Friends of Fulham

Scott Parker "happy" with point despite "unjust" Millwall equaliser

Fulham boss Scott Parker was left seething after Millwall's controversial equaliser in a 1-1 draw prevented them overtaking Leeds in the Championship's automatic-promotion places.

Aleksandar Mitrovic put the visitors ahead from close range, but they were pegged back almost immediately by Jon Dadi Bodvarsson, who had looked to be standing in an offside position.

Following consultation with his assistant, referee Andrew Madley determined the ball had come off Fulham midfielder Josh Onomah – and not home striker Tom Bradshaw – much to Parker's dismay.

"It was clear as day that they had two players offside," he said.

"Who it comes off is perhaps in question, but anyone would think it's a little bit unjust to think that a goal was given when there's clearly an advantage from two of their players standing in an offside position.

"I think our reaction after the goal was pretty poor, and in the first half we turned the game into what Millwall wanted it to be. They were probably the better side.

"In the second half we got a grip on the game. We stamped our mark on it, which I asked for at half-time because we needed to be braver.

"The pitch and the conditions were tough to deal with, but that's the way I want my team to play – we have to take the sting out of the game.

"Overall I think we're happy with a point and we're six games unbeaten now. Games like this are always going to be limited in chances and when one falls your way, you hope they can drop in."

Fulham almost snatched a winner in the dying seconds when substitute Neeskens Kebano headed a corner onto the crossbar, but Millwall arguably had the best chance to win the game when Jed Wallace fired his first-half penalty over the woodwork.

Lions manager Gary Rowett was pleased with how his team responded to Sunday's defeat at home to leaders West Brom, yet was somewhat disappointed not to pick up all three points.

He said: "It was a much better performance than Sunday – that was the beauty of the evening.

"We've had less recovery than Fulham, which is always a concern, but it's the Championship and you deal with it.

"It was a really even game in a lot of ways. Fulham had a lot more possession and a lot more control, but I thought we had the better chances. I don't think [goalkeeper] Bartosz Bialkowski was tested that often."



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/news/scott-parker-happy-with-point-despite-unjust-millwall-equaliser_389544.html

Leeds United latest: Fulham drop points, Forshaw on injury nightmare, Bielsa due to face the press

The latest Elland Road headlines you need to catch up on

Leeds United are now gearing up for their third match against a top six opponent in a week, with Bristol City the visitors to Elland Road on Saturday.

That comes after a much-improved performance from Marcelo Bielsa's men at Brentford on Tuesday night, where they earned a point.

Ahead of this weekend's clash, here is a look at the latest Leeds United headlines...

Fulham stumble again

Leeds United remain in the automatic promotion places after Fulham were held to a 1-1 draw at Millwall.

Aleksandar Mitrovic scored after just three minutes at the Den, only for Jon Dadi Boedvarsson to level five minutes later, as the Cottagers spurned a chance to move ahead of Leeds. Scott Parker's side are level on points with the Whites, but have an inferior goal difference.

West Brom saw off Reading to extend their lead at the top of the table to six points. Elsewhere, Leeds next opponents Bristol City held on to beat Derby County 3-2 and sit seventh in the table.

Forshaw on injury nightmare

Adam Forshaw has given insight into how mentally tough his injury-plagued season has been at Leeds United.

The midfielder has missed the last five months with a hip problem and the decision has been made to undergo surgery in order to resolve it.

Read what he's had to say on it here.

What the press made of Brentford draw

Plenty of eyes were on Griffin Park on Tuesday night, with one man's error hogging the headlines.

Here's a look at what the national press made of Leeds' 1-1 draw.

Phillips on Casilla error

Kalvin Phillips says that Kiko Casilla has the backing of his Leeds United teammates after his recent drop in form.

The former Real Madrid goalkeeper has made a number of costly errors during Leeds' poor run of form.

The latest mistake, a particularly egregious loss of concentration, allowed the ball to roll past him and into the path of Brentford's Said Benrahma, who opened the scoring at Griffin Park with a simple finish at Griffin Park.

Is the Leeds curse real?

Nottingham Forest were the latest team to suffer defeat after beating Leeds United - but is the 'curse' real?

We crunch the numbers here.

Bielsa due up

It's a busy week for Leeds United and Marcelo Bielsa will again be up in front of the press today, when he holds his pre-Bristol City press conference. We'll be live at Thorp Arch to bring you all he has to say.



https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/leeds-united-latest-fulham-drop-17688930

Former England, Tottenham, Fulham and Brighton man heading to town - win a table for eight
Football legend Alan Mullery is heading to an event in Bognor – and we are offering you and your pals the chance to be there for free.

(https://www.chichester.co.uk/sttms.blob.core.windows.net/images/T0FLMTIwNjkzOTgw.jpg?crop=982:524,smart&width=990)
Alan Mullery is the star guest at a Bognor sportsman's dinner on February 21

The former England, Fulham and Spurs man, who managed teams including Brighton and Crystal Palace, is the star guest at the latest sportsman's dinner planned by the Rocks' supporters' club.

Mullery will be talking about his days as a player, manager and, more recently, media pundit and is sure to have entertaining tales to tell.

Comedian Stewart Masters is also lined up to appear.

The event takes place at the club's Seasons clubhouse from 7.30pm on Friday next week (February 21).

Tickets are £40 for individuals or £280 for a table of eight or £350 for ten but we have teamed up with organisers to offer a prize of one table of eight.

To enter, name one club Mullery played for.

Email your answer plus name, address and phone number to [email protected] by 9am next Monday (Feb 17).

Full JPI Media T&Cs apply.




https://www.chichester.co.uk/sport/football/former-england-tottenham-fulham-and-brighton-man-heading-town-win-table-eight-1556471

'Poor all over the pitch' – Some of these Fulham fans have slated their team's draw at Millwall last night

Fulham drew 1-1 with Millwall in the Championship last night.

The conditions were tough once again at The Den, but it didn't stop Aleksandar Mitrovic from firing Fulham into the lead after only three-minutes – his 21st Championship goal of the season.

It was a short-lived lead though, and Millwall were back on level terms only four-minutes later when Jon Dadi Bodvarsson finished from close-range.

The Icelandic forward was shown to be in a clear off-side position but the goal stood, and Parker was left reeling after the game.

Millwall then had the chance to go in-front midway through the first-half when Joe Bryan brought down Mahlon Romeo inside the penalty box.

Jed Wallace stepped up and looked game for his 11th goal of the season, but he fired his spot-kick over the bar and almost out of The Den.

A terrible miss which proved to be an early conclusion to the game, and here we take a look at what Fulham fans had to say on Twitter after full-time:



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/poor-all-over-the-pitch-some-of-these-fulham-fans-have-slated-their-teams-draw-at-millwall-last-night/

Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic laments 'missed opportunity' at Millwall after controversial equaliser

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Leading the race | Aleksandar Mitrovic moved one clear of Brentford's Ollie Watkins in the goal charts on Wednesday ( PA )

Championship top scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic rued Wednesday night's 1-1 draw with Millwall as a "missed opportunity" as Fulham squandered the chance to leapfrog Leeds into second place.

Mitrovic left The Den proud of Fulham's efforts on a difficult pitch against a "proper Championship team" and claimed the visitors were robbed by Jon Dadi Bodvarsson's controversial equaliser.

Millwall boss Gary Rowett also had mixed emotions after watching his side earn a commendable point but miss a first-half penalty through Jed Wallace.

Mitrovic's third-minute strike – his 21st Championship goal of the season – was quickly cancelled out by Bodvarsson but Fulham were convinced he was offside, with Mitrovic leading the charge to surround the linesman before the officials belatedly ruled that Fulham's Josh Onomah had helped the ball into the Icelander's path.

"Missed opportunity, especially when you see how we conceded the goal," Mitrovic told Standard Sport. "It was offside, so a big missed opportunity.

"It was obvious, you could see it was a big offside. The referee told me he was not sure who played the ball so he had to give the goal. But that's football, we have another game in two days and we move on."

Fulham manager Scott Parker also found it hard to look beyond the decision, claiming it "dented" his side who "took the error into the remainder of the half".

Wallace should have given Millwall the lead from 12 yards but the winger smashed his 21st-minute penalty off the top of the crossbar and nearly into the jubilant away fans in the second tier.

The Den's worn pitch, worsened by Sunday's 2-0 defeat to West Brom during Storm Ciara, proved a real leveller and Mitrovic offered a backhanded compliment to Millwall, who remain seven points outside the play-off places in 11th.

"It was bad pitch but bad for them too," he said. "You have accept it, we tried to [play] good football but we didn't create too many chances.

