Friends of Fulham

Report: Middlesbrough and Fulham want £600k captain Cowley said has 'real potential'


Middlesbrough and Fulham are hoping to wreck any hopes Reading have of bringing Oxford United ace Rob Dickie back to the Madejski this summer, according to the Mirror.

Before the 2019/20 campaign was put on ice, a former England U19 international was producing the form of his career for an Oxford side dreaming of promotion to the Championship.

But, regardless of how this campaign turns out, it looks increasingly likely that Dickie will be plying his trade in the second tier when 2020/21 kicks off – with or without The Us.

According to the Mirror, Reading would love to re-sign a player they sold two years ago, though Mark Bowen's Royals will face competition from Scott Parker's Fulham and Jonathan Woodgate's Middlesbrough.

A technically gifted centre-half with real aerial prowess, Dickie has caught the eye against top-flight opposition too, making Newcastle United work hard for their FA Cup victory at the Kassam earlier this year.

The report claims that Oxford are desperate to keep hold of their influential captain but, if the right offer arrives, then they may have no choice but to sell. A move to Fulham could potentially see Dickie try his hand at Premier League football, with the Cottagers all-but guaranteeing a place in the top six.

"We see him as young player who has real potential and a real learning capacity and they're the ones we really want to work with," Huddersfield Town boss Danny Cowley said of Dickie during their time together at Lincoln CiDannty, in quotes reported by the Lincolnshire Live.

"Technically he is excellent – he has a good reading of the game, well beyond his years. He is going to go on and be a top player."

According to the Mail, Dickie is valued at around £600,000.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2020/05/27/report-middlesbrough-and-fulham-want-600k-captain-cowley-said-has-real-potential/

Jim & Jamie's Wembley Memories

Fulham's commentary duo, 'Gentleman' Jim McGullion and Jamie Reid, cast their minds back two years to relive one of the greatest days and seasons in Fulham's history.

Jamie: The older I get, the harder it seems to be to remember certain things, but cherished memories live long in the mind. Right at the forefront is the 2017/18 season – a campaign that, quite rightly, will never be forgotten. 

Jim: It was a really long and miserable journey back from the Stadium of Light just over a week before Christmas 2017, having been turned over by a Sunderland team that had barely won a game all season, leading to Chris Coleman's acceptance of the poisoned chalice following the dismissal of Simon Grayson as Black Cats manager just a month earlier.

Despite their new club being in total disarray, with Chris and another former Whites boss Kit Symons alongside him, regardless of form, I suppose we should have seen the defeat coming a mile off. And when Cookie elected to bring on former Fulham youth player Josh Maja for his league debut, the writing was on the wall!

Sure enough, just five minutes after coming on the young Nigerian forward scored the only goal of the game, as the campaign neared its halfway point. I remember thinking, "Where do we go from here?"

After the game Chris told me not to worry, Fulham were still a good team, with a good manager, and he felt we'd be "there or thereabouts" come May.

History proves him right, of course, but surely none of us could have foreseen the magnificent record-breaking 23 game unbeaten run that followed, the last of which ironically being a 2-1 home win over Sunderland that proved to be the big man's final match, but left Slaviša Jokanović and his side just a month away from the greatest single day in the history of the Club!!!

Jamie: The 23-match unbeaten run was the stuff dreams are made of. Losing at Sunderland just before Christmas, on a freezing cold afternoon, was tough to take. Like most fans, I wondered how the season might pan out from there. Fortunately, the players had belief in their own abilities and guided us through a period of matches that will surely never been forgotten and maybe never be repeated.

There were numerous highlights during our greatest of runs, and each and every one of the matches could be picked out for praise. The 4-2 success over Cardiff City on Boxing Day was pivotal. The 6-0 success over Burton Albion was maybe a sign of what was to come, but the victories over Aston Villa and Wolves in February got everyone believing.

It was clear that the momentum was with our Club. Everyone was starting to dream. We recently saw a re-run of the Millwall success on FFCtv, and what a night that was. The first half wasn't easy but the players stood firm and bossed it after half-time. Kevin McDonald's goal was a real highlight of a season that was so pleasing on the eye.

Jim: Losing at Birmingham on the last day of the season meant we missed out on automatic promotion to Neil Warnock's Cardiff City and would face my second least favourite team, Derby, in the Play-Offs.

With hindsight, having experienced the wonder of the "Wall of White" and the glory of winning at Wembley and been involved in what was a momentous, magical, incredibly emotional and memorable occasion, I'm glad we went up the way we did, but coming back from St Andrew's I was massively disappointed that the lads hadn't got the reward they deserved. I was also concerned that one below par performance might prove so costly and it could again be a case of "so near and yet so far."

My apprehension was not due to any real fear of the other teams involved, but simply based on the fact that of the previous six Play-Off games I'd seen us in, we hadn't won a single one and had actually recorded as many red cards as we had goals! Not a great record then!

Jamie: The defeat to Birmingham on the final day of the league campaign was underwhelming and it meant that we would have to negotiate a route through the Play-Offs if we were to return to the Premier League.

So, Derby County were our opponents over two legs and the players were rightly confident. Victory would pair us against either Aston Villa or Middlesbrough. The First Leg saw us lose slenderly at Pride Park but the performance was decent enough and I still had faith in the manager, coaching staff and players that we could turn it around at Craven Cottage. Fortunately, everyone turned up on a great night for football. Ryan Sessegnon and Denis Odoi scored the goals and we were through to the Play-Off Final at Wembley where Aston Villa would be our opponents on Saturday 26th May 2018.


Jim: Losing the First Leg at Pride Park meant we'd suffered consecutive defeats for the first time in around six months but I think the players and fans still felt confident that we could overcome the deficit at home, and sure enough after Ryan Sessegnon had levelled things up, Denis Odoi's majestic header saