Friends of Fulham

 
End of season review – Fulham

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Fulham fell narrowly short of winning promotion to the Premier League via the automatic places.

The Cottagers needed victory on the final day of the season to leapfrog Cardiff City and finish 2nd but they slumped to a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Birmingham City.

This means that it will have to be the play-offs yet again for Fulham and they will be looking to avoid falling at this hurdle as they did last season.

Here, FLW reviews Fulham's season, shining a spotlight on their campaign and handing out some awards.


FLW Player of the Year

There are no surprises, here. Ryan Sessegnon has had an incredible season, scoring 15 goals and adding six assists to his name this term.

After being transformed from a left-back into a left-winger, the talented teenager has gone from strength to strength and is wanted by the biggest clubs across Europe.

Notable mentions must go to Tom Cairney, Ryan Fredericks, Kevin McDonald and Marcus Bettinelli, who have also been brilliant this year but Sessegnon wins the top prize.

FLW Young Player of the Year

Sessegnon scoops this award as well. The England under-21 international won the EFL Player of the Year for the Championship despite being just 17-years-old.

FLW Goal of the Season

At the end of February, Fulham were just starting to click into gear and Aleksandar Mitrovic capped a wonderful passing move with a stunning goal against Wolves.

The Serbian collected the ball with his back to goal, brushed off a couple of defenders and rifled in a powerful low shot from outside of the box to seal a 2-0 win with 20 minutes remaining.

FLW Signing of the Year

Mitrovic picks this award up in addition to winning the Goal of the Season accolade.

The 23-year-old arrived on loan from Newcastle United in January with a point to prove and his tally of 12 goals really helped Fulham's upturn in form.

FLW Performance of the Year

That special Saturday evening against Wolves has been selected as Fulham's best performance of the season.

Ryan Sessegnon tapped in an opener and Mitrovic fired that wonder goal in to seal three points against the Championship's runaway title winners.

FLW Best Quote

"He's a special kid with special ability too."

Fulham boss Jokanovic knows just how good Sessegnon is.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/end-of-season-review-fulham/

 
From Germany: Aston Villa, Cardiff and Fulham all chasing same Bundesliga player

Niclas Fullkrug is attracting the interest of clubs in England, insist German newspaper Bild.

The Hannover striker has put in a good season for his club, notching 15 goals and three assists, and it's that which has caught the eye of both Premier League and Championship clubs.

From the teams in the Championship this season, before promotion, Bild say Aston Villa, Cardiff City and Fulham are all keen. Those sides are said to have the player on their list for the summer, along with Premier League clubs Leicester, Newcastle and Watford.

Wolfsburg are also presented as keen, and whilst the 25 year old has had a good season, it may be a stretch to fully believe all these clubs see Fullkrug as someone they want to sign during the next window.

On a contract until June 2020, Fullkrug has no buyout clause at Hannover, meaning they can ask what they want. This seems to excite Bild who state the club could get 'double figures', which would be €10m.

Cardiff, Fulham and Aston Villa would have no problem with such a fee, but it's likely Fullkrug is just one of several considerations. On the long list.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/germany-aston-villa-cardiff-fulham-chasing-bundesliga-player/

 
First Leg Ticket Collections

The Club is pleased to confirm that we are now able to accommodate Ticket Collections from Pride Park for our Play-Off Semi-Final First Leg against Derby County.

Fulham Football Club will be sending a representative to Derby on Friday to help facilitate ticket collections on the night for Whites fans.

Pre-purchased tickets can be picked up from the Away Ticket Office (portable cabin) located at the Away End, from 6.30pm.

Supporters picking up tickets are advised to collect by 7.30pm at the latest.

When purchasing over the phone through FFC, fans will need to notify us as to whether they will be collecting their tickets from Craven Cottage in advance or Pride Park on matchday.

From 10am on Wednesday, all Season Ticket Holders and Members will be able to purchase a ticket for the game.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/may/09/first-leg-ticket-collections

 
All Seats Released

Seats held for Season Ticket Holders for our Semi-Final Second Leg against Derby County have now been released.

Tickets for Fulham's Play-Off Semi-Final home leg are on sale to Season Ticket Holders, Members and supporters with a Booking History. Supporters can purchase up to four tickets each for this match, so get behind the Whites and help get Craven Cottage rocking for this crucial tie!

Prices are £19 for adults, £9 for concessions and £5 for under 18s, with fans invited to donate £1 on every ticket to the Club's charitable arm, Fulham FC Foundation.

Fulham Football Club Foundation is a leading community charity, using the power of sport to provide meaningful education, employability, health, inclusion, environmental, and sport programmes.

Fans are advised that blocks P1-P4 in the Putney End will be sold to home fans only at this match, with the Mixed Area not available.

Alternatively, fans can watch the Play-Off action unfold in style, with Matchday Hospitality also available to purchase, with a host of packages available and priced from £109 per person (+VAT).

Tickets and Matchday Hospitality will be available to purchase online at fulhamfc.com/tickets, by phone on 0203 871 0810 (opt. 2) or in person from the Fulham Ticket Office.

Supporters are advised the Home Cup Tie scheme is not in operation for this match, and as such all fans must purchase a ticket. Fans will receive a paper ticket for this fixture.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/may/09/all-seats-released

 
Fulham lead march of heavyweights in £200m Championship play-offs

Slavisa Jokanovic's men have history on their side but there are reasons to believe for Middlesbrough, Derby and Aston Villa

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Fulham blew their chance of automatic promotion at Birmingham on the final day but the Championship's third-place side has won the play-offs in four of the past 10 seasons. Photograph: Anna Gowthorpe/BPI/Rex/Shutterstock

Some teams flourish, some fret and some freeze but there is nothing quite like the pressure-cooker that is the Championship play-offs, where promotion and almost £200m are at stake. By June, one of four reasonable heavyweights – Aston Villa, Derby, Fulham or Middlesbrough – will be back in the Premier League.

Four legs and a final, at Wembley, will decide who that is but until then, let the brave, often defeatist, meaningless rogue predictions, mind games and number crunching commence. Now is the time to be choked by cliche; how form is temporary, class is permanent and how head-to-head records and the state of the league table counts for nothing any more. Or does it?

Last season, Huddersfield were promoted with a negative goal difference, while in 2007 Derby went up via the play-offs, despite winning only six of their final 15 games of the regular season. But since 1992, the inception of the play-off system in its current four-team format involving the teams between third and sixth, the third-placed team has the most favourable record. In those 26 seasons, the team that finished third has won promotion on nine occasions (35%), fourth, four times (15%), fifth, eight times (31%) and sixth, five times (19%). In the past 10 seasons, the third-placed side has won promotion on four occasions, most recently Norwich City in 2015.

Fulham finished third after blowing the chance to gain passage to the Premier League at Cardiff City's expense but have the chance to redeem themselves when they travel to Derby County on Friday evening before the second leg at Craven Cottage on Monday. They are yet to win a play-off game in six attempts, two of which came last season against Reading. In the past 15 years, the race to win automatic promotion has gone down to the final day on five occasions, with the loser reaching the top flight via the play-offs just once; West Ham United, in 2012. Slavisa Jokanovic's customary cool smacks of confidence, unsurprising given they were previously 23 games unbeaten, but in Derby, who finished sixth, they face a team that has reignited their own self-belief, trumpeting their own chances. "You can see they feel there is a little bit of extra zip, you can feel that bit of extra belief," said Gary Rowett of his side. "We have almost been given a second chance and a side like that is going to be very dangerous."

Fulham looked stuck in the mud last time out, uncharacteristically sloppy compared with their usual vigour; Ryan Sessegnon was shackled, Tom Cairney abnormally passive and Marcus Bettinelli, the goalkeeper, far too busy for Jokanovic's liking. They are a wonderful team, but seem to struggle in one-off games, especially against more stubborn sides. Derby possess plenty of attacking threats, namely the Championship's top scorer, Matej Vydra, but also that invaluable savvy streak and shed loads of experience.

