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General Category => Archive => Daily Fulham Stuff => Topic started by: WhiteJC on May 14, 2019, 08:18:53 AM

Title: Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 14/05/19...
Post by: WhiteJC on May 14, 2019, 08:18:53 AM

Fulham 0, Newcastle 4
Good riddance to 2018/19

Last August, Fulham were starting the season in the Craven Cottage sunshine with plenty of hope with many dreaming of what's ahead. Today, that season came to an end in the Fulham sunshine with many wondering how those dreams became nightmares so fast.

In that span, three coaches have tried to bring passion into the club and supporters, a supposed world class striker went from being on fire to being so cold, and a teenager went from having the world at his feet to someone that couldn't get past a defender or pick a killer pass to save his life. That is the ecosystem of top flight football and all the work that was done under Slavisa Jokanovic back from the Summer of 2016 has all seem to go to ash and burn in the Spring of 2019. Egos have to be rebuilt, trust has to be regained and immediate promotion is the last thought on many people's minds.

In short, they just want to remember what a fun and properly run club looks like again. Now the Khans haven't been not trying at all. However, their lack of footballing nous has cost them plenty of times since their takeover from Mohamed Al Fayed, and only getting a true director of football will save them face for seasons to come. For now, let's all bury everything that happened in 2018/19 and try to figure out something sensible next season. That's certainly how Scott Parker would like to view today.

At first, you would have thought that the new head coach has the senior team completely in the palm of his hands after three wins on the trot and a not-so-dissapointing 1-0 defeat to Wolves. Nine minutes into this contest with Newcastle, and it ended up being Groundhog Day from the dark days of Jokanovic and Ranieri. That came as a result of a corner kick by Matt Ritchie found Tom Cairney's arch rival Jonjo Shelvey in the edge of the penalty area only for him to volley it in the top right hand corner past Sergio Rico. Alfie Mawson was given the start at center back and it was quite obvious how bad he was at closing him down. But wait, it gets worse.

Just seconds later, Matt Ritchie slipped a ball through Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa towards Christian Atsu who tried one from close range towards Rico. Rico should have made the save much more routine as his rebounded save found Ayoze Perez who was able to tap it home and make it 2-0.

From there, Fulham did their usual thing where they kept the ball a ton and tried to huff and puff, but they no where near tested the keeper at all today. The closest to such a moment was a Floyd Ayite corner finding Mitrovic's head only for him to push it just too wide to the right. Along with that, Ayite should have had his first ever Premier League goal but the linesman incorrectly called him offside even though he was behind Isaac Hayden. Of their 16 shots, Fulham were only able to generate 0.57 expected goals. You will struggle to find a more inefficient performance in attack all season. They just seemed so hesitant to let the ball move all afternoon and even with more men bombing forward, nothing seemed to work at all.

As the fixture was drawing more to a close, Newcastle had so much space to operate on the counter and they took advantage even more by the time the final whistle blew. The first was another Ritchie corner that capitalized some half-hearted defending by Mawson as Fabian Schar headed it home to make it 3-0. Finally, Solomon Rondon, who him and the supporters couldn't wait to rub it in Mitrovic how much he hasn't been missed in those parts made it 4-0 after looking like he should have scored a good two or three times beforehand. This time, it was another Sergio Rico save that should have been caught instead of palmed away. And to exaserbate it even more, Mawson had a chance to clear it but instead he ran passed the ball only for Rondon to easily collect his own rebound.

Harvey Elliott made another appearance, this time in front of the Craven Cottage faithful for the first time and he didn't look too out of place. He even took his first shot that got the Hammersmith End rocking the loudest all afternoon. Otherwise, it was a match that no one in Southwest London wanted to last forever.

It has been one of the worst seasons in Fulham's recent history and long may it be erased from everyone's memories. But before you know it, next season will arrive and a new crop of heroes will emerge so that this football club can rise from its ashes again.



https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2019/5/13/18616918/fulham-0-newcastle-4
Title: Re: Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 14/05/19...
Post by: WhiteJC on May 14, 2019, 08:20:20 AM
'Your mum wants you home': Chris Coleman on brink of sack in China

Chris Coleman is battling to save himself from the sack after angry fans of struggling Hebei China Fortune demanded the former Wales manager be fired.

