Friends of Fulham

 
Report: Newcastle United could sell Jonjo Shelvey to fund Tom Cairney move

Newcastle United have been long-term admirers of Tom Cairney, and could make a move this month.

According to a report in the Northern Echo, Jonjo Shelvey could be offloaded to make room for Tom Cairney.

Fulham midfielder Cairney has been a long-term target of Rafael Benitez, and he is reportedly available this month.

West Bromwich Albion are said to be interested in the central midfielder, which could snap Newcastle into action.

Benitez's side have a limited amount of money, but West Ham United's interest in Shelvey is said to be in the Spanish boss's mind.

Benitez could now cash in on Shelvey to ensure that he has the funds available to complete a deal to bring Cairney to St. James' Park.

Cairney has been linked with a £15 move to West Brom, and Newcastle could now match that bid, if Benitez is given funds.

Shelvey has played regularly for Newcastle this season, but his indiscipline has cost his side at times.

Shelvey has been sent off twice for Newcastle this term, and refused to shake Benitez's hand after being substituted off in his last appearance.

Cairney, meanwhile, has made 17 Championship appearances this season, scoring one goal and making two assists.




http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/01/18/report-newcastle-united-could-sell-jonjo-shelvey-to-fund-tom-cai/

 
U18s suffer FA Youth Cup defeat

Swansea City under-18s were knocked out in the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup after losing 2-0 to Fulham at Landore.

The young Swans started brightly but found themselves a goal behind when Fulham winger Nicolas Santos-Clase headed home from a corner on 20 minutes.

The winger continued to cause Swansea problems down the left-hand side throughout the half and doubled his tally before half-time, calmly slotting past goalkeeper Alex Lang.

The visitors showed no signs of backing down in the second half. Santos-Clase almost bagged his hat-trick early on but his shot from the edge of the area rattled the crossbar.

The home side strived to get back into the game with substitute Jack Fox heading wide.

Mason Jones-Thomas could have pulled one back, but the winger couldn't get a shot away when through on goal.

Swansea continued to apply pressure to a tiring Fulham side but to no avail, with captain Brandon Cooper's effort blocked on the edge of the area.

This was a disappointing result for the Swans, who will look to put things right on Saturday when they face Aston Villa at Bodymoor Heath in Premier League South.

Swans U18s: Alex Lang, Joe Lewis, Matthew Blake (Cameron Evans 65), Tom Price, Ben Cabango, Brandon Cooper (capt), Mason Jones-Thomas (Jack Walsh 78), Kees De Boer, Shaquille Wynter-Coles, Oliver Cooper, Finley Hazell (Marc Walsh ht).

Subs not used: Nathan Shepperd, Daniel Williams.

Fulham U18s: Luca Ashby-Hammond, Djed Spence, Joe Felix (capt), Tyrese Francois, Steven Sessegnon, Jayden Mundle-Smith, Chris Kelly, Jayden Harris, Timmy Abraham (Dan Martin 73), Sonny Hilton (Reece York 78), Nicolas Santos Clase.

Subs not used: Julian Schwarzer, Jose Garrido, Ben Davis.



https://www.swanseacity.com/news/u18s-suffer-fa-youth-cup-defeat

 
Burton manager Nigel Clough compares Fulham to Liverpool sides of the 70s

Nigel Clough has been very complementary of Fulham as the two look to do battle once again at the Cottage on Saturday

Burton Albion boss Nigel Clough has compared Fulham to the Liverpool sides of the 1970s after their late start to the season.

Liverpool won five league titles in the 70s as they became the dominant force in English football, winning them all between 1973 and 1980, with hitting their stride after the Christmas period one of their traits.

Fulham are somewhat similar, last season a good start was undone by a sticky middles patch before they went on a run after Christmas where they were, arguably, the best team in the league.

This season looks the same - a winless October has now turned into three defeats in 11 games - a run that has seen them jump to within one point of the Play-off places, and Clough has drawn similarities between Slavisa Jokanovic's side and that 70s era Liverpool.

Speaking to our colleagues at the Burton Mail , Clough said: "I don't know if it's a conscious way they (Fulham) do it.

"I know that Liverpool used to do it many years ago.

"They always, from Christmas onwards, used to steamroll teams and then win the title, when they were at their best in the 1970s.

"So I don't know if it's a conscious plan - I don't think you can do that in the Championship.

"I'm sure if they had the choice, they would have been up there from day one.

"But you lose players, (other) players are still fitting in and gelling.

(https://i2-prod.getwestlondon.co.uk/incoming/article13899603.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/Fulham-v-Middlesbrough-Sky-Bet-Championship.jpg)

"The way Fulham play it takes a few games for them to click. Brentford are similar, and they have settled in now. Fulham have some exceptionally good players.

"We have to try and stop them playing and the longer we keep it 0-0 the better. If we can nick a goal it increases the pressure on them and the frustration of the home supporters. We have seen that in the last three away league games and it's not a bad tactic to employ.

"But with all due respect to the last three teams we have just beaten on the road, Fulham are a different class so it will be very difficult."



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/burton-manager-nigel-clough-compares-14170866

 
Burton Albion Tickets

There's still time to secure your seat at Craven Cottage this Saturday 20th January, when we take on Burton Albion, kick-off 3pm.

With ticket prices increasing on matchday, supporters can secure their seat today with juniors just £1 and adults only £20 in all areas for this match.

Back the boys this weekend as the Whites look to make it five home league wins in a row.

Secure your tickets today online, by phone on 0203 871 0810 (opt. 1) or in person from the Fulham Ticket Office.

COYW!