In the other semi-final, fourth-place Aston Villa and fifth-place Middlesbrough will do battle. There are a few neat subplots; Albert Adomah and Adama Traoré facing their former clubs and Tony Pulis, the former West Bromwich Albion manager, renewing his rivalry with the claret and blue half of the West Midlands. Whether Traoré can shine against the club that brought him, from Barcelona B, to the country in 2015 will be particularly enticing. The speeding 22-year-old has lit up games that Middlesbrough have huffed and puffed their way through and, after the final game of the regular season, he had a clear message for fans. At full time at Portman Road, Traoré carried a black plastic blag towards a throng of young away supporters leant against the advertising hoardings, before handing out several shirts with his name and No 37 on the back, as well as the word "believe" underneath. Inspiring, yes, but Middlesbrough will need him and Patrick Bamford, another player rejuvenated under Pulis, firing if they are to overcome Villa.

Steve Bruce's side have been planning in earnest, with his assistant, Colin Calderwood, admitting their staff have prepared a "vault" of information centred on Middlesbrough. They rested a host of players in readiness for the play-off matches –Jack Grealish, John Terry, and Lewis Grabban were among those given a breather in the defeat at Millwall – with the manager conscious of his players "running out of gas" at the end of a long season. "We will have done our homework and we have experienced players, without a doubt," said Villa's Conor Hourihane. "The names speak for themselves. We'll be ready and we are all looking forward to it. Ultimately, it is a game of football."



https://www.theguardian.com/football/football-league-blog/2018/may/09/fulham-heavyweights-200m-chmapionship-play-offs

 
Four Fulham danger men Derby County will need to stop in play-off battle

The Rams take on the Cottagers over two legs in the Championship play-off semi-final for a place at Wembley

Derby County will battle it out with Fulham for a place in the Sky Bet Championship play-off final.

The Rams, who finished sixth, host their third-placed rivals on Friday (7.45pm) in the first leg, before heading to the capital on Monday (7.45pm) for the decider.

Fulham are unbeaten against Derby this season, holding them to a 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage and then beating them 2-1 at Pride Park.

Ahead of the big showdown, we have picked out four players who Gary Rowett's men will need to keep a close eye on...

Ryan Sessegnon
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Ryan Sessegnon celebrates scoring Fulham's opening goal at Millwall

The most coveted player outside the top flight?

Sessegnon made history this season when he became the first player outside the Premier League to be nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year. Leroy Sane eventually won the honour – and that shows the competition he was up against.

Linked with a host of Premier League sides, Sessegnon has featured in every Championship game this season and is Fulham's top scorer with 15 goals. That list includes one in the 2-1 win at Derby.

The left-sided attacker, who turns 18 later this month, cleaned up at the end-of-season awards, winning the Championship player of the season, young player of the season and the apprentice of the year.

He was also in both the EFL and PFA teams of the season.

Aleksandar Mitrovic
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Fulham's Aleksandar Mitrovic during the Championship match against Wolverhampton Wanderers (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)

It was seen as something of a coup when Fulham swooped for Newcastle United striker Mitrovic late in the January window.

Slavisa Jokanovic brought his fellow Serbian in on loan until the end of the season. And he has certainly made an impact.

Mitrovic has scored 12 goals in just 15 starts since coming through the door at Craven Cottage, including against Derby at Pride Park.

That afternoon, he proved to be a real handful for Curtis Davies and Richard Keogh and he will certainly need to be watched closely in the play-offs.

Back-to-back Championship player of the month awards followed for Mitrovic, who impressed immensely in both March and April.

Tom Cairney
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Fulham's Tom Cairney (Image: Ashley Allen/Getty Images)

One of the most sought-after players in the division, Cairney helps pull the strings in the centre of the park for Fulham.

Five goals in 34 appearances have helped Fulham's promotion push and performances saw him become the subject of January bids from West Ham United.

Cairney was nominated for Championship Player of the Season – an award which went to Sessegnon – but he did make the EFL and PFA teams of the year.

The midfielder knows his side have to make an impact in this play-off campaign.

"It's now or never because we've some good players and a few teams might be after them in the summer," he told the Mirror.

"To keep this team together, we need to do it now. I just think we're attracting a lot of attention and so are our players."

Ryan Fredericks
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(Image: Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

The third and final member of the Fulham team to make both PFA and EFL teams of the year.

Fredericks signed for Fulham in 2015 but has had his most impressive season this term, playing in all but two of their 46 league games.

That comes despite the signing of Middlesbrough right-back, and former Derby man, Cyrus Christie in January.

Christie joined Fulham from Boro but has been kept out of the XI due to the form of Fredericks.



https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/four-fulham-danger-men-derby-1545621

 
'My desire is to go to the Premier League with Fulham' - Chelsea man Piazon on his future

The 24-year-old has spent two years at Craven Cottage on loan and has admitted staying at the club wouldn't be a problem for him

Lucas Piazon has revealed what he wants from his future - to get into the Premier League with loan club Fulham and to play for Chelsea one day.

The Brazilian has spent the past two seasons on loan at Craven Cottage from the Blues and signed a new deal last summer before returning for this campaign.

He fractured his leg in August at Leeds but made a remarkable comeback from the injury, returning to the side in December and becoming an ever-present for Slavisa Jokanovic's side.

Piazon told Football.London in March that staying at Fulham another season 'wouldn't be a problem' but in an interview with Globo Esporte, the 24-year-old has revealed he is still harbouring hopes of breaking into the Chelsea first time, which is what he has always wanted.

He said: "My desire [for the future] is to keep playing. To go to a place where you do not play and stay on the bench, or is not selected for the game, is not cool.

"I am 24 and what matters is to play, be it at Fulham or elsewhere. My desire now is to go up to the Premier League with Fulham.

"I still do not know what will happen. People do not speak much [about transfers], they usually do so when [the loan] ends.

"[But] now I do not even want to think about this. I would like to stay because I feel really well here. I like to play with my teammates. I like the ground.

(https://i2-prod.getwestlondon.co.uk/incoming/article14633827.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/Norwich-City-v-Fulham-Sky-Bet-Championship.jpg)
(Image: Stephen Pond/Getty Images)

"For me, I would stay.

"[Playing for Chelsea] is what I always wanted, right? I came here in 2011 to play for Chelsea. But it depends a lot on the coach.

"The club told me that they do not want to lose me yet and want to renew my contract. But I know this also depends on us, on what we do when we are loaned."



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/lucas-piazon-chelsea-fulham-future-14633717

 
Rafa Benitez waits on Fulham move for Newcastle's Alexandar Mitrovic

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Aleksandar Mitrovic

Rafa Benitez says its too early to discuss Aleksandar Mitrovic's Newcastle United future.

The striker hit form for loan club Fulham in the second half of the season.

And MItrovic and his team-mates are preparing for the Championship play-offs are finishing third in the division.

Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic wants Fulham to sign Mitrovic – who has scored 12 goals so far for the club – on a permanent deal in the summer.

However, Benitez doesn't expect to hear from the club until next month.

Asked if Fulham had been in touch ahead of the summer transfer window, manager Benitez said: "No, we're not talking about anything yet with anyone.

"They players on loan know that they will have holidays, or if they have to continue playing they will continue playing, and after, I'm sure, someone will talk about this player or another.

"I've said before it's a win-win situation (with Mitrovic at Fulham)."



https://www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/football/newcastle-united/rafa-benitez-waits-on-fulham-move-for-newcastle-s-alexandar-mitrovic-1-9155928

 

Obituary – Former owner of Fulham RLFC Roy Close

The London Broncos held a minute's silence before their match against Leigh in memory of former club owner Roy Close, who died on 29 April, aged 90. He had been ill for some time.

It is no exaggeration to say that if Roy and his wife Barbara had not reformed Fulham RLFC in 1984 after the original club had been liquidated, professional rugby league in London would have died an ignominious death just four years after its glorious launch in September 1980 when the new team beat Wigan 24–5. Those sceptical of rugby league development in the south would have been vindicated and geographical development of the sport in the UK would have been set back for a generation.

