Friends of Fulham

 
Results

Exclusive: Chris Baird on Derby, Fulham, Roy Hodgson and Northern Ireland
by Dan on March 2, 2018

Tomorrow's trip to Pride Park was supposed to offer Fulham fans another reunion with Chris Baird, a man whose versatility proved pivotal to the unparallelled achievements of the club's finest ever side. But Baird, now in his third season with the Rams, was harshly red carded at Reading last weekend and will have to take the acclaim of the visiting fans as a spectator himself. 'I'm disappointed to miss the game, of course. I've really enjoyed the last few seasons with Derby, I've been playing a lot of games and working hard. I think we're still in the mix for promotion – like Fulham – and, hopefully, I can play a part, if I can get back in the team.'

Baird, who turned 36 last Sunday, remains every inch the model professional – as his scepticism about returning to Gary Rowett's side, even though he's played 38 games for Derby this year, indicates. He passion for the game hasn't abated and he's eager to 'play for as long as possible'. With Baird's versatility covering positions right across the back four or in midfield, few would bet against him cruising past the 400 appearance milestone he's now nearing. Bairdinio needs no introduction to the Fulham faithful after two spells at Craven Cottage, the first of which saw the boy from Ballymena reach a European final with the unheralded Whites.

None of that was on the horizon when Lawrie Sanchez went about reshaping a Fulham squad that had barely escaped relegation in 2007 with some of his most trusted lieutenants from the Northern Ireland side that he had guided to famous wins over England, Spain and Sweden. Baird had little hesitation in teaming up with former international manager, even though Sunderland were also interested in signing him after five years with Southampton.

'I thought it was the right move for me,' he explained. 'I knew Lawrie, the staff and some of the players he had brought it. It wasn't too far to move from Southampton. Knowing the people that were already there at the club, I thought it would be easy to go there and get settled in at the club and it was.'

Baird's early months at Craven Cottage weren't as idyllic as what followed, though, as he struggled for consistency at right back before Sanchez was sacked with Fulham in the relegation zone in mid-December. The tough baptism didn't faze Baird, though. 'Wherever I've been it has been exactly the same,' he revealed. 'I had a tough start at Fulham, a tough start at Derby and some tough times at Southampton early on. I seem to get through it by playing games. The more games you play, the more confident you become – and that's a big part of my game. When you can get that run of five or six games, your confidence is raised and you're on a high.'

The appointment of Roy Hodgson as Sanchez's successor took plenty of people by surprise, but it is now lauded as a masterstroke. Baird had to be patient, not playing much of a part during the Great Escape, as Hodgson 'had his team in mind and knew what he wanted,' but eventually got an opening when injuries and suspensions had decimated the Fulham midfield. 'I got into the side alongside Danny Murphy and had a really good game. Roy and I spoke about what I could do and what he wanted from me. He was a great man manager. You could speak to Roy at any time about football, about family or just about anything in general. He was that nice a man. What he did for me was great, but what he did for the club was fantastic. It was an unbelievable achievement.'

Baird outlines just how meticulous Hodgson's training methods were in describing the set up at Motspur Park. 'We would go out in the mornings and there would be nothing set up. They were no cones, no goals or nothing. We just did 11 v 11. We were so well drilled. Every player knew exactly where to be and what to do in certain circumstances and it wasn't just the team that was going to be playing on the Saturday – he would mix the teams up, so everyone would be thinking, 'right, I've got the chance of playing'. When they got into the team, they knew exactly what to do. That's how good he was. The finer details were spot on and it showed in the performances and where we finished in the league.

Finishing seventh in the top flight by beating the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United at home opened up an unlikely tilt at European competition, although Baird admits the Fulham squad 'didn't know what to expect' at the outset. 'We started in the very first qualifying round,' he recalls. 'We were delighted to get out of the group stages – from a really tough group with Roma and Basel. That gave us real confidence and because of the performances we'd put in the past, we knew we were going to hard to play against, especially at the Cottage. I knew we had the players to play good football – we just kept going and our confidence was sky high. Once we beat Shakhtar we had great belief in our ourselves. We had nothing to lose and it was the whole experience was incredible.

Baird had demonstrated the versatility Hodgson had come to value in the early stages of the competition, starting in central midfield in Vetra and lining up at centre back in Fulham's opening group game at CSKA Sofia, but he stepped into central midfield on that unforgettable night when Fulham roared back from a 4-1 aggregate deficit to knock out Juventus at Craven Cottage. 'You looked at Trezeguet, Cannavaro and del Piero and thought, 'wow, these are top international players,' he admitted. 'We'd got an away goal in Turin, but when Trezeguet scored in the first minute, you thought 'that's the end of the Europa League for us'. But, we got two goals back in the first half and Cannavaro got sent off. You're 2-1 up against ten men and suddenly you felt, 'we only need two goals against ten men. We can do this'. The boys believed in it. The fans were right behind us because they believed that we could do it. The atmosphere was incredible. Fortunately, we got the third goal quite quickly and then there was Clint's cheeky chip to win it. From that, we knew we could do special things.'

Baird's early experience of the big occasion – he lined up in the 2003 FA Cup final against Arsenal for Southampton as a 21 year-old – held in good stead for the magic of that European run, especially when he was preferred to John Pantsil for the final against Atletico Madrid. The memory is too painful for me to raise it directly with him, but Baird felt that defeat 'was really cruel' and echoes the sentiments of other members of that side in suggesting Fulham could have had a chance in a penalty shoot-out with Mark Schwarzer in goal. 'The whole experience of playing against some top teams – Roma, Juventus, Hamburg, Wolfsburg – and travelling to some great places was brilliant. Roy and his staff prepared us so well and we were so confident by the end of the run. I think that showed in the football we played'. It certainly did.

Baird called time on his international career after a magical summer with Northern Ireland in France two years ago, having helped Michael O'Neill's men to their first major championships. 'I played for Northern Ireland for a long time and I was delighted to finally qualify. We finished tough of a top group with Greece, Finland and Romania. For a small country like us to finish top of that group was fantastic. It was similar to what we did with Fulham in a way – we were hard to play against, we hadn't got big names, but we worked well together, everyone got on with everyone. It showed through the whole campaign. We were successful because everyone was tuned into what we were trying to do.'

Baird's joy at reaching the finals wasn't merely personal. He was delighted for the loyal members of the green and white army, who had followed their country around the world in great numbers during less auspicious times. 'To go to the European Championships was so special, he says. 'The atmosphere was amazing. I was delighted for our fans. They'd been through so many bad times – there was a stage when we went fourteen games and we didn't even score a goal. The next game we lost 4-1, but we scored a goal and they were over the moon with that!' He felt France provided the perfect moment to end his own international career. 'We got to the last sixteen and I just thought it was the right time to call it a day. I wanted to carry on playing at club level, so felt like the right moment'.

Baird's been too busy contemplating the gruelling prospect of the Championship run-in to consider what might come after his playing career – concentrating instead on giving his best for the Rams in the remainder of the season. 'To be fair, I haven't really thought about the next step,' he admits. 'I'd want to stay in the game and give something back, but I'm not sure about coaching just yet. I'd like to spend some time with my family and maybe do a bit of travelling too'. When he does hang up those trusty boots, the Baird family's first stop on that retirement tour should be Craven Cottage. He'll be assured of a rapturous reception.

HammyEnd.com would like to thank Chris Baird, Paul Tyrell and Derby County FC for their time and kind assistance in arranging this interview



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/03/exclusive-chris-baird-on-derby-fulham-roy-hodgson-and-northern-ireland/

 
Everything You Need To Know About The Rams' Clash With The Cottagers

Back on home soil, Derby County will be looking to end a run of two successive draws and get back to winning ways when they take on Fulham this weekend.

In order to do so, the Rams will have to overcome the high-flying Cottagers (kick-off: 3pm) and dcfc.co.uk has collated all the information you need ahead of the visit of Slavisa Jokanovic's men...

WHAT'S THE LATEST TEAM NEWS

Gary Rowett provided an update on the fitness of Matej Vydra as Derby County prepare in the snow for the visit of Fulham.

Vydra – the top scorer in the division with 17 goals – missed the Rams' trip to the Madejski Stadium to face Reading last week with a groin injury.

Rowett says that whilst it's a possibility that Vydra could return to training in the coming days, he will continue to be assessed ahead of the clash with the Cottagers at Pride Park Stadium.

WHAT THE BOSS HAD TO SAY?

Speaking to RamsTV ahead of the weekend, Gary Rowett said: "It'll be a tough test, we played well in stages of the game down at Craven Cottage and both sides had opportunities to win it.

"We know it will be a good game, we know that they're a very good side that play football in a certain way, and they're very consistent.

"They're on a good run of form having beaten Villa and Wolves in recent weeks, but that's the Championship.

"If you're worried about the form of other teams and you lose your focus, then you're not going to do very well in this division.

"We're in a moment where we're not playing badly, but we need to turn draws into wins.

"We need to stop making elementary mistakes, but we don't feel that we suddenly need to do something completely different because we've been pretty consistent all season.

"I'll be looking for a performance on Saturday without some of those elements because if they are there, then it's difficult to win any game of football."

ONE TO WATCH

Sure, last season was some arrival for local lad Ryan Sessegnon, but the 17-year-old is taking the division by storm this time around.

A left back by trade, his goalscoring tally is pretty impressive. He's netted 13 so far this campaign, including a hat-trick in the crucial 5-4 win over Sheffield United, and in 2018 alone, only Sergio Aguero has scored more.

He's tasted success too on the international stage and helped England's Under-19s lift the European Championship in 2017, finishing as the tournament's joint leading scorer.

Ryan joined Fulham, alongside twin brother Steven, in the summer of 2008, joining up with the Under-9s.

A left-sided defender with attacking instincts, he's risen through the ranks quickly, and was a regular for Steve Wigley's Under-18 side in 2015/16, despite being just 15 years of age.

His good form in the Academy did not go unnoticed by Slaviša Jokanović, who called Sessegnon up for first team duties ahead of the new season, and he promptly scored his maiden senior goal in a 3-0 friendly win against Brighton & Hove Albion.

A debut was not far away as he started against Leyton Orient in an EFL Cup victory, and he made his first league appearance in the 1-1 draw at Leeds United shortly after.

Sessegnon ended the 2016/17 campaign with an impressive seven goals in 30 appearances, and the summer saw him sign his first professional contract, which keeps him at Fulham until at least June 2020.

HOW DO I SECURE MY SEAT

The matchday ticket prices have been confirmed for Derby County's top-six Sky Bet Championship meeting with Fulham at Pride Park Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Ticket prices are increased on the day of a game, so pre-purchasing prior to matchdays is recommended.

Tickets are available for Derby County supporters from:

Adults - £26
Senior Citizens (aged 65+) – £19
Under-18s - £15.50
2 to 12 Year Olds - £9.50

* Category D & E prices are listed above.