The 48-year-old's side have won only once in nine Chinese Super League (CSL) games this season and languish one place off bottom spot.

A Hebei team containing former Barcelona star Javier Mascherano lost 3-2 at home to mid-table Henan Jianye at the weekend and had a man sent off for the fourth time in all competitions this year.

Coleman, who took Sunderland down into England's third tier in his previous job, is under intense pressure from Hebei fans who want him removed.

A section of disgruntled supporters held aloft a banner during Saturday's defeat that said in English: "Hello Mr. Coleman, please go home! You're fired!!!"

In Chinese it read: "Coleman, your mum wants you home for dinner."

Coleman was a defender for Crystal Palace, Swansea City, Blackburn Rovers and Fulham during his playing days, and later became then-Premier League Fulham's manager.

He was sacked after four years in the hot seat at Craven Cottage and then had a spell with Real Sociedad in Spain.

But he enjoyed his most successful time in charge of his native Wales, taking them to a shock semi-final place at Euro 2016.

Coleman succeeded West Ham United-bound Manuel Pellegrini at Hebei in June 2018, but has won only seven of his 28 games after making a decent start.

Last week, after a 2-0 defeat to Marouane Fellaini and Shandong Luneng, Hebei issued an open letter to fans apologising and saying that it has been "the toughest start (to a season) in the club's history".

"We let you down and we can't make any excuses for the recent performances," said a statement.

"We have to say to you: sorry."

Hebei, who are above rock-bottom Beijing Renhe only on goal difference in the CSL, travel to seventh-placed Tianjin Teda on Sunday.



https://www.france24.com/en/20190513-mum-wants-you-home-chris-coleman-brink-sack-china
Title: Re: Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 14/05/19...
Post by: WhiteJC on May 14, 2019, 08:24:03 AM
Scott Parker very honest when asked about being taken apart by Newcastle United

Sunday was a reality check for Scott Parker.

Seeing the bigger picture, the four goal hammering might not be the worst thing that could have happened to relegated Fulham.

A reminder of the inherent weaknesses the newly confirmed permanent manager has inherited.

Shelvey, Perez, Schar and Rondon making it 81 goals conceded in 38 Premier League games, a shocker.

After difficult opening fixtures and five defeats in a row to confirm Fulham's relegation, Scott Parker looked to have found some hope. Four games bringing three wins and only one goal conceded.

However, the Fulham boss held his hands up after this one and pointed to the crux of the problem: 'When the game becomes a basketball match for us, which I mean back and forth, we are the side that look like they are going to concede.'

To be fair, that was an ideal scenario for a Newcastle side that Rafa Benitez has primed to counter-attack. The stats (see below) might show Fulham had 68% possession but they also show NUFC restricted them to two shots on target, whilst Newcastle converted four of their six.

After Mike Ashley took over Newcastle United in 2007, England international midfielder Scott Parker was the first player sold. Sam Allardyce happy to sell him and bring in the likes of Alan Smith and Joey Barton to replace him.

Now 12 years on, both Scott Parker and Newcastle United face uncertain times.

Can Parker turn around a talented but fragile Fulham team/squad, whilst can Mike Ashley avoid destroying the gift that is Rafa Benitez' presence and signs of a very positive future, if the right decisions are made...

If Rafa Benitez is convinced there is any point in staying, who knows what lies in front of us.

As for the alternative, if Mike Ashley pushes the self-destruct button then it wouldn't be the greatest surprise to see these two clubs swapping places next May.

Scott Parker after Fulham 0 Newcastle 4:

"It is frustrating, really frustrating. We had become a bit more resilient but today I felt at times there were signs of the old us.

"When the game becomes a basketball match for us, which I mean back and forth, we are the side that look like they are going to concede.

"Of course it has been a disappointing season but in football as quick as you are down you are always around the corner from a new challenge and the new challenge is the Championship next season.

"There were signs in our play today of what we are trying to do and that is something I love but, of course, there are some other things I am not keen on.

"We will be in tomorrow and will go through the finer details of pre-season. We will take a break next week and then it will be foot to the floor.

"The two early goals took the sting right out of us straight away, the world class strike firstly and I'm not sure the result reflects the game.

"We were lacklustre and lacked a real conviction in the final third.

