Friends of Fulham

 
How Newcastle outcast Mitrovic morphed into Fulham's star striker in promotion push

The Serbian endured a difficult time under Rafa Benitez but he has been thriving under his compatriot Slavisa Jokanovic at Craven Cottage

Twelve months ago, Aleksandar Mitrovic was a bit-part player in Newcastle United's promotion, but now the Serbian striker is now spearheading Fulham's late, great push for a return to the top flight.

Since dropping back down to the Championship in January on loan, the striker has looked like a new man. He's been crucial to helping the Cottagers to extend their unbeaten run to 22 games and they are guaranteed at least a play-off position with two games to go.

After scoring just four goals in the Championship last season, Mitrovic has netted 11 times in 15 appearances for Fulham. But what has changed for the enigmatic 23-year-old?

It's no secret that Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez and Mitrovic didn't get on during his time at Newcastle, with the Magpies boss preferring the likes of Dwight Gayle, Joselu and Ayoze Perez in attack. Before joining Slavisa Jokanovic's side on loan, Mitrovic had made just six substitute appearances in the Premier League this season.

Mitrovic was sent off twice in his debut season at Newcastle and his unpredictable temperament drew criticism in the past, with Benitez unhappy with the forward after a 6-0 win against Preston last season when he was booked for his celebration after scoring his second goal of the game. He was then involved in an altercation with Matt Ritchie about who was going to take a penalty when Mitrovic was on for a hat-trick.



http://www.goal.com/en/news/how-newcastle-outcast-mitrovic-morphed-into-fulhams-star-striker-/gqieys8fqli315ym1iq1d5j6i

 
Manchester United have work cut out to convince youngster to join club

Ryan Sessegnon is getting a lot of attention since last season with Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur now keen to take him away from Fulham on a permanent basis.

The Sun are stating that, as rehashed by the Times, that Spurs are the 17-year-old's first choice due to wanting to remain in London.

It is also being noted by the same media outlets that United are doing their utmost to persuade the youngster to move up north to Manchester.

Sessegnon is attracting interest from a number of top clubs after the season he's had, and it wouldn't surprise us one bit if all these clubs have to battle it out until the end to be the first to secure his signature.

After scoring 15 and assisting six in 44 league appearances this term, Sessgnon became the first Championship player to be nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year award this season. A phenomenal achievement.

He is renowned for blistering pace and an eye for goal, as well as being versatile enough to play at full-back and on the wing. Funnily enough, that may remind United fans of Antonio Valencia or Ashley Young with both playing defensive positions despite not being recognised full-backs, but I can assure you Sessegnon initially made his name as a defender, albeit an attack-minded one.

United seemingly have their work cut out for them if they're to convince the youngster to move up north.



http://strettynews.com/manchester-united-have-work-cut-out-to-convince-youngster-to-join-club/

 
'It's one I could see happening' – Speedy Arsenal ace to Fulham: The verdict

(https://cdn.footballleagueworld.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/reiss-nelson0000d0d0d.jpg)

Reiss Nelson is a player knocking on the door of the first-team at Arsenal.

However, with the managerial situation at the Gunners looking uncertain for next season, there is every chance the speedy 18-year-old will be shipped out on loan to the Sky Bet Championship.

One team that could be in the Championship next season, or even in the top-flight is Fulham.

Craven Cottage could be a potential destination for Nelson next season, as Arsenal seek to give Nelson a platform to exhibit his qualities.

Would Fulham and Reiss Nelson be a good fit? Can you see Jokanovic going for a player like Nelson?

We discuss....

Gary Hutchinson

If he's going anywhere, I'd suggest somewhere in London to minimise the upheaval.

He's not proven anywhere and for him to turn up in the Championship expecting game time is a big pressure on the receiving club, especially if he wilts under the bright lights.

The boy has a lot to prove and he does need football somewhere.

Jay Williams

This is entirely dependant on whether Fulham go up or stay down this season.

If Fulham go up, they should probably be looking at more experienced players to help them stay in the Premier League but if they stay down, Nelson would be a great signing.

He may only be 18 but he is versatile and he could thrive in a side which have shown that they are not afraid to play teenagers.

Ben Barkworth

The right-wing position is one of Fulham's weaker areas with multiple players failing to stake a claim on the position.

Slavisa Jokanovic has shown with Ryan Sessegnon that he is willing to give key roles to young players, so this could be the ideal team for Nelson to go on loan to in order to develop.

Fulham's preference to overload down the left flank means he would be left in 1v1s after a quick switch of play, so it could be the ideal role for him.

George Dagless

He'd surely fit the environment.

Fulham have been going along very nicely this season but that does not mean they cannot rest on their laurels in the summer.

Certainly, there's a good chance he'd be a hit at the Cottage and so it's one I could see happening.

Chris Gallagher

Even if they are promoted, he would be a good signing.

Nelson would suit the style of play that Jokanovic demands and could solve the right-midfield position for the Cottagers.

The exciting youngster needs a run of games to prove his ability and Fulham could be ideal for that.

Alfie Burns

If Fulham are a Premier League outfit I can't see them looking to sign Nelson, but if they remain in the Championship, he could well be someone they take a look at.

For Nelson, working for a manager like Slavisa Jokanovic would be huge, as I'm sure the Fulham boss would develop his game.

Having come through Arsenal's ranks, I'm sure Nelson's style would suit the way Fulham play.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/its-one-i-could-see-happening-speedy-arsenal-ace-to-fulham-the-verdict/

 
Championship promotion race set for final-day drama?

Cardiff City followers, alongside Fulham fans, are set to experience that excruciatingly painful tension that only final-day drama can produce. Both sides have been embroiled in a tussle for the second automatic spot since the year's turn. Their battle will reach its conclusion a week Saturday.

The Bluebirds' defeat to play-off chasing Derby County on Tuesday night all-but confirmed that a narrative that has perpetuated the league for half a season will seek its resolution in the final game-week.

Calum Paterson's clinical volley had gifted Cardiff a lead at Pride Park - his reaction seemed to be one of surprise, as though he thought himself incapable of such a crisp finish. In many ways, it characterised his season in Wales; bought as a right-back, the Scot has progressed into a goal-scoring central midfielder and is amongst the top scorers, despite returning from injury in October - bemusing.

At this stage, the sensible money would have been on Neil Warnock's side closing out the game, effectively placing one foot in the Premier League. They would've gone four points clear of chasing Fulham with two games remaining, yet Garry Rowett's men clawed back victory, exploiting uncharacteristically shoddy defending from City.

Just as Cardiff fans rejoiced at Brentford's late equaliser at Craven Cottage two weeks ago, the Fulham faithful will have met Derby's fight-back with glee. And hope. Suddenly, Slavisa Jokanovic's Fulham has a tangible chance of automatic promotion.

Spearheaded by the brute potency from Aleksandar Mitrovic, weaved through the delicacy of Tom Cairney and powered by the pace of in-demand Ryan Sessegnon, Fulham have heaved themselves from outside of the top-six before Christmas into contention for automatic promotion.

(http://www.itsroundanditswhite.co.uk/media/images/admin/sportsman-football/Fulham_Jokanovic.jpg)
Fulham have embarked on an incredible run

Fulham's resurgence has pitted two polar footballing philosophies against each other, with the purist, slick style employed at Craven Cottage clashing quite drastically with the direct, confrontational ideology espoused by Warnock.

Indeed, this race is not yet completely certain to go to the final day. But anything else would be a huge surprise. For automatic promotion to be concluded this weekend, Fulham would have to lose to already-relegated Sunderland, with Cardiff winning at Hull.

Chris Coleman's Sunderland have been meek at best this season, and there is little expectation that they will raise their game from the cowering and insipid crevice they currently occupy.

There are two scenarios that could set up the final day drama:

Cardiff lose at Hull and Fulham beat Sunderland; this would see Fulham enter the last game week in second, two points ahead of the Bluebirds. A draw would then be enough for Fulham, with their superior goal-difference meaning the Welsh side would have to inflict a record-breaking goal-scoring annihilation on Reading, their opponents.

Cardiff beat Hull, with Fulham's defeat of Sunderland expected; this would see Cardiff remain second, still, one point ahead of Fulham, needing a victory to definitely secure promotion. Fulham faces Birmingham, whose safety has been effectively sealed, and anything but a win would be another shock.

Permutations are a vital ingredient in the magic of final-day drama and every Cardiff and Fulham fan will be calculating their outcomes almost routinely until now and the final whistle on 7th May.

If this were up to the general public, Fulham's aesthetically-pleasing football will be witnessed in England's top flight next season, with many warming to the attractive and attacking direction deployed. Warnock, for many, is the arch-villain and though he often provides amusing anecdotes and unconventionally direct quotes, few outside Cardiff want his agricultural style in the Premier League.

It's not up to the public, though; after all, they can often make the wrong decision. Brexit.

With the Premier League relegation battle no longer a fight and more of a hopeless cesspool of dead dreams, the race for promotion is the most intriguing story-line. Get ready for some riveting drama, folks.



http://www.itsroundanditswhite.co.uk/articles/championship-promotion-race-set-final-day-drama

 
Chris Coleman on the latest with Ellis Short ahead of Fulham

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DIFFICULT TIMES: Sunderland boss Chris Coleman

SUNDERLAND'S relegation from the Championship might have been confirmed, but Chris Coleman is still waiting to hear from Black Cats owner Ellis Short about his plans for the club.

Almost a week has passed since the Wearsiders were condemned to life in League One on the back of a 2-1 home defeat to Burton Albion, but Coleman has been unable to get any clarity about the direction the club will be heading in over the summer.

Martin Bain this week insisted that Short would not be putting Sunderland into administration this summer, but a host of questions about the club's off-field position remain unanswered.

Talks with a number of potential investors remain ongoing – some of whom have signed non-disclosure agreements – but no one is believed to be close to be tabling a formal offer.

Short continues to plug monthly shortfalls to keep the club afloat, but the American financier has provided no indication of how much money will be available to fund a summer rebuilding job, even though the end of the season is now just two games away.

Coleman said: "There's still been no conversation with Ellis. There's nothing I can do about that. My conversations are with Martin, who has been here for a bit longer than me, and this season has almost been the front man, taking all the criticism.

"He works his socks off. There's not a lot he can do about it. He's got a menu and he has to stick with that and get on with it.

"The unthinkable has happened. The club needs a lot of change, which is obvious. Because of the uncertainty, it's open season or criticism. A club like Sunderland, almost floating aimlessly in the dark. We can't start working yet because we haven't got anyone telling us what we can or can't do."

Coleman admits he has had an extremely difficult week in the wake of Saturday's relegation, but last night's Supporters' Association Player of the Year awards helped lift spirits.

The club felt it was important to honour a commitment to the fans and attend the ceremony, which saw John O'Shea pick up the Player of the Year award, and Coleman was humbled by the response of the supporters that turned up despite this season's abject failure.

He said: "The supporters last night were – I don't have the words to describe how good they were with us. We didn't deserve anything from them.

"I said I wanted to come and manage Sunderland. That's where I am. It hasn't gone the way we wanted it to go, but I'm still here and I'd still like the opportunity to put things right here.

"That won't be my decision, it will be someone else's, who I don't know. I think it's a great football club. It's in a position where it's very tough and it's attached with a lot of negativity. We've not been able to stop the slide, but it's still a great football club.



http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/football/sunderland/16186138.Coleman_on_Ellis_Short__his_future_as_Sunderland_boss_and_plans_for_Fulham/

 
The things Cardiff City need to edge out Fulham in Premier League race: Vocal support, bottle and a slice of luck

Bluebirds fan columnist Scott Johnson argues that Neil Warnock's side have the bottle to hold their nerve in final promotion run-in

Having lost three games in close succession, the tag 'bottlers' has been aimed towards Cardiff City in some quarters.

There are two main scenarios where people use this emotive term. Some do it to get a reaction, aiming it at rivals in an attempt to chip away at their already fragile confidence.

There other scenario is when fans aim it at their own team because they're hurting.

They're emotionally invested and success is close to hand, but in real danger of being snatched away right at the last minute. Football can be cruel and you usually reap what you sow, but that does not make it any less painful when it all goes pear-shaped.

If Cardiff have proved nothing else this season it is that they have plenty of bottle. It is bottle that has them punching above their weight in amongst big spenders and salvaging so many points so late in games.

What they have done is lost three very tough games against three very good sides. In isolation and all honesty, they were all games that Cardiff were likely to lose. It's just unfortunate that they were all scheduled so close together at the tail end of a tough season.

It's unfortunate that the Derby game was called off when Cardiff were flying and Derby were down to the bare bones. It was unfortunate that Cardiff contrived to miss two injury time penalties against Wolves too, but these things happen. They will either make success all the more sweeter or forever be held up as pivotal turning points if things don't work out.

Team spirit and courage are this side's key strengths and Neil Warnock will set about firing his side up for another tricky trip to Hull on Saturday. Fate remains in their hands, even if momentum is not.

These games have highlighted a few failings.

Whether or not you rate Gary Madine is a moot point, what is apparent is that he does not fit the way Cardiff play. It is hard to tell whether Madine is failing Cardiff or Cardiff are failing Madine. It's probably somewhere in the middle.

It cannot be expected that Madine will slot in to the side and fill Kenneth Zohore's shoes. They are very different players with very different needs. Zohore wants the ball into space or at his feet, driving at defenders. Madine wants it on his chest with his back to goal, ready to lay the ball off and look for the return.

If you make Madine work the channels or Zohore win headers, you are playing to their weaknesses rather than their strengths. Madine needs someone like Liam Feeney making crosses, instead he's feeding off scraps and Cardiff are making him into something of a misfit. Either they bend to his needs or he probably shouldn't be playing.

There is a lack of quality options out wide too. The alternatives to Junior Hoilett and Nathaniel Mendez-Laing are waifs and strays that were acquired on loan because they were out of favour at their parent clubs.

Jamie Ward, Yanic Wildschut, Armand Traore and Feeney are all talented, but none of them are serious competition for a regular place. When they come in they do okay, but you don't see them from one month to the next. I've long thought that Callum Paterson could provide a solution on the right, but he's currently filling another void in the centre.

The right balance centrally also remains elusive. You can perm any combination from Aron Gunnarsson, Joe Ralls, Craig Bryson, Loic Damour, Marko Grujic and Paterson without compromising on quality, which is a great source of strength, but they have yet to find a combination that has truly gelled.

These ongoing concerns paint a rather bleak picture, but the reality is that Cardiff are two games away from the Premier League. Despite everything, two more wins will seal the deal.

Cardiff were written off after collapsing over Christmas and responded by going on a lengthy winning run. Losing late on in consecutive games against Wolves and Aston Villa saw them exceed expectations once again to win at Norwich.

Hull will be tough. They've scored 16 goals in their last five games and will provide a stern test for a Cardiff defence that had a little wobble at Derby. All three goals resulted from massive individual errors, the likes of which had been kept to a minimum until then. Hopefully they got them all out of their system on Tuesday.

Reading won't be easy either. They will be keen to end a miserable season on a high and Paul Clement will be looking to instil the kind of defensive discipline that inspired his initial revival of Swansea last year.

If Fulham manage to pip Cardiff, they deserve all the credit in the world for their achievement and remarkable unbeaten run. Ordinarily, Cardiff would be over the line by now and it has taken an extraordinary effort by Fulham to stay in the mix.

The Bluebirds will push them all the way though, of that I have no doubt. They will not fall away or go down without a fight. Their greatest foe may be tired bodies and minds, but Warnock knows what it takes to patch them up and send them out again for another scrap.

We've all had our confidence knocked in recent weeks, but now's not the time to write off Cardiff's chances. On the contrary, they stand on the brink of something truly special and can't do it without you, the fans.

The support against Forest and Derby was brilliant and may make all the difference in the final two games.



https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/cardiff-city-fulham-promotion-things-14578721

 
Jack Rodwell: Chris Coleman 'does not know where Sunderland midfielder is'

Sunderland manager Chris Coleman says he "doesn't know" where want-away midfielder Jack Rodwell is mentally.

The already-relegated Black Cats travel to promotion-chasing Fulham in the Championship on Friday, but long-term absentee Rodwell will not feature.

"I don't even know where Jack is, to be honest with you. So no, he won't be involved [at Fulham]," Coleman said.

Afterwards, Coleman clarified that he was referring to Rodwell's mental state rather than his whereabouts.

The former Everton and Manchester City midfielder, 27, reportedly earning £70,000-a-week at the Stadium of Light, is training with Sunderland's under-23 squad.

Analysis
Nick Barnes, BBC Radio Newcastle

Coleman is saying he knows where Rodwell is physically, but mentally he has no idea what is going on with him.

The situation remains as was - Rodwell is under contract, training with the under-23 side, and is set to be earning £43,000-a-week in League One next season when his deferred wage cut from this term kicks in. That is, unless something happens in the summer.

'Where's he going to leave and go to?'
Rodwell has not made a senior appearance for Sunderland since September and has asked to leave the club he joined for £10m from Manchester City in August 2014.

Sunderland offered to tear up his contract earlier this season, but Rodwell decided to stay.

His current deal, set to expire in the summer of 2019, does not include Sunderland's usual 40% wage reduction clause following relegation.

In a newspaper interview in January, Rodwell insisted he was fit and available for selection and said it would be "unfair" to ask him to walk away from a lucrative contract, but Coleman believes he does not want to play for Sunderland again.

The former Wales boss added: "I'm quite sure we've gone down the legal route of that situation, and we're stuck with a player that doesn't want to play for Sunderland Football Club and wants to leave.

"But then where's he going to leave and go to? There's the conundrum."

Rodwell has made only 53 starts for the Black Cats, with only three league appearances coming this season.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/43905840

The 90-point mark
by Lydia on April 26, 2018

As a league, the Sky Bet Championship is becoming more competitive year on year. This season we could potentially see something that hasn't happened since 1997-98 when the top three sides all achieved 90 or more points. If Cardiff and Fulham both win their last two games then Cardiff will go up with 92points, while Fulham will miss out on automatic promotion and be condemned to the play-offs. If this does happen, then Fulham will be the first team since the history of the Championship in this format to not go up automatically after winning more than 90 points.


Obviously, this is all just speculation, as we still have two games to go and it isn't in anyway a foregone conclusion that we will win them both, but it does show that history tells us that getting to 90+ points should be enough for us to go up. Can both Cardiff and Fulham do it? Quite possibly, but it would be a very rare occurrence.

The closest the promotion race has been recently was in 2015-16, when Middlesbrough and Brighton went toe to toe to the final day when Middlesbrough's better goal difference was what clinched them 2nd spot. What made it even more nail-biting was that Middlesbrough and Brighton were playing each other on the last day, and the 1-1 draw was what was enough for Boro.

It is extremely likely that this year that second promotion spot will be decided on the final day. If we were to lose on Friday night at home to Sunderland, then Cardiff can seal promotion with a win over Hull. I can't see it happening, but stranger things have happened I suppose.

What we can say as a fact, though, is that we need the Cottage to be absolutely rocking on Friday night. Sunderland are already down, but this means that they have nothing to lose, so can play with some element of freedom in that respect. The last team to beat us in the league was Sunderland, so we need to be on the ball to prevent it happening again. If you are lucky enough to be going to Craven Cottage on Friday night then do everything that you can to help the boys out. A win puts the pressure straight back on Cardiff.

#COYW



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/04/the-90-point-mark/

 
Enjoy Up To 40% Off

Fulham fans can enjoy great savings with our End Of Season Sale now on!

As the Whites continue their push for promotion, supporters can pick the the 2017/18 Home Shirt for just £30 Adults and £25 Juniors.

Why not complete the look with this discounts also available on Home Shorts and Socks too.

30% Off All Away Kits

With under two weeks left of the regular season, supporters can also enjoy 30% off all Away Kits.

Secure yours today online or from the Stadium Store at Craven Cottage.

COYW!



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/april/26/end-of-season-sale

 
Preview: Sunderland travel to Fulham hoping for strong end to season

Chris Coleman has reiterated the importance of finishing off the season strongly despite having their fate sealed in the league.

Sunderland play Fulham tomorrow in a tough game for the Black Cats and Craven Cottage, boss Chris Coleman said: "We've got to go with the strongest team we can"

Coleman was questioned on whether the younger players in the squad would get some game time in the league but the manager said: "We've got to be careful for them that we don't put them in too early"

He continued: "We've got to go with a team with the best chance we think of doing something tomorrow night." Coleman seemed keen to finish off the season in the best possible manner, after relegation was confirmed in last weeks fixture against Burton.

Coleman commented: "We're going up against one of the best teams tomorrow night. We've got to finish the two games off properly"

After being questioned on the possibility of Jack Rodwell making an appearance, Coleman said: "I don't even know where Jack is to be honest with you so no, he won't be involved, and I'm sure if there was a sniff of a first team appearance, I'm not sure he'd be 100% fit for it to be honest"

He continued: "We're stuck with a player that doesn't want to play for Sunderland Football Club"

Sunderland will be without winger Aiden McGeady and Brian Oviedo, with Billy Jones being rated as "50/50" to be available.

Lamine Kone and Josh Maja are expected to be available.

