Friends of Fulham

 
Liverpool loanee Sheyi Ojo labels Fulham's game with Millwall as 'must-win'

The Liverpool loan man is looking to help Fulham get just their second home win of the season as Millwall visit the Cottage on Saturday

Sheyi Ojo has labelled Fulham's game with Millwall as a 'must-win' after the thrilling and mental victory over Sheffield United on Tuesday evening.

It was the first win in seven for Slavisa Jokanovic's men as Ojo grabbed two goals and an assist on his return from injury - coincidentally the first victory the side had managed since the Liverpool loanee dislocated his shoulder in the 2-1 win over QPR.

That victory over Sheffield United now presents Fulham with a marvellous opportunity to start picking up wins again and their next challenge is to get a second home win of the season as south London neighbours Millwall visit the Cottage.

The last victory at the Cottage came in September and Ojo is hoping they can finally get another one on Saturday against Neil Harris' men.

He said: "I hope so, we can only hope and keep working hard in training and keep improving, but the next game against Millwall is a must-win game so we'll be looking to get the three points.

"Hopefully this can be the start of a positive season for us.

"I just love playing football, if I didn't then I wouldn't do it and I was happy to be back playing, I really enjoyed myself and I'm just looking forward to the next game."

Ojo returned from his dislocated shoulder a lot earlier than anticipated, and he says that was down to the way he attacked his rehab from the injury.

He added: "It was a lot of shoulder exercises, getting the mobility back and getting the strength back in my shoulder and then there was the fitness aspect of doing a lot of runs, obviously I'm a fast player so I was doing a lot of sprints, a lot of repetitive sprints to get my body ready for the game.

"I attacked rehab and luckily I was able to come back quicker."



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/liverpool-loanee-sheyi-ojo-labels-13946913

 
Millwall midfielder Tunnicliffe: 'I smiled when Fulham sacked Magath'

RYAN Tunnicliffe has admitted he smiled when heard about Felix Magath's sacking at Fulham – after the German manager had booted the midfielder out of the club after just one training session.

Tunnicliffe was signed for the Cottagers on January 31, 2014 by his former coach at Manchester United, Rene Meulensteen, and then handed his Premier League debut against his former club a week later.

Three days after that he was lining up opposite Steven Gerrard, Jordan Henderson and Philippe Coutinho in a 3-2 defeat to Liverpool, a result that saw Meulensteen sacked and Tunnicliffe's world turned "upside-down".

Magath, who had won two league and cup doubles in successive seasons as manager of Bayern Munich, was appointed.

That turned out to be bad news for Tunnicliffe.

Magath took one look at him in an intra-club training game on a Sunday before calling him and Larnell Cole – whom Meulensteen had also signed from United – into his office the next day to tell them they weren't wanted.

Tunicliffe was baffled, but phoned his agent who organised a loan move to Wigan, where he admits the shock of Magath's decision affected his form and he under-performed with the Latics.

Tunnicliffe, 24, returned to Fulham and took part in a full-preseason that summer before a week ahead of the start of the 2014-15 campaign Magath again told him he wouldn't be involved with the first team.

It was on loan at Blackburn Rovers where Tunnicliffe heard Magath had been sacked after eleven games without a win and his former Reserve boss Kit Symons was handed the reins.

Tunnicliffe stresses the whole experience made him stronger, even if it didn't seem like it at the time.

"It was a bit of a bit of a head-scratcher," Tunnicliffe says. "From being at United to signing for another Premier League club with a manager I'd worked with previously to being told three weeks later by a manager you'd worked with for a day that you're not wanted.

"You fight your corner and question the decision, but I think he played at being not very good at English and just mumbled his way through. You leave the meeting scratching your head.

"I was lucky to get a good loan move to Wigan at the time, but it was difficult because I had been so happy to get a chance in the Premier League for the first time in my life working with a coach I had known since I was nine years old.

"I had gone down on deadline day and then I'm making my Premier League debut at Old Trafford before playing Liverpool. I've had a week in the Prem and I've played against two of the top sides in the league against some great players. But it all went downhill from there.

"It did mess with my head a bit and it was tough to deal with. I went to Wigan and there was no way I was the player I had been. I had played in the Championship with Ipswich (on loan from United) and did well but at Wigan maybe my head wasn't right. I couldn't perform, it had hit me for six. It showed in my performances. The first time I went to Wigan I was terrible, it's as simple as that.

"I was only 21 at the time and my world had been turned upside-down with the click of a finger. It was a tough one to take but I've learned from it, it has made me stronger and if something like that were ever to happen again I'd know how to deal with it.

"When [Magath] got sacked I had a little smile. It opened the door for me to resurrect my Fulham career which I did. Obviously I wasn't happy with the results because it was my parent club, but, being honest, I don't think anyone in my position wouldn't have been happy he got sacked because I went to Fulham to play for Fulham, it's a great club.

"Kit Symons rang me the following December and said, 'I'm going to recall you from Blackburn, how do you feel about that?' Obviously I was happy I was going to go back if I was going to play."

Symons was sacked just under a year later, with current boss Slavisa Jokanovic taking over. Fulham were in relegation trouble but Tunicliffe was a regular and the club escaped relegation to League One.

"The first year with him it was great, "Tunnicliffe says. "I played fifteen games to try to help keep us in the league, which we managed. It was probably the best part of my Fulham career."

Last season, though, Tunnicliffe played just ten times before Christmas before another loan move to Wigan. He was released by Fulham in the summer and it went right down to the last week ahead of the start of the season before he joined Millwall.

Despite his up and down time at Fulham, he is excited to be playing at Craven Cottage again this weekend.

"I can't wait to go back. When I first came here it was the game that I circled on the calendar. I've still got a lot of good friends on the staff and it will be good to see everyone there and then hopefully pick up a win if possible.

"I don't think you can stop them for 90 minutes, there are going to be a lot of times in the game when they're going to keep the ball. It's about what we make them do with the ball. If you play in front of us then we're happy to get in our shape and be solid.

"We won't be able to stop them playing out from the back but we need to prevent them getting into our final third. It'll be important to be fully concentrated."



https://www.newsatden.co.uk/65156-millwall-midfielder-tunnicliffe-i-smiled-when-fulham-sacked-magath.html

 
Fulham vs Millwall: Slavisa Jokanovic's side slight favourites with Aboubakar Kamara backed to score first

We've taken a look at the odds of Slavisa Jokanovic's side getting their first home win in six against Millwall on Saturday

Fulham have a 44% chance of beating Millwall in Saturday's contest at Craven Cottage, according to KickOff.co.uk , while Aboubakar Kamara is the favourite to open the scoring.

Slavisa Jokanovic's side go into the game on the back of the 5-4 victory over Sheffield United on Tuesday, but the KickOff algorithm has Fulham as only underwhelming favourites, with Millwall at 30% despite not winning away from home all season.

They also believe that there will be an 11% chance of a 1-1 draw, given that seven of the games at the Cottage this season has ended in that scoreline.

In the goalscoring stakes, Kamara is the favourite to open the scoring, being rated as having a 14% chance of scoring first, while Floyd Ayite is rated at 13%, although the Togo international may miss the game through injury.

Lee Gregory is the favourite to open the scoring for the visitors, being rated at 14% also, while Tuesday's hat-trick hero Ryan Sessegnon is rated at 9% to score first, with Sheyi Ojo ranked at 7%.



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-vs-millwall-slavisa-jokanovics-13947258

 
Championship preview: Fulham vs. Millwall

MILLWALL will have to be watchful of "special talent" Ryan Sessegnon this weekend, according to his former Fulham team-mate Ryan Tunnicliffe.

Sessegnon made his debut as a 16-year-old last season and his performances led him to be linked with a £25million move to Tottenham in the summer.

But Sessegnon ignored the possibility of a switch to a Champions League club to instead sign a new long-term deal and his progress has continued this season.

Sessegnon scored a hat-trick on Tuesday night in Fulham's 5-4 win at Sheffield United.

"It's hard to say one thing about him that makes him stand out," Tunnicliffe said. "He's very good, you just get those special talents sometimes. I was there when he broke through and he plays way beyond his years.