"It's hard, they're a proper Championship team with a good experienced manager, a mid-table team and a tough place to come here and get the points. Not many teams could do this."

Despite their frustrations, Fulham moved level with stuttering Leeds, having trailed Marcelo Bielsa's side by 12 points before Christmas, as Mitrovic went ahead of Brentford's Ollie Watkins as the division's outright top  scorer.

"You have them [Leeds] always in your mind but we need to make sure we do our job well, we look at ourselves and we know that hurting them depends on us,"  said the Serbian.

"If we play our game, we'll be there.

"But we know this league, we know what to expect. It's really, really tough. If you go into a game, you can never say we're going to beat this team. If it's last or first, you never say it'll be an easy game.

"This league is a marathon not a sprint. We have really closed the gap a lot already, so we've done a brilliant job.

"I think at Anderlecht I scored like 20 league goals and 10 in the Champions League and Europa League, so I don't think it's my best season," he added.

"I'm trying not to think about goals as much as I can. If the team plays well, the chances created, I will score goals. I'm not obsessed with goals. As a striker if you get obsessed with goals, the goals won't come."

Rowett, who was able to play fit-again Millwall midfielder Ryan Leonard for the first time since October, said: "It was a good performance overall.

"Fulham had a lot more possession but I thought we had the better chances, I don't think [goalkeeper] Bart [Bialkowski] was worked that hard. So we are disappointed with a draw perhaps but certainly a much more positive performance."



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-aleksandar-mitrovic-missed-opportunity-millwall-controversial-equaliser-a4360846.html

'It was uncalled for' – Cyrus Christie reveals why he gets booed by Derby fans


Cyrus Christie has claimed that a historic news article about him was the catalyst behind the deterioration in the relationship between himself and Derby County fans.

The defender, speaking to Dapo Abitogun on the Counter Attack Podcast opened up about his time at the Rams, and discussed the reasons why Derby fans continue to jeer him to this day.

"I was one of the best right-backs in the league [for a season at Derby]. There were a few of us fighting [for the accolade] and Ryan Fredericks was [the best] at the time," Christie said.

Christie made the admission that his thoughts on considering himself to be one of the best players in his position in the Championship were perceived as arrogant, and claimed that his words were wrongly reported by the press.

"Then my Twitter was blowing up and I was thinking what's going on here? A [journalist] at Derby that writes for the Derby Telegraph put out a story saying 'Christie claims he's the best right back in the league', and I've not even said that," he added.

"The Derby fans started hammering me, and it was uncalled for. I left it for a few days but it still carried on."

Then, the response from Rams fans then became more vitriolic after a sarcastically-toned Twitter post by Christie took aim at his critics.

He revealed that the continuation of the messages from Derby fans made him temporarily deactivate his Twitter account.

However, after moving to Middlesbrough, Christie continued to receive a poor reception from Derby fans when the two sides met in the league.

"It [the tweet] got brought back up again and the Derby fans were booing me," the 27-year-old added.

Christie also discussed his former manager, Gary Rowett, and admitted that he struggled to adapt to his methods.

"Rowett's style of play wasn't really suiting mine. He said he wanted a full-back that's just going to sit, and I said I'm attacking, that's what I've built my career off," he said.

The Verdict

It was a sad state of affairs at the time for Christie, and it may have been a key factor in his decision to leave Pride Park.

However, in hindsight, he may also be thinking that the tweet he put out did not help his cause, and insinuated matters further.

Despite that, he is a Fulham player, and Derby County will not currently be in his thinking.




https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/it-was-uncalled-for-cyrus-christie-reveals-why-he-gets-booed-by-derby-fans/

Why Leeds United's season could be about to take off again

Why the mood at Elland Road is turning going into the final third of the season

Given that Leeds United have won just two of their last 12 games and only have a wafer-thin gap between them and third place, it's perhaps a strange time to be positive.

Four defeats from the last six, a crisis in front of goal, no clean sheets since before Christmas and the sheer anguish on Luke Ayling's face following the City Ground defeat don't exactly point to a side where everything's all rosy.

Yet the team evidently still believe in their ability to get the job done and go up to the Premier League.

"We come out every week and try and play well," said Phillips after the 1-1 draw at Brentford.

"You can look at it tonight and we're never a team that doubts ourselves, we're never a team that's short of confidence and the way we've played tonight we should have come away with a win and hopefully we can go on a good run from that."

How can he still be so confident? There are still reasons to be cheerful at Elland Road.

A timely reminder of Leeds United's quality

Brentford boss Thomas Frank evidently looked at Leeds United's recent results and smelled blood, bullishly claiming that they'd fear their trip to Griffin Park.

Given Leeds' recent woes contrasted with Brentford's form, in particular their front three of Said Benrahma,  and Bryan Mbuemo and Ollie Watkins, there was a logic in the Dane's big pre-match words. But he didn't quite get what he bargained for.

Their nickname of 'BMW' brought to mind one of the great footballing analogies of recent seasons, from then Swansea manager Carlos Carvalhal, back in January 2018.

"I said to my players that Liverpool were a top team, they are really strong, but they are a Formula 1 car," he said after his relegation-battling side pulled off one of the great rearguard displays of recent times, beating Jurgen Klopp's all-conquering Reds, a feat only Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City have managed in the two years since.

"If you put a Formula 1 car in London in traffic, the Formula 1 car will not run very fast."

Brentford's 'BMW' might not quite be the Formula 1 car of Liverpool, but they're a formidable test at this level. Watkins is the league's joint top-scorer with 20 goals, while the three of them have 40 combined in the league.

While Carvalhal's Swansea denied Liverpool space, playing compact and getting bodies deep behind the ball, Marcelo Bielsa's Leeds went with a polar opposite but equally effective strategy, starving Brentford of the ball, pressing bravely and aggressively in midfield. Their midfielders were robbed of time and space to create opportunities for their forwards.

If Liverpool were stuck in traffic, Brentford were robbed of their car keys. If Swansea were Jose Mourinho's Inter Milan, Leeds are like Pep Guardiola's Barcelona.

Admittedly, Benrahma did breach United's defence, a gift of a goal after Kiko Casilla's inconceivable error. But otherwise the trio were totally nullified as Brentford themselves created next to nothing.

The simple finish was their only shot on target from the front three, and one of only two efforts on goal from the Bees all game, the other a tame and speculative early effort from Josh Dasilva that was ably gathered by Casilla.

Only Leeds register more shots per game than Brentford, and only Leeds and Fulham average more possession, but Bielsa's side went to their patch and utterly dominated, registering two-thirds of possession, nearly twice as many shots and three times as many on target. The visitors set the tempo, with the ball in Brentford's half for the majority of the game - Leeds completed 97 final third passes, more than double what the hosts managed (42).

The return of Kalvin Phillips

Leeds managed to perform like this against Brentford thanks to the influence of the returning Phillips in midfield.

The 24-year-old academy graduate underlined why he's being talked up for England's 2020 squad and £40m moves to the Premier League with a supreme individual display; he had the highest passing accuracy, played the most successful passes and made the most ball recoveries of any player on the pitch.

At his best, he offers protection to the defence out of possession and can distribute the ball brilliantly, allowing Leeds to get forward and go on the front foot. Undoubtedly one of the best players in the league, he can be one of the true difference-makers at this level.

Not only was he individually exceptional, but his presence allows the others around him to play at their very best, too, with Ben White, Liam Cooper, Luke Ayling and Mateusz Klich all looking good around him in their natural positions, with none having to step up or drop deeper.

If Leeds can play like this away to one of the league's best and most in-form teams, there's really very little to worry about against the lesser sides. It was a performance that reminded us that this is the same group of players that raced 11 points clear in December with seven straight wins, and there's no good reason why they shouldn't be able to do that again.

Solutions at hand

Admittedly, Leeds still didn't get the win and could only draw 1-1 against Brentford, and sceptics will worry about the same major issues that stopped Leeds getting all three points yet again: a goalkeeper error from Kiko Casilla at one end and profligacy with converting chances at the other. Those two deficiencies don't have to be terminal, and they can be fixed in one of two ways.

One way is that Casilla and Patrick Bamford regain confidence and rediscover the kind of form that fired Leeds to the top spot before Christmas, the former statistically the best goalkeeper in the league during the first half of the season and the latter scoring six goals in eight games during, a personal run of form

Alternatively, they're eminently fixable personnel problems. Casilla may have already made one mistake too many at Brentford, with Bielsa repeating the same action he decided on when Bailey Peacock-Farrell went through a similar wobble, while Bamford now has Jean-Kevin Augustin breathing down his neck.

