Friends of Fulham

General Category => Archive => Daily Fulham Stuff => Topic started by: WhiteJC on May 22, 2020, 08:25:49 AM

Title: Friday Fulham Stuff - 22/05/20...
Post by: WhiteJC on May 22, 2020, 08:25:49 AM
'Weighted PPG' – Many Fulham fans react as big EFL decision edges closer

(https://cdn.footballleagueworld.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/2020-02-26T182546Z_774530274_RC2I8F9XW70U_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ENGLAND-FUL-SWA-REPORT.jpg)

Fulham have had a decent season this year in the Sky Bet Championship and would surely like the chance, if possible, to try and close the gap to Leeds United and West Bromwich Albion in the second tier.

Whether they get to do that or not, of course, remains to be seen with the season remaining on pause and always subject to change given the current situation.

Even so, fans may well feel as though they deserve some shot at promotion with them well in the play-offs at the moment and how things get resolved right now still seem up for debate.

With that in mind, then, Fulham fans have taken to Twitter to discuss how they think things should be concluded this season, with several ideas put forward.

Cottagers HQ took to social media to ask fans for their views and many put their suggestions up for debate.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/weighted-ppg-many-fulham-fans-react-as-big-efl-decision-edges-closer/
Title: Re: Friday Fulham Stuff - 22/05/20...
Post by: WhiteJC on May 22, 2020, 08:27:35 AM
 Coronavirus: Championship players given self-test option before training return
EFL outlines three testing options for players as part of 'flexible approach'

Championship players will be given the option to self-test for coronavirus ahead of a planned return to training on Monday.

The EFL says it is taking a 'flexible approach' to testing, and has outlined three ways in which clubs will be able to check if their players are free from the virus.

Their options are: to have tests conducted by independent professionals; to have their own medical staff conduct the tests; or to allow the players to test themselves.

As part of the self-test option, players would conduct a swab test at home or at the training ground by themselves, before passing their sample onto the club to be analysed.

While players have begun to be tested for coronavirus at training grounds around the country, it is understood that less than a third of clubs will take up the EFL's option for players to test themselves.

EFL-club talks fail to find resolution

Football League clubs are set for a fresh round of talks with the EFL after a board meeting on Wednesday that looked at three different situations currently facing the Championship, League One and League Two, in determining how to conclude the 2019/20 season.

For Championship clubs, it is all about returning to playing games. A 42-page protocol document was sent to all clubs this week, containing strict guidelines on a return to training and ultimately playing, and this was discussed at the board meeting on Wednesday.

The board members want to ensure that all bases are covered in what is an important week for the second tier of English football.

There has been a lot of talk in recent weeks, but there is a sense that the time has now arrived for decisions to be made, with a need for compromise essential.

Clubs will be required to cast aside their own agendas in some cases for the future stability of the league, and chairman Rick Parry will look to bring all sides together to achieve that.

Maguire: Training return felt 'so safe'

Manchester United captain Harry Maguire says it felt "so safe" returning to training this week following the Premier League's first round of coronavirus testing.

United returned to their Carrington training complex on Wednesday - two months since their last competitive match - and, although it was a change from the norm, Maguire was pleased to be back.

Asked if it was reassuring knowing everyone had been tested, Maguire told the club's website: "Yeah, it's been a strange few months, but it has been a protocol which the club has followed. It seems such a safe environment.

"It's our first day back today, but it seems so safe and everyone is respecting it so well, so long may that continue and I'm sure no one will have any problems."



https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11688/11992113/coronavirus-championship-players-given-self-test-option-before-training-return
Title: Re: Friday Fulham Stuff - 22/05/20...
Post by: WhiteJC on May 22, 2020, 08:30:42 AM
Which Fulham Fan Are You?

From the tourist to the Twitter celebrity, Fulham fans come in many shapes and sizes. Marco De Novellis and George Cooper list 10 types of Fulham fan you've definitely already met.


If you've looked back at images of Wembley's 'White Wall', or the 12,000-strong Fulham army in Hamburg, you'll be able to picture that surprising mass of Fulham fans, coming together as a united force, backing our beloved Whites.

But dig a little deeper and you'll find the Fulham fanbase is a melting pot of eccentric and contradictory characters. We have celebrity fans of course: Hugh Grant, Charlie Cooper, Pope John Paul II, Felix From The Maccabees, Example, Keith Allen, Harry Potter and Michael Jackson.

But it's the 'normal', everyday fan who's so often the most fascinating. These are the specimens that you see at games week in week-out; on away days and at the Cottage. Some of them you identify with, some of them you aspire to be, but mostly you just shake your head and ask yourself: 'How have I ended up stood here talking to this person?'

Fulham brings different people and personalities together like nothing else could. There's a few of us out there, but what kind of Fulham fan are you?

Here's 10 types of fan who make up the Fulham fanbase for you to choose from:

The American
Loyal as an old hound. The American became a fan thanks to club legends such as Dempsey, McBride and Bocanegra. Will be heard complementing our new 'Goaltender' and refers to penalties as 'PKs'. Always friendly and up for a chat with whoever is nearby. Takes great pride in how their hometown has a 'Fulham Bar', where they (and their three other Fulham mates) enjoy watching illegally streamed matches with foreign commentary.

The Naughties
What else are you going to do on a Saturday? The day starts early for the most outwardly-menacing Fulham supporter. Naughties congregate in small packs in train station forecourts, backstreet pubs, and at the front of Fulham away ends. Enjoy throwing plastic cups of lager and leaving games at half time. Often found in zealous exchanges with opposing fans, goalkeepers, or the British Transport Police.

The Yoof
Decked out in full Stone Island and lives for the away days. The Yoof save up their pocket money for weeks on end to pay for trains to far-flung corners of the country, dreading the day their 16-25 railcard expires. Drink Dark Fruits from a Ribena bottle. Longs to be a Naughty, respectful of the Old Guard.

The Old Guard
Football is just not what it used to be for the Old Guard. They were there when Conroy scored from the halfway line; they saw Rodney McAree put the ball in the Carlisle net; they stood in the rain in the uncovered Putney end watching Gill-scum at home in Division 3. Usually found sitting down at an away game or at the front of a Fulham club coach with the Racing Post. For all their eccentricities, these are men and women of honour; to be obeyed and respected.

The Tourist
You can spot them a mile off. Looking haplessly down at their paper tickets, trying to work out where the entrance to the Riverside is, decked out in glimmering Fulham clobber, freshly purchased from the team store. Admirably seeking an experience at an 'Old School, proper football stadium', the fact that Craven Cottage is two stops away from their Airbnb being purely coincidental. Will ask questions such as "Do Fulham have anyone I'd have heard of?" and "Do you think we'll have time to get a beer at halftime and make it back for second half KO?. Sadly, the answer to both of those questions is: no.

The Moaner
A relentless cynic. Everyone sat within earshot has experienced that same sinking feeling. It's a way of life for the moaner: they'll moan morning 'til night, bothering whoever is unfortunate enough to be within their immediate vicinity. They'll usually single out one player and give them both barrels each game, regardless of how well they're playing. Often fit into two categories: 'crestfallen' or 'sweary', the latter of which's language cuts through the air like a sweetly-struck Tom Cairney rocket, on train carriages, in the pub, or at the ground. You fear for their blood-pressure come the end of the season.

The Family
Visit the cottage on a family outing, often at the Dad's request. He's praying he can convert the nippers early doors, passing off his selfish endeavour as 'good bonding time'. Parents will come armed with Tupperware filled with carrot sticks for half-time nutrition. Quotes include 'which way are we shooting' and 'what colour are we?'. Dad will sometimes shield the ears of the youngest when the Moaner has 20p put in him by a wayward pass from Tony Knockers. Total spend for the family outing comes in at approx. £1000, not including beers.