Roy and Barbara were Fulham FC season ticket holders, and were given free tickets for the first game against Wigan in 1980. They went along to support 'Fulham' and Roy did not realise there were two forms of rugby until the second game. They liked what they saw, and started eating in the club restaurant on a Sunday before the games. Roy was a businessman, who at one time aspired to own Fulham FC. Instead, they sponsored some of the rugby league players, and paid the transfer fee for Steve Bayliss to join Fulham in 1982. They hoped to buy the club at that time, but ended up buying the assets from the liquidator in 1984. Barbara became the first female chair of a professional rugby league club, and Roy became managing director. Roy represented the club on the Rugby League Council for many years.

They appointed Roy Lester as team manager and set up a management committee to get more people involved in running the club. They moved to club to Crystal Palace National Sports Centre after agreement for the team to continue to play at Craven Cottage was withdrawn at short notice. They remained directors or owners of the team until March 1993, apart from a short interlude from March to September 1986. They oversaw the move to the Chiswick Polytechnic Stadium, where volunteers made a semi-derelict stadium fit for use. Unable to secure a long term lease for the ground, which would have allowed for redevelopment, the team moved back to Crystal Palace in 1990, and became London Crusaders. In 1987, Roy and Barbara went – wearing their Fulham RLFC jerseys – to watch a quick young black rugby union winger at Rosslyn Park. Sadly, they were unable to persuade Martin Offiah to sign for Fulham.

Another memorable event they were involved in was the 1990 joint tour with York to Russia. They also appointed Ross Strudwick as coach, who made the club more professional and improved the team. Over the years they also accommodated some of the club's Australian players at their house in Maidenhead.

Roy and Barbara sold their shares in the spring of 1993. They continued to support the club, attended the 1999 Challenge Cup Final, and Roy took part in the pre-match parade as one of the club's representatives. They also sponsored the Academy at this time, and were present at the club's 20th anniversary game against Wigan in 2000.

On a personal level, Roy and Barbara were very supportive of our work in publishing our first book Touch and Go – A History of professional rugby league in London. They gave us full access to their files and papers, were interviewed for the book and enthusiastically backed the project.

Away from rugby league, Roy was a successful businessman, a Councillor in Maidenhead and a former chairman of the Institute of Directors. Our thoughts are with Barbara and his children.



https://londonbroncosrl.com/news/obituary-former-owner-of-fulham-rlfc-roy-close/

 
Revealed: How Fulham's promotion push ended in the playoffs

The dust has barely settled on the Championship season and already the inquests have begun.

Barnsley and Burton joined Sunderland in relegation from England's second tier, while Cardiff kept their cool to confirm promotion to the Premier League.

The table, goes the saying, never lies and come season's end no-one would disagree that the Black Cats were the worst team while Wolves were comfortably the best.


Cardiff's promotion, of course, was aided by Fulham's 3-1 defeat at Birmingham on the final day which ended a 23-match unbeaten streak.

But could the Cottagers' fate have been decided by more malevolent forces?

"Our panel of former officials studied the games involving the two clubs and came to the conclusion that Fulham – and not Cardiff City – should have been promoted to the Premier League," Jock Waugh, managing director of theref.online, told You Are the Ref.

"Of course, everyone involved in football – supporters, managers, players, referees – often have differing takes on decisions but our panel looked at the incidents dispassionately and through the eyes of experienced professionals."

So could that be that? Fulham fans may well point to a series of unfortunate defensive errors which cost them automatic promotion, while Cardiff fans – led by Neil Warnock – would likely argue decisions went against the Bluebirds.

Meanwhile, fans of QPR and Brentford will undoubtedly be eager to claim credit for derailing the Whites' season.


Either way, the table has settled and fans of the Championship will begin to look towards the playoffs, which begin this Friday.



https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/revealed-fulhams-promotion-push-ended-playoffs-111016146.html?guccounter=1

 
West Ham plotting summer raid on Fulham with 5 names on their wishlist

Fulham tripped at the final hurdle in the Championship, losing to Birmingham City at St Andrew's and missing the chance to leapfrog Cardiff City to win automatic promotion to the Premier League.

And now the Cottagers have to go through the lottery of the play-offs with the three other teams – Aston Villa, Middlesbrough and Derby – all showing decent form.

Should Fulham fail to go up via the play-offs, then a number of their star men are likely to leave.

And West Ham United are closely watching the West London outfit in the play-offs as they line up moves for four players and their manager Slavisa Jokanovic, according to a report by Football.London.

Jokanovic could become West Ham's next manager, according to this report, as fans grow increasingly frustrated with David Moyes' negative tactics.

The Scotsman completed the job he was tasked with – to keep the Hammers up – but his short-term contract expires and the owners have doubts over his capabilities, which could spark a move for Jokanovic.

In addition to the Fulham manger, four players are on the Irons' radar.

Captain Tom Cairney has been a long-term target for West Ham and a summer move can be expected if Fulham stay down.

Ryan Fredericks, the attack-minded right-back, is being lined up as a long-term replacement for Pablo Zabaleta at The London Stadium and he will become available on a free this summer if he does not pen a new deal at Craven Cottage.

Marcus Bettinelli is also a target for the East London club, who could lose both Joe Hart and Adrian this summer while Fulham's on-loan star Aleksandar Mitrovic has been twice watched by West Ham, who could launch a bid to land the Newcastle striker.

The Verdict

The vast interest in Fulham's squad shows just how good they have been this year.

But they face a real battle to keep their manager and a number of their first-team stars if they remain a Championship club.

Cairney and Fredericks definitely deserve Premier League football next year, Bettinelli needs to force a move to enhance his international ambitions and Mitrovic is unlikely to return to Craven Cottage if they do not go up.

And while Jokanovic seems committed to his project at Fulham, a move to West Ham would surely be very tempting for the former Watford boss.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/west-ham-plotting-summer-raid-on-fulham-with-5-names-on-their-wishlist/

 
Rowett Explains Fulham Focus

Gary Rowett wants Derby County to "hurt" Fulham whilst remaining respectful of their quality, as he gets ready to lead his side into the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Semi-Final First Leg at Pride Park Stadium on Friday night.

The Rams will go into the tie looking to overcome Slavisa Jokanovic's side for the first time this season at the third attempt, and they can take confidence from the lift in form towards the end of the campaign, with big wins against Cardiff City and Barnsley on the final day.

Fulham on the other hand are aiming to recover after their 23-game unbeaten run came to an end against Birmingham City on Sunday, and Rowett believes it is important that his players are aware of the ability of their opponents.

The Rams will go into the tie looking to overcome Slavisa Jokanovic's side for the first time this season at the third attempt, and they can take confidence from the lift in form towards the end of the campaign, with big wins against Cardiff City and Barnsley on the final day.

Fulham on the other hand are aiming to recover after their 23-game unbeaten run came to an end against Birmingham City on Sunday, and Rowett believes it is important that his players are aware of the ability of their opponents.

They beat us here but they know that it was a very tight game and we are in a very different mindset now, so we will respect them but we will look at how to hurt them.

"When you see the Birmingham, Sunderland and Millwall games, there are moments when the opposition have caused them problems, so we have to try and do the same."

Having secured their play-off position on the final day of the season, Rowett believes that his side can carry their momentum into the following two games.

He said: "I would rather go into the play-offs off the back of some positive results than after some disappointment.

"It has no real bearing on the result. It just means you're going in with a more positive mindset.

"There are times when the team that stumbles into the play-offs without expecting to be there manages to keep rolling with that mindset, and I think that we are that team.

"We are the team that probably felt that we wouldn't be in the play-offs but we have produced four very good performances to get there.

That is where we are, but I don't think that it will mean anything on Friday night."

The stand-out performance of the last few weeks came against Cardiff City at Pride Park towards the end of April, and the Rams' comeback was completed in front of a vibrant atmosphere.

It's fair to say that Rowett is hoping for more of the same, and he wants the performance of his team to inspire the home support under the lights.

He added: "In the last two or three games, the team have performed well and the fans have really been up for it.

"We will try and give them what they want to see and if they can get behind us like they have done, then it will be a massive help.

