then when they come back we can kick on even more."

The weekend's game is the second of three consecutive Madejski matches, following our midweek victory in the Carabao Cup against Gillingham.

Aston Villa are the visitors next Tuesday night, with both visiting teams backed to be at the sharp end of the table come the end of the season, Moore is excited by the prospect of testing himself two of the Championship's big hitters.

"They're a couple of tough tests but it's very good, we want these games and we want them regularly. I'm just happy the season has started again and it's straight back into what we know.

"Fulham are very difficult, we won't look past them yet, but we do know in the not-too-distant future we have a very tough game against Villa. They definitely should be up there this year with the money they've spent, with the experience they've brought in.

"Two tough games, but we're aiming for six points like we always do."



https://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/2017/august/moore-looks-ahead-to-important-league-double-header/

 
Fulham boss opens up on frustrating transfer dealings: I've never been part of this setup in my career

Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic doesn't have final say on players he wants

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic admits transfer dealings at the club are out of his hands, as he hopes the club manage to sign a few more players before the end of the transfer window.

The boss manages to have a say to the Director of Football Operations Tony Khan and the club's recruitment department, with data and scouting statistics playing a big role of the process.

But ultimately it seems he doesn't get the final decision, and Jokanovic admits it's something he's never experienced in his managerial career to date.

"I am not part of the big decisions. Now we have started the season I am not going to talk much about recruitment," he said, at his pre-match press conference on Thursday.

(http://i1.getwestlondon.co.uk/incoming/article13405568.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/GettyImages-824229040.jpg)
More signings wanted: Slavisa Jokanovic (Image: Harry Murphy/Getty Images)

"I will fight to bring in players, as people know we need to add some players to be strong in the Championship, as it's a long season.

"But I don't feel any responsibility in this process, I am simply waiting for the club to bring some additions to help us in the future.

"Like all the coaches out there in the highest and lowest level, I want more people as it will benefit Fulham, the supporters, staff and myself.

Jokanovic has certainly identified the positions which need strengthening, and he believes the Fulham fans know, too.

"This is the situation we are in. The club don't need help from my side. I try, but it's impossible.

"We have communication and the club know what we need. It's not so complicated, as I believe all the Fulham supporters know what we need.

"When we're talking about names, I don't have any important decisions of the choice of names.

"I have never worked in this setup in my life.

"I am working with my team, I don't need to any more opinion because what I said before is true, that I am waiting for the club to make important decisions."

(http://i1.getwestlondon.co.uk/incoming/article13162211.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/at-Fulham-FC-v-Derby-FC-Fulham-Football-Club-Craven-Cottage-Fulham-on-17-12-2016-CREDIT-LEWIS.jpg)
Slavisa Jokanovic (Image: Lewis Darling)

So does he feel like his hands are tied behind his back while trying coach and improve the Cottagers on the pitch?

"I am head coach here, I am really motivated for working with my team. The players are working hard and wanting to do an important job," Jokanovic responded.

"On the other side, I try for a positive answer. But for the moment I accept this kind of situation and I am just trying to find positivity for my team to fight at this level to get results."



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-boss-opens-up-frustrating-13464914

 
#fulham2readingwalk

We all love an away day but walking 40 odd miles to get there seems like a ridiculous thing to do, however this is exactly what 14 of the Fulham Family led by Lee Adams, Julian Church & Peter Jones will be doing to Reading.

They may get blisters but it might just help save someone's life.

Every two hours a male under 45 commits suicide in the UK, making it easily one of the biggest killers in middle aged men.

CALM - Campaign Against Living Miserably - is a charity which does such fantastic work and they now need your help and support.

Visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/fulham2readingwalk or text FFC53 followed by the amount you want to donate to 70070.

Cone on You Whites – Take me Home!



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/august/11/reading-walk

 
Cup Date Confirmed

Fulham's Second Round Carabao Cup tie against Bristol Rovers will take place on Tuesday 22nd August (7.45pm).

Ticketing details to follow.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/august/11/cup-date-confirmed

 
Why some Fulham fans are WALKING to the Reading FC game

And no it's not because of the M4 traffic...

A group of Fulham fans are taking a rather unusual route to Reading for Saturday's Championship game.

And no it's not because of the M4 traffic or the trains for once.

