Friends of Fulham

 
Fulham's Academy Director admits he's a big fan of using U21 teams in Checkatrade Trophy

Fulham entered an U21 side for the first time in the Checkatrade Trophy this season and believes the positives outweigh the negative aspects

Fulham's Academy Director Huw Jennings has admitted he's a big fan of having U21 sides in the Checkatrade Trophy ahead of the final on at Wembley on Sunday.

The Craven Cottage outfit entered a side for the first time this season but crashed out of the competition at the group stages, having managed a win against Crawley Town, a draw against Portsmouth and a loss against Charlton.

U21 sides entering the competition has been met with animosity from some sides in the competition, which used to be only open to sides from League One and Two, while some clubs have welcomed the addition of U21 teams with open arms.

Jennings believes that the experiences the competition has afforded the youngsters in the U21 side will help them in their future careers - something that they may not get playing reserve football.

He told Get West London: "Yes, I'm a big fan it has to be said.

"I've worked for a League One club so I know why some clubs will be a bit negative towards it, interestingly enough the three clubs we played, Charlton, Portsmouth and Crawley all had different views about the competition.

"Crawley were really massively in favour of it, Portsmouth were dead against it and Charlton were a bit in between.

"With anything new, it will bring controversy, but what I can say to you is that in their different ways, the three games were all fantastic experiences for our players.

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Jon Dagur Thorsteinsson scores for Fulham U21s (Image: Naomi Baker/Getty Images)

"They will have learnt a huge amount, we were leading at Charlton, 2-1 in the 89th minute and we've ended up losing the tie 3-2 and I went into the dressing room afterwards and of course, you're all bitterly disappointed and if you like, you're looking for the reasons as to why you've lost out so late in the game.

"But those players will learn so much from that experience because you're in against a league club whose manager, Karl Robinson, was giving his side pelters that we could hear from the dressing room because he knew how close they were to getting beat by an U21 team.

"So you've gone from that situation to losing, those players won't forget that, if we hung on and won 2-1 for some would've been saying what is all the fuss about, when actually they will have learnt a huge amount.

"So in adversity, we find a huge amount out about our players and the Checkatrade was a really good experience for us."

Lincoln City take on Shrewsbury Town in the final on Sunday, April 4 at Wembley, with the Imps knocking out Chelsea U21s 4-2 on penalties in the semi-finals back in February.



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulhams-academy-director-admits-hes-14491634

 
Signing Newcastle's Aleksandar Mitrovic would be a master stroke by West Ham

West Ham United boss David Moyes is reportedly keen on signing the Newcastle United hitman.

Newcastle striker Aleksandar Mitrovic could prove to be a wonderful acquisition for West Ham.

The Hammers have endured a difficult Premier League campaign this season, and are still far from safe from the threat of relegation, with just five points separating them from 18th placed Southampton.

If they do manage to avoid the drop, this summer's transfer window will surely be an extremely busy one for the east London outfit.

David Moyes will surely be looking to strengthen in every department, in an attempt to guide his side to a top 10 finish next term.

One particular area where West Ham need to improve is their forward department.

Marko Arnautovic's brilliant recent form has papered over the cracks, and the signing of a top-class striker will surely feature highly on Moyes' agenda this summer.

One striker who is believed to be a key target for the Hammers is Newcastle forward Aleksandar Mitrovic, who is currently on loan with Fulham.

ExWHUEmployee claimed that Moyes was in attendance at Craven Cottage last night to watch the Serbia international in action:

The 23-year-old has been in sensational form for the Cottagers, scoring eight goals in 11 outings thus far.

Despite his struggles at St James' Park, Mitrovic could still become one of the very best strikers in the game, and his maverick playing style would surely endear him to the Hammers faithful.

The Serb is superb in the air, and could act as a wonderful focal point for West Ham's attacking play.

After his fine form for Fulham, the Hammers will surely face competition for his signature, but they should do everything within their power to bring him to the London Stadium this summer.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/04/04/signing-newcastles-aleksandar-mitrovic-would-be-a-master-stroke/

 
Ryan Sessegnon is leading candidate to win Championship Player of the Year

The teenager has been nominated as one of the best players in the division.

The end of season individual awards always provide talking points and there is a huge story brewing in the Championship.

17-year-old Ryan Sessegnon has been nominated to win the Player of the Season accolade, joining team-mate Tom Cairney and Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves on the shortlist.

The teenager has wowed supporters at Craven Cottage this season with his consistency and attacking quality.

Sessegnon has started all but one of Fulham's matches so far and is currently the team's leading scorer.

He has contributed 14 goals and five assists to date while proving his adaptability as he has featured in every position down the left wing.

It is rare enough for a teenager to play regularly in the top two divisions in England, but to perform to that high level is incredible.

Last season, the award was won by Brighton attacker Anthony Knockaert who operates in a similar position to Sessegnon, albeit on the opposite side of the pitch.

He finished the season with 15 goals and eight assists with a goal involvement every 156.5 minutes. The Frenchman averaged 2.3 chances created and 2.52 attempted shots per ninety minutes.

A quick look at Sessegnon's stats from this season shows that he hasn't been as influential as Knockaert was last season, but his end product has been as devastating.

The teenager has averaged 1.13 chances created and 1.26 attempted shots per ninety minutes. Meanwhile, his goal involvement stands at one every 184.1 minutes.

This comparison would suggest that Sessegnon hasn't reached the level that Knockaert managed to last season, but it is worth noting that 19 of the teenager's starts have come at left back.

Although he has still been given license to attack when used at left-back, it has definitely had an effect on his stats.

Moreover, with six matches still to play, the England youth international has the opportunity to surpass the Frenchman's figures for both goals and assists.

Knockaert's fortunes haven't been as great since winning the award, as the Brighton winger has only three goals and one assist in the Premier League.

This shows that there are no guarantees that the winner of this award will go on to thrive at the next level.

Other past winners include Andre Gray, Patrick Bamford, Danny Ings and Matej Vydra.

They have had varying levels of success in the Premier League, but none have become regular scorers in the top-flight. However, there is a different feeling with Sessegnon.

Not only does he deserve to be in contention for the award due to his form, but the narrative that it would provide makes him a good choice for it.

There is no doubt that Sessegnon is destined for bigger things. He could prove to be the most successful to emerge from the division in recent seasons.

The best comparison would be Dele Alli, who shone for MK Dons in League One before earning his move to Tottenham.

He won the Football League Young Player of the Year during the season before moving to North London, but even he didn't win the individual award for the best player in the division he was playing in.

As discussed above, previous winners of the award have struggled to replicate their success in the Premier League, but that shouldn't take away from their achievements in the Championship.

Sessegnon has delivered a similar level of consistency, while his age only goes to heighten his achievements.

If he can finish the season strongly and add to both his goals and assists, he will be the outstanding candidate to win the Player of the Season award in the Championship.



https://tbrfootball.com/ryan-sessegnon-leading-candidate-win-championship-player-season/

 
Fulham contending for Player and Manager of the Month awards

Slavisa Jokanovic and Aleksandar Mitrovic are up for a double nomination for March after the side extended their unbeaten run

Fulham are up for a double Manager and Player of the Month award yet again for March, with Slavisa Jokanovic and Aleksandar Mitrovic both being nominated.