"The players do notice, they talk about it, it energises them and in recent weeks that has been a real togetherness around the stadium. As we know, we will need in these upcoming two games."



https://www.dcfc.co.uk/news/2018/05/rowett-explains-fulham-focus

 
Slavisa Jokanovic's to-do list in Fulham's massive week in the hunt for promotion

It's a huge weekend for Fulham as they face Derby in the play-offs - here's what we think will be on Jokanovic's to-do list to get the side ready

Fulham's hunt for promotion to the Premier League faces its next biggest test as they face Derby County in the play-off semi finals, with the side having to win.

After the loss at Birmingham City on Sunday, this will be the side's last chance to get promoted this season - if they lose this play-off, it's another season in the Championship and one that will probably hurt more than last year.

They've never won a play-off game before, and the side will have to break that hoodoo if they want to progress to Wembley and have that shot at promotion in the final, and Slavisa Jokanovic faces one of the biggest weeks in his managerial career ahead of these games.

We know pressure doesn't get to the head coach, but it seemed to get to his players at St Andrews, where they lost for the first time in 24 games and missed out on pipping Cardiff City to the final automatic promotion spot.

Here's what we think Jokanovic will be doing ahead of that trip to Pride Park on Friday:

Picking the side up

There's no doubting that the team were disappointed after that defeat to Birmingham on Sunday - the fact Fulham came so close to hauling Cardiff back and overtaking them, only to fall at the final hurdle will hurt.

Add to it the poor performance, and heads will have dropped after the game.

That said, second was never Fulham's to lose - they spent very little time there over the course of the season and could only gain from the position they were in, so what happened on Sunday isn't the worst thing in the world.

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However, Jokanovic will have had to pick the side up from that in the past few days as they focus on Derby at the play-off semi final at Pride Park.

It shouldn't take too much - Fulham have a professional and confident side and they'll be eager themselves to put one foot into the final at Wembley.

Reminding the side what they're capable of

In the grand scheme of things, one defeat in 24 games is still remarkable form.

Take away what defeat meant at St Andrews, and that's still half a season unbeaten for Fulham, a run which included a victory over Derby at Pride Park.

We know how good the side are and Jokanovic needs to remind them what they have already achieved this season and why they should fear no one coming into the play-offs.

Neil Warnock called them 'the Manchester City of the Championship' and if they remember how well they can play, confidence should be high ahead of Friday.

Make a decision on Kamara

Both of Aboubakar Kamara's substitute appearances have had a serious impact on games, first at Sunderland where he terrified the Black Cats and then at Birmingham, where he got heavily involved in the game.

He's come on leaps and bounds since he signed in the summer, and although he is still far from the finished article, his influence can't be ignored.

For me, Lucas Piazon hasn't done enough in recent weeks to merit another start, while Floyd Ayite has only just come back from injury, and now Jokanovic needs to decide whether he'll unleash Kamara from the start.

It gives Fulham something different altogether, and based on showings from the past two games, is certainly something to consider.

(https://i2-prod.getwestlondon.co.uk/incoming/article14634364.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/Birmingham-City-v-Fulham-Sky-Bet-Championship-St-Andrews.jpg)
Battering ram: Aboubakar Kamara in action against Birmingham (Image: Nigel French/PA Wire)

Odoi or Kalas?

Denis Odoi has been steady at centre back since he came into the side, and now Jokanovic will need to make a decision on whether he continues with the Belgian or recalls Tomas Kalas.

Kalas made a brief appearance at Millwall, setting up Aleksandar Mitrovic's goal there, but apart from that he's played a bit-part since he was forced out of the side through injury.

Odoi has done well, but a few mistakes have started to creep into his game and the head coach will need to decide whether he goes back to the earlier centre half partnership of Tim Ream and Kalas, or sticks with Ream and Odoi.

Put an arm around Tom Cairney

Cairney didn't have the best of games against Birmingham.

In fact, it was probably one of the worst performances I've seen from the skipper and the result, and missing out on automatic promotion, clearly affected him.

Jokanovic will need to put an arm around his skipper ahead of this game to remind him just why he was named in the Championship Team of the Season, despite missing half of it with injury.

(https://i2-prod.getwestlondon.co.uk/incoming/article14634375.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/Birmingham-City-v-Fulham-Sky-Bet-Championship.jpg)
(Image: Steve Bardens/Getty Images)

When he's on form, he's one of the best players in this division and makes Fulham tick - he needs reminding of how he was playing before Birmingham and reassuring that he is the key to this side.

Time for bravery

The next two games won't go all Fulham's way - we saw that from the play-offs last season that anything can happen.

Jokanovic has to install in his side that they will need to be brave in the coming days, someone will be a Fulham hero if they are to reach the play-off final.

Last-ditch tackles will need to be made, bodies will be put on the line and someone will have to take their chances.

(https://i2-prod.getwestlondon.co.uk/incoming/article14634390.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/Fulham-v-Sunderland-Sky-Bet-Championship.jpg)
(Image: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Fulham have played great football all season, but that all goes out the window now, it's about results, and if Mitrovic scores a scrappy goal and the Whites win the tie 1-0, who cares?

Fulham's players need to be brave at Pride Park and at the Cottage if they want Premier League football.



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/slavisa-jokanovics-list-fulhams-massive-14634157

 
David Prutton's Sky Bet EFL play-off semi-final first-leg predictions

David Prutton returns with his predictions ahead of the first legs of the Sky Bet Championship, League One and League Two play-off semi-finals.

All the play-off fixtures are live on Sky Sports Football, but who is he tipping for victory? Find out here...

Charlton v Shrewsbury, Thursday 7.45pm - Sky Bet League One

This is quite an intriguing tie. Charlton will be delighted to just be in the play-offs after battling for so long to get into the top six, while Shrewsbury spent most of the season in and around the top two, and at one stage looked on course for automatic promotion.

However, considering their pre-season expectations, the Shrews have had a fantastic season regardless. You wonder if they may have run out of steam a little bit towards the end of the campaign, but I still fancy them to get a good result at The Valley.

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

Derby v Fulham, Friday 7.45pm - Sky Bet Championship

Both of these sides had automatic promotion within their sights at one point this season, and you wonder what impact that defeat at Birmingham will have on Fulham, especially as it saw their unbeaten run come crashing to an end.

That being said, Fulham were the form side heading into the play-offs last season and they still got knocked out at the semi-final stage. This time they play the away leg first and you feel they'd be more than happy with a draw, which I think they'll get.

Prutton predicts: 0-0 (9/1 with Sky Bet)

Scunthorpe v Rotherham, Saturday 12.30pm - Sky Bet League One

Rotherham have been a bit of a strange position in recent weeks. They've pretty much been guaranteed fourth for a while now and it will be interesting to see what kind of momentum they're carrying into this game.

Scunthorpe have ended the season on a fantastic run of form, winning four games to guarantee their spot in the top six before drawing with Bradford on the final day of the season. This will be a tense affair (as they all will!), but I feel like Rotherham have the quality to edge this one and gain the advantage in the tie.

Prutton predicts: 0-1 (15/2 with Sky Bet)

Lincoln v Exeter, Saturday 3pm - Sky Bet League Two

Another season, another stab at the play-offs for Exeter City! Paul Tisdale's side suffered heartbreak at Wembley last May, but they've rallied well to give themselves another opportunity this campaign.

For Lincoln, meanwhile, it's been a wonderful campaign on their return to the Football League and Sincil Bank will be rocking on Saturday. The League Two play-off semi-finals were so open last year, with Exeter beating Carlisle 6-5 on aggregate, and it would be great to to have another free-scoring tie this time around.

Prutton predicts: 2-1 (15/2 with Sky Bet)

Middlesbrough v Aston Villa, Saturday 5.15pm - Sky Bet Championship

These two sides were arguably the favourites for promotion to the Premier League at the start of the season, but there is only one spot available at Wembley.

Tony Pulis and Steve Bruce are both more than familiar with the play-offs and it will great to see two old warriors going at it for promotion. Neither side will give anything up in the first leg and I can't split them at the Riverside. Score draw.

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

Coventry v Notts County, Saturday 7.30pm - Sky Bet League Two

Congratulations to Coventry! For the first time in 48 years they've earned themselves a place in the top six of any league and it was enough to book a spot in the League Two play-offs.