It's all in the aid of a mental health charity, with 10 fans walking (yes WALKING) the 40-mile trip from Craven Cottage to Madejski Stadium in aid of the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM).

The group plan to complete their trip in 15 hours - in time for the 3pm kick-off. They will start from the Cottage at 7.15pm on Friday night.

Fulham season ticket holder and long-time CALM supporter Lee Adams is leading the trip and the group have already raised more than £5,000.

Adams said: "I have been fighting for CALM for about two years now. I want to live in a world where men can feel they can reach out and seek help.

(http://i3.getreading.co.uk/incoming/article13463641.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/IMG_3212JPG.jpg)
Lee Adams with his brother (Image: Lee Adams)

"I'm truly thankful and proud of every one of the lads walking with me overnight from Fulham to Reading who want to stand up and make a difference."

CALM is a charity dedicated to preventing male suicide – the single biggest killer of men under 45 in the UK.

Its chief executive Simon Gunning said: "CALM relies on the hard work of the volunteers and fundraisers who raise money and awareness of the fact that suicide is the biggest killer of men under 45 in the UK.

"Lee's doing a brilliant thing for us and he joins a growing army of people dedicating their time and effort to save lives with CALM."

If you would like to donate to the cause, head to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/fulham2readingwalk



http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-fans-walking-reading-fc-13463659

 
Reading FC vs Fulham: Match Preview
Will we see a repeat of the heroics of last season's Play-Off semi-final victory?

After kicking off the season with a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Ian Holloway's QPR, a response against League One outfit Gillingham in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night was vital, and Jaap Stam's men did just that.

A youthful Royals side coasted to a comfortable 2-0 win, thanks to a second half brace from Liam Kelly, with the result helping put that opening day defeat behind us. Now all eyes turn to Saturday's clash with Fulham, who are many fans' pick for automatic promotion, where Stam will be looking to get points on the board ahead of a tough Tuesday night clash with Aston Villa.

Reading FC
Form (all comps): L/D

An opening day humbling and injury crisis have made a tricky encounter even tougher than it looked before, but The Royals will be buoyed by the return of Stephen Quinn, who impressed off the bench against Gillingham in midweek. Whilst he may not be ready for a full 90 minutes, there's no reason he shouldn't feature at some point.

Tiago Ilori returns from suspension after serving a one-match ban for a tactical foul against QPR, which resulted in a Rangers penalty and red card for the Portuguese defender. He could well be competing with Paul McShane for a starting berth, who has served his suspension and is back in contention.

We still await news on the extent of Garath McCleary and Jordan Obita's injuries, and Joey van den Berg remains sidelined but is close to a return. Roy Beerens, Callum Harriott and summer signing Jon Dadi Bodvarsson are all out through injury.

Andy Rinomhota and Axel Andresson impressed against Gillingham, but a start against such high-profile opposition may be a step too far. Expect to see Tyler Blackett fill in at LWB once more after Omar Richards picked up a knock on Tuesday night.

Fulham
Form (all comps): D/W

Reading target Nelson Oliveira scored a last minute equaliser for Norwich last weekend to deny The Cottagers three points on the opening day, but a routine 2-0 victory over League Two outfit Wycombe Wanderers only strengthens their claim as one of the most attractive teams in the Championship this season.

A hamstring injury kept keeper Marcus Bettinelli out of the two opening games and he's unavailable for this weekend too, so another former Reading target in David Button will start in goal for The Whites.

Summer signing Aboubakar Kamara will be hoping for a start up top, with Slavisa Jokanovic potentially reluctant to start Sone Aluko against the side he could well be set to join this summer amid an ongoing transfer saga.

Tom Cairney remains the biggest threat in Fulham's arsenal and he could be reunited with midfield partner Kevin MacDonald, who has recovered from a calf problem to rejoin the squad. He will have to fight former Reading man Ollie Norwood for a starting spot, who joined the London club on loan from Brighton for the season.

What do the stats say?
Fortress Madejski?

The Royals lost just twice at home last season (0-1 vs QPR, 1-2 vs Aston Villa), and haven't lost a weekend home game for well over a year. Additionally, Reading are unbeaten in their last five home games against The Whites, but fell to a 5-0 away defeat last season.

Play-Off Revenge?