"Ultimately we were vulnerable on the break and struggled in that sense.

"There were some real pleasing things on my behalf in terms of the performance but some glaring things which stand out which we need to work on.

"Today gives us a clear idea of what needs to be done at the football club, I've said it before in this position.

"The Club needs a culture, it needs an identity and it needs foundations for us to be successful and that's what we're going to do.

"There is a big challenge ahead of us next season.

"Ultimately as a football club we drive standards and with the culture I suspect we'll have a very successful season and seasons after.

"The owners here are vitally committed to this team, they have spent and invested a lot of money into this team, I have no doubt they will be doing everything in their powers to keep the best talent and the best players so it gives us every opportunity next season.

"The league we're going into is a tough league, it's a very, very difficult league which you see now has got teams in it which were established Premier League teams and struggling mid-table in the division.

"I think you understand the demands of it and how it's going to be, but my foundations are all about culture and I realise that's the only way we will be successful in that league is if we establish the culture so it's a big if for us but I'm really looking forward to it."


Stats from BBC Sport:

Fulham 0 Newcastle 4

Goals:

Newcastle:

Shelvey 9, Perez 11, Schar 61, Rondon 90

Possession was Fulham 68% Newcastle 32%

Total shots were Fulham 16 Newcastle 13

Shots on target were Fulham 2 Newcastle 6

Corners were Fulham 5 Newcastle 5

Referee: Kevin Friend

Newcastle United:

Dubravka, Hayden, (Fernandez 69), Lascelles, Schar, Dummett (Kenedy 81), Ritchie, Diame, Shelvey, Atsu (Muto 66), Perez, Rondon

Unused Subs:

Darlow, Watts, Cass, Clark

Crowd: 24,979 (2,700 official NUFC and many more in neutral and home areas)



https://www.themag.co.uk/2019/05/scott-parker-very-honest-when-asked-about-being-taken-apart-by-newcastle-united/
Title: Re: Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 14/05/19...
Post by: WhiteJC on May 14, 2019, 08:33:50 AM
The Fulham players that may have said their final goodbyes at Craven Cottage

The summer window is looming on the horizon and we've taken a look at those that could be on their way out

Fulham's season is now officially finished after a less than ceremonious 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Newcastle United on the final day of the season that summed up their Premier League campaign.

It started with so much promise after a summer transfer window that saw over £100million spent, but three managers and just seven wins later they head back to the Championship.

Sunday's final game of the season was goodbye for a lot of the side, although Tony Khan has been busy tying down players to new contracts with Tom Cairney penning a new deal, while options were activated for Denis Odoi, Neeskens Kebano, Stefan Johansen and Floyd Ayite.

That's not to mention Scott Parker getting the manager job on a permanent basis too.

However, Sunday was the last time we'll see a few of the squad at Craven Cottage - here's who may have said their final goodbyes.

Sergio Rico
Fulham have leaked goals all season long, but despite some shaky performances Sergio Rico has proved himself to be more than capable of playing in the Premier League.

He's spent the season on loan from Sevilla and while it would've been planned to try and keep hold of him for next season, relegation to the second tier will most likely mean that Rico won't be back at Craven Cottage next year.

(https://i2-prod.mylondon.news/incoming/article16266770.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_GettyImages-1054332386.jpg)
Sergio Rico during Fulham's game with Bournemouth (Image: AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)

His April was fantastic but Sunday's loss is likely to be the last time that stopper plays for Fulham.

Fabri
The writing has been on the wall for Fabri for months now - he played his last game (and second) all the way back in August in the 3-1 loss to Tottenham Hotspur.

There was talk of him leaving in January but that didn't happen, but with Marcus Bettinelli looking likely to be number one again next season and with Marek Rodak coming back from his loan spell at Rotherham United, it looks like those two will be fighting for the number one jersey in 2019/20.

That means Fulham will cut their losses with Fabri and he will most likely leave in the coming window.

Calum Chambers
Chambers was signed as a centre back with Fulham hoping to recreate the impressive Chambers/ Alfie Mawson partnership that did so well for England U21s a few years back, but that never came to fruition and Chambers found a regular spot in the midfield.