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/january/18/burton-albion-tickets

 
'Best defender I've ever seen in a Fulham shirt' – Fulham fans react to classy message


It is ten years to the day that towering Norwegian defender Brede Hangeland joined Fulham from FC Copenhagen.

The centre-half went on to make 217 league appearances for the Cottagers, scoring eight times and making himself something of a legend among Whites fans.

He was a vital part of the team that made it all the way through to the final of the Europa League in 2010, beating the might of Juventus along the way before losing 2-1 to a star-studded Atletico Madrid side in Hamburg.

Hangeland put out a heartfelt and classy tweet to mark the occasion, showing how much he still cares about the club and crediting the vital role it played in his development.

Today marks 10 years since my move to @FulhamFC. I am forever grateful for the lessons, experiences and friendships from my time at the Club. Fulham changed my life and will always be home away from home.

Fulham fans absolutely loved the retired defender's message and reacted with a shower of praise for the 36-year-old. It is clear that he is, in the eyes of their fans, one of the best defenders, if not the best, to have taken to the Craven Cottage pitch in recent years.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/best-defender-ive-ever-seen-in-a-fulham-shirt-fulham-fans-react-to-defenders-classy-message/

 
Manager makes comparison Fulham fans will love

Burton Albion manager Nigel Clough is preparing his side for a trip to face Slavisa Jokanovic's Fulham on Saturday and has offered his upcoming opponents some very high praise indeed.

Former Liverpool striker Clough has said that Fulham come through and steamroller teams and move up the league in the second half of the season – much like his old club used to do when they were at their peak in the 1970s.

Fulham came rampaging through in the second half of last season with a staggering run of results that saw them clinch the final play-off place, only to lose to Reading in the semi finals.

They are only one point off the play-offs as it stands, in eight place, and Clough would not bet Fulham making a similar burst again this time around.

He told the Burton Mail: "I don't know if it's a conscious way they do it. I know that Liverpool used to do it many years ago.

"They always, from Christmas onwards, used to steamroll teams and then win the title, when they were at their best in the 1970s. So I don't know if it's a conscious plan.

"I don't think you can do that in the Championship. I'm sure if they had the choice, they would have been up there from day one, but you lose players, players are still fitting in and gelling."

The Verdict

The main similarity I would draw between the great Liverpool sides and the current Fulham team is the commitment to pass-and-move football.

They keep the ball on the ground and try and play good stuff – maybe that style of play takes a little bit longer to get going but can play teams off the park when it clicks.

For my part, I expect Fulham to end up just outside the play-offs this time around – Tom Cairney is massive for them and he hasn't quite fired this season.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/manager-makes-comparison-fulham-fans-will-love/

 
Burton Albion In Focus

A fifth consecutive home win is the target on Saturday. Here's all you need to know as we welcome Burton Albion to Craven Cottage.

Possible opposition absentees

Will Miller - knee injury
Tickets

Junior fans can attend this game for just £1 in all areas of the ground, while adult tickets are £20. Prices increase on matchday.
Weather

It will be a dry day in SW6 with highs of around six degrees.
Pre-match

Fans can pick up a pint of Carlsberg or Somersby for £3.50 (usually £4.80) up until 2pm in the Hammersmith, Riverside and Johnny Haynes Stands.
He said...

"With all due respect to the last three teams we have just beaten on the road, Fulham are a different class so it will be very difficult." – Nigel Clough, Burton Albion 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: 4/11

Draw: 4/1

Burton Albion: 13/2
Previous five results

Burton Albion 1-3 Queens Park Rangers (Championship)

Birmingham City 1-0 Burton Albion (FA Cup)

Sheffield Wednesday 0-3 Burton Albion (Championship)

Burton Albion 0-0 Norwich City (Championship)

Burton Albion 1-2 Leeds United (Championship)



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/january/18/burton-albion-in-focus

 
Fulham must get double figures from their next four games to set them up for their five colossal top-six battles

Four winnable games followed by five against the top six - this is why double figures from the next four are so important for Fulham's season

It's a huge couple of months for Fulham and their aspirations for play-off football.

The next four games, on paper at least, look very winnable, especially for a team that has won eight of their last 11 games in the league and one that is hoping to start mounting a serious play-off charge.

Burton, Barnsley, Nottingham Forest and Bolton.

From the reverse fixtures, Fulham took seven points, losing to Burton, beating Barnsley and Forest and drawing with Bolton, but if Slavisa Jokanovic's side want to seriously be in the play-off race come the end of March, those seven points need to be in at least double figures.

Forest are the highest placed side out of them at 15th, and Fulham put in one of their best performances of the season with a 3-1 victory at the City Ground back in September, and despite new management with Aitor Karanka, the Cottagers should be able to beat them all.

But, the position of those teams isn't what makes getting 10+ points the minimum.

It's the five monumental battles Fulham face after that.

Once they take on Bolton, they face Aston Villa (4th), Bristol City (5th), Wolves (1st), Derby (2nd) and Sheffield United (6th).

You couldn't write it, and those five fixtures are the making of where the side will finish this season, and having a solid base to go into those games is vital.

10 points, which means Fulham going unbeaten in nine games since that loss at Sunderland, would certainly put them amongst the contenders for the play-offs and would give the side untold confidence going into those five six-pointers.

(https://i2-prod.gazettelive.co.uk/incoming/article14152396.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/KLP_MGA_130118mgaBoro_02JPG.jpg)
Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic (Image: Evening Gazette)

There's no reason why Fulham can't get results against any of those five either, except Wolves perhaps, and a return of seven points from that period, added to the ten minimum we've set for the next four would put the side in a fantastic position for the run in.