Slavisa Jokanovic will be looking for revenge for his side's defeat in last year's Championship Play-Off semi finals. The Royals drew 1-1 away at Craven Cottage, banishing the demons of the 5-0 defeat earlier in the campaign, before a Yann Kermorgant penalty earned us a 1-0 victory and trip to Wembley. We won't speak about the last bit...

Familiar opponents

Reading and Fulham were the only sides in the Championship to play each other 5 times throughout the season. Reading's home tie was fogged off at the back end of December at half time with the score at 0-0, meaning the game had to be replayed. The Royals won the replay 1-0, with some late heroics from Ali Al-Habsi denying Chris Martin a 90th minute equaliser from the spot.

What about the history?
Head to Head

Reading: 18

Draw: 15

Fulham: 20

Past 5 Meetings
16 May 2017: Reading 1-0 Fulham (EFL Championship PO Semi Final)

13 May 2017: Fulham 1-1 Reading (EFL Championship PO Semi Final)

24 January 2017: Reading 1-0 Fulham (EFL Championship)

03 December 2016: Fulham 5-0 Reading (EFL Championship)

05 March 2016: Reading 2-2 Fulham (EFL Championship)

Classic Meeting
Reading 0-2 Fulham, 12th April 2008, Madejski Stadium

Goals from American international Brian McBride and Erik Nevland gave Fulham their first away win in 18 months – a run spanning 33 away matches – and sent The Royals on their way to relegation from the top flight, after a historic eighth place finish the previous season in their first ever Premier League campaign.

The visitors went into the game knowing anything other than a win would virtually seal their relegation to the Championship, but a 2-0 victory saw Reading dragged further into the relegation dogfight from which they would not emerge.

Reading started slowly and looked nervous on in possession, with the threat of relegation looming over them, and crumbled to a 2-0 defeat which could have ultimately been worse – Fulham hit the woodwork three times. With just four games left following the defeat, then-manager Roy Hodgson helped lead a miraculous escape at our expense.

How can I follow the game?
There will be audio coverage of the game on BBC Berkshire at 104.4FM.

Prediction
Historically, this fixture swings in Reading's favour, which is cause for optimism, but the injury crisis has left this squad in the lurch and the opening day defeat has exposed the flaws that still exist in this system.

My heart heads towards a 1-1 draw here, but my head says this will be a much tougher encounter than in previous years. It will be a long afternoon for The Royals and Stam will need to get his tactics spot on for us to pull off a result, but in the wake of disappointing performances last season, this side found a way to pull through and I have faith that Stam and his side can pull off another upset here. 1-1.



https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2017/8/11/16130948/reading-fc-fulham-match-preview-madejski-stadium-efl-championship

 
Sky Sports pundit predicts Reading v Fulham result - and it's mixed news for Royals fans

David Prutton has had his say on the clash at Madejski Stadium

Reading FC will be looking to make it two wins in four days at home when Fulham visit Madejski Stadium.

The pair square off in their second game of the Championship season.

Royals fell to a 2-0 defeat on the opening day at QPR but defeated Gillingham at the Mad Stad on Tuesday night in the Carabao Cup.

Ahead of the game against the Whites, Sky Sports pundit David Prutton has assessed where the match may be won and lost.

Unfortunately for Reading fans he's backed the visitors to come out on top, however, he did admit Jaap Stam's side could be one of the promotion challengers come the end of the season.

Writing in his weekly Sky Sports column, Prutton said: "Fulham looked the better of these two sides on opening day but maybe haven't got the physicality of Reading, which came to the fore when these two sides met in the play-off semi-finals last season.

"Still, though, the midfield pair of Oliver Norwood and Tom Cairney would cause anyone problems and I think they'll be key in helping Fulham nick a win.

"Jaap Stam sticks to his principles and has a very set way of playing, and it'll be interesting to see how they get on throughout the season.

"The flatness of the league means either of these sides could be pushing the top two or end up out of the play-offs entirely."

Prediction: Reading 1 Fulham 2




http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/sky-sports-pundit-predicts-reading-13465572

 
Kalas stunned by Chelsea's price-tag


Tomas Kalas says Chelsea priced him, and team-mate Lucas Piazon, out of permanent moves to Fulham this summer.

The Czech Republic international revealed, in an interview with ctsport.cz, that he was shocked by the amount his parent club wanted for him.