"With Scott Malone going to Huddersfield it opened the door for him and he's kicked on massively. He's still only seventeen and I think he's got a great career in front of him."

Millwall are still chasing a first away win of the season, having gone close against last Saturday when Jordan Archer's error gifted Sunderland a 2-2 draw.

"If you look at the game last Saturday we were more than a match for them," Tunnicliffe said. "If we were to play another 100 games this season I don't think Jordan would make another mistake like that. It's a freak accident.

"The crowd got into it after that but we did well to weather the storm and come away with a good point.

"I think anyone going to the Stadium of Light and picking up a point will be happy because I believe they are a good side and will come on strong in the second half of the season. It could be a valuable point for us there."

Jed Wallace is serving the last game of his three-match ban and boss Neil Harris could name the same team for the third successive fixture.

Fulham have no new injury concerns ahead of the derby.

Form guide

Fulham (home): DDDLD

Millwall (away): DLDLD

Millwall record against Fulham

Played 42

Won 14 Drew 12 Lost 16

Possible Millwall line-up

4-4-2: Archer; McLaughlin, Hutchinson, Cooper, Meredith; O'Brien, Tunnicliffe, Saville, Ferguson; Gregory, Morison.

Match odds

Fulham 17/20 Draw 11/4 Millwall 3/1



https://www.newsatden.co.uk/65159-championship-preview-fulham-vs-millwall.html

 
Keep On Reaching

After helping Fulham to a memorable midweek win at Sheffield United, Aboubakar Kamara knows it will count for little if the Whites don't kick on.

The Frenchman stepped off the bench in South Yorkshire in the 68th minute and had an immediate impact, teeing up Sheyi Ojo to make it 4-2.

"When the coach decides to put me on the pitch, I just bring everything I can," he tells Saturday's official matchday programme. "I bring speed. I bring depth, I am a warrior and I fight to the end."

Kamara now wants to follow up that victory when Millwall visit SW6 this weekend.

"If we have to go to war, to war we will go," he said. "There is a great desire, but it's not enough to just want something, you have to go forward and achieve. I believe and think that we're going to turn things around. It will come."


To read the full interview with Kamara, pick up a programme on Saturday.

Other highlights from the publication include:

- Slaviša Jokanović, Tom Cairney and Gordon Davies pen their latest columns

- Justin Skinner recalls his playing spell at Fulham and coaching stint at Millwall

- Rui Fonte takes our nine-dart challenge

- William Kvist talks us through a Fulham-related picture of him

- Jim Stannard picks his Fulham Dream Team

- There's the chance to win Micky Adams' book

- And there's a four-page feature on Johnny Haynes very brief stay at non-League Wealdstone


Priced £3.50, the 100-page publication is available from various sellers on Stevenage Road from two hours before kick-off. Or order it online from Programme Master where you can also purchase past editions.

For just £1.99, the programme is also available as a digital download on your iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, PC or Mac via Pocketmags from 1am on Saturday morning.




http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/november/24/aboubakar-kamara-millwall-programme

 
Millwall In Focus

We look ahead to Saturday's South London derby, as Millwall make the trip to Craven Cottage.
Possible opposition absentees

Byron Webster - knee injury

Shaun Williams - knee injury

Jed Wallace - suspended
Tickets

Tickets are available for Season Ticket Holders and Members to buy, priced from £30 adults and £15 juniors when bought before matchday.
Weather

It will be a chilly one in Fulham on Saturday, around six degrees, but it should remain dry.
Arrive early

Regular security checks will continue to be in place and in line with National counter terrorism guidelines for all major events, we would like to remind supporters to be vigilant when making their way to and from the ground and to report any suspicious activity or behaviour.
He said...

"We're really looking forward to the challenge against a team who scored five goals at Sheffield United – that is no mean feat in itself. They carry a huge attacking threat." – Neil Harris, Millwall manager.
Live stream

Overseas subscribers to fulhamfctv will be able to watch a live stream of this game. Follow this link for all available packages, and head to www.fulhamfc.com/live from 2.30pm (GMT) to view.
Grosvenor Casinos match odds

Fulham: 4/5

Draw: 11/4

Millwall: 3/1
Previous five results

Millwall 0-0 Hull City (Sky Bet Championship)

Sunderland 2-2 Millwall (Sky Bet Championship)

Millwall 0-1 Burton Albion (Sky Bet Championship)

Sheffield Wednesday 2-1 Millwall (Sky Bet Championship)

Cardiff City 0-0 Millwall (Sky Bet Championship)



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/november/24/millwall-in-focus

 
Loan Deal For Pearce

The Club can confirm that Isaac Pearce has joined National League South team Bath City FC on loan until January 2nd.

Bath currently sit 12th in the league, seven points off top spot.

Last season the winger scored nine goals for the Under-18s and progressed to Peter Grant's Under-23 side this year.

Pearce could make his debut on Tuesday in the FA Trophy against Margate or Egham Town.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/november/24/loan-deal-for-pearce

 
Fulham striker Sheyi Ojo vows to kick on after finding his scoring mojo


Sheyi Ojo put seven weeks of injury frustration behind him with two goals in Fulham's 5-4 win at Sheffield United on Tuesday and he hopes that impressive comeback can kickstart a good run of form.

Striker Ojo, on loan from Liverpool, dislocated his shoulder against QPR in September and was out for almost two months before he returned with a bang at Bramall Lane.

The 20-year-old was overshadowed by a stunning hat-trick from Ryan Sessegnon but his display was a real plus point for Fulham.

Ojo, who was a regular under Slavisa Jokanovic before his injury, had failed to score in seven previous appearances before his brace.

He admits Fulham fans have yet to see the best of him but, fit again, he now wants to build on his display at Bramall Lane and help the team climb towards the play-off places.

"I have been involved in games where there have been a lot of goals but not like Tuesday!" said Oji, ahead of Saturday's game against Millwall at Craven Cottage.

"It was crazy and to be back playing again and to be able to contribute to the three points meant it was a special night.

"It was going well before I had the injury setback. But I worked hard during my rehab to come back earlier than I was supposed to. The Sheffield game was a stepping stone in what I believe can be. In terms of end product and helping the team, it was a good performance.

"I believe there is more to come. I just need to get consistent games under my belt. The main reason I came here was to enjoy my football and get as much game time as I can and help us with that main aim of getting promotion."

Ojo's injury lay-off coincided with a slump in form for Fulham, who failed to win in the six matches he missed.

(https://www.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/styles/hero_tablet/public/thumbnails/image/2017/11/24/11/sheyiojo2411a.jpg)
On target: Ojo celebrates after scoring against Sheffield United (PA)

Fulham are in danger of falling out of the promotion picture but Ojo believes the nature of their win against Sheffield United means it could be a turning point in their season.

They are six points outside of the top six and Ojo says: "It could be a massive result. We had not won in a while and we will look to build on this now. It was a great confidence booster.

"Not just for the attacking players  but also for the defenders to keep the  winning mentality, we needed in that crazy last five minutes to hold on when Sheffield United were pushing."

Ojo was part of the England side that won the Under-20 World Cup last  summer and Liverpool loaned him to Fulham so he would get regular football this season.

He wants to return to Liverpool to fight for a first-team place under Jurgen Klopp. "To have a good, solid season under my belt will put me in a good position next season to be playing for Liverpool," said Ojo.

"I am looking to build on that display against Sheffield. The important thing for the team was to grind out a result and, hopefully, we can kick on now."

Millwall are without a win in five matches but they have recorded three draws in that run.

Lions defender Conor McLaughlin says: "We haven't been playing to our best but we are still picking up points in what is a difficult league. And that is the main thing."



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-striker-sheyi-ojo-vows-to-kick-on-after-finding-his-scoring-mojo-a3700886.html

 
Preview | Fulham v Millwall

A look ahead to Saturday's London derby...

Millwall make the short journey to west London on Saturday afternoon to take on Fulham in the Sky Bet Championship (kick-off 3pm).

The Lions have held former Premier League sides Sunderland and Hull City to draws in the last seven days, but now meet a Whites side who are fresh off scoring five past promotion-chasing Sheffield United in midweek.