A £1 per ticket booking fee applies when purchasing by either telephone or online.

For matchday ticket enquiries and purchases, please visit the Ticket Office at Pride Park Stadium or call 0871 472 1884 (option 1).

Alternatively, supporters can also buy tickets online right here on dcfc.co.uk.

* Calls cost 13p per minute, plus your phone company's access charge.



https://www.dcfc.co.uk/news/2018/03/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-rams-clash-with-the-cottagers

 
Slavisa Jokanovic hails Fulham's Academy as one of the most important in England

Despite losing 6-0 to Chelsea in the quarter-finals of the FA Youth Cup, the head coach believes the Academy is one of the best in the country

Slavisa Jokanovic has hailed the Fulham academy as one of the 'most important English schools' and has pointed to the wealth of talent in the first team to prove it.

The number of Academy graduates to have made the grade in the senior side at Craven Cottage is a large one, with Marcus Bettinelli, Ryan and Steven Sessegnon, Matt O'Riley, Tayo Edun and Luca de la Torre all alumni that are currently playing for or training with the first team.

If you add Patrick Roberts, Emmerson Hyndman, Moussa Dembele and George Williams to the list, to name just a few, that roll of honour gets larger and ever more impressive.

The current crop of U18s went down 6-0 to Chelsea on Tuesday night in the quarter-finals of the FA Youth Cup, but Jokanovic wasn't concerned with the result and instead challenged those youngsters to be brave and show personality to break into the first team.

He said: "This game, Chelsea showed highest level and at the end our school is one of the most important English schools.

"Our products, what we use right now in the senior squad, is one of the best that you can find here.

"At the end, Chelsea showed the quality and I had a few players in this team that I use in some friendly games, like Steven Sessegnon I use in some cup games too.

"My job is to follow them, they still have the time to make the positive steps and be part of the Fulham senior team.

"One defeat, one victory, in this life is not so significant for the future, it's hard for the young players to lose 6-0, but after these steps they must show personality, be brave and push to believe in themselves and be part of the senior team.

(https://i2-prod.getwestlondon.co.uk/incoming/article14346802.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/PBP_SAH_WL1803680004.jpg)
(Image: Paul Burgman)

S. Sessegnon played at centre back in that game, but has yet to break into the first team in quite the same way his twin, Ryan, has done.

However, Steven trains regularly with the first team and Jokanovic was impressed with how he performed against Chelsea on Tuesday evening.

He added: "He (S. Sessegnon) is working well, he's improved and still 17 - at the end he is working with us and I believe he's shown some important level in the Chelsea game.

"There are only 11 places for the starting line-up, he needs to push hard, believe in himself and show the ambition like he's shown and wait for the chance."



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/slavisa-jokanovic-hails-fulhams-academy-14356809

 
Fulham's Ryan Sessegnon targeting Premier League return after beating Chelsea, Spurs and Arsenal stars at London Football Awards

The 17-year-old picked up the Young Player of the Year award and the EFL Player of the Year award at last night's ceremony in Battersea, and said that credit has to go to everyone at Fulham.

Ryan Sessegnon responded humbly to picking up two London Football Awards last night, saying the team always comes first.

The 17-year-old picked up the Young Player of the Year award and the EFL Player of the Year award at last night's ceremony in Battersea, and said that credit has to go to everyone at Fulham.

(https://i2-prod.getwestlondon.co.uk/incoming/article14258071.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/Fulham-v-Burton-Albion-Sky-Bet-Championship.jpg)
(Image: Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images)

After winning his first award, Sessegnon said: "This season we've been playing some good football and that's credit to the manager, the management staff and everyone connected with Fulham Football Club.

"I think that this season we just want to keep pushing and keep playing and hopefully we'll end up where we belong in the Premier League."

After picking up his award for EFL Player of the Year, he added: "Again, I'd just like to say thankyou to everyone that voted for me.

"Credit goes to the team of course; I always try and put the team ahead but it's always good to get individual accolades and hopefully we can keep pushing."



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulhams-ryan-sessegnon-targeting-premier-14358328

 
Fulham expect a lot of interest in Aleksandar Mitrovic

Jokanovic quizzed on possibility of buying Aleksandar Mitrovic and expects a lot of competition in the summer - good news for Rafa.

(https://4c2lgc59e181vuma1n9bmo1c-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/assets/mitrovic-goal-fulham-wolves-newcastle-united-nufc-650x400.jpg)

Aleksandar Mitrovic has now started three Fulham matches and was a sub in another two.

After so little football in the previous nine months, the Cottagers have taken it easy with the Newcastle loan signing.

Now they are reaping the benefits, with Mitro scoring in his last two games, including the last time out when they comfortably beat runaway leaders Wolves 2-0.

Victory at Derby this weekend would take Fulham up to fourth.

Aleksandar Mitrovic is quickly becoming a fan favourite and not just for his goals, with perhaps surprisingly widespread appreciation for his workrate.

Already there is talk about whether Mitro will become a permanent signing at Fulham but their manager expects a lot of competition for his signature in the summer.

If Newcastle could get something around what they paid for him, it could be a big boost to Rafa's transfer funds.

Slavisa Jokanovic:

"(Derby County's) Matej Vydra is top scorer (in the Championship), a very good player, I am aware of his quality.

"We have a special plan for that, he is part of this team and can be very dangerous for us and we must be careful."

"Aleksandar Mitrovic has scored only two goals with us (so far), we expect he can score more and work harder still.

"He can support the team and he can be a really important player.

"We were looking for this kind of striker for a long time and in the end we found someone who I believe can be very important for our team.

(Asked whether Fulham could make the move permanent in the summer)

"I don't buy and sell the players.

"Aleksandar Mitrovic is a quality player, he showed the quality in these few games that he has played with us and in the future we will see...

"At the moment we don't make plans for next season but in the summer many things can happen, he is a very good player and I believe many clubs will be interested in him."



https://www.themag.co.uk/2018/03/fulham-expect-lot-interest-aleksandar-mitrovic-newcastle-united/

 
Gary Rowett 'hopeful' of Matej Vydra's availability for Fulham clash

The Rams are gearing up to face their promotion rivals at Pride Park Stadium this weekend

Gary Rowett is hopeful Derby County's top scorer Matej Vydra will be fit to face Fulham at Pride Park Stadium tomorrow.

Vydra, who has scored 18 goals this season, missed the 3-3 draw at Reading due to a groin injury.

But he did some light work in training yesterday and is due to train again today.

"Matej played some part in training yesterday, but often when a player has been out with any sort of injury the first day back training is a little lighter, and then you have to see how they respond," said Rowett.

"We will see how he is, and we always give every player up until the last moment.

"I am hopeful he might be available for selection."

Rowett added: "We have got one or two other knocks, and we might have to make some changes.

"Also, tactically with this game there might be areas to just tweak one or two things, so we will see how everyone gets through today's training."



https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/matej-vydra-derby-county-rowett-1286247

 
Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson named Manager of the Year at London Football Awards

There were also big wins for Harry Kane and Fulham youngster Ryan Sessegnon

(https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-public/styles/article_large/public/thumbnails/image/2018/03/02/10/roy-hodgson-main.jpg)
Roy Hodgson was named Manager of the Year Getty

Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson has been named Manager of the Year at the London Football Awards, while there were also big wins for Tottenham striker Harry Kane and Fulham youngster Ryan Sessegnon.

Hodgson was honoured for lifting Palace outside of the relegation zone, having taken the job with the club sat rock bottom of the Premier League.

Since Hodgson's return to Selhurst Park, Palace have won 27 points which would be good enough for 14th-place in the table if the season had started when he was appointed. They currently sit just one place above the drop zone, although a win this weekend could see them rise as high as 13th.

Elsewhere, Kane was honoured with the Premier League Player of the Year award – the first time he has won the prize.

Kane has enjoyed an outstanding 2017 and finished as the top goalscorer across Europe's top-five leagues with 56 goals for club and county in the last calendar year.

He also won the Golden Boot for the second successive season at the end of the last campaign. Kane is looking to become just the third player – after Alan Shearer and Thierry Henry – to finish as the Premier League's top scorer three campaigns in a row, and currently top this season's scoring charts.

But Fulham youngster Sessegnon was the star of the show. The 17-year-old – who has been linked with a number of Premier League clubs – took home the Young Player of the Year Award and the EFL Player of the Year Award.

"I'm honoured to receive this award," the teenager said after the ceremony. "I'd like to say thank you to everyone, thank you to the team. This season we've played some really good football."

There was also an award for Ian Wright, who was recognised for his outstanding contribution to the sport.

"For me to get this recognition is fantastic," he said. "I didn't win too much as an individual so it's very humbling. Bob Wilson and his Willow Foundation, who organise the event, do unbelievable work with seriously ill young adults. I've seen some of the special days they've given people and they really are very emotional."



http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/london-football-awards-roy-hodgson-harry-kane-ryan-sessegnon-tottenham-fulham-crystal-palace-a8236126.html

 
Derby County In Focus

Have a read of the pre-match details as Fulham head to Derby County will the intention of moving above our promotion rivals in the table.

Possible opposition absentees

Chris Baird - suspended

Matej Vydra - groin injury
Tickets

Tickets are available to buy in person or over the phone on 0203 871 0810 (option 3) until 3pm on Friday. Fans can buy tickets on the gate, but at a £2 price increase.
Weather

Freezing cold but dry, temperatures at one degree. Pride Park has been passed fit for the game to go ahead as scheduled.
Getting there

90 minutes to Derby from St Pancras, Pride Park then a short walk away.
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 2.45pm (GMT) to view.
He said

"Fulham are on a fantastic run, but we're unbeaten in eight games at home so we're not fearful." - Gary Rowett, Derby manager
Grosvenor Casinos match odds

Derby County: 29/20

Draw: 47/20

Fulham: 9/5
Previous five results

Reading 3-3 Derby County (Championship)

Derby County 2-2 Leeds United (Championship)

Sheffield Wednesday 2-0 Derby County (Championship)

Derby County 1-1 Norwich City (Championship)

Derby County 3-0 Brentford (Championship)



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/march/02/derby-county-in-focus

 
More impressive news for Fulham as fan excitement grows

Ryan Sessegnon has had a remarkable season for Fulham, playing a key role in their push for promotion and that was recognised at the London Football Awards last night.

The 17-year old was named Young Player of the Year and EFL Player of the Year after a truly rapid rise to prominence – as fan excitement over the teenager continues to grow.

Sessegnon has scored 13 goals in 34 games during this campaign, including eight in 2018 alone.

And, the Telegraph report how the teenager was quick to praise his teammates as he collected his awards:

"I'm honoured to receive this award. I'd like to say thank you to everyone, thank you to the team. This season we've played some really good football."

Slavisa Jokanovic's men are on an eight-game unbeaten win, including six wins, that has seen them surge up the table although they are eight points behind second-placed Cardiff City ahead of a crunch clash against Derby tomorrow.