March was another unbeaten month for the Cottagers, who have now went 18 matches without the taste of defeat, where they recorded four wins and a draw playing the likes of Preston and Sheffield United.

The Serbian boss is up against some familiar competition in Milwall's Neil Harris and Neil Warnock of Cardiff who were both nominated in February, they will be joined by Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo.

This is the third consecutive month that Jokanovic has been nominated for the award, but he is yet to win it since Fulham began their impressive run.

His countryman and Newcastle loanee Mitrovic has been nominated as Player of the Month with five goals in as many matches during March.

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LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 03: Aleksandar Mitrovic of Fulham celebrates after scoring his sides second goal during the Sky Bet Championship match between Fulham and Leeds United at Craven Cottage on April 3, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

The award sheet for the 23-year-old reads: "Has provided the missing piece of the Fulham puzzle since joining on loan in January.

"His strength and ability to hold the ball up, bringing teammates into play, have been matched by his finishing ability with five goals in as many games.

He's up against Oli McBurnie of Barnsley, Sean Maguire of Preston North End and Millwall defender Shaun Hutchinson

The winner will be announced on Friday March 9.



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/fulham-contending-player-manager-month-14491505

 
Here's exactly how much Fulham spent on agents' fees in the past year

The FA have released the amount spent by each Championship club on agent/intermediaries fees for the past season

The amount that Fulham have paid in fees to intermediaries and agents from February 1, 2017 to January 31, 2018 has been revealed by the FA.

The period covers last summer's transfer window and the most recent January transfer window, with Fulham having spent £2,428,175 on fees paid to agents/intermediaries.

That's nearly £3m less than the biggest spenders, Aston Villa, who paid a whopping £5,510,180 in fees, but sit behind Fulham in fourth place in the race for promotion.

All in all, clubs in the Championship paid £42,183,048 in feeds to agents/intermediaries, with Fulham the seventh highest in the division.

Here's the full list of what was spent:

Aston Villa - £5,510180

Barnsley - £419,639

Birmingham City - £2,461,909

Bolton Wanderers - £223,432

Brentford - £1,690,415

Bristol City - £843,174

Burton Albion - £268,490

Cardiff City - £2,026,917

(https://i2-prod.getwestlondon.co.uk/incoming/article14489660.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/PBP_SAH_WL180473_0056.jpg)
(Image: Paul Burgman)

Derby County - £2,180,305

Fulham - £2,428,175

Hull City - £1,882,530

Ipswich Town - £241,969

Leeds United - £1,349,452

Middlesbrough - £2,538,840

Millwall - £311,505

Norwich City – £2,212410

Nottingham Forest - £1,141,512

Preston North End - £1,046,679

Queens Park Rangers - £1,817,113

Reading - £2,850,283

Sheffield United - £652,070

Sheffield Wednesday - £1,714,130

Sunderland - £4,370,897

Wolverhampton Wanderers – £2,001,023



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-agent-fees-transfer-window-14489639

 
Leicester City, Newcastle United keen on Fulham midfielder Tom Cairney?

Leicester City and Newcastle United have reportedly emerged as the latest clubs to show an interest in Fulham midfielder Tom Cairney.

During the January transfer window, both West Ham United and West Bromwich Albion were keen on boosting their survival efforts with the addition of the 27-year-old, who has established himself as one of the best players outside of the Premier League.

Cairney is currently helping Fulham try to earn promotion to the top flight with the Cottagers currently sitting in third place in the Championship standings, but according to The Sun, more clubs are monitoring the Scotland international in the event that Fulham remain at the second tier.

The West Londoners have previously turned down offers in the region of £20m, but both Leicester and Newcastle may be prepared to make bids of a similar size ahead of next season.

Cairney - who has four goals and five assists to his name in 28 appearances this season - still has over three years remaining on his contract.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/newcastle-united/transfer-talk/news/leicester-newcastle-keen-on-cairney_322611.html

 
Fulham to offer Slavisa Jokanovic new deal to ward off potential suitors

The head coach has 12 months left on his deal at Craven Cottage and reports suggest the club are ready to offer him a new deal

Fulham are reportedly set to give Slavisa Jokanovic a new deal in order to ward off potential suitors.

The head coach has overseen a complete rehaul of the Cottagers since taking the job in December 2015, guiding them to safety that season before finishing in the top six the following campaign.

He signed a contract extension last season and now has 12 months left on his deal at Craven Cottage, and according to the Daily Mirror, Fulham are ready to hand him a new deal to keep him at the club and turn away any other interested parties.

Jokanovic has gained a number of admirers for the job he's done at Fulham, which has included taking them on an 18-game unbeaten run, something that has seen him linked with the Chelsea job.

The Serbian left Watford before having a crack at the Premier League after getting them promoted, and with Fulham on the cusp of promotion he could get his chance at the top flight with the Cottagers.



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-slavisa-jokanovic-new-contract-14494165

 
Meet Chelsea's newest longest-serving player: Fulham loanee Tomas Kalas

Kalas is now the longest-serving player at Chelsea having joined the club in 2010, but has made just two appearances

Tomas Kalas became Chelsea's longest serving player after Matej Delac left the club having never played for the first team.

The keeper signed for the Blues nine years ago but never featured for their senior squad, and will join AC Horsens when his contract at Stamford Bridge expires in July.

That means Kalas, who is currently on loan at Fulham, will become their longest-serving player, having joined the club in 2010, playing just the twice.

He's spent the past two seasons on loan at Craven Cottage, with Fulham head coach Slavisa Jokanovic wanting to signing him permanently in the summer before he signed a new deal at Chelsea.

But despite that, Kalas told GetWestLondon back in November that Andreas Christensen's rise to the first team still gives him hope that he can make it at the club.

He said: "Yeah, he's one of two who have made it so it's still not a big number but at least it gives us players on loan hope that we can make it through at Chelsea.



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/meet-chelseas-new-longest-serving-14494241

 
Aleksandar Mitrovic nominated for Championship Player of the Month after impressing at Fulham

Newcastle United forward Aleksandar Mitrovic joined Fulham on loan in January and has been in prolific form since

On-loan Newcastle United forward Aleksandar Mitrovic has been nominated for the Championship Player of the Month award for March.

The in-form striker has scored 10 goals in his last nine games for club and country, including netting five in as many matches for Fulham last month.

Mitrovic has played a key role in helping the Cottagers all-but secure a play-off position already, with Fulham currently on an 18-game unbeaten run.

Automatic promotion is not entirely out of the question for the west London club either, with Cardiff City now just five points ahead of Fulham - albeit it was a game in hand.

The other three nominees for the second-tier player of the month are Millwall defender Shaun Hutchinson, Preston North End forward Sean Maguire, and Middlesbrough forward Patrick Bamford.

But Mitrovic is surely in with a decent chance of claiming the accolade given his excellent recent form.

Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic praised Mitrovic following the Cottagers' 2-0 victory over Leeds United on Tuesday evening, when the 23-year-old scored their second goal.

Jokanovic said of the forward: "Mitrovic is a good player, he's made a great job for us,

"I've repeated many times, he's an important signing for us, he scored another goal and worked in the offensive and defensive set pieces.

"He can hold the ball, he made important things and at the end what is important is we start our striker and he scores the goals.

"He made his job and I expect he will go in similar level to push hard like he is right now."