Neil Harris has no fresh injury worries ahead of the match, with just Shaun Williams and Byron Webster remaining long-term absentees. Williams, however, has stepped up his rehab in the hope of returning to the squad around Christmas. Jed Wallace will serve the third of his three-match ban following his red card against Burton Albion on 4th November.

The two sides have met 42 times previously, with Fulham narrowly in front overall, having won 16 times to Millwall's 14.

The last meeting between the two clubs brought no goals, but a large following saw a 1-0 victory at Craven Cottage in August 2014, courtesy of Martyn Woolford's solitary strike. Recent trips across London have proved fruitful for The Lions - they have won three of the last four encounters against The Whites.

The club wish to remind supporters that Millwall's allocation for this Saturday's match is SOLD OUT. There will be no further tickets available on the day. Coach travel is also unavailable.

For those unable to make the short trip west, full match commentary will be broadcast on iFollow Millwall from around 2.50pm. International subscribers will be able to watch the weekend's game LIVE. Click here for more details.




https://www.millwallfc.co.uk/news/2017/november/preview--fulham-v-millwall/

 
The Sean Davis Column

It was really important to get a solid result against Derby County, having lost our two previous matches. We started the game well which was crucial as it got the crowd going. Oliver Norwood's free-kick was straight down the middle but it was hit so well that it made it difficult for Scott Carson, but he'll probably still be a bit disappointed with that from a goalkeeper's point of view. Everyone seemed to be working well together. Derby are a good side who were always going to try and make things difficult for us, but I thought we played well. We would have liked to have won, and we probably deserved to, but it was an alright point and to back it up with a victory on Tuesday was ideal.

With Kevin McDonald and Stefan Johansen both out, the Gaffer put Tayo Edun in at the weekend, and he had a strong league debut. I'd been impressed with him at Under-23 level where he's been quite dominant, so it was good to see him put in an impressive display, and he's only going to get better. So I'm very excited about him and his future at Fulham.

Unfortunately I didn't get a chance to catch up with the 1996/97 boys on Saturday, but the rumour coming out of McBride's was that they ran out of beer! That group loved a good celebration so that didn't come as a surprise at all. The lads got a great reception when they came out on the pitch at half-time, and it was good to see the Club giving those players the accolades they deserve, because that's where it all started for Fulham in terms of our journey to the Premier League.


Onto Tuesday, and it was a mad game at Bramall Lane, goals going in left, right and centre. When I saw it was 5-2 I was thinking that was that, but next thing I knew it was 5-4! I thought that surely we wouldn't not win it, but it was still such a nervy end to the game. That sort of match is why we all love football, and it's even better when you're the side that comes out on top.

Sheffield United have had a great start to the season and surprised a lot of people. I remember playing at Bramall Lane, it's a really, really big pitch which probably suited us with our athleticism. We always say that a few wins in this league can catapult you up the table, so hopefully that's the start of a run for us.

Ryan Sessegnon was on fire that night, and he and his family will be very proud of his hat-trick. I can't remember the last Fulham player to score a hat-trick who wasn't a striker. He was doing what he does best on Tuesday, making fantastic runs, getting up and down the pitch, and showing his eye for goal. He also demonstrated that he's two-footed with his first one.

You've got to say well done to Sheyi Ojo too, who's scored a brace away from home, but hasn't really received the praise he deserves because of Sessegnon taking the headlines, which he of course merits. Ojo took his chances very well indeed and he'll be very pleased with how he did, especially seeing as it was his first game back from injury. It was good to see us creating these chances and taking them, which hasn't always been the case this season.

We're back at the Cottage on Saturday, and Millwall will be a tough game as they're well organised and well drilled. I remember them coming to the Cottage for our first home fixture after relegation, and we battered them but lost 1-0, so we don't want that to happen again. The players should be playing with a lot of confidence, it's a London derby so the atmosphere will be fantastic. These are the games you miss as an ex-player.

Speaking of ex-players, a couple of our old boys are now regulars in the Millwall side, so Ryan Tunnicliffe and Shaun Hutchinson might be coming back to the Cottage with a bit of a point to prove. It can go either way; I remember coming back with Spurs and I got injured and had a stinker, but then had a good game when I came back with Portsmouth. Both Ryan and Shaun were hard workers who always gave their all, no airs and graces about them, solid players who always put in a shift. I'm sure the Fulham fans will give them a good reception, they usually do, although I remember getting a bit of stick the first time I came back!

Tickets for Saturday's game are available for Season Ticket Holders and Members to buy, priced from £30 for adults and £15 for juniors.




http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/november/23/the-sean-davis-column

 
Fulham FC to retender Riverside Stand redevelopment

The construction contract for the redevelopment of Fulham FC's Riverside Stand is being retendered, with Buckingham Group no longer preferred bidder for the project.

The proposed new stand was redesigned by architect Populous, after Fulham's American owner Shahid Khan decided to revisit the existing design.

The previous scheme, designed by KSS Architects and valued at £15m, had Buckingham Group attached as main contractor.

Construction News understands that Buckingham has carried out pre-construction works for the new stand project, but that the construction contract for the revised scheme will now go out to open tender.

A spokesperson for Fulham FC said: "We are going to retender the scheme as a completely new design, but Buckingham is very much one of the bidders we'd like to consider."

The construction timeline is yet to be confirmed, but an enviromental impact assessment scoping report published in September this year said that Fulham FC would seek "partial occupation of the stand for the 2020-21season and full occupation of the new stand for the 2021-22 season".

It also said that construction is currently anticipated to take two-and-a-half years, meaning that construction would have to begin by the start of 2019 in time for handover in August 2021.

Construction will be phased to allow Fulham FC to use Craven Cottage while the project is under way.

Planning permission for the previous scheme was granted in July 2013, but it was redesigned to increase the focus on improving hospitality and non-matchday facilities, as opposed to purely upgrading capacity. The club expects the new scheme will still be consistent with the approved planning permission.

The new design will still increase the overall capacity of Craven Cottage by 4,300 to around 30,000.

It will also see the stand's roof rise higher than in the original plans, as well as adding approximately 4,500 sq m of extra floorspace compared to the previous design.



https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/markets/sectors/leisure/fulham-fc-to-retender-riverside-stand-redevelopment/10025614.article

 
Football Unites For Rainbow Laces Campaign

Ahead of this weekend's Rainbow Laces campaign the EFL, Premier League, PGMOL, and The FA joined together to produce a unique rainbow photograph to show football standing together in support of LGBT inclusivity.

All 92 League Clubs will be supporting Stonewall's initiative with various activities including rainbow-coloured captains' armbands, laces and programme adverts.


In a league first, EFL Clubs will also be proudly displaying rainbow-coloured corner flags at matches this weekend. In addition, England Women's televised World Cup qualifier against Bosnia & Herzegovina at the Banks's Stadium on Friday will see all players wearing the rainbow laces. The Premier League has introduced bespoke rainbow branding to its ball plinths, pitch flags, handshake boards, and timing boards. PGMOL will also be showing their support across the four divisions, with all match officials wearing rainbow laces.

Stonewall's Rainbow Laces campaign aims to make sport everyone's game with national teams, leading clubs, professional players, fans and grassroots players from across football showing their support for LGBT people in sport.

Pictured left to right: Billy Clarke (Charlton Athletic), Scott Cuthbert (Luton Town), Shandon Baptiste (Oxford United), John Egan (Brentford), Kevin Friend (PGMOL), Luke Prosser (Colchester United), Jack Whatmough (Portsmouth), Fara Williams (England and Reading Ladies), Gary O'Neil (Bristol City) and Mark Noble (West Ham United).




http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/november/24/football-unites-for-rainbow-laces-campaign

 
Sheyi Ojo aiming for Fulham promotion - but he still sees long-term future at Liverpool

On-loan Fulham winger Ojo returned from a shoulder injury with a two-goal display in a 5-4 win on Tuesday

Sheyi Ojo has maintained that he still sees his long-term future at Liverpool after scoring twice for Fulham in an incredible 5-4 win at Sheffield United this week.

Ojo dislocated his shoulder in September against QPR and marked his return to action with a brace in Tuesday's high-scoring win at Bramall Lane.

The young winger joined the Cottagers on a season-long loan deal back in August and is aiming to help the London club return to the Premier League next season.