It's an interesting position that the side could find themselves in too - ten points would almost certainly see them go into those five games in the top six, a position that Fulham haven't really been in since dropping down to the Championship.

How would they cope being the ones shot at, instead of being the ones shooting at the top?

I think they'd do quite well with it, Fulham are a side that play on confidence, as we've seen with their winless run this season and their current good run of form - if the side went into those five games having taken 10 points and in the play-offs, who's to say they won't live off that confidence and go from strength to strength?

It's a vital run, these four games have the ability to make or break the season and put Fulham right in amongst it - they have the take this opportunity and come March, we might see the side in heights we didn't imagine they would be come the middle of October.



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulhams-must-double-figures-next-14171295

 
Fulham to make fresh move for Gayle

Newcastle United could look raise funds by selling their first-team players this month, as Fulham prepare to come in with a new bid for striker Dwight Gayle according to the Northern Echo.

United face league leaders Manchester City on Saturday evening with first-team boss Rafa Benitez hoping that he will have some money to spend to help keep their side in the division.

Owner Mike Ashley is appearing very stubborn in this situation ahead of the proposed takeover talks and is not budging over a lack of funds.

Fulham are set to make a fresh approach for the Newcastle forward Gayle after they tried to sign the player during the summer.

Benitez has been a long-time admirer of Fulham's star man Tom Cairney which could prove to be a swap deal with Gayle which both sides would be happy with during this month.

A number of other players are wanted by other clubs but the North East club are reluctant to sell unless the price is correct particularity in the case of Gayle.



http://readnewcastle.com/2018/01/18/fulham-make-fresh-move-gayle/

 
Plymouth Argyle's next FA Youth Cup opponents have been decided

Swansea City and Fulham met in the fourth round to decide who would travel to Home Park

Fulham will visit Plymouth Argyle in the fifth round of the FA Youth Cup, it was confirmed last night.

The Cottagers inflicted a 2-0 defeat upon Swansea City's under-18s in South Wales to put themselves through to the next round with Kevin Hodges's youngsters waiting.

Seventeen-year-old Spanish forward Nicolas Santos Clase was the hero of the hour with a brace at the Swans' Landore Training Ground.

(https://i2-prod.plymouthherald.co.uk/sport/football/article1083385.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/GettyImages-866216482.jpg)
Paulinho and Steven Sessegnon in action during the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017 semi-final match between Brazil and England at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan stadium on October 25, 2017 in Kolkata, India. (Image: Tom Dulat - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Led by coach Colin Omogbehin, the young Fulham side plays in the southern section of Premier League U18 against the best young players in the country.

Among their ranks are Mark Schwarzer's son Julian, Ryan Sessegnon's twin brother Steven and Tammy Abraham's brother Timmy.

The match must be played before Saturday, February 10, but no date or time has been assigned for the match at Home Park yet.

The winner will progress to the last eight of the historic competition, which was won by Chelsea last season.



http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/plymouth-argyle-fulham-youth-cup-1083320

 
Tom Cairney comments on his future, amid links with Newcastle United

Newcastle United and West Bromwich Albion are both interested in signing Fulham midfielder Tom Cairney.

Tom Cairney has told the Express and Star that he wants to stay at Fulham, despite links with both Newcastle United and West Bromwich Albion.

The Northern Echo have suggested that both Newcastle and West Brom are interested in the midfielder this month.

However Cairney, who turned down the chance to move away from Fulham in the summer, insists he remains happy at Craven Cottage.

"I had it last summer [transfer speculation]." he said.

"I signed a contract extension in the summer and I can't do much more than that to commit my future to the club.

"I'm happy here, I love it here, and I want to stay here."

The comments are further bad news for Newcastle, in what has been a very frustrating transfer window for Rafael Benitez's side so far.

Newcastle have missed out on a whole host of targets so far, and it seems that Cairney is another name who won't be moving to St. James' Park.

The Northern Echo suggested that Newcastle would have had to sell Jonjo Shelvey to raise the money to buy Cairney anyway, who was valued at around £20 million.

West Brom, meanwhile, were said to be prepared to bid £15 million for Cairney - but the Scottish midfielder appears to want to see the season out at Fulham.

Fulham are currently in eighth place in the Championship table, and are lurking just outside the play off spots.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/01/18/tom-cairney-comments-on-his-future-amid-links-with-newcastle-uni/

 
Fulham stadium expansion plan includes new river walk and 4,000 more seats

Fulham are planning a huge expansion to accommodate thousands more fans while creating a new riverside walkway along the Thames.

The Championship side will demolish its Riverside Stand and rebuild with two tiers of seating, while creating shops, cafes and nine short-stay luxury apartments. Capacity at Craven Cottage will increase from 25,700 to 29,600.

The walkway would open a currently closed section of the riverbank and allow people enjoying the Thames Path to continue strolling by the water.

However, it will encroach on to the Thames by up to 11 metres, with the new stand above it - sparking opposition from some locals who say a "quiet and beautiful" stretch could be destroyed. They warn it paves the way for other developments to edge into the river.

(https://www.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/styles/hero_tablet/public/thumbnails/image/2018/01/18/14/fulhamproject1801a.jpg)

Architects Lichfields cited Tottenham Hotspur's expansion and West Ham's move to the London Stadium, saying: "The ambition is to return to the Premier League as soon as possible. The stadium has to match this ambition.

"The river walk can only be provided by cantilevering out, beyond the line of the river wall, with water flowing under the walkway. Fulham FC need to improve stadium capacity and facilities. To achieve this the riverside stand has to be larger." The walkway would shut on matchdays. The flats would be used by Fulham's American billionaire owner Shahid Khan and new players.