Kick-off at Craven Cottage tomorrow is at 19:45.



https://sportsbyte.sunderland.ac.uk/preview-sunderland-travel-to-fulham-hoping-for-strong-end-to-season/

 
Theresa May urges FA to reconsider plan to sell Wembley Stadium as opposition grows to £600m sell-off so US billionaire can bring his NFL franchise to UK - forcing England on the road

    The Football Association are on the verge of selling Wembley Stadium
    American Shahid Khan, owner of Fulham has tabled a £600 million bid
    Khan would like to be able to bring regular NFL football to London
    Theresa May has urged the FA to consider fans before accepting the deal

Theresa May tonight warned the FA to think of England fans before committing to selling off Wembley Stadium.

Downing Street insisted the process was at an early stage and ultimately a matter for the FA to resolve. But Mrs May's official spokesman urged caution.

He said: 'This is a decision for the Football Association. But Wembley is the historic home of English football and holds a very special place in the hearts of fans up and down the country.

'I'm sure the FA will want to strongly consider the views of these supporters before deciding what to do next.'

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/04/26/18/4B92A09A00000578-5657091-The_Football_Association_are_on_the_verge_of_selling_Wembley_Sta-a-22_1524762925044.jpg)
The Football Association are on the verge of selling Wembley Stadium for more than £600million in a move which has sparked a backlash from some fans, who say the 'crown jewel' site should not be handed over to private owners

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/04/26/18/4B8C07E900000578-5657091-Fulham_s_billionaire_owner_Shahid_Khan_the_owner_of_the_is_the_m-a-21_1524762925022.jpg)
Fulham's billionaire owner Shahid Khan - the owner of the  is the man who wants to buy the national stadium. It is thought he will use it as the home of a UK-based American football team

Fans today reacted with anger when they heard of a possible plan to sell the ground to an American NFL team.

The iconic site - where England games have been played since 1920s - could be handed to Shahid Khan, the billionaire owner of American football 'franchise' the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The Football Association says the huge windfall could be pumped into grassroots football, but fans are uneasy at the thought of the national stadium being privately owned and potentially renamed.

Critics questioned how much the new owner might charge England to play at the ground, while others told of their fears the stadium could end up being be named after US firms like Budweiser or Taco Bell.

Plans for the sale have also sparked a scramble to reclaim the £40million taxpayers' money pumped into the development of the stadium and the £120million National Lottery funding.

It is feared the English national football team may end up having to play home matches at other stadiums around the country while the NFL season is underway.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/04/26/18/0214C03A000005DC-5657091-Fans_have_expressed_concern_that_the_home_of_English_football_co-a-18_1524762924998.jpg)
Fans have expressed concern that the home of English football could become privately-owned and could be renamed

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/04/26/18/0BDB1393000005DC-5657091-NFL_cheerleaders_at_a_NFL_game_played_at_Wembley_in_2010_The_sta-a-17_1524762924945.jpg)
NFL cheerleaders at a NFL game played at Wembley in 2010. The stadium could be about to host many more American football games if the deal to sell it to the Jacksonville Jaguars owner goes ahead

Khan, who is worth an estimated £5.2billion, is prepared to pay £600m in cash and allow the FA to keep its hospitality business Club Wembley that is valued at a further £300m. The FA is said to have around £100m in debt which it was due to pay off in 2024.

Former QPR player Rodney Marsh was among those questioning in the move today. He tweeted: 'Mark this date. If Wembley is sold it will no longer be Wembley Stadium. It will become The Google Sports Arena.'

Local MP and Shadow International Trade Secretary Barry Gardiner added: 'Let's not see our National Football Stadium traded away in a backroom deal. Wembley Stadium is not just at the heart of our borough of Brent, it's at the heart of Britain.'

The Government and Sport England, the Lottery-funded body who pumped £120million into the stadium's construction, are both demanding high-level talks to find out how the deal will impact the future of English football.

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport said: 'We would like to hear more detail about the way in which such a deal would help the development of the game in this country from the grassroots up. We also want to be reassured that Wembley would remain the home of English football for generations to come.'

ames Price, Campaign Manager at the TaxPayers' Alliance, questioned why so much public money had been ploughed into the scheme just over a decade ago.

He told MailOnline: 'Taxpayers must get their money back from any sale that goes through, and it should not be considered the norm that we are on the hook for these big developments, as the public sector is rarely good at spotting these winning projects.'

But Mr Khan has insisted Wembley would remain home to the England national team.

Describing the plan in a statement released through one of his many clubs, Fulham FC, the tycoon said: 'Wembley Stadium would return to private ownership and the Football Association would be able to focus on its core mission of developing players with the best player developers and facilities anywhere in the game, thanks in part to the vast financial benefit that would result from the transaction.'

He told England fans: 'Always know Wembley would be home to the England national teams, and that we would strive every day of the year to be the best possible steward for a venue that is iconic and beloved here and throughout the world.'

Mr Khan has tabled a formal offer that was being discussed for the first time by the FA board this morning.

If he is successful, it would open the door to the first NFL franchise outside the United States. The billionaire is keen to bring a permanent team to British shores, in what would be an unprecedented move.

While a deal has not yet been agreed, an FA spokesperson confirmed to Sportsmail on Thursday morning that a potential sale is in the pipeline: 'We can confirm that The FA has received an offer to buy Wembley Stadium.'

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/04/26/18/4B9301AF00000578-5657091-Khan_with_his_wife_of_31_years_Ann_the_pair_are_pictured_cheerin-a-20_1524762925020.jpg)
Khan with his wife of 31 years Ann - the pair are pictured cheering on his side Fulham in 2013

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/04/26/18/4B8C07F100000578-5657091-Khan_pictured_outside_the_Jacksonville_Jaguars_stadium_in_2012_a-a-19_1524762924999.jpg)
Khan, pictured outside the Jacksonville Jaguars' stadium in 2012, also owns the NFL team

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/04/26/18/4B93033F00000578-5657091-image-a-23_1524762925075.jpg)
Mr Khan has bought up Fulham Football Club and his superyacht is often seen on the Thame

Sources have also told Sportsmail that the FA hierarchy believe it is an offer that is simply too good to turn down given the cash the governing body will be able to pump back into the game; with the full £600million invested at grass roots level - particularly pitches.

In January the FA said they would finally finish paying for Wembley by the end of 2024, 17 years after the new 90,000-seater stadium was opened at a cost of £757m. A debt of £142m reportedly remained.

But Khan's offer would clear the debt and release the FA from the significant financial burden of running and eventually modernising the stadium, although how much of the Pakistan-born American's money has to be paid to the other stakeholders remains to be seen.

While Sport England paid £120m towards the cost of rebuilding Wembley, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport put up £20m with a further £21m coming from the London Development Agency.

It is understood that officials at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport are now examining contracts from when the stadium was approved to see whether they can recoup any of the £20million they put into the project to build the stadium. 

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/04/26/18/4B93B0DC00000578-5657091-image-a-34_1524762925534.jpg)
Fans have expressed their concern that the stadium would lose its iconic status after the sale

Officials from the department are expected to hold discussions with the FA about the possible sale of the stadium, with attention given to how the money made from any sale deal will be spent.

The FA will demand certain conditions as part of any deal. Wembley will remain the home of English football as well as the governing body, although Khan would be able to sell sponsorship rights to the stadium.

The current deal agreed by the FA with EE expires in 2020. And matches like the FA Cup final, the English Football League play-off finals and Rugby League's Challenge Cup final would remain at Wembley.

But England's autumn internationals will have to move away from Wembley if Khan is successful in moving his £1bn NFL franchise to London.

The FA believe England fans would welcome more internationals being played in other parts of the country, with one of England's games ahead of this summer's World Cup being held at Elland Road.

Khan already has an agreement in place to stage one Jacksonville Jaguars game at Wembley every season but he is clearly pursuing the deal to buy Wembley with NFL expansion here in the UK very much in mind.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/04/26/18/3A69F60600000578-5657091-The_stadium_would_still_be_used_for_England_matches_potential_bu-a-30_1524762925443.jpg)
The stadium would still be used for England matches, potential buyer Mr Khan has said

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/04/26/18/065B5253000005DC-5657091-England_would_play_most_of_their_games_at_Wembley_but_could_be_f-a-31_1524762925486.jpg)
England would play most of their games at Wembley, but could be forced elsewhere while the NFL season is being played

The NFL today welcomed the move, with Vice President Mark Waller saying: 'We are very happy for Shad Khan and the Jacksonville Jaguars.

'The potential purchase of Wembley Stadium is a further powerful sign of their commitment to the UK and their vision to help us grow the sport.

'Having stadium options in London has always been critical to the NFL and, in tandem with our 10-year partnership with Tottenham Hotspur, this new relationship would allow for even greater flexibility in scheduling future NFL games in London.'

Quite how that impacts on Chelsea, who have considered playing at Wembley for four years while Stamford Bridge is being redeveloped, and Tottenham, who have NFL games as a key part of their business plan for their new stadium, is also unclear at this stage.

Spurs have designed their new ground to incorporate a separate American football pitch and have NFL branding at the new site, having agreed with the NFL to stage two games each year between 2018 and 2027.

Fulham fans may be concerned by the prospect of leaving their historic ground Craven Cottage, however club sources suggested the club would not move to Wembley. 

The FA are no doubt bracing themselves for criticism but they will argue that they are fairly unique among national governing bodies in owning their own stadium. Germany, for instance, do not own their own stadium.

Further to that, FA bosses would point out that it was only in 1999 that they even came to own Wembley. It was then that the FA clinched a £103m deal to purchase the crumbling Twin Towers from Wembley PLC.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/04/26/18/3416D22400000578-5657091-The_stadium_on_the_site_before_the_redevelopment_hosted_England_-a-29_1524762925418.jpg)
The stadium on the site before the redevelopment hosted England's famous World Cup Final win over West Germany in 1966

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/04/26/18/4B9431C100000578-5657091-The_razzmatazz_of_the_NFL_could_become_a_more_permanent_feature_-a-32_1524762925524.jpg)    (http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/04/26/18/19D3272800000514-5657091-The_razzmatazz_of_the_NFL_could_become_a_more_permanent_feature_-a-35_1524762925552.jpg)
The razzmatazz of the NFL could become a more permanent feature at Wembley if the £600million sale goes through.  Cheerleaders and Miami Dolphins players are picture at previous NFL visits to the stadium

Indeed at the 1966 World Cup a game in England's group between France and Uruguay had to be moved to the White City Stadium because Wembley PLC wanted to stage a greyhound racing event.

Sportsmail understands that FA chief executive Martin Glenn and the hierarchy had already considered selling the stadium as part of the governing body's long-term strategy when Khan floated the idea of buying the stadium.

They will argue it enables them to cash in on their biggest asset while retaining Club Wembley, which is their biggest income stream after their television and sponsorship deals. And they will continue to profit from ticket revenue for England matches and other FA events, simply paying the new owner for use of the stadium.

Khan has no intention of moving Fulham to Wembley. But he is no stranger to such big money deals, having paid around £550m for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2015.

---

Who is Shahid Khan? From washing dishes for $1.20 an hour to splashing out on a £140m superyacht... meet the man primed to take over ownership of £800m Wembley

Billionaire Shahid Khan's rags to riches story has seen him go from earning just 85p an hour washing dishes to making an £800million bid for one of the crown's of the sporting world.

The 67-year-old highly successful businessman, who moved to the US when he was just 16 with just $500 to his name, could soon become the owner of Wembley Stadium.

His rapid rise to the top saw him become owner of Championship side Fulham in 2013, and the NFL side Jacksonville Jaguars are also one of his outfits.

But it has not come easy to the self-made billionaire from Pakistan, who is now the 217th richest person in the world.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/04/26/18/4B8C0B8400000578-5657091-image-a-40_1524762925782.jpg)
Khan has NFL expansion in the UK in mind, and could even bring his Jacksonville team here

Khan was born in Lahore, Pakistan in July 1950 to mother, Zakia, a maths professor, and father, Rafiq who sold surveying equipment.

Encouraged by his father, who stood for humility and frugality, Khan from an early age developed a nous for business.

As a child he would build and sell radios and perhaps with his father's influence would not allow any opportunity to pass by without being able to make a profit.

For instance, even Khan's childhood friends got a first-hand experience of his financial prudence as they were charged to rent his comic books.

However behind the eye for a profit there was a sporting passion too and Khan would spend many days in his childhood at the Lahore Stadium (now Gaddafi) to bask in cricket. Typically, he saved money by doing this too.

Khan would often go with his father and they never bought a ticket having always walked into the ground after tea when entrance was free.

At the age of 16 he moved to the United States to study mechanical engineering at the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana with just $500 to his name, spending his first nights at a YMCA.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/04/26/18/4B936CAB00000578-5657091-Khan_studied_engineering_at_the_University_of_Illinois_He_now_ha-a-41_1524762925785.jpg)
Khan studied engineering at the University of Illinois. He now has a lavish mansion in the state

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/04/26/18/04263F5C000007D0-5657091-He_stood_with_his_players_before_their_game_against_the_Baltimor-a-37_1524762925656.jpg)
He stood with his players before their game against the Baltimore Ravens at Wembley in 2017

Concerned that he would quickly run out of money at the $2 a night accommodation, Khan went out the next morning to get his first job... washing dishes for just $1.20 an hour.

Soon after, the engineer by trade would start work at automotive manufacturing company Flex-N-Gate and 13 years after arriving in the United States he bought the company for $800,000.

After initially supplying a small range of bumpers to Toyota, the 1980s saw demand increase from the Japanese car manufacturer for his 'one-piece bumpers' to the point that by 1989 his company was the sole supplier.

As recently as 2012, Flex-N-Gate were on two-thirds of all the cars and trucks sold in the United States with sales worth $3.5billion. According to Forbes the company now has 62 plants worldwide and over 24,000 employees.

In 1991, Khan became a US citizen but it was not until 2010 when he first rekindled that childhood passion for sports while trying to purchase 60 per cent of the NFL side St Louis Rams.

Intriguingly he quickly ran into a road block put up by current Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/04/26/18/05AE26B200000514-5657091-Khan_has_a_passion_for_sports_he_is_pictured_celebrating_a_Fulha-a-39_1524762925687.jpg)
Khan has a passion for sports; he is pictured celebrating a Fulham goal away at Crystal Palace

A deal was all but agreed for Khan to purchase his stake but as a minority shareholder of the Rams Kroenke exercised a clause in his ownership agreement to match any proposed bid that denied Khan the chance to become the first ethnic minority to own an NFL team.

It took Khan another two years to land that accolade when he completed the $770m purchase of the Jacksonville Jaguars, who after a few years of failure have shown rapid improvement.

Under a new coach in Doug Marrone, the franchise recently recorded their first winning season as well as reaching the play-offs for the first time in a decade.

But NFL was not enough for Khan and just a year after purchasing the Jaguars he moved into the realms of owning a Premier League club – if only that status was brief.

Khan bought Fulham off Mohamed Al Fayed for a fee believed to be between £150m and £200m ahead of a tumultuous season for the club that would end with their relegation from the top flight.

The club were in turmoil for much of the campaign, going through three managers including Martin Jol, Rene Meulensteen and the highly unpopular Felix Magath on their way to the Championship.

Like the Jaguars, there were no immediate improvements at the club following two seasons flirting with another relegation.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/04/26/18/1ACBA9DD000005DC-5657091-Khan_poses_with_former_Fulham_owner_Mohamed_Al_Fayed_after_purch-a-38_1524762925681.jpg)
Khan poses with former Fulham owner Mohamed Al Fayed after purchasing the London club

But the appointment of Slavisa Jokanovic led to top-six finish in 2017 and this season could still end with automatic promotion to the Premier League.

Even with two sports teams under his wing, Khan continued to grow his assets and in 2016 he purchased Toronto's Four Seasons hotel for C$225 million.

According to Forbes, Khan's business adventures make him the 217th richest man in the world with a fortune worth £5.16bn ($7.2bn). Despite his frugal upbringing he isn't afraid to spend some of it either.

Along with his wife Ann, who he met in 1977 and has two children with, Khan owns a stunning 312ft superyacht worth £140m named Kismet and is also the owner of three private jets.

Khan however is also not afraid to dip into his pockets for good causes. Through the Jacksonville Jaguars foundation as well as the NFL he is involved with philanthropy while in 2011 he donated $10m to the University of Illinois.

It is in Illinois where he owns a large house as well as an $8m penthouse in Park Tower, Chicago. However he also owns another large penthouse in Naples, Florida, which he purchased in 2014 for $11.5 million.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan wooed US billionaire trying to buy Wembley Stadium shortly after taking office and met him again just last month

Sadiq Khan wooed the US billionaire trying to buy Wembley by flying to Chicago shortly after taking office and has held regular meetings with him including one just last month, MailOnline can reveal today.

The Mayor of London has long been encouraging Shahid Khan to invest in London and urged him to bring a permanent NFL franchise to the capital. 

Their first meeting was in September 2016 where the Labour politician met him in his Chicago apartment and has said he's a 'great friend' to London.

Just last month they met in London when the Wembley plan, said to be 18 months in the making, was fully formed.

He tweeted: 'Always a pleasure to catch up with @FulhamFC @Jaguars owner Shad Khan - a great friend to London, and supporter of bringing world-class @NFL action to our city. #LondonIsOpen #SXSW

Mr Khan first posed with billionaire Mr Khan, the owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars and Fulham Football Club, in September 2016 and the pair are said to have become firm friends.

He tweeted a picture of himself holding a Jaguars jersey in his and said: 'Great to meet Shahid Khan today to talk about my drive to bring an franchise to London'.

The politician was on a five-day trip to Montreal, Chicago and New York to drum up business.

They met again when the Jaguars took on Baltimore Ravens at Wembley in September last year.

Last month London's Mayor again said he wanted to bring NFL to London permanently and suggested Wembley could take on more games, especially when Spurs move back to White Hart Lane from August.

London has hosted 21 regular season games since 2007 and he wants it to be the sporting capital of the world

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/04/26/18/4B93E96400000578-5657091-Sadiq_Khan_meeting_Shahid_Khan_in_2016_in_his_Chicago_flat_when_-a-44_1524762925824.jpg)
Sadiq Khan meeting Shahid Khan in 2016 in his Chicago flat when he flew to the US to drum up business

He said: 'I've been saying since the first day I became Mayor my ambition is to have more American football games in London and ultimately for there to be a franchise there and, dare I say it, even the Super Bowl.

'I met recently one of the owners of the Jacksonville Jaguars, Shahid Khan.

'I've met the NFL commissioner on a number of occasions, most recently at the game at Twickenham this year and my team is working very closely with the NFL.

'This year we'll have three games in our city for a variety of reasons to do with the availability of Twickenham and other issues.

'Obviously once Spurs open up their stadium that will give us the potential to have more games there, but I'm ambitious - the idea is to have eight games in London eventually, which is the number a franchise team plays and then who knows, maybe one day the Super Bowl.'

WEMBLEY Q+A: WHERE WOULD ENGLAND PLAY AND WHAT WOULD HAPPEN TO THE £600M?

There are plenty of questions on the lips of football fans... where will the national team play? Will the FA Cup final be affected? What will happen to the money?

With that in mind, Sportsmail's Laura Lambert answers the burning questions...


Who currently owns Wembley?

The FA bought Wembley in 1999, and owns it through its subsidiary Wembley National Stadium Ltd, but there are a number of stakeholders involved.

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport put in £20million to the £757million project, £18million of which is still owed, Sport England put in £120million (£78.5million of which is still owed), and the London Development Agency contributed £21million (of which £16.2million is still owed). The FA accepted other grants from commercial partners to help with the construction, with £4.6million still owed.

Who is behind the bid?

Shahid Khan, the billionaire owner of Fulham FC and more importantly Jacksonville Jaguars. Khan made his fortune producing car bumpers in the U.S. and is now one of the richest people in the world. His decision to bid will be heavily linked to hoped-for NFL expansion.

Where would England play?

Wembley would remain the home of English football but England's autumn internationals would have to be played elsewhere, to make way for NFL games at Wembley, which would be held between September and December.

After the old Wembley closed its doors in 2000, England were on the road between February 2001 and February 2007, playing at 14 different grounds.

There are plenty of questions on the lips of football fans... where will the national team play? Will the FA Cup final be affected? What will happen to the money?

With that in mind, Sportsmail's Laura Lambert answers the burning questions...


Who currently owns Wembley?

The FA bought Wembley in 1999, and owns it through its subsidiary Wembley National Stadium Ltd, but there are a number of stakeholders involved.

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport put in £20million to the £757million project, £18million of which is still owed, Sport England put in £120million (£78.5million of which is still owed), and the London Development Agency contributed £21million (of which £16.2million is still owed). The FA accepted other grants from commercial partners to help with the construction, with £4.6million still owed.

Who is behind the bid?

Shahid Khan, the billionaire owner of Fulham FC and more importantly Jacksonville Jaguars. Khan made his fortune producing car bumpers in the U.S. and is now one of the richest people in the world. His decision to bid will be heavily linked to hoped-for NFL expansion.

Where would England play?

Wembley would remain the home of English football but England's autumn internationals would have to be played elsewhere, to make way for NFL games at Wembley, which would be held between September and December.

After the old Wembley closed its doors in 2000, England were on the road between February 2001 and February 2007, playing at 14 different grounds.

Where would FA Cup, Challenge Cup Final and play-offs be staged?