However, the 20-year-old says he wants to come back to his parent club when the loan is up.

"My aims now? To have a good solid season under my belt [that] will put me in a good position next season to be playing for Liverpool," said Ojo.

"I am looking to build on that display against Sheffield. The important thing for the team was to grind out a result and, hopefully, we can kick on now.

"I believe there is more to come. I just need to get consistent games under my belt. The main reason I came here was to enjoy my football and get as much game time as I can and help us with that main aim of getting promotion.

(https://i2-prod.liverpoolecho.co.uk/incoming/article13948510.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/JS131677287.jpg)
(Photo by Ker Robertson/Getty Images)

"I have been involved in games where there have been a lot of goals but not like Tuesday!"

Ojo was forced off on a stretcher against QPR back on September 29 after he fell awkwardly on his left shoulder when challenging with Joel Lynch.

He was taken straight to hospital midway through the game and hadn't featured for nearly two months, but Ojo is looking to put the injury behind him.

He added: "I believe there is more to come. I just need to get consistent games under my belt.

"The main reason I came here was to enjoy my football and get as much game time as I can and help us with that main aim of getting promotion."



http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/sheyi-ojo-aiming-fulham-promotion-13948525

 
Fulham v Millwall
SAT 25 Nov 2017 Championship
Venue: Craven Cottage


Fulham forward Floyd Ayite, who was forced off during their 5-4 win at Sheffield United on Tuesday, is out for a few weeks with a hamstring injury.

Fellow forward Lucas Piazon is still working his way back from a broken leg.

Millwall boss Neil Harris will check on striker Tom Elliott (back), while Jed Wallace completes his three-match ban.

Midfielder Shaun Williams is close to resuming full training after a knee injury but defender Byron Webster is out for the season.

The Lions are still looking for their first away win of the Championship season, while Fulham have only won one of their nine league games at Craven Cottage in 2017-18.

SAM's prediction
Home win 54%   Draw 25%   Away win 21%

SAM, the Sports Analytics Machine, is a super-computer built by @ProfIanMcHale of the University of Liverpool.

Match facts
    Fulham have not beaten Millwall in a second-tier match since September 1978, although they have only faced one another five times at this level since then (D3 L2).
    The Lions' last defeat at Craven Cottage came in April 1999, losing 4-1 as current manager Neil Harris played for Millwall that day.
    In midweek, Fulham's Ryan Sessegnon became the first 17-year old to score a hat-trick within the top four tiers of English football since Dele Alli in March 2014 (Notts County 1-3 MK Dons in League One).
    Fulham ended a run of six Championship matches without a win (D3 L3), clinching a dramatic 5-4 away victory at Bramall Lane against the Blades last time out.
    Meanwhile, Millwall are searching for their first victory in six league matches (D3 L2) - they last went on a longer winless run within a single Championship season back in February and March 2015 (nine games).
    Millwall have made fewer changes to their starting XI than any other team in the Championship this term (21).



http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/42034675

 
Fulham v Millwall preview

(http://e0.365dm.com/17/11/16-9/20/skysports-ryan-sessegnon-fulham-championship_4162526.jpg?20171121205817)

Sheyi Ojo could return to the Fulham squad for the visit of Millwall.

The on-loan Liverpool winger is back in training having been out since dislocating a shoulder against QPR in September. Stefan Johansen is fit after illness and Neeskens Kebano has recovered from a hip problem. Chelsea loanee Lucas Piazon is still recovering from a broken leg.

Millwall remain without the suspended Jed Wallace, who serves the last match of his ban. Steve Morrison and Fred Onyedinma are pushing for starts having appeared in Tuesday's 0-0 draw at home to Hull as substitutes.

Tom Elliot started over Morison, but struggled to impress. Shaun Williams and Byron Webster, meanwhile, are long-term absentees.

Opta stats

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Fulham haven't beaten Millwall in a second-tier match since September 1978, although they have only faced one another five times at this level since then (D3 L2).

The Lions' last defeat at Craven Cottage came in April 1999, losing 4-1 - current manager Neil Harris played for Millwall that day.

In midweek, Ryan Sessegnon became the first 17-year old to score a hat-trick within the top four tiers of English league football since Dele Alli in March 2014 (Notts County 1-3 MK Dons in League One).

Fulham ended a run of six Championship matches without a win (D3 L3) clinching a dramatic 5-4 away victory at Bramall Lane against the Blades last time out.

Meanwhile, Millwall are still searching for their first victory in five league matches (D3 L2) - they last went on a longer winless run within a single Championship season back in March 2015 (nine games).

Millwall have made fewer changes to their starting XI than any other team in the Championship this term (21).



http://www.skysports.com/football/fulham-vs-millwall/preview/374838

 
Matchday Live: Millwall

Overseas fans can enjoy a live stream of Saturday's Sky Bet Championship encounter against Millwall at Craven Cottage.

If you are already a fulhamfctv subscriber you can pick up a match pass for just £5, while non-subscribers can access the stream for £10, and also enjoy video content on the official website for 48 hours from the point of purchase!

If you want to ensure you don't miss a moment of our live streams throughout the season then you can sign up for an overseas annual subscription, priced at £120.

Please note that you must be abroad and be using an overseas bank account to access the stream.

The stream will kick in around 30 minutes prior to kick-off, with a number of links to the correct page across the website. Alternatively, head to www.fulhamfc.com/live to view the game. We recommend watching via Google Chrome.

For our supporters based in the UK and Ireland, you can listen to full live commentary from Gentleman Jim and Jamie Reid, with a monthly or standard annual subscription. 

Any fans who experience problems on a matchday with your stream please contact > [email protected].

Fans who have experienced issues accessing the stream in the past are advised to have a look at our streaming tips page which we constructed following feedback from supporters, while our FAQs are available here.




http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/november/24/matchday-live-millwall

 
Fulham vs Millwall team news: Ayite and Piazon 'definitely' out, with Jokanovic assessing the rest

Forward picked up an injury during the incredible 5-4 win over Sheffield United

Floyd Ayite is out of this weekend's game with Millwall.

The midfielder limped off with a hamstring injury after 68 minutes of the sensational game at Bramall Lane on Tuesday night.

And Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic has revealed that the Togolese could be missing for "a few weeks".

Talking during his press conference ahead of the game with the Lions this weekend, Jokanovic said: "Ayite and Lucas Piazon definitely out of the squad.

"Floyd Ayite will be outside of the squad for a few weeks."

Meanwhile Jokanovic and his medical staff will be assessing the situation with a number of his other players too.

He added: "There are a few players that we have some question marks over, we must observe and look at them."

When pressed on who, he replied: "All of them."



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-vs-millwall-team-news-13949581

 
Behind Enemy Lines: Fulham

AFTER a frustrating 0-0 draw on Tuesday night where they had the better of the chances against Hull, the Lions head into this derby still looking for their first away win of the season.

Last weekend's 2-2 draw at Sunderland was arguably the closest to that Neil Harris' men have come, and they know that those first three points on the road need to come sooner rather than later.

Harris couldn't ask for a better Championship fixture for his players to be fired up for as he takes his squad across the Thames to West London to face Fulham.

The early season promotion favourites have not lived up to expectations so far, but a thrilling 5-4 win over Sheffield United in midweek will certainly give them confidence.

Seventeen-year-old full-back turned winger Ryan Sessegnon got a hat trick against the Blades, and he is certainly a player Millwall will have to nullify if they are to take three points back to The Den from Craven Cottage.

Lucas Ball spoke to Cottagers fan James Andrew this week.

Twitter: @JamesAndrew_

Why do you support Fulham?

They were the closest club to where I was born. I was born in Hammersmith and lived nearby and back then that sort of thing seemed to matter when picking a team. Not so much now.

There was something about Fulham that made me want to support them. It was the early 90s so it certainly wasn't anything on the pitch! But I've been lucky, there have been more ups than downs in my time as a Fulham fan.

What's your favourite season supporting Fulham?

I'm sure the vast majority of fans would go for the season we got to the Europa League final in 2009-10 – and that was a great season.