He added: "Fulham asked about the availability of me and Piazon. Chelsea said two sums that Fulham said was too much for them. And it was done.

"I did not expect that amount when I had the final year of my contract. Chelsea, on the other hand, is not in the position to need to sell players at a price and get some money. It is quite understandable."

The 24-year-old is back at Craven Cottage for a second spell after helping Fulham make the Championship play-off places last season.

He has revealed the names of two other clubs that were interested in signing him, but that Fulham were always his first choice.

"I was waiting for offers and Fulham was my priority. Hull, Huddersfield, several other clubs in the Championship, but they did not. I know the Premier League is different and it would be a step forward but I have just chosen certainty."

In the same interview, Kalas admits Stamford Bridge boss Antonio Conte said "five or six words" to him in pre-season before he rejoined Fulham.

He said: "Well I saw him, that's all I can say. For the first time and for the last time, I had a chat with him in Singapore. Whatever it was, I cannot say it...five words, six words."



https://www.clubcall.com/championship/kalas-stunned-by-chelseas-price-tag-1859406.html

 
Preview: Fulham u18s vs Arsenal u18s

Arsenal's u18s will play their first match of the season against Fulham at 11am on Saturday 12th August.

The u18s enjoyed a fairly solid campaign in 2016-17, coming in the top half of the Southern division, and winning 12, drawing 7 and losing 10 of their 29 games. The standout performers were Reiss Nelson and Eddie Nketiah.

Reiss spent most of his time with the u23s, but when he did play for the u18 side he tended to produce, with four goals in his five games for the side. Eddie, on the other hand, played a few more games for the team, scoring 15 and assisting three in his 16 appearances.

Both players got called up on the pre-season tour as a result of this good form, and will likely play much more of a part for the u23s and possibly even the first team this year, so this will give other youngsters the chance to step up for the u18s this season.

Amongst this group are Joao Virginia, Emile Smith-Rowe, Nathan Tormey and Zech Medley, who have all signed professional deals from the 2016 intake of scholars.

The team have had some good results in pre-season, including a 5-0 thrashing of Luton Town, and will be hoping to carry this form into the season.

At this stage, it remains to be seen who will step up and impress the academy bosses enough to become a regular, and maybe even be considered for promotion to the higher age groups, as there are almost always some surprises along the way.

But the match at Fulham's training ground gives them their first opportunity to do so.



http://dailycannon.com/2017/08/preview-fulham-u18s-vs-arsenal-u18s/

 
Reading v Fulham preview

Reading will have defender Tiago Ilori available again following suspension for the visit of Fulham.

The Portuguese was sent off in the opening Championship defeat at QPR, so served out a one-match ban for the midweek Carabao Cup win over Gillingham.

Midfielder Liam Kelly staked a claim for another first-team chance with both goals against the Gills, while new winger Modou Barrow impressed after coming on at half-time.

Iceland forward Jon Dadi Bodvarsson has been carrying a knee problem and striker Yann Kermorgant continues to recover from hip and groin surgery. Midfielder Garath McCleary (groin), Joey van den Berg, Roy Beerens and Jordan Obita are also in rehabiliation.

Kevin McDonald returns to the Fulham squad for the short trip along the M4.

Midfielder McDonald has missed the first two matches of the season with a calf problem but is now fit and available.

Marcus Bettinelli is still out with a muscle problem so David Button continues in goal.

Ryan Fredericks, Tom Cairney and Sone Aluko will be among the players returning after they were rested in midweek.

Opta stats
Reading are unbeaten in their last four home league encounters with Fulham (W2 D2), their longest unbeaten run against the Cottagers.

Fulham have only lost one of their last five Championship contests against the Royals (W3 D1), although that loss came in their most recent encounter at the Madejski Stadium.

Reading haven't lost their opening two league games of a season since 1998-99 whilst in the third tier.

Fulham have failed to keep a clean sheet in nine of their last 10 meetings with Reading in all competitions.

Since the start of last season, no Championship side has scored more league goals (exc. play-offs) than Fulham (86).

Since August 2016, Reading have received six red cards in the Championship (inc. play-offs) - only Nottm Forest (9), Sheff Wed (7) and Norwich (7) have seen red more often.

Prutton's prediction
Fulham looked the better of these two sides on opening day but maybe haven't got the physicality of Reading, which came to the fore when these two sides met in the play-off semi-finals last season.