The FA Cup final and semi-finals, The FA Community Shield, The FA Vase and Trophy Finals, EFL Cup Final, Rugby League's Challenge Cup final and the Football League play-offs would continue to be played at Wembley.

Only the fixtures played at Wembley in the autumn would be affected. It is understood Euro 2020 fixtures at Wembley, which includes the semi-final and final, would be able to go ahead as planned.

How would Tottenham's NFL plans be affected?

Tottenham already have a 10-year deal in the place with the NFL in 2015 to host at least two games a year at the new, £1billion White Hart Lane, and this should not be affected.

NFL invested £10million into the new stadium, which features the world's first dividing retractable pitch. If Tottenham had harboured ambitions of hosting an NFL franchise at the new White Hart Lane, this could be affected by Khan's bid.

How might Chelsea and any plans to temporarily move to Wembley be affected?

Chelsea's position was said to be 'unchanged'. It is understood they would not be looking for a temporary home - during building work at Stamford Bridge - until 2021, and will monitor the situation regarding Wembley. It has previously been reported that Chelsea was considering renting Wembley for around £11million a season.

Would Wembley now be the home of the Jacksonville Jaguars?

The deal could pave the way for the first overseas NFL franchise. Shahid Khan made it clear that the future stability of the Jacksonville Jaguars was a key part of his bid for Wembley, and that owning Wembley would 'protect the Jaguars' position in London'.

He will need the green-light from NFL to move Jacksonville Jaguars's franchise out of the U.S..

Where would the FA be based?

For the foreseeable future, the FA's headquarters would continue to be at Wembley. The FA moved its base from Soho Square in central London to Wembley in a £17m move in 2009.



http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/sportsnews/article-5657091/FA-primed-SELL-Wembley-Stadium-astonishing-800m-deal.html

 
Two out, two doubtful: Sunderland manager shares team news for Fulham clash

Sunderland manager Chris Coleman has revealed that two of his usual first team members will be out injured for tomorrow night's clash with Fulham, the club's official website reports.

In his pre-match press conference, Coleman revealed that Aiden McGeady and Bryan Oviedo are not fit enough to feature in tomorrow's Championship game with high flying Fulham.

McGeady has been riding through the pain barrier and playing with injections for the past six weeks so now that Sunderland have little to play for, they will not risk the Republic of Ireland international.

Sunderland are already relegated to League One with still two games left to play this season.

Their fate was sealed last weekend when two late Burton Albion goals gave the visitors a 2-1 win over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light and consigned the hosts to relegation.

Ahead of their upcoming game against Fulham, Coleman also revealed that Oviedo was not ready to make a comeback yet.

The Costa Rican defender missed the game against Burton due to a hamstring injury, although Coleman is hopeful that he will have a full week of training before the final game of the season.

Meanwhile, late assessments will be made on Josh Maja and Billy Jones while Lamine Kone is expected to be fit.

The Verdict

With little to play for now, Sunderland's players will either be playing for their future at the club or putting themselves in a shop window. I cannot see the Black Cats, even with a full strength side, getting anything out of the Fulham game. It is now about rebuilding and blooding in players who can play a larger role next season.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/two-out-two-doubtful-sunderland-manager-shares-team-news-for-fulham-clash/

 
Wembley: Football Association offered £900m to sell national football stadium


Fulham owner Shahid Khan has made an offer, thought to be worth £900m, to buy Wembley Stadium from the Football Association.

It is understood Khan would pay £600m for the stadium and the FA will continue to run the Club Wembley hospitality business, valued at £300m.

The FA board discussed the approach at a meeting on Thursday.

"We would strive to be the best possible steward for a venue that is iconic," said Khan.

The owner of NFL side Jacksonville Jaguars added: "Wembley would return to private ownership and the Football Association would be able to focus on its core mission of developing players.

"I trust many if not most of you are also supporters of the England national teams, so I hope you welcome the potential of this becoming a reality."

Fulham coach Slavisa Jokanovic said at a news conference on Thursday that Khan told him "about his plan a year and a half ago - he's very ambitious".

BBC Sport understands selling Wembley would allow the FA to make a major investment into football at grassroots level.

But, according to the FA's latest financial results, it still owes £113m to public bodies such as Sport England, the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, plus the London Development Agency, which helped pay to build the stadium, which cost £757m and opened in 2007.

The FA said in January it would finish paying for the ground by the end of 2024.

The 90,000-seat stadium, which is the largest in the United Kingdom, has been the home for Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur this season while work on their new stadium takes place.

What about NFL matches?
Spurs also have a deal with the NFL to stage a minimum of two games a season over 10 years once their new stadium is complete.

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy said the link-up with the NFL was a "compelling and exciting partnership".

NFL executive vice-president Mark Waller said having stadium options in London has been "critical to the NFL".

His statement added: "The potential purchase of Wembley Stadium is a further powerful sign of their commitment to the UK and their vision to help us grow the sport.

"This new relationship would allow for even greater flexibility in scheduling future NFL games in London."

Analysis
It's an offer that doesn't come along all too often.

The FA board has a huge decision to make now.

The money, I'm told, would be ploughed by the FA into the grassroots game, with a potentially revolutionary effect on provision of coaches, coach educators, 4G pitches and money to revamp facilities.

As for the England teams? Well, they will still be able to call Wembley their home.

What now for FA Cup semi-finals and final? Or the other major trophy games and play-off finals? Could they stay at Wembley or will other big grounds such as Old Trafford or Emirates Stadium benefit as a result? In short, are we about to witness Wembley's status as the national stadium erode?

Greater commercialisation of the stadium is perhaps almost inevitable if it is to become home, in time, to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

But for a ground officially known right now as "Wembley Stadium connected by EE" that's maybe not such a leap.

(https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/624/cpsprodpb/23B9/production/_101054190_rexfeatd.jpg)
Shahid Khan bought Fulham in 2013

Who is Shahid Khan?
BBC Radio London's Andy Rowley

Khan came to prominence in England when buying Fulham in 2013 from Mohamed Al-Fayed.

The 67-year-old was born in Lahore, Pakistan but moved to the United States at the age of 16 to study engineering and went on to become a billionaire as an automobile parts manufacturer.

Khan's current net worth is $7.2bn (£5.2bn), making him the 217th richest person in the world according to the 2018 Forbes rich list, and the 73rd richest in the United States.

Khan bought NFL franchise Jacksonville Jaguars in 2011 and they have had a deal to play "home" games at Wembley since 2013. The contract for that is in place until 2020 as the Jaguars have tried to put themselves at the forefront of the NFL links with London.

Fulham are pushing for a return to the Premier League, having been relegated to the Championship in 2014 soon after Khan's arrival, while Jacksonville had their best season for a decade, reaching the AFC Championship game before being beaten by New England Patriots.

Khan has stated that any prospective deal for Wembley will have no impact on his commitment to Fulham and the proposed redevelopment of the Riverside stand.

Khan's son, Tony, has been vice chairman and director of football operations at Fulham since February 2017, having previously advised on football operations.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/43906272

 
Chris Coleman says Jack Rodwell will not play for Sunderland against Fulham
Coleman: "We're stuck with a player that doesn't want to play for Sunderland football club and wants to leave"

Sunderland manager Chris Coleman says Jack Rodwell will not be involved against Fulham on Friday, because he does not know where the £70,000-a-week midfielder is.

Rodwell, a three-capped England international, has not made a senior appearance for the Black Cats since September, despite their struggles at the foot of the Championship table.

Sunderland manager Chris Coleman says Jack Rodwell will not be involved against Fulham on Friday, because he does not know where the £70,000-a-week midfielder is.

Rodwell, a three-capped England international, has not made a senior appearance for the Black Cats since September, despite their struggles at the foot of the Championship table.

"I don't even know where Jack is, to be honest with you, so no, he won't be involved," Coleman said.

"If there was a sniff of a first-team appearance, I'm not sure he'd be 100 per cent fit for it, so I don't think that's going to be the case."

After an injury-plagued three-and-a-half years on Wearside, Sunderland offered to cancel Rodwell's contract in January in a bid to remove him from the wage bill.

But Rodwell decided to stay, on a deal which still has another year to run, and insisted in a well-publicised interview that he was fit and available for selection if called upon.

Coleman, though, is not convinced and added: "I'm quite sure we've gone down the legal route of that situation, and we're stuck with a player that doesn't want to play for Sunderland Football Club and wants to leave.

"But then where's he going to leave and go to? There's the conundrum.

"He's here and he's got one more year on his contract. He doesn't want to play for us, so fine, go and play for somebody else. But the stumbling block is the contract.

"We'll see, it's the end of this season now.

"I know Jack did that big article, that he wanted to play for England again, so to do that, he's going to have to go and play football somewhere.

"The proof is always in the pudding."



http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11695/11347165/chris-coleman-says-jack-rodwell-will-not-play-for-sunderland-against-fulham

 
Don Goodman's predicted Championship table: Fulham to pip Cardiff in promotion race

With two games left, we asked Don Goodman to predict the race for promotion in the Sky Bet Championship.

Wolves have already clinched promotion to the Premier League, but who will follow them?

Cardiff and Fulham face a straight shootout for the second automatic spot, although Aston Villa can mathematically catch the pair but need snookers.

As it stands, Cardiff know two wins from their final two games will guarantee them second spot but Fulham are just a point behind and arguably have easier fixtures to negotiate.

Meanwhile, Middlesbrough need just one win from their two games to assure themselves a play-off place while Derby, Millwall, Brentford, Preston, Bristol City and Sheffield United all can still grab that final spot.

Derby have a two-point cushion on their rivals but have a tricky trip to Villa to negotiate.

Remember, there are two live EFL games on Sky Sports Football this weekend: Fulham face Sunderland at Craven Cottage from 7pm on Friday night, while Middlesbrough host Millwall on Saturday from 5.15pm.

Here's how Don predicts the top half to look after the final two games....
2nd: Fulham (91 points)
Friday 27 April: Sunderland (h)

Don says: 3-0

Sunday 6 May: Birmingham (a)

Don says: 1-2

Don's view: "It's hard to see them not winning both of their games. I think that will be enough to finish second. The Birmingham game won't be easy, which Neil Warnock has already alluded to - he thinks there could be twists and turns to come. Fulham could be going into that game knowing a win will give them automatic promotion. I would expect them to win that game."

3rd: Cardiff (90 points)
Saturday 28 April: Hull (a)

Don says: 2-2

Sunday 6 May: Reading (h)

Don says: 2-0

Don's view: "The Hull game is a tough one - that could be their downfall. Hull City are a capable team going forward but they do give you chances. It's not an easy place to go - Hull will play with a freedom. Cardiff have looked nervy and I wonder if the situation is getting to them slightly. But, there's no one better than Warnock at rousing their players. If Cardiff go to Hull and win, then they'll be hard to stop.

"Their haul of 90 points is a remarkable record. It would equal the record in terms of points gained without going up. They would be desperately unlucky if that was to happen."

4th: Aston Villa (86 points)
Saturday 28 April: Derby (h)

Don says: 1-0

Sunday 6 May: Millwall (a)

Don says: 1-1

Don's view: "If the scores go the way I predict then that final game against Millwall won't mean much. It'll be all about preparing for the play-offs."

5th: Middlesbrough (76 points)
Saturday 28 April: Millwall (h)

Don says: 2-0

Sunday 6 May: Ipswich (a)

Don says: 1-1

Don's view: "I can see Middlesbrough being too strong for Millwall but Tony Pulis is likely to rest a few players on that last day, which is why it'll be a tight game."

6th: Derby (74 points)
Saturday 28 April: Aston Villa (a)

Don says: 1-0

Sunday 6 May: Barnsley (h)

Don says: 2-0

Don's view: "Villa need to put themselves in a position to take advantage of any slips from Cardiff or Fulham. That is why I can see them edging it against Derby. However, Barnsley may be gone by the final day and Derby will be too strong for them. On my predictions, they'll sneak into the final play-off place on goal difference!"

7th: Brentford (74 points)
Saturday 28 April: Barnsley (a)

Don says 1-2

Sunday 6 May: Hull (h)

Don says: 3-1

Don's view: "Brentford have a chance of sneaking in. They are one of my favourite teams to watch. They play fast, attacking football but there is vulnerability about them defensively. I see Brentford winning both of their last games - it remains to seen whether that's enough to make as they need Derby to slip. Judging by my numbers, they'll just miss out."

8th: Preston (71 points)
Saturday 28 April: Sheffield United (a) Don says: 1-1

Sunday 6 May: Burton (h) Don says: 2-0

9th: Bristol City (70 points)
Saturday 28 April: Nottingham Forest (a) Don says: 2-1

Sunday 6 May: Sheffield United (h) Don says 2-2

10th: Millwall (70 points)
Saturday 28 April: Middlesbrough (a) Don says 2-0

Sunday 6 May: Aston Villa (h) Don says 1-1

11th: Sheffield United (68 points)
Saturday 28 April: Preston (h) Don says: 1-1

Sunday 6 May: Bristol City (a) Don says: 2-2



http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11688/11347137/don-goodmans-predicted-championship-table-fulham-to-pip-cardiff-in-promotion-race

 
London calling:
Mumba joins first team for Fulham

16-year-old Bali Mumba will travel to Fulham on Friday after being named in Sunderland's senior squad for the first time.

Luke Molyneux and Elliot Embleton have also been included in the group heading to Craven Cottage, with the trio selected following their recent performances for the under-23s.

Embleton made his debut earlier in the season at Wolves with Molyneux recovering from a period in the treatment to score five goals in his last six games, but it's new territory entirely for Mumba who only made the step up to under-23 level in February.

And to top it all off, Chris Coleman revealed the first-team call has got him out of double biology in the process.

"It's the first time for Bali," said the Welshman. "He's happy, I think we've got him out of double biology today!

"There will be one or two younger boys in the squad with us because we have got one or two missing, and one or two doubts."

He continued: "Bali is travelling with us, Luke Molyneux, Elliot Embleton.

"We've lost one or two to injury and it will be good experience for them.

"Ethan Robson will be with us but he has been in and out of course."



https://www.safc.com/news/team-news/2018/april/mumba-receives-first-team-call

 
Chairman Statement

A message to the Fulham supporters from our Chairman Shahid Khan.

It was revealed today that I have made an offer to purchase Wembley Stadium from The Football Association. To everyone in the Fulham Family, I wanted you to be among the first to hear the news, directly from me, and share a bit of background.

As you likely know, in addition to the privilege of serving as Chairman of Fulham Football Club, I am also owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League in the U.S. The Jaguars have played regular season home games at Wembley Stadium in each of the past five NFL seasons and will continue to do so at least through the 2020 season. The games the Jaguars play at Wembley are essential to the financial stability of the Jaguars in Jacksonville, which is one of the smallest markets in the NFL. If my ownership interests were to include Wembley Stadium, it would protect the Jaguars' position in London at a time when other NFL teams are understandably becoming more interested in this great city. And the stronger the Jaguars are in London, the more stable and promising the Jaguars' future will be in Jacksonville.

As important, Wembley Stadium would return to private ownership and The Football Association would be able to focus on its core mission of developing players with the best player developers and facilities anywhere in the game, thanks in part to the vast financial benefit that would result from the transaction. I trust many if not most of you are also supporters of the England national teams, so I hope you welcome the potential of this becoming a reality. Always know Wembley would be home to the England national teams, and that we would strive every day of the year to be the best possible steward for a venue that is iconic and beloved here and throughout the world.

No matter what the outcome of our offer may be, I want to emphatically state to you that none of this will have any effect on my commitment to your Club.

To be clear, this venture is 100 per cent independent of my investment in and operation of Fulham Football Club, Motspur Park and Craven Cottage. No less attention will be paid to developing players and fielding a squad that will win with frequency and always make you proud. It will have no impact on Craven Cottage as the home of FFC. And this is imperative to know, and I encourage you to spread the word – absolutely nothing changes in our plans to redevelop the Riverside Stand.

I hope you will support my effort in this endeavour, and I know you're with me in wishing our First Team the very best tomorrow night against Sunderland as we take aim at promotion in the final two weekends of the season. I have submitted programme notes for tomorrow's match that reflect upon our magical campaign and the opportunity ahead, and I'll have them posted online here at fulhamfc.com in advance of kick-off.

In case you don't get a chance to read the notes, let me take this opportunity to thank you for all you've done to make this a record-breaking season at Fulham Football Club. Come On You Whites!



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/april/26/chairman-statement

 
The Sunderland prodigy travelling to Fulham and exactly what's happening with Jack Rodwell

Sunderland prodigy Bali Mumba will travel with the squad for the Friday night clash at Craven Cottage.

Mumba is just 16 but has recently broken into the club's U23 side and has been capped at youth level by England.

The midfielder will be part of the travelling party but will not be part of the matchday 18, unless there is a late injury. Some of Mumba's talented team-mates will also make the trip. Chris Coleman said: "Bali Mumba is travelling with us, as is Luke Molyneux, Elliot Embleton. We've lose one or two to injury and it will be good experience for them. Ethan Robson will be with us but he has been in and out of course. "It's the first time for Bali. He's happy, I think we've got him out of double biology today!"

Coleman has a number of injury concerns ahead of the game to Fulham but will name as strong a team as he possibly can. That could mean one or two of the club's loan players features, despite relegation to League One already being confirmed. Coleman said: "There will be one or two younger boys in the squad with us because we have got one or two missing, and one or two doubts.

"Aiden McGeady has been playing for the last six weeks despite having injections in his heel before every game which has been a risk, and we don't want to take that risk now. "It's got to the stage where we don't want put him at any more risk than we need to. "Billy Jones is 50-50, probably a no, after coming back from injury last week. "Bryan Oviedo is a no.

"Lamine Kone has trained twice this week which is positive, so he should be alright. "Josh Maja has had a slight problem this week so we've had to take him off the grass, but he should be OK to train today and to be involved tomorrow. "Joel Asoro has trained the full week which is good news. "If we get three points, it won't change our situation but we are still professional football people and our supporters are travelling down to Fulham, do we have a job to do and we have to do it as best we can," he added. "Fulham are competing with Aston Villa and Cardiff for automatic promotion and we won't be doing anyone any favours – nobody did us any."

Jack Rodwell continues to be absent from the first team picture and will not be involved in the final two fixtures. Rodwell trains with the U23s after telling Coleman shortly after his arrival that he wanted to leave the club. The 27-year-old turned down a deadline day loan move to the Eredivisie and has just over a year left to run on his current deal. His wages were not altered by the club's relegation to the Championship but should he stay, it will be reduced to around £40,000.

He has not played any competitive football since appearing in an U23 game at Exeter City on February 11. The highest-paid player at the club, he has played just 159 first team minutes this season. Coleman said: "He trains with the U23s every morning, in that nice, safe umbrella, he's not in the spotlight or the firing line with the rest of us, which he chose. "When I say don't know where he is I mean physically and mentally, and there's no interest [from me] because he's not the answer for us. "I'm sure we've gone down the legal route of that situation and we are stuck with a player that doesn't want to play for Sunderland football club and wants to leave," he added.

"But where is he going to leave and go to? That's the conundrum. "He's got one more year on his contract and he doesn't want to play for us, so fine, go and play for somebody else, but the stumbling block is the contract. "So we'll see at the end of the season. "I know Jack did that article saying he wanted to play for England again so to do that, he's going to have to go and play football somewhere. The proof is always in the pudding."



Read more at: https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/the-sunderland-prodigy-travelling-to-fulham-and-exactly-what-s-happening-with-jack-rodwell-1-9136681

 
Who is Bali Mumba? The schoolboy who could make his Sunderland debut at Fulham

The 16-year-old midfielder is still at school but he could make his Sunderland debut against Fulham on Friday evening

Bali Mumba will be involved with Sunderland's senior squad for the first time on Friday evening when the Black Cats travel to Fulham.

With relegation to League One now confirmed for Chris Coleman's side, and injuries mounting up, the Welshman has included three youngsters in his squad travelling to West London.

Mumba is one of those making the step up and should he make his senior debut he will become the youngest player to make a senior appearance for the club in the Championship.

But who is Bali Mumba? We profile the potential Sunderland history-maker.

Where does he play?

Central midfield
How old is he?

16
What is his background?

Mumba hasn't even officially started his scholarship but has excelled for Sunderland's under-18s this term and has recently made the step up to under-23 level.

He has been at Sunderland ever since he was scouted as a year three pupil and he has been training regularly with the first-team.

His progress hasn't gone unnoticed and Liverpool were reportedly monitoring him in January. He has also won two caps for England's under-17 side.

What do they say about him?

Speaking after selecting him for the senior squad, Coleman joked: "It's the first time for Bali," said the Welshman. "He's happy, I think we've got him out of double biology today!"

Speaking about training with the first team, Mumba himself, said: "I was nervous before my first session with the first-team because I didn't know what to expect or what might happen but after training with them it really shows you where you are and what step you are in your development.

"It helped show me what I needed to work on and training with them has been good.

"It has really opened up my mind and showed me what I need to work on to become a better player."



https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/who-bali-mumba-midfielder-who-14580855

 
Fulham v Sunderland
FRI 27 Apr 2018   Championship
Venue: Craven Cottage


Fulham will move back up to second in the Championship if they avoid defeat by already-relegated Sunderland.

Boss Slavisa Jokanovic is likely to name the same side that beat Millwall 3-0 last week.

Sunderland manager Chris Coleman could make changes after their relegation to League One was confirmed last week.