In goal, Illan Meslier has put in a series of impressive performances for the Under-23s and certainly didn't look like he felt any pressure in his senior debut away to Arsenal, spreading the ball out to the flanks like a seasoned pro.

Up front, Bielsa has stressed it will take time for Augustin to get up to speed to his demanding methods. But having been introduced off the bench twice as Leeds chased a goal over the past week, that point may not be so far away. And the coach himself reminded us this is a £30m player with top-level European pedigree.

Favourable fixtures

The fixture list is another reason to be hopeful. While the rest of the promotion-chasers still have to slug it out with one another, Leeds have now been away to every side in the top seven.

Fulham, at home next month, are the only current top six side that Leeds have to play again. There's also nine of the 12 bottom-half sides to come again.

Some might look to the 1-0 defeat to Wigan as proof that such games on paper mean little, but that's the exception that proves the rule. Of teams in the top seven, Leeds have the best record against the bottom-half sides, averaging 2.27 points per game so far.

A squad in good shape

Adam Forshaw looked a brilliant and vitally important player in the early weeks of the season, and it's a blow to lose him for the remainder of the campaign.

But Leeds have coped without him for the past five months, winning seven games on the bounce between November and December without him featuring for a minute.

Elsewhere, Tyler Roberts and Barry Douglas have suffered with recurring injuries and knocks, but there's no suggestion that either will be unavailable beyond the short-term.

But that's it in terms of injuries, with pretty much every first-team regular currently fit and available. That's a far cry from this time last year, with a busy treatment room and Bielsa left scratching his head with regards to options. It's a thin squad, but there's currently depth in almost every position.

The Championship is what it is

Finally, a look at bigger picture also brings about optimism.

The Championship is one of the most competitive leagues in the world - and this has helped Leeds' cause no end in recent weeks. Under any normal logic, the bleak six-week run that Bielsa's side have been on would have been enough to more or less kill off any automatic promotion hopes, but the English second tier is a strange beast.

Time and time again, Leeds' promotion rivals have spurned chances to take advantage of recent slip-ups from the Whites, with Nottingham Forest and Fulham the perfect example this week.

Had Forest followed their victory over Leeds with a home win over struggling Charlton, they would now be sitting above Bielsa's side in the table, as would Fulham if they had not let an early lead slip at Millwall.

At various time this year Fulham, Brentford, Forest, Preston and Bristol City have all been the form teams that have got Whites fans worried, but they have continually shot themselves in the foot. That, quite simply, is how the Championship appears to function this season.




https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/leeds-united-season-promotion-rivals-17737993

3 things Scott Parker will take from Fulham's draw v Millwall

Fulham drew 1-1 with Millwall in the Championship last night.

After a 1-0 win at Ewood Park at the weekend, Fulham headed back down to the capital full of confidence.

They faced a Millwall side who've hit some abject form since the turn of the year, and Fulham looked as though they were in for a comfortable evening when Aleksandar Mitrovic fired them in-front after three-minutes.

The Serb hit his 21st Championship goal of the season but Fulham's lead was only short-lived – Jon Dadi Bodvarsson converted from close-range. The Millwall man appeared to be in an offside position but the goal stood, and Parker was left reeling at the 'clear as day' offside call.

A chaotic opening was capped when Millwall were awarded a penalty midway through the first-half. Joe Bryan had brought down Mahlon Romeo inside the penalty box and Jed Wallace looked set to net his 11th of the season, but he blazed it high over the bar.

Fulham missed the chance to move into 2nd-place of the Championship table last night, but it's not all doom and gloom – here are three things that Parker will take from last night's game:

Hard-fought point on the road

There's fewer places in the Championship that pose a tougher away day then The Den. The home of Millwall is famed for its cagey atmosphere and Fulham more than held their own last night.

The fact that Fulham fans are so frustrated with a point away at Millwall shows the progression that the team has made this season and expectations are rightfully high.

But Parker can be pleased with last night's result – conditions were tricky, and Wallace really should've done better with that penalty.

Key players rested

Parker managed to rest a couple of key players last night, including Kevin McDonald and Ivan Cavaleiro.

The pair were left on the bench with Cavaleiro making a late appearance, but Parker will be happy that he was able to rest them, especially McDonald who's played a lot of football since returning from injury.

It'll hold Fulham in good stead for the weekend, where they host Barnsley in a must-win game in the title race.

Mitrovic keeping form

Keeping this man through both the summer and winter transfer windows could prove to be the decisive factor in Fulham gaining promotion this season.

He's once again proving to be one of the continent's most prolific strikers and he grabbed another poacher's goal last night. It's good to have your striker scoring consistently at this stage of the season, and especially so at the upper-ends of the table.

Mitrovic will be pivotal in any success that Fulham have this year, but Parker may be concerned that the goals aren't coming from elsewhere.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/3-things-scott-parker-will-take-from-fulhams-draw-v-millwall/

'Unbelievable', 'A huge positive' – Plenty of Leeds United fans react as promotion rivals close-in

Fulham moved level on points with Leeds United in the Championship table, as they played out a 1-1 draw with Millwall at The Den.

The pressure on Marcelo Bielsa's side is seemingly growing, with Preston North End also picking up an important three points against Stoke City.

It means that only three points separate Leeds and seventh-placed Bristol City in the second-tier standings.

Leeds have only won once in their last eight games in all competitions, and supporters will be keen to see their side get back to winning ways when they return to action against Bristol City on Saturday.

The Whites will be hoping to keep destiny in their own hands, but after this recent slump in form, that could soon be out of their hands, with Fulham leading the promotion-chasing pack in closing down Leeds.

Plenty of the Elland Road faithful took to social media to issue their thoughts on Wednesday's action.




https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/unbelievable-a-huge-positive-plenty-of-leeds-united-fans-react-as-promotion-rivals-close-in/

"I honestly don't understand" – Scott Parker unclear on why Millwall's goal was not disallowed

Speaking to the club's official website, Fulham boss Scott Parker has questioned why Millwall's equalising goal was not ruled out for offside, as his side drew 1-1 with the Lions on Wednesday night.

Fulham missed out on the chance to move into the top two on Wednesday night after being held to a 1-1 draw by Gary Rowett's Millwall.

The Cottagers got off to the perfect start at The Den, with star striker Aleksandar Mitrovic putting Fulham 1-0 up after just three minutes, finding the back of the net after a tidy cross from left-back Joe Bryan.

However, Millwall were level just four minutes later. Jon Dadi Bodvarsson poked home from close range after a knock-on from strike partner Tom Bradshaw from what looked like a clear offside position.

Millwall should have gone ahead from the spot but Jed Wallace fired his effort from 12 yards at the bar, while Fulham also had the chance to win it, with Neeksens Kebano's late effort hitting the crossbar.

After the game, Fulham boss Scott Parker spoke to the club's official website, questioning the decision to allow Bodvarsson's goal. He said:

"I've just seen it back and I honestly don't understand. It's obvious, it was clear as day. There's two players offside. Who it comes off, maybe that's in question, but it's such a big call in that moment. Science tells you that Millwall are shooting that way and the ball goes towards the goal.

"One thing we can categorically say is that there's two players offside at that moment. I probably would sit here and say that, but I think anyone would."



https://the72.co.uk/157076/i-honestly-dont-understand-scott-parker-unclear-on-why-millwalls-goal-was-not-disallowed/

Disability Matchday March

Fulham FC Foundation is organising its first ever Disability Matchday March on 29th February, ahead of FFC versus Preston North End.

Departing from and arriving back at Craven Cottage, the march will raise funds for the Foundation's disability provision, a cause that FFC supporters have long supported. Participants and their families will complete a four mile loop before being honoured as special guests at the FFC fixture.

Fans are encouraged to show their support by donating via justgiving.com/campaign/disabilitymatchdaymarch, and offering words of encouragement along the way!



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/february/13/disability-matchday-march

3 tackles: This Fulham man put in a well-rounded performance v Millwall last night


Fulham drew 1-1 with Millwall in the Championship last night.

A frustrating night for Fulham at The Den. They headed back down into the capital after picking up a fine win at Ewood Park last weekend, and looked set for another win on the road last night when Aleksandar Mitrovic fired them ahead after three minutes.

But Jon Dadi Bodvarsson had Millwall back on level terms just minutes later, when a loose corner fell to him at the near post. Scott Parker though was left reeling at the decision to allow the goal to stand, with Bodvarsson appearing to be in an offside position.

Nevertheless, Fulham missed the chance to go up to 2nd-place in the Championship table last night, but this weekend welcome Barnsley in what is a must-win game for the Cottagers.