Still, though, the midfield pair of Oliver Norwood and Tom Cairney would cause anyone problems and I think they'll be key in helping Fulham nick a win. Jaap Stam sticks to his principles and has a very set way of playing, and it'll be interesting to see how they get on throughout the season.

The flatness of the league means either of these sides could be pushing the top two or end up out of the play-offs entirely.

Prutton predicts: 1-2 (15/2 with Sky Bet)



http://www.skysports.com/football/reading-vs-fulham/preview/374641

 
Fulham Or Derby? – Which Is The Ideal Destination For This £675k Rated Englishman


A Wise Move? – Why Preston's Callum Robinson Should Choose Derby County Over Fulham
Long time Derby County target Callum Robinson is now a subject of serious interest from Championship rivals Fulham, as the Preston North End man's future seems to be in some doubt.

Rams manager Gary Rowett is known to have asked about the availability of the £675k rated 22-year-old and is obviously keen to add to his attack, as of yet failing to replace last season's top scorer Tom Ince, who has finally gone back to the Premier League with Huddersfield Town.

Derby have publicly had bids for Leicester City's Tom Lawrence, and Birmingham City's Che Adams turned down and are increasingly desperate to add to their front line, hence the need to take Robinson to Pride Park.

Fulham are also keen on a deal, given that boss Slavisa Jokanovic appears happy to keep Ryan Sessegnon at left-back. So he may need a new player to look after the left wing, a position Robinson is comfortable in.

For his part, Robinson has made all the right noises about being happy at Preston North End and has made moves to reassure the fans that his commitment remains solid. He is clearly genuinely enjoying his time at Deepdale and it would take a good deal and a big club to make him move.

A glance at the squads would tell you it's a close call between Fulham and Derby, with perhaps even the West Londoners just edging it at the moment in terms of quality. However they have their foibles and it keeps letting them down, such as their home form and giving away half-time leads.

In terms of the size of the club too, Robinson would not necessarily feel he is at a bigger club in moving to Craven Cottage, though the same cannot be said should he go to Derby. The Rams are still a big deal and will probably have more time in the Premier League in the future seasons, which is something Robinson must take into account.

Should they manage to add to the signings of Tom Huddlestone, Curtis Davies and Andre Wisdom, they may begin to look like genuine title contenders and that's a position Robinson himself would love to be in. At Pride Park, as much as at Craven Cottage, Robinson could start games on the left of a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-3-3 and would be given licence to cut inside, something he loves to do and is very adept at.




http://soccersouls.com/2017/08/12/fulham-or-derby-which-is-the-ideal-destination-for-this-675k-rated-englishman/

 
Tomas Kalas: I want to get to Chelsea level while I am with Fulham

Czech star believes he can get to the level required to play in the Premier League

Chelsea loan man Tomas Kalas believes he can get to the standard required to be a Chelsea first team regular at Fulham.

The Czech star signed a new four-year deal with the Premier League champions, then immediately renewed his season-long loan move to Craven Cottage.

The centre-back told ctsport.cz that he had only spoken "five or six words" to Blues boss Antonio Conte, but believes he can use his second spell with Fulham to prove he has what it takes to be a Premier League players.

He said: "I have to prove somewhere that I have Chelsea level. That I played two matches under Mourinho does not mean I have a Premier League [quality]. I have to get to that level and it certainly will not help me to be anywhere else every year.

"That is why I try to return to the same club where I would like to last for two, three years. It only moves me on and maybe it will help me once in Chelsea."

And Kalas says the minimum goal for the Whites this season is the Championship play-offs.

He added: "We want to play at least for the Premier League play-offs. A lot of teams have strengthened so the competition will be cracked by big names.

"But we have high ambition. Last year they were not, because no one expected it. In the end, it swung around and we all wanted to get there. Now it is expected and we will play under a little more pressure."



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/tomas-kalas-want-chelsea-level-13466528

 
Three Players to Watch: Matchday 2 vs. Reading
With Fulham once again coming to the Madejski to face Reading, it's time to look at three players to watch from their bitter promotion rivals.