The Verdict

Ryan Sessegnon is not only one of the most talented youngsters in the EFL but the entire country and these awards recognise that.

He has had a truly incredible season and has established himself as a key man for Fulham despite his age.

A move seems inevitable and when he does decide to leave Craven Cottage there will be interest from many of the top clubs across the globe.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/more-impressive-news-for-fulham-as-fan-excitement-grows/

 
Ryan Sessegnon: I'll be ready if England World Cup call comes

(https://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2018/03/02/11/sessegnon0203abcd.jpg?w968h681)
Best foot forward: Ryan Sessegnon has been in sparkling form for Fulham Getty Images

Ryan Sessegnon laughed and shook his head in reflection when it was put to him that a season which began with being substituted against Norwich could end with promotion to the Premier League and a place in England's World Cup squad.

The 17-year-old is moving forward in every sense of the word: graduating from left-back to left-wing, helping Fulham climb the Championship table with the play-offs a minimum aspiration and producing performances that fuel talk of a big money move this summer.

Tottenham, Manchester City and Manchester United are monitoring Sessegnon as is Gareth Southgate over the possibility of becoming the latest in a list of long wildcards to travel to a major tournament with England.

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic yesterday backed Sessegnon's potential inclusion for the finals in Russia and the player himself seemed unfazed by the prospect. "Who knows? Theo Walcott did it, Michael Owen did it so I could be ready," he told Standard Sport.

"If I did get the call, it would be a fantastic achievement. I'll be ready if I get the call. If I don't, I'll be cheering them on the TV hoping they do well. It is nice for the gaffer to say that about me. Who knows? Hopefully it will happen."

Like Sessegnon, Walcott had not played a Premier League game when Sven-Goran Eriksson named him in his squad for the 2006 World Cup. In fact, Walcott had only started 13 senior matches in his career by that point and, in contrast, Sessegnon has had relatively much more exposure having already made 67 appearances for Fulham. With the club pushing form promotion, he has scored 13 goals this season and eight since New Year's Day as he benefits from playing in a more advanced position but, perhaps more significantly, Sessegnon was part of the England Under 19 squad which won that age group's European Championships last summer.

He was the competition's joint top scorer with three goals and could soon find himself at the vanguard of trying to replicate the remarkable success England have enjoyed at youth level with the senior side.

"2017 was a great year for England's youth age groups," said Sessegnon. "To win that Under-19s Euros does give you that confidence and knowing how to win a major tournament. If I was to get the call for Russia, I'd know something about tournament football and people say that has often been England's problem.

"It is at a lower level but the experience of coming through a tournament successfully can only be a good thing if I get the chance to go up the age groups."

Sessegnon was speaking at last night's London Football Awards, where his fine form was recognised with the EFL Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year gongs. He became the first player in the awards' history to win two prizes on the same night but there seems little chance of such individual success distracting him for a longer-term aim.

"I have good people around me," he said. "It is important to have good family and friends around me. As a young player, I have always been very focused and driven. When success does come my way I don't get too overly hyped or enjoy it too much. I want to move on and improve and keep getting better.

"There have been moments that have taken a while to process. When I got my hat-trick at Sheffield United [in November 2017], it didn't sink in until a few days later when people told me I was the second youngest to score a hat-trick at 17, after Dele Alli.

"But establishing myself is the most important thing right now. It is nice to receive awards like this because it shows I am on the right track but I've still got a long way to go."

He continues along that path under the weight of comparisons with Gareth Bale, who made the same positional progression, albeit at an older age, and went on to become, for a time, the most expensive player in world football when leaving Tottenham for Real Madrid in 2013.

"When I was younger, I looked at Luke Shaw and Gareth Bale as attacking left-backs," he said.

"It is a bit too soon to compare me but it is good to be likened to someone like Gareth. If I can get to have the career he has had would be fantastic."



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/ryan-sessegnon-i-ll-be-ready-if-england-world-cup-call-comes-a3780036.html

 
Fulham fancied to deliver 9/1 blow to Derby's promotion hopes

(http://sportslens.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Fulham.jpg)

Derby County host Fulham on Saturday aiming to end a run of four games without a win in the Championship.

The visitors are unbeaten in the last 12 league games and are now just one point behind Derby as the race to secure a play-off place hots up.

Derby County host Fulham on Saturday aiming to end a run of four games without a win in the Championship.

The visitors are unbeaten in the last 12 league games and are now just one point behind Derby as the race to secure a play-off place hots up.

Sky Sports' pundit David Prutton is backing Fulham to continue their excellent form with a 2-1 success this weekend (9/1 with Sky Bet).

"Derby will be starting to get a little bit nervous that it's all happening again," he said.

"They looked so assured a few weeks ago, but now have just one win in their last seven and they are drifting back down the table.

"Fulham, meanwhile, are absolutely flying and will be full of confidence heading to Pride Park, especially after that victory over Wolves last week.

"I think Slavisa Jokanovic's side will claim all three points."

The two sides drew 1-1 at Craven Cottage back in November, but Fulham's form has improved significantly since then.

Derby are priced at 6/4 to win the game, with Fulham on offer at 7/4. The draw is available at 12/5.



http://sportslens.com/fulham-fancied-to-deliver-9-1-blow-to-derbys-promotion-hopes/226194/

 
'We will take some stopping' – Fulham goalkeeper ahead of Derby County clash

Derby and Fulham go head-to-head at Pride Park Stadium in the Sky Bet Championship tomorrow

Goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli has said Fulham "will take some stopping" when they travel to Derby County on Saturday.

However, the Cottagers number one added that his side will "defend like our lives depend on it" in order to return to the capital with all three points.

Bettinelli has been a mainstay in the Fulham side since December, making 15 appearances as they surged from 17th to fifth.

(https://i2-prod.derbytelegraph.co.uk/incoming/article800667.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/Marcus-Bettinelli.jpg)
Fulham goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli

During those 15 games, Fulham have lost just once – a 1-0 defeat at Sunderland.

Despite their recent run, which included the weekend win over league leaders Wolverhampton Wanderers, the goalkeeper knows they will be in for a tough afternoon at Pride Park Stadium.

"We know what it's like against Derby," Bettinelli told Fulham's club website. "It's a tough place to go and get a result – especially against Gary Rowett.

"They've got great individuals, got a lot of experience – not just Championship experience – and a lot of players who have played international football.

"We know what they are like, they are a great team and Gary Rowett is a great manager, but we are high on confidence.

"I think if we play the football we can play it will take some stopping us.

"We showed against Wolves – the best team in the league – they struggled against us.

"We go there with the same mentality as in every game.

"We will try to defend for a clean sheet, defend like our lives depend on it and play with the freedom and attacking spirit that we play.

"It's going to be tough but we are right up for it and we will give it a great go."

Derby will be looking for a first win in five games.



https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/we-take-stopping--fulham-1284896

 
Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic takes aim at Cardiff City and insists they should be feeling the pressure

The Cottagers chief believes Warnock's men are likely to feel the heat of the promotion race over the next few weeks

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic claims that all the pressure is now on promotion rivals Cardiff City to finish the job and earn a place in the Premier League.

Despite stretching their unbeaten run to 12 Championship outings with their impressive 2-0 win over leaders Wolves, the Cottagers currently remain an outside bet in the automatic promotion race and sit in fifth, eight points adrift of the Bluebirds.

City boss Neil Warnock has made a point of attempting to play down his side's promotion credentials this season, while also describing Jokanovic's team as "the best footballing side" in the Championship.

(https://i2-prod.walesonline.co.uk/incoming/article14096504.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/JS139793159.jpg)
Jokanovic believes Cardiff City are under pressure

But despite the Yorkshireman doing his best to keep expectations down, Jokanovic believes the Bluebirds are the ones most likely to be feeling the heat of the promotion race.

"We are relaxed and ready for the fight. Eight points is a huge number of points. They [Cardiff] are in a fantastic position and we are going to try, but they must lose the games for us to catch this position.

"It will depend on us, but even if we can win all the games, if they win all their games at the end of the season there won't be any solution for us.

"They are under pressure and that is how I observe the situation."

Cardiff are set to take on Fulham's local rivals Brentford at Griffin Park on Saturday, with the fixture currently set to be given the go-ahead, despite snowy conditions on both sides of the Severn.



https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-boss-slavisa-jokanovic-takes-14358267

 
Derby v Fulham preview

(http://e0.365dm.com/18/03/16-9/20/skysports-chris-baird-derby_4244713.jpg?20180302122654)
Chris Baird of Derby

Derby will be without the suspended Chris Baird for their home clash with Championship promotion rivals Fulham.

The defender begins a three-match ban against his former club after he was sent off in the draw at Reading. Rams boss Gary Rowett has confirmed that Andre Wisdom will replace Baird at right-back.

Leading scorer Matej Vydra was absent at the Madejski Stadium but he has trained this week and Rowett will make a decision on his fitness.

Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic has a full strength squad to choose from. The Cottagers inflicted a rare defeat on Wolves last weekend to extend their unbeaten run to 12 league games.

After defeating the Championship leaders, Jokanovic is unlikely to make many changes to his starting line-up and he may even pick the same team at Pride Park Stadium. Denis Odoi, former Ram Cyrus Christie, Oliver Norwood and Lucas Piazon are among those who could come into Jokanovic's thinking should he tweak things.

Opta stats

---

Derby have won each of their last seven home league matches against Fulham in the second tier by an aggregate score of 16-3.

Fulham have kept one clean sheet in their last 25 away league visits to Derby, a 1-0 win in January 2002 in the Premier League.

Kasey Palmer has scored in each of his last two league appearances for Derby - as many as in his previous 25 combined (three games for Derby, 22 for Huddersfield).

Fulham have won the most points (23) and scored the most goals (22) of any Championship side in 2018 so far.

The Rams haven't drawn three consecutive league matches at Pride Park since December 2005.

Ryan Sessegnon has scored 13 goals from just 16 shots on target in the Championship this season.

Prutton's prediction

---

Derby will be starting to get a little bit nervous that it's all happening again. They looked so assured a few weeks ago but now have just one win in their last seven and they are drifting back down the table.

Fulham, meanwhile, are absolutely flying and will be full of confidence heading to Pride Park, especially after that victory over Wolves last week. I think Slavisa Jokanovic's side will claim all three points.

David Prutton predicts: 1-2 (9/1 with Sky Bet)



http://www.skysports.com/football/derby-vs-fulham/preview/375032

 
Matchday Live: Derby County

Overseas fans can enjoy a live stream of Saturday afternoon's Sky Bet Championship encounter against Derby County at Pride Park.

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!

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 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/2018/march/02/matchday-live-derby-county

 
Will Derby County's Championship clash with Fulham go ahead? Here's what we know

The Rams are set to host the Cottagers tomorrow at Pride Park Stadium

Fans have been asking if Derby County's Championship clash against Fulham tomorrow will go ahead.