(https://i2-prod.mylondon.news/incoming/article16266853.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_GettyImages-1139643171.jpg)
Calum Chambers and Scott Parker on the sidelines at Craven Cottage (Image: IAN KINGTON/AFP/Getty Images)

He was probably the player of the season for me - he stood up and was counted at important times and became a real leader for the side, but such were his performances that I don't think he'll be playing in the Championship next season.

I'm not sure if his future lies at the Emirates but someone will have seen him this campaign and will believe he can do a job for them in the top flight next season.

Ryan Sessegnon
It wasn't the first campaign in the Premier League most were expecting for Fulham's wonderkid after a record breaking season in the Championship last year, but it was still one that will have seen him appear on the radar of some of the big clubs.

Fulham have a problem in that there is just a year left on his deal and while he hasn't turned the division upside down, at 18 there is still so much potential for Sessegnon.

If someone likes Spurs comes knocking I think it would be very hard to turn down a move, although I'm sure Fulham are trying desperately to get a new deal over the line for Sessegnon, something they've been trying all season long.

But at this stage it looks like Sessegnon may move on in the summer, although a move could well see a loan back for next season.

Jean-Michael Seri
What started as a potential signing of the season candidate turned into a real average season for Seri with his last start coming in the 1-0 win at Bournemouth towards the end of April.

Having been linked with Barcelona and Chelsea in the past it never really happened for Seri at Craven Cottage and it's certain he won't be at the club next season with France looking a likely destination once again.

It's a shame - I think there's definitely a player there but him and Fulham just didn't seem like a match.

(https://i2-prod.mylondon.news/incoming/article16266888.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_GettyImages-1034667414.jpg)
Jean Michael Seri during Fulham's defeat at Manchester City (Image: Matt McNulty/Man City via Getty Images)

Lazar Markovic
Well, there isn't really much to say about Lazar Markovic.

His signing on deadline day was a really strange one and he only made a 45 minute cameo for the side back in February in the 3-1 loss at West Ham.

I'm not sure why he was signed to be honest but I really doubt he will be around next season.

Aleksandar Mitrovic
Mitrovic bagged himself 11 goals for Fulham this season and at time looked like a real handful for Premier League defences.

Fulham parted with a lot of money for the Serbian last summer but his performances will definitely have turned the heads of some of the clubs in the top flight.

(https://i2-prod.mylondon.news/incoming/article15899603.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_GettyImages-1132621078.jpg)
Aleksandar Mitrovic reacts after his side's defeat during the Premier League match between Southampton and Fulham at St Mary's Stadium on February 27, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)

But it will come down to money - Fulham are under no obligation sell Mitrovic seeing as they have such a long contract on him meaning any one that wants him will have to stump up a fair bit of cash.

However, at 24-years-old he'll want to be playing top flight football, especially after proving to everyone he is able to after his spell at Newcastle United.

It's one to keep an eye on.

Ryan Babel
I have to be honest, when Ryan Babel was signed in January I did raise my eyebrows but he's proved to be a real asset to the team for the latter part of the season.

Five goals and three assists is a decent return, while his experience did prove to be very important for the side but it was too late for him to have a proper go at trying to save the side.

His deal runs out in the next month and he's already being mooted with a move back to Turkey, but wherever he ends up it's very unlikely that he will spend the twilight of his career playing in the Championship.

Andre Schurrle
He has another year left on his two-year loan deal from Borussia Dortmund but he'll be heading back there now that relegation is all done and dusted.

Schurrle's performances over the course of the campaign showed exactly why Dortmund allowed him to leave despite him being their record signing - the confidence wasn't there and he wasn't up to the speed of the Premier League.

It's best for both parties ahead of next season that they part ways.

Luciano Vietto
Another one who was signed on loan in the summer but never really got quite up to the pace of the top fight.

Vietto turned out to be a disappointing signing and having made just 22 appearances all season, with most of those coming as subs, he'll be heading on this summer.



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/fulham-players-said-final-goodbyes-16266360
Title: Re: Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 14/05/19...
Post by: WhiteJC on May 14, 2019, 08:36:05 AM
Fulham hand contract extensions to Denis Odoi, Stefan Johansen, Floyd Ayite and Neeskens Kebano

(https://e1.365dm.com/19/05/768x432/skysports-denis-odoi-fulham_4667748.jpg?20190513110708)
Denis Odoi featured 34 times for Fulham in all competitions this season

Fulham have extended the contracts of Denis Odoi, Stefan Johansen, Floyd Ayite and Neeskens Kebano by a further year.