After an entertaining 1-1 draw with Norwich to start the 17/18 season, Fulham travels to face their bitter rivals, Reading. It might as well have been yesterday when the Cottagers last set foot at the Madejski Stadium and were denied their chance of promotion via the playoffs. Surely, the fans, coaches, and players will be seeking revenge the likes of which we haven't seen in some time. It may not matter in the long run, considering how early we are in the Championship season, but because of all those reasons, this is a big game this Saturday.

That all being said, if there is a time to face Reading at their weakest, now might be it. Jaap Stam's side is coming off a 2-0 defeat to Queen's Park Rangers to start their campaign and you could almost pick a starting XI of Reading players that are injured in some capacity right now.

Still, Reading was a well-drilled team last season and was one penalty shootout away from playing in the Premier League. Whether or not you liked their style of play is of the eye of the beholder, but you can't argue that it was effective. Not only did no side come close to within 400 long ball passes in the championship than Reading's total last season (2,259), no one came within 3.3% of their completion percentage from those long ball passes either (52.8%).

Before Fulham's playoff run against Reading, I profiled five of their key men and most of them have stayed with the club. This time around, I'll present two mainstays and one newcomer that will be key for today's fixture wearing the blue and white this Saturday.

John Swift

The former Chelsea academy product hopes to continue to grow his game after a successful first season at Reading and being a member of England's Under-21 squad at the European Championships. His radar profiles him as a perfect attacking wide player, and a poor man's Floyd Ayite is the first that springs to mind when looking at his body of work. That being said, there are definitely areas for the 22-year old to improve on.

While carrying a career 14.7% shooting percentage in league games at Premier League and Championship level, Swift has never had a season where he has shot over 2.3 shots per 90 minutes. That's a bit of a shame when also considering that 45.5% of those league shots go on target. To put things in perspective, Harry Kane's shot on target ratio since 2012/13 under those same leagues is 46.7%. Context surely is everything, but that also doesn't mean we should discount how much potential Swift can unleash.

Along with that, only Garath McClearly had a better total of dribbles than Swift's 79 in 2016/17. If he can find a way to get into the penalty area more often, as evidenced by his team leading 44 shots from outside the box, Swift can develop even further as an above average threat at Championship level.

Vito Manonne
While Reading fans are happy that Swift can be counted upon as a long term asset at the club, it surely must have been a surprise to see Ali Al-Habsi leave to play club football in Saudi Arabia. Sure, at 35 and being so far away from his native Oman must be understandable reasons for such an experienced veteran to leave England, but there's no denying Al-Habsi has left such a massive void in Reading's net.

In comes in Vito Manonne: a man who also knows what it takes to play at a Premier League level. Unlike Al-Habsi, Manonne doesn't have that much experience being a full-fledged number one goalkeeper, despite already being 29 years old.

While Al-Habsi has spent six of his last seven seasons in England playing the majority of the season's games for his respective clubs, Manonne has one been able to do that twice in the last six years. Starting his professional career at Arsenal will do that to his numbers, but he has had the chance to make a name for himself at Hull City and Sunderland to no avail.

That being said, Manonne had to be solid in net during Reading's capitulation against QPR. More will be counted upon him if Reading's attack and team-wide health do not get better.

Tyler Blackett

We finish this week's post with another academy product from one of the most successful clubs in England. While Swift unsurprisingly couldn't get any form of playing time at Chelsea, Blackett did have a chance while at Manchester United. However, the standards are that club are titles or bust and Louis Van Gaal and Blackett were just not good enough to deliver such promises; even if he was 20 at the time.

Now at 23, Blackett is establishing himself to the Reading faithful and can only get better. He has only played one season where he has been considered a full-fledged starter at his position at any club, so even he'll need more seasons to prove his worth. But so far, Blackett has shone some solid defensive attributes in a Jaap Stam coached team. Last season, he was above the 50th percentile in all defensive categories except aerial wins and no one else on Reading came close to his 78 interceptions.

As evidenced by his crossing success rate, it will be fascinating to see what comes of Blackett's attacking game if he were to ever bomb forward, but who knows if that will be possible while playing for such a defensive-minded manager. One thing to observe from that is Stam's new 3-4-3 formation that he trotted out in the first game of the season. If the manager continues to use it, will we keep seeing Blackett utilized as a wingback or moved more towards the back three, especially with Tiago Llori suspended for this game. It's still early days this Championship season, but I'm sure plenty of those questipns will be answered by the time May comes around.



https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2017/8/12/16119306/three-players-to-watch-matchday-2-vs-reading

 
Reading v Fulham - Fascinating Facts

A trip to Royal Berkshire beckons for the Cottagers today.