Many for Fulham under-performed at The Den, but Josh Onomah put in another shift in what were challenging conditions:


The 22-year-old has become one of the first names on the team-sheet in this second half of the season. He joined from Spurs in the summer as part of the deal that saw Ryan Sessegnon go the other way, and began the season as a bit-part player.

But last night he held his own in the midfield – he won three aerial duels, three tackles and made one interception. Onomah is an attacking midfielder by trade but playing in a midfield-three for Fulham, he's had to better the defensive side of his game and that progression showed last night.

His one criticism is finishing – he had four shots last night but failed to find what would've been his second goal for the club. He needs to add a bit more composure to his game and if he can start to chip in with some goals, he'll be a really complete midfield player.

Fulham remain 3rd-place in the Championship table after last night, level on points with Leeds but going six-points behind West Brom after their 2-1 win at Reading.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/3-tackles-this-fulham-man-put-in-a-well-rounded-performance-v-millwall-last-night/

Tube Closures

Fans are advised that there will be no District Line service to Putney Bridge or Hammersmith on Saturday.

The whole weekend there will be no service between Acton Town / Richmond / Wimbledon / Kensington (Olympia) and South Kensington / Edgware Road.

The Piccadilly Line will also not be running to Hammersmith.

Fans can either take the Circle or Hammersmith & City Line to Hammersmith, or get a train to Putney.

Please plan your journey accordingly.




http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/february/13/tube-closures

"Mitrovic won't stick around for another season in the Championship" according to Fulham legend

Former Fulham midfield Robert Wilson thinks The Cottagers can't afford another season out of the top flight if they want to keep hold of their star players.

Fulham currently sit 3rd in the Championship six points off of West Brom who occupy top spot.

Scott Parker's side missed out on the chance to break into the top two last night after they were held to a 1-1 draw at Millwall. Aleksandar Mitrovic scored his 21st goal of the season to give the visitors the lead before Millwall equalised just four minutes later.

Mitrovic has been a shining light for the West London outfit this season- the Serbian striker is now top of the division's scoring charts.

However, ex-Fulham midfielder Rob Wilson revealed he thinks that promotion is essential for his former side this campaign if they are to keep hold of stars like Mitrovic.

Speaking to Posh Boys on Drive, Wilson said: "He [Mitrovic] isn't going to stick around for ANOTHER season in the Championship, we all said at the beginning of the season we had the best squad on paper.

"With the likes of Knockaert and Cavaleiro, they've both flittered in and out, both have had great games and both have had average games. Mitrovic has been a revelation, as he has been the last two seasons.

"The signing of Hector has really been the difference since the turn of the year when he was allowed to play for us, we have had four out of five clean sheets since he's been there. He looks like an absolute quality player and will be key for us.

"The likes of Knockaert, Mitrovic and Cavaleiro, if we don't get promotion this year there will be other clubs sniffing around."



https://www.lovesportradio.com/news/love-sport-exclusives/mitrovic-wont-stick-around-for-another-season-in-the-championship-according-to-fulham-legend/

'The difference between Fulham and Leeds' – Plenty of fans have their say after Millwall stalemate

Fulham drew 1-1 with Millwall in the Championship last night.

Arriving at The Den on the back of a 1-0 win away at Ewood Park, Fulham looked to be in for a second away win in less than a week when Aleksandar Mitrovic scored his 21st Championship goal of the season inside three-minutes.

Jon Dadi Bodvarsson scored the equaliser moments later, and Millwall later missed the chance to take the lead when Jed Wallace blazed his spot-kick high over the bar.

But it was Mitrovic who had fans talking on Twitter after the game – the Serb now has 32 goals for club and country this season and shows no signs of slowing down as Fulham eye an automatic promotion spot.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/the-difference-between-fulham-and-leeds-plenty-of-fans-have-their-say-after-millwall-stalemate/

Talking Points: Millwall

There was plenty to talk about after Fulham's incident-laden trip to Millwall on Wednesday night.

1. How may I assist you?

Joe Bryan took his assist tally for the season to eight, with six of those setting up Aleksandar Mitrović goals. His inviting deliveries have been gobbled up by Mitrović with such regularity this season that no other players in the Championship have such a prolific assist to goal partnership.

2. Offside woe

Millwall took control of proceedings after their equaliser, but we'll never know how things would have unfolded if it had been ruled out. Scott Parker, like the majority of those watching, could not believe it was allowed to stand, with Jon Dadi Bodvarsson the more offside of two players who were beyond Fulham's last man.

3. Tough terrain

Fulham did their best to not let the awful pitch affect their game, but there were a few more long balls than we're used to seeing, as the boys tried to adapt to the conditions they found themselves in. The grass was completely churned up, but Scott Parker's side stood up to the challenge.


4. Déjà vu for Neeskens

Neeskens Kebano almost turned a result in Fulham's favour when he came off the bench and headed against the crossbar at home to Bristol City, and it was the same again at Millwall. He'd only just come on when he glanced Ivan Cavaleiro's corner goalwards, but agonisingly saw it come back off the woodwork.

5. Another prosperous visit

Wednesday's 1-1 draw means Fulham are now unbeaten in seven trips to Millwall, with our last defeat there coming in April 1982.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/february/13/talking-points-millwall

Barnsley Sold Out

Tickets for Fulham's fixture at Craven Cottage this Saturday against Barnsley are now SOLD OUT. Thank you for your fantastic support!

Fulham FC Ticket Exchange

Season Ticket Holders unable to attend this weekend's match can take advantage of the Fulham FC Ticket Exchange to list their seat for resale online - ensuring their seat doesn't remain empty for the game.

More information around the Ticket Exchange can be found here, and further seats may become available as and when Season Ticket Holders list their seats before 3pm on Friday 14th February. Any unsold seats after this time will return to Season Ticket Holders.

Limited Matchday Hospitality Available

A limited number of Matchday Hospitality packages remain and are available to purchase.

The only way to watch the action unfold at Craven Cottage this weekend, Matchday Hospitality packages start from £250 (+VAT).

For more information or to book your package, buy online, call our Hospitality team on 020 8336 7555 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5.30pm), or simply email [email protected].




http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/february/13/barnsley-sold-out

Christie hits out at social media companies over support against racist abuse

Fulham defender Cyrus Christie has no faith in the "useless" support offered by social media companies over racist abuse – revealing someone had started a online poll to have him lynched following an own goal for the Republic of Ireland.

Home Secretary Priti Patel has said new internet regulator Ofcom "will have teeth" to ensure social media companies follow its new duty of care rules.

Christie has little confidence in the current system aimed at dealing with online trolls.

In August last year, the Fulham defender alleged his sister was hit and racially abused by a fan during their Sky Bet Championship match at Barnsley on the opening day of the new season.

Speaking to the Counter Attack Podcast, Christie recalled historical abuse he received on Twitter after scoring an own goal during the 5-1 play-off defeat by Denmark in Dublin, which ended Ireland's hopes of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup.

The 27-year-old believes people would be shocked if he detailed the specifics of all the abuse he receives – and highlighted the failure of social media giants to combat it.

"Twitter had got this whole thing about freedom of speech, but they need to kind of change some of their stuff on there because it is not good," said Christie, who revealed he turns notifications off and blocks abusers to try to avoid a constant stream of abuse.

"They (trolls) think they can get away with, they hide behind profiles.

"I have had so many cases on there, the racism and stuff, it is just mad, but when you speak to them, they are like 'oh well'."

Christie continued: "The club (Fulham) have a contact at Twitter and Facebook, so they speak to them and the police will have a connecting role.

"They are useless – they don't do anything. I've had so many things, but nothing gets done.

"I can understand why people don't pursue things, because you know that nothing is going to happen."

The Fulham defender recalled the incident after the Republic of Ireland match during November 2017 and the vile social media abuse which followed.

"It was clear as daylight, some of the stuff," Christie said. "I had one guy send me four black people hanging from a tree, and with 'you're next' – saying they are going to kill me. And there's a picture and names there, but...

"If I was to put out everything I got, people would be surprised. You say the odd thing now and again – I'll bring up the odd one – and people are like, 'rise above it'' and 'why are you giving them airtime?'.

"I am trying to put it out there to show that this is what goes on.

"I had a thing with 15 posts on Instagram and five comments minimum were racist – 15 posts straight, and I am posting once a week on average so that is a couple of months.

"You can just understand why players just don't bother. They (social media companies) don't understand as well because they are not in that position.

"I had the whole thing (after the Denmark game) with a guy who done a petition to have me lynched. His name was there as well and they did nothing about it.

"I sat there for two hours trying to explain to them and they were like 'we don't understand how this could happen, I don't think people aren't that racist'."