Pensioner Jane Swithinbank, who has walked the 215-mile river from its source, said: "This is a very quiet and beautiful stretch. I'm appalled - Fulham not only want to keep the land but take more by cantilevering out over the river. This would set a very dangerous precedent for other developers."

Local author Eivor Martinus said: "We are blessed with rich bird life thanks to the [Barnes] Wetland Centre and greenery on both sides. A colossus reaching well into the river would ruin this."

Amanda Lloyd-Harris of Friends of Bishops Park said the walkway "will be a cliff-like structure which will block wind and threaten use of the river for sailing, and be a safety hazard."

Comments on the planning application are open until tomorrow. If Hammersmith and Fulham council grants permission the club hope to start work by May next year and finish in 2021.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-stadium-expansion-plan-includes-new-river-walk-and-4000-more-seats-a3743621.html

 
Omogbehin: Rose To The Challenge

Fulham's Under-18s beat Swansea City 2-0 in the FA Youth Cup on Wednesday evening with an impressive display in South Wales.

"We 100% deserved the result," said Under-18s Head Coach Colin Omogbehin. "After a slightly shaky start for the first five or 10 minutes, we controlled the game from then on in."

"If I'm honest 2-0 probably flatters Swansea a bit, we created so many chances which we would have put away on another day."


The win was made even more impressive by the manner they won in very difficult conditions, with rain and wind hammering the pitch for the full 90 minutes.

"It was certainly an experience for the boys and we did speak about that before the game.

"Playing under floodlights in this competition, that sometimes makes teams anxious. However, I think we rose to the challenge and dealt with it very well."

Spanish winger Nicolas Santos-Clase scored a first half brace, both goals ended up making the difference.

"He scored from a set piece," Omogbehin commented. "That's something that is becoming an improved part of our game.

"That's the third set piece we've scored in our last two games. I was happy for him, I thought his second goal was exceptional, a great individual goal.

"To get his head up and to be calm in the last moment and to find the slot was magical. Those are the type of finishes we look at and work hard at, so a very good performance."

Fulham have played the Swans twice already this season, however with one draw and more recently a loss a win in the Cup put that right.

"A win's a win for us. Every team is entitled to play their style of football and we try to be expansive, creative, to try take risks with the way we play.

"Swansea are quite the opposite, they're compact and like to be difficult to play against. So from our point of view, our style of football won today and that's the way forward."

Coming into this tie the Young Whites knew that if they won, Plymouth Argyle would be waiting for them in the Fifth Round at Home Park.

"It will definitely be a hard fixture, they knocked out a very strong Manchester City side so they won't be push overs.

"They will be difficult, we will look at what they have done and what they will be doing, we'll put our plan in place and be ready for them. We look forward to it."




http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/january/18/omogbehin-rose-to-the-challenge

 
Kyle McFadzean and Burton Albion full of confidence heading to Fulham after last season's last-gasp 'suckerpunch'

McFadzean was suspended for last season's 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage

Kyle McFadzean has never played at Fulham's Craven Cottage before - but he says he and his Burton Albion teammates will travel there full of confidence this weekend.

The Brewers will take on the in-form Cottagers on Saturday (3pm) and bid to secure a fourth successive away victory in the Championship.

They will also be keen to avoid the late drama that saw them denied two points at the same venue last season, when Ryan Sessegnon's 94th-minute leveller cancelled out Jackson Irvine's strike in a 1-1 draw.

Not that McFadzean - who was suspended for that game - would turn down a share of the spoils against a Fulham side who have won four of their last five matches and are on an upwards curve towards the top six.

"I'm looking forward to it, because I've never played there," said the Burton defender.

"I've been suspended or injured, so I'm looking forward to it.

"I travelled last year, and we were unlucky there.

"We conceded late on, and I thought we deserved to win that game.

"We defended really well, and it's always a suckerpunch when you concede in the 94th minute.

"But you still take a point away at Fulham.

"We will be going there full of confidence, and hopefully we can build on another win.

"They have won their last couple and they've hit a bit of form.

"Fulham are a good team, they've got a lot of good, attacking players."

The Brewers' success on the road this season has been built around their ability to stifle the opponents' attacking qualities, and then capitalise when the game opens up.

Since the 5-0 thrashing at Leeds United on September 9, Nigel Clough's side have conceded only five goals on the road, taking 15 points in that time.

So is the prospect of nullifying and frustrating the attack-minded Cottagers one that Albion are relishing this weekend?

"We look forward to it every game," added McFadzean.

"At the minute, we're probably set up away from home better than we are at home.

"I don't think think it's anything to do with formations at home.

"It's just that, away, our mentality has been a little bit different, and I think we need that mentality at home sometimes.

"We are looking forward to it at Fulham. They've got good attacking players and they've spent a bit of money."



https://www.burtonmail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/kyle-mcfadzean-burton-albion-full-1084794

 
Palace interested in Fulham keeper Button

Crystal Palace are interested in Fulham goalkeeper David Button.

The Eagles want to sign a new keeper during this month's transfer window and their first choice is Getafe's Vicente Guaita.

Palace have identified a number of other possible options, including Button and Ipswich's Bartosz Bialkowski, and have made enquiries about both men.

Button, 28, recently lost his place in the Fulham side to Marcus Bettinelli and has been on the substitutes' bench for their past seven league games.

He has made 60 Championship appearances for the Whites since joining them from Brentford in the summer of 2016.



http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/crystal-palace-interested-whites-keeper

 
Premier League side show interest in Fulham player (Not Cairney)

(https://cdn.footballleagueworld.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/David-Button0000cccc-800x504.jpg)

Crystal Palace are interested in signing Fulham goalkeeper David Button who has lost his place as the Cottagers number one in recent weeks.