But 2000-01 holds a special place for me, the season under Jean Tigana when we won promotion from Division One to the Premier League. The team, the style of play, everything made that such a memorable season. That answer may change to 'next season' if we were to go and do the same again.

After an exciting win in midweek, do you expect your boys to be more up for this one?

I'd be worried if the team were not up for any game they play this season, especially a London derby. But hopefully a win like that will give them confidence after a run of disappointing results.

What are your expectations for the season given the current position?

It's going to be tough to match what we did last season. I know people say this every season, but the Championship really is a tough league.

And this season I don't see any teams running away with it, or getting cut adrift at the bottom, so anyone can beat anyone. If Fulham could get themselves in the top half and in touching distance of the top six by Easter then they may have a chance. But for that to happen they have to start winning games at home.

Who will be Fulham's danger men?

After his midweek hat-trick against Sheffield United, Ryan Sessegnon should be full of confidence and his pace will always frighten defenders.

But Tom Cairney is the man who makes Fulham tick. He has been injured for a lot of the season, but he's back now and hopefully that will give the players a lift.

Which Lions players will you have to watch out for?

George Saville seems to be in good form at the moment, his two goals last week (albeit slightly fortuitous) along with his debut for Northern Ireland will surely give him some confidence.

What's your predicted Fulham line-up and formation?

I suspect there may be a few changes from midweek, but I'll go for this:

4-2-3-1

Button; Fredericks, Ream, Kalas, Odoi; Johansen, McDonald; Ojo, Cairney, Sessegnon; Fonte

Finally, a score prediction?

Despite our poor form at home, I've got to back Fulham to win, but we will concede. So, I'll go Fulham 3-1 Millwall.



https://www.newsatden.co.uk/65162-behind-enemy-lines-fulham.html

 
Mollo plays in Fulham Under-23 game

Yohan Mollo played the full 90 minutes as Fulham's Under-23s beat Newcastle's youngsters 3-0 on Friday.

Former Zenit St. Petersburg winger Mollo has made only six appearances for the Whites' first team since signing in August, mostly as a substitute.

His presence as the only senior player included in the team at Motspur Park suggests he will not be considered for Saturday's Championship game with Millwall.

Michael Elstone, 19, scored twice in the win over the Magpies, scrambling home the opener in first-half injury time.

Elijah Adebayo, also 19, made it 2-0 immediately after the break before setting up Elstone for the third.



http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/forgotten-winger-features-fulham-youngsters-beat-newcastle

 
Injured Ayite to miss Millwall game

Floyd Ayite's hamstring injury will keep him out of Fulham's home game against Millwall this weekend.

The forward limped off midway through the second half of the Whites' remarkable 5-4 win at Sheffield United on Tuesday.

Another who seems unlikely to make the matchday squad is winger Yohan Mollo.

Mollo played the full 90 minutes for Fulham's Under-23s on Friday as they beat their Newcastle counterparts.

Meanwhile, Millwall remain without the suspended Jed Wallace.



http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-forward-miss-millwall-game

 
Fulham boss: We are better than Millwall, but we must prove it

Whites manager admits the Lions are 'less talented' but deserve respect

Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic has openly admitted that Millwall are 'less talented' than the Whites.

But he has urged his players to go and prove it on the pitch when they welcome the Lions to Craven Cottage this weekend.

The Whites go into the game off the back off a quite stunning 5-4 victory over Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Tuesday night - their first win in seven games.

And Jokanovic has called on his team to make it back-to-back wins against their struggling London rivals.

He said: "We must win always, not only this game, all the games, this is the Championship, it's dangerous, we had a positive experience from last Tuesday night but we must show respect to all teams, to Millwall too.

"If you ask me if we can win the game? Yes, and we must try and push and be strong to win these three points.

"After the last few games we have recovered our confidence.

"It's not a question of who is top and who is not, Millwall is a team I believe less talented than my team, but they compete very well, this is fact, I believe this is true, but we must be focused and concentrated."



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-boss-better-millwall-must-13950629

 
Liverpool and Tottenham in heavyweight race for 17-year-old sensation – report

Liverpool and Tottenham supporters have been in contrasting moods in the Transfer Tavern this week, what with the Reds letting slip a three-goal lead to only draw 3-3 with Sevilla on Tuesday night, while Spurs beat Borussia Dortmund to top Group H on the same day.

Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool knew that victory in Spain would secure their passage through to the last 16 of the Champions League, and they were well on course to doing so as a Roberto Firmino brace and Sadio Mane strike gave them a 3-0 lead at half time. Yet things went horribly wrong after that as a Wissam Ben Yedder double and a 93rd minute goal from Guido Pizarro sealed a point for the hosts, who in turn made the Reds wait to book their spot in the knockout stages. Things were much better for Mauricio Pochettino's Spurs though, as goals from Harry Kane and Son Heung-min saw them come from behind to beat Dortmund, a result which clinched them top spot in Group H.

Consequently, there have been differing emotions among both sets of supporters this week, although they are likely to be intrigued by a recent report from The Daily Mail, which suggests that the Premier League duo are keeping tabs on Fulham starlet Ryan Sessegnon.

The 17-year-old burst onto the scene little over a year ago by becoming the youngest player to score a goal in the Championship, having netted in the Cottagers' 2-2 draw with Cardiff City back on August 20.

And the left-back went on to bag six more times for Slavisa Jokanovic's men to underline his credentials, which have again been brought to attention this week after the England Under-19 international scored a hat-trick in their thrilling 5-4 win over high-flying Sheffield United.

And reports suggest that Liverpool and Tottenham, among other Premier League giants, are monitoring the youngster's situation at Craven Cottage, with reports outlining that there is no buy-out clause in his contract, yet that Sessegnon could well leave if Fulham aren't promoted this term.

And if Sessegnon continues to impress in the second tier, interest in his services is surely only going to intensify.

Landlord's verdict: Ryan Sessegnon's meteoric rise took another stratospheric step on Tuesday night as he bagged a hat-trick in Fulham's incredible 5-4 victory over Sheffield United in the Championship.

And it seems that many Premier League heavyweights, not least Liverpool and Tottenham, are reportedly interested in the 17-year-old, and could well look to land him in the summer.

And their chances could well be helped were Fulham unable to achieve promotion this season, they are currently 14th in the second tier after 18 games, although the Cottagers do have some comfort from the fact that there is no buy-out clause in his contract.

Thus, those top-flight sides wanting Sessegnon will likely have to pay a substantial sum of money to lure him to the Premier League.



https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/premiership/liverpool-and-tottenham-in-heavyweight-race-for-17-year-old-sensation-report/

 
Former Fulham defender John Paintsil reveals losing £2million over reports of him stabbing his wife

Former Fulham defender John Paintsil says he lost a contract worth £2 million after rumours claimed he stabbed his wife four years ago.

Insisting that the report was false, the right-back said the report destroyed his career because a club keen on signing him pulled out of the deal.

The ex-Ghana international says the report also dissuaded clubs from approaching him which led to the downward spiral of his career.

The right-back assumed hero status in 2006 when he helped Ghana to excel at the World Cup in Germany which resulted in top clubs chasing after his signature.

His performances led to West Ham United signing him before he went on to become an iconic figure for Fulham.

However in 2013, news spread like wild fire that John Paintsil was in police custody for assaulting his wife by stabbing her in the eye.

Paintsil said the report led to clubs that were in negotiations with him pulling out because of the bad publicity, leading to huge revenue loss.

"A lot of clubs wanted to sign me but it did not happen because of that incident. I lost close to £2million pounds due to that case," Paintsil said.

The former defender insists that the reports were false claiming he did not beat his wife after a misunderstanding at home.

"You know social media travels a lot and anything you post whether it's true or not can easily be believed and by the time the public find out the truth it's too late," Paintsil said.

"These things that came in destroyed a lot of opportunities closed a lot of doors. The news that came in was untrue. I never stabbed my wife in the eye and my wife is still well and healthy."

"I am not perfect but those accusations but i can say that I was innocent. I have never touched a woman and I will never do that."

"What is the strength of a woman that I will go to the extent of stabbing a woman's eye?"