Twitter has been contacted for comment by the PA news agency.



https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/christie-hits-out-social-media-companies-over-support-against-racist-abuse

Games for the Weekend 15/02
This Saturday we invite Barnsley to the Cottage
Well the mid-week game didn't go quite as planned, at least we didn't loose and Mitro scored his 21st, so not all bad?

I worry that not taking the chance to gain the automatic promotion place will come back to haunt us, it's so close at the top of the league and it would have been boost for us and a dent to Leeds' confidence slipping out of the top two, still there's always the next game!

"in theory" we should be comfortable this game however, thats what I thought the first game of the season when Barnsley scored their only win over us, we've won the 4 other games against them.

COYWs

Games of Interest...
Saturday 15th
West Brom v Nottm Forest
Charlton v Blackburn
Fulham v Barnsley
Leeds v Bristol City
Preston NE v Millwall
QPR v Stoke

---

come on over to the forum and join in the discussion...
https://www.friendsoffulham.com/forum/index.php?board=1.0



https://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=1086

Ex-Fulham favourite Paul Konchesky opens up about his 2010 move to Liverpool


Paul Konchesky played 122 times for Fulham before joining Liverpool in 2010.

The now 38-year-old is a memorable name of the Premier League era, having represented the likes of Charlton, Spurs, West Ham, Fulham, Liverpool and QPR amongst others, and with two England caps to his name as well.

It surprised many when Liverpool appointed Roy Hodgson as manager in the summer of 2010 and it surprised even more when he raided his former club Fulham for Konchesky.

The left-back was a solid player at Premier League level but Liverpool fans weren't too impressed with the signing, and he joined Leicester City the following season having made 18 appearances for the Reds.

Speaking on TalkSport earlier today about his Anfield move, Konchesky said:

"I loved my time at Fulham. I could've said no and stayed but when a club comes calling, as in Liverpool, it was hard for me to say no.

"I knew the manager from Fulham, he went in the summer and I knew it could be on the cards when I spoke to him. When it did eventually happen it was a dream come true."

Konchesky was part of the infamous Fulham side that reached the final of the 2010 Europa League. He was loved by fans and remains so, and it was hard for many of those Fulham fans to see how Liverpool fans treated him.

The verdict

Any of those involved with that season at Fulham will be forever held in folklore and Konchesky in no different. Big club moves can often be the making or breaking of footballers and it certainly topped what was a good career as a footballer for the Barking-born Konchesky.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/ex-fulham-favourite-paul-konchesky-opens-up-about-his-2010-move-to-liverpool/

17 free agents still available to sign for Leeds United, Fulham, West Brom and their Championship rivals

Leeds proved to be busy in the January transfer market, getting three new faces through the door at Elland Road

As we approached the closing stages of the January transfer window last week, Leeds United head coach Marcelo Bielsa issued a stern warning, insisting that the loan signing of Jean-Kevin Augustin would be the Whites' final move in the window.

He was not lying.

After bringing Augustin in from RB Leipzig last Monday - four days before the window closed for business - there was still talk of Bielsa strengthening his squad further before the bell, but Bielsa stuck to his word. His business was done.

But even though the transfer window has now closed for business, meaning clubs can no longer sign players on permanent basis' for transfer fees or on loan, clubs are still allowed to add free agents to their ranks, should they feel it necessary or spot someone who could be the ideal replacement for an injured player.

Players are eligible to be signed as long as they left their previous clubs before last Friday's transfer deadline.

Here are a host of players that are currently without a club and are available for Championship teams to snap up on a free-transfer.

Younousse Sankhare - Age: 30 - Position: Left wing - Released by: Bourdeaux (November 2019)

Ki Sung-Yueng - Age: 31 - Position: Centre-midfield - Released by: Newcastle United (January 2020)

Tom Carroll - Age: 27 - Position: Centre-midfield - Released by: Swansea City (January 2020)

Nemanja Nikolic - Age: 32 - Position: Striker - Released by: Chicago Fire (October 2019)

Vladimir Weiss - Age: 30 - Position: Winger - Released by: Al-Gharafa (December 2019)

Ivan Strinic - Age: 32 - Position: Left-back - Released by: AC Milan (August 2019)

Martin Olsson - Age: 31 - Position: Left-back - Released by: Swansea City (May 2019)

Ignazio Abate - Age: 33 - Position: Right-back - Released by: AC Milan (May 2019)

Cheik N'Doye - Age: 33 - Position: Midfielder - Released by: Birmingham City (May 2019)

Romain Alessandrini - Age: 30 - Position: Winger - Released by: LA Galaxy (January 2020)

Ross McCormack - Age: 33 - Position: Striker - Released by: Aston Villa (May 2019)

Vurnon Anita - Age: 30 - Position: Full-back - Released by: Leeds United (May 2019)

Diafra Sakho - Age: 30 - Position: Striker - Released by: Rennes (January 2020)

Ondrej Mazuch - Age: 30 - Position: Centre-back - Released by : Hull City (May 2019)

Sebastian Prodl - Age: 32 - Position: Centre-back - Released by: Watford (January 2020)

Yohan Croizet - Age: 27 - Position: Attacking midfield - Released by: Sporting Kansas City (September 2019)

Diogo Amado - Age: 30 - Position: Centre-midfield - Released by: Al-Gharafa (November 2019)

Benoit Poulain - Age: 32 - Position: Centre-back - Released by: Kayserispor (January 2020)

Ross Wallace - Age: 34 - Position: Right wing - Released by: Fleetwood Town (September 2019)

Giuseppe Rossi - Age: 33 - Position: Striker - Released by: Genoa (July 2018)

Jordon Mutch - Age: 28 - Position: Midfielder - Released by: Gyeongnam (July 2019)

Alan Hutton - Age: 35 - Position: Right-back - Released by: Aston Villa (July 2019)



https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/free-agents-transfers-leeds-united-17685606

Team News

Scott Parker revealed on Thursday the upsetting news that Terence Kongolo will not play again this season.


The on-loan defender picked up an injury moments after coming off the bench at Blackburn Rovers last week, something he will not recover from in time to feature again in 2019/20.

"Obviously we're absolutely devastated for Terence," Parker told FFCtv. "He's come in, a player which we liked and one we thought could bring something to the squad and to the team.

"I think I've said on numerous occasions that he probably gives us a different attribute to what we have in defence.

"It's just such a shame for him that in his second game he comes on and in his first action he damages his foot.

"He's going to be out for the remainder of the season, and he'll be missed. It's gutting."

That was the only real update on the medical front, although Parker is optimistic Anthony Knockaert could be back in contention for our meeting with Barnsley at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

"Harrison Reed is still in the treatment room at this present moment in time," he said. "Anthony Knockaert, who fell ill the day before the game against Millwall, I'm hoping will recover and be around it for the weekend. Everything else, is what it is."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/february/13/team-news

Player to be sent back to Fulham in summer – Club looking for replacement already

Sabah claim Galatasaray are interested in signing Sivasspor midfielder Mert Hakan Yandas as they look to replace Jean Michael Seri in the next transfer window.

The Turkish side loaned Seri from Fulham last summer, but the Ivorian midfielder hasn't impressed during his time in Istanbul.

There were reports in the Turkish press that Gala were considering parting ways with the 28 year old during the last window, but he remained with the Super Lig club and is currently playing regular first-team football.

Seri was linked with a move to Lyon last month, yet ended up staying with the Turkish champions.

However, Sabah report they will definitely part ways with the Fulham owned player at the end of the season and could replace him with Yandas.

This season the former Nice midfielder has made 24 appearances in all competitions and scored one goal.

His contract with Fulham will expire at the end of June 2022, and it seems his future at Craven Cottage is uncertain.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/club-part-ways-fulham-player-summer-replacement-mind/

Steve McClaren reveals Aleksandar Mitrovic / Joelinton theory – & it makes a lot of sense..

Steve McClaren believes Aleksandar Mitrovic and Joelinton suffered from the same problem at NUFC – feeling both were expected to do too much too soon after signing at St James' Park as inexperienced strikers.

Interestingly, the ex-NUFC boss also claims the Serbian was signed from Anderlecht back in 2015 to be our 'number two' – suggesting the club initially planned for him to learn from Papiss Cisse before he'd become a regular in McClaren's starting 11.

That said, injury issues meant he soon became the club's first choice striker – something Steve clearly felt was wrong given he was as an 'immature' 20-year-old at the time.

A few years on, McClaren believes we are having the same issue with Joelinton, feeling the Brazilian is struggling to cope with the pressure that comes with that 'big, big' number 9 shirt.