The Sky Blues belong at a far higher level than this but, all things considered, Mark Robins has done a fantastic job this season. Notts County beat them last month, but they also lost 3-0 on the opening day at the Ricoh Arena. I fancy goals and a bit of entertainment here, with Coventry to take a slight advantage into the second leg.

Prutton predicts: 3-2 (33/1 with Sky Bet)



http://www.skysports.com/football/news/34681/11363836/david-pruttons-sky-bet-efl-play-off-semi-final-first-leg-predictions

 
Fulham 'frustration' could hand Derby play-off advantage, says Matej Vydra

Matej Vydra is convinced Derby can capitalise on the end of Fulham's 23-match unbeaten League run to knock them out of the play-offs.

The 3-1 defeat by Birmingham was Fulham's first in the Championship since December and meant they missed out on automatic promotion by two points.

"Fulham will be disappointed and it will be tough for them because they were here last season as well," said Vydra. "They were close to promotion so maybe they will be frustrated and we can use this against them."

Vydra has 22 goals this season and will be key to Derby's hopes of overturning Fulham, who they host in the first leg of the semi‑final on Friday. "It will be tough but in the play-offs, it doesn't matter who you play," said the striker.

Meanwhile, goal-line technology will be used in the play-off semi-finals for the first time. The system has operated in play-off finals but the EFL have expanded its use to the two-legged ties. The first of these will be on Thursday, when Charlton host League One rivals Shrewsbury.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-frustration-could-hand-derby-playoff-advantage-says-matej-vydra-a3834491.html

 
First Leg On General Sale

Remaining tickets for Friday's Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Semi-Final First Leg against Derby County have now been made available for General Sale.

Follow Fulham Away and get behind the Whites at Pride Park, with all supporters now able to purchase up to six tickets each for the tie.

Tickets are priced at £25 for adults, £15 for over 65s, £10 for under 18s and £5 for under 12s. Official Coach Travel is also be available to purchase, with prices starting from £17 for adults and £10 for juniors.

Supporters are encouraged to purchase as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Fans can buy online, by phone on 0203 871 0810 (opt. 1) or in person from the Fulham Ticket Office.

The Club can confirm that arrangements have been made for supporters to collect tickets from Pride Park on Friday evening. Pre-purchased tickets can be picked up from the Away Ticket Office located at the Away End, between 6:30pm and 7:30pm. When purchasing over the phone, supporters will need to advise the Fulham Ticket Office whether they will be collecting their tickets from Craven Cottage or Pride Park. If purchasing online, at the shopping basket stage from the drop-down option supporters will need to select their collection preference. This fixture will go OFF SALE at 1pm on the day of the game, and no tickets will be available to buy at Pride Park.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/may/09/first-leg-on-general-sale

 
Marcus Olsson injury latest ahead of Derby County v Fulham play-off clash

Swedish defender limped out of the 4-1 victory over Barnsley on Sunday due to a knee problem

Derby County are waiting on the fitness of defender Marcus Olsson ahead of their Championship play-off semi-final first leg against Fulham at Pride Park Stadium on Friday night (7.45pm).

Olsson limped out of Sunday's 4-1 victory over Barnsley in the first half due to a knee injury.

The Swedish full-back was due to have a scan to assess the extent of the injury today (Wednesday) - but manager Gary Rowett is hoping he might yet be fit to face Fulham.

"He twisted his knee when he landed," said Rowett.

"He actually feels better today (Wednesday). He just felt a little bit numb afterwards but we'll assess it.

"He didn't train this morning but we certainly haven't ruled him out of the game.

"I think he goes for a scan this afternoon and we'll give him as much chance as we can, because he's been so crucial in the formation we've been playing.

"But we switched formation in the (Barnsley) game and ended up scoring three goals, so it's nice to have that flexibility.

"If Olss is not available, somebody else will be chomping at the bit for the opportunity."

Olsson has made 16 appearances all season but started three of the final four league fixtures at wing-back after Rowett switched from a 4-2-3-1 to a 3-4-2-1 formation.

"We've got another preparation day tomorrow (Thursday) and as you would do with any key player, you give them as long as you can to be fit," the Rams boss added.

"At this stage, while you want to work on many things and have your players in tip-top condition, the main thing is getting them out there on the pitch, and getting your best team for the game that you think is appropriate.

"If he needs another day to do that, then we'll allow him to do that.

"If he's not right, then someone else will take his position.

"Regardless of whether he is fit or not, we will still face the same decision. Do we play a back five, do we play a back four, do we play in a different way to how we've normally done or do we play exactly the same way?

"So I don't think it really changes too much, it's just obviously you want all your players available if possible."



https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/marcus-olsson-injury-latest-ahead-1549139

 
Live Screening

Craven Cottage will host a live screening of Friday night's First Leg Play-Off fixture against Derby County.

If you are not able to make it up to Pride Park for the crucial tie, why not head down to the Cottage to watch the crucial game with your fellow supporters in our hospitality lounges?

Tickets are priced at just £10 and include a drink and a food item (burger or vegetarian burger).

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online or by telephone on 0203 871 0810 (opt 3).

All tickets will need to be collected on the day from the Main Reception on Stevenage Road. The match kicks off at 7:45pm but doors open at Craven Cottage at 6pm, with a cash bar available.

Availability is limited, so don't hesitate in booking your spot.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/may/09/live-screening

 
5 reasons to be confident of playoffs glory

With Aston Villa's fate effectively sealed some time ago, the last couple of weeks of the season seemed to have plodded on somewhat. With the regular season now done and dusted, all attention can now fully turn to the playoffs.

Obviously, the scenario is far from ideal. Fingers can point at why we didn't gain automatic promotion, but right now all that is irrelevant. The focus must be collectively on our forthcoming opponents Middlesbrough and first and foremost, gaining a good result at the Riverside this coming Saturday.

There is plenty of panic about entering into this situation. The 'lottery of the playoffs' is a term you'll hear over and over. Personally, I don't think we should be panicked at all and it is far from a lottery. The trend seems to be to get sucked into focusing on our opponents' strengths and not even seeing their weaknesses. Many will have you believe that we will be playing teams on par with Barcelona.

There are many reasons why we should feel full of confidence heading into these games and these are the main ones for me.

PHYSIOLOGICAL EDGE

Boro is our immediate concern. This season we have played them three times; twice in the league and once in the Carabao Cup. We've won once, drawn once and lost once. Unremarkable on the face of it.

The cup game holds very little influence in my opinion. Tommy Elphick's sending off allowed Boro to take the lead from the penalty spot and left an already second string side up against it in a competition we had no ambition towards anyway. No tears were shed being eliminated from a competition that was only going to create fixture congestion the further we progressed.

The league games (where it really mattered) proved much more fruitful. First of all, it is worth noting that Boro didn't manage to score over 180 minutes. A frustrating night at Villa Park saw a 0-0 draw. However, Villa dominated the entire game. A sending off for ex-Villan Adama Traore after 4 minutes obviously helped but it is also worth remembering that Henri Lansbury's dismissal just after the hour mark evened things up. Indeed, it was when we were down to 10 men when Conor Hourhiane's goalbound effort was blocked on the line by teammate Scott Hogan which really summed up the start of our season.

Yet maybe the match that will weigh on Boro's minds most is the late December loss on their own patch. On the back of a terrible December, Villa put in a superb display and had Robert Snodgrass on hand to nod in an Albert Adomah cross to seal an impressive 1-0 victory, despite missing several key players. The result also extended our notable unbeaten run at the Riverside to five matches. Fingers crossed we can now make that six.

I expect the games in the playoffs to follow a similar vein though; it will be tight over the two legs, but Villa should have the edge, especially with home advantage in the return match.

WE DON'T HAVE TO GO TO CRAVEN COTTAGE

I don't believe that we should fear any team in the playoffs. However, avoiding Fulham at this point at least means we won't have to travel to Craven Cottage. There is a strange sequence of results concerning ourselves and the Cottagers by where neither team ever seem to prosper at the others home ground. Unlike our mastery of the Riverside, our record at the Cottage is particularly bad in recent times. We have lost our last four visits.

Since 2001 when Fulham was promoted to the Premier League, despite plenty of draws, we have won just twice there in fifteen attempts. But it's even worse for Fulham's record at Villa Park; they have won just once in the same period. Maybe being paired with them wouldn't have been so bad.