The wintry blast of snow and ice has forced the postponement of three of tomorrow's Championship games - Barnsley v Norwich City, Ipswich Town v Hull City and Sheffield United v Burton Albion.

Derby's pitch at Pride Park Stadium, which has undersoil heating, is playable and the first team trained on it this morning.

The club's maintenance team has been working in and around the stadium for the past three days.

Police have this afternoon confirmed the game will go ahead.

They Tweeted: "Following a meeting of all partner agencies and DCFC the game v Fulham is on."

Derby City Council's Highways Department has also been working on clearing the approaches to the stadium, I am told.

I attended a pre-match press conference at the stadium at 9am this morning and when I left it was noticeable how quickly the snow and the ice on the West Stand car park was thawing.

There is no official comment from Derby but club sources confirmed both the pitch and stadium are in good condition.



https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/derby-county-fulham-match-snow-1288359

 
How Slavisa Jokanovic won Fulham's power struggle over transfers to reignite their Premier League push

Slavisa Jokanovic cuts a far happier figure now he has wrested back control of players coming in and out of Craven Cottage – and results are vindicating his methods

(https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-public/styles/article_large/public/thumbnails/image/2018/03/02/15/jokanovic.jpg)
Slavisa Jokanovic has led Fulham up to fifth in the Championship Getty

The point sounds obvious but to Slavisa Jokanovic it was a vindication that he had been right all along. "I am working here in England, I want English people, or people who know what the English game is." Matt Targett, Cyrus Christie and Aleksandar Mitrovic all signed for Fulham in late January, and have reignited Fulham's push for promotion back to the Premier League.

Jokanovic speaks in a low growl but when he looks back on the triumph of the transfer window, he starts to get animated. "All these three players came to the training ground, opened their bags, put on their boots and played football. I don't have time now, in this level, to bring in people from another part [of the world]. Especially with 12 games in front of us. I need people who know about driving the car in the English style. Who know what life in England is."

That is what Jokanovic got in January, but it has not always been so simple during his time at Craven Cottage. His two years there have been characterised by progress on the pitch, some of the best passing football in the division, but a political war over signings that has only just been resolved in Jokanovic's favour.

For too long, Fulham's director of statistical research Craig Kline had too much say over transfers. He was a close friend of Tony Khan, the son of owner Shahid Khan, and was bizarrely given control of transfer policy. Using his own secret algorithms, Kline vetoed good signings and made bad ones, much to Jokanovic's exasperation. It all ended in tears: Shahid Khan was finally persuaded to sack Kline last October. Kline called the police.

Since Kline's departure, club sources have noticed how much more relaxed and happy Jokanovic is. He no longer has to fight battles over transfer policy and he is no longer imposed with players he has no idea what to do with. Speaking to The Independent in his office at Craven Cottage, he still looks back on the summer transfer window – the last of the Kline era – as a missed opportunity.

"We bought a few players in August without any preparation, without pre-season, without these players knowing how we want to play, without me knowing what exactly they can offer us," Jokanovic reflects. Yohan Mollo, Rafa Soares and Marcelo Djalo have barely been involved this season, not because they were 'data' signings, but because they were never of the right standard for the team. "If the club brings some players that I don't use, there can be two reasons for that," Jokanovic explains. "One is that I don't believe he's good enough. The other reason is if I am a completely crazy man, and I want to blame the player. But that would be without any sense."

This January, Jokanovic and the club were finally working harmoniously on signings again. Yes, the new players still needed to have good objective data but they were also Jokanovic picks, all with his most important criteria: experience of this level. "I am now more satisfied than I was in the past," Jokanovic smiles. "It is simple: from my point of view, we are working with more sense, and we make better steps. Part of work is making mistakes. But we must be careful to make less mistakes."

(https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-public/styles/story_medium/public/thumbnails/image/2018/03/02/15/slavisa-jokanovic-fulham.jpg)
Jokanovic: 'We bought a few players in August without any preparation' (Getty)

These better steps meant signing those three new players, first Targett from Southampton, then Christie from Middlesbrough and finally Mitrovic on loan from Newcastle. "You need to find people who you can trust, and who can help you immediately." Jokanovic's colleagues saw a man reenergised by the deadline day arrivals, especially Mitrovic, who came on loan from Newcastle United.

Jokanovic had known about Mitrovic for years. When Jokanovic started his managerial career 10 years ago at Partizan Belgrade, Mitrovic was a teenager in the club's academy. By the time Mitrovic made his debut in 2012, Jokanovic was off coaching Muangthong United in Thailand, but he has always kept well aware of the burly centre-forward. Mitrovic lost focus and motivation at Newcastle United, and did not help himself with his disciplinary record. But Jokanovic has given Mitrovic a fresh start, and a platform to get fit before the World Cup in June.

So when asked if he had taken a risk on a man with a bad attitude, Jokanovic backed his player. "If I knew about this bad reputation, I don't sign him," Jokanovic smiled. "First of all, he is Serbian, I am Serbian. He was top scorer in the qualification for the World Cup. He played for the team I did, Partizan Belgrade. I know what this player can do, his characteristics. He has the characteristics my team needs."

Jokanovic's Fulham are probably the best passing team in the Championship, even out-playing Nuno Espirito Santo's Wolves last Saturday. But they had been lacking a focal point up front. Chris Martin struggled last season, as did Rui Fonte and Aboubakar Kamara this year. Jokanovic, comparing this Fulham team to his free-scoring Watford team that came second in 2014-15, rues Fulham's lack of strikers. "I always played with two strikers at Watford," he explains. "Because my best players were strikers: Troy Deeney, Odion Ighalo, Matej Vydra and Fernando Forestieri. The team was really clinical."

But this Fulham team is different, more about possession and controlling the midfield. "With these players I have in my hand right now, we take the decision to play in this way," he says. "Because I believe we are more safe with the ball than we are without it. We believe we can dominate the opposition with the ball. We are not the strongest, tallest team in the Championship. We miss the set pieces, we need to win some points in this situation, but we don't do it."

All of which explains why Jokanovic was so keen to sign Mitrovic, and so pleased that in the post-Kline era, the club would support him. This nice team needed a nasty edge and Mitrovic was the man to provide it. "First of all, the important character of this player is that he is a winner, he shows ambition to win the game."

Mitrovic was a long way from fitness when he arrived at Fulham but after taking a few games to settle in he is showing his value. At Ashton Gate last week he opened his account, from a Cyrus Christie cross. Then he terrified champions-elect Wolves at Craven Cottage last Saturday, setting up the opener before beating three men to hammer in the second from 20 yards. Vindication for Jokanovic, already.

"Mitrovic is strong. He gives us different options. We are not talking about the fastest player in this position in the world. But he can hold the ball, we can connect with him. He can be our target man. He can improve our set-pieces, and he can improve us in our defensive set-pieces. Football players can link with good players, easily."

There are still 12 games left in the Championship season and Fulham, now fifth, have eight points to catch up to Neil Warnock's Cardiff City, still confounding expectations in second place. They have Derby County and Aston Villa ahead of them, too, but Fulham go to Pride Park this Saturday and who would bet against them? They are unbeaten in eight in the league, a run in which they have only conceded three goals, ironing out the defensive frailties that dogged them last season.

Jokanovic is a Championship expert, and when you throw in Targett, Christie and Mitrovic then this team now has the final pieces to its jigsaw. Jokanovic knows this is how football works. "If I coach in Italy, I will try to have more Italian players. If I coach in Serbia, more Serbian players. Football is different in different parts of the world. English football is English, the Championship is the Championship."



http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/live-match-centre/championship/slavisa-jokanovic-fulham-transfer-struggle-premier-league-push-championship-interview-a8236896.html

 
Fulham's Ryan Sessegnon dreams of the Premier League, comments on Tottenham pair Dele Alli and Harry Kane

The Fulham ace is a reported transfer target for Tottenham Hotspur.

ottenham target Ryan Sessegnon admitted that it is his dream to play in the Premier League, when speaking to reporters at the London Football awards, as quoted by Four Four Two.

According to the Telegraph, Spurs are interested in signing the youngster from Fulham in the summer, with a potential £50 million deal being mooted.

Sessegnon has been quite simply sensational for the Cottagers so far this season, chipping in with 13 goals and four assists in 34 Championship outings, with more than half of those appearances coming from the left-back position.

Fulham are actually enjoying a successful campaign this season, and currently sit in fifth spot in the table, eight points adrift of the automatic promotion spots.

Whether Sessegnon will still be in west London come the start of next season remains to be seen, and the 17-year-old told reporters how it is his dream to play in the top flight, whilst highlighting the progress of Harry Kane and Dele Alli as an example for him to follow, as quoted by Four Four Two:

"I think for any young player playing outside the Premier League, the dream is to be in the Premier League. So I think winning this award makes me want to keep improving as a player. If you look at those two young English players [Kane and Alli], they've done it at a young age and they're doing it currently in the Premier League. I'm no different to any other player, I just want to play at the highest possible level."

Sessengnon is one of the most highly-coveted young players in the game, and if Tottenham manage to sign him in the summer, even for the £50 million touted, they will surely be the envy of the Premier League.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/03/02/fulhams-ryan-sessegnon-dreams-of-the-premier-league-comments-on/

 
Ryan Sessegnon exclusive interview: 'I idolised Luke Shaw growing up. I loved watching him bomb down the wing'

The leading light of Fulham's surge towards promotion in the Championship, a 17-year-old English left-back who has scored an astonishing 13 goals in 34 league appearances already this season, a player surrounded by growing talk of a World Cup squad place - did Ryan Sessegnon see this coming? "Nah, not really to be honest."

Sessegnon may not have predicted his astonishing ascent, but there is no doubting that he is officially The Next Big Thing. Spurs and Manchester United lead a queue of potential suitors for the player, with the former preparing a summer bid of £35million. Fulham want closer to £50million. And on Thursday night, he beat Davinson Sanchez, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Andreas Christensen and Harry Winks to the London Football Awards Young Player of the Year, as well as being named the EFL Player of the Year.

Does all this not distract someone so young? "I feel attention sometimes in games, from fans and other players," he says. "But I just try to play the way I always have, remain focused and don't let distractions get in my way."

It is clear that Sessegnon is bright and does not want to give too much away. But that is possibly no bad thing. The football graveyard is littered with the bones of unfulfilled potential but Sessegnon is focused and determined, looking to follow in the footsteps of his heroes. So who does Ryan Sessegnon, future star of England, idolise?

"Luke Shaw," he says.

That seems young. Does he really mean Luke Shaw?

"Yeah! When I was younger I had two players: Luke Shaw and Gareth Bale. When Shaw was at Southampton he was a left-back and I loved watching him bomb up and down the wing, create goals, score goals, so I think I try to emulate that. Gareth Bale same thing really."