The winner of the award will be announced on Friday.



https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aleksandar-mitrovic-nominated-championship-player-14494279

 
Hammer eye Fulham swoop

West Ham United are eyeing a double-swoop on Championship club Fulham, ahead of the summer transfer window.

25-year-old Ryan Fredericks is a key target of current manager David Moyes, who was at Craven Cottage earlier this week to watch Fulham take on Leeds Utd in a Championship clash.

The Potters Bar-born defender - who began his career at Tottenham - is available on a free transfer this summer, three years after moving to Fulham from Bristol City who he left just 26 DAYS after joining in 2015, citing personal reasons.

Additionally, West Ham are keen to revive the club's interest in former transfer target Tom Cairney, a player whom Fulham were unwilling to part company with during January transfer window.

West Ham were ready to offer in the region of £15million to sign the 27-year-old, but the Cottagers wanted a fee closer to double that in order to tempt them to part with the former Hull and Blackburn midfielder.

In other transfer news, Newcastle United could be set to reignite their interest in Javier Hernandez, should they retain their Premier League status.

West Ham's 29-year-old striker rejected the chance to join Newcastle last summer when opting to move to West Ham instead, but having been barely used by David Moyes is considering finding a new club instead of remaining in east London for a second season.



Read more at http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=132347#23HYj73uV0rQF0H3.99

 
Positive Sheffield Wednesday team news emerges ahead of Fulham match

Daniel Pudil is back for Sheffield Wednesday after picking up a knock which ruled him out of the Sunderland game.

The Czech defender has excelled as the left-sided centre-back in a back three after struggling in the left-back role under Carlos Carvalhal who preferred to use a back four.

His understanding of the left-back position enables him to effectively cover the space vacated by the left wing-back, while at the same time he isn't caught out by his lack of pace.

At 32-years-old, he is past his peak and his contract runs out at the end of the season, so he will be aiming to use the remaining games to try and get a contract extension.

The Verdict

Pudil has found a new lease of life in a different position, so he deserves a contract extension for at least a year especially if he performs well in the remaining games.

At the very least, he can provide back-up for the other centre-backs as well as helping Jordan Thorniley's transition into the first-team.

The upcoming game against Fulham will be a tough task, though, because they are one of the best attacking sides in the Championship, so he will have his work cut out in trying to stop their front three.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/positive-sheffield-wednesday-team-news-emerges-ahead-of-fulham-match/

 
Slavisa Jokanovic coy on new Fulham deal, insisting it's not an important situation

The head coach has 12 months left on his contract at Craven Cottage but was coy on rumours of being offered a new deal

Slavisa Jokanovic remained coy on suggestions of a new Fulham deal, insisting his contract situation is not important tat the moment.

The head coach has 12 months remaining on his deal at Craven Cottage, having signed an extension in March 2017, but has impressed a number of clubs with the way he has turned Fulham around in his time there.

Having guided the Cottagers to safety in his first six months, he took them to the play-offs last season and is on course to do the same this time around, seeing the side go 18 games unbeaten in the process - a new club record.

He's been linked with the Chelsea job this season, but reports have suggest the club are ready to offer him a new deal in order to ward off any potential suitors , however, Jokanovic insists there's been no talks and that his situation isn't an important one at the moment.

He said: "I am here under contract, we are not talking about myself.

"What is interesting for you and other people around us, is how we are going to finish this job what is immediately ahead of us and this is more important.

"Nobody has asked me about anything, I am not thinking about the end, I am under contract here and this is not an important situation in this moment.

"I am focused on my job, I cannot answer anything about this because I have no information."



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/slavisa-jokanovic-coy-new-fulham-14496286

 
Newcastle and Leicester to battle it out for Fulham captain Tom Cairney

According to The Sun,  Fulham will face a battle to keep hold of star player and club captain Tom Cairney, 27, this summer.

The London club rejected a bid from Newcastle for Scottish midfielder but they will have to try and do the same this summer as the Premier League club will reignite their interest for him this summer. Leicester have increased their interest for Cairney and could be involved in a bidding war with Newcastle.

Whats the story?

Newcastle had a £20million bid rejected for Cairney last summer but are still keen to sign the midfielder. With completion from Leicester they will surly have to increase any potential bid.

Cairney, who is valued at £13.5m by transfermarkt.com, has been extremely influential again this year for Fulham, who have an outside chance for promotion.

The midfielder has been pivotal to Fulham's late push for promotion. He has scored four goals and got five assists.

If Fulham cannot get promotion they risk loosing Cairney along with £25 million rated Ryan Sessegnon.

Who should Cairney choose?

Cariney will have to carefully assess his options this summer, especially if Fulham achieve promotion.

He has been an important part of Fulham's midfield but might look to test himself in the Premier League. Both Newcastle and Leicester have secured safety this season. He has some excellent option available to him.

Both clubs are steeped his history. However, playing under Rafa Benitez might be too hard to turn down. One of the most distinguished and respected managers in the game, Cariney would learn a lot from the Spaniard.

Leicester's have a number of midfielders in Cairney's role so would have to work extremely hard to make a claim for a starting place.

At Newcastle he would slot in nicely with Jonjo Shelvey. It is looking increasingly likely at  Mikel Merino will leave Newcastle this summer and Cairney would fit in nicely into the midfield.

Playing under Benitez might be too much to turn down and if Mike Ashley gets out the cheque book or sells the club then Cairney could be heading to St. James Park this summer.



https://www.footballfancast.com/premier-league/newcastle-and-leicester-to-battle-it-out-for-fulham-captain-tom-cairney

 
Chelsea's new record holder not hopeful about Stamford Bridge future

(http://cdn.chelsea-news.co/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/tomas-kalas-chelsea.jpg)

Chelsea loanee Tomas Kalas is now the longest serving player at the club following the departure of Matej Delac. Sadly that doesn't mean he will be getting a first team shot anytime, as you can infer from his tone when speaking about Andreas Christensen's progress from loanee to first team.

"Yeah, he's one of two who have made it so it's still not a big number but at least it gives us players on loan hope that we can make it through at Chelsea," Kalas told GetWestLondon.

Chelsea loanee Tomas Kalas is now the longest serving player at the club following the departure of Matej Delac. Sadly that doesn't mean he will be getting a first team shot anytime, as you can infer from his tone when speaking about Andreas Christensen's progress from loanee to first team.

"Yeah, he's one of two who have made it so it's still not a big number but at least it gives us players on loan hope that we can make it through at Chelsea," Kalas told GetWestLondon.



http://www.chelsea-news.co/2018/04/chelseas-new-record-holder-not-hopeful-stamford-bridge-future/

 
An icon in football:
Coleman pays tribute to Wilkins

Chris Coleman has paid an emotional tribute to his former team-mate and manager, Ray Wilkins.

The former England international sadly passed away on Wednesday, with the footballing and wider world hailing his impact on and off the pitch.

Coleman played alongside Wilkins at Crystal Palace before playing under him at Fulham, but it was a tale from after the pair went their separate ways that underlined Wilkins' impact on the people he met.   

And speaking at his pre-match press conference, the Welshman labelled his team-mate as an 'icon' of the game.

"What a great man," said Coleman.

"We signed him at Crystal Palace, he was probably about 35 then Ray, and we had just got promoted into the Premier League – we were all in awe of his ability and talent, even at that age."