The Tactician
Expected goals, passes converted, and points per game – the tactician has them covered. Top of your fantasy football league, in Europe with AFC Wimbledon on Football Manager, and either in a dark room alone or making infuriating amounts of money on podcasts and football magazines, this is the guy who loudly commentates over every single game, in your ear, while sat in the row behind you. Arriving fresh-faced to take your new season ticket seats at the Cottage each August, beware of the talking tactician.

Mr. Worldwide
When Fulham break for internationals, Mr. Worldwide comes alive. 'Where were you in Vilnius?' he/she asks, judgingly. How dare you take a break from football? Not content with Fulham away trips or mainstream international tournaments, these top-cappers can't help but tell you all about their midweek travels with England when they return home. Hobbies include occupying town squares in far-flung corners of the former Soviet Union and the England Supporters Club loyalty scheme. Usually found under a bucket hat.

The Twitter Celebrity
You see these people at games. You follow them. You know a lot about them, but you've never actually met. Entering the Fulham fanbase in the late 2000s, these social media enthusiasts are most active late at night and/or after a Fulham defeat. Hobbies include calling out club ownership, designing stickers, and oversharing. Not always what they seem. Loud and abrasive virtually, but often unaware of their real-world fame.

All views are our own.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2020-05-21-which-fulham-fan-are-you/
Title: Re: Friday Fulham Stuff - 22/05/20...
Post by: WhiteJC on May 22, 2020, 08:32:33 AM
'Underwhelming' – Diomansy Kamara debate gets plenty of Fulham fans talking

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Fulham have their fair share of memorable seasons over the years, with one likely to be standing out above the rest.

The 2009/10 campaign saw the Cottagers finish 12th in the Premier League under the management of Roy Hodgson, but they also caught the eye with an impressive Europa League campaign.

Fulham reached the final of the competition, only to be narrowly beaten by Atlético Madrid in extra time in a quite remarkable run amongst some strong sides in Europe.

One player that was involved in that impressive season was Diomansy Kamara, who signed for the club in the summer of 2007 from West Brom.

Kamara went on to score 18 goals in 68 appearances for the Cottagers before departing in favour of a move to Turkish side Eskişehirspor in June 2011.

Plenty of the Craven Cottage faithful took to social media to issue their thoughts on Kamara's time with the club.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/underwhelming-diomansy-kamara-debate-gets-plenty-of-fulham-fans-talking/
Title: Re: Friday Fulham Stuff - 22/05/20...
Post by: WhiteJC on May 22, 2020, 08:34:01 AM
Championship clubs face player opposition ahead of planned restart

England's second tier is planning to resume in late June but several Championship clubs are dealing with concerns from players who fear it isn't yet safe

Championship clubs are facing growing opposition from concerned players to their plans to restart the season.

Many players feel they are being rushed into returning to training on Monday ahead of the campaign resuming on either June 19 or June 26.

Many are unconvinced it is safe to come back when hundreds are still dying from the coronavirus and have serious reservations over full contact training.

They are prepared to sign waivers for step one of the phased return, which will see them return to training in small groups from Monday.

However many are reluctant to sign up for step two, which would see them tackle and take part in contact training.

They feel this is too early and want approval from the Government, EFL and the PFA before agreeing.

Black and other BAME players also want more frequent testing than the two per week currently being done.

It is also proposed the new Championship season will start on October 4 with a deadline of August 15 to finish the existing campaign.

Players traditionally go on holiday at the end of the season and they are unhappy that some clubs are trying to argue that they have had their break during the shutdown.

A source said: "The players aren't happy. They have real concerns over returning.

"They all want to play, but they feel there is a rush on to return when many are not convinced it is safe to do so, not so much for them, but for their families.

"The Bundesliga is being held up as an example because they have returned, but the situation in Britain is very different to Germany. Look at how many deaths we have had compared to them."



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/championship-clubs-face-player-opposition-22064826
Title: Re: Friday Fulham Stuff - 22/05/20...
Post by: WhiteJC on May 22, 2020, 08:35:16 AM
Could Fulham sign ex-Tottenham Hotspur and Hull City man on free transfer?