The 28-year old began the season as first-choice for Slavisa Jokanovic however Marcus Bettinelli has been preferred since the Whites lost 3-1 at Brentford at the start of December.

Since then, Fulham have gone on a fine run and are now just one point outside the top six.

Whilst Button did feature in the FA Cup game against Southampton, Fulham lost, meaning his season could effectively be over unless injury hits.

Therefore, Jokanovic may consider cashing in on his keeper who, according to west London Sport, is attracting interest from Palace.

The Eagles are known to be very keen on signing a new number one and have been heavily linked with a move for Getafe's Vicente Guaita although that seems to have stalled over the past week.

Another player Roy Hodgson is monitoring is Ipswich Town stopper Bartosz Bialkowski and the report suggests that Palace have made an enquiry for him, as they have done with Button.

The Verdict

This will all depend on the fee for Fulham if Palace do firm up their interest with a bid.

If Jokanovic needs to sell to raise money for a striker then it's a no-brainer to let Button go and search for a cheaper back up.

Obviously the deal has to be right for the Cottagers but it's something that could suit all three parties.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/premier-league-side-show-interest-in-fulham-player-not-cairney/

 
West Brom readying improved bid for Fulham midfielder

West Brom are set to make an improved offer of £15m for Fulham's star midfielder Tom Cairney, according to Ed Aarons of The Guardian.

Albion had an initial £12m bid rejected by the Cottagers and believe that a bid of £15m could tempt Fulham into selling their star man.

During the summer Fulham rejected a £20m bid from Newcastle United for Cairney, but could sell him this month in order to raise funds for a new striker.

Manager Slavisa Jokanovic signed two strikers in the summer, with Aboubakar Kamara and Rui Fonte joining the club. However, neither have hit the ground running and with just seven goals between them, they may look to strengthen this area once again.

West Brom boss Alan Pardew is desperate for new signings this month with the club currently sat 19th in the Premier League.

The former Crystal Palace boss has prioritised adding extra creativity and goals to his side this month, something which Cairney could bring.

After being released by Leeds United at the age of 16, Cairney joined the youth setup at Hull City. He signed up to a youth scholarship deal and made his debut at just 17, opening the scoring in a 3-1 victory over Southend.

During his time with the Tigers he played 70 times, scoring on two occasions. In August 2013 he joined Blackburn Rovers on an initial loan deal, before making the move permanently in January.

In his first season with Rovers he was voted the clubs player of the year, after scoring six goals in 40 appearances. Cairney spent just one more season at Blackburn before joining current club Fulham in June 2015 for a reported £3m.

At the beginning of last season, Cairney was elected as the new club captain of Fulham. He established himself as one of the divisions most prolific goalscoring midfielders, scoring 13 times to help the club finish 6th in the Championship.



http://the72.co.uk/96938/west-brom-readying-improved-bid-fulham-midfielder/

 
Forget Cairney: Pardew should be looking to bring classy Fulham teammate to West Brom ASAP

(https://cdn.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Stefan-Johansen-800x504.jpg)

West Bromwich Albion are in big trouble at the bottom of the Premier League, with Alan Pardew's side firmly rooted in the relegation zone as we head deeper into the second half of the season.

Fans here in The Transfer Tavern are extremely concerned for their side's survival, and told our landlord over a cold pint that big changes were needed at The Hawthorns this month if the Baggies are to have any chance of escaping the bottom three. Despite their tricky situation, the club lie just two points behind seventeenth-placed Southampton, and a win this weekend could see them rise out of the doldrums. However fans want change, and with reported interested in Fulham midfielder Tom Cairney, a new middle man is high on their January wishlist. Fulham will fight tooth and nail to maintain hold of their key man ahead of their push for the Championship playoffs, and could play hardball with the Baggies.

However should this happen and their asking price for Cairney spiral out of control, Pardew should instead target a move for his teammates, Stefan Johansen. The Norwegian international has been solid enough this season, scoring four goals and adding two assists from his role in the middle of the park, but the 27-year-old truly exhibited his quality last year. The player bagged eleven goals and eight assists in thirty-seven league starts to emerge as one of the strongest midfielders in the division, with the former Celtic man looking like a Premier League man.

Fulham's form as a squad has curtailed this year meaning Johansen's stats have dwindled, but the player remains instrumental in this Cottagers side. Should Cairney be valued too highly, then switching their attention to his Scandinavian teammate would not be the end of the world for the beleaguered Baggies.



https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/premiership/forget-cairney-pardew-should-be-looking-to-bring-classy-fulham-teammate-to-west-brom-asap/

 
Sigurdsson Update

The Club can confirm that Ragnar Sigurdsson's loan spell at FC Rubin Kazan has terminated, and that he has joined FC Rostov on a permanent deal.

Sigurdsson joined Fulham several games into the 2016/17 season, and went on to make 18 appearances for the Whites, scoring once in a 2-0 win over Ipswich Town at Portman Road.

Everyone at the Club would like to thank Ragnar for his efforts during his time here, and wish him the best of luck during his future career.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/january/18/ragnar-sigurdsson-update

 
Ragnar Sigurdsson: Iceland defender joins FC Rostov from Fulham


Iceland defender Ragnar Sigurdsson has joined Russian Premier League side FC Rostov on a permanent deal from Fulham.

The 31-year-old joined Fulham in the summer of 2016 from FC Krasnodar and went on to make 18 appearances.