Whilst playing them at Wembley is of course by no means a recipe for success instead (should they make it to the final of course), I would certainly think the size of the ground and the pitch, in particular, would suit us more than them. It might seem like clutching at straws, but whatever happens, avoiding a trip to the Cottage can only be a good thing.

TIME TO PREPARE

I made reference to the fact that the end of the season seemed to drag over the last couple of weeks due to us pretty much knowing we'd only be making the playoffs and being assured of at least fourth place for a while. This could actually work in our favour though.

Out of all the teams, we are the only ones who were able to take a hit in the final game of the season and rest key players. Our result was irrelevant. Boro and Derby still needed to fight to be assured of their positions. This, of course, might help with continuity I guess, but I would still rather have a fresher group of players going into these games.

As for Fulham, well, they were due to wobble. Is it going to continue into the playoffs? We'll find out. One thing is for sure, historically teams that miss out on promotion on the final day of the season tend not to fare well. In the last fifteen years, that scenario has occurred five times. Only once did that team go on to win the playoffs.

EXPERIENCE

Each of Boro, Fulham and Derby have relatively recent experience of playing in and losing in the playoffs. At least one of them have been present in each of the last three years. Obviously, we do not have that familiarity. However, whilst we may not be quite used to that specific occasion, we have a team, and a manager no less, that has big game experience which could prove vital.

For me, John Terry is absolutely invaluable here. No team can boast a player with his wealth of experience in games of the very highest magnitude. The squad is full of older heads such as Mile Jedinak, Glenn Whelan and Snodgrass that should be able to guide through some of the more inexperienced members of the squad if needed. We also should remember that Wembley is not a new experience for Jack Grealish either.

And whilst we may love him or loathe him, Steve Bruce has done this successfully twice before. He's made mistakes this season but maybe this is where he brings it all together.

In short, we should be able to handle the occasion at least as well as either Fulham or Derby, should we make it past Boro of course. We certainly shouldn't feel that we lack the knowhow just because we haven't been here as a club.

GOALSCORER

Lewis Grabban has been almost like a missing part of the jigsaw since his arrival in January. For me, not having a 20 goal striker has massively hampered us this season. Hogan appeared to be getting into some sort of stride at a couple of points but it never quite materialised. Our biggest hope, Jonathan Kodjia has been sidelined for most of the season.

Albert Adomah has done very well but his goals seemed to come in spurts and have dried up in recent months. Not having a reliable main man up top was damaging.

Grabban looked right at home straight away. Not just a goalscorer, he has been a menace with his pace and work rate also. With ten starts and a handful of substitute appearances, the Bournemouth loanee has scored eight goals already. It might not sound very many, but if he was with us from the start, I truly believe we'd already be celebrating promotion. The fact that he managed another twelve goals before he joined us for an absolutely woeful Sunderland side proves a point.

Luckily, we have him now at least. And he could be the difference in whether we go up or stay in this division for at least another season.



http://www.avillafan.com/28272/5-reasons-confident-playoffs-glory/

 
The Sean Davis Column


Nobody associated with Fulham Football Club should be feeling down right now. Finishing third in a division as tough as the Sky Bet Championship is one hell of an achievement. Over the season the team have brought so much joy and enthusiasm to the Club. The football we've played, everyone in that squad has played a part in and done a job, and they've created a lot of memories for the fans over the season.

Yes it was disappointing not to get automatic promotion, but Cardiff always had it in their hands. I don't look back and think, "oh if we'd have won there then things would be different," because those sorts of results tend to even themselves out over the season. It is what it is. People are saying that we'd be up if we won because Cardiff only drew, but they knew we were 2-0 down at half-time so they played for the draw. I watched their game and they were cruising, their fans were celebrating when they were getting updates of our score.


Our team over the season have shown so much character and commitment to the shirt, that Sunday was just a bump in the road. We've still got a chance of getting promoted, we just have to make sure we're fully prepared for Derby, which I know we will be. There's no point dwelling on ifs and buts, all focus will now be on Derby away and making sure we get a result that gives us a good chance of progressing after the return leg. A win would be fantastic but a draw on Friday would also be a good result as that sets us up nicely for the Second Leg.

Now we just need one more final push. A lot of the boys in that team will remember the defeat to Reading and how that felt, which I'm sure will spur them on going into these fixtures. I think the boys have to draw on their experiences from the Reading Play-Off matches, maybe where they went wrong or could have done a bit better. Like I said, the lads have given everything to the shirt this season so we can't question their commitment or their effort. Let's just hope we've got enough to get through, and I believe we do.


It looked for a while on Sunday as though we might be playing Middlesbrough, and a lot of people were happy it ended up being Derby, but it doesn't matter who you're against, the Play-Off matches are always going to be tough. Derby have hit a little bit of form, scored four goals on the last day of the season against a Barnsley side fighting for their lives. Form sometimes goes out the window a bit in the Play-Offs, but the football we play has been outstanding and the fans have understandably enjoyed it. They now need to recharge their batteries and be in full force in the stands at the away game and then pack out Craven Cottage three days later – they're going to have to be our 12th man.

We played at home first last year but as we finished third it's the other way around this time, and I think that is a bonus. We still need to get a result to take back to the Cottage but it's definitely an advantage playing in front of a home crowd in the Second Leg. We've proven we can beat anyone. We battered the Champions at home, Wolves didn't even get a sniff against us. Our form, home and away, since Christmas has been great so we can be full of confidence going into these two matches.

Promotion was the target at the beginning of the season, and we're still in with a chance of that. I think the Manager, players and staff have all done great, and now we just need one final push.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/may/09/the-sean-davis-column

 
Derby Mascot Competition

We are giving a number of lucky young Whites fans a chance to be mascots at Monday's Play-Off Semi-Final Second Leg against Derby County.

If you know an avid young Fulham supporter between the ages of 6-12 that you feel deserves the chance to lead the boys out at Craven Cottage, you can enter them into the competition to win the opportunity of a lifetime.

To enter, simply tweet in a video on Twitter to @FulhamFC, or post a video on Instagram tagging @FulhamFC, describing your favourite moment of the season.

Send us your moment using the hashtag #FULFORCE, whilst wearing your Fulham shirt!

Please note the entrant must have a full home Fulham kit and they and their guardian must have a ticket to the match.

The competition will close at midday on Friday 11th May.

Social Media Competition T&Cs

1. The promoter is: Fulham Football Club Ltd (company no. 2114486) whose registered office is at Motspur Park, New Malden, Surrey, KT3 6PT.
2. The competition is open to residents of the United Kingdom aged between 6-12 years except employees of Fulham Football Club and their close relatives and anyone otherwise connected with the organisation or judging of the competition.
3. There is no entry fee and no purchase necessary to enter this competition.
4. By entering this competition, an entrant is indicating his/her agreement to be bound by these terms and conditions.
5. Route to entry for the competition and details of how to enter can be found on Fulham Football Club's official Twitter and Instagram profiles.
5(a). The entrant must be following @fulhamfc in order to be eligible for the prize.
6. Only one entry will be accepted per person. Multiple entries from the same person will be disqualified.
7.  Closing date for entry will be Friday 11 May 2018 at midday. After this date no further entries to the competition will be permitted.
8. No responsibility can be accepted for entries not received for whatever reason.
9. The rules of the competition and how to enter are as follows:
10. The promoter reserves the right to cancel or amend the competition and these terms and conditions without notice in the event of a catastrophe, war, civil or military disturbance, act of God or any actual or anticipated breach of any applicable law or regulation or any other event outside of the promoter's control. Any changes to the competition will be notified to entrants as soon as possible by the promoter.
11. The promoter is not responsible for inaccurate prize details supplied to any entrant by any third party connected with this competition.
12. The prize is as follows: The prize is as stated and no cash or other alternatives will be offered. The prizes are not transferable. Prizes are subject to availability and we reserve the right to substitute any prize with another of equivalent value without giving notice.
13. Winners will be chosen at random by software, from all entries received and verified by the promoter and or its agents.
14. The winner will be notified by email and/or DM on Twitter/Instagram on Friday 11 May 2018. If the winner cannot be contacted or do not claim the prize, we reserve the right to withdraw the prize from the winner and pick a replacement winner.
15. The promoter will notify the winner when and where the prize can be collected / is delivered.
16. The promoter's decision in respect of all matters to do with the competition will be final and no correspondence will be entered into.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/may/09/mascot-competition

 
Why West Ham's summer business could hinge on Fulham promotion

West Ham want no fewer than four players currently at Fulham, along with their manager Slavisa Jokanovic.