Like Bale, Sessegnon is lightning quick with and without the ball. Full of tricks and able to improvise under pressure, it makes sense he has really found form since being moved to a more advanced position, often occupying the left forward role in manager Slaviša Jokanović's tactical setup.

"At younger ages I was more attacking, and had a striker role through the middle, but as I progressed they pushed me towards left-back. I think they saw the energy and endurance that I have to get up and down the pitch and they just tried to change my game, more for my physical attributes than how I see the game.

"If you can play a variety of positions quite well it gives the manager the option to play you in that position, for one. I don't think at a young age you know your position well enough so to have one or two is good."

Sessegnon's twin brother, Steven, is a similar type of player, and also plays for Fulham. Not quite yet at the explosive level of Ryan, the two grew up playing football - as so many of England's recent crop of extraordinarily talented youth players have - in a south London cage.

"I grew up in Roehampton in the south-west - it's decent!" he laughs. "There was a cage right next to our house where we used to play from morning until night with big 11 vs 11 games. There were times where you couldn't even see the street lights so you had to picture who was on your team. My team was always on the ball.

"There's a lot of cages and five-a-side places in London. You see young people showing off their talents. First touch is important. That's where you learn it, on the street."

Hugely ambitious, Sessegnon is determined to play "hundreds" of Premier League matches, win the Champions League and - "one day, hopefully" - play for England.

"First of all, I love the game," he says. "Especially with Fulham, I see the club that's given me the chance to play in the Premier League, I give it all every game, every training session, I just want my team to play in the Premier League.

"When I made my debut they had a lot of confidence in me already but they really stepped it up another gear this year.

"I think it's good to surround yourself with good people. I have a small circle so I'm not easily influenced by people from outside. People around me keep me humble and private but I feel like I've always been like that."

And if Fulham don't make the Premier League this season, what's the plan?

"I dunno really, to be honest. I'm not too sure. I'm really focused on Fulham at the moment. Championship, Premier League... I want to get us into the Premier League. I just want to keep improving."




https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2018/03/02/ryan-sessegnon-idolised-luke-shaw-gareth-bale-growing-loved/

 
Derby County Vs Fulham

Derby County are back at Pride Park Stadium and host Fulham on Saturday looking to extend their unbeaten run at home to nine matches. Let's see where we can cash in with official betting partner Coral...

Coral make Derby 6/4favourites to win the match, which is probably fair but perhaps a bit too short for a Single bet. But an ideal place to start a weekend accumulator.

Every winning four-fold qualifies for a 10% Acca Boost for Coral members. So you only need to add another three Match Results at similar prices for a return of around 38/1 – plus your 10% bonus!

Plus, there are better ways to cash in on the Home Win...

Remarkably, all nine of Derby's home wins have been accompanied with a clean sheet so the Win to Nillooks great value at7/2.

Six of the nine have gone under 2.5 goals, so you might also be tempted by the Derby Win & Under 2.5 Goals at 16/5.

Or for bigger prices, you could go for a fifth 2-0 winning score line of the campaign at 12/1, or a sixth 3-0 at a massive 25/1.

If you like big prices, you should also check out Coral's #YourCallbets via Twitter. All you have to do is tweet @coral with a multiple of your choice and if accepted it will appear in the #YourCall section of the match bets.

So for example, Derby to win, both teams to score and over 10.5 corners pays 13/2



https://www.dcfc.co.uk/news/2018/03/derby-county-vs-fulham-the-betting-preview

 
Derby County v Fulham
SAT 03 Mar 2018  Championship
Venue: Pride Park Stadium


Andre Wisdom is set to replace the suspended Chris Baird at right-back for Derby against promotion rivals Fulham.

The fitness of Derby's Matej Vydra will be assessed after their leading scorer missed last week's draw with Reading.

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic has no injury concerns as he aims to extend the 12-match unbeaten run which has lifted the Whites into the play-offs.

The Serb faces a choice of which of his six loanees to omit, with Lucas Piazon missing last week's win over Wolves.

Fulham's run of nine wins from their past 12 league games has seen them move to within one point and one place of Gary Rowett's Rams, who have collected just 12 points from a possible 27 since the start of 2018.

SAM's prediction
Home win 38%   Draw 29%   Away win 33%

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

Match facts

    Derby have won each of their last seven home league matches against Fulham in the second tier, with an aggregate score of 16-3.
    Fulham have kept one clean sheet in their last 25 away league visits to Derby, a 1-0 win in January 2002 in the Premier League.
    Kasey Palmer has scored in each of his last two league appearances for Derby - as many as in his previous 25 combined (three games for Derby, 22 for Huddersfield).
    Fulham have won the most points (23) and scored the most goals (22) of any Championship side in 2018 so far.
    The Rams have not drawn three consecutive league matches at Pride Park since December 2005.
    Fulham forward Ryan Sessegnon has scored 13 goals from just 16 shots on target in the Championship this season.



http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/43178130

 
PL2: Norwich Fixture Rearranged

Fulham's Under-23s match against Norwich City has been rearranged for Wednesday 7th March in a 7pm kick off at Carrow Road.

The Whites were due to travel to the Colney Training Centre on Friday to play the Canaries in the PL2 fixture, however, with the current weather affecting the country the match was postponed.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/march/02/pl2-norwich-fixture-rearranged

 
Praise for 'improved' Fulham defender Ream

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic has praised the performances of centre-back Tim Ream.

The American has impressed during the Whites' 12-match unbeaten run, helping them keep clean sheets against Middlesbrough, Burton, Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa and Wolves.

While others like Ryan Sessegnon and Aleksandar Mitrovic have grabbed the headlines, Ream's displays have been rewarded with four man of the match awards.

"He has improved a lot," said Jokanovic, ahead of the team's trip to Derby.

"He has improved because he is working. He has shown his professionalism every second on the field and on the training ground.

"I am not surprised at how he is working in this team. He is a very important player for our style and how we want to play.

"He is in a great level of form. He must keep going and try to be at the highest level."



http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/improved-lot-jokanovic-praises-unsung-fulham-man

 
Ryan Sessegnon: Fulham's teenage forward praises manager Slavisa Jokanovic


Fulham forward Ryan Sessegnon says manager Slavisa Jokanovic has had a "massive impact" on his career.

The 17-year-old, who initially broke into the team last season at left-back, has scored 13 goals for the Championship club so far in 2017-18.

"For someone to have faith in you at the tender age of 16 is massive," Sessegnon told BBC Radio London.

"This season he has had total confidence in me and I just want to repay him with my performances."

'Fulham style helps my development'
Roehampton-born Sessegnon joined Fulham at under-nine level, and was handed his first-team debut by Jokanovic in August 2016, in an EFL Cup victory over Leyton Orient.

After featuring 30 times in all competitions last season, scoring seven goals, he signed his first professional deal last summer to commit to Fulham until June 2020.

The highly-rated teenager has started every league game for the west London side this term and, used in a more advanced role, is the Whites' top scorer.

Sessegnon, who has attracted interest from Manchester United and Tottenham, got recognition for his form over the course of this campaign at the London Football Awards on Thursday, winning the EFL Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year awards.

"Credit to the gaffer for playing me in a higher position," he said.

"My debut season was a good one for me, especially at 16, but I said that I want to improve. That is what I am doing at the moment and I want to keep on going.

"The way we are playing at the moment has helped me develop as a player.

"The football we have been playing, especially in recent weeks, is a very attractive brand and I am grateful to the gaffer that he keeps choosing me."

Jokanovic backs Sessegnon for England future

(https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/624/cpsprodpb/14401/production/_100254928_jokanvoic.jpg)
Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic has played Sessegnon as part of a front three this season

Sessegnon has been a key part of Fulham's promotion bid this season and Jokanovic, who has been in charge at Craven Cottage since December 2015, has backed the youngster to win full England recognition.

He was part of the England squad which won the European Under-19 Championship last summer but missed last October's Under-17 World Cup, which his twin brother Steven helped England to win, because of his commitments with Fulham.

Jokanovic believes the World Cup in Russia this summer may come too soon for the teenager, but he thinks he will eventually establish himself in the senior squad.

"This man has showed the quality to compete in senior football and has become champion of Europe, with a generation two years older," Jokanovic, 49, said.

"I trust this kid to do important things.

"If he goes to the World Cup - I cannot make the decision - it won't be the first time for England. Michael Owen and Theo Walcott were part of this tournament at a similar age.

"If they decide not to bring him this time I am sure he is going to be part of the next European Championship."

Interview with Ryan Sessegnon by BBC Radio London's Lucy Oliva.



http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/43257418

 
Why former Nottingham Forest man thinks Derby County will lose to Fulham

The two sides played out a 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage when they last met in November

Derby County are preparing to face promotion rivals Fulham in their next match in the Sky Bet Championship.

The Rams go into the match at Pride Park on the back of a 3-3 draw at Reading last weekend.

Gary Rowett's side sit in fourth place in the league table and are seven points outside of the automatic promotion places, with 12 games to go.

Cardiff City occupy second place, while Aston Villa are three points clear of Derby in third place.

Fulham go into the clash with the Rams on a 12-game unbeaten run in the league – a run that includes wins over Villa, Cardiff and league leaders Wolves.

The last time these two sides met was in November, when they played out a 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage – with goals from Oliver Norwood and Matej Vydra.

Former Nottingham Forest midfielder and Sky Sports pundit David Prutton has provided his prediction for this weekend's match.

Prutton reckons that the Rams will taste defeat against the Cottagers at Pride Park, handing out a 2-1 prediction in favour of the away side.

"Derby will be starting to get a little bit nervous that it's all happening again," said Proton.

He added: "They looked so assured a few weeks ago but now have just one win in their last seven and they are drifting back down the table.

"Fulham, meanwhile, are absolutely flying and will be full of confidence heading to Pride Park, especially after that victory over Wolves last week.

"I think Slavisa Jokanovic's side will claim all three points."



https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/former-nottingham-forest-man-thinks-1287682

 
'The scenes towards the end of the game were farcical' - Derby County columnist recalls crucial win for Rams against Fulham

Bobby Davison goal against the London side helped Peter Taylor's side avoid relegation

The other week I was at the Leeds United game and out of the corner of my eye spotted a familiar face from my childhood.

It was Bobby Davison, my all-time Rams hero, who was sitting alongside fellow ex-Derby striker Kevin Wilson, who were both doing a bit of punditry for Rams TV.

In his Derby County career Bobby scored many important goals, none more so than the one he bagged against this weekend's opponents Fulham 35 years ago.

It was a goal that rubber-stamped Second Division survival for the Rams, while bringing to an end Fulham's hopes of gaining promotion to the First Division.

It was the final game of the season and, for Fulham, the mathematics were thus. They were level on points with Leicester City, who were sitting in the third and final promotion spot. But Fulham had a vastly inferior goal difference.