Sigurdsson joined Rubin Kazan on loan from the Cottagers earlier this season but the deal has been terminated to allow him to join rivals Rostov.

At Euro 2016, Sigurdsson scored against England in Iceland's 2-1 win in the knockout stages of the competition.



http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/42740550

 
Newcastle United Striker Eyed By Fulham To Beef Up The Attack: Much Needed Inclusion For Rafa?

Fulham is preparing for a bid for Newcastle Striker Dwight Gayle.  The side from Craven Cottage is now eighth in the Championships table with 42 points from 27 games. They still harbour hopes of qualifying for the playoffs as they are only 2 points away from sixth-placed Sheffield United and a positive result for them combined with a draw or a defeat for Sheffield would see Fulham jump into the playoffs.

The Fulham board clarified earlier in January that they are not looking to sell any player this window and instead will be looking to add a couple of new faces to their squad to help the team fight for a playoff spot. However, West Bromwich Albion's interest in Cairney is booming and Fulham may be resigned to losing the midfielder. So now they are planning to use the money they get from the deal of Tom Cairney, who is being pursued by West Brom. The 26-year-old midfielder has been in excellent form this season at Craven Cottage and West Brom are ready to reward him by bringing him to the Premier League

Cairney has scored around 22 goals in over 100 appearances for Fulham and would be a good deal for West Brom, given his football dynamics. However, agreeing to a deal with a Fulham side, who will in no way want to lose their captain, will be difficult.

As for the new signing they want to bring in the form of Dwight Gayle, the Newcastle forward has harboured interest from the West London side for quite some time now with the first spark coming last summer in the transfer window. A deal was agreed between the clubs and a love was imminent only for it to crash last moment. The striker who graduated from the Arsenal youth academy was in seriously good form last season when he helped Rafa Benitez's men qualify for the English Premier League by clinching the Championship title.

He has, however, been unable to repeat his heroics this time around leaving Newcastle in a tough state. The Magpies have endured a mixed start to their campaign in England's top league. After a quick start, Newcastle United flopped and their loss in form saw them sink to the lower end of the table. They managed to pause their slump and hold their form, something which saw the club moves back to a respectable position in the league. But another slump saw Newcastle slide down again. They now stand 14th on the table and have collected just 9 of their last 42 available points.

Losing Gayle would spell more damage for Benitez at the club but the Spaniard is keen to bring in reinforcements of his own and hence might agree to sell the Englishman should Fulham meet their asking price. 



http://the4thofficial.net/2018/01/fulham-ready-bring-newcastle-united-striker-replace-tom-cairney-good-move/

 
Fulham matching Swansea City in the race for Norwich City striker

Fulham are matching Swansea City in the race to sign Norwich City's Nelson Oliveira according to odds priced by Bet Victor.

While Norwich have already got rid of one striker during this transfer window after Cameron Jerome completed a move to Derby County, there are still reports that they would be happy to sell another one of their forwards with Oliveira being linked with a move away. This has alerted plenty of teams who are said to be interested in signing the Portuguese striker.

At the moment, there are two favourites to sign the Oliveira. From the Sky Bet Championship there is Fulham who are looking to sign a new striker after the deal to bring Rui Fonte to the club hasn't worked out well for either party. They have been priced at 4/1. But they are joint favourites with a side from the Premier League with Swansea City being given the same odds to sign Oliveira as the Cottagers. Their new head coach Carlos Carvalhal is looking to bring in extra recruits to make sure they don't get relegated to the Championship.

But they aren't the only teams that the bookies think could sign Oliveira during this transfer window. Just behind Fulham and Swansea is Nottingham Forest who are familiar with the former Benfica man having had him on loan during the 2015/16 season. They have been given odds of 8/1. Several other Sky Bet Championship teams have been given 8/1 odds to sign Oliveira with Wolves, Cardiff City, Sunderland, Birmingham City and Leeds United all being priced at that level.



http://the72.co.uk/96967/fulham-nottingham-forest-trailing-swansea-city-race-norwich-city-striker/

 
Fulham Looking To Sign Exciting Premier League Striker: The Right Man For Their Promotion Bid?

(http://madaboutepl.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/fulham-manager-730x430.jpg)

Fulham will be looking to make the most of the ongoing January transfer window in order to advance towards their ambition of securing promotion to the Premier League. The Cottagers are currently placed at the 8th spot in the league standings with 42 points to their name from 27 games with just 1 point separating them from 6th placed Sheffield United.

According to a recent report by Hull Daily Mail, the Cottagers are keen to make a move for Newcastle United striker, Dwight Gayle, before the transfer window closes. Gayle has been targeted by Fulham for quite some time now but considering that Rafael Benitez has merely three senior strikers at his disposal, it wouldn't be easy for Fulham to prise him out of St. James' Park.

Gayle dazzled for the Magpies last campaign as he smashed 22 goals in 31 games for his employers. He played an instrumental role in Newcastle United's promotion to the Premier League as he was thoroughly relied on by Rafael Benitez in the Championship last term. However, he has struggled in the top flight and is clearly lacking his cutting edge up front.

In 20 games, 9 of which have been off the bench, the 27-year-old has found the back of the net merely 3 times and the alarm bells have started to ring regarding his form. Benitez is reported to be reluctant to lose any of his first-team players until a potential replacement is found, but a transfer fee of £15million might tempt Newcastle United to reconsider their resolve.

Gayle has proven his mettle in the English second division and it is probably due to this, that Fulham are so keen to sign him up. He is a fine finisher as he seems to know exactly where the goal is and is good at holding the ball in the final third, something which is really needed to thrive in English football. Besides, his movements on and off the ball are appealing too and no wonder he is still considered a valuable commodity.