Winger Aiden McGeady is out but defender Lamine Kone should be fit despite going off injured in the defeat by Burton.

SAM's prediction
Home win 86%   Draw 9%   Away win 5%

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

Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic:

"I'd prefer to change my position with Cardiff's. They are in a perfect moment, they are one point ahead of us.

"If it was possible, I would prefer to swap and be in second, and I'd prefer they were chasing us. That's not the case.

"We must try and do our job. We can't think about what is going to happen later and if Cardiff are going to be under pressure or not. This is not under my control.

"We have positive pressure before we play against Sunderland. It's important we don't make mistakes, but the situation is completely under Cardiff's control.

"If they win these two games, we can't do anything."

Sunderland manager Chris Coleman told BBC Newcastle:

"We'll have one or two younger lads with us but that's because we've got one or two fitness doubts in the squad.

"Looking at the lads and seeing where they are psychologically and physically, I'm picking the best squad I can to take on Fulham.

"We'll have supporters travelling down there, follow us anywhere and we've still got a job and a duty to do.

"In the past six or seven games, six have been very good and that's what we've got to continue to do."

Match facts
    Fulham have lost their last three home matches against Sunderland in all competitions, conceding 10 goals across those matches.
    The Black Cats have won three of their last four matches against the Cottagers in all competitions (D1), beating them 1-0 at the Stadium of Light earlier this season.
    Fulham are currently on a run of 22 league matches unbeaten, with their last defeat coming at the hands of Sunderland 16 December 2017.
    Sunderland are unbeaten in their last three away league matches in the league (W1 D2), and have not gone four in a row without losing on the road since May 2016 (five games).
    Fulham have scored first in their last 15 league games, the longest run of any side in England's top four tiers this season.
    If Sunderland lose, the Black Cats will become the first side since Wolverhampton Wanderers in 1983-84 and 1984-85 to finish bottom of the top two divisions of English football in back-to-back seasons, and just the third side to ever achieve such a feat (also Fulham in 1967-68 and 1968-69).



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/43833102

 
Aston Villa No.2 on why Cardiff and Fulham could slip-up in the automatic promotion race

There is still hope of automatic promotion says Colin Calderwood

Colin Calderwood reckons Aston Villa are shaping up well for the play-offs - but still believes Fulham and Cardiff have a slip-up or two left in them.

The claret and blues are hot on the heels of the second and third-placed sides after an emphatic 4-0 win over Ipswich Town at Portman Road last weekend.

On Saturday they take on Derby, who beat Cardiff on Tuesday night, and confidence is high.

Calderwood said:

"At the moment, the teams above us might be fearful of losing a promotion.

"We are not."

Asked if Villa were still fighting for the top-two, Calderwood replied:

"Well, yes, but we don't know how hopeful that is for automatic.

"You would like to make the others win promotion, not fall over the line.

"In some ways it helps us because we have to keep winning and keep some sort of momentum for whatever may happen come the end of the season.

"In all honesty (the play-offs) don't really matter...You can go in with poor form but the experience can still help."



https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-fulham-cardiff-promotion-14560285

Cans & Megabus EFL Away Guide: Fulham - Aleksandar Mitrović sells Avon
I absolutely adore Craven Cottage. Here's your last edition of the Cans & Megabus EFL Away Guide for this season - and what a way to end, with possibly one of the best trips in the entire league.

Who Are These Jobbers?

When the fixture list was produced back in June I had already envisioned our final away fixture of the campaign. As the spring sunshine beamed down on west London I would be bowling down Stevenage Road dressed as a banana ready to toast Sunderland's glorious return to the Premier League.

It may have seemed fanciful, deluded even, but you can't begrudge this downtrodden soul for having a dream in those hazy days of summer 2017. Alas, here we are, bottom of the Championship, already condemned to League One and facing a Fulham side unbeaten since our last meeting in December (weird league this, innit?) and on the brink of promotion themselves.

(https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ArppZnVS77LoBI_MPofQoEyzYjM=/0x0:5090x3565/920x0/filters:focal(0x0:5090x3565)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/10724373/941754258.jpg.jpg)
They still have wooden seats, ffs  Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images

I could ramble on about the jobber-ness that the Cottagers clearly possess but I shall refrain on this occasion as because a) I quite like them b) we'll most likely get a good old shellacking off them and c) I feel it is only right to salute the thousands of you that have followed Sunderland during this traumatic season.

For you see, we are the jobbers. Those spineless balloons that occupy a red and white shirt week after week have made us the jobbers. We are the losers that cling on to the hope that maybe for this game they won't totally embarrass us. And we have been wrong so, so many times this campaign.

However, we are hardened bunch and we'll be here no matter whatever outpost these bunch of losers take us in the coming years. No matter if you've followed The Lads to every hobikit stadium this season or just went to that one you managed to get off work, give yourself a pat on the back.

We are the lifeblood of this shambolic football club and every single one of you is a credit to it and the proud city of Sunderland. Also, Mitrovic sells Avon.

How Do I Get There?

Come on, there's only one left to go. I promise that after tonight, you don't have to think about Sunderland Association Football Club for a whole two months (or you don't to have think about them ever again, if you like). One last heave down to the capital and watch the Lads get a good leathering off a bunch of much happier footballers.

Anyway, come on, let's do this. Take that sweet half day off from work and take to the homely asphalt of the A1 (M), M1, M40 and M4 down to west London. Exit for the A219 near Hammersmith and this will take close to the ground. I've been reliably informed that parking can be an absolute nightmare close to Craven Cottage (just what we like), so try and park a little further away if possible.

Ah, the final train journey down south of the season. Crack those cans with a tear in your eye knowing next year that the likes of Fulham and Brentford will be replaced with Oxford and Scunthorpe. The nearest Tube station to Craven Cottage is Putney Bridge so from King's Cross, take the Piccadilly line to Earl's Court and change for the District line heading towards Wimbledon. The station is around a 15-minute walk to the ground.

A Love Supreme coaches leave the Stadium of Light at 11am with fares priced at £40 return. Book your place here.

Where Can I Get The Sesh Started?

If there is one silver lining to the final away game of the season being put on a Friday night it is that Fulham is an absolutely place for a few jars. Don't get me wrong, you will spend half your monthly wage getting well oiled in the fashionable night spots of Putney and Parsons Green but who cares? I heard it's cheap in Scunthorpe.

Hey, do you like a pub that is a) a Wetherspoons b) on the banks of a river c) under the flight path of Heathrow Airport giving you time to watch the procession of planes fly overhead? If all of those answers are 'yes' then you are going to love The Rocket on Putney Wharf Tower or the very much not Wetherspoons The Boathouse on nearby Brewhouse Lane.

There are a number of pubs along the Putney-side of the River Thames such as The Star and Garter on Lower Richmond Road, The Bricklayer's Arms on Waterman Street and The Half Moon are all excellent shouts for you ale lovers. There is, of course, the go-to away pub of The Eight Bells next to Putney Bridge Underground station.

If you fancy going a little bit upmarket then hop off at Parson Green and slink into The White Horse. The Sloaney Pony, as it affectionately known to the regulars, has had a number of high profile patrons, none more so than our overlord and "number one Sunderland supporter" Ellis Short. Yes, our beloved benefactor is known to have been spotted in this venue during our glorious 2012/13 campaign. I'd wager he won't be there this time.

However, if like me, you yearn for the refreshing hit of a German lager on a warm Friday evening then set a course for the Octoberfest Pub on Fulham Road and fill yourself up on a lovely stein and a git big pretzel.

I'm Staying Owa, Is There Owt To Do?

You're in London on a weekend, I'm sure you'll find something to do.

What's The Ground Like?

Have you ever Google Map-ed Craven Cottage? If you have (as I do during the extensive research that goes into every delectable Cans & Megabus column) you will notice that Fulham have plastered a very large 'Visit Florida' logos on the top of each of the end stands.

(https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/q--V006xbp6d0TwoxgsAsT3ipZs=/0x0:1533x766/920x0/filters:focal(0x0:1533x766)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/10724583/Capture.PNG)
Google Maps

Given its proximity to Heathrow Airport and the Fulham bigwigs' connection to the Sunshine State, it is probably seen as a good marketing ploy. So as weary travellers returning home will peer out the window, gaze upon the football ground and turn to their partner and say "oh honey, we must go to Florida, that stadium told me".

What I find incredibly cute about this whole strategy is on the Riverside Stand there is a delightful painting of a dolphin, palm trees and a rollercoaster. It's as if to say "look at how mint Florida looks, it's got dolphins and that. You could be going there but instead you're in shitty London. Go to Florida, you mug".

While I won't be booking a holiday to Florida anytime soon, I absolutely adore Craven Cottage. It is that slice of cake next to the cup of tea that your grandma has made for you when you pop round. It is one of the good guys of the Football League with an actual cottage at one end and a statue of Michael Jackson at the other.

I don't have a bad word to say about you Fulham, I love you. Oh, wait, I do. £35 a ticket is absolutely disgraceful and I'm glad we're getting relegated out of this bourgeoise league.



https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2018/4/26/17284300/cans-megabus-efl-away-guide-fulham-aleksandar-mitrovi-sells-avon

 
Wolves line up swoop for Newcastle United man and Magpies have named their price - reports

Wolves transfer news includes a link with Newcastle striker Aleksandar Mitrovic who is on loan at Fulham

Wolves have identified Aleksandar Mitrovic as a summer target with the Newcastle United striker's future hanging in the balance, according to reports.

Mitrovic has been in sensational form on loan at Fulham since January, scoring 11 goals in 12 games for the promotion-chasing side including one against Wolves at Craven Cottage in February.

His contribution has helped Fulham to fight for second place behind Wolves with Cardiff City and Aston Villa.

(https://i2-prod.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article14581477.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/JS149459514.jpg)

Newcastle will start the bidding at £20million for the 23-year-old who has earned plenty of admirers in the Premier League.

And Wolves are among the clubs keeping close tabs on Mitrovic's situation, according to ChronicleLive.

It is claimed that Toon cheif Rafa Benitez does not consider Mitrovic as part of his plans for next season and will look to sell him this summer, despite the Serbia international's goal return for Fulham.

Brighton had an offer turned down in January and Newcastle are looking to bank a substantial profit on the £13million fee they paid to Anderlecht in 2015.

Wolves want to strengthen for their Premier League campaign after winning the title.

They have an option to buy Bournemouth loan forward Benik Afobe.



https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/wolves-line-up-swoop-newcastle-14581463

 
Slavisa Jokanovic urges Fulham to turn up the heat on automatic promotion rivals Cardiff as they face Sunderland at Craven Cottage on Friday night

    Fulham are one point behind Cardiff City in the Championship table
    Fulham face Sunderland on Friday night before Cardiff face Hull on Saturday
    Manager Slavisa Jokanovic says Fulham must be prepared for play-offs

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic has challenged his players to be brave enough to pile the pressure on Sky Bet Championship automatic-promotion rivals Cardiff as the season approaches its climax.

The third-placed Cottagers head into Friday night's clash with relegated Sunderland knowing victory will take them into second, for a few hours at least, before the Bluebirds travel to Hull the following day in the penultimate round of fixtures.

Jokanovic is acutely aware that even victory over the Black Cats and at Birmingham on the final day of the campaign might not be enough to secure automatic promotion, but is looking to add two more victories to an unbeaten run of 22 games to keep the dream alive.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/04/26/17/4B5EC99100000578-5661351-image-a-34_1524758779942.jpg)
Slavisa Jokanovic has urged his players to keep up the pressure on rivals Cardiff

He told the club's official website: 'We have positive pressure before we play against Sunderland. It's important we don't make mistakes, but the situation is completely under Cardiff's control. If they win these two games, we cannot do anything.

'In front of us are two ways of being successful: one is short [automatic promotion], another is longer [the play-offs]. We must be ready for both ways.

'If you don't finish second - which is more or less normal for us because we've never been in this position during this year - you must be brave, do your job, and see what happens.

'In the middle of November, we started chasing the many teams above us when we were in 17th position. If somebody in that moment had offered us play-offs, I would have immediately signed that contract.'

Sunderland travel south already facing life in League One next season following their second successive relegation as a result of last Saturday's 2-1 home defeat by Burton.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/04/26/17/4B5F196900000578-5661351-image-a-35_1524758802328.jpg)
Ryan Sessegnon celebrates scoring during Fulham's win at Millwall last Friday

With Fulham and champions Wolves to come in their final two games, things could get worse before they get better, but manager Chris Coleman insists they will not be throwing in the towel.

He said at his pre-match press conference: 'The season is 46 games. I'm not complaining to anybody else because we have been relegated. It's our fault, it's our problem.

'We'll try to take care of our own business and if anybody is promoted or relegated it's because it's on them and it's across the season.

'We've got a job to do tomorrow night for our supporters and for the club. Yes, points in terms of us in the league standings, it's not going to affect anything, but performance - we have got a duty to make sure we do our best tomorrow night.'



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-5661351/Slavisa-Jokanovic-urges-Fulham-turn-heat-automatic-promotion-rivals-Cardiff.html#ixzz5DqvDKeA4
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

 
Fulham set to stick with winning formula as they eye second spot

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic is unlikely to make wholesale changes as he attempts to guide his side into second place in the Sky Bet Championship with victory over Sunderland on Friday night.
Jokanovic has named the same side for the last three games, which have yielded victories over Reading and Millwall and a home draw with Brentford to extend the club's unbeaten run to 22 league matches.
Striker Floyd Ayite has missed those three games with a hamstring injury, as has on-loan Liverpool frontman Sheyi Ojo with an unspecified knock.
Fulham head into the fixture sitting in third place, but just a point behind Cardiff in second.
Sunderland will be without Republic of Ireland midfielder Aiden McGeady after he finally succumbed to a heel injury.
Manager Chris Coleman has revealed McGeady has been having injections to manage the problem for six weeks, but with relegation confirmed, he will now sit out.
Full-back Bryan Oviedo will also be missing after undergoing treatment for hamstring and lower back injuries, although he is due to return to training next week.
Central defender Lamine Kone and striker Josh Maja are expected to shake off knocks, but full-back Billy Jones is rated at only 50-50.



http://www.espn.co.uk/football/preview?gameId=483171

 
Man Utd leapfrog Tottenham in race to sign Fulham star Ryan Sessegnon - bookies

MANCHESTER UNITED have moved ahead of Tottenham in the race to sign Fulham star Ryan Sessegnon, according to the bookies.



The left-back has been in sensational form this season in the Championship.

Sessegnon has netted 15 times and provided six assists to lead Fulham's promotion charge.

And that has alerted the likes of United and Spurs to the 17-year-old's supreme talents.

Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal are all interested in signing Sessegnon this summer as well.

BetStars Director of Trading Ian Marmion explained: "Fulham wonderkid Ryan Sessegnon will be this summer's hottest transfer target after wowing a number of Premier League giants with his blistering performances in the Championship this season.

"Manchester United have leapfrogged Tottenham in the race for Sessegnon and are now the 2/1 favourites to snap up the in-demand defender.

"The Red Devils have targeted the 17-year-old as a long-term solution at left-back and Jose Mourinho's men are in pole position to snatch the prolific goal-scorer if Fulham fail to gain promotion to the Premier League this season.

"Tottenham and Liverpool both trail behind at 3/1 to become the England U21 international's next destination, while Manchester City and Arsenal are both outsiders at 16/1 and 20/1 respectively to add the Championship Player of the Year to their ranks this summer."

Sessegnon opened up on rejecting interest from top clubs last summer and signing a new deal at Fulham last month.

"I made up my mind to stay, months before I signed that contract," he said.

"I knew I'd play more games here than elsewhere, which is important at my age in order to keep developing."

Fulham return to action tomorrow night when they face Sunderland in a crucial Championship match.

United take on Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday as Arsene Wenger travels to Old Trafford for the last time as Gunners boss.



https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/698833/Man-Utd-Transfer-News-Jose-Mourinho-Tottenham-Ryan-Sessegnon-bookies-Fulham-Gossip

 
Predicted Sunderland side to face Fulham: Coleman to start League One preparations early?

Sunderland have nothing left to play for following relegation and so Chris Coleman must only call upon players he can rely on for next season.

Sunderland still have two games to play this season, despite having their relegation from the Championship confirmed last week.

Defeat at home to Burton Albion brought a disastrous one-year stay in the second tier to a close and the Black Cats must start planning for the future.

That begins at Fulham on Friday, where Chris Coleman will surely pull the plug on the careers of the loan men who will not be around to help next season.

There are likely to be changes as they head to Craven Cottage...

Jason Steele offered a slight improvement on Lee Camp against Burton, plus his lengthy contract means Sunderland may again come to rely on the goalkeeper and he should keep his place.

Sunderland do not have a great deal of options in defence and so may again have to rely on Lamine Kone alongside John O'Shea.

George Honeyman, Lee Cattermole and Paddy McNair have been key to the Black Cats' marginal improvement in recent weeks and keeping their midfield stars will be key to a promotion bid.

Callum McManaman could also come into his own next year, while Sunderland must show Joel Asoro and Josh Maja that they will be key figures.

Here's how we expect Sunderland to line up:




http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/04/26/predicted-sunderland-side-to-face-fulham-coleman-to-start-league/

 
Fulham v Sunderland preview: Championship clash live on Sky Sports Football
Watch live on Sky Sports Football from 7pm on Friday

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic is unlikely to make wholesale changes as he attempts to guide his side into second place in the Sky Bet Championship with victory over Sunderland on Friday night.

Jokanovic has named the same side for the last three games, which have yielded victories over Reading and Millwall and a home draw with Brentford to extend the club's unbeaten run to 22 league matches.

Striker Floyd Ayite has missed those three games with a hamstring injury, as has on-loan Liverpool frontman Sheyi Ojo with an unspecified knock. Fulham head into the fixture sitting in third place, but just a point behind Cardiff in second.

Sunderland will be without Republic of Ireland midfielder Aiden McGeady after he finally succumbed to a heel injury. Manager Chris Coleman has revealed McGeady has been having injections to manage the problem for six weeks, but with relegation confirmed, he will now sit out.

Full-back Bryan Oviedo will also be missing after undergoing treatment for hamstring and lower back injuries, although he is due to return to training next week. Central defender Lamine Kone and striker Josh Maja are expected to shake off knocks, but full-back Billy Jones is rated at only 50-50.

Opta stats

---

Fulham have lost their last three home matches against Sunderland in all competitions, conceding 10 goals across those matches.

The Black Cats have won three of their last four matches against the Cottagers in all competitions (D1), beating them 1-0 at the Stadium of Light earlier this season.

Fulham are currently on a run of 22 league matches unbeaten, last losing in the Championship on 16th December 2017, to Sunderland, 1-0 at the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland are unbeaten in their last three away league matches in the league (W1 D2), and have not gone four in a row without losing on the road since May 2016 (five games).

Fulham have scored first in their last 15 league games, the longest run of any side in England's top four tiers this season.

If Sunderland lose, the Black Cats will become the first side since Wolverhampton Wanderers in 1983/84 and 1984/85 to finish rock bottom of the top two divisions of English Football in back-to-back seasons, and just the third side to ever achieve such a feat (also Fulham in 1967/68 and 1968/69).

Pruttons prediction

---

Fulham probably couldn't ask for a better game at this stage of the season, it's a massive chance to get themselves back above Cardiff and into pole position in the race for automatic promotion.

You wonder what mood Sunderland will arrive in after their relegation last weekend. It's a long journey down to London for Chris Coleman and his team and it's probably one they'd rather not make. This is an absolute home banker for me.

David Prutton predicts: 3-0 with Aleksandar Mitrovic to score first (14/1 with Sky Bet)



http://www.skysports.com/football/fulham-vs-sland/preview/375150

 
Fulham made favourites to sign Sheffield Wednesday's Fernando Forestieri, ahead of Birmingham City

The Sheffield Wednesday talisman has played under Fulham's manager before.

Bookmaker Bet Victor has opened a market on Fernando Forestieri's next club and made Fulham 4/1 favourites to sign the Sheffield Wednesday forward, ahead of Birmingham City and several other Championship sides.

Forestieri returned last month from a knee injury suffered last September and has scored four goals in six games for the Owls, which could spark summer interest in the Argentine.

Interest from Fulham would come as little surprise, given that Forestieri played under Whites boss Slavisa Jokanovic at Watford and still has links to London and its surrounding areas.

And the prospect of Premier League football could be the icing on the cake that tempts the 28-year-old away from Hillsborough, providing, of course, Fulham's promotion quest ends successfully.

The Cottagers may not be the only ones keen, however, with Birmingham (6/1), Middlesbrough, Leeds United, Derby County and Nottingham Forest (all 8/1) also listed.

Although, Sheffield Wednesday would have little incentive to sell to a Championship rival - especially not a likely promotion rival.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/04/26/fulham-made-favourites-to-sign-sheffield-wednesdays-fernando-for/

 
Head Coach press conference

Slaviša Jokanović knows Cardiff City still hold all the cards going into the final two matches of the Championship season.

Despite their midweek defeat, the Bluebirds' automatic promotion hopes remain in their hands, which the Fulham Head Coach says gives them the advantage in the race for second.

"I'd prefer to change my position with Cardiff's position," Jokanović admitted. "They are in a perfect moment, they are one point ahead of us.

"If it was possible I would prefer to swap and be in second, and I'd prefer they were chasing us. That's not the case.