A short trip out of West London and onto the M4 makes the Reading fixture one of the more accessible.

But, delving through the history and form books, what can we expect?

Here are a few facts and figures for your dissection:

• Fulham haven`t fared well in recent away clashes with Reading, the last 4 games have seen Fulham, lose 2 and draw 2.

• The above run of 4 games is reading`s longest unbeaten run against Fulham.

• When it comes to keeping clean sheets, Fulham have managed that on just 1/b> occasion in the past 10 games, in all competitions, with Reading.

• When it comes to goals scored, since the opening day of last season, no side in the Championship can better Fulham`s record of 86 goals.

• Reading lost their opening day fixture of the new season, the Royals have not lost their opening 2 league games of a season since 1998 / 1999, on that occasion they were in the third tier.

COYW`s



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=500394#ixzz4pWpSbaHl

 
Reading v Fulham - Match Officials

As Fulham prepare to go head-to-head with Reading, we are now able to confirm who the match officials will be for the game.

Referee - Simon Hooper

Assistant Referee - Robert Hyde

Assistant Referee - Daniel Robathan

Fourth Official - Lee Swabey

With regards to the referee, Simon Hooper, last season, officiated in 43 games during which he handed out 149 yellow cards and 3 red cards.

Last season, Hooper took charge of the following Fulham fixtures:

Championship:

• August 5 - Fulham 1 Newcastle 0
• March 4 - Fulham 3 Preston 1

In one fixture Hooper refereed last season, a Championship clash between Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest, he issued 9 yellow cards and 1 red card.

This season, Hooper has taken charge of 2 fixtures and issued 2 yellow cards.

Let`s hope Simon Hooper has a game where he isn`t noticeable and he lets the action flow.

COYW`s



http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=500395

 
The Tilehurst End Prediction League 17/18: Matchday 2 - Fulham (H)

After an opening day defeat, do you think the Royals can get their first league win of the campaign at home to Fulham?

Well, that didn't go quite as planned/hoped/expected. A 2-0 defeat at QPR was exactly how Reading didn't want to begin the 2017-18 season, and hardly any people saw it coming. Just three punters predicted that the fake hoops would take all three points, and out of those only Osborns scoop correctly went for a scoreline of 2-0. Additionally, only three people rightly said Conor Washington would get the game's first goal, including Osborns scoop, meaning he/she makes a superb start to the new Prediction League campaign by getting three points on the board. The leaderboard is below.

Now it's time for the first home league game of the Championship season, with Fulham - pre-season promotion favourites and last season's beaten play-off semi-finalists - the visitors for the fourth time in the space of less than eight months. All you have to do is guess the score of the game and say who you think will score the first goal in the comments below. A correct score earns two points, a correct result earns one point as does a correct first goalscorer.

I think the score will be 2-1 to Fulham, with Aboubakar Kamara being the first goalscorer. This series is of course done alongside Reading FC Away Days, and by watching James' video on YouTube, you can find out what he thinks will happen.

Good luck!



https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2017/8/12/16135432/prediction-league-17-18-matchday-2-reading-fc-vs-fulham-madejski-stadium-efl-championship

 
Odoi In Team Of The Round (12/8/17)

Fulham are represented in the latest League Cup team of the round that has been selected after this week's action.

The performance by Denis Odoi in the first round tie between Wycombe Wanderers and Fulham was enough to earn them a place in the side alongside the other most impressive performers in the League Cup competition.

I think we'll already know ourselves, and not just based on the latest performance, why Odoi was selected as part of the team but explaining the choice - the EFL Cup blurb read.

'Wycombe Wanderers have proved their Cup credentials over the years, but Fulham refused to be the latest giants to fall, with Odoi helping the Cottagers to a clean sheet and adding a goal in the 2-0 victory.'

It's always good to see the club represented in this way, and well played to Odoi for his recognition, but the most important thing was of course the win.

Full Team:

Jed Steer (Aston Villa), Nathan Baker (Bristol City), Mark Ellis (Carlisle United), Denis Odoi (Fulham), Mauro Vilhete (Barnet), Samu Saiz (Leeds United), James Maddison (Norwich City), Billy Bodin (Bristol Rovers), Mohamed Eisa (Cheltenham Town), Che Adams (Birmingham City), Shawn McCoulsky (Newport County).