He needs the full backing of the manager under whom he plays and a bit of confidence from people around him will go a long way in restoring his form. If his move to the Craven Cottage materialises and Slavisa Jokanovic manages to do the needful as said before, Gayle could be a season-defining acquisition for them. Moreover, having earned a promotion with Benitez's side last season, the Englishman should be able to inject the winning mentality on his new side provided he makes the move.

Statistics Credits: WhoScored



http://madaboutepl.net/2018/01/fulham-interested-to-sign-this-newcastle-united-hitman-just-what-the-cottagers-need/

 
Socceroos to play Colombia in London as part of World Cup preparations

    New coach to run rule over players on 27 March
    Game comes four days after friendly against Norway in Oslo

The Socceroos' preparations for the 2018 World Cup will take in a friendly match in the familiar surrounds of Craven Cottage against Colombia on 27 March, four days after they play Norway in Oslo in what is expected to be the still-to-be-appointed national team coach's first game in charge.

With Football Federation Australia this week confirming they aim to announce Ange Postecoglou's successor by February, the two games will provide the successful candidate a chance to run the rule over his players, three months out from the side's fourth straight World Cup appearance.

Colombia, ranked 13 in the world and drawn in a group with Japan, Poland and Senegal at June's tournament in Russia, are expected to provide a stern test for Australia, with the likes of James Rodríguez and Radamel Falcao in their ranks and having qualified fourth from the Conmebol region behind Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina.

FFA chief executive David Gallop said: "We are excited to have secured the match against Colombia, which offers us a good challenge against strong South American opposition leading into the Fifa World Cup."

The venue in west London, home to Championship club Fulham, will provide the Socceroos with as near a home-ground experience as possible on the other side of the world, given the sizeable Australian expat population in that part of the English capital.

The Socceroos have a good recent record at Craven Cottage, having beaten Canada 3-0 in 2013, Nigeria 1-0 in 2008 and South Africa 5-0 in 2005 there. They have played Colombia three times, all in friendlies, losing twice (1-0 in Sydney in 1995 and 3-2 in Bogata in 2001) and drawing once (0-0 in Brisbane, also in 1995).

The new coach will take his bow in Oslo on 23 March at the Ullevaal Stadion in the first meeting between the two teams since 2004, when Tim Cahill and Josip Skoko were on target in a 2-2 draw at Craven Cottage.



https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jan/19/socceroos-to-play-colombia-in-london-as-part-of-world-cup-preparations

 
Caltex Socceroos at Craven Cottage: our history at the London ground

The Caltex Socceroos are continuing preparations for the upcoming 2018 FIFA World Cup, returning to Craven Cottage in London to take on world number 13 Colombia in a high-profile friendly in March.

This blockbuster encounter will be the seventh time Australia has played an international friendly at the ground in west London.

While the Socceroos have experienced much success in the past, with five wins and a draw, the South American team will be their toughest opposition so far.

Let's take a look back at the last fixtures in the lead up to the meeting between the two nations.

Australia 3-2 Saudi Arabia

September 8, 2014

Only their second game since the 2014 World Cup, the Caltex Socceroos were aiming to put an end to their winning drought.

And it 2-0 within 10 minutes, after Tim Cahill managed to find the net from close range before Mile Jedinak headed in Joshua Brillante's fantastic free-kick.

However, the game changed soon after, with the Saudis pulling one back after keeper Mitchell Langerak conceded a penalty in the 70th minute.

But defender Bailey Wright capped his Caltex Socceroos debut with a goal seven minutes later, before the Saudi's hit back again through Talsir Al Jassim eight minutes from time.

But Australia just held on to notch their second win in Ange Postecoglou's tenure.

Australia 3-0 Canada

October 16, 2013

With an interim coach at the helm, the Caltex Socceroos were looking to bounce back after back-to-back 6-0 friendly losses to Brazil and France, which cost coach Holger Osieck his job.

And the response was emphatic. It didn't even take one minute for Josh Kennedy to open the scoring in front of a 3000-strong crowd, after Mark Bresciano made a perfect cross straight to the marksman.

Australia continued to dominate the game in the second half, and Dario Vidosic doubled the lead in the 52nd minute with a header that edged just past the keeper.

Mathew Leckie then made it 3-0 11 minutes from the end, capitalising on a David Carney cross to head the ball into the bottom left corner.

This match also marked Jason Davidson and Leckie's first starts for the national team, as well as Oliver Bozanic and Jackson Irvine's debuts off the bench.

Australia 1-0 Nigeria

November 17, 2007

This match at Craven Cottage was marred by heavy rain, but that didn't stop 12,000 spectators from going wild in the 52nd minute, after a ripper of a goal from then-Sheffield United midfielder David Carney.

What turned out to be Australia's lone goal of the match was a sight to see, after a wrongly-cleared ball landed straight at his feet, and with one touch smashed it straight past the keeper.

Australia 5-0 Jamaica

October 9, 2005

This fixture came before the crucial play-off against Uruguay to book us a spot at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. And Guus Hiddink's Aussies didn't disappoint.

Despite an unfamiliar formation partly due to injury Hiddink's experimentation, the Socceroos began strongly and continued to dominate throughout the match.

Mark Bresciano opened the scoring after just two minutes after he found enough space to send the ball over the reach of Jamaican keeper Shawn Sawyers.

Archie Thompson capitalised on a cross-field pass from Jason Culina, before slotting a low strike in before Mark Viduka also made it onto the scoresheet two minutes into the second half.