"What I'd prefer is impossible, what we are going to do is try and catch them, but without help from Cardiff's side, it's completely impossible for us.

"We must try and do our job. We cannot think about what is going to happen later and if Cardiff are going to be under pressure or not. This is not under my control.

"We have positive pressure before we play against Sunderland. It's important we don't make mistakes, but the situation is completely under Cardiff's control. If they win these two games we cannot do anything.

"In front of us is two ways of being successful; one is short [top-two], another is longer [Play-Offs]. We must be ready for both ways.

"If you don't finish second – which is more or less normal for us because we've never been in this position during this year – you must be brave, do your job, and see what happens.

"In the middle of November we started chasing the many teams above us when we were in 17th position. If somebody in that moment had offered us Play-Offs I would have immediately signed that contract!"

Friday night's fixture is the first for Chris Coleman's side since relegation was confirmed, and Jokanović knows that they cannot be taken lightly.

"Sunderland is a team that beat us last time, we have experience of losing against them," he stated. "But we are ready for any team and any situation.


"They will come here relaxed and want to make the Sunderland fans satisfied. They will try and be proud and fight for the Sunderland crest.

"This can be a very dangerous situation for us and we must be ready. If we are focused enough, we'll have the chance to win the game.

"We are quiet, we are relaxed, we are focused. We're preparing for the Sunderland game no different to others. We know how tough the Championship is and that we must be ready for any club and any situation.

"We're going to go into the game with the right mentality, ambition and desire to win. We are going to push and try to find our best performance to finish the game with three points."

When asked about the breaking news regarding Shahid Khan's offer to purchase Wembley Stadium, Jokanović replied: "The Chairman told me about this plan a year-and-a-half ago.

"He's a really ambitious man, but this business doesn't have a big relationship with Fulham. It's more a relationship with American football, the Jacksonville Jaguars.
"From another side he's really committed and really focused on the business of Fulham Football Club."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/april/26/head-coach-press conference

 
Slavisa Jokanovic interview: Aleksandar Mitrovic, Ryan Sessegnon and promotion hopes

There are three players who have defined the unbeaten run that has led to Fulham's promotion charge.

Aleksandar Mitrovic is the first. His arrival in January provided Fulham with the vital focal point they were sorely lacking in the first half of the season, and he's managed 11 goals as well.

It wasn't a move that always looked like it was going to happen, but after a move to Anderlecht fell through, Slavisa Jokanovic managed to snatch his compatriot on loan from Newcastle on Deadline Day. The rest, as they say, is history.

"He was looking around for his best move because he wanted to play in the period before the World Cup," Jokanovic told Sky Sports. "He had some offers and it looked like he was going back to Belgium.

"But I spoke with him before he got on the plane and I wished him all the best, and I told him to call me if something went wrong! I don't remember exactly what happened after that but it was around 5 o'clock and he told me we can move."

Jokanovic has been praised for the way he's tamed the striker. Newcastle could certainly do a lot worse than this version of Mitrovic. The boss insists, however, that their relationship is no stronger than the bond between that of player and coach.

"I know the characteristics of him but I'm not his father, he has one already! I'm his coach and he's my player," continued Jokanovic.

"It's my job to support him and try and help him stay focused and moving in the right direction. He knows we're happy with him and his team-mates are too."

(http://e0.365dm.com/18/04/16-9/20/skysports-aleksandar-mitrovic_4276464.jpg?20180407174424)
Aleksandar Mitrovic has been impressive for Fulham since joining on loan

Then there was the more low-key, but almost equally important, arrival of Matt Targett from Southampton. He's been fantastic at left-back since switching to Craven Cottage, but the significance of his arrival was that it allowed Ryan Sessegnon to move up the pitch to left-wing. The amount of awards the 17-year-old has picked up since suggests it's been a positive change.

Again, Jokanovic has received widespread praise for handing a 16-year-old his debut and sticking with him at a time when most coaches would opt for experience over potential. But to him Sessegnon's age was irrelevant.

"He's good enough so his age is not important," said Jokanovic. "I don't think I was brave to play him. I'm a good observer and I'm not scared if someone is 16, 17, 18 or 35, 36 or 37, I just try to use the best players I have to hand.

"I started using Ryan at 16 simply because he was our best option, that's it. It's just about what I see. Now he's growing up and improving in front of us."

(http://e2.365dm.com/18/04/16-9/20/skysports-sessegnon-fulham_4284173.jpg?20180416071726)
Slavisa Jokanovic handed Ryan Sessegnon his debut aged just 16

Fulham's silky play under Jokanovic has earned comparisons with Barcelona - something he immediately dismisses - and he's more regularly finding himself linked with jobs at higher levels. Right now, though, he's more than happy to be learning from bigger clubs.

"It's great [to be compared to Barcelona], I'm just missing Messi to solve some of my problems!" he joked. "I like to watch the teams like Tottenham, Manchester City and Manchester United and see what can be useful for us. We can grow and try to improve ourself but I don't think it's possible to copy the biggest teams in the world."

Jokanovic had the opportunity to pit himself against those kinds of teams a few years ago when he got Watford promoted to the Premier League. But with his contract set to expire the Serb decided to depart, which is not a decision too many managers would make.

Jokanovic had a short spell at Maccabi Tel Aviv before returning to the Championship with Fulham and last season they were favourites heading into the play-offs before losing in the semi-finals to Reading. But there is no suggestion of him having unfinished business with promotion and the top flight.

"It's not a question of finishing business with the Premier League," he said. "We're ready to push hard and try to give ourselves the opportunity to compete next year at the highest level.

"At Watford they didn't have any intention to keep going with the same coach and staff, so we shook hands and I chose a different side. I kept going in a different part of the world and now a few years later I'm back to try and win promotion again. I'll be happy to have the chance to work in the next level of English football."

Fulham face Sunderland, live on Sky Sports Football on Friday night, then travel to Birmingham the week after, but they know two wins would not be enough if Cardiff do the same.

Jokanovic knows it's out of their hands, and won't be concerned if they have to tackle the play-offs again.

"We're in a good place," he said. "The job is not done but we're completely relaxed because we know if we don't finish in the top two we'll have another chance [in the play-offs].

"Neil Warnock is a fantastic man and coach. He's achieved promotion eight times and in the past I've had some great chats with him. At the moment everything is in the hands of Cardiff, if they win their two games we can't do anything. But we have to be ready if we get the chance."

Don't miss the Sky Bet Championship clash between Fulham and Sunderland on Friday night, live on Sky Sports Football and Main Event from 7pm



http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/11339379/slavisa-jokanovic-interview-aleksandar-mitrovic-ryan-sessegnon-and-promotion-hopes

 
This is what relaxed Slavisa Jokanovic thinks about Fulham's top-two chances

The Cottagers are competing with Cardiff and Fulham for automatic promotion

Slavisa Jokanovic claims his Fulham side are playing without the fear of missing out of automatic promotion as the chase for the top-two hots up.

The Cottagers have the chance to land the first blow of the weekend as they take on already-relegated and rock-bottom Sunderland at home on Friday night.

Cardiff City then travel to Hull City on Saturday while outsiders Aston Villa entertain Derby County at the same time.

All three teams can still finish as runners-up behind champions, Wolves, but the Bluebirds have a one-point advantage so they only need to match the results of those below them to get the job done.

(https://i2-prod.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article12557091.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/Slavisa-Jokanovic-manager-of-Fulham.jpg)
Slavisa Jokanovic manager of Fulham

Jokanovic, who has lifted his side from the bottom half of the table before Christmas to within a point of second place with two games remaining, said:

"We must be focused on trying to find our best performance (against Sunderland).

"We cannot think about what is going to happen after and if they (Cardiff) will be under pressure or not, it's not under my control.

"Now we have some kind of the positive pressure before we play Sunderland, we know it's important to try and not make mistakes.

"For Cardiff, if they win these two games we cannot do anything.

"In front of us is two ways to be successful, one is short and another is longer and we must be ready for both ways.

"If you don't finish second, more or less this is a normal situation for us because we have never been in this position during the season and at the end, be brave, make our job and for another side waiting for what will happen.

"After this game there will be another important game for us but now we are only focused on Sunderland."



https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/what-relaxed-slavisa-jokanovic-thinks-14582895

 
Fulham v Sunderland preview

CHRIS COLEMAN will not be playing a host of untried youngsters at Fulham tonight because he does not feel it would benefit their long-term development.

With Sunderland already relegated, there has been a clamour for Coleman to omit the majority of his loan players from the squad for tonight's trip to Craven Cottage and instead turn to some of the youngsters that might find themselves involved in the first team in League One next season.

The likes of Josh Maja, Joel Asoro, Ethan Robson and Elliot Embleton have been on the fringe of Sunderland's senior squad this season, without experiencing too much playing time, but Coleman is reluctant to start throwing them in for the sake of it despite his side's fate being sealed.

Fulham desperately need to win tonight to keep their chances of securing automatic promotion alive, and with champions Wolves due to visit the Stadium of Light on the final day of the season, the Black Cats boss is determined not to damage his young players' development.

"We've got to be careful with them and make sure we don't put them in too early," said Coleman. "We still have to go with the team we think has the best chance of doing something.

"If you put someone in too early, it can be detrimental to their future. We're up against one of the best teams in the division – a team that are up for everything – and we'll go with what we think is the best match for Fulham.

"I told all the players two days ago, 'If you're not up for it in the last two games, don't come, don't bother getting on the bus to go to Fulham. But if you have got a bit of fight left in you, let's go to Craven Cottage and have a game of football. But psychologically if you are not ready for it, don't come, what's the point?"

Sixteen-year-old midfielder Bali Mumba will travel with the senior squad, but will not be involved as Sunderland look to claim what would be only their seventh league win of the season.

Aiden McGeady and Bryan Oviedo will not be involved as the former has been playing with injections in his heel while the latter has injured his hamstrings. Lamine Kone and Josh Maja should be available, though, while full-back Billy Jones is rated "50-50".

Sunderland (probable, 4-1-4-1): Camp; Love, Kone, O'Shea, Matthews; Cattermole; Asoro, Honeyman, McNair, McManaman; Fletcher



http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/football/sunderland/16188295.Sunderland_boss_to_avoid_the_temptation_to_throw_in_the_kids_at_Fulham/

 
Newcastle set Mitrovic price tag with striker set to leave in summer

(http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/resources/images/7510756.jpg?display=1&htype=0&type=responsive-gallery)
IN FORM: Aleksandar Mitrovic has been in fine form since joining Fulham on loan

NEWCASTLE UNITED will slap a £20m price tag on Aleksandar Mitrovic this summer – and will demand an even higher sum if the striker has a successful World Cup with Serbia.

Rafael Benitez is adamant he wants Mitrovic to leave permanently before the start of next season, and while Mike Ashley has previously been reluctant to give up on the 23-year-old, who cost £13m when he joined from Anderlecht in July 2015, the Magpies owner has accepted the time has come to sell.

However, with Mitrovic having been in sensational form since joining Fulham on loan in January, the Newcastle hierarchy will seek to make a significant profit before sanctioning his full-time departure.

Chief executive Lee Charnley will tell prospective buyers they will have to come up with at least £20m before a bid will be considered, and the price could rise even higher if Mitrovic, who has scored 11 goals in 13 starts in a Fulham shirt and will line up against Sunderland tonight, impresses on the World Cup stage this summer.

Fulham will seek a permanent deal if they win promotion to the Premier League, and the terms of Mitrovic's loan deal mean the Cottagers will be offered a first opportunity to table an acceptable offer. However, there is no clause dictating that Newcastle have to accept, and a selling price has not been factored in to the current arrangement.

If Fulham fail to win promotion, they will not be able to afford either Mitrovic's price tag or his wages. Even if they do go up, Newcastle could opt to turn to a higher bidder, with interest in the striker mounting.

West Ham United are keen, while Championship title winners Wolves have also been credited with a potential interest in Mitrovic's services.

Newcastle are also aware of interest from the German Bundesliga, but it is unlikely that a final decision will be taken until the World Cup is over.

Chief executive Lee Charnley will tell prospective buyers they will have to come up with at least £20m before a bid will be considered, and the price could rise even higher if Mitrovic, who has scored 11 goals in 13 starts in a Fulham shirt and will line up against Sunderland tonight, impresses on the World Cup stage this summer.

Fulham will seek a permanent deal if they win promotion to the Premier League, and the terms of Mitrovic's loan deal mean the Cottagers will be offered a first opportunity to table an acceptable offer. However, there is no clause dictating that Newcastle have to accept, and a selling price has not been factored in to the current arrangement.

If Fulham fail to win promotion, they will not be able to afford either Mitrovic's price tag or his wages. Even if they do go up, Newcastle could opt to turn to a higher bidder, with interest in the striker mounting.

West Ham United are keen, while Championship title winners Wolves have also been credited with a potential interest in Mitrovic's services.

Newcastle are also aware of interest from the German Bundesliga, but it is unlikely that a final decision will be taken until the World Cup is over.

Mitrovic is set to lead the line for Serbia in Russia this summer, with his nation having been drawn in Group E along with Brazil, Switzerland and Costa Rica.

Mitrovic will be one of a number of players leaving St James' Park this summer. Massadio Haidara, Jesus Gamez and Curtis Good will be released as free agents, while Matz Sels, Henri Saivet, Achraf Lazaar and Jack Colback will be made available for purchase.



http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/football/newcastle/16188312.Newcastle_set_Mitrovic_price_tag_with_striker_set_to_leave_in_summer/

 
Sunderland In Focus

Read through all the key matchday information ahead of Fulham's final home game of the regular season against Sunderland on Friday.

Possible opposition absentees

Aiden McGeady - heel injury

Billy Jones - injury

Bryan Oviedo - hamstring/back injuries

Jack Rodwell - fitness
Tickets

Junior tickets are available in all areas of the ground for just £5, while adult tickets start from £35. There will be no matchday price increase for this fixture.
Weather

There is a 50/50 chance of rain in SW6 on Friday, with temperatures around 11 degrees at kick-off.
Pre-match

Fans can pick up a pint of Carlsberg or Somersby for £3.50 (usually £4.80) up until 6.45pm in the Hammersmith, Riverside and Johnny Haynes Stands.
Live stream

Because this fixture has been selected for live coverage on Sky Sports, we are unable to stream it on fulhamfctv.
He said

"Make no mistake about it, we're up against one of the best teams who are playing for everything, so it doesn't come much tougher." - Chris Coleman, Sunderland manager
Grosvenor Casinos match odds

Fulham: 11/50

Draw: 11/2

Sunderland: 21/2
Previous five results

Sunderland 1-2 Burton Albion (Championship)

Reading 2-2 Sunderland (Championship)

Sunderland 1-1 Norwich City (Championship)

Leeds United 1-1 Sunderland (Championship)

Sunderland 3-1 Sheffield Wednesday (Championship)



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/april/27/sunderland-in-focus

 
4 goals, 4 assists – Is this enough for Fulham secure transfer agreement with star?

Whether they're in the Premier League or the Championship next season, Fulham are going to recruit in the summer.

Much of their success has been aided by the likes of Sheyi Ojo, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Lucas Piazon, loan players due back at their parent clubs.

Over the next couple of months, Slavisa Jokanovic is going to have to decide whether to launch permanent bids for those players or hunt out replacements in readiness for next season.

The goals of Mitrovic make him incredibly attractive, but there's little to suggest Ojo would be able to move freely to West London. As for Piazon, the jury is out. Had he done enough to earn a permanent move?

FLW shines a spotlight on the Brazilian and we give you our verdict on his value to the club.


The 24-year old has been at Chelsea since 2010, but rather than breaking through as he might have hoped, he's spent lots of time out on loan with clubs such as Malaga, Vitesse and Reading. His latest stint at Fulham was blighted by an injury, but was there enough to suggest he might be worth making a move for?

He only played 20 times through the season, which makes his haul of four goals and four assists look all the more impressive. In 40% of his games, he either scored a goal or created one. That shows a real ability to get on the ball and make things happen, something Fulham will need whichever league they compete in next season.

He made 0.8 key passes per game, 24.3 passes on average per game. Whilst the return in and around goal was good, the passing number isn't that high. Then again, as a winger or attacking midfielder, you are the last person to receive the ball and would perhaps make less touches than a central midfield player.

His pass accuracy is excellent, 82.7% is a great number and up there with the very best in the Championship.

The Brazilian's career has faltered somewhat and he must surely soon be hoping for a move somewhere he can get regular football as well as call it home. Incessant loan moves are great for development, but Piazon is beyond that now. He's a bit like a rescue dog, he's been adopted by several great teams, but he now needs his forever home.

Fulham would be wise to ensure that it is Craven Cottage offering him stability and a chance to grow into the player his numbers suggest he could be.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/4-goals-4-assists-is-this-enough-for-fulham-secure-transfer-agreement-with-star/

 
Tim Cahill will still be part of travelling party to Middlesbrough – as Millwall boss fumes at lack of consistency from disciplinary chiefs

Tim Cahill will still be part of the travelling party for Millwall's remaining Championship matches – even though a ban for violent conduct rules him out of the run-in.

The FA used video evidence to charge the Australian, 38, for an elbow on Fulham right-back Ryan Fredericks.

Cahill did not contest it and will serve a three-match suspension. It means the Lions legend would only be available for the second leg of the play-offs, if the South London club do extend their season.

The FA did not charge Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, who can be seen lashing out at Cahill moments after his clash with Fredericks.

And West Brom defender Ahmed Hegazi did not face punishment for punching Liverpool's Danny Ings in the stomach on Saturday.

"I'm not worried about other teams or other players – it is more the process," said Lions boss Neil Harris. "I spoke about that earlier in the season when we appealed Jed Wallace's red card [against Burton Albion.

"Timmy committed the offence, it was wrong and he is very apologetic about it. He accepted the charge. But there are two other very similar incidents involving violent conduct where the same panel found them not guilty. I don't understand that process. How people get to a decision doesn't sit well with me.

"It is one rule for one and a different rule for another. What I'm trying to highlight is that the football industry need more consistency across the board – there is clearly not that at the moment."

Cahill has been deprived the chance to play again at The Den as he would sit out the first leg of the play-offs.

The veteran, who signed for a second spell with Millwall in January, has been booked four times and featured 10 times – all of them as a late substitute.

"Nothing will change in the sense that Timmy will be in the training group and travel to Middlesbrough," said Harris. "His daily routine will not change.

"He will be in the dressing room 10 minutes before kick-off and on the team coach travelling Friday. It gives an opportunity to another player to step into the group."



https://www.londonnewsonline.co.uk/tim-cahill-will-still-be-part-of-travelling-party-to-middlesbrough-as-millwall-boss-fumes-at-lack-of-consistency-from-disciplinary-chiefs/

 
Who has toughest play-off run-in? Cardiff, Fulham, Aston Villa, Middlesbrough, Derby County, Millwall, Brentford and Preston

What the managers have said, play-off odds, current form, key men - every team assessed

Bristol City's play-off chances are all but over after the results in the last week.

City threw away a 4-2 lead to draw 5-5 with Hull City on Saturday afternoon while Derby County won their game in hand over Cardiff City to extend the gap to six points.

The Robins take on Nottingham Forest and Sheffield United knowing they need maximum points to stand any chance.

There are as many as nine different teams vying with City for a play-off place, with three of those Cardiff City, Fulham and Aston Villa, already confirmed of their place.

Birmingham Live takes a look at the sides that are in the mix.

Cardiff City

Top six finish odds: Neil Warnock's side have already secured their spot in the play-offs but could still go up automatically as they sit in 2nd, one point above Fulha.. They are 2/7 to finish in the top two.

Form: Cardiff have won four of their last eight games. They lost two on the trot against Wolves and Aston Villa before getting back on track in their last game, claiming a 2-0 victory over Norwich City. The defeat to Derby has heaped the pressure on.

Last six: LDWWWL

Hull City (a)

Reading (h)

What Neil Warnock says

"I would say (Norwich win was) our best result of the season, and it's all still in our own hands. If we keep winning no-one can catch us.

"Norwich are a good side, and we made a bit of a slow start, but I thought we defended really well. The back four were excellent, and Bruno (Ecuele Manga) when he came on, but I thought Sean Morrison stood out. I'd give him 12 out of 10.

"What I love about the Championship, is being in charge of sides like these, a group of lads who are brave and honest and will go out there and die for you, week in, week out."

Key player

Junior Hoilett – The tricky winger has been integral for Neil Warnock's side this season, creating chances for his teammates as well as chipping in with 9 league goals. Most of Cardiff's attacking play goes through Hoilett.

Fulham

Top six finish odds: Fulham have already secured their play-off spot and could sneak into the top two if Cardiff slip up. The Cottagers are 4/6 to gain automatic promotion.

Form: Fulham have claimed 17 points from 21 and have not lost a game in their last svven. They are the in form team in the league at this current time and they secured a vital 3-0 win over Millwall on Friday night.

Last six: WWWWDW

Sunderland (h)

Birmingham City (a)

What Slavisa Jokanovic says

"Now we are thinking about last season, thinking about Watford and different steps – actually it's not necessary right now.

"For us, we are a different team and at the end we learn some things from the past but I am not thinking so much about these things.

"Great challenege is in front of us, this season we will have one or two chances in front of us for fighting to be promoted, we will push for the first chance and if we need to be ready for it we will be ready for the next chance too."