Derby County's tom huddlestone is out of  contract at the end of next month.

The four-times capped England international is set to become a free agent this summer as things stand.

Fulham boss Scott Parker played with the midfielder at Tottenham Hotspur and could see him as an option for the Cottagers on a free transfer.

Huddlestone, who is 33 years old, has been a first-team regular for Derby over the past three seasons and would add more experience, options and depth to Fulham's squad for next term.

He played for Spurs from 2005 to 2013, making 209 appearances before moving to Hull City. Could he be on his way back to London with Fulham now?

Huddlestone was a key player for the Tigers during his four years at the KCOM Stadium and helped them get to the FA Cup final in 2014, followed by a promotion to the Premier League in 2016.

He knows what it takes to get out of the Championship and if Fulham are playing in the second tier again in the next campaign, his experience and know-how would be invaluable.

Huddlestone is not ready to hang up his boots just yet and his genuine quality at this level makes him a desirable proposition to any side.

Parker was an ex-teammate of Huddlestone's at White Hart Lane a few years back and a reunion at Craven Cottage is not beyond the realms of possibility.

Fulham will be keen on bolstering their squad this summer and will have to be smart in their recruitment.



https://the72.co.uk/167426/could-fulham-sign-ex-tottenham-hotspur-and-hull-city-man-on-free-transfer/
Title: Re: Friday Fulham Stuff - 22/05/20...
Post by: WhiteJC on May 22, 2020, 08:36:57 AM
Bobby Zamora reveals how Roy Hodgson stunned Fulham players with a powerful 1980s pop-rock tribute

During their 2010 Europa League run, the Cottagers came back from 4-1 Down Under Hodgson to beat Juventus – with a little help from some Men At Work

Roy Hodgson doesn't look like someone who delves deep into popular culture, but Bobby Zamora has recalled a dressing room tale which disproves that statement completely.

Fulham were preparing for the biggest game in their recent history - a Europa League last-16 first-leg tie at Juventus - but Hodgson managed to bring some pre-match humour to the Cottagers' dressing room.

Speaking in the June edition of FourFourTwo, which you can order with free delivery here, Zamora said: "We always used to have the music blaring in the dressing room. Before that first leg against Juventus in Turin, a huge game, 'Down Under' by Men at Work came on.

"Roy jumped up and belted it out with passion! He was giving it his best moves and even tensed his arms for the 'muscles from Brussels' line, absolutely loving it.

"It must have brought back some memories from somewhere. It was hilarious."

It may nothave had the desired effect: Juventus won the first leg 3-1 – though Fulham responded with a historic 4-1 victory in the reverse leg, helping them on their way to the 2010 Europa League final, where they were beaten by Atletico Madrid.

And Zamora would even go so far to say that Hodgson is the best manager he has ever worked under.

The former striker has worked with countless top-class managers at both club and international level, but ranks the former Fulham boss as his number one.

When asked to pick his favourite gaffer, he said: "I think I must have played for every manager!

"Glenn Hoddle signed me for Spurs, and I also played under Steve Coppell, Ian Holloway, Alan Pardew, Harry Redknapp, Roy Hodgson, Fabio Capello and many more.

"I'd say Hodgson was probably the best – he had us so regimented that I could have played left-back for Fulham!"

Read the full interview with Bobby Zamora in the June 2020 issue of FourFourTwo magazine, available in shops and online from now. Our new magazine looks at the 100 greatest managers in the history of football, exploring the tacticians and tinkermen who have influenced the game more than anyone else, investigates the fall of Barcelona's famed La Masia academy, presents eight pages of quiz questions and football posers to keep you busy during lockdown and discovers the trophy you've never heard of, that Liverpool are proud owners of. We also chat to Jorginho, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Kemar Roofe, Robbie Fowler and more.



https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/bobby-zamora-roy-hodson-fulham-europa-league-juventus-dressing-room-song-men-at-work-down-under
Title: Re: Friday Fulham Stuff - 22/05/20...
Post by: WhiteJC on May 22, 2020, 08:52:11 AM
English Football League: Promotion and relegation to remain if seasons curtailed

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Luton were promoted as League One champions last season

Clubs will still be promoted and relegated from the three divisions of the English Football League if seasons are ended amid the coronavirus crisis.