Here's what he's had to say about ex-Mag Mitrovic and current £40m forward Joelinton during an appearance on Sky Sports News yesterday:

    "We signed him and he was a young player and we wanted him as the number two. Unfortunately, we got injuries and we had to put him as the number one. He was immature and wasn't ready for that. Hot-headed at the time. He got sent off. Discipline. He got frustrated and got down. And it's a different level.

    "It's 52,000, you have to handle the pressure, and he was too young to do that. He went out on loan, I thought he would score goals, which he did. He came back and I thought he would carry on scoring goals. And, unfortunately, it wasn't for him and he moved on.

    "Newcastle have done the same with Joelinton at this present moment. Another young player who is finding it difficult to establish himself at Newcastle. And maybe, that number nine at Newcastle is a big, big shirt to fill. Mitrovic, Joelinton, for young players it's difficult. Mitrovic suffered [at Newcastle] and has done tremendously well in the Championship."

I rarely agree with Steve McClaren, but he's spot on here.

Mitrovic needed time and a senior figure to learn from, and Joelinton is exactly the same.

I always said that Joelinton's arrival should've been followed by Rondon's. The Venezuelan is believed to have priced himself out of a move in the end, however the Brazilian desperately needs an experienced player to not only learn from but take the pressure off his shoulders when he's struggling for form.

Both are talented young strikers – and the Serbian is scoring goals for fun at Fulham – yet we're running the risk of ruining Joelinton's confidence and hanging him out to dry if he's not protected, making our decision to not sign another striker last month all the more baffling when Carroll and Gayle can't stay fit.



http://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2020/02/13/steve-mcclaren-reveals-aleksandar-mitrovic-joelinton-theory-it-makes-a-lot-of-sense/

Terence Kongolo: Fulham confirm Huddersfield loanee defender out for season


Fulham have confirmed that on-loan Huddersfield Town defender Terence Kongolo will miss the remainder of the season with a foot injury.

Kongolo, 25, has made 13 appearances in all competitions so far this term, but picked up a knock against Blackburn earlier this month.

"He'll be missed, it's gutting," Fulham manager Scott Parker said.

Kongolo moved to Craven Cottage on a season-long loan in August but is under contract at Huddersfield until 2022.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51488758

Half Term Cottage Tours

Experience the rich history of London's original football club this February Half-Term with Craven Cottage Tours.

The tour, which commences by the Johnny Haynes Statue on Stevenage Road, takes you to all the key locations around the ground including the home and away dressing rooms, the press room, our new fan-inspired bar, The Flag – showcasing memorable moments from Fulham's past - as well as the historic Cottage itself!

For a full list of Craven Cottage Tour dates and times, please click here.

Upcoming Stadium Tour dates:

Wednesday 12th February - 2pm
Wednesday 19th February - 11am & 2pm
Thursday 20th February - 2pm
Friday 21st February - 11am & 2pm
Saturday 22nd February - 11am
Sunday 23rd February - 11am

Adults can secure their spot on the tour for £15, with juniors priced at £12 and under 5's free of charge. You can also take advantage of a special Family Package, with 2 adults and 2 kids just £45.

Fans can book their space online, by emailing [email protected] or by calling 0203 841 9053.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/february/13/half-term-cottage-tours

Gerhard Struber confirms Barnsley trio will miss Fulham trip

Barnsley manager Gerhard Struber has revealed that defender Mads Andersen will be rested for his side's trip to Craven Cottage to face Fulham on Saturday afternoon, while midfielder Marcel Ritzmaier and goalkeeper Sami Radlinger will miss out once more through injury.

Andersen, who has made 29 league appearances for Barnsley this season, has come in for some criticism recently, following a string of costly errors that haven't helped his side as they battle to stay in the Championship this season.

That is something that appears to have been noticed by Struber, with the Austrian confirming in his pre-match press conference –  via BBC Sheffield reporter Andy Giddings – ahead of that clash with Scott Parker's promotion-chasers that Andersen will not feature at the weekend in order to give him a break.

As well as Andersen, Struber revealed his side will also yet again be without Radlinger and Ritzmaier due to injury when they take to the field at Craven Cottage.

Radlinger has missed the Tykes' last two games due to a muscle problem, while January signing Ritzmaier has not featured in any of his club's last four games due to a knee injury, and both will once again be absent on Saturday.

Barnsley go into that match with Fulham bottom of the Championship table, nine points adrift of safety having not won any of their last six games in all competitions.

The Verdict

This seems like it will have been a difficult call for Struber to make with regards to Andersen.

Usually, with the Dane struggling for form and confidence right now, it would look like a smart decision to take him out of the limelight for the time being, to prevent some of the risk of any more costly errors taking place.

However, the Tykes are rather short of numbers at the back at the minute, so it is hard to know who Struber will be able to turn to to replace Andersen, potentially leaving them vulnerable at the back anyway.

The continued absence of Ritzmaier and Radlinger will also be frustrating, as the Tykes will surely want a fully fit squad as soon as possible, in order to give them the best possible chance of survival.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/gerhard-struber-confirms-barnsley-trio-will-miss-fulham-trip/

 Cyrus Christie: Social media companies' response to racist abuse 'useless'
Twitter tell Sky Sports News: "We take decisive and swift action on accounts that break our rules. Throughout this football season in the UK, we have suspended 200 accounts and taken action on nearly 4,000 examples of abuse and hateful content."

(https://e2.365dm.com/19/08/768x432/skysports-fulham-championship_4735709.jpg?20190803202601)
Cyrus Christie believes social media companies do not adequately deal with online racism

Fulham defender Cyrus Christie has described the support offered to him by social media companies as "useless" after revealing someone started an online poll to have him lynched following an own goal for the Republic of Ireland.

In August last year, the Fulham defender alleged his sister was hit and racially abused by a fan during their Sky Bet Championship match at Barnsley on the opening day of the new season.

And speaking to the Counter Attack Podcast, Christie recalled historical abuse he received on Twitter after scoring an own goal during the 5-1 play-off defeat by Denmark in Dublin, which ended Ireland's hopes of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup.

(https://e2.365dm.com/19/08/768x432/skysports-fulham-cyrus-christie_4737199.jpg?20190805180207)
Christie has played 56 games for Fulham since moving from Middlesbrough in 2018

The 27-year-old believes people would be shocked if he detailed the specifics of all the abuse he receives - and highlighted the failure of social media giants to combat it.

"Twitter had got this whole thing about freedom of speech, but they need to kind of change some of their stuff on there because it is not good," said Christie, who revealed he turns notifications off and blocks abusers to try to avoid a constant stream of abuse.

"They (trolls) think they can get away with, they hide behind profiles. I have had so many cases on there, the racism and stuff, it is just mad, but when you speak to them, they are like 'oh well'."

Christie continued: "The club (Fulham) have a contact at Twitter and Facebook, so they speak to them and the police will have a connecting role.

"They are useless - they don't do anything. I've had so many things, but nothing gets done. I can understand why people don't pursue things, because you know that nothing is going to happen."

(https://e2.365dm.com/17/10/768x432/skysports-qfy0krip-400x400_4124805.jpg?20171010151441)
Twitter insists abusive and hateful content has no place on its service

A Twitter spokesperson told Sky Sports News the organisation has already taken action against thousands of accounts that have breached its user policy this during the course of this season.

"We have clear abusive behaviour and hateful conduct policies in place and we take enforcement of these policies very seriously," Twitter said in a statement.

"We take decisive and swift action on accounts that break our rules. Throughout this football season in the UK, we have suspended 200 accounts and taken action on nearly 4,000 examples of abuse and hateful content.

"We are continuing to proactively engage and collaborate with our valued partners in football to identify ways to tackle this issue collectively.

"We want to reiterate that abusive and hateful conduct has no place on our service and will continue to take swift action on the minority that try to undermine the conversation for the majority."

Christie recalled the incident after the Republic of Ireland's match against Denmark and the vile social media abuse which followed.

"It was clear as daylight, some of the stuff," Christie said. "I had one guy send me four black people hanging from a tree, and with 'you're next' - saying they are going to kill me. And there's a picture and names there, but...

"If I was to put out everything I got, people would be surprised. You say the odd thing now and again - I'll bring up the odd one - and people are like, 'rise above it" and 'why are you giving them airtime?'.

"I am trying to put it out there to show that this is what goes on.

(https://e2.365dm.com/17/11/768x432/skysports-football-cyrus-christie-republic-of-ireland_4161597.jpg?2017112018595)
Christie made his international debut back in 2014

"I had a thing with 15 posts on Instagram and five comments minimum were racist - 15 posts straight, and I am posting once a week on average so that is a couple of months.

"You can just understand why players just don't bother. They (social media companies) don't understand as well because they are not in that position.