Key player

Aleksander Mitrovic – Newcastle United loanee Mitrovic has 12 goals in his last 12 games and is in brilliant form.

Aston Villa

Top six finish odds: Aston Villa have already secured a top six finish and there is an unlikely chance they could finish in the top two if Fulham and Cardiff slip up. Villa are 3/1 to win promotion.

Form: Villa have claimed 13 points from a possible 21 in the last seven games, losing away fixtures to Bolton and Norwich. Their home form has been much better, winning their last three at Villa Park.

Last six: WLWDLW

Derby County (h)

Millwall (a)

What Steve Bruce says

"We'll look forward to the challenge (the play-offs) if that's the way it goes for us.

"Theyre great games to be involved in. If you can get past the semi-final and have a big day out at Wembley, then there's nothing better.

"I've had the fortune of doing it twice through the play-offs. If it needs to be, let's hope it's lucky the third time around as well."

Key player

Jack Grealish – The 22 year-old attacking midfielder has had his best season in a Villa shirt and chipped in with plenty of assists for his side.

Middlesbrough

Top six finish odds: Boro are the best place team out of six sides that haven't already secured a play-off spot as they sit in 5th on 72 points. Tony Pulis' side are 11/4 to go up.

Form: Boro have had mixed results in their last seven games, winning three times, drawing twice and losing twice. Their victory at Derby was a real statement of intent.

Millwall (h)

Ipswich Town (a)

Last six: LWDLDW

What Tony Pulis says

"The first half (against Bristol City) I really felt disappointed as a manager. Second half they were fantastic.

"The team has been very up and down at times, but I felt today we had a settled performance.

"I'm pleased with the result of course but I'm more pleased with the application from the players."

Key player: Adama Traore – The ex-Aston Villa winger has been a potent threat on the wing for Boro this season with his pace and dribbling giving full-backs nightmares. Traore has scored 5 league goals in 23 starts this campaign.

Millwall

Top six finish odds: Millwall have crept into 7th place after a great run of form, with Derby taking over them on Tuesday night.

Form: Millwall lost their 17 game unbeaten run at the hands of Fulham on Friday night. They now face two tricky fixtures to finish the campaign

Last six: WWDWWL

Middlesbrough (a)

Aston Villa (h)

What Neil Harris says

"We have got everything to gain and very little to lose. We have had a terrific season. We are in a great position and we have ruffled the feathers of a lot of big clubs and we are enjoying it.

"Middlesbrough, Derby, Bristol City and Brentford think they should be in the play-offs. Villa and Fulham fans expect themselves to win promotion. We don't expect anything.

"All I expect from my players is a desire and work ethic. What I do know is that if we did get in there, then we'd be a tough team to stop because it would be our third year in a row."

Key player

Jed Wallace – Another winger who has shone for a play-off contender, Wallace has been superb this season in supplying chances for the Millwall forwards and has six goals and nine assists to his name.

Derby County

Top six finish odds: Derby have dropped are now in sixth and in pole position for the final spot.

They need to win their final two matches to make sure.

Form: Derby are suffering their end of season collapse that seems to happen a lot recently in previous seasons. However, the win over Cardiff could prove enough.

Last six: WWLLLW

Cardiff City (h)

Aston Villa (a)

Barnsley (h)

What Gary Rowett says (speaking after the Burton defeat):

"If you work harder than the opposition and show more endeavour, and if you have got better players quality-wise, then you should win the game.

"If you don't do the first two things, then you are going to give yourself a really difficult chance of winning.

"We didn't compete enough, we did not show enough drive.

"I have said to the players in there, 'I am not sure how many of you really want to put yourself out and get in the play-offs'.

"That is a disappointing thing for me to say because I don't like making comments like that."

Key player

Matej Vydra – The striker has scored 19 league goals this season and is proving to be a potent threat up front for Gary Rowett's side this season.

Preston North End

Top six finish odds: Preston are in 9th place, just two points from the final play-off place. They are 40/1 to win promotion.

Form: Alex Neil's side had won three and lost three in their last six games before their 0-0 draw with Norwich. Two wins could put them in contention

Last six: WLLLWD

Sheffield United (a)

Burton Albion (h)

What Alex Neil says

"We've got as good a chance as anybody else in that area.

"What we've got to do is focus on ourselves. Whatever happens elsewhere, if we don't win we're not going to get there.

"We've got to keep going, win our games and then we'll see what happens.

"A lot of the teams around us have got each other to play, but we have got some points to claw back."

Key player

Tom Barkhuizen – Once again another winger shining in the Championship this season. Barkhuizen has eight goals and seven assists this season and has had a massive impact in games this season for Preston.

Sheffield United

Top six finish odds: Sheffield United have dropped off recently after a brilliant start to the season. The Blades have had a superb first season back in the Championship following their promotion from League One last season. They are now 250/1 to win promotion.

Form: The Blades have only won once in their last seven, drawing four of those fixtures. They claimed an important victory over Middlesbrough before a 1-1 draw with Millwall. However the defeat to Birmingham makes it an uphill battle.

Last six: WLDDDL

Preston North End (h)

Bristol City (a)

What Chris Wilder says

"It was the right result (against Millwall). From our point of view we couldn't quite find the quality and when we did we weren't clinical.

"From our point of view it was a porr goal to give away, especially after getting our noses in front in a tight game.

"This doesn't enhance our chances but the picture can change in the space of a week because this division is so unpredictable. We're waiting and relying on other results but the season is still alive with three games to go."

Key player

Leon Clarke – The striker has scored 18 goals for the season now and has continued his fine form from League One into the Championship.

Brentford

Top six finish odds: Brentford are now up to eighth, just one point off the Lions in sixth.

Form: The Bees are unbeaten in seven games, winning four and drawing three. They beat City, Ipswich Town and Nottingham Forest all 1-0 before salvaging a late point at high-flying Fulham in their last game. Saturday's 2-1 win over QPR keeps them well in the mix.

Last six: WWWDDW

Barnsley (a)

Hull City (h)

What Dean Smith says

"We are four points off and teams have to play each other. We've got another big west London derby next week against QPR and we'll be going all out to win that one.

"We have been playing catch up since not winning for the first eight games.

"I'm really proud of the team. The lads don't give up, and we are disappointed that we don't have the points tally we feel we deserve, but we are playing catch-up after a slow start to the season.

Key player

Ollie Watkins – The forward has ten goals in 37 starts for The Bees and is their most dangerous player from an attacking point of view.

Bristol City

Top six finish odds: The Robins are now 100/1 to win promotion after their 5-5 draw with Hull City.

Current form: Three defeats in the last seven and no away win since December. It doesn't look promising.

Last six: WLLDWD

Nottingham Forest (a)

Sheffield United (h)

Lee Johnson says

"I think we've got to give it a right go to win the last three games. I think we can win on any given day – you saw that today that we had moments in the game.

"Obviously we went 1-0 in front and we've got three games that are winnable for us.

"If we're at it. And that's my point. We have to have as many players as possible being 8s, 9s and 10 because we're not a club with huge resources that can have those quality decision makers.

"Our boys are learning in flight and improving and have to take the lessons from big games like this."

Key player: That's easy Bobby Reid. The youngster glides around the pitch causing mayhem in pockets of space. No player has been involved in more goals in terms of assists (six) and goals scored (18).



https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/championship-play-fixtures-run-cardiff-1464591

 
Fulham boss insists his promotion-chasing side will not take Sunderland lightly tonight

Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic will not take Sunderland lightly in tonight's must-win Sky Bet Championship clash.

The Londoners go into the penultimate weekend of the season in third place, a point behind Cardiff in the race to join Wolves in clinching automatic promotion to the Premier League.

Fulham can put the pressure on the Bluebirds by beating the relegated Black Cats at Craven Cottage (7.45pm), before Cardiff visit Hull tomorrow.

Jokanovic is also keen to avenge the 1-0 defeat at the Stadium of Light in December, the last league defeat endured by Fulham.

"Sunderland is a team that beat us last time, we have experience of losing against them," Jokanovic told fulhamfc.com. "But we are ready for any team and any situation.

"They will come here relaxed and want to make the Sunderland fans satisfied.

"They will try and be proud and fight for the Sunderland crest.

"This can be a very dangerous situation for us and we must be ready.

"If we are focused enough, we'll have the chance to win the game. We are quiet, we are relaxed, we are focused. We're preparing for the Sunderland game no different to others.

"We know how tough the Championship is and that we must be ready for any club and any situation.

"We're going to go into the game with the right mentality, ambition and desire to win.

"We are going to push and try to find our best performance to finish the game with three points." Cardiff lost at Derby in midweek, missing the chance to go four points clear of Fulham.

Jokanovic added: "I'd prefer to change my position with Cardiff's position. They are in a perfect moment, they are one point ahead of us.

"If it was possible I would prefer to swap and be in second, and I'd prefer they were chasing us. That's not the case.

"What I'd prefer is impossible, what we are going to do is try and catch them, but without help from Cardiff's side, it's completely impossible for us.

"We must try and do our job. We cannot think about what is going to happen later and if Cardiff are going to be under pressure or not. This is not under my control.

"We have positive pressure before we play against Sunderland. It's important we don't make mistakes, but the situation is completely under Cardiff's control. If they win these two games we cannot do anything.

"In front of us is two ways of being successful; one is short [top two], another is longer [the play-offs]. We must be ready for both ways."

"If you don't finish second – which is more or less normal for us because we've never been in this position during this year – you must be brave, do your job, and see what happens



Read more at: https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/fulham-boss-insists-his-promotion-chasing-side-will-not-take-sunderland-lightly-tonight-1-9137712

 
Stand Up For Choice

'Stand up for Choice' is a joint campaign being undertaken by the EFL and the Football Supporters' Federation (FSF).

The campaign is designed to give you, as a supporter of Fulham, the opportunity to have a say on whether you would be interested in having the choice to sit or stand on matchdays here at Craven Cottage.

Supporters have until Thursday 10th May to complete the short survey, which can be accessed by visiting efl.com/standupforchoice

Approximately 18 million supporters make their way through the turnstiles of EFL Clubs over the course of a season, and 'Stand up for Choice' will seek to understand the strength of feeling on this issue.

The data from the survey will be collated and presented to the relevant Government and safety authorities to provide clear evidence in support of an informed debate on this issue.

This is your chance to ensure your opinion is heard, and Fulham and the EFL are keen to understand your view, so please get involved.

Stand up for Choice.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/april/27/stand-up-for-choice

 
What are the odds:
Coral's Fulham preview

Sunderland are at Fulham on Friday night looking to extend their unbeaten run to three on the road.

Over to official betting partner Coral for a summary of the best bets...

Coral make the Black Cats underdogs, so there will be some big prices on offer.

The Away Win is on offer at 16/1, but that's just the start...

There have been goals at both ends of Sunderland's last three and the Sunderland Win & Both Teams to Score will boost your odds to 25/1.

Two of those also went over 2.5 goals, so you might prefer the Sunderland Win & Over 2.5 Goals at 22/1.

The Draw is also worth a look, paying out in two of the last three on the road and three of the last four. You'll get 6/1 and a more appealing 15/2 for the Draw & Both Teams to Score.

And if you like big prices, don't forget you can handpick your own bets using Coral's #YourCall via Twitter. Simply tweet @coral with a multiple of your choice and if accepted it will appear in the #YourCall section of the match bets.

For the more cautious, Both Teams to Score has paid out in the last four matches and looks the 'banker' of the match. You'll only get 1/1, which might not be of interest for a Single bet but is an ideal place to start a weekend accumulator.

Coral pay members an automatic 10% Acca Boost on all winning four-folds (or bigger), so you only need to add three more around the same odds of 12/1 or more – plus your 10% bonus!

Dive in.



https://www.safc.com/news/team-news/2018/april/coral-preview-v-fulham

 
Fulham plotting TV fright-night for Premier League promotion rivals Cardiff

(https://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2018/04/27/09/kevin-mcdonald2704a.jpg?w968h681)
Roaring in the Lions' Den: Fulham's Kevin McDonald celebrates after putting his side 2-0 up during their 3-0 victory at fellow promotion hopefuls Millwall last Friday (PA)

Kevin McDonald knows Cardiff players will be put through the mill watching Fulham play Sunderland.

He tuned in for just 20 minutes when Cardiff played Derby on Tuesday before the stress became too much and the Fulham midfielder switched over to Liverpool versus Roma.

McDonald occasionally flicked back to check the score and, by the final whistle, Cardiff's 3-1 defeat had opened the door in the race for the Premier League. Fulham are one point behind second-placed Cardiff with two games left, so victory at Craven Cottage will move them above the Welsh side.

Cardiff manager Neil Warnock and his players are sure to be watching the game from their hotel prior to their game at Hull on Saturday and a Fulham win would ramp up the pressure.

"We know what it is like sitting in a hotel on Friday night, so they will be watching," said McDonald.

"There is nothing else to do. They will be watching and hoping Sunderland do them a favour, so it is up to us to get three points.

"If we win they will have an added bit of pressure when they play. I watched the first 20 minutes of their game on Tuesday but my head was going watching it and I was getting a bit stressed, and my missus was as well, so we turned it over and watched Liverpool and tried to relax. It is nice result for us and a disappointing one for them.

"It is still in their hands but, of course, it was a boost for us."

Fulham are unbeaten in 22 matches and could not have asked for better opponents than a Sunderland side who were relegated last weekend.

McDonald said: "We have got to win two games to have any chance. Cardiff are the team leading. They are ahead and know if they win two games they are in the Premier League.

"We have just got to win and hope. They are still well in control and have done well through the season. It is up to them to continue doing that.

"The main thing is we get the two wins. If they drop points, then we are there to capitalise. If not then we will be kicking ourselves if they drop points.

"A win on Friday puts pressure on them, but nothing changes on their part. They are professionals and Neil Warnock will know what to do to calm the players down. The main thing is that we do our job, give ourselves that chance and then see how they deal with it. It is still a big ask for us, but we will see."

If Fulham beat Sunderland, the fight for automatic promotion goes to the final day, when Slavisa Jokanovic's side are at Birmingham and Cardiff entertain Reading.

"That would be a big day for everyone, but we are just looking at Sunderland," said McDonald. "Everyone dreams of playing in the Premier League. It is the best league in the world.

"We are not there yet, but we are close. We will do everything we possibly can to get there. It sounds wrong, but I expect Sunderland to have a bit of a lift after they were relegated. Going down to League One is not good for their club and I am sure their manager will get them going.

"But it is all about us, how we apply ourselves and how much we want it."



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-plotting-tv-frightnight-for-premier-league-promotion-rivals-cardiff-a3825011.html

 
View from the opposition:
Jokanovic on Sunderland

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic has urged his players to turn up the heat on Cardiff City in the race for automatic promotion.

The Cottagers sit just one point behind the Bluebirds with two Sky Bet Championship games remaining, with Jokanovic's men chasing down Neil Warnock's side thanks to an incredible unbeaten run of 22 games.

Sunderland, meanwhile, will be playing for pride after Burton Albion's late comeback ensured they will be playing League One football next season.

But Jokanovic is wary of the threat Chris Coleman's men pose, with their last defeat coming against the Lads back in December.

"We have positive pressure before we play against Sunderland," said the Fulham boss.

"It's important we don't make mistakes, but the situation is completely under Cardiff's control and If they win these two games, we cannot do anything."

He continued: "We must be focused on trying to find our best performance [against Sunderland].

"In front of us is two ways to be successful, one is short and another is longer and we must be ready for both ways.

"Sunderland is a team that beat us last time, we are ready for any team and any situation, they come here relaxed and try to make Sunderland fans satisfied, try to be proud.

"This can be dangerous situation for us and we must be ready."



https://www.safc.com/news/team-news/2018/april/view-from-the-opp-v-fulham

 
Ex-teammate of Fulham boss Jokanovic reveals incredible incident which proves he won't lose his run-in cool

Serbian has led the club on a remarkable run since the turn of the year

(https://i2-prod.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article12352360.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/Norwich-City-v-Fulham-Sky-Bet-Championship-Carrow-Road.jpg)
Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic (Image: PA)

THE promotion race in the Championship is the closest it has been for years.

It has become a case of who blinks first in the battle between Cardiff and Fulham for the second automatic promotion place.

And the play-offs are still wide open because Aston Villa have booked their place but Middlesbrough and Derby still need points and Millwall , Brentford and Preston have not given up.

But the battle between Cardiff and Fulham is the one that has really caught the eye not least because of the two personalities involved.

Cardiff boss Neil Warnock saw his team slip up against Derby in midweek but has his fate in his own hands and has already won the Championship Manager of the Year for what he has done at a club with the sixth smallest budget in the division.

Even Warnock has said that the award was given out too soon and it will feel like no consolation if Fulham pip them at the last with two games to go.

Their manager Slavisa Jokanovic has worked wonders at Craven Cottage and now they have Sunderland at home on Friday night and then lowly Birmingham on the final day of the season.

Jokanovic is admired for his style of football at Craven Cottage, made good signings and has led the club on a remarkable run since the turn of the year.

If this is a time for cool heads then Jokanovic will not lose his during the run-in, according to his former Tenerife team mate Juan Carlos Unzúe.

Celta Vigo boss Unzúe says Jokanovic is one of the top five players he played with, largely because of his temperament when things get tense.

(https://i2-prod.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article12306130.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/Norwich-City-v-Fulham-Sky-Bet-Championship-Carrow-Road.jpg)
Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic gestures on the touchline during a Championship match (Image: PA)

Unzúe said: "He was a really accomplished midfielder, with tremendous physical attributes. He wasn't the quickest on the ground but was extremely mentally sharp and intelligent. He really makes my Top 5 because of his strong personality.

"I'm going to explain the story. We at Tenerife were playing to stay up in the last game of the season and needed to win against Valencia. In the 80th minute we were trailing and we then scored an equaliser.

"In injury time we were awarded a penalty. We had our regular penalty-takers in the team, they were our strikers and goalscorers, but he (Jokanovic) said he was going to take it. He took the ball and headed over to the penalty spot and tucked it away in the top corner with a confidence that shocked us all."



https://www.mirror.co.uk/vauxhall/fulham-championship-promotion-run-cardiff-12436032

 
Lap of Appreciation

Supporters are advised that Slaviša Jokanović and his team will complete a lap of appreciation at the conclusion of Friday evening's match with Sunderland.

The boys will not return to the dressing room at full-time, instead congregating by the tunnel before doing a lap of the pitch to thank the Whites faithful for their outstanding support throughout 2017/18.

Jokanović said: "It's our last [home] game in the regular season. We know the job is not done but we want to say thank you."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/april/27/lap-of-appreciation

 
Manager's preview:
'We have a job to do

Sunderland have a duty to their supporters and the other teams in the Sky Bet Championship to give their all between now and the end of the campaign, according to Chris Coleman.

The Welshman will return to Craven Cottage on Friday evening as Sunderland face a Fulham side hot on the heels of second-placed Cardiff City, with a 22-game unbeaten run putting them in the frame for automatic promotion.

Last weekend's defeat at the Stadium of Light means the Lads' fate is already determined, but Coleman insists his side still have a job to do and must remain professional.

And speaking ahead of the game, the Welshman urged his side to give the red and white army something to be proud of.

"We've got a job to do tomorrow night for our supporters and for the club," said Coleman.

"We can't change our fate, it's done, it's sealed, but we can approach both games with the right attitude and that's what we must do."

He continued: "We've just got to finish it right and in the right manner.

"We'll try and take care of our own business and if anybody gets promoted, or relegated, it's because it's on them and it's across the season.

"The season's 46 games and I'm not complaining to anybody else because we've been relegated, that's our fault, our problem.

"There's nothing we can do about our position, we've just got to finish the two games off properly."



https://www.safc.com/news/team-news/2018/april/managers-preview-v-fulham

 
Fulham player confirms interest from another club, glad chairman's son stopped move

Fulham defender Denis Odoi has told the Belgian media AA Gent wanted to sign him last summer, but he's glad he remained at Craven Cottage.

Odoi signed for Fulham in 2016 from Lokeren.

Speaking to HLN, the Fulham player was asked about the interest from Gent: "I was allowed to leave the club for a certain amount, but the chairman's son was concerned. He works a lot with statistics, and mine were too good. As compensation, they improved my contract. In retrospect, I'm glad I stayed even though Gent were interested."

Odoi has been a key player for Fulham this season as the club look to get promotion back to the Premier League. The 29 year old has started 28 league games in this campaign, and the fullback has recently been deployed as a central defender.

The West London club are just one point below the automatic promotion places after already guaranteeing at least a spot in the play offs.

With second placed Cardiff City facing a tricky away trip to Hull City and Fulham facing already relegated Sunderland at Craven Cottage there could be an opportunity to overtake the Welsh club this weekend.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-player-confirms-interest-another-club/

 
We Are Gold

Fulham has achieved a family excellence 'Gold Award' as a record number of clubs are rewarded.

Fulham is just one of 10 clubs that has been crowned as a 'Gold Award' winner, for the first time in the history of the Family Excellence Scheme. The Whites have therefore been recognised for providing a benchmark matchday family experience in the 2017/18 season. A total of 56 EFL clubs are set to achieve Family Excellence status, 10 of which are crowned as 'Gold Award' winners for their exemplary work in engaging families on matchdays.