Play-offs will also be played, but with no more than four teams.

The EFL has confirmed that 51% of Championship, League One and League Two clubs need to agree for the campaign in each division to be curtailed.

This could pave the way for the League One season to be cancelled, with teams currently split over a resolution.

Talks last week stalled after at least six clubs in the third tier, including Sunderland, Portsmouth and Ipswich Town, said they wanted to continue the season.

And BBC Radio Solent understands that Portsmouth will back continuing the season when clubs are asked to vote on the issue.

With only 23 teams now in that division, following Bury's expulsion by the EFL, any vote is certain to be decisive either way.

If the season is brought to an early conclusion, using the unweighted points-per-game system proposed by the EFL eighth-placed Wycombe Wanderers would move into the play-offs at the expense of Peterborough United - another of the sides determined to carry on playing.

The new regulations still have to be voted on by all 71 EFL clubs before they can be implemented.

While League One could follow League Two in being curtailed, the Championship is hoping to resume in June alongside the Premier League.

Players are set to return to training on Monday but with strict protocols.

(https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/976/cpsprodpb/1683C/production/_112402229_img_1614.png)
How the League One table will look if the season is cancelled and an unweighted points-per-game system is used

What's the impact on League Two?

Clubs voted to end the League Two campaign immediately on 15 May, also proposing that no team should be relegated to the National League.

However, with the EFL including relegation in its framework for curtailing a season early, Stevenage would go down from League Two as it stands.

Swindon, Crewe and Plymouth would be automatically promoted to League One.

"In the event a divisional decision is made to curtail the 2019-20 season, the EFL board is recommending that the League adopts the original framework with the amendments as identified, as there is a strong desire to remain as faithful as possible to the regulations and ensure there is consistency in the approach adopted across the EFL in all divisions," EFL chairman Rick Parry said.

"The board has always acknowledged that a single solution to satisfy all clubs would always be hard to find, but we are at the point now where strong, definitive action is need for the good of the League and its members."



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52758193
Title: Re: Friday Fulham Stuff - 22/05/20...
Post by: Russianrob on May 22, 2020, 09:12:28 AM
Superb piece as always WhiteJC about types of Fulham supporters.However one group l think you missed and l am one of them.The armchair supporter.Have seen Fulham live rarely in the last 30+ years but avidly watch any live visual match or audio.The time difference also causes problems depending on what part of the world you live in.Nevertheless, Fulham is like a religion to us and it is considered a mortal sin to miss a match.Long live the armchair supporter.Excellent observations WhiteJC otherwise.
Title: Re: Friday Fulham Stuff - 22/05/20...
Post by: Woolly Mammoth on May 22, 2020, 09:16:44 AM
Quote from: Russianrob on May 22, 2020, 09:12:28 AM
Superb piece as always WhiteJC about types of Fulham supporters.However one group l think you missed and l am one of them.The armchair supporter.Have seen Fulham live rarely in the last 30+ years but avidly watch any live visual match or audio.The time difference also causes problems depending on what part of the world you live in.Nevertheless, Fulham is like a religion to us and it is considered a mortal sin to miss a match.Long live the armchair supporter.Excellent observations WhiteJC otherwise.

I wonder if it is worth starting up a business just selling armchairs as there seems to be a huge demand these days, I may consider buying one myself.
Title: Re: Friday Fulham Stuff - 22/05/20...
Post by: filham on May 22, 2020, 09:52:11 AM
Yes , I enjoyed the piece putting us fans into indentity  groups. I am clearly in the old Guard group and lookin around from my seat  in the JH stand I think we could be the majority group.