The news comes the week after Scott Parker was appointed as Fulham's permanent head coach, after spending nearly three months as caretaker manager.

Fulham's relegation from the Premier League was confirmed last month, and Parker will now face a busy summer reshaping his squad as they bid to bounce back from the Sky Bet Championship at the first attempt.

Versatile defender Odoi was a regular under previous head coaches Slavisa Jokanovic and Claudio Ranieiri, but featured intermittently under Parker.

Wingers Ayite and Kebano were used infrequently by Fulham this season, although Ayite did feature more often following Parker's appointment.

Midfielder Johansen spent the second half of last season on loan at West Brom, helping them to the Championship play-offs.

The Baggies are currently 2-1 down to Aston Villa after the first leg of their semi-final, with the second match taking place on Tuesday, live on Sky Sports.



https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/11719000/fulham-hand-contract-extensions-to-denis-odoi-stefan-johansen-floyd-ayite-and-neeskens-kebano
Title: Re: Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 14/05/19...
Post by: WhiteJC on May 14, 2019, 08:39:35 AM
8 players from this season's relegated teams who deserve a Premier League move this summer

Just because a player's in a team that goes down doesn't mean they can't cut it at the top. Richard Jolly finds eight from this season's bottom three that could do a job for someone next season

8. Neil Etheridge (Cardiff)
Cardiff's newly crowned Player of the Year and perhaps the only footballer they own that Premier League clubs should covet. The Bluebirds benefited from outstanding goalkeeping, courtesy of David Marshall, in their previous Premier League season, and history has repeated itself.

Only Lukasz Fabianski has made more stops and Etheridge, a penalty specialist, began with saving spot kicks in his first two games. Bournemouth could do worse than sign him.

7. Aaron Mooy (Huddersfield)
A revelation during his first two campaigns in Yorkshire, Mooy has not quite maintained that form. Equally, given Huddersfield's fortunes, it would be hard to sustain that level and he has still been better than most. More to the point, his industry, passing and set-piece prowess mean he has much to offer in a Premier League midfield.

Rafa Benitez is reportedly an admirer, though Mike Ashley might not like Mooy's age: 29 in September.

6. Victor Camarasa (Cardiff)
Spanish flair players rarely gravitate towards Neil Warnock and vice versa but, even in a prosaic Cardiff team, Camarasa has shown both class and a level of productivity that invite questions about what he could do in a stronger side. He has scored five goals, showcasing his technique with spectacular strikes against Leicester and Chelsea, and registered four assists during his loan spell from Real Betis.

He has been linked with Tottenham, but the mid-table pack should be targeting him.

5. Philip Billing (Huddersfield)
It is almost two months since Philip Billing's last game for Huddersfield; this season and, perhaps, ever. And yet a footballer omitted by Jan Siewert has his peers' approval.

The Huddersfield squad voted Billing their player of the year; for good measure, he added the young player award. He has come of age, a huge figure with a powerful shot from distance (he has hit the woodwork three times, in addition to his two goals). And his long throws could appeal to the pragmatists.

4. Jean-Michael Seri (Fulham)
Perhaps the season's greatest disappointment, Seri's Fulham form may prompt few offers. And yet a more enlightened approach might be to consider Xavi's 2017 words, when he urged Barcelona to sign a player compared to him, and wonder what he might do at a club with a proper recruitment process and in a team that could defend.

He could be the new Idrissa Gueye, relegated ignominiously in his first season in England but excelling after a change of scenery.

3. Terence Kongolo (Huddersfield)
It is five years since a young Virgil van Dijk was omitted from Holland's 2014 World Cup squad in favour of an even younger Kongolo. It is fair to say one Dutchman has achieved more than another since then.

Yet Kongolo has shown enough to indicate why he is Huddersfield's record signing. A comparatively rare left-footed centre-back boasts enviable pace, has a neat line in well-timed recovery challenges and could slot in much higher up the division.