The record breaking number, up from 53 clubs in 2016/17, recognises continuous improvement and best practice in family engagement across the leagues and supports clubs' efforts to attract and retain young fans of the future.


EFL Clubs received two 'mystery family' visits throughout the season, with their feedback and reports determining whether each respective Club would achieve 'Family Excellence' status. Now in its 11th year, the Family Excellence Scheme is an ongoing consultation programme which aims to drive continuous improvement and best practice in family engagement across the leagues and support clubs' efforts to attract and retain young fans of the future. New for this season, 10 clubs have achieved 'Gold Award' status for outstanding family engagement across the assessment visits.

EFL Chief Executive, Shaun Harvey, said: "It is hugely encouraging to see the continuous development and improvement made by EFL Clubs in offering engaging match day experiences for families.

"For over a decade the EFL's Family Excellence Scheme has helped to produce positive and impactful change across the leagues, helping to drive a real focus on matchday entertainment, facilities and the overall experience on offer for families, and ultimately to assist in growing attendances.

"Its impact continues to be notable with several Clubs gaining strong industry-wide reputations for offering true family value and a consistently high level of service and innovation.

"The EFL will continue to work with Clubs to help drive change and support the continued effort to attract and retain future generations of supporters. Congratulations to the Clubs that have achieved Family Excellence status and to those that have been awarded Gold status in its inaugural year."

Gold Award Winners: Aston Villa, Cardiff City, Derby County, Fulham, Middlesbrough, Queens Park Rangers, Reading,  Blackburn Rovers, Doncaster Rovers, Luton Town.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/april/26/we-are-gold

 
Chris Coleman: 'If you are not up for it, don't bother getting on the bus to go to Fulham'

Chris Coleman will play his strongest available side in his last two games - but not anyone without the heart for the battle

Chris Coleman will resist the temptation to leave out his loan players for the last two games of the season – but he is not interested in anyone who does not have the stomach for the fight.

With Sunderland's relegation from the Championship confirmed, there is an argument for giving game-time to those players who will be at the club next term.

But Coleman will play his strongest side available at Fulham – not out of a sense of obligation to the Cottagers' relegation rival Neil Warnock, but to his own supporters.

While Stadium of Light crowds continue to disappoint, the Black Cats have had terrific backing away from home this season.

"The squad is as it is," insisted manager Coleman, who is without Aiden McGeady and Bryan Oviedo, and rates Billy Jones 50-50 to play. "I'll go with the strongest squad we can, the strongest team we can get on the pitch.

"I told them two days ago that if you are not up for it in the last two games, don't come, don't bother getting on the bus to go to Fulham. But if you have got a bit of fight left in you, let's go to Craven Cottage and have a game of football.

"Psychologically if you are not ready for it, don't come, what's the point?

"We'll have travelling supporters there, so we have to do our job. If anybody gets promoted or relegated, it's on them across the season."

Coleman takes a team back to Craven Cottage for the first time since he left as manager in 2007.

"I was there for 10 years five as a player and five as a manager," he said. "I think that's quite rare nowadays. It seems like a lifetime ago now to be honest with you – different owners, different people.

"It's nice to see them doing well, but I can't say I'll be going back there with a twinge of anything. We're full of disappointment, they're full of hope and I'd give anything to swap circumstances."

Sunderland can do the league double over third-placed Fulham, having beaten them at the Stadium of Light in December. They have not lost in the Championship since.

"It's complete opposites I suppose, they've gone on and on and not lost and we've found wins hard to come by. When we beat them in December we thought it would have been the start of something but it hasn't taken off for us."



https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/chris-coleman-if-you-not-14581656

 
Warnock hoping to 'prove people wrong' by keeping Fulham at bay in the race for automatic promotion

Cardiff City boss Neil Warnock says he's hoping to 'prove people wrong' by holding on to second spot.

The Bluebirds face the battle of their lives as they look to keep hold of second place with in-form Fulham still hunting them down with two games to go.

Cardiff's second-half collapse at Derby meant their game in-hand and an opportunity to grab some much-needed breathing space was wasted, and many are now favouring Fulham to secure automatic promotion.

Jokanovic's men are currently on a run of 22 games unbeaten, but it is still in Cardiff's hands with a one-point gap still in pace.

Fulham, however, face already relegated Sunderland at home on Friday night and they can pile the pressure on the Bluebirds ahead of their trip to face a resurgent Hull on Saturday.

And for Warnock, who sees tonight's game as a foregone conclusion, the pressure is already on. He said: "I don't think anyone can see anything happening other than a win tonight and Birmingham won't have anything to play for.

"It's down to us. When you look at our run, we've played all the big teams. When I looked in February, I thought if we could be close after such a difficult run of games then we can't ask any more than that.

"We haven't had any rub of the green with the referees, I still look back at Millwall but I think every club will feel like that at this stage of the season.

"It's still in our hands and they're great bunch of lads. We get over disappointments and get on. You can't dwell on it. It's very unlike us to make the mistakes we made there and I don't expect us to make them again.

The Bluebirds looked a shadow of themselves in the second-half on Tuesday night with a usually reliable defence falling apart against Derby.

There were defensive errors aplenty at pride Park, and such errors at the Kcom stadium against a free-scoring Hull City could hand Fulham control heading into the final day of the season.

However, Warnock didn't need to give his players the hair-dryer treatment after Tuesday's defeat and for him, it's quite clear where things went wrong.

"They don't need any talking to, our lads," added the Yorkshireman. "If I'm really honest, the three substitutes I made, it made us a lot worse.

"I don't think it helped our cause at all. We tried to give a new lease of life at 1-1 and it didn't work out like that. We missed Gary (Madine) more than anyone.

"We are punching above our weight and we have to try to play like that. What will be will be.

"There are certain things that shouldn't have happen but if I have my way then they won't happen again. But it's not just Cardiff City, it's all over the world. If you lose concentration, you get punished."

For the Cardiff City faithful, it's an unbearable situation, especially give the collapses they've seen at the club in the past.

It feels all too familiar that the Bluebirds are starting to lose their grip with just two games to go and that mentality of letting an opportunity slip is starting to set in.

But as Warnock is quick to point out, Cardiff have already defied the odds to get into this position and with two games to go, they only have to rely on themselves.

"To be in our situation, there's a lot of teams below us who would snap our hands off. They said this morning, when I was listening, that it's quite a remarkable story, really.

"I've been really proud for most of the season and they've not let me down.

"It would be the best, the most difficult achievement I've ever had, to get us up. It's still a good achievement just to get where we are! Only when you're behind the scenes that you realise what we had to do to get us here.

"It's quite possible we will fall at the last hurdle, but I think we've had a great season anyone and the fans will as well. It's surprising what happens at this stage of the season.

"In the past I've felt the pressure but the only pressure on me is that I want to get an eighth promotion. I just think it's an amazing feat what we've done this season.

"Not many people get the opportunity to do what these lads have the opportunity to do, so I just hope they grasp it.

"I can't do any more than just prepare them for that and give them a chance, but for us to be on a par with the clubs that I've mentioned is quite amazing really, and we're going to do our best to stay up there."



http://www.insidewalessport.co.uk/warnock-prove-people-wrong/

Fan Focus: Fulham fan predicts a ROUT at Craven Cottage - Sunderland fans... wear your tin hats!
It may now be a meaningless game for Sunderland but Fulham have a lot at stake, going into our Friday night clash. To get the view from Craven Cottage, we caught up with Jack Collins from Fulhamish blog & podcast to talk about their promotion push, how the game might pan out and how Fulham used their defeat at the SoL to reignite their season.

RF: You might be flying now but you still have to carry the embarrassment of losing to us. At the Stadium of Light as well! No one loses at the Stadium of Light apart from Sunderland! That being said, your form has been brilliant since that defeat, so the players have clearly used that humiliation to spur them on. What have they been doing differently since the turn of the year though, to mount a push for promotion?

    JC: Haha! It was probably the low point of this season, with the whole record there and being the only team to lose in 2017!

    There's a suggestion in some of the interviews conducted by the players about that game and the subsequent run that it was the point where the squad had their own crisis meeting to be like "we're not doing something right here." I think at the point of defeat, there was a real feeling of disarray around the camp - when we played you Slavisa played a midfielder as a false 9 and put our striker on the wing, in a system that just wasn't working.

    There's plenty of talk, and rightly so, about our January additions strengthening us, but also, Slavisa has gone back to a tried and tested system, and the timely return to full fitness of Tom Cairney has helped immeasurably as well.

RF: The battle for the remaining automatic promotion spot is very close. Do you think you can pip Cardiff to it or do you think Fulham will have to take their chances in the play offs?

    JC: It's still very much in Cardiff's hands and we need to just keep putting the pressure on and hope they slip up. They go to a resurgent Hull this weekend after a tough defeat at Derby, so we're hoping the Tigers can do us a favour and put the ball in our court!

    Either way though, as long as we keep winning, there are few teams that will fancy playing us in the playoffs and hopefully last year's disappointment will be a useful learning experience for the boys.

RF: Do you feel like promotion will be necessary to keep hold of players such as Ryan Sessegnon and Tom Cairney?

    JC: Cairney for sure, which might seem a little bit mental considering Sess' reputation, but TC is 27 now and is coming to the time where he deserves to be playing top level football. No Fulham fan would begrudge the skipper a go at the top flight, I feel, now he's shown his quality again this year.

    I think Sess will stay for one more season whatever happens, but if we're to keep the nucleus of this squad together and try and kick on then I think it's almost now or never with this group of players.

RF: The two players mentioned above stand out and Aleksandar Mitrovic will obviously score against us. Are they the main threats in the Fulham side or is there anyone else we should be worried about?

    JC: They are indeed the three that get the limelight but there is talent all over this side.

    Matt Targett, on loan from Southampton, has been a revelation since coming into the side and has given Sess the freedom he needs to maraud up the pitch. Kevin McDonald is the heartbeat that keeps the team ticking and Stefan Johansen is always a threat, bursting forward from centre midfield.

RF: It feels silly asking this given we're already down but is there anyone in the Sunderland that you think could cause an upset?

    JC: There's always danger playing a relegated side, because cliche as it sounds, they're freed from the yoke of expectation. George Honeyman looks a good talent, and Paddy McNair's goalscoring form of late is somewhat unexpected but marks him out as a threat.

    Those two appear to be a couple of bright spots in a dark season, but there will be times where Sunderland cause us problems tomorrow evening, I have no doubt about that.

RF: I would expect Slavisa Jokanovic to instruct his side to play on the front foot but what other approaches will he take for this game? What do you think his starting line up will be as well?

    JC: Slavisa doesn't have a Plan B. It's something he's been criticised for in the past but whoever you are, home or away, Fulham will come and try to dominate possession, murder you with passing and work the ball into the right areas - we simply don't know any other way to play.

    The lineup won't change I don't think: Bettinelli; Fredericks, Odoi, Ream, Targett; McDonald, Johansen, Cairney; Piazon, Mitrovic, Sessegnon. It's done the business over the last few games and I can't see Slavisa rotating it now.

RF: Finally, what's your score prediction?

    JC: I think Fulham are going to be too fired up to let anything stop them but if we don't get an early goal, the Cottage will get nervy.

    I'm gonna be hopeful though and say 3-0 Fulham.



https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2018/4/27/17283982/fan-focus-fulham-fan-predicts-a-rout-at-craven-cottage-sunderland-fans-wear-your-tin-hats

 
One Of Our Own

In Friday's official matchday programme, Ryan Sessegnon reflects on his season so far - one that could get even better if all goes to plan.

"I didn't think I'd have the impact I did so quickly this season, but the gaffer has given me the opportunity and now I want to repay him with good performances," said Sessegnon.
"As a youngster, you're only going to improve if you're playing and for him to give me that platform to perform is massive. He's tested me in two different positions, at left-back where I started, and on the wing where I am now. He's had a huge effect on my career and I can't think him enough for everything he's done for me so far."


To read the full interview with Sessegnon, pick up a programme on Friday.

Other highlights from the publication - named Programme Monthly's 'Championship Programme of the Season' - include:

    Chairman Shahid Khan praises all connected with Fulham after a stellar season
    Slaviša Jokanović, Tom Cairney and Gordon Davies pen their latest columns
    Danny Murphy recalls Fulham's 'Great Escape' 10 years on
    John Marshall picks the best XI he played with at the Cottage
    And Charlie Cooper, aka Kurtan in BBC Three hit This Country, discusses life as a Fulham fan from the Cotswolds


Priced £3.50, the 100-page publication is available from various sellers on Stevenage Road from two hours before kick-off. Or order it online from ProgrammeMaster where you can also purchase past editions and take out a half-season subscription.

For just £1.99, the programme is also available as a digital download on your iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, PC or Mac via Pocketmags from 9am on Friday morning.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/april/27/ryan-sessegnon-sunderland-programme

 
AMERICAN REAM Fulham ace Tim Ream looking forward to new baby – and promotion to the Premier League

Defender and his wife Kristen Sapienza - a former footballer - are expecting the arrival of their first daughter in October

THERE are exciting times ahead in the Ream household, regardless of whether Fulham reach the Premier League.

Defender Tim Ream and his wife Kristen Sapienza, a former footballer, are expecting the arrival of their first daughter in October.

(https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/nintchdbpict000401533858-e1524781090183.jpg?strip=all&w=880)
Tim Ream has huge ambitions on and off the field as he chases promotion while awaiting the arrival of his third child

She will become the third child to join Team Ream after boys Aidan and Theodore.

But the family are also hoping to  celebrate professional success for the man of the house with promotion.

Ream, 30, told SunSport: "That's the goal. To win promotion ahead of our baby girl's arrival would be perfect."

Fulham have two games left to make that happen automatically, starting with  Sunderland tonight  before a final-day trip to Birmingham.

(https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/nintchdbpict000401533868-e1524781144463.jpg?strip=all&w=641)
Fulham need Cardiff to slip up to secure the last automatic promotion spot

They may win both but still not make the top two if Cardiff, who are a point ahead, beat Hull and Reading.

The heat is on, though, after the Bluebirds suffered a potentially season-derailing 3-1 defeat to Derby on Tuesday night — a game Ream chose  to skip.

He revealed: "I didn't watch it. It's not that I don't care but I can't affect the game so why am I going to sit there on pins and needles trying to head and kick every ball?

"It wasn't anything I was interested in doing so I occupied my time by sorting through kids' clothes and getting rid  of old junk to make room for the  new baby."

Neil Warnock said he would snub tonight's Craven Cottage clash to watch The Queen on Netflix, so Ream is not the only one avoiding the big games on television.

But were the Cardiff boss to take in this evening's fare, he would likely see an extension to Fulham's fabulous 22-game unbeaten run, which started after a loss at Sunderland.

(https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/nintchdbpict000401533896-e1524781196503.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Fulham have been on an incredible run and are close to securing promotion

Centre-back Ream has been a key part of that form, often starting the free-flowing attacks that have become synonymous with Slavisa Jokanovic's thrilling style of play.

The defender has become a fans' favourite, with many picking him as their Player of the  Season ahead of Ryan Sessegnon and Tom Cairney.

In doing so, he becomes the  latest popular American to play for the club, following in the footsteps of Clint Dempsey and Brian McBride, who learned his trade at Saint Louis University, just like Ream.

But Ream — whose name is bellowed out when he's on the ball in a manner that can sound like booing to the uninitiated — was not always so loved by supporters, nor by his manager.

In fact, the defender — signed by Jokanovic's predecessor Kit Symons from Bolton in August 2015 — was very close to leaving the club the following summer when the Serb said he could go.

Ream said: "When new managers come in and results have been poor previously, they're going to look to make changes.

"I wasn't the only one to be told I could leave that summer. I pretty much had one foot out the door.

"But I knuckled down, put in the hard work and here we are two ­seasons later.

"When we came back from the pre-season trip that season, there was a  conversation between me and the manager which was completely positive.

"It wasn't an admission of wrong  but basically an acknowledgement of, 'Hey, you're all right'.

"That was huge. I knew I had changed his and the staff's opinion and I wouldn't say it was good enough because I wanted to be playing every week but it was a start.  To change his opinion was very satisfying.

"My relationship with the fans was rocky at first. I'm sure most of them wanted me to leave! But to have that connection with them now is pretty special."

Ream is obviously hoping to finish second but does not feel Fulham will suffer a hangover if they have to go up through the play-offs.

And with the mind-blowing form they are showing, he rightly points out that "no one will want to play us".

The Cottagers' rise has mirrored that of Ream, who describes himself as a  perfectionist. And with former midfielder Kristen giving him feedback at home, there is no chance of standards slipping.

The family live in Cobham, Surrey, near Chelsea's training base, and are good friends with Cesar Azpilicueta's family as their children go to the same school.

Asked what conversations around the dinner table are like, Ream added: "It goes either one of two ways. It's either nothing but football or it's, 'Let's just not discuss it'.

"Kristen's my biggest critic and my biggest supporter.

(https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/nintchdbpict000400398286-e1524781268239.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Tim Ream and his wife are both pro footballers

"If she has something to say, she's not afraid to bring it up and she knows what she's talking about, which can be a little tough sometimes!

"The running joke in the house is she was a better player than I am but that's fine, I'll take that all day. She always wins, so it doesn't matter."

Fulham fans will hope Ream himself can keep on winning so he can celebrate his daughter's birth as a Premier League player.



https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/6154206/fulham-tim-ream-premier-league/?utm_source=t.co&utm_medium=referral

 
EFL pundit makes exciting Fulham prediction ahead of Sunderland clash

David Prutton is expecting Fulham to pile the pressure on Cardiff City in the Sky Bet Championship's promotion race by beating Sunderland this evening.

Writing in his weekly prediction column for Sky Sports, Prutton has predicted Fulham to record a routine 3-0 victory over Sunderland, with Aleksandar Mitrovic opening the scoring.

Fulham are looking to move back into the automatic promotion places this evening at Craven Cottage, with Cardiff not in action until tomorrow afternoon.

Victory will move Fulham into second and two points clear of Cardiff, who travel to the KCOM Stadium to take on Hull City tomorrow.

Slavisa Jokanovic's side are on a tremendous run of form and will be confident of continuing that against Sunderland, who have already been relegated.

Chris Coleman's side suffered a 2-1 defeat to Burton Albion in the cruellest fashion, with two late goals sending Sunderland towards League One.

Defeat this weekend will mean that Sunderland, who are four points adrift of 23rd, will finish the 2017/18 campaign at the foot of the Championship table.

The Verdict   

The table doesn't lie, with Fulham and Sunderland two clubs in very different positions heading into this weekend's clash.

Whilst Fulham are clear favourites to pick up three points, it is worth remembering that Sunderland have an excellent record against the Cottagers and beat them earlier in the season.

However, it is hard not to agree with Prutton ahead of this evening. It could be a very difficult night for Coleman and his side.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/efl-pundit-makes-exciting-fulham-prediction-ahead-of-sunderland-clash/

 
Preview: Fulham fan looks ahead to game vs Sunderland

Despite having their fate sealed there are still games for Sunderland to play and Chris Coleman's men will be looking to prove they still have something left in them.

The Black Cats take on Fulham away at Craven Cottage, Fulham are currently in 3rd place and will be looking for the three points to help them for promotion to the Premier League.

Last time out Sunderland lost 2-1 to Burton and Fulham beat Millwall 3-0.

Colin Forknall, a Fulham fan and member of online blog 'Friends of Fulham' said: "Expecting an unchanged side from the 3-0 victory against Millwall.

"We just have to continue the way we are patient, passing, build up play, Jokanovic won't have it any other way.

"As many seen when we played Millwall they came out of the blocks hard and fast in the first half and blew a gasket, completely tired themselves out.

"Which is why in the second half we took control and won the game, which continued our 22 match unbeaten run.

"Albeit Sunderland have nothing to play for if Chris Coleman and Kit Symons stay I think many of the players will be playing for their contracts.

"If Fulham are to go up automatically we need to treat this as two major cup finals, Derby helped us Tuesday now it is down to us."

Fulham have had a variety of different goal scorers this season, with youngster Ryan Sessegnon leading the line with 14 goals.



https://sportsbyte.sunderland.ac.uk/preview-fulham-fan-looks-ahead-to-game-vs-sunderland/

 
How Fulham could set unwanted Championship record if they win their next two games

The Cottagers are in a promotion fight with Cardiff and could set the unfortunate record

If Fulham and Cardiff both win their last two games then the Cottagers could set a Football League record for the most points won by a team who missed out on promotion.

With 85 points to their name and two games left to play, Fulham could finish the season with 91 points.

Ordinarily that would be enough to take them up in at least second place, but Cardiff currently occupy that spot with 86 points and also have two games left to play.

If they slip up in either one of those then the Bluebirds could be be knocked off their perch by the Cottagers.

(https://i2-prod.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article12400707.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/Millwall-v-Fulham-Sky-Bet-Championship-New-Den.jpg)
Fulham are chasing promotion (Image: PA)

(https://i2-prod.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article12400704.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/Millwall-v-Fulham-Sky-Bet-Championship-New-Den.jpg)
But they could set an unwanted record (Image: PA)

However, if they hold their nerve then it could be a trip to the record books for Fulham.

No team has finished the season with more than 90 points and not won promotion.

In 1997/98 Sunderland finished third in the second tier with 90 points.