Painstil subsequently had stints with his former club Hapoel Tel Aviv in Israel before moving on to Santos F.C. and Maritzburg United in South Africa.




http://ghanasoccernet.com/former-fulham-defender-john-paintsil-reveals-losing-2million-over-reports-of-him-stabbing-his-wife

Jokanovic prepares Fulham for Millwall 'fight'
by Dan on November 24, 2017

Slavisa Jokanovic insisted his Fulham side will not underestimate the threat posed by Millwall at Craven Cottage tomorrow after their action-packed success at Sheffield United in midweek.

The Fulham head coach has challenged his team to improve their poor home record this weekend but knows that Millwall, who have adjusted well to life in the Championship after winning promotion from League One last season, will be keen to upset the odds and record their first away win of the campaign.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference at Motspur Park, Jokanovic told the assembled journalists:

We are not happy with our level at home and this is a new chance to make our supporters and ourselves happier. We must be focused, strong, and push hard to win the game. The spaces we found against Sheffield United, we're not going to find against Millwall at home. We must play with patience, create space between the lines, attack behind and in wide positions.

We must open our minds and interpret and understand what we find. This will be a different game to Sheffield United and we'll need a different plan. Millwall compete very well, this is [a] fact, We must be focused, we must concentrate, we must respect this kind of situation. We can be successful, we can lift our performance and we can lift our position in the table.

Everyone in the Championship is a dangerous team for us. We have experience of playing Bolton at home and not winning the game, we have a positive experience of winning on Tuesday night. We must show respect to all teams, and we must show respect to Millwall. We can win the game, but we must push strongly to win these three points.

We recovered our confidence in the last game and I'm sure we'll be pushing hard to win the game.

The Serbian confirmed that Fulham will be without the services of long-term injury victim Lucas Piazon as well as Floyd Ayite, who came off after an hour at Bramall Lane with a hamstring problem.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/11/jokanovic-prepares-fulham-for-millwall-fight/

 
Where does Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic think is Ryan Sessegnon's best position?

The teenage sensation scored a hat-trick on Tuesday night when pushed further forward

Ryan Sessegnon's star is only going rise.

The teenager broke into the Fulham first team last season with a series of stunning displays as the Whites finished in the Championship play-offs, only to lose out in the semi-final to Reading.

Sessegnon was linked with a move away fro Craven Cottage, with the likes of Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester United all keen on making a move for him.

However, he committed his future to the Whites by signing his first professional contract with them in the summer after turning 17.

And after a slow start to the season he came back to the fore on Tuesday night - in his 50th appearance for the club - by scoring a superb hat-trick in a sensational 5-4 win over Sheffield United.

He was pushed into a left attacking role for the Bramall Lane clash, having previously been deployed at left-back. And the move paid off for Slavisa Jokanovic.

But where does his future lie?

Jokanovic said: "He can play in both positions well. I am a football coach, not a tennis coach, I must look at my team last season when I used him in both positions, but had Scott Malone to play in left-back. This season I didn't find a solution where I can decide to move him further forward.

"I tried with Denis Odoi, he offers a great level, but he can play in both positions, after scoring three goals, people must be happy and satisfied and impressed with a 17-year-old player.

"Look how clinical he was in this situation, it's impressive. I try to use him to benefit the team, but it depends on different things in different games and other people who are available or not.

"But 100 per cent I will use him in both positions."



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-boss-slavisa-jokanovic-think-13950938

 
Sessegnon links a possible sign that this Spurs star is heading for the exit door

Tottenham supporters in the Transfer Tavern have been more jubilant in the second half of the week than the first after seeing their side bounce back from last weekend's North London derby defeat with an impressive 2-1 win at Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday night.

Mauricio Pochettino's men were comfortably beaten by bitter rivals Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium last weekend to again call into question their capabilities away from home against a top side, but they put that to bed somewhat with an excellent display in Dortmund on Tuesday. Goals from Harry Kane and Son Heung-min cancelled out Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's opener to seal the three points for Spurs, who in turn clinched top spot in Group H having won four of their five matches.

Consequently, there has been a much better atmosphere among our resident Tottenham fans in the Tavern in the second half of the week, many of whom are eagerly anticipating their return to Premier League action on Saturday, when they host struggling and managerless West Brom at Wembley.

Elsewhere, there has been plenty for those Spurs supporters lining up at the bar to get their teeth into, not least a recent report suggesting that the North London outfit are monitoring the progress of Fulham starlet Ryan Sessegnon.

The 17-year-old burst onto the scene last season and has continued his fine form into this campaign, as the versatile left-back scored a sensational hat-trick in the Cottagers' thrilling 5-4 victory over Sheffield United earlier this week.

As such, several top Premier League sides are reportedly keeping tabs on the England Under-19 international, and were Spurs able to fend off fellow top-flight heavyweights to land Sessegnon, it could well be a clear sign that Danny Rose's future lies away from Tottenham.

And that's because Rose's lack of regular first team football since return from injury, as well as certain vibes coming from the England international, suggest that he could be on his way out in the near future, and as such Pochettino is seeking a long-term replacement.

And a long-term replacement is certainly what Sessegnon is, as even at the tender age of 17, the youngster has already shown great maturity in both a left-back and left-wing role, as such certainly has a bright future ahead of him.

For Rose though, the future is very much unclear, with vast amounts of speculation in the last few months linking him with a move away from Spurs, much of which coincided with an interview he did over the summer in which he said that he has 'probably only got one big contract left' in him.

Add in the fact that he is struggling to dispose Ben Davies of the left-back starting berth in the Premier League, and the 27-year-old may well be considering his options. After all, the England star missed the last six months of the previous campaign, and knows that he needs to be performing at his best to make Gareth Southgate's World Cup squad.

More importantly though, one senses that there could be a slightly strained relationship between manager Pochettino and Rose, what with the latter reportedly 'fuming' to have been left out of the North London derby, while his manager welcomed his emotion and indeed stated that 'I am the boss'.

Ultimately, Rose is having difficulty breaking back into the Spurs starting eleven. Davies has done an exceptional job in the Englishman's absence, to the point that Tottenham haven't felt his absence, and as such is being rewarded with regular football every week.

Yet Rose produced a wonderful display against Dortmund in midweek, reminiscent of the Rose we saw become one of the Premier League's best left-backs last season, and as such the biggest indication could well come on Saturday as to who Pochettino opts for at left-back against West Brom.

But with speculation mounting over his future, and the 27-year-old seemingly not quite satisfied with how things currently are at Spurs, landing Sessegnon in January is only going to add fuel to fire, and could conclusively suggest that Rose's time in North London is coming to an end.



https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/premiership/sessegnon-links-a-possible-sign-that-this-spurs-star-is-heading-for-the-exit-door/

 
Powerhouse winger: My good form will help me 'play for Liverpool' next season

Sheyi Ojo bagged a brace for Fulham against Sheffield United midweek
20-year-old hoping for an excellent run which will see Klopp take note
LFC boss didn't trust Ojo last season and wants player to prove himself

Liverpool's on-loan flyer Sheyi Ojo has promised to continue his good work in the Championship and force his way into Jurgen Klopp's plans for 2018/19.

The youngster is currently on loan at Fulham, where injuries hampered the early part of his season.

However, last time out he scored twice and registered an assist against high-flying Sheffield United in a 5-4 victory, which will hopefully set the tone for his campaign.

Ojo told the Echo:

"My aims now? To have a good solid season under my belt [that] will put me in a good position next season to be playing for Liverpool, I am looking to build on that display against Sheffield. The main reason I came here was to enjoy my football and get as much game time as I can and help us with that main aim of getting promotion."

The 20-year-old has phenomenal natural physical attributes, but Klopp's issue with Ojo so far is that he doesn't use them enough.

The lad is rapid and strong, but too often plays sideways or cuts back, instead of getting himself into box, running in behind or taking on his man.

Providing he stays in the side at Fulham, we think this loan deal could be tremendously beneficial.