Only 10 minutes later John Aloisi got in on the act, scoring with his first touch before Joel Griffiths rounded off a five-star display when he tucked home after Aloisi'd initial effort rebounded off the post.

Next stop, Uruguay!

Australia 1-0 New Zealand

June 9, 2005

Australia's traditional rivals put on a threatening display ahead of the Caltex Socceroos' Confederations Cup match against Germany the next week.

As the minutes edged closer and closer towards full time, Frank Farina's men looked like they would have to settle for a goalless draw.

But Simon Colosimo had other ideas, stepping up to the plate in the 87th minute and  netting a cracker inside the far post that edged past the diving hand of keeper Mark Paston.

Australia 2-2 Norway

November 16, 2004

The Caltex Socceroos were looking to end 2004 with a bang after a year full of OFC Nations Cup and FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Then-coach Farina brought out the big guns for their first game at Craven Cottage, with England-based Mark Schwarzer, Lucas Neill, Stan Lazaridis, Brett Emerton, Mark Viduka and Harry Kewell joining Italy-based stars Vince Grella and Mark Bresciano on the field.

Norway was the first to hit home with Steffen Iversen in the 40th minute, but Australia soon responded after Bresciano set-up rising star Tim Cahill to equalise a minute before half-time.

Viduka was crucial in the Socceroos' second goal, his fancy footwork giving the ball to Josip Skoko who let loose a strike in the 58th minute.

The 2-1 lead didn't last for long, after Morten Pedersen's left-footed cross tricked Schwarzer and flew in at the far post with 20 minutes to go.



https://www.socceroos.com.au/news/caltex-socceroos-craven-cottage-our-history-london-ground

 
MCFADZEAN LOOKING FORWARD TO FULHAM TEST

DEFENDER Kyle McFadzean is looking forward to playing at Craven Cottage for the first time in his career and believes Burton Albion will travel to Fulham full of confidence.

The former MK Dons man travelled with the Brewers when they drew with Fulham in London last season but didn't feature due to suspension.

The defender is excited about the prospect of playing against Fulham and says that Burton's good away form means that they are confident that they can get a result.

He said: "I am looking forward to going to Fulham because I have never played there, due to being suspended or injured.

"I travelled last season and we were unlucky, we conceded late-on and I thought we deserved to win that game, we defended really well and it is always a sucker punch when you concede in the 94th minute. You would take a point away at Fulham but we will be going there full of confidence.

"They have hit a bit of form. Fulham are a good team, they have a lot of attacking players."

McFadzean also joked that the Brewers are hoping that Tom Cairney, who has been linked with a move away from Craven Cottage, has left Fulham before Saturday's game.

"We are hoping that he (Cairney) gets sold this week so that we don't have to play against him because he is a massive player for them, so hopefully he will go before Saturday."



https://www.burtonalbionfc.co.uk/news/2018/january2/1901-kyle/

 
The Sean Davis Column

How good was that at Middlesbrough on Saturday?! To go to a team that's in and around you, get the win, keep a clean sheet away from home, brilliant. As a player, nicking three points in the last minute is always a great feeling and the lads will have come into the dressing room buzzing. Some people might say it was a smash and grab but if you stay in the game, you're hard to break down and you don't concede, then you've always got a chance of winning it. It was a calm and collected penalty from Ollie Norwood, which is what was needed in a high pressure situation, and so to win at a ground that we've never won at before was fantastic.

I was involved in a fairly eventful game at the Riverside some years ago when we scored two goals at the death to draw, but I think Saturday's result eclipses that in terms of drama. We went there in August 2002 and we were poor, but I managed to get a little tap-in and Facundo Sava sent one into the top corner, so that was smash and grab as I don't think we deserved anything from it. But one thing about that team was that we kept going until the end, and it's good to see today's side digging in and doing the same.


It boosts confidence knowing that you can go to your promotion rivals and do that. It will be a massive lift for all the players and they will certainly take that into the next game. We've been on a great run and that's seen us quickly climb the table. Last season we had some strong momentum after Christmas and ended up in the Play-Offs, but we've started earlier this time around so who's to say we can't get in the top-two? We're only 10 points off and we're playing five of the teams above us in a consecutive sequence of matches in the not too distant future. We don't want to get carried away, but the lads have given the fans that confidence that we have got a chance here, we are still in the running.

People were a bit gloomy after those defeats at Brentford and Sunderland in December, but our resurgence shows that you can't get too down on yourself because there's always a chance to turn things around. Most of the team were here last season so they'll remember how well we did on our run-in then, and know what's needed to do something similar again.


We've got Burton Albion on Saturday, and they are struggling at the wrong end of the table. You don't take anyone for granted in the Championship, but with the run we're on at the moment, you'd back us against any opposition. We put a few past Ipswich the other week and it would be nice to win by a substantial margin again, not least because you never know how important goal difference could be come the end of the campaign.

That said, I remember Burton coming to the Cottage last season, working hard and putting in a great performance, and were perhaps unfortunate to only leave with a point in the end. People love coming to our stadium, it's great to play in, and Burton will be taking confidence from the fact they beat us back in September. We'll have to be on our toes, the fans can't turn up and expect it to be a walk in the park because Burton are in the relegation zone, it doesn't work like that. To make the Middlesbrough three points even better, we need to back it up with a win at home.

Fulham are running one of their 'Kids for a Quid' schemes for the Burton match, which is always nice to see. It's important to get the younger generation of Fulham fans involved. The Club, along with the Foundation, are very good at that sort of thing. To get the young boys and girls in, and hopefully inspire them to support the Club, is vital for the future of Fulham and it will be great to see lots of fresh faces there at the Cottage this weekend.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/january/17/the-sean-davis-column