He continued: "The ball was like a magnet on his foot and it was the first time I'd been around that quality, an ex-England captain.

"The attraction for me was what he was like as a fella, a great guy. He signed me for Fulham and I had a great relationship with him.

"I remember when I had a car crash at Fulham, he was the first at my bedside and he wasn't even at Fulham then, he had moved on but he was that type of football man.

"Anybody you talk to will say Ray Wilkins is an icon in football, certainly from my era.

"From a fantastic family, lovely people, and he is a huge, huge loss."



https://www.safc.com/news/club-news/2018/april/coleman-pays-tribute-to-wilkins

 
Fulham accounts show cost of seeking promotion

As is well known, Championship clubs spend heavily in an effort to secure promotion to the Premier League. Fulham (Fulham Football Leisure Limited) lost £21.3m in 2016/17 and the loss would have been £38m had it not been for profits from player sales. The total losses of the company over time are a staggering £295m, despite participation in the Premier League.

Turnover was down from £36m to £34.9m or 3.1 per cent. The strategic report states, 'Parachute payments from the Premier League fell by £4.2m and amortization on player registrations increased by £7.4m following significant investments in the summer of 2016. Increased commercial revenues partly offset these costs, as did profits on disposal on player registrations totalling £17.4m (2016: £7.3m).'

Reference is made for proposals to redevelop the Riverside Stand which will add a new dimension to a charmingly old fashioned ground at Craven Cottage. However, this involved a write off of the design and planning costs incurred on a previous proposal amounting to £7.1m.

58 per cent of income comes from central awards, i.e., principally parachute payments. Gate receipts went up from £5.6m to £6.6m. Average Championship attendances went up by 9.3 per cent from 17,566 to 19,199. Sponsorship and commercial activities raised just under £6m, a healthy figure, but perhaps reflecting the advantages of being located in a prosperous part of London.

Staff cost as a percentage of revenues were up from 100.3 per cent to 106.3 per cent. This is a high figure, but not that unusual in the Championship.

Group directors were paid £995,000 with the highest paid receiving £726,000. This represents 2 per cent of the revenue of what is a medium-sized company.

The company is a subsidiary of Cougar Hadco London Limited owned by Mr Shahid Khan. The point is made more than once in the accounts that he will continue to support the club financially. The parent company advanced £29m in 2017, having advanced £32m in the previous year.



https://footballeconomyv2.blogspot.co.uk/2018/04/fulham-accounts-show-cost-of-seeking.html

 
Fulham is the right place for Tottenham and West Ham targets, according to Slavisa Jokanovic

The head coach believes that Ryan Fredericks, Ryan Sessegnon and Tom Cairney are in the right place amidst rumours of their futures

Slavisa Jokanovic has told Tottenham and West Ham targets Ryan Sessegnon, Tom Cairney and Ryan Fredericks that Fulham is the right place for them.

Interest in the 17-year-old wonderkid has been high since he broke through into the first team, while the Hammers were keen on signing Cairney and Fredericks in January, with David Moyes watching the pair, along with Aleksandar Mitrovic, in the 2-0 win over Leeds.

The Cottagers managed to keep hold of all their key players in the last Transfer Window, but they're expecting clubs to come back in for the trio in the summer - with Fredericks able to talk to other clubs as his deal runs out at the end of this season.

Fulham have offered him a new contract, but so far there's been no movement on it, and with Cyrus Christie coming in during January it looks like the club are preparing for the eventuality that the 25-year-old may leave Craven Cottage when his deal does run out.

However, amidst all this interest over his star players, Jokanovic has insisted that Fulham is the best place for them and that he will fight for them to stay at the Cottage.

He told GetWestLondon: "I am thinking about Sheffield Wednesday game - everything is not under my control.

"Right now, in this moment I don't want to be thinking so much about this situation, some of the rumours or some team is interested in Fulham players.

"It must be good news for the team, for the club, for the players and for the coach, if you want, but I am not thinking so far ahead.

"It's not a question about not caring, I care, but I cannot answer.

(https://i2-prod.getwestlondon.co.uk/incoming/article14496527.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/Norwich-City-v-Fulham-Sky-Bet-Championship.jpg)
(Image: Stephen Pond/Getty Images)

"I am sure this is a very good place all these players that have some kind of the offers to play in a different place.

"A different place is a different place, a different place is a different team, a different team is a different coach and can be many different things, like a different city.

"Sometimes, what I am sure, the place where they are right now is best, where we are talking about Tom Cairney, Cairney is captain of the team and is happy here, I am 100% sure.

"The supporters like him, it's not a question of being comfortable or not but he knows this place, I understand he is enjoying his life.

(https://i2-prod.getwestlondon.co.uk/incoming/article14489823.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/Fulham-v-Leeds-United-Sky-Bet-Championship.jpg)
(Image: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

"He's made some steps and in life you must make these steps, they can be in the right direction or not, sometimes it is better to stay than make the wrong steps.

"This is for Tom Cairney, Ryan Sessengon or Fredericks, who in the last few days there exists some news in the newspapers.

"They are in the right place and I will fight for them to stay in the right place where they are now and at the end, everything won't depend on myself, but I know exactly what is my job and which side I will push."



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/fulham-right-place-tottenham-west-14496434

 
Matchday Live: Sheffield Wednesday

Overseas fans can enjoy a live stream of Saturday's Sky Bet Championship encounter against Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough.

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/april/05/matchday-live-sheffield-wednesday

 
Joost van Aken and Morgan Fox injured for Sheffield Wednesday

Sheffield Wednesday boss Jos Luhukay has seen Joost van Aken and Morgan Fox added to a list of players who will not figure again this season ahead of Saturday's clash with Fulham.
Van Aken is to undergo ankle surgery later this month, while fellow defender Fox will miss the remainder of the campaign with a hamstring injury.
They join Sam Hutchinson and Gary Hooper on the long-term casualty list, while goalkeeper Keiren Westwood is to have further scans on the groin problem which has sidelined him since December.
However, defender Daniel Pudil has recovered from a hamstring problem and striker Fernando Forestieri, who is two substitutes' appearances into his comeback from a long-term lay-off, continues to work his way back to full match fitness.
Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic has a full squad to choose from as his promotion-chasers attempt to extend their unbeaten Championship run to 19 games.
Ryan Sessegnon returned to the starting line-up for Tuesday night's 2-0 win over Leeds with Chelsea loanee Lucas Piazon the man to make way.
Defender Tomas Kalas was used as a late substitute in the same game on his return from a hip injury.
Serbia striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, on loan from Newcastle, scored his 10th goal in nine games for club and country against Leeds.



http://www.espn.co.uk/football/preview?gameId=483212

 
West Ham United 'plotting swoop for Fulham goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli'

West Ham United are reportedly lining up a summer move for Fulham goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli.

Hammers boss David Moyes watched the ex-England youth international in action during Fulham's 2-0 win against Leeds United earlier this week, according to The Sun.

Bettinelli and Fulham have been in strong form during the season run-in, but Moyes is said to be ready to offer the stopper Premier League football if the Whites fail in their bid to win promotion.

West Ham will be in search of a new goalkeeper at the end of the season, with Joe Hart's loan deal due to expire and Adrian's long-term future uncertain.