"I had the whole thing (after the Denmark game) with a guy who done a petition to have me lynched. His name was there as well and they did nothing about it.

"I sat there for two hours trying to explain to them and they were like 'we don't understand how this could happen, I don't think people aren't that racist'."



https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/11933188/cyrus-christie-social-media-companies-response-to-racist-abuse-useless

Stefan Johansen thinks Steven Gerrard 'great' at Rangers, gives Celtic title verdict

Steven Gerrard's Glasgow Rangers are 10 points behind Celtic.

Fulham central midfielder Stefan Johansen said on talkSPORT (10:35am, February 13, 2020) that Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has done a great job, but he has backed Celtic to win the Scottish Premiership title this season.

Rangers are as many as 10 points behind leaders and bitter Old Firm rivals Celtic, who have played a game more than the Gers.

The Hoops have won the league title in Scotland for the past eight seasons, and it looks like they will make it nine in a row this campaign.

Fulham central midfielder Johansen, who was on the books of Celtic from 2014 until 2016, believes that Gerrard has done a good job at Rangers, but he believes that his former club Celtic will clinch the title again this season.

Johansen said on talkSPORT (10:35am, February 13, 2020): "It's never over till it's over, but Celtic's quality, I think they are too good to slip now. I think it's going to be another trophy."

Johansen added: "I think Steven Gerrard has done a great job, but Celtic, over the last years, even before I was there as well, they keep working in the right direction and it's just a winning club.

"They are used to winning trophies, and I think it's going to be hard for Rangers to catch up with them again this year."

Title Celtic's to lose?

Even if Rangers win their game in hand, they will be seven points behind Celtic.

It is hard to see the Hoops drop too many points between now and the end of the season.

For Rangers to win the league this season, they have to win the Old Firm derbies against Celtic and cannot slip up against the other teams.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2020/02/13/stefan-johansen-thinks-steven-gerrard-great-at-rangers-gives-cel/

Are Fulham Good Enough For Another Stint In The Premier League?

The English Premier League is one of the toughest in the world.

Apart from the usual top six sides that do not need mentioning, any other sides that replace any of these elite teams usually do so due to a bad season by one of these clubs. The remaining fourteen teams spend the majority of each season battling away to reach the 40-point target that normally ensures they remain in the top flight.

My prediction at the start of the season for the bottom six were:

15th Watford
16th Newcastle
17th Aston Villa
18th Brighton
19th Norwich
20th Sheff Utd

The biggest shock has been the excellent Sheff Utd, with Chris Wilder as boss. He should be named Manager of the Season. He has shown that you don't have to spend the most on buying players, it is more on how you organise your team and the commitment and work-rate of your squad. With 12 games left, his team are currently sitting in 5th position, above Spurs, Man Utd and Arsenal. They have already reached 39 points, and even if disaster struck now, they should keep their place in the Premier League. Well done to you! If Chris can continue to motivate his players (he has obtained two promotions recently with Sheff Utd), there is little doubt that his team will keep their Premier League status.

Another manager that has been keeping a modest squad of players in the top division is Eddie Howe at Bournemouth. Yes, they are currently in 16th place, but I do believe Howe will get his battling team away from the relegation zone. This again is due to the organisation, team-work and commitment all his players show him every game.

The top six have the best players in the world to choose from, as well as the top managers. They can afford a luxury player or two that can go 90 minutes without doing diddly squat, then produce one moment of magic and score a winning goal. The rest of the teams cannot afford such a luxury. They need all eleven players pulling together and giving everything. Not all players are willing to give this level of effort. That is where most teams falter and find themselves in the relegation scrap.

Roy Hodgson (former Fulham manager who took them to a Europa League final) is one of the finest bosses at getting smaller clubs performing to the standards necessary to maintain EPL status. He has made Crystal Palace a formidable force in the top league, often getting points against many of the
top six.

So, back to Fulham and our current boss Scott Parker. We must remember Scotty is in his first full season as a manager and has played for some top sides. He has a good squad of players now at Fulham, which he didn't have when he took over a sinking ship last season in the Prem. He has brought out the best in some of our current squad. Rodak in goal and the recent excellent form of young Onomah have become apparent to all. With the inclusion of Hector as a centre back and the acquisition of Kongolo, the defence has at last, become stronger.

We now have a bigger and better squad of players that Scotty can rotate, which is necessary in the longer season in the Championship. The question is whether this selection of players could hack it back in the top-flight? Do many of them seem to have the full commitment and work attitude that Wilder can choose from?

If the answer is no, then you have to ask whether this would be the right season to be promoted?

Aston Villa stated that they would not replicate Fulham by over-spending in their return to the Premier League, but it is exactly what they have done. They stand one point above the bottom three, yet I think they made better signings than we did, and will just about have enough to avoid the drop.

I do believe that Scott Parker will make a good manager in the long run. Does he, however, have the strength of character needed to get his Fulham players giving 100% each and every game?

I have not seen it yet as a whole team. Individually we do have certain players that show this level. Goalkeepers excluded (as they always try their best), Harry Arter wears his heart on his sleeve. This is probably due to the fact that he played for Eddie Howe at Bournemouth. Denis Odoi always gives his best, and Knockaert is full of running. De Cordova Reid and Mitrovic are another two that are not lazy, and McDonald is reliable in midfield.

I am not saying the other players are not good enough. We have one of the most talented in the Championship in Tom Cairney, that on his day can be head and shoulders above anyone on the field. This is not evident in every game though. Hector has been excellent, and Cavaleiro can be unstoppable.

The major concern is how does Parker get them all to give 100% in each and every game?

Parker has been known to state that his players have not shown this level after some poor performances. Who is to blame? Is it Scott Parker as the manager, or should the players take the blame? Or maybe, we need to replace certain players with those who will give Fulham everything each time they step out onto the field of play?

Is Scott Parker the man to lead Fulham back into the Premier League and keep
us there?



https://fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/are-fulham-good-enough-for-another-stint-in-the-premier-league/

Kongolo out for the season

Fulham's promotion push has been dealt a huge blow with the news that defender Terence Kongolo will miss the rest of the season after picking up a foot injury in the win at Blackburn Rovers.

The Dutch international, who signed from Huddersfield on loan at the end of January, had only made two appearances for the Whites and was injured after coming off the bench at Ewood Park during Fulham's 1-0 win on Saturday.

Fulham boss Scott Parker didn't hide his disappointment:

    Obviously we're absolutely devastated for Terence. He's come in, a player which we liked and one we thought could bring something to the squad and to the team. I think I've said on numerous occasions that he probably gives us a different attribute to what we have in defence.

    It's just such a shame for him that in his second game he comes on and in his first action he damages his foot. He's going to be out for the remainder of the season, and he'll be missed. It's gutting.

Kongolo's injury means that Fulham are once again shorthanded in central defence at a crucial time in the season. Alfie Mawson is expected to be a long-term absentee after undergoing knee surgery, whilst Maxime Le Marchand is also sidelined by injury and that leaves Tim Ream, recent signing Michael Hector and Denis Odoi as Parker's only senior options at centre back.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2020/02/kongolo-out-for-the-season/

Fulham: Fans have their say on Harry Arter's latest performance

Fulham midfielder Harry Arter lined up for the Cottagers at Millwall on Wednesday night, but his latest performance hasn't gone down well with some of the club's fans.

According to WhoScored.com, the 30-year-old was Fulham's worst performer on the evening, earning a performance rating of just 6/10. Arter was eventually substituted and replaced by Neeskens Kebano after picking up a yellow card approximately seven minutes prior.

Some fans have taken to social media to question Scott Parker's decision to select the Bournemouth loanee.

What do we think?

Harry Arter will remain with the Cottagers until the end of the season and there is an option to buy clause in his loan contract (via Transfermarkt.co.uk). However, it remains to be seen whether or not Fulham will exercise that right. There is a family connection between the midfielder and his boss Scott Parker – the former England international is married to Arter's sister but according to him, that doesn't mean he gets any special treatment from his boss.

These supporters don't believe Arter is good enough to start in the Fulham midfield and based on his performance at Millwall, they are perhaps within their rights to ask questions.



https://thisisfutbol.com/2020/02/twitter/fulham-fans-have-their-say-on-harry-arters-latest-performance/

Gerhard Struber previews Fulham trip

Ahead of our trip to Fulham on Saturday, Gerhard Struber spoke of his belief that Barnsley can turn their season around and climb clear of the relegation zone.

It will be a tough task against Scott Parker's high-flying side, who can potentially move second in the Sky Bet Championship this weekend, but the Reds' Head Coach insists that his team can achieve a positive result in west London.