Basically, they had to better Leicester City's result, with the Foxes taking on Burnley.

Derby, on the other hand, had endured a torrid season. It was hard to believe that just eight years earlier the Rams had been English champions.

The club needed a point to guarantee avoiding relegation to the Third Division - and thanks to a goal from Davison, the Rams secured all three.

Managed by Peter Taylor, the Rams line-up contained names such as Archie Gemmill and Kenny Burns, although it would be fair to say not exactly in their prime.

In the game, Derby played above themselves - thanks in no small part to the Rams faithful, who on the day created a highly intimidating atmosphere.

With 15 minutes to go, Davison volleyed in the only goal of the match. But it was what happened after that goal which made the headlines at the time.

As many of us who had the privilege of watching Derby play there, the Baseball Ground was always a difficult place for away teams to visit.

With its tall, narrow stands on all four sides, rather than being lost on the wind, the noise seemed to stay within the stadium.

Added to that was the feeling that the crowd was so close to the pitch they could reach out and pull your shorts down while taking a corner kick or a throw.

At that Fulham game, the crowd had been swollen by Derby's need to stay up - and the team responded to that extra support.

However, following Davison's goal, some of those supporters got a little too carried away.

The crowd invaded the pitch to celebrate Davison's strike before being temporarily penned back in by policemen with dogs.

With full-time approaching, the fences behind the goal were opened and the crowd spilled out and stood on the touchline.

The scenes towards the end of the game, with Derby fans cramming the touchline were farcical. It was like they were watching a game down at Chaddesden Racecourse.

With five minutes to play, Fulham were attacking on the left wing when Robert Wilson was kicked by a Rams supporter.

Then the referee called a halt with two minutes left when the crowd, thinking that the referee had signalled for full-time when he had actually blown for a free-kick, invaded the pitch.

In the end, for Fulham, it would not have mattered if they had scored in those last few minutes. Leicester had drawn with Burnley, which meant Fulham would have needed to score twice to win promotion.

Fulham appealed to the Football League for the match to be replayed, and Derby, safe in the knowledge that results elsewhere had gone their way and it transpired the Rams hadn't needed any points to stay up in the first place.

But the Football League decided to uphold the result, promoting Leicester, while keeping Fulham down.
Read More

It was a decision that was to cost Fulham dear as it would be another 18 years before they finally made it into the top flight.

Would I have been upset if the boot was on the other foot? Yes, I probably would.

And I'm sure, even now, that infamous game at the Baseball Ground sticks in the craw of Fulham fans of a certain vintage.

No doubt, they probably had a grin on their faces when one of their old boys, Bobby Zamora, did what he did to us in the 2014 play-off final.

Fast forward to this season, both teams are placed towards the business end of the table and are well in contention for a play-off spot.

Hopefully, we can repeat what we did 35 years ago and put a dent in their promotion hopes by taking a much-needed three points - while everyone stays off the pitch!




https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/bobby-davison-derby-county-fulham-1270309

 
Defender clarifies once and for all reasons behind failed Fulham transfer

Fulham's alleged interest in Maxime Poundjé is something we've been covering for quite some time, with various reasons being reported as to why the transfer never went through last summer.

First, we got Bordeaux's president claiming it was because the left-back loved the club and the town too much.

Then, Sud-Ouest, the local newspaper, stated it was due to the fact Poundjé wasn't entirely satisfied with the financial aspect of his deal at Fulham, despite the two clubs agreeing on a fee.

Well, now we get to hear from the player himself, who gave an interview on Friday to the aforementioned media outlet, and he took some time to clear the air.

He said: "Apparently, I had an offer from Fulham. There were rumours they were interested, but I never felt it as something solid. The way it happened, I didn't find that great.

"Things aren't always as they're told... In football, there's a lot of fake news. You get told it would be good for you, get more time... Fulham is a very good club for whom I have a lot of respect, but this story isn't what people put it out to be, and leaving for the sake of it didn't interest me".

Well, there you have it, we're glad that's sorted.

Now, we just need to hope that Diego Contento does the same regarding his supposed strange interaction with the Cottagers involving a refusal to play reserve football in order for him to be scouted.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/defender-clarifies-reasons-behind-failed-fulham-transfer/

Sessegnon: 'I want to get Fulham back into the Premier League'
by Dan on March 2, 2018

The day after winning a London Football Awards double and the media are awash with new Ryan Sessegnon stories. The Fulham winger, who was voted the young player of the year and the EFL player of the year in Battersea last night, followed a couple of speeches with a round of press interviews, during which he skillfully swerved the prospect of a Premier League move, stressing that his main focus was helping the Whites win a return to the top flight this season.

Sessegnon told the Daily Telegraph that he hadn't really considered what might be on the cards if Slavisa Jokanovic's side didn't win promotion from the Championship.

    I dunno really, to be honest. I'm not too sure. I'm really focused on Fulham at the moment. Championship, Premier League... I want to get us into the Premier League. I just want to keep improving.

He also told the Telegraph football correspondent JJ Bull of how important the club had been in his development.

    I love the game. Especially with Fulham, I see the club that's given me the chance to play in the Premier League, I give it all every game, every training session, I just want my team to play in the Premier League. When I made my debut they had a lot of confidence in me already but they really stepped it up another gear this year.

Sessegnon reveals that he looked up to Luke Shaw and Gareth Bale whilst growing up.

    When I was younger I had two players: Luke Shaw and Gareth Bale. When Shaw was at Southampton he was a left-back and I loved watching him bomb up and down the wing, create goals, score goals, so I think I try to emulate that. Gareth Bale same thing really.

The youngster says much of the credit for his meteoric rise has to go to Jokanovic. He told BBC Radio London about his desire to repay the Serbian head coach's belief in his ability:

    For someone to have faith in you at the tender age of 16 is massive. This season he has had total confidence in me and I just want to repay him with my performances. Credit to the gaffer for playing me in a higher position.

    My debut season was a good one for me, especially at 16, but I said that I want to improve. That is what I am doing at the moment and I want to keep on going. The way we are playing at the moment has helped me develop as a player.

    The football we have been playing, especially in recent weeks, is a very attractive brand and I am grateful to the gaffer that he keeps choosing me.

Confidence isn't in short supply. Even though James Olley, who was on the judging panel for the awards confirms that Sessegnon shook his head when considering the prospect of a full international call-up, the 17 year-old believes he could be an asset to the England side if Gareth Southgate did find a place for him on the plane to Russia for the World Cup this summer.

    Who knows? Theo Walcott did it, Michael Owen did it so I could be ready. If I did get the call, it would be a fantastic achievement. I'll be ready if I get the call. If I don't, I'll be cheering them on the TV hoping they do well. It is nice for the gaffer to say that about me. Who knows? Hopefully it will happen.

    2017 was a great year for England's youth age groups. To win that Under-19s Euros does give you that confidence and knowing how to win a major tournament. If I was to get the call for Russia, I'd know something about tournament football and people say that has often been England's problem. It is at a lower level but the experience of coming through a tournament successfully can only be a good thing if I get the chance to go up the age groups.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/03/sessegnon-i-want-to-get-fulham-back-into-the-premier-league/

 
Derby County v Fulham preview

It's impossible not to see Derby v Fulham as a potentially decisive moment in the season.  Victory for the Rams would reignite hope, even if it is fainter now, of stealing second spot.  A draw would at least keep the resurgent Cottagers below us for the time-being.  A win for Fulham, on the other hand, would see them leapfrog us into genuine contention for automatic promotion, booting Derby further towards the dogfight for fifth or sixth.

Fulham's form has been sensational since Christmas – their combined goals for and against from 23 December onwards is 30-9 (Derby's is 18-10).  Their capture of Aleksandr Mitrović feels like the key factor – finally, they have a strong central striker to bolster their pretty attacking patterns, providing a rugged reference point for all of those technical attacking midfield players in their ranks.  Basically, the job they wanted Chris Martin to do last season (but let's not get into that).

Derby on the other hand cannot be said to have strengthened in January and as soon as news broke that Sam Winnall's season was over, it was clear that they went into February weakened as a squad.  There should have been time to plan for Johnny Russell's long-trailed departure, but, for whatever reason, nothing was done.  If Kasey Palmer is viewed solely as cover for Matej Vydra and not as a serious wide option, suddenly, a squad which was by general agreement "bloated" starts to feel almost threadbare in attacking areas.

I asked Daniel Smith from Fulham Focus what has gone right for Fulham this calendar year and he wasn't exactly short of responses, given their incredible form.  Unsurprisingly, he points to Fulham's success in loaning Mitrović:-

"Mitro gives us that much-needed presence up front, bringing the others into play and is clinical in front of goal, as he proved in our last two matches.  He has also surprised me with his work-rate and ability to win back possession high up the pitch."

But another key factor was the loan signing of left back Matt Targett from Southampton.  "Targett was effectively two signings in one, as it has allowed Ryan Sessegnon to play further up the pitch.  So just by having Targett, who's accomplished both defensively and picking out a pass, we also have our best finisher playing in the position that causes the opposition the most damage."

Sessegnon is frightening.  17 years old and bagging Championship goals for fun.  His shot map makes him look like a predatory poacher, rather than a winger:


So in some ways, this is a tale of two Januarys.  While Derby were mostly interested in shipping out surplus players, presumably to ensure compliance with Financial Fair Play regulations, Fulham had a more successful window.  "We managed to hold onto all of our key players, like the much sought after Sessegnon, as well as Tom Cairney and Ryan Fredericks.  New additions have also gone a long way to turning us from a good team into a serious promotion contender, they really have been the icing on the cake for us."

We know that this will be a clash of styles – of attractive, technical, short passing football from the visitors against more reactive, direct, counter-attacking play from the home side.  There will be frustrating times in this game, perhaps for prolonged spells of it, when Derby can't get the ball off Fulham.  Let's face it, Jokanović's will play the more pleasing and progressive football.  But that is by Rowett's design.

The reactive philosophy is summed up well by the journalist Diego Torres, describing Mourinho's approach during his tenure at Real Madrid:-

1. The game is won by the team who commits fewer errors

2. Football favours whoever provokes more errors in the opposition

3. Away from home, instead of trying to be superior to the opposition, it's better to encourage their mistakes

4. Whoever has the ball is more likely to make a mistake

5. Whoever renounces possession reduces the possibility of making a mistake

6. Whoever has the ball has fear

7. Whoever does not have it is therefore stronger

(H/T Jonathan Liew)

Last season, Fulham totally dominated the ball in an extraordinary game at Derby, but imploded defensively, thanks to erratic passing out from the back, a personal nightmare for goalkeeper David Button and David Nugent's magnificent poached hat-trick.  Although not ultimately crucial in the season – Derby missed the play-offs, Fulham lost in the play-offs – it was certainly a big result for proponents of counter-attacking football to point to and pure gold for anyone who rejects what they might call the "tippy-tappy" possession style.

Since then though, The Nuge has scored seven goals in 33 appearances – none at all since Christmas – and at 32, going on 33, it's impossible to escape the concern that he is a player whose best days are behind him.  Cameron Jerome has the physical attributes which Rowett prioritises and scored 16 goals for Norwich last season, but can he fit into the Derby side and make the number nine position his own in the coming months? 

    Who would you start up front for #dcfc v Fulham? #dcfcfans

    — Derby County Blog (@derbycountyblog) March 2, 2018

Meanwhile, there has been considerable angst about who should play at full back.  Craig Forsyth recently lost his place in the side to Marcus Olsson, who has just done exactly what he does – trundle up and down the wing competently enough with the ball at his feet, but look terribly vulnerable every time a high ball is aimed in his direction, or a tackle needs to be won.

Forsyth has his limitations as a player and has never been an accurate passer of the ball.  But if a cross comes in, or a fifty-fifty needs to be won, who would you want to be in there?  To me, the answer is clear and so as long as he is fit, I would stick with Forsyth at this point.

On the other flank, Rowett has trusted Chris Baird's experience over Andre Wisdom's pace and presence, a preference now disrupted by Baird's straight red at Reading.  Whether it was a fair decision or not, the dismissal was a result of Baird knowing that if he didn't make a challenge which stopped Mo Barrow from escaping up the wing, then he would never in a million years catch him.  At 36, Baird is still a solid player, but if he is caught out of position, he is screwed and knows it.  I don't understand why Rowett picked him to play against a player as fast as Barrow and am hoping that Wisdom will finally make the shirt his own during the veteran's suspension.


So, how do we beat Fulham?  If we are as passive as we were in the first half at Reading and allow them to dominate the ball without disruption, then I fear they will punish us.  But at the same time, if we're too aggressive and push too far up the pitch, they have the pacy players to catch us out – as good as Davies, Keogh, Huddlestone and Ledley are, they are not exactly blessed with speed, as was painfully demonstrated by Barrow's goal at the Madejski.

Against Reading, certainly in the first half, our full backs were quickly closed down whenever they received the ball, which meant that they had to either go backwards, or clear it down the line.  That meant that the Royals almost invariably got the ball straight back and could start again.  By contrast, the bulk of the Rams' pressing was done by Jerome and Palmer.  If the wide midfielders hold their position rather than trying to pin the full backs in, then Fulham will be able to build from the back, as our two forwards will rarely be able to prevent an out-ball.

Last year, we beat them by haranguing their defenders and Button – since replaced by Marcus Bettinelli, whom I'm told is better with the ball at his feet – into howlers and that has to be the way to go again.  It will take a lot of energy, commitment and guts to do it, because if they manage to pass around us, we'll be exposed to the likes of Cairney and Sessegnon in attack.  But if we just sit off them and let them build up pressure, they have more than enough quality to take advantage.

Victory in this game would be the biggest result of our season so far and certainly as far as form goes, we go into this as underdogs, home status notwithstanding.

But Fulham will come to Pride Park expecting a difficult afternoon and just as conscious of the importance of the occasion.  As Daniel says: "We don't tend to do well at your place, or against Rowett sides, so I'm quite nervous.  Despite you appearing to slow down a little of late, you're still a very good side with a very good manager, so for me, it's a season-defining game for both teams.

"The one that wins still has a serious chance of automatic promotion, a defeat or a draw and I reckon it's playoffs – at the moment, it looks very possible that we will end up facing each other."

This potentially fascinating clash of styles just might have a lot more than 90 minutes left to run.



http://www.derbycountyblog.com/derby-county-v-fulham-preview/

Slavisa Jokanovic is happy after winning Fulham transfer battle
by Dan on March 2, 2018

The Independent's Jack Pitt-Brooke, one of the country's most perceptive young football writers, has a fascinating piece following an interview with Slavisa Jokanovic, which largely focuses on how the Serbian successfully won the Motspur Park power struggle over Fulham's transfer policy.

Jokanovic says he's much 'more satisfied' following a January transfer window that saw the club exclusively bring in players with English experience of the Championship and that he feels eradicating the past 'mistakes' will help the Whites in trying to win promotion back to the Premier League. Pitt-Brooke notes how Jokanovic's colleagues see him as much more relaxed now that Craig Kline has left the building and the coach himself is explicit about how changes from the summer have helped.

    We bought a few players in August without any preparation, without pre-season, without these players knowing how we want to play, without me knowing what exactly they can offer us. I am working here in England, I want English people, or people who know what the English game is. If the club brings some players that I don't use, there can be two reasons for that. One is that I don't believe he's good enough. The other reason is if I am a completely crazy man, and I want to blame the player. But that would be without any sense.

    I am now more satisfied than I was in the past. It is simple: from my point of view, we are working with more sense, and we make better steps. Part of work is making mistakes. But we must be careful to make less mistakes. You need to find people who you can trust, and who can help you immediately.

    If I coach in Italy, I will try to have more Italian players. If I coach in Serbia, more Serbian players. Football is different in different parts of the world. English football is English, the Championship is the Championship. All these three players came to the training ground, opened their bags, put on their boots and played football. I don't have time now, in this level, to bring in people from another part [of the world]. Especially with 12 games in front of us. I need people who know about driving the car in the English style. Who know what life in England is.

Jokanovic also reveals how he has changed his approach at Fulham after losing Moussa Dembele and Ross McCormack – moving away from the two up front formation that had helped him take Watford up to a more possession based game that suits the Whites' strengths.

    I always played with two strikers at Watford. Because my best players were strikers: Troy Deeney, Odion Ighalo, Matej Vydra and Fernando Forestieri. The team was really clinical. With these players I have in my hand right now, we take the decision to play in this way. Because I believe we are more safe with the ball than we are without it. We believe we can dominate the opposition with the ball. We are not the strongest, tallest team in the Championship. We miss the set pieces, we need to win some points in this situation, but we don't do it.

He gives the notion that Aleksandar Mitrovic, who has already hit the ground running since his loan move from Newcastle United on deadline day, has an attitude problem short shrift.

    If I knew about this bad reputation, I don't sign him. First of all, he is Serbian, I am Serbian. He was top scorer in the qualification for the World Cup. He played for the team I did, Partizan Belgrade. I know what this player can do, his characteristics. He has the characteristics my team needs.

    Mitrovic is strong. He gives us different options. We are not talking about the fastest player in this position in the world. But he can hold the ball, we can connect with him. He can be our target man. He can improve our set-pieces, and he can improve us in our defensive set-pieces. Football players can link with good players, easily.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/03/slavisa-jokanovic-is-happy-after-winning-fulham-transfer-battle/

Rampant Fulham travel to Derby aiming to end their Pride Park hoodoo
It's been 16 years since the Whites last won at Derby. Fulham have the perfect opportunity to change that.

Pride Park has consistently proven an unhappy venue for Fulham in their stay in the Championship: three previous appearances have resulted in three losses for the Whites. Each previous matchup at the home of the Rams has resulted in a crucial match that would either set the tone for the season or mark a turning point; this weekend's match is no different.

In 2014, just four matches into Fulham's first second-flight season in a decade, the Cottagers were throttled 5-1: a dreary season would follow.

On Boxing Day 2015, Fulham fell to a limp 2-0 loss that left them just three points off the relegation zone. It had been more than a month since Kit Symons was sacked; leaderless, the season was careening out of control. Two days later, Slavisa Jokanovic was announced as manager, ushering in a new era at Craven Cottage.

In April 2017, a horror show of David Button mistakes gifted Derby a 4-2 victory, ruining Fulham's chance to take a place in the top six. Jokanovic realized a change needed to made, and in came Marcus Bettinelli, leading to Fulham's late run into the play-offs.

And this time around, Saturday's fixture between Derby and Fulham takes on more significance than ever before. For much of Fulham's spell in the Championship, the Whites have been playing catch-up to the Rams, with Derby challenging for promotion while Fulham battle for survival. Last year, both teams were in the top 9, but neither occupied the play-off places.

Yet this edition of the matchup pits 4th vs 5th in the Championship- a true heavyweight battle of two sides who possess the quality to achieve promotion. The spoils were shared in the November matchup, a 1-1 draw in SW6 where Oliver Norwood's smashed free kick was cancelled out early in the second half by the Rams.

For Derby, this is the worst possible time to face Fulham. The Whites are the most in-form in the division, boasting a 13-match unbeaten run with wins over the likes of Wolves, Aston Villa, Cardiff, and Middlesbrough.

Teenage sensation Ryan Sessegnon is going from strength from strength; fresh off crucial goals against Villa and Wolves, the 17-year-old bagged two accolades at the London Football Awards. Few have ever seen a player with such a natural ability for finishing, and at Sessegnon's tender age, the sky truly is the limit. His meteoric rise defies belief.

Coupled with the outstanding form of defensive rock Tim Ream, Bettinelli's knack for keeping clean sheets in big matches, and the return to form for the integral midfield three of Tom Cairney, Stefan Johansen, and Kevin McDonald, few would bet against Fulham to continue their remarkable run against Derby.

2018 has not been a kind year for the Rams, in stark contrast to Fulham's fortunes. Derby have won just two out of a possible seven in the new year, suffering a shock loss to lowly Sheffield Wednesday, as well as disappointing draws with Norwich and Reading.

Yet to underestimate the Rams would be a mistake. They are 4th for a reason, buoyed by Championship top-scorer Matej Vydra, who could return from injury on Saturday. The core of the squad oozes experience and class, featuring Scott Carson, Curtis Davies, Richard Keogh, Tom Huddlestone, and Joe Ledley. And of course, Fulham will have to win at Pride Park, a feat the Cottagers haven't managed in 16 years.

Jokanovic is expected to maintain the same starting XI that produced impressive 2-0 wins over both Villa and Wolves, and he recognizes the threat posed by Derby.

"We must be focused, concentrate and show ambition to win the game," Jokanovic told fulhamfc.com.

Fulham have shown their quality when faced with the biggest challenges this year. Saturday is yet another massive fixture in their push for promotion; a fascinating match between two strong sides awaits.



https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2018/3/2/17073380/rampant-fulham-travel-to-derby-aiming-to-end-their-pride-park-hoodoo

 
'We respect Fulham and their form, but we are not fearful of the clash' says Gary Rowett

Derby County host Fulham at Pride Park Stadium this afternoon

Gary Rowett is full of praise for Fulham and the impressive run they are on, but the manager says Derby County are not fearful of today's clash.

Fulham are second behind Cardiff City in the Championship form table and they arrive at Pride Park Stadium armed with an unbeaten record of 12 league matches.

They have beaten leaders Wolverhampton Wanderers and Aston Villa in their last two home games, and they won at Cardiff in December.

But Derby are also on a consistent run.

They have suffered just one defeat in 15 although they have drawn six of their nine league games since the turn of the year including three of their last four at home.

(https://i2-prod.derbytelegraph.co.uk/incoming/article1271976.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/Aleksandar-Mitrovic.jpg)
Fulham's Aleksandar Mitrovic celebrates scoring his sides second goal against Wolverhampton Wanderers (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)

Rowett is focused on his team, and not Fulham, and how Derby can "hurt" the visitors.

"Fulham are in good form, but we are unbeaten in eight games at home and Fulham's away form has included quite a few draws," Rowett said.

"We are in no way fearful of the game.

"We are respectful because they (Fulham) are a very good side, they have got a really good manager and they play a very attractive style of football.

"But with that attractive style of football comes opportunities to attack them and put them under pressure which is exactly what we will try to do, as we try to do in every home game.

"They have conceded more goals than us and so we will focus on how we can hurt them.

"At home, most of the times we have tried to be on the front foot, most of the time we have tried to force the game.

"In lots of games we have passed the ball really well."

Derby are fourth in the Championship - one place and one point above Fulham.

The gap between the Rams and second-placed Cardiff City is seven points.

"I read some of the comments Slavisa (Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic) made in the week, and he is right, we are a point above Fulham," Rowett said.

"They are on a fantastic run, but what you do is gauge all of the points over all of the games, and you view that as how you are doing for the season.

"We don't win the League or get promoted on the run we had in October to December but at the same time we do not lose the League by having a little bit of a poor run now."



https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/gary-rowett-derby-county-fulham-1290624

 
Don't Miss The Rams' Clash With Fulham Today!

The matchday ticket prices have been confirmed for Derby County's top-six Sky Bet Championship meeting with Fulham at Pride Park Stadium this afternoon, kick-off: 3pm.

Ticket prices are increased on the day of a game, so pre-purchasing prior to matchdays is recommended.

Tickets are available for Derby County supporters from:

Adults - £26
Senior Citizens (aged 65+) – £19
Under-18s - £15.50
2 to 12 Year Olds - £9.50

* Category D & E prices are listed above.

A £1 per ticket booking fee applies when purchasing by either telephone or online.

For matchday ticket enquiries and purchases, please visit the Ticket Office at Pride Park Stadium or call 0871 472 1884 (option 1).

Alternatively, supporters can also buy tickets online right here on dcfc.co.uk.

* Calls cost 13p per minute, plus your phone company's access c



https://www.dcfc.co.uk/news/2018/03/dont-miss-the-rams-clash-with-fulham-today

Three Players to Watch: Matchday 35 vs. Derby County
What can Fulham do for an encore after their win against Wolves?

You could not have asked for a better performance against the best football club in the Championship. It is flat out surreal that Fulham could pull off such a 90-minute shift after looking to have no answers back in October and November. Now, they not only put a clinic on Wolverhampton Wanderers, but they have shown that when everything goes right, their squad is better and deeper than any in the Championship.

Now the way I'm waxing poetic makes it sounds like Fulham's job is complete. It is not. At the end of the day, they still sit fifth in the league table and fourth in the league in expected goals ratio. To put the cherry on top, Fulham hasn't exorcised every demon out there. For starts, Fulham always seems to have a hard time against structured defense-first clubs. To be specific, they struggle against Gary Rowett coached sides.

To go along with that, Fulham always seems to have a hard time against Derby County. Let's never forget that in the second fixture last season, a comedy of errors led to David Button losing his job as starting goalkeeper. Also, it hasn't been since 2001 that they have won at Pride Park. So yeah, Fulham can not treat this game like a cake walk.

Sure, Derby is having a rough time this calendar year by falling from an automatic spot towards promotion to fourth. And sure, they were probably the worse of the two sides in the 1-1 draw last Autumn. However, this could be a precursor to this May's playoffs. It is beyond critical for Fulham to, at minimum, not give Derby any positive thoughts going into the two-legged fixtures of torture.

With that in mind, here is who Fulham have to look out for beyond those that were observed in the reverse fixture.

Richard Keogh

First up, we have the second half of a center back partnership that has worked very well for Derby this season. While Curtis Davies is more of a no-nonsense defender, the 31-year old captain is a bit more of a ball-playing center back that prefers to have others (Tom Huddlestone in particular) to hoof it out of the final third. Don't mistake that as being a weak link on the side, however. As you will see on his radar, Keogh is also willing to put his body on the line by way of blocking shots and winning headers.

Coming into this season, Keogh has played over 235 times for Derby, which is a major part of his 512 appearances in professional football. Add in the fact that he has captained twice for Ireland and you see a man whose resume is stacked. All that is missing is being on the team sheet for a Premier League outing. If there's one player for Derby that would love that to happen to him, it will be quite difficult to find one more desperate.

Tom Lawrence

Up next is a former Manchester United product that is having a confounding season. At 23, there is no denying that Lawrence is a talent. However, he is still at a stage in his career where it's difficult to pinpoint where he is a reliable attacking player. In his first season with the Rams, Lawrence is only producing four goals and four assists for the club. This comes off the back of having nine goals and nine assists in his final loan move to Ipswich Town before signing a permanent contract with Derby County from Leicester City.

But if you really looked at Lawrence's 2016/17, you will notice that his goal conversion rate was at 15.7%. While that is solid for any attacking player in world football, Lawrence tends to be an all flash and no end product type of forward. That is why it should not surprise you to see that his career norms are what they are this season; in that, you see him only turning 5.7% of his shots into goals. He is a great dribbler and he fits the mold of a modern-day wide player, but if Lawrence were to establish himself more at the professional ranks, he has to find a way to take his scoring opportunities. Let's hope today is not one of those days.

Craig Forsyth
All data from whoscored.com

---

Lastly, I could go with our good old friend Chris Baird, who genuinely is having a career season at age 35. But instead, I'm going with his fullback partner that is returning from not one, but two, serious knee injuries. He clearly is someone whose data shows that he is coming back from two serious knee injuries. But when he is at his best, Forsyth is a wonderful passer of the ball, as well as being a defensive force down the flanks. However, his defensive work rate is almost 150% worse than what it has been in previous seasons.

Fortunately, Derby County is more than just Craig Forsyth in defensive situations. But if the club were to achieve all their goals, they will need a much healthier Forsyth to contribute on both ends of the pitch. It will be hard for him to overthrow Kiernan Tierney and Andrew Robertson on future Scotland Teams, but the 29-year is about as good as they come for his country when he is in his prime.



https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2018/3/3/17070408/three-players-to-watch-matchday-35-vs-derby-county

 
'I don't want to watch tippy-tappy football where results are ground out'

Our Derby County columnist thoroughly enjoyed watching the recent FA Cup matches and recalls a thrilling win over Fulham in the 1950s

My friend Andy Heafield dropped me an email the other week, shortly after there had been some cracking FA Cup ties on television. However, Andy was in sombre mood.

"I'm not sure that you will agree," wrote Andy, "but frankly I'm bored of watching the dull fare of today's top-level football with its constant hype, statistics, lack of passion, tippy-tappy style, commented on by overbearing presenters and former players, all of whom totally ignore the existence of any football played prior to the formation of the Premier League.

"What a change it was to watch two matches over the past few days that had passion, commitment, physical challenges, wearing down and ball chasing in the opposition's half, actual tackling and results for the underdogs. I hate to use the cliché, but I will – that is the magic of the Cup."

Andy continued: "On Sky, earlier this week, there was a re-run of the Rams against Manchester United on Boxing Day 1970, a 4-4 draw at the Baseball Ground. Best, Law, Charlton, Kidd, McFarland, the mighty Mackay, Gemmill, Hector – all playing football with passion, commitment, a belief in their respective clubs and an extremely high level of skill, even though the Baseball Ground was its usual winter mix of mud, more mud and a sprinkling of snow."

I have some sympathy with Andy's view of today's game, especially about hype and television's apparent belief that there was no life before the Premier League. Even though Sky showed that 1970 classic between the Rams and United, generally speaking they seem to feel that nothing worthwhile happened before 1992.

Today the Rams entertain Fulham, at what seems a strange point in the season. We had a manager sacked for not playing "the Derby way". I've not yet met anyone who can absolutely define that, but, whatever it is, now we have Tom Huddlestone saying that the Rams need to "grind out" some results. It depends entirely on what you most desire for your money – entertainment or success. Preferably both, of course, but that is rarely possible. Yet if the game is an entertainment industry – and why else would anyone pay to watch it? – then the answer is obvious. We each have our view, though. Mine is that, like Andy Heafield, I don't want to watch football where results are 'ground out'. But I understand those who don't mind an afternoon of tedium so long as there are three points at the end of it. I suppose a 3-3 draw at Reading was entertaining, but ...

This column never strays far off memory lane, so with Fulham in mind, forgive me if I make a stop at the 1950-51 season when the Rams finished only 11 in the top flight, but on the way produced some attacking football that might be what we are thinking about when we hear mention of the Derby way.

They scored four goals each in matches against Arsenal, Aston Villa, Blackpool, Sheffield Wednesday; five against Fulham and Charlton; and six against Middlesbrough and Sunderland (who scored five in reply on a December skating rink at the Baseball Ground). Jack Lee led the scorers with 28 goals. Jack Stamps netted 20. Both were on the mark – Lee with a hat-trick, Stamps with two goals – when the Rams won 5-3 at Craven Cottage.

They also both scored when the Cottagers had visited the Baseball Ground that September, when the Rams' season can perhaps be summed up by Ross Jenkinson's opening paragraph in his Derby Telegraph match report: "Unselfishness is an admirable trait in football as in anything else. It makes for good teamwork and success. But when it becomes a fetish then there can be a danger. This must surely be the lesson the Rams learned from their 3-2 victory over Fulham. By playing brilliant, open football – as good as any they can ever have played – they obtained a lead of three goals. Then the forwards, instead of getting on with the main job, became too clever and tried to make goals for colleagues. In the end they had a fright."

So there you go. Maybe grinding it out should be the new Derby way after all?



https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/derby-county-fulham-fa-cup-1270443

 
'Biggest game of the season so far' - What Derby County fans are saying ahead of Fulham clash

The Rams will be looking to get off to a winning start in March against one of their promotion rivals

Derby County are gearing up to face promotion rivals Fulham in today's match in the Sky Bet Championship.

The Rams go into the game on the back of a 3-3 draw with Reading last weekend, and currently lie in fourth place in the league table.

Today's opponents are one point behind Derby in fifth place, and would go above Derby should they get the three points at Pride Park Stadium.

Derby fans have taken to social media to express their thoughts and emotions on today's match, here are some of them:

@eddominiczak: "Today's game will make or break our season COYR".

@ACTaylor96: "So after a disappointing 2/9 points from three very out of form teams, we meet Fulham who are absolutely flying. Going to need all 11 of our men fully switched on today".

@LondonRam: "Come on you Rams".



https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/derby-county-fans-fulham-1292290