Moyes, meanwhile, is out of contract at the London Stadium this summer, but the report suggests he is planning for the future there.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/west-ham-united/transfer-talk/news/west-ham-plotting-swoop-for-bettinelli_322670.html

 
Sheffield Wednesday: Owls are 'not afraid' of promotion-chasing Fulham

(https://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_700,f_auto,ar_3:2,q_auto:low,c_fill/https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimage/1.9100639.1522946382!/image/image.jpg)
Fulham teenager Ryan Sessegnon

Sheffield Wednesday take on the most in-form team in the country tomorrow.

You have to go back to December 16 for the last time Fulham lost in the Championship.

The Cottagers, managed by Slavisa Jokanovic, are currently on a club-record 18-match unbeaten league run. Their 2-0 midweek victory over Leeds United maintained their automatic promotion charge, closing the gap to second-placed Cardiff City to five points having played a match more.

Owls chief Jos Luhukay said: "Fulham are one of the best teams. They have a lot of quality in every position. "They are a very good footballing team. They don't play with long balls. They always play with a good plan.

"They have in every situation solutions. Fulham are a very good opponent so we must have a top performance.

"It is a very good challenge for us to play against this Fulham team. When we have played the top six (teams) in the last few months, we have played very good games and also got some results. It is also possible on Saturday. "We are not afraid. We have a lot of respect for Fulham but I believe in my team that we can give them a good game and hopefully at the end give our supporters a good result." If Wednesday are to cause an upset and complete the league double over Fulham, keeping teenage starlet Ryan Sessegnon quiet could hold the key. The 17-year-old left-sided player has starred for the West London club, netting 14 goals in 40 league appearances. His stellar form has resulted in him being nominated for the Championship Player of the Season, Young Player of the Season and Apprentice of the Year awards.

Sessegnon has also been named in the Championship Team of the Season.

"Ryan is one of the best players in this position I think in the league," said Luhukay. "He has scored 14 goals as a left winger. It's not normal. "He's very high effecient. He has speed and is very good one against one. "He can give the final pass, cross and can score goals. "He has a lot of individual quality to give every defence a problem. We must not look alone to him but he is one of the dangerous players for Fulham."

Despite their superb sequence of results, Jokanovic is refusing to take the Owls lightly. He has warned his players not to underestimate the threat Wednesday forwards Lucas Joao and Atdhe Nuhiu will pose. Between them, Joao and Nuhiu have found the back of the net seven times in their last three fixtures. Jokanovic said: "We've known Nuhiu many years. "Along with Joao, they play with two strong, tall strikers. It's not easy for us to find a solution in this kind of situation. "We are going to try to find a way to cut out the crosses and not drop into our box and have to defend close to our goal. "Nuhiu is an experienced man who's always scored the goals and has good momentum, too.

"In the last few games he scored an important number of goals and we must be careful about him, but in this team you also have Joao, [Barry] Bannan, [Fernando] Forestieri who is back. "They have many experienced players who have many battles behind them, and they can be really dangerous for us." Describing the Owls as an "expensive team with quality players," the Serbian added: "The last two years they were near the top of the Championship. It's not easy to always be there, they found some kind of problem this season. "Now it's a different situation for this team with a new coach. It's only two months, they tried to change some players, they tried to change their shape. They have many experienced players who can adapt themselves in different plans. "They have great momentum from the last few games and Hillsborough is never an easy place to play or to win the game. "We expect a tough and complicated game, from our side we must be ready and push hard and fight for the points like we always do."




Read more at: https://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-wednesday/sheffield-wednesday-owls-are-not-afraid-of-promotion-chasing-fulham-1-9100644

 
Leicester City Interested In This In Demand Fulham Ace: Do They Really Need Him?

Latest reports in the media are confirming that Fulham captain Tom Cairney could be on his way out of the club in the coming summer months. The 27-year-old Scottish midfielder has been one of the finer players in the Sky Bet Championship this season and reports are confirming that he could be headed for the exit.

He has played some excellent football and is on the shortlist to be the player of the season in the Sky Bet Championship. The midfielder naturally has been shown interest by a couple of English Premier League clubs.

He was already being chased by Rafa Benitez's Newcastle United who saw a bid for Cairney turned down last summer. Reports believed that the bid was in and around £20 million but it failed to budge Fulham to part ways with their captain.

It is now being reported that Newcastle are ready once again to turn their attention to Cairney. However, only this time they have a competitor in Leicester City who are also chasing the signature of the same player.

It is believed that the asking price is set to go significantly north of £20 million this time owing to Cairney's great form and the player's number of suitors in pursuit. This would mean that Leicester City would have to spend a healthy amount to get him into their side.

The Foxes already have Wilfred Ndidi, Vicente Iborra, Adrien Silva, Matty James and Hamza Choudhary in midfield. While Choudhary is young and talented, the other four are established first-team players capable of playing for Leicester day in day out.

James is perhaps the least favourable of them but he does have a mean tackle in him and can be expected to do the dirty work without much fuss. Adrien Silva is the most stylish of the lot and has the potential to be their best on a good day, once he settles into the team.

As for Iborra, the Spaniard is the coolest of the lot and has a calm head on him. His excellent range of passing and keen sense of positioning has earned him the spot of the first team regular and he will look to capitalize on it.

Wilfred Ndidi is the most exciting one to watch as he can run up and down and do everything for ninety minutes day in day out. This would mean that although Cairney is a talented player, Leicester are well stocked in midfield and do not need to spend lavishly to bring in a backup.



http://the4thofficial.net/2018/04/leicester-city-interested-fulham-captain-really-need/

 
Fulham To Parry Chelsea Interest For Their Manager With A Long-term Contract: Astute Move By Them?

Fulham's head coach, Slaviša Jokanović is tied to the Championship side for another season and the bosses at Craven Cottage would like to change that. Talks of an extension have been raised in recent weeks, which is only fair, given the work Jokanović has done with the club.

From saving the club from relegation to turning them into promotion contenders within a span 18 months is one of the biggest refurbishment stories in football and the 49-year-old has been at the heart of it all.

Jokanović took over the Lillywhites team back in December 2015, after spending 6 months with Maccabi Tel Aviv, and successfully saved the team from dropping down to the League One by 11 points. He had already done a marvellous job with Watford by helping them earn promotion to the Premier League in the 2014/15 season.

Unfortunately, his contract demands were not met by the Hornets board and Jokanović was replaced by Quique Sanchez Flores. And now, the Serbian is back in the promotion hunt with an in-form Fulham squad, hungry for the return back to England's top-flight.

Jokanović started his managerial career with Partizan, 10 years back and successfully delivered the seasonal double(cup and league title). He has worked his way all over Europe and even in Asia at one point, earning major honours with almost every side. He even led the Maccabi side to the group stages of the UEFA Champions League for the first time in 11 years after beating FC Basel.

Fulham are enjoying a terrific run ever since the start of the year and have jumped up to the 3rd spot of the points table, just 5 points behind the automatic promotion spot which is currently occupied by Cardiff City and leaders Wolves.

With just 6 games left in the regular season, they still remain hopeful of bridging the gap and or on a 2-game winning streak. They overcame Leeds United and Norwich City by 2 goals in the last 2 league games.

Jokanović has achieved a lot in his managerial career but getting to oversee a team in one of the most prestigious leagues in Europe will definitely trump all. At one point, he was even considered for the Chelsea job and this extension will help laud off rivalling interest from plenty of other English outfits.