West Ham United are likely to be watching Fulham's two-legged Championship playoff semi-final with Derby County with keener interest than most.

The Cottagers missed out on automatic promotion to the Premier League on the final day of the season, when a 3-1 loss at Birmingham City not only ended their 23-game unbeaten run but also saw Cardiff City clinch second place by two points.

Now the Hammers will be waiting to see if their London rivals can still return to the top flight of English football for the first time since 2013/14 as much of their summer transfer business could hinge on what division Slavisa Jokanovic's men are in.

That is because West Ham are targeting no fewer than four players currently at Craven Cottage, with football.london reporting goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli, right-back Ryan Fredericks, midfielder Tom Cairney and striker Aleksandar Mitrovic - who is on loan from Newcastle United - are all on their radar.

Add to that the fact that Jokanovic himself is also being considered as a replacement for David Moyes as manager - with the Scot out of contract at the end of this term - and suddenly there is a lot of crossover between the two clubs.

Of course if Fulham fail to get promoted then the chance of those five aforementioned names making the switch to the London Stadium and a division above probably becomes all the more likely.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/05/09/why-west-hams-summer-business-could-hinge-on-fulhams-promotion/

 
Paris-Saint Germain join Manchester United, City and Spurs in chase for Fulham whizz-kid Ryan Sessegnon

EXCLUSIVE: French Treble winners target 17-year-old whose future will depend on the Championship playoffs

Paris Saint-Germain are providing the stiffest competition for Fulham wonder-kid Ryan Sessegnon's English admirers.

Sessegnon is a long-term target for Tottenham, and is also on the radars of champions Manchester City and neighbours United. But PSG are now pushing hard to try to land the starlet, who could cost up to £50million.

The French Treble winners want to strengthen their left-hand side and have identified versatile Sessegnon as the player they want.

He has underlined his reputation as one of Europe's best young talents with 15 goals for the Cottagers this season.

(https://i2-prod.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article12509114.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/Millwall-v-Fulham-Sky-Bet-Championship-New-Den.jpg)
Sessegnon's goals helped Fulham finish third, two points off automatic promotion (Image: PA Wire)

Those goals and his all-round performances helped the 17-year-old clean up at the EFL awards, become the first Championship player to make the PFA Young Player of the Year short-list and get picked by England up at Under-21 level.

Sessegnon's future will hinge on whether Fulham are promoted to the Premier League.

They face Derby in the play-offs, with the first leg in the Midlands on Friday and the return on Monday, after narrowly missing out on automatic promotion.

Going up will significantly boost the chances of Sessegnon staying, but the race for his signature will hot up if Fulham fail to secure a return to the top flight after four seasons in the second tier.

With Sessegnon's preference, if he does leave Fulham, being to stay in London, PSG would have to make an offer too good to turn down if they want to lure him to France.



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/paris-saint-germain-join-manchester-12509139

 
Fulham ace should be banned for Championship play-offs, says Derby County boss Gary Rowett

The Rams manager wanted to see action taken against opposition midfielder following incident at Birmingham City

Derby County manager Gary Rowett believes Fulham midfielder Stefan Johansen should be banned for the Sky Bet Championship play-offs.

Rowett feels action should have been taken against Johansen after the Norwegian international appeared to elbow Birmingham City player Jota in the face during Fulham's final fixture of the regular league campaign on Sunday.

The 27-year-old escaped without being booked or sent off at the time and has avoided any retrospective action.

Johansen is set to face Derby in the play-off semi-final, the first leg of which takes place at Pride Park Stadium on Friday night (7.45pm).

But Rowett reckons that should not be the case.

"If I'm being really honest, I think if that was the Premier League, retrospectively, I think he'd be out the game, out the next leg and out the final, because it was not a great challenge," he said.

"I think the linesman was two yards away as well but that's something that happened in the game. It's nothing to do with me.

"That's just an observation having watched the game. But he'll be available, he'll play and it won't make a lot of difference once the game kicks off.

"But, yes, it was strange that the incident didn't get picked up."

The FA can take retrospective action over certain "not seen incidents" if they are brought to their attention.

In such cases, the match referee is asked whether they or any of the other officials saw the incident at the time it occurred.

If they confirm they did see the specific act of misconduct, then "in almost all cases" no further action is taken.

However, if it is confirmed that they did not see the incident, a panel of three former professional match officials is convened and asked to review all the available video footage.

(https://i2-prod.derbytelegraph.co.uk/incoming/article1550006.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/Stefan-Johansen.jpg)
Stefan Johansen (right) battles for the ball with Jota during Fulham's Championship clash with Birmingham City (Image: PA)

Each panel member reviews the footage independently of the other members and, if they all agree, a charge will be issued, with the player asked to admit or deny it.

If the incident occurred in a weekend match, as in this case, the FA would, where possible, issue a charge by Monday or Tuesday, with the player given until 6pm the following day to respond.

If the player admitted the charge, they would receive an automatic suspension to mirror the penalty that would have been imposed had it been spotted at the time.

If the charged is denied, the matter goes before an independent regulatory commission, usually on a Thursday, at which only video and/or written evidence can be submitted.

In this case, the officials did see the incident, as a free kick was awarded, thus all but ruling out the possibility of retrospective action.

Millwall's Tim Cahill was recently retrospectively handed a three-match ban after admitting a charge of violent conduct during a 3-0 defeat to Fulham.

Cahill's elbow on Ryan Fredericks initially went unpunished as it was not seen by the match officials.

Fulham's 3-1 defeat at Birmingham saw them just miss out on automatic promotion to the Premier League, as Cardiff City clinched second spot.

Slavisa Jokanovic's men finished third, which set up a two-legged semi-final showdown with Derby in the play-offs.

The second leg of the tie will be played at Craven Cottage on Monday evening (7.45pm).

Johansen has made 46 appearances for Fulham this season in all competitions, scoring eight goals.



https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-ace-should-banned-championsip-1550057

 
Championship play-offs: Analysing the four contenders

After a gruelling 46-game league season, four Championship sides must now prepare themselves, mentally and physically, for the gruelling play-offs.



This year's semi-finals in England's second division see Fulham face Derby County and Aston Villa take on Middlesbrough over two legs. The sides who come out victorious go to Wembley for a one-off shoot-out to join Wolverhampton Wanderers and Cardiff City in the Premier League.

But what can you expect from each team? We've got the lowdown on the four sides in the playoffs, before they get underway on Friday.

Fulham
Form
Birmingham City 3-1 Fulham
Fulham 2-1 Sunderland
Fulham 3-0 Millwall
Fulham 1-1 Brentford
Fulham 1-0 Brentford

Strengths
Fulham are up there with the very best footballing teams in the Championship. They play a passing game influenced by the great Johan Cruyff, whose son, Jordi Cruyff, appointed Slaviša Jokanović at Maccabi Tel Aviv before the Serbian moved to Craven Cottage.

"Fulham knew what they were buying when they hired Jokanovic," Cruyff told the Daily Mail. "They knew they wanted a certain kind of profile and they're getting it.

"In the end about positive football philosophy. Look at the passing stats, you can say that Fulham is a football team that plays with great passing combinations."

They dominate games – no other Championship made more accurate passes than their 429.95 per game, while they averaged 57.6 per cent possession – also the highest in the league. They scored the most goals from open play too, 60 – ten more than champions Wolves.

Weaknesses
The Whites' defence is definitely weaker than their attack. Of the sides to finish in the top eight only Derby (48) conceded more than Fulham's 46.

However, the biggest issue may be a mental one rather than a footballing one. The Whites were favourites for the play-offs last season, but choked against Reading, losing 2-1 on aggregate.