Ojo actually suits Klopp's style in that he's quick and can play on either flank in a 4-3-3, so if he works hard enough, he could establish himself as a squad member.



http://www.empireofthekop.com/2017/11/25/sheyi-ojo-my-good-form-will-help-me-play-for-liverpool/

Here's to you, Ryan Tunnicliffe
by Dan on November 25, 2017

It is hardly my generation's JFK moment, but I remember how I learnt that Fulham had signed Ryan Tunnicliffe. Most of the media were wondering whether Kostas Mitroglou was going to score the goals the Whites badly craved to get themselves out of a desperate hole at the wrong end of the Championship, whilst some were contemplating how Johnny Heitinga could shore up one of the division's most leaky defences. The arrival of a pair of Manchester United's youth stars of old (the lesser-spotted Larnell Cole was part of a double deal that saw Tunnicliffe team up with his former Carrington coach Rene Meulensteen) didn't exactly set pulses rating, but it did get my phone buzzing.

My mate, Phil, a mad Red from Heywood, had been ringing me all afternoon. I assumed it was to discuss Dimitar Berbatov's departure from Craven Cottage. I'd been on a train and in a series of meetings. By the time, I emerged from a mid-afternoon conference call, I had six missed calls. Even Phil, who worshipped the ground Dimi walked on whilst he was wearing United's colours, couldn't have been that enraged by the Bulgarian's exit from English football. I was just about to call him back when his name flashed up on my phone. I can't repeat the expletives that questioned my parentage and why it had taken several hours for me to get in touch, but Phil's message was succinct enough:

    You've done it, mate. You've only gone and done it. You've signed him. The boy from round the corner. Tunners. He's a real player. Been with United since he was nine. His dad won thousands after betting he would play for us. He's a star – brilliant when we won the FA Youth Cup and great in the reserves. He'll do great in the Premier League.

Phil didn't close until much later than they were from the same part of Heywood and that his son had been a contemporary of Ryan's at Siddal Moore Sports College. He insists to this day it didn't colour his judgement of the player. As luck would have it, Tunnicliffe's Fulham debut came at Old Trafford against his boyhood team when Meulensteen, the man who had overseen his development at United, rejigged his side to take on David Moyes' men. His selection sparked some debate amongst a Sky panel that included Mike Phelan, who had no doubt as to Tunnicliffe's quality, and the tigerish midfielder delivered an energetic display on the right of a narrow midfield quartet that might have been rewarded with a debut goal had Muamer Tankovic located his run towards the end of the first half when Fulham, who eventually snatched a point in stoppage time after absorbing an aerial bombardment, had a three-on-two.

As it was, Tunnicliffe performed a similar role in the heartbreaking added time defeat at the hands of Liverpool, shackling the threat of Luis Suarez, before Sascha Riether's injury-time aberration handed the visitors a late penalty. That defeat proved to be Meulensteen's last game as Fulham boss – with firefighter Felix Magath drafted in to try and keep the Whites up. The eccentric German's appointment wasn't good news for either Tunnicliffe or Cole, who were summoned to his office after a hastily arranged training game at Motspur Park, and told they weren't part of his plans.

As Tunnicliffe told News At Den yesterday:

    It was a bit of a bit of a head-scratcher. From being at United to signing for another Premier League club with a manager I'd worked with previously to being told three weeks later by a manager you'd worked with for a day that you're not wanted. You fight your corner and question the decision, but I think he played at being not very good at English and just mumbled his way through. You leave the meeting scratching your head.

He wasn't the only one who 'had a little smile' when he heard Magath had been sacked. Kit Symons recalled Tunnicliffe from a promising loan spell at Blackburn and the midfielder's tenacity married with his eye for a pass made him a key part of a team formed from the remnants of Magath's summer recruitment and some of the talent he sought to purge. Tunnicliffe made 24 appearances for the Whites, most memorably running half the whole length of the pitch at Huddersfield support Seko Fofana in stoppage time after ten-man Fulham had hung on to the slenderest of leads. No matter than the Frenchman ignored him twice – missing an almost open goal before converting the rebound – Tunnicliffe was straight into the delirious away fans to celebrate.

The following season was probably Tunnicliffe's best down by the Thames. After summer signings to strengthen the midfield, he had to work hard to persuade Symons of his merits as a first-team player but, by September – when the Whites put four past QPR – he was a regular in the side. October brought his first Fulham goals, one an instinctive tap-in after a free-kick rebounded favourably, and the second, a sublime moment of quality at Ashton Gate that still seems stupendous. Fulham were running riot, three up with nine minutes to go before half-time, Tunnicliffe started and finished a swift break, producing the most impudent of chips to increase the lead:


Symons' subsequent sacking, after a home mauling at the hands of Birmingham City, prompted a shambolic search for a replacement with Fulham eventually settling on Slavisa Jokanovic just after Christmas. The new coach had to deal with a transfer embargo in January – but Tunnicliffe's battling qualities were perfectly started to the demands of what turned into a relegation battle. He describes that period of his career as one of his favourites:

    The first year with him [Jokanovic] – it was great. I played fifteen games to try to help keep us in the league, which we managed. It was probably the best part of my Fulham career.

Often unfairly pigeon-holed as a midfield enforcer, Tunnicliffe had a classier side to his game, an artful eye for a pass – befitting his Carrington footballing education and his promising schoolboy football days that saw him captain his country at Under 16 and 17 level, but he found his opportunities limited once Jokanovic reshaped his squad ahead of what became the memorable, if agonising, 2016/17 campaign. A move to Millwall, where Shaun Hutchinson has also revived his career after his own experience of the Magath madness, has given Tunnicliffe another crack at the Championship, and affords him a Craven Cottage return this afternoon.

Tunnicliffe has had to wait for his chance in the Millwall midfield – with Neil Harris staying true to the stalwarts who helped the Lions out of League One last year – but has gradually established himself after an untimely injury to Shaun Williams. He scored his first Millwall goal – a peach of a strike against Birmingham – last month and might even pass on a few tips to his team-mates about Jokanovic's brand of football. Tunnicliffe will certainly be an asset to Millwall and will desperate to prove a point to his former employers later today. His Fulham days shouldn't solely be about an ill-advised tweet and I, for one, hope one of the wittier Fulham songs of old gets another airing in his honour.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/11/heres-to-you-ryan-tunnicliffe/

 
'Millwall will not give us the space that Sheffield United did'

Whites will not be able to counter attack like they did against Blades

Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic believes Millwall will be a tougher nut to crack than Sheffield United.

The Whites stunned the promotion-chasing Blades, and most of the Championship, by claiming a dramatic 5-4 victory away at Bramall Lane on Tuesday night.

It was the Cottagers' first win in seven and eased the pressure somewhat on Jokanovic.

But he is not resting on his laurels just yet.

He said: "Behind us is an important win, very good for our confidence, but we know it's only three points, we must go ahead and keep going and try to find a way to get back-to-back victories against Millwall.

"The space we found against Sheffield United we're not going to find them against MIllwall at home. We must play with patience, create space in midfield, attack behind and in wide positions, open our minds and interpret and understand what we're going to find.

"It's not going to be Sheffield United, it's going to be a different game, a different plan.

"These spaces that we found in the last game don't exist when you play against Millwall, it's simple to understand. We need to find a different solution to find a way to score goals."



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/millwall-not-give-space-sheffield-13950779

 
Aston Villa and Fulham send scouts to watch Europa League clash

According to reports in the Norwegian media, Aston Villa and Fulham had representatives watching the Europa League clash between Rosenborg and Real Sociedad.

Norwegian media outlet Aften Posten is reporting that scouts from Aston Villa, Fulham and Arsenal watched Rosenborg lose 1-0 to Real Sociedad on Thursday night in the Europa League.

It is unclear yet who both sides were scouting but it shows that both teams are showing intent already ahead of the January transfer window.

The two Championship clubs were present to watch the game in Norway with different approaches to the transfer window.

Aston Villa are likely to be hunting a striker after losing Jonathan Kodjia and Scott Hogan to injuries.

The strike duo join Rushian Hepburn-Murphy and Gabby Agbonlahor on the sidelines and with Ross McCormack out on loan, Keinan Davis is the only striker on their books at the moment.

Fulham, on the other hand, are likely to add a couple of new faces after a lacklustre start to the season.

Last season's play-off semi finalists are currently 14th in the table, although a win over high-flying Sheffield United could give them a much-needed boost.

The Verdict

While Arsenal might have been running the rule over youngster Mikel Oyarzabal, a 20-year-old winger who scored the only goal, it is unclear who Aston Villa and Fulham may have been looking at.