Read More: Forgotten Ace Dazzles For Fulham: Should Newcastle United Look To Bring Serbian Sharp-Shooter Back?

Taking over a side already established in the top division will certainly help him in his career but getting to do it with Fulham will be a different achievement altogether. The 49-year-old still has to see out the rest of the season and undergo a gruelling playoff battle.



http://the4thofficial.net/2018/04/fulham-parry-chelsea-interest-manager-long-term-contract-astute-move/

 
Fulham's Ryan Sessegnon is being hailed as England's Gareth Bale - but is he good enough to step up?

The 17-year-old has caught the eye of top clubs like Tottenham and Manchester United

(https://i2-prod.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article12146004.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/Fulham-v-Wolverhampton-Wanderers-Sky-Bet-Championship-Craven-Cottage.jpg)
(Image: PA Wire)

RYAN SESSEGNON was shortlisted for a remarkable FOUR awards by the EFL this week.

Fulham's prodigious young talent is nominated for the Sky Bet Championship Player of the Season, EA Sports Young Player of the Season, LFE Apprentice of the Year and Football Manager Team of the Season.

The 17-year-old has rightly earned some rave reviews and earned admiring glances from the Premier League's top clubs like Tottenham and Manchester United.

But while his talent can be in no doubt, making the step up from being star in the Championship to making it in the Premier League has traditionally been a much harder task.

Norwich's James Maddison, below, 21, is also named in the Championship Team of the Season and is nominated alongside Sessegnon as Young Player of the Year.

His club Norwich have put a hefty £25m price tag on his head which is designed to scare off potential Premier League suitors who have all looked at his impressive form as a goalscoring midfielder.

Where Maddison is slightly different is that he would be seen as more of a risk simply because of some of the players who have gone before him.

Recent stars of the Championship have struggled to make the step up to make an impact on the Premier League.

One case in point is Brighton's Anthony Knockaert, below, who was the real star of their promotion winning season last year.

Recent stars of the Championship have struggled to make the step up to make an impact on the Premier League.

One case in point is Brighton's Anthony Knockaert, below, who was the real star of their promotion winning season last year.

Sessegnon looks to be a class apart and is already earning comparisons to England's answer to Gareth Bale because of his ability to get forward from the left back role and may even become a left sided player.

But Maddison may have more to do to prove himself in the top flight if he makes the jump this summer, particularly in terms of physique.

If you look at Raheem Sterling, he is in brilliant form this season, the best year of his career, and without question that is partly because he looks stronger and that is something Maddison may have to get to grips with to become a Premier League star.



https://www.mirror.co.uk/vauxhall/fulhams-ryan-sessegnon-being-hailed-12302698

 
Mitro Wins Player of the Month

Aleksandar Mitrović has been named Sky Bet Championship Player of the Month for March.

The striker ended February with his first two Fulham goals in as many outings, and he picked up where he left off when he opened the scoring in our 2-1 win at Derby County on March 3rd.

Three days later Mitrović scored a fine brace against Sheffield United. His first was smashed in off the underside of the crossbar from close range to conclude a slick team move, while he demonstrated his finesse with number two as he beautifully guided Stefan Johansen's clipped pass inside the near post.

He repeated the trick that weekend as we faced a difficult test at Deepdale. After his opener was cancelled out and the game seemed destined to end in a draw, he showed his predatory intelligence to work space in stoppage time which allowed him to nod Tom Cairney's lofted ball back across goal and into the corner.

Mitrović didn't score again in March for his club – although he did net two for Serbia – but he played a key role in our opener at Norwich City. His powerful header wasn't held by Canaries goalkeeper Angus Gunn, which presented Johansen with the opportunity to rifle in.

Fulham Head Coach Slaviša Jokanović said of his compatriot: "Aleksandar has shown strength, quality and perseverance to score important goals and assist his teammates too.

"I congratulate him for winning the award for March and I expect that he will continue to offer good performances to help the team in this crucial moment of the Championship season."

Jokanović was in contention for Manager of the Month for the third time in a row, but he lost out to Cardiff City's Neil Warnock.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/april/06/aleksandar-mitrovic-wins-player-of-the-month

 
Newcastle loanee Aleksandar Mitrovic wins Championship Player of the Month after five in five

The Serbian was definitely on fire in March, banging in five goals in five games, but no success for Slavisa Jokanovic once again

Well, now everybody knows it. Aleksandar Mitrovic is on fire.

The football league have recognised his impressive March where he netted five goals in five appearances for Fulham and awarded the loan star Player of the Month.

Those performances helped the Cottagers to four wins and a single draw over the course of the month as the 23-year-old scored against Derby, Sheffield United and Preston.

The Serbian overcame competition from Oli McBurnie of Barnsley, Sean Maguire of Preston North End and Millwall defender Shaun Hutchinson to win the gong.

(https://i2-prod.getwestlondon.co.uk/incoming/article14334046.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/PBP_SAH_WL180321_049.jpg)
(Image: Paul Burgman)

His manager wasn't quite as fortunate, with Jokanovic missing out on the Manager of the Month award for the third consecutive month.

Despite acknowledging that Fulham made 'light work' of some awkward looking fixtures in 'swashbuckling style' the award went to Cardiff City boss Neil Warnock as the Bluebirds earned a 100% record for March.

His nomination said: "Pressure, what pressure? Promotion looms closer after a perfect month against teams beginning with 'B' – Barnsley, Birmingham, Brentford and Burton. Judging by their 11-5 goal differential in four games, he has his players enjoying themselves."



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/newcastle-fulham-mitrovic-player-month-14492188

 
Middlesbrough's January target Aleksandar Mitrovic beats Patrick Bamford to Championship award

Red hot Bamford rattled in six goals in five games in March - but it wasn't enough to clinch the player of the month prize

Middlesbrough hot-shot Patrick Bamford has missed out on the March Sky Bet Championship Player of the Month award.

Instead the prestigious gong went to rival striker Aleksander Mitrovic of Fulham.

Bamford rattled in six goals in five games during an impressive March purple patch.

But Fulham forward Mitrovic - a Boro deadline day transfer target in January - took the accolade after an equally impressive month.

The on-loan Newcastle man banged in five goals but the judging panel thought his all round game was more important to the Fulham promotion push.

And his goals came in crunch games too. Mitrovic pounced at key times as Fulham beat rival play-off pretenders Preston, Sheffield United and derby.

"Aleksandar Mitrovic has provided the missing piece of the Fulham puzzle since joining on loan in January", said the citation from a panel that includes Sky pundit Don Goodman.

"His strength and ability to hold the ball up, bringing teammates into play, have been matched by his finishing ability with five goals in as many games."

Bamford can feel a little aggrieved. He not only outscored the Fulham man in March but his goal rush came as part of a hot streak of nine in seven games.

And that flourish came after he was returned to a central role after a long spell playing out of position on the wing.

The panel heaped praise on the prolific poacher though. "There were six goals in five games for the forward who has finally rediscovered his silky smooth touch in front of goal," the citation said.

"At his confident best, he makes scoring look effortless - witness his hat-trick against Leeds and a sumptuous volley against Wolves."

Millwall defender Shaun Hutchinson and Preston forward Sean Maguire also missed out to Mitrovic.