2. Aleksandar Mitrovic (Fulham)
Despite a barren second half to the season, Mitrovic has still managed 11 league goals. Few scored more for bottom-half clubs. In short, it was not his fault Fulham went down and a target man offers the potential of potency that many clubs lack. West Ham have been tipped to sign the Serb. Others in search of a scorer could join an auction.

1. Ryan Sessegnon (Fulham)
An underwhelming year – even if a tally of six assists suggests Sessegnon has done better than it feels – could work in the favour of buyers. His price should have dropped. Fulham cannot ask for £50 million for a man whose only taste of Premier League football has been disappointing. And yet he is still only 18. He could be a project for Jurgen Klopp or Mauricio Pochettino.



Read more at https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/8-players-seasons-relegated-teams-who-deserve-a-premier-league-move-summer#VWmbFVoqvEm4hd0p.99
Title: Re: Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 14/05/19...
Post by: WhiteJC on May 14, 2019, 08:44:24 AM
Tottenham deal to sign Sessegnon is almost complete

Tottenham are on the verge of signing Fulham winger Ryan Sessegnon, according to South London Press sports editor Richard Cawley.

The reliable London-based journalist claimed via his personal Twitter account on Monday that a deal that sees the 18-year-old leave Craven Cottage and take him to Tottenham is "pretty close to done".

The Daily Mail reported earlier this month that Fulham would demand £35million for Sessegnon, who has made 38 appearances in all competitions this season for the relegated club and scored two goals.

Good move for Tottenham?

Sessegnon has not had the most memorable seasons at Fulham this time out but it is clear that the teenager is someone with immense potential and could be a star in the making for Spurs.

The England Under-21 international was on fire in the Championship last term when the Cottagers won promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs, but it just seems as though the top-flight has come a bit too soon for him.

Although his form has not been that impressive this season, it will be a good learning experience for the youngster, who is clearly a player who can impress for Spurs in a couple of years time.

Fans will need to be patient with Sessegnon, who could be Tottenham's new Gareth Bale.

This is Futbol rating 9/10

Likely to happen?

Spurs are reported to be on the verge of their first summer signing so fans can expect this one to happen in the coming weeks.

Mauricio Pochettino has had to be patient to make any additions to his squad with Lucas Moura, who arrived in January 2018, still his newest member.

However Sessegnon does appear as though he is going to be added to the ranks in the upcoming summer transfer window.

This is Futbol rating 9/10




https://thisisfutbol.com/2019/05/blogs/tottenham-deal-to-sign-sessegnon-is-almost-complete/
Title: Re: Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 14/05/19...
Post by: WhiteJC on May 14, 2019, 08:46:33 AM
Report: Tottenham Hotspur closing in on £25million deal for Fulham's Ryan Sessegnon

According to The Sun, Tottenham Hotspur are close to striking a deal in the region of £25million with Fulham over the services of highly-rated left-back Ryan Sessegnon.

The Cottagers wanted £50million for the teenage sensation last summer, but with just a year left on his current contract, they are now being forced to cash in on him following their relegation back to the Championship.

Sessegnon, who turns 19 in few days' time has also been linked with Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain, but it seems Spurs are now favourites to secure his signature.

ottenham have been long-term admirers of Sessegnon, who have been widely dubbed the next Gareth Bale due to his versatility.

Despite primarily being a left-back, the England youth international can also perform incredibly well as a winger, and with Danny Rose being linked with a summer exit, the Fulham star could be a perfect replacement in the position and as a wing-back.

Sessegnon finished his first-ever campaign in the top-flight with two goals and six assists in 35 games, but will definitely get better under the tutelage of a manager like Mauricio Pochettino, and it will be exciting to see how terrific he can become going forward.



https://sportslens.com/report-tottenham-hotspur-closing-in-on-25million-deal-for-fulhams-ryan-sessegnon/264539/
Title: Re: Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 14/05/19...
Post by: WhiteJC on May 14, 2019, 08:48:45 AM
When does the 2019/20 season start? Key dates for Premier League, EFL and European competitions

The countdown to the 2019-20 season has begun


The excitement for the 2019-20 season in the Premier League and EFL is rising, ahead of what is set to be another dramatic campaign.

Here's all the key dates you need to know.

Premier League

The fixtures for the 2019-20 season will be released at 9am on Thursday June 13th , which will map out the campaigns for each of the 20 teams in the division.