Aston Villa need a striker but are limited with their options given the Financial Fair Play rules.

Fulham, on the other hand, could do with new players in defence and up top.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/aston-villa-and-fulham-send-scouts-to-watch-europa-league-clash/

 
Fulham hit with blow with forward ruled out of Millwall clash

Fulham forward Floyd Ayite is set to miss this weekend's clash with Millwall after he suffered an injury, according to a report by West London Sport.

Floyd Ayite limped off in midweek and there were concerns over whether he would recover in time for this weekend.

But it's bad news for Fulham fans as Ayite has been ruled out.

During the second half of Fulham's dramatic 5-4 win over Sheffield United at Brammal Lane, Floyd Ayite was forced off with a hamstring complaint.

Although the full diagnosis is as of yet unconfirmed, it has now been revealed that Fulham will face Millwall this weekend without Ayite.

The versatile attacker, who can play as a striker or as an attacking midfielder, has one goal and one assist so far this season in thirteen Championship games.

Fulham will now have to plan to face Millwall without the Togo international, who joined last season from Bastia after spending some time in France.

Meanwhile, Millwall will be missing a vital player as Jed Wallace has picked up a suspension, ruling him out of the clash tomorrow at Craven Cottage.

The Verdict

Floyd Ayite provides pace and versatility up front for Fulham so not having that option will be a miss for Slavisa Jokanovic.

However, he does have Sheyi Ojo available and fully firing now, fresh from his brace at Sheffield United in midweek.

Fulham have enough to beat Millwall without Ayite but it will be tough against a well-drilled Millwall side.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-hit-with-blow-with-forward-ruled-out-of-millwall-clash/

 
Adebayo sends Fulham into play-off places


Forward scores once and assists twice as Fulham claim fifth consecutive D2 win, beating Newcastle United 3-0

Elijah Adebayo was involved in all the goals as Fulham beat Newcastle United 3-0 in Division 2 on Friday afternoon to claim a fifth consecutive win.

The 19-year-old forward set up Michael Elstone to open the scoring on the brink of half-time at Motspur Park, before doubling the lead a minute after the break.

A second goal from Elstone with 20 minutes to go confirmed the win that lifted Fulham into fifth and the final play-off spot on 18 points.

Newcastle are 11th , seven points back.




https://www.premierleague.com/news/516623

Up next: Millwall (h)
by Dan on November 25, 2017

Slavisa Jokanovic was fairly emphatic during yesterday's pre-match press conference that this weekend's south London derby with Millwall will not leave Fulham fans with that uneasy after the Lord Mayor's show feeling. The Whites were rampant going forward on Tuesday night at Bramall Lane – even if there were the usual defensive deficiencies and accompanying heart attacks – but stringing together successive victories is what has eluded the Serbian's side so far this season.

Millwall might not have won in six league matches but they certainly won't be short of confidence or support when they reach Craven Cottage. The Lions have a habit of spoiling Fulham's home afternoons – with a five-match unbeaten record against their hosts in the second tier of English football since 1978. That run includes a 1-0 win at the start of Fulham's first Championship campaign following relegation, when Felix Magath opted to start without the 'unfit' Ross McCormack, Martyn Woolford's early strike gave the visitors a shot in the arm and the German's side only looked vaguely threatening once Pat Roberts had been introduced from the bench. The popular and progressive Neil Harris has been a revelation as Millwall's manager and the secret to his success has been consistent selections and faith in the players who helped the club earn promotion from League One. Harris, a living club legend, was right on the money when he said this week that Millwall could have sold out the Putney End twice over – and the away support will be raucous in any case.

Millwall should have broken their away league duck on Saturday at the Stadium of Light but an uncharacteristic error from the outstanding Jordan Archer handed Sunderland a point. Harris will be without Shaun Williams, who is likely to be replaced by Ryan Tunnicliffe, and Byron Webster's absence means that former Fulham defender Shaun Hutchinson should also make a playing return to Craven Cottage. The visitors' attacking options are considerable with Lee Gregory and Tom Elliott likely to lead the line with Shane Ferguson and Aidan O'Brien, who was highly linked with Fulham last season, providing both creativity and a significant goal threat from the wide positions. The wonderfully gifted George Saville will likely direct operations from a central position, with work threat, defensive discipline and good old-fashioned endeavour all qualities that Harris has stamped on his side.

Jokanovic has a few taxing questions post the Sheffield United madness to consider. The first is whether David Button has ran out of road in the Fulham goal. It became clear at Bramall Lane that defenders don't have much confidence in the ex-Brentford goalkeeper and such an honest profession like Button will probably agree that he should have done better with both of the first two goals – and, after all the while, Marcus Bettinelli, who hardly put a foot wrong when he returned to the starting line-up at the end of last season. If a change isn't made now, Fulham will have to wait for an even more catastrophic error that could doom any lingering hopes of promotion.

Fulham are definitely without long-term injury victim Lucas Piazon and Floyd Ayite, who picked up a hamstring problem on Tuesday. There will be some debate about how the hosts should lne-up. Much will depend on whether Stefan Johansen has shaken off the illness and ailments that have been troubling him over the past couple of weeks. The Norwegian could elbow his way past Ollie Norwood into the central midfield triumvirate or partner the Northern Ireland international. There can't be much of a case for placing the midweek hat-trick Ryan Sessegnon back into the back four and, in any event, Jokanovic's biggest conundrum comes up front.

One of the famous football truisms that has been passed along generations down the ages is that you don't change a winning side. Fulham will be forced into at least one alteration, but whether Jokanovic opts to operate with no recognised striker after the merry hell that Sessegnon, Ayite and Sheyi Ojo caused in south Yorkshire. Ojo was seriously impressive at one of the league's in-form outfits and totally vindicted his selection. If the Liverpool loanee can be turning in that sort of display on a regular basis, then Rui Fonte and Aboubakar Kamar might be sitting on touch for a bit longer.

MY FULHAM XI (4-3-3): Bettinelli; Fredericks, Odoi, Ream, Kalas; McDonald, Johansen, Cairney; Kebano, R. Sessegnon, Ojo. Subs: Button, Madl, Cisse, Norwood, Graham, Fonte, Kamara.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/11/up-next-millwall-h/

Elstone double lifts Fulham into the play-off places
by Sarah Woolmer on November 25, 2017

Michael Elstone scored twice as Fulham Under 23s comfortably defeat their Newcastle United counterparts 3-0 at Motspur Park yesterday to move into the PL2 play-off positions.

Peter Grant's side, which included first-team winger Yohan Mollo, had the better of the first half and went in front in the first minute of added time. Jon Dagur Thorsteinsson spread the play wide for Elijah Adebayo and the forward's cross caused chaos in the Newcastle defence. The loose ball was poked home by Elstone from barely a yard out.

The Whites doubled their lead straight after the break. Thorsteinsson split open the Newcastle defence with a raking through ball, which Adebayo sprinted onto and the powerful forward finished clinically past a helpless Freddie Woodman. Rob Atkinson cleared a Magpie effort off the line, but Fulham looked the more likely to score – and they did 20 minutes from time, when Elstone converted another excellent Adebayo cross to put a more convincing gloss on the scoreline.

The result represented a fifth consecutive league win for Grant's side and vaulted Fulham into fifth, which is the last play-off spot for promotion from the Premier League 2. The Under 23s are next in league action against Brighton and Hove Albion on 8 December at Motspur Park.

FULHAM (4-2-3-1): Ashby-Hammond; Jenz, Davies (Nabay 39), Atkinson, Spence; Harris, Francois (Thompson 78); Mollo, Elstone, Thorsteinsson; Adebayo. Subs (not used): Schwarzer, Andrason, Kwietniewski.

GOALS: Elstone (45+1, 70), Adebayo (46).

NEWCASTLE UNITED (4-2-3-1): Woodman; Kitchen, Yarney, Gillesphey, Cameron; Barlaser, Bailey; Fernandez, Ward, Roberts; Heardman (Charman 46). Subs (not used): Sangare, Harker, Smith, Elmhanni.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/11/elstone-double-lifts-fulham-into-the-play-off-places/