The quality in the play-offs is arguably higher this season, and Fulham can't afford to freeze on the big stage again.

Given Cardiff's draw on Sunday, a win would have seen Jokanović's side promoted, but their 23-match unbeaten run came to an end at Birmingham City as they lost 3-1, again raising questions about their mentality in big games.

Defender Tim Ream was critical after that match, saying: "We got the result we needed in the other game but we s*** the bed. We could not do the business."

Player to watch: Tom Cairney
Teenage sensation Ryan Sessegnon may have been named the Championship Player of the Year, but Fulham's captain Tom Cairney makes them tick.

No-one in the league has averaged more than his 87.13 passes per 90, while he also makes the highest amount of accurate through balls per 90 (0.29).

He's got a wand of a left foot and if Fulham don't go up expect to see him in the Premier League next season.


From the Fulham camp...

Speaking after defeat to Birmingham on the final day, Jokanović said: "We are not disappointed because we are in the play-offs. We are disappointed because we lost a great chance to win the game. But we must be strong and ready for the next challenge.

"We are more experienced now. This is the second time we are in the play-offs, we are a good team and can perform better than today. We can find more pace and create more chances, and be more solid on the defensive side."

Aston Villa

Form
Milwall 1-0 Aston Villa
Aston Villa 1-1 Derby County
Ipswich Town 0-4 Aston Villa
Aston Villa 1-0 Leeds United
Aston Villa 1-0 Cardiff City

Strengths
If you want a squad full of leaders, you only have to look at Aston Villa. As well as Mile Jedinak and Glenn Whelan, they have John Terry – winner of five Premier League titles and five FA Cups at the heart of the defence. Play-offs are often about keeping your cool and performing on the big occasion. They will expect their No.26 to lead by example.

With Terry around, alongside James Chester, it's no shock they have the best defence out of the sides in the play-offs, conceding just 42 goals last season. That strong backline has made Villa Park a fortress – they have only lost twice at home in the league all season.

And Steve Bruce knows how to prepare a side for the play-offs, he's taken Birmingham City and Hull City up via that route in the past.

Weaknesses
With the squad they've got, you would have expected Villa to have made more of a serious challenge for automatic promotion.

But only Conor Hourihane and Albert Adomah have more than ten goals in the league this season, despite the Midlands' side's attacking prowess, with Scott Hogan and Jonathan Kodjia in their ranks.

They may not necessarily play the nicest brand of football – but as Cardiff going up shows, that doesn't matter.

Player to watch: Jack Grealish
Terry may be the captain but it's Jack Grealish who most excites the fans.

He's been fully fit and flying in recent weeks, and is undoubtedly Villa's most creative player.

No-one has made more key passes from open play than his 2.08 per 90 minutes in the Championship, while he comes third in accurate passes per 90 (48.87) and fifth in successful take-ons per 90 (3.37).

And while he only has three league goals this season, he can hit a stunner, as he showed against Cardiff last month.


From the Villa camp...

Conor Hourihane admits the play-offs are about mental toughness as well as just how they can play, telling the Express and Star: "It's about handling the occasion. Not getting caught up in the fact it is the play-offs. Ultimately, it is a game of football.

"We will have done our homework and we have experienced players, without a doubt. The names speak for themselves. We'll be ready. We are all looking forward to it."

Middlesbrough

Form
Ipswich Town 2-2 Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough 2-0 Millwall
Derby County 1-2 Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough 2-1 Bristol City
Sheffield United 2-1 Middlesbrough

Strengths
With Fulham and Aston Villa falling to final-day defeats, Tony Pulis' men are the side heading into the play-offs with the longest unbeaten run, albeit only one standing at four matches.

After a disappointing start to the season under Garry Monk, the former West Bromwich Albion boss has come in and breathed new life into Boro.

They are a big physical side who are solid at the back, as you would expect from Pulis. He usually has success with his style, even if it isn't always pretty on the eye.

Weaknesses
Individual errors have been hugely costly for Middlesbrough this season. They conceded six goals from the penalty spot – only Hull City (seven) let in more.

And if you're looking for a team to dominate the game, that isn't Boro under the Welshman. Since he came in, they average 43 per cent, compared to 53 per cent before his arrival.

Player to watch: Adam Traoré
Patrick Bamford may have been among the goals in recent months, scoring ten since January, but it is Adama Traoré, out of favour under Monk, who has become Boro's star man for Pulis.

Per 90 minutes, he averages an impressive 9.74 successful take-ons, unsurprisingly the highest number in the Championship.

He also tops the rankings for assists per 90 – at 0.4. The right winger won't give Neil Taylor and Terry an easy game at all, and will surely target the left-side of Villa's defence as he can easily outpace them.


From the Middlesbrough camp...
"If you had given me a play-off position when I took over the football club I wouldn't have cared who we were playing so I can't be judgmental or care or worry about who it is," said Pulis after the final game of the normal season.

"We have got Villa who most probably have the strongest squad in the Championship and it will be a real tough game. They will be big favourites, I'm sure."

Derby County

Form
Derby County 4-1 Barnsley
Aston Villa 1-1 Derby County
Derby County 3-1 Cardiff City
Derby County 1-2 Middlesbrough
Burton Albion 3-1 Derby County

Strengths
Derby were the only team of the play-off four who won on the final day of the Championship season and have bounced back after suffering three straight defeats in April.

They are dominant in the air – winning 52.8 per cent of their aerial duels this season – only Birmingham City, Millwall and Wolves have done better.

Gary Rowett's side also have a habit of finding the back of the net too; they've only been stopped once in their last nine league games, by champions Wolves.

Weaknesses
Like Fulham, there are questions about whether they choke at crucial moments – the Rams have been in the Championship since 2008/09 despite spending big money to return to the Premier League, and have often fallen away towards the end of the season.

In fact, that is what they did this term. After sitting comfortably in the play-offs at the turn of the year, they only secured their place in the top six on the final day of the campaign.

What's more, their away form isn't great – they only won eight times on the road in the league – the second worst of the top ten in the division.

Player to watch: Matej Vydra
The man behind 30 per cent of Derby's goals this season is Championship top scorer Matěj Vydra, who found the back of the net 21 times in the 46-game campaign.

The Czech forward is not all about shooting though, he can play a decent pass too – averaging 0.19 accurate through balls per 90 – the ninth highest in the Championship.

The 26-year-old has experience in winning promotion to the top flight with Watford, and Fulham will have to be wary of keeping him as quiet as possible – when he gets a chance, he'll cause real problems


From the Derby camp...
"We weren't too worried about where we finished going into the final game of the season; we just wanted to finish in the top six," captain Richard Keogh told RamsTV.

"We know we're in for two tough games and Fulham have had an excellent season, but we'll attack the game and see where it takes us."

"Anything can happen in the play-offs, as we know too well, and we'll look forward to what's to come."



https://www.footballwhispers.com/blog/championship-play-off-analysing-contenders?utm_medium=affiliates&utm_source=news-now

 
Gary Rowett on how Derby County will tackle play-off first leg tie against Fulham

'If you give them too much space, they will hurt you but if we are over respectful we won't hurt them' says Rams boss

Gary Rowett has been speaking about how Derby County will approach the first leg of their play-off semi-final.

The Rams meet Fulham at Pride Park Stadium tomorrow night (7.45pm) with the second leg at Craven Cottage on Monday.

Asked if his team will go all out for a win in the first game, Rowett said: "I don't think in any game you can go all out for the win.

"In an ideal world you want the perfect balance between attack and defence, between being adventurous and then cautious enough in the right areas.

"We are playing against a very good side. If you give them too much space, they will hurt you but if we are over respectful we won't hurt them.

"We will look to find the right balance, that is the key."

Derby go into the game unbeaten in three and on the back of two uplifting home victories over Cardiff City and Barnsley.

"We are at home against Fulham and we have got to attack, and we will attack in numbers and attack to score goals," said Rowett.

"But at the same time you have to be respectful of a team that has Mitrovic, Cairney and Sessegnon.

"As we found in the home game against them this season, we played really well but gave them two chances and they scored two goals."



https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/gary-rowett-how-derby-county-1550484