Manager - John Coleman (Accrington Stanley).



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=500311#ixzz4pWqr4iDE

Up next: Reading (a)
by Dan on August 12, 2017


Slavisa Jokanovic was absolutely right to insist on Thursday that Fulham's focus can't be on revenge at the Madjeski Stadium this afternoon. However much the play-off semi-final defeat still irks (and I still catch myself reliving that frenzied last minute when it looked for an instant like Marcus Bettinelli might head home a famous equaliser), seeking absolution or justice in Berkshire today won't end well. This is just another opportunity to take points off a promotion rival – and Fulham need to be far more ruthless than they were against Norwich last weekend.

Fans are far more emotionally invested in this afternoon that even the streetwise Serbian, whose meticulous professionalism demands that he focus solely on trying to outwit Jaap Stam, who managed to stop Fulham's flowing football from flourishing last May. But even supporters still irked by the classness Reading pitch invasion that soon turned into outright goading of the away end should take their lead from the ten Fulham fans who have walked the forty miles from Craven Cottage to the Madjeski overnight to raise money for the men's mental health support group, the Campaign Against Living Miserably. The lads are due to finish their phenomenal effort shortly – and every donation counts. The fact that their efforts have been fully embraced by both football clubs should go some way to ensuring that atmosphere inside the ground is a little less poisonous this afternoon.

Jokanovic's side looked very good in patches on the opening weekend but weren't clinical enough to kill off the Canaries. The second string, supplemented by a number of promising debutantes, eventually saw off plucky Wycombe on Tuesday but there is still a question mark over whether the head coach's possession-based philosophy can grind out the results necessary to leave Fulham at the Championship summit after a gruelling 46-game season. The best way to eliminate any doubt would be to record impressive performances early in the campaign against sides like Reading, Leeds and Sheffield Wednesday, who are likely to feature heavily in the battle for promotion.

Fulham's side should pick itself this afternoon, especially with Kevin McDonald now ready to play a part after recovering from a calf strain. Ibrahima Cisse bestrode the Adams Park pitch like a colossus at teams in midweek – and now has a song befitting a cult hero – but he will probably have to wait for another chance to impose himself on English football. Tom Cairney has shaken off a series of knocks following some heavy Norwich challenges last weekend and the peerless playmaker should expect more sides to follow the Reading example and seek to kick out of contests. The restoration of the McDonald-Johansen-Cairney axis that so transformed Fulham's prospects last term is key to the team's chances this year as well.

Lucas Piazon might consider himself unlucky to have make do with a spot on the pitch after scoring a sensational opener against the Chairboys, but the only debate is likely to be over whether to field Aboubakar Kamara, who showed some more promising signs over the course of his first 90 minutes in a Fulham shirt in the League Cup, from the start. The temptation to allow a genuine striker to lead the line – and try and impose himself on a Royals' defence that has started the season in somewhat shaky fashion is obvious, but Jokanovic hinted in his press conference that he will remain an option to be introduced from the bench for now.

The laughable short-termism that afflicts modern football management means that Stam, whose achievements in taking Reading to the cusp of promotion last season amongst boadroom uncertainty should not be discounted, is under pressure following an underwhelming summer and a first day defeat to QPR. The Dutchman also has to contend with a number of absences including defender Omar Richards, midfielders Joey van der Berg and Roy Beerens as well as Garath McCleary and Yann Kermogant. Centre backs Paul McShane, sent off at Craven Cottage last season after a disgraceful lunge at McDonald, and Tiago Illori are available again and Stam is hopeful that superb wing-back Jordan Obita and forward Jon Bodvarsson will pass fitness tests.

Whatever side Stam is able to put out this will be another serious test of Fulham's promotion credentials. Whilst expectation might have risen on the back of last season's sensational surge into the top six, repeating the feat is far easier said than done – as Jokanovic has been alluding to lately.

MY FULHAM XI (4-3-3): Button; Fredericks, R. Sessegnon, Kalas, Ream; McDonald, Johansen, Cairney; Ayite, Aluko, Kamara. Subs: Rodak, Odoi, Madl, Cisse, Norwood, Piazon, Kebano.



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