They made it to the play-off final but lost on penalties to Charlton after drawing four-all in extra time.

(https://i2-prod.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article12400703.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/Millwall-v-Fulham-Sky-Bet-Championship-New-Den.jpg)
No team has finished the season with more than 90 points and not won promotion (Image: PA)

In 2011/12 Sheffield United finished third in League One with 90 points. They also made it to the play-off final and missed out on penalties.

A ridiculous 22 penalties were taken in that match with Blades keeper Steve Simonsen missing the final spot kick against Huddersfield.

Only one team in Football League history has finished outside the top two with 91 or more points.

In 1981/82 Wigan finished third in the old Fourth Division with 91 points - the same as second place Bradford City and five short of table-toppers Sheffield United.

There were no play-offs back then though so the top four teams were automatically promoted.



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/how-fulham-could-set-unwanted-12436990

MATCH PREVIEW: Fulham v Sunderland - Cover your eyes & pray we get through 90 minutes unscathed!
The fat lady has well and truly sang - Sunderland are relegated. The only small mercy? It wasn't at the hands of Fulham's on-loan striker Aleksandar Mitrovic. Here's the preview for tonight's game.

Much of the talk surrounding Sunderland AFC this week has been two-fold. Firstly, the fact that we were relegated for the second time in under a year and all the feelings associated with that, and secondly the ownership situation surrounding the club.

When Darren Bent took to the field last Saturday I suspect that everyone in the ground and following the game around the country knew what was coming.

Of course he would score. It was inevitable. The second thing that was written in the stars was the fact Burton would be the ones to relegate us. All the jibes to the Newcastle fans about enjoying Burton away when they went down would come back to bite us, every bit as much as Bent's appearance.

But Sunderland AFC were not relegated simply on the back of last week's home defeat. The fans quickly turned their ire from Bent to perhaps the only man who is hated more on Wearside - Ellis Short.

The lack of leadership, commitment and heart from the Sunderland owner has led us to a sorry state in our illustrious history.

I have been amazed this week how many people, who have kept largely silent on the matter of Mr Short, have come out this week. Media, pundits, and even our own CEO have given their views on the abysmal situation we find ourselves in due to the owner's reluctance to engage with this football club. The fact he hasn't even bothered to speak to Chris Coleman is simply unforgivable.

And yet, Coleman himself has continued to be open and honest in front of the cameras this week. I, for one, hope he is the one to turn this club around. I'm not saying he's not made mistakes along the way - he readily admits he had hoped for more of an impact - but he has worked in the most difficult circumstances and still wants to be the manager of Sunderland AFC.

Tonight is sure to be a strange experience for him. Returning to his old club, Fulham, will bring back memories of an end to his playing days and entry in management. He will, I'm sure, proudly enter the ground as Sunderland's manager and he will hope that the memories of yesterday can still be eclipsed before he leaves Wearside.

Fulham are on such a fine run of form, and this game comes at a critical point in their season, where all of the expectation will be on a home win. The ability the London side have within their ranks, the craft, guile and skill, will be on show for the TV audience and many Premier League managers will be eagerly watching a team they will likely face next season.

To do so, they have to win tonight. Cardiff occupy second spot by virtue of a single point and have two relatively straight forward games left, with a visit to Hull followed by a final home game against Reading. After tonight, Fulham end their season at Birmingham City.

Any slip ups will surely open the door for their rival to avoid the play-off lottery and take their place in the top flight. Coleman will not want to hand it to his old side, though, and will be keen for his charges to put up a fight. Perhaps, with the pressure off, Sunderland could be the banana skin that decides second place.

One thing Coleman could do is start to look to the future, though. He talked about the need to bounce back next season and the aim for everyone has to be promotion at the first attempt. Whilst we have a duty to perform tonight, we also have a duty to Sunderland AFC to start that rebuilding job. Picking a strong first team meets the first obligation, but Coleman could select a youthful bench and allow one or two future stars the chance to make their debuts and show there is hope for us to come back.

At Roker Report we have, for some weeks now, spoken highly of Luke Molyneux, Elliot Embleton and Max Stryjek. None of them are likely to start the game tonight, but it would certainly give the youngsters a huge boost to be selected for the squad. It would also give the fans a shot in the arm were just one of these prospects to take to the field at some point during the game.

In recent fixtures Callum McManaman has been taken off, so there is a chance, perhaps, for Luke Molyneux to stake a claim for inclusion in the first team next season. He will travel down to the capital along with Embleton and 16-year-old Bali Mumba, who is rated exceedingly high by regular viewers at the Academy of Light.

Personally, I would love the talk to change from the likes of Bent, Rodwell and Ellis Short to the small, hopeful whispers of a brighter future for Sunderland AFC in the hands of Molyneux, et al.



https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2018/4/27/17286420/match-preview-fulham-v-sunderland-cover-your-eyes-pray-we-get-through-90-minutes-unscathed

 
Sunderland Tickets

Tickets are still available for Fulham's final home game of the regular season tonight when they take on Sunderland at 7:45pm

Junior tickets are just £5 across all areas of the ground while matchday prices for adults start from £35.

With limited availability across certain areas of the ground, secure your ticket in advance now online, by telephone on 0203 871 0810 (opt 2) or in person from the Fulham Ticket Office.

See you at the Cottage - COYW!



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/april/27/pay-on-the-gate

 
Chairman's Notes

Good evening and thank you for choosing to spend your Friday night with Fulham Football Club, under the floodlights and on the occasion of drawing the curtain on the home portion of one of the more memorable and impressive regular seasons in your Club's brilliant history.

It's our penultimate match, our 45th fixture in a gruelling but rewarding journey in the Sky Bet Championship and, of course, I hope it will be our final home appearance this season. As much as we all love Craven Cottage, wouldn't it be great if we don't have to return to play again in May?

There are few words to adequately describe what we've experienced here at our home ground and wherever the Whites have appeared over the past four months. I cannot tell you anything about our stunning unbeaten run that you don't already know. I cannot add anything to the explosive and emotional victory a week ago tonight at Millwall that continues to resonate throughout our Club. And now, with the good fortune resulting from Derby County's win over Cardiff City on Tuesday, I'm no different than you, entertaining all the scenarios and outcomes over the final two weekends of the season that might lift us to a second-place finish on 6th May.

All I can offer is, it's no exaggeration to say that Fulham have been the talk of English football and likely beyond since our last league defeat in mid-December against Sunderland, our guests this evening. That makes me exceptionally proud to be your Chairman, and I thank each of you for being part of a story that now only lacks the happy final chapter that you, our coaches, staff and players all deserve.

Your Club has also enjoyed a spectacular run off the pitch in recent weeks. While it seems like a long time ago, it was only 20th March when our plans to redevelop the Riverside Stand at Craven Cottage were approved at a London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham planning hearing. Perhaps in other seasons, this news would be carrying the day in SW6. Understandably, that's not true for now.  Nonetheless, the news represents a major achievement for Fulham Football Club and the many residents and supporters who banded together to help this project earn the approval it merited.

We plan to begin work just over a year from now and what eventually awaits us will serve your Club and the neighbourhood for generations to come. Whether Fulham are in action or not, the new Riverside Stand - and the uninterrupted walking path along the Thames that it will provide - will bring new life, opportunities and pride to us all. And, let's never forget possibly the most important element of the new Riverside Stand, and that's helping to ensure a stable and sustainable future for Fulham as well as our historic and beloved home here at Craven Cottage.


For more good news off the pitch, allow me to salute Ryan Sessegnon on recently collecting an astonishing five EFL awards - the Apprentice of the Year, Young Player of the Season and Championship Player of the Season, the latter of which he was up against his teammate and captain Tom Cairney as well as the spectacular Ruben Neves of Wolverhampton Wanderers. Ryan was also acknowledged as a member of the Championship Team of the Year with Tom and Ryan Fredericks, and he received a special recognition award in the EFL Club Developed XI category - a definitive nod to the continued excellence of our Academy under the direction of Huw Jennings.

And there was more from Ryan just last weekend, when he was among the nominees in the category of Young Player of the Year at the PFA awards, becoming the first player outside of the Premier League to receive a nomination. He missed out on picking up this trophy to a most worthy candidate, Leroy Sane of Premier League champions Manchester City, but Ryan and we should all be proud to see his brilliance recognised at the highest level of the English game. Well done, Ryan!

Of course, we don't need an awards ceremony to tell us that in Slaviša Jokanović we have one of the very best men in the game, and in any category imaginable. The results Slaviša has posted as our Head Coach over the past two seasons speak for themselves, but I'd personally like to acknowledge something more. When I think of Slaviša, I consider the presence, integrity and pride he brings to your Club, certainly not only on matchday, but also as we train, as we travel and in all manners of representation of Fulham. Our players mirror Slaviša's determination and class, giving all of us one more reason to love this squad. No matter how our campaign ends, our appreciation for Slaviša Jokanović should last a lifetime.

And what a time to appoint Alex White to the role of Official Club Historian! You're probably familiar with Alex, but if not, he has unofficially served as Fulham's historian in the past, with credentials that are virtually unrivalled given that he attended his first Whites match in 1962. Alex is the author of numerous books on Fulham and he continues to contribute to the programme you're reading now. I'm delighted that his years of service are being duly noted with his official appointment as our historian, during what is unquestionably an historic season for your Club.

It's a great time to be a Fulham supporter, and that's evident in the strong interest so far in 2018/19 Season Tickets, renewals and new purchasers alike. Whether we're playing 19 or 23 league matches at home next season, being able to count on your passion and faith is important, appreciated and never overlooked.

And, to members of the Fulham family everywhere, whether you attend the occasional match at the Cottage, travel on the coach to back the Whites on the road, or tune in around the world to the descriptions of Gentleman Jim and Jamie Reid, always know that your support is every bit as treasured. To everyone who produces independent Fulham podcasts, fanzines and fan forums, I thank you as well for your authentic voice and energy. To the Fulham staff, from the backroom to the front office, to everyone dedicated to making matchday at Craven Cottage the ultimate football experience, thank you for being the best in the business.

Literally to everyone, thanks for a magical season.

Come On You Whites!

(http://ffcw001.azureedge.net/-/media/shahidkhan/signed.png?w=290)
Shahid Khan, Chairman



http://www.fulhamfc.com/shahid-khan/notes/2018/april/27/chairman-notes

 
Black Cats massive odds to bag win at Fulham tonight; it would be the most 'Sunderland' thing to do

Chris Coleman's men are as high as 16/1 with some bookmakers to beat Fulham tonight. With relegation confirmed last week and no more fight to fight this season, winning at Craven Cottage would be the most 'Sunderland' thing to do.

Sunderland are priced at a huge 16/1 to beat Fulham tonight. The bookies are offering by far the biggest Black Cats odds of the season on Chris Coleman's men escaping with all three points from Craven Cottage.

The previous longest odds of this miserable campaign were for Sunderland to win at Wolves in December with some bookmakers pricing that trip up at 10/1. Roughly the next highest price offered on a Black Cats away game was for the unlikely 4-1 victory at Derby in March.

Despite being the first club to be relegated this season, Sunderland's away form - which is marginally better than their home - has been mirrored in the betting markets this term. In the top 20 'longest' odds of the season, the Black Cats only featured in those two fixtures before tonight's game. Burton claim eight of the highest odds of the campaign and Bolton four of them.

Sunderland's longest odds of the season for a victory at the Stadium of Light was for the visit of Middlesbrough in February and for the home game against Aston Villa in March at 3/1.   

With the club already relegated, and the heat now off, it would actually be quite the 'Sunderland' thing to do to bag an unlikely victory and spoil Fulham's promotion hopes. Not that it really matters with nothing to play for of course, though the Black Cats will still have a decent travelling contingent at the Cottage this evening with 1,200 tickets sold.

The game may only come with interest for Sunderland fans should the likes of youngsters Bali Mumba, Luke Molyneux and Elliot Embleton get some time of the pitch.



http://www.wearewearside.com/post/2018/04/27/black-cats-massive-odds-to-bag-win-at-fulham-tonight-it-would-be-the-most-sunderland-thing-to-do.aspx

 
Pundit makes exciting prediction ahead of Hull City v Cardiff City

David Prutton is expecting Cardiff City to edge a thrilling contest with Hull City tomorrow when the two go up against each other at the KCOM Stadium.

Writing in his prediction column for Sky Sports, Prutton has predicted Cardiff to beat Hull 3-2 in an entertaining contest at the KCOM Stadium tomorrow afternoon.

The home side are in a good position, clear of the threat of relegation and playing with freedom.

Nigel Adkins' side are looking to finish the season strongly, but will face a stern test this weekend, with promotion-chasing Cardiff visiting.

Neil Warnock's Bluebirds are licking their wounds following Tuesday night's 3-1 defeat to Derby County, which has left the race for second wide open.

Cardiff are competing with Fulham for the second automatic promotion place, with the Cottagers in action this evening against Sunderland and looking to pile the pressure on Warnock.

Despite still holding a lofty position, the pressure has clearly been getting to Warnock's side in recent weeks, with Cardiff suffering three defeats in their last five fixtures.

That run of form has let Fulham into the race, with victory for the Cottagers tonight moving them second ahead of Cardiff's clash with Hull.

The Verdict 

Depending on Fulham's result against Sunderland tonight, this could be make or break for Cardiff.

A Fulham loss, combined with a Cardiff victory, will see Warnock's side promoted, but if Fulham win, the pressure will firmly be on the Bluebirds heading to Hull.

The Tigers are playing well heading into this weekend and will be looking to punish a faltering Cardiff side.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/pundit-makes-exciting-prediction-ahead-of-hull-city-v-cardiff-city/

 
Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic: 'Sunderland will be dangerous

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic has suggested that facing already-relegated Sunderland is "a dangerous situation" for his team.

The Cottagers head into the game in West London still with a chance of gaining automatic promotion to the Premier League, while the Black Cats were relegated to League One last weekend.

However, Jokanovic has acknowledged that the North-East outfit now have little but pride to play for, and have already defeated Fulham earlier in the season.

The 49-year-old told the club's official website: "Sunderland is a team that beat us last time, we have experience of losing against them, but we are ready for any team and any situation.

"They will come here relaxed and want to make the Sunderland fans satisfied. They will try and be proud and fight for the Sunderland crest. This can be a very dangerous situation for us and we must be ready."

Fulham have not suffered defeat at the second tier in 22 fixtures.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/news/jokanovic-sunderland-will-be-dangeorus_324519.html

 
Kevin McDonald: 'Cardiff City won't avoid Fulham's televised fixture'

Fulham midfielder Kevin McDonald has suggested that he wants his team to make a statement in the club's televised Championship fixture with Sunderland.

With two matches remaining, Fulham are one point adrift of second-placed Cardiff City but the Cottagers can move ahead of their rivals with victory over the Black Cats on Friday night.

McDonald has acknowledged that Fulham have a chance to steal an advantage in the promotion race and thinks that Cardiff will have no choice but to watch the match in their team hotel ahead of their fixture with Hull City on Saturday afternoon.

The Scot told the London Evening Standard: "We know what it is like sitting in a hotel on Friday night, so they will be watching. There is nothing else to do. They will be watching and hoping Sunderland do them a favour, so it is up to us to get three points.

"If we win they will have an added bit of pressure when they play. I watched the first 20 minutes of their game on Tuesday but my head was going watching it and I was getting a bit stressed, and my missus was as well, so we turned it over and watched Liverpool and tried to relax. It was a nice result for us and a disappointing one for them."

Fulham head into the game having not suffered defeat in 22 matches.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/news/mcdonald-cardiff-will-watch-fulham-on-tv_324518.html

 
PREVIEW: Fulham host Sunderland in desperate need of three points

Fulham welcome Sunderland to Craven Cottage on Friday evening, hoping to regain the second automatic promotion spot.

Fulham comfortably dispatched Millwall at The Den last time out, and a win against the Black Cats would see them leapfrog Cardiff and return to second.

Sunderland are already relegated and virtually have nothing to play for. However, they will be out to prove a massive shock and de-rail Fulham's promotion challenge.

Slavisa Jokanovic is expected to make changes to the side that beat Millwall. The Fulham boss has named an unchanged side for his past three games, which has seen them pick up wins over Reading and Millwall, as well as a last gasp draw with Brentford.

Floyd Ayite and Sheyi Ojo missed those games via injury, but may return for the clash with the Black Cats.

Sunderland will be without winger Aiden McGeady. The Irishman has been suffering with a heel injury for a long period of time, but with relegation a certainty, he will be rested.

Bryan Oviedo will be missing, as he is nursing a hamstring injury, whereas centre back Lamine Kone and striker Josh Maja are expected to shake off knocks in time to be fit for the trip to London.

Sunderland come into the game unbeaten in their last three away games. The last time they went on a four match unbeaten run away from the Stadium of Light was in May 2016.

Fulham will take some stopping as they are on a 22 match unbeaten run. They couldn't ask for a better game in their quest to move back into the automatic promotion spots.



http://the72.co.uk/101074/preview-fulham-host-sunderland-desperate-need-three-points/

 
Three Players to Watch: Matchday 45 vs. Sunderland
Cardiff has given Fulham another lifeline. Can the boys take care of business in the final home fixture of the season?

In one of the most important games of the campaign, Fulham was able to ride barrage after barrage from a Millwall side that was really going for it. If anything, the 3-0 final score by the good guys really hid the story that it really should have been much closer than it actually was. If it wasn't for a Jake Cooper header that went off the post instead of the back of the net and a Jed Wallace foul that disallowed a George Saville goal, Fulham genuinely would have been in loads of trouble. Instead, Fulham made do with the luck, whether fair or not, that was given to them and displayed a second-half masterclass that is starting to become familiar with this team. It has to be a reminder how special this group of players is with the way they performed, especially in times of stress and perseverance.

Now that the job is done by facing two of their toughest foes, now they have to face a club that simply in one of the darkest places imaginable. It's one thing to get relegated from the Championship. It's another to be relegated from the Championship after being relegated from the Premier League. That is where Sunderland are and the chances of them and their supporters to climb out of the misery that they are in will take years, if not a generation for them to recover. Only time will tell what damage has been done, but it is quite clear that the Stadium of Light has been one of the most depressing places to go to throughout this decade. Fortunately for the players, they will play their next game away from home, but that still doesn't mean that the pain of being relegated will still not be out of their minds.

In minutia, the club hasn't been the same since the losses to James Vaughan, Didier Ndong and especially Lewis Grabban at the January transfer window. While the team has performed quite well for a relegated side based off of expected goals (22.7-24.0 since the start of February), they simply don't have the depth in talent to be able to cash in up front, nor do they have the creativity in midfield to break the opposition down. Along with that, Chris Coleman's side has maintained their conservative 4-1-4-1 formation over the past month. Add in the fact that aging players like John O'Shea and Lee Cattermole being a part of the spine of the team as well as using three goalkeepers with significant playing time and you see a senior team that just needs a complete overhaul everywhere. It's just too bad they will have to do it in League One.

With that in mind, here are the three players to watch in tonight's fixture.

(http://george%20honeyman)

Outside of Aiden McGeady, it is the 23-year old academy graduate who remains with the club and leads them in offensive contributions (6 goals, 2 assists). And while he has been a major contributor and one of the few positives for Sunderland this season, his radar shows how much work he still needs to do to be a complete footballer. Now that he is playing mostly in the center of midfield, his defensive contributions are showing quite well. However, his 1.26 shots per 90 minutes are simply not enough for him to be a consistent performer offensively. It Honeyman's 13.3% goal conversion rate, his six goals will be much smaller. Sunderland will hope to stay with the club as the last year of his contract will come in 2019. If Honeyman stays, his development will be critical to the club's short-term success.

Ashley Fletcher

Next up has been the air-apparent to Grabban since he left for Aston Villa. Unfortunately for Sunderland, the 22-year old Fletcher is a Middlesbrough loanee so it is quite doubtful for him to stay with the club after this season. He has done his best to make an impact for the club, but he just isn't productive enough to be a solid center forward at Championship level. To put things in perspective, Fletcher's radar looks similar to Chris Martin's in his loan season with Fulham. While he has got what it takes to score in bunches, his ability to keep his shot on target is not good enough at this stage of his career. However, Fletcher has been the one center forward being picked every time for Coleman, so he will be a key figure should Sunderland be able to unleash anything in attack tonight.

John O'Shea
All data from whoscored.com

---

Lastly, I do want to talk about a player that isn't so much a talented player now but has had a long career that should be recognized. While John O'Shea may not be planning on retiring after this season, the 36-year old is on the final year of his contract. Unless he truly is one of the most loyal servants in all of football, I seriously can't imagine the former Manchester United center back and 116-capped Ireland International wanting to continue playing for a club that is about to be in the third tier of English football. So would any club sign a player with this much experience or would they refuse to bring in someone that may just have too many miles on his body? To his credit, O'Shea has had his strongest effort in aerial duels won with 4.22 per 90 minutes in the nine years of data capture from whoscored.com. It will be fascinating to see how the rest of his footballing story will play out. The Championship has been full of aging stars like him before and it only takes one club to offer a contract.



https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2018/4/27/17291146/three-players-to-watch-matchday-45-vs-sunderland

Been a slow start from Fulham (20 mins gone), but just feels like they are stepping up a bit.

Would have thought Coleman would be happy to roll over for Fulham in this tie, has he got no soul (?) :)