"I believe in my team and I believe that we can pick up points in the next game," said Struber. "I think, also, a very important thing for us is that the we only focus on us and our performance and not the table. When we look at the table, it's not so helpful now.

"We need a big focus in our next game and a big motivation; I don't think motivation is a problem for my team. When we have a good concentration, it's not easy to win points against us. I hope that we can create a good game and I trust my boys; on Saturday we have the next chance for three points.

"The pressure that we have is not easy – especially for young players, but this is the reality and we have to do it."

The Reds ran out 1-0 winners against Fulham on the opening day back in August thanks to Luke Thomas' first half strike.

A similar performance at Craven Cottage would provide a timely morale-boost for Barnsley, who still have 42 points to play for as they bid to close the gap to those above them.

"We need a run and we will fight for this run," continued Struber. "When we have good momentum, work hard and believe in this then I think, in the end, we will see. I hope and I believe that we can start the run when we have the right energy together."



https://www.barnsleyfc.co.uk/news/2020/february/struber-pre-fulham/

Fulham: Fans discuss Kebano

Promotion hopefuls Fulham missed the opportunity to overtake Leeds United and move into second place in the Championship after they were held to a draw by Millwall at The Den.

Aleksandar Mitrovic put the Cottagers in front, but the hosts equalised almost immediately in controversial fashion, as Jon Dadi Bodvarsson appeared to be in an offside position when he scored for the Lions to level the match.

Scott Parker opted to leave Neeskens Kebano, who is valued at £2.7 million (as per Transfermarkt), out of the starting eleven and only introduced him with two minutes of normal time remaining. However, the 27-year-old came close to winning the game for his side as he saw his glancing header come crashing off the crossbar.

The impact the former Genk midfielder had has led to some fans questioning why he wasn't included from the start.

Having suffered an injustice earlier on in the game, these fans couldn't believe how unlucky the Congolese midfielder was in going so close to winning the game in the dying stages.

What do we think?

Hindsight is a wonderful thing, and therefore it feels harsh to criticise Scott Parker's team selection given Fulham were robbed of the three points due to some poor officiating. Kebano's season has been disrupted by injury, but the fans seem pleased to see him back and hopeful that he can make a telling contribution as they push for automatic promotion.



https://thisisfutbol.com/2020/02/twitter/fulham-fans-question-managers-decision-not-to-start-kebano/

West Ham fans call for Scott Parker to return to the club as manager

West Ham fans have called for former midfielder and now Fulham boss Scott Parker to one day return to the club as manager.

The ex-West Ham midfielder's side are flying in the second tier, with Fulham sitting third in the table in the Championship.

Parker, who got the job last season after the sacking of former Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri, has steadied the ship at Fulham after they were relegated from the Premier League.

Parker made over 129 appearances for West Ham, and picked up the FWA Footballer of the Year award in 2011.

He would eventually depart for Tottenham Hotspur, before then making the switch to Fulham. Parker then retired with the Whites in June 2017, beginning his career in coaching.

With Fulham pushing for promotion back to the top flight, several West Ham fans have taken to Twitter to call for Parker to return to East London and take over in the future.



https://readwestham.com/2020/02/13/west-ham-fans-call-for-scott-parker-to-return-to-the-club-as-manager/

Quote from: whitejc on February 13, 2020, 11:54:47 PM
Cyrus Christie: Social media companies' response to racist abuse 'useless'
Twitter tell Sky Sports News: "We take decisive and swift action on accounts that break our rules. Throughout this football season in the UK, we have suspended 200 accounts and taken action on nearly 4,000 examples of abuse and hateful content."

(https://e2.365dm.com/19/08/768x432/skysports-fulham-championship_4735709.jpg?20190803202601)
Cyrus Christie believes social media companies do not adequately deal with online racism

Fulham defender Cyrus Christie has described the support offered to him by social media companies as "useless" after revealing someone started an online poll to have him lynched following an own goal for the Republic of Ireland.

In August last year, the Fulham defender alleged his sister was hit and racially abused by a fan during their Sky Bet Championship match at Barnsley on the opening day of the new season.

And speaking to the Counter Attack Podcast, Christie recalled historical abuse he received on Twitter after scoring an own goal during the 5-1 play-off defeat by Denmark in Dublin, which ended Ireland's hopes of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup.

(https://e2.365dm.com/19/08/768x432/skysports-fulham-cyrus-christie_4737199.jpg?20190805180207)
Christie has played 56 games for Fulham since moving from Middlesbrough in 2018

The 27-year-old believes people would be shocked if he detailed the specifics of all the abuse he receives - and highlighted the failure of social media giants to combat it.

"Twitter had got this whole thing about freedom of speech, but they need to kind of change some of their stuff on there because it is not good," said Christie, who revealed he turns notifications off and blocks abusers to try to avoid a constant stream of abuse.

"They (trolls) think they can get away with, they hide behind profiles. I have had so many cases on there, the racism and stuff, it is just mad, but when you speak to them, they are like 'oh well'."

Christie continued: "The club (Fulham) have a contact at Twitter and Facebook, so they speak to them and the police will have a connecting role.

"They are useless - they don't do anything. I've had so many things, but nothing gets done. I can understand why people don't pursue things, because you know that nothing is going to happen."

(https://e2.365dm.com/17/10/768x432/skysports-qfy0krip-400x400_4124805.jpg?20171010151441)
Twitter insists abusive and hateful content has no place on its service

A Twitter spokesperson told Sky Sports News the organisation has already taken action against thousands of accounts that have breached its user policy this during the course of this season.

"We have clear abusive behaviour and hateful conduct policies in place and we take enforcement of these policies very seriously," Twitter said in a statement.

"We take decisive and swift action on accounts that break our rules. Throughout this football season in the UK, we have suspended 200 accounts and taken action on nearly 4,000 examples of abuse and hateful content.

"We are continuing to proactively engage and collaborate with our valued partners in football to identify ways to tackle this issue collectively.

"We want to reiterate that abusive and hateful conduct has no place on our service and will continue to take swift action on the minority that try to undermine the conversation for the majority."

Christie recalled the incident after the Republic of Ireland's match against Denmark and the vile social media abuse which followed.

"It was clear as daylight, some of the stuff," Christie said. "I had one guy send me four black people hanging from a tree, and with 'you're next' - saying they are going to kill me. And there's a picture and names there, but...

"If I was to put out everything I got, people would be surprised. You say the odd thing now and again - I'll bring up the odd one - and people are like, 'rise above it" and 'why are you giving them airtime?'.

"I am trying to put it out there to show that this is what goes on.

(https://e2.365dm.com/17/11/768x432/skysports-football-cyrus-christie-republic-of-ireland_4161597.jpg?2017112018595)
Christie made his international debut back in 2014

"I had a thing with 15 posts on Instagram and five comments minimum were racist - 15 posts straight, and I am posting once a week on average so that is a couple of months.

"You can just understand why players just don't bother. They (social media companies) don't understand as well because they are not in that position.

"I had the whole thing (after the Denmark game) with a guy who done a petition to have me lynched. His name was there as well and they did nothing about it.

"I sat there for two hours trying to explain to them and they were like 'we don't understand how this could happen, I don't think people aren't that racist'."



https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/11933188/cyrus-christie-social-media-companies-response-to-racist-abuse-useless

Very sad to hear this.

Briliant song from another very successful black Irishman, who suffered racism in his life, Phil Lynott of Thin Lizzie-
https://youtu.be/wyQ-tScuzwM

The Lowdown: Villa U23s

The Under-23s host Aston Villa on Friday night in the PL2 hoping to turn around a spell of six defeats on the bounce.
Form:

Fulham:

Having lost six games on the bounce in all competitions, scoring only three goals, Mark Pembridge and Colin Omogbehin will be looking for a route through an Aston Villa side that have conceded just 23 times.

Villa:

The visitors themselves have endured a tough period – losing four games on the spin. They lurk just outside the play-off places with a game in hand on Middlesbrough having lost to Midlands rivals West Brom last week.
Last Time Out:

An affair at Villa Park saw precious little goal mouth action with The Villains snatching all three points inside the final five minutes.
Tickets:

Tickets are available on reception. These are priced at £3 for adults and £1 for concessions and are free for all season ticket holders and members.
He Said:

Tyrese Francois is loving his time back on the pitch and wants to fight for the cause in the final part of the season.

"Since returning from injury I'm feeling great. The game on Friday will be my second 90 minutes since returning from injury. I'm excited to have a strong end to the season and help the team as much as possible. We need to remain positive as a group to turn results around and push to where we feel we deserve to be in the table."
FFCtv:

The game is available to be streamed on FFCtv to active subscription holders with Jamie Reid providing commentary.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/february/14/villa-pl2-preview