The new season is scheduled to start on Saturday August 10th and will conclude on Sunday May 17th 2020 .

The Community Shield will be played at Wembley Stadium on Saturday August 4th , where Premier League champions Manchester City will face either Watford, if the Hornets win the FA Cup, or Liverpool, who finished runners-up in the league.

European competitions

The draw for the group stages of the Champions League will be conducted on Thursday August 29th after the qualifying stages are complete. Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur all enter the competition at the group stage.

The final will be played in Istanbul on Saturday May 30th 2020 .

In the Europa League, either Wolves or Manchester United will have to start their season on Thursday July 22nd in the third qualifying round. The draw for the group stages is on Friday August 30th, with the final being played on Wednesday 27th May 2020 .

EFL

The 72 clubs in the three divisions of the EFL will be able to map out their seasons on Thursday June 20th when the fixtures for the 2019-20 season are released at 9am. The season begins on the weekend of August 2nd .

The Carabao Cup begins the following weekend, with the final at Wembley on Sunday March 1st 2020 , while the EFL Trophy begins on the week commencing September 2nd and concludes on Sunday April 5th 2020 .

The play-offs will be played across two weekends in May due to Wembley's commitments to the 2020 European Championships. The League Two final will take place on Saturday May 16th , with the League One play-off final taking place on Sunday May 24th and the Championship play-off final on Monday May 25th .



https://www.football.london/premier-league/201920-season-start-key-dates-16269562
Title: Re: Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 14/05/19...
Post by: WhiteJC on May 14, 2019, 08:52:40 AM
What role can Ryan Sessegnon play for Tottenham next season?

Tottenham seem to finally be poised to complete the signing of Ryan Sessegnon. Can the Fulham starlet really help Spurs next season?

It's been quite a while since Mauricio Pochettino has received any new players to work with at Hotspur Way. According to a variety of sources, Tottenham are actually closing in on a deal for Fulham starlet Ryan Sessegnon. The question to ask now is whether or not the 18-year-old can really boost Spurs next season.

London-based reporter, and self-professed Fulham supporter Richard Cawley reports that a deal between the Whites and Tottenham is "pretty close to done." No particular transfer fee is mentioned in Cawley's report, but it's safe to assume a fee of somewhere between £25 and £35 million should be enough to get a deal done. Sessegnon has no interest in playing another season in the Championship.

It's safe to say that the young Englishman's star has dimmed a bit over the last 12 months. His play for Fulham last year was inconsistent at best. Sessegnon wasn't surrounded by a great deal of talent, but he only was able to muster two goals and six assists in 35 Premier League appearances. That's not quite the impact most pundits thought he'd have after his brilliant Championship campaign of 2017/18.

It's important to remember that Sessegnon is still extremely young for a player in England's top flight. There aren't many 18-year-olds who are able to hold their own against Premier League opposition. Sessegnon wasn't a star last season by any means, but the fact that he could avoid appearing out-of-place against most opponents proves he's a lad with significant talent.

It'll be up to Pochettino and his coaching staff to start transitioning Sessegnon's vast amount of potential to more production. Fortunately, Spurs won't rely on the young starlet to carry a very heavy load next season. They'll expect Sessegnon to be a regular member of the squad, but it would be a major surprise if he's able to break into Tottenham's starting XI barring a rash of injuries.

Even when he does make it onto the pitch, he should enjoy a lot more space to work with at Tottenham. Attacking luminaries like Harry Kane, Heung-Min Son and Dele Alli will continue to draw most of the attention from opposing defenders. Sessegnon was a massive focus for Fulham's opponents, he'll be much closer to an afterthought for Spurs' foes.

The most likely role Sessegnon can achieve at Tottenham next season is to be a super substitute for Pochettino. His ability to play anywhere from fullback to forward should make him an attractive option during a lot of matches. That role should allow Sessegnon to enjoy some success running at tired opponents. He's not the strongest player, but his pace is still excellent.

All in all, Sessegnon should prove to be a modest improvement over Pochettino's current bench options. That's enough to make him a success at Tottenham next season. Anything else he provides Spurs in 2019/20 will be a bonus.



https://playingfor90.com/2019/05/14/role-can-ryan-sessegnon-play-tottenham-next-season/