Neil Warnock was named the manager of the month for March after Cardiff reeled off four straight wins to heap the pressure on long time leaders Wolves.

In League One the boss gong went to Paul Cook of Wigan after his side won four games and fought out a draw with title rivals Blackburn. Athletic defender Chey Dunkley won the player award.

In League Two Accrington boss John Coleman won the manager award and the player prize went to Cheltenham striker Mohamed Eisa.



https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/middlesbroughs-january-target-aleksandar-mitrovic-14496091

 
Cardiff boss Neil Warnock and Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic win Sky Bet Championship March awards

Cardiff boss Neil Warnock and Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic have won the Sky Bet Championship March awards.

Promotion looms closer for Cardiff after a perfect month with wins over Barnsley, Birmingham, Brentford and Burton.

Sky Bet Championship Manager of the Month, Warnock, said: "We've just had a great season, haven't we? Whatever happens now, even if we didn't get another point, we've had a fabulous season and I couldn't fault the lads for the effort they're putting in. For us to be up there is a bit of a miracle really and I'm right proud of them. In every area, the togetherness is there, the camaraderie has come through in our results.

"I feel very proud because I don't think anyone will mind me saying the club was in a bit of disarray when we came in, both on and off the field. But putting it all together and getting bums back on the seats at the same time as a side that are winning games I think is very special.

"I think if you're a Cardiff fan now, you walk about in town and you're proud to be a Cardiff fan and you want to come and cheer your team on and I think that's great. As a manager, I want them to get behind us and the players as well."

Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic has been named the Sky Bet Championship Player of the Month for March. His strength and ability to hold the ball up, bringing team-mates into play, have been matched by his finishing ability with five goals in as many games.

Mitrovic said: "I'm happy and proud, I'd like to thank my team-mates for helping me to achieve this and I'm looking forward to the rest of the season. From the first minute here, I adapted really fast and my team-mates have helped me a lot. I feel good to play every game on the pitch so I hope that we'll be able to fight for automatic promotion for the rest of the season.

"I needed to leave Newcastle because I needed game time and needed games in my legs and I was desperate to play football, to be on the pitch, to score goals. It works perfectly for me, I really enjoy it here, my family enjoy it and I hope it continues. The manager, obviously being Serbian too, helped me a lot and the style they play, the players they have, I like a lot."



http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/11315527/cardiff-boss-neil-warnock-and-fulham-striker-aleksandar-mitrovic-win-sky-bet-championship-march-awards

 
We need a top performance

Fulham's unbeaten league run stretches back to Saturday 16 December when Sunderland inflicted a 1-0 defeat at The Stadium of Light.

But 18 games later, the Cottagers are going strong with 14 wins during that period and sit third in the Championship.

With an outside chance of automatic promotion for Saturday's visitors, Jos Luhukay says his side will have to bring their best to keep their winning run going – which now stands at three after overcoming Leeds, Preston and Sunderland.

"For me, we are facing one of the best teams and you only have to look at their position in the league to see that," Luhukay said.

"They have a lot of quality in all areas. They have unbelievably high effective players who make a lot of goals, a lot of assists but when you look to what they have outside the first 11, they are very strong.

"They play always with a good plan and they have solutions for every situation so for us, this is a very, very good opponent.

Fulham's unbeaten league run stretches back to Saturday 16 December when Sunderland inflicted a 1-0 defeat at The Stadium of Light.

But 18 games later, the Cottagers are going strong with 14 wins during that period and sit third in the Championship.

With an outside chance of automatic promotion for Saturday's visitors, Jos Luhukay says his side will have to bring their best to keep their winning run going – which now stands at three after overcoming Leeds, Preston and Sunderland.

"For me, we are facing one of the best teams and you only have to look at their position in the league to see that," Luhukay said.

"They have a lot of quality in all areas. They have unbelievably high effective players who make a lot of goals, a lot of assists but when you look to what they have outside the first 11, they are very strong.

"They play always with a good plan and they have solutions for every situation so for us, this is a very, very good opponent.



https://www.swfc.co.uk/news/2018/april/we-need-a-top-performance/

 
Bettinelli could make it at West Ham after impressive consistency for Fulham


As reported by The Sun, West Ham United are interested in signing Fulham goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli.

What's the story?

With Joe Hart's loan deal at the club set to expire at the end of the season and Adrian failing to convince between the sticks at the Hammers, West Ham will be seeking a deal for a goalkeeper this summer.

One man they could make a move for is Fulham shot-stopper Marcus Bettinelli.

That's according to The Sun, who say David Moyes took in the Craven Cottage side's mid-week clash against Leeds United to check out the goalkeeper.

Rated at £1.8m by Transfermarkt, he's of course an achievable target for the Irons, but does he have what it takes to be number one at the London Stadium?

Who is he?

With close to 90 appearances in four seasons with Fulham, the former England youth internationalist has had to work hard for the number one spot at Craven cottage.

This season though he's emerged as the top choice, making the position his own over David Button and starting almost every match since December.

He's kept nine clean sheets in that half season, showing the kind of impressive consistency that could make him a hit at the Hammers next season.



https://www.footballfancast.com/premier-league/west-ham/bettinelli-could-make-it-at-west-ham-after-impressive-consistency-for-fulham

 
Aleksandar Mitrovic after landing top award: "I really enjoy it here, my family enjoy it and I hope it continues"

Aleksandar Mitrovic thanks everyone at Fulham after picking up top award: "The style they play, the players they have, I like a lot."

Aleksandar Mitrovic has won the March Championship player of the month award.

The Newcastle loan striker was up against Patrick Bamford of Middlesbrough, Sean Maguire of Preston North End and Millwall defender Shaun Hutchinson.

Mitro has scored eight goals in his last eight Fulham appearances and these included five in five in March.

Overall, the 11 matches the Serbian striker has appeared in, have produced 27 points from a possible 33 – with eight wins and three draws.

This was the EFL Official website write-up when nominated:

Aleksandar Mitrovic (Fulham)

"Has provided the missing piece of the Fulham puzzle since joining on loan in January.

"His strength and ability to hold the ball up, bringing teammates into play, have been matched by his finishing ability with five goals in as many games."

After picking up the award, Aleksandar Mitrovic:

"I am happy and proud.

"I would like to thank my team-mates for helping me to achieve this and I'm looking forward to the rest of the season.

"From the first minute here, I adapted really fast and my team-mates have helped me a lot.

"I feel good to play every game on the pitch so I hope that we'll be able to fight for automatic promotion for the rest of the season.

"I needed to leave Newcastle because I needed game time and needed games in my legs and I was desperate to play football, to be on the pitch, to score goals.

"It works perfectly for me, I really enjoy it here, my family enjoy it and I hope it continues.

"The manager, obviously being Serbian too, helped me a lot and the style they play, the players they have, I like a lot."



https://www.themag.co.uk/2018/04/aleksandar-mitrovic-landing-top-award-really-enjoy-family-enjoy-hope-continues-newcastle-united-fulham/

 
Sheffield Wednesday In Focus

Have a read of the key matchday details as Fulham travel to in-form Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday afternoon.

Possible opposition absentees

Sam Hutchinson - ankle injury

Joost van Aken - ankle injury

Morgan Fox - hamstring injury

Gary Hooper - hip injury

Keiren Westwood - groin injury
Tickets

Fans can buy tickets in person or over the phone on 0203 871 0810 (Opt 3) until 3pm on Friday. Sheffield Wednesday will be selling tickets on the day – cash only on the turnstiles – but the under-5s age category will not be available.
Weather

There is a 50/50 chance of rain in Sheffield come kick-off on Saturday, at which point the temperature will be around 11 degrees.
Getting there

Official coach travel is available for just £5, departing Craven Cottage and Motspur Park at 8.45am. Trains to Sheffield take around two hours from St Pancras, with Hillsborough then a 15 minute taxi ride away at the other end.
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 (BST) to view.
He said

"We have said that we need to finish the season as best as we can. We are in a good way, and we need to keep fighting if we want to finish the season in a positive way. We have some hard games coming up but have some good momentum." - Jos Luhukay, Sheffield Wednesday manager
Grosvenor Casinos match odds

Sheffield Wednesday: 29/10

Draw: 13/5

Fulham: 17/20
Previous five results

Sunderland 1-3 Sheffield Wednesday (Championship)

Sheffield Wednesday 4-1 Preston North End (Championship)

Leeds United 1-2 Sheffield Wednesday (Championship)

Sheffield Wednesday 1-1 Bolton Wanderers (Championship)

Sheffield Wednesday 1-2 Ipswich Town (Championship)



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/april/06/sheffield-wednesday-in-focus

 
Report: Sessegnon could leave Fulham for £25m - potentially a steal for Tottenham

Fulham's Ryan Sessegnon had been valued at £50m but could Spurs sign him for half that?

Tottenham Hotspur could have been given a significant boost in their pursuit of Fulham youngster Ryan Sessegnon in the shape of a recent price-tag.

The Telegraph are one of many publications to report Spurs' interest in Sessegnon and in February claimed the Premier League club were prepared to spend up to £35m on the 17-year-old.

They also add that the Cottagers are holding out for closer to £50m for a teenager who already has 65 first team appearances to his name and 19 goals - 14 of which have been scored this season.

Yet a new report from the Sun claims that Sessegnon is in fact only rated at £25m, which for Tottenham would represent an absolute steal for one of the most highly rated young players in the country.

Manchester United have also shown interest in the left-sided ace - who has played as a full-back and winger this term - but the North Londoners remain favourites to sign the England Under-21 international.

They did view Sessegnon as a replacement for Danny Rose, who has also been linked with an exit, although the youngster's tendency to play further up the pitch in recent times may see manager Mauricio Pochettino rethink that plan.


http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/04/05/sessegnon-could-leave-fulham-for-25m-potentially-a-steal-for-spu/

 
Pundit fancies Fulham to keep rolling with win at Sheffield Wednesday

David Prutton is backing Fulham to maintain their hopes of automatic promotion from the Championship with a hard-fought victory at Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday.

Fulham head into the weekend five points behind second placed Cardiff City having played a game more, although the Welsh side host leaders Wolverhampton Wanderers on Friday.

A 14-game unbeaten run has fired Fulham to within touching distance of the top two and Prutton has tipped them keep rolling with a 1-0 win at Hillsbrough (7/1 with Sky Bet).

"Fulham just keep on going and they'll still have real belief of finishing in the top two," he told Sky Sports.

"At the very least they'll want to keep winning to carry this form into the play-offs.

"This could prove a stumbling block. Sheffield Wednesday have three wins on the spin now and finally look to have woken up, although it's a bit late for them this season.

"It will be tough for them, but I think Fulham have the quality to see them through."

Wednesday won 1-0 at Craven Cottage earlier this season, but Fulham have been the in-form side in the Championship over the last few months.

The home side can be backed at 16/5 to win the game, with Fulham on offer at 17/20 and the draw available at 13/5.



http://sportslens.com/pundit-fancies-fulham-to-keep-rolling-with-win-at-sheffield-wednesday/229582/

 
Fredericks: Do Our Job

Ryan Fredericks is hoping for a Wolverhampton Wanderers win on Friday night, but his primary focus is on beating Sheffield Wednesday.

Fulham need Cardiff City to drop points if automatic promotion is to be achieved, with the Bluebirds hosting the league leaders in the weekend's first fixture.


"We'll be in our rooms in the hotel but we'll have one eye on it," Fredericks told fulhamfc.com. "There's nothing more we can do other than keep winning our games and hope that a few other teams do us a favour.

"We're on a great run at the moment. We set the record for the most unbeaten games for Fulham, so the lads are all buzzing, but we're a confident bunch anyway.

"Even when games weren't going for us at the start of the season, we were still confident that we were going to pick up, and that's what's happened.

"It's frustrating when the boys in front of you keep picking up points as well. Normally a run like ours sees you to the top of the league, but hopefully it won't count for nothing come the end of the season and we'll be where we want to be."

Wednesday have not had as prolific a season as they were hoping for in 2017/18, but have picked up some impressive results of late.

That's largely down to the form of imposing strike duo Atdhe Nuhiu and Lucas Joao, but Fredericks believes his side are much better at coping with physical threats these days.


"I think that's one of the reasons we are where we are now," he explained. "We're much more solid as a team, we're doing our jobs at the back and letting the boys in front do what they do best.

"It will be another tough game, but they all are. I think they've had bad injuries this season which is probably the reason why they're down there. If they'd kept the team they had back-end of last season then I expect they'd be higher up the table.

"We're fighting for more important things than they are, so we've just got to do our job, go out there and approach it as we would any other game."

Fulham will again be backed by a large away following this weekend, and Fredericks insisted that sort of thing genuinely does aid the players.

"We're taking a lot of fans to every away match at the minute," he said. "Hillsborough is a hostile place to go, so hopefully we'll have as many fans there as possible singing their hearts out for 90 minutes.

"That level of support really helps us run those extra yards."

Tickets for Saturday's game can be bought in person or over the phone until 3pm Friday, and Sheffield Wednesday will also be selling tickets on the gate.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/april/06/ryan-fredericks-do-our-job

 
'I needed to leave Newcastle' - Aleksandar Mitrovic reveals why he made the right decision

Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic has been in the goals since joining Fulham on loan from Newcastle United, earning the award for March

Aleksandar Mitrovic says he made the right decision when opting to quit Newcastle United in January.

The Serbian international star has been named as the Sky Bet's Championship player of the month after his goal rush in the second flight.

And the striker insists he has no regrets after swapping United for Fulham .

After picking up the player of the month award, Mitrovic said: "I'm happy and proud, I'd like to thank my team-mates for helping me to achieve this and I'm looking forward to the rest of the season.

(https://i2-prod.chroniclelive.co.uk/incoming/article14498034.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/Fulham-v-Leeds-United-Sky-Bet-Championship.jpg)
Aleksandar Mitrovic (Image: Getty Images Europe)

"From the first minute here, I adapted really fast and my team-mates have helped me a lot. I feel good to play every game on the pitch so I hope that we'll be able to fight for automatic promotion for the rest of the season.

"I needed to leave Newcastle because I needed game time and needed games in my legs and I was desperate to play football, to be on the pitch, to score goals.

"It works perfectly for me, I really enjoy it here, my family enjoy it and I hope it continues. The manager, obviously being Serbian too, helped me a lot and the style they play, the players they have, I like a lot."



https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aleksandar-mitrovic-newcastle-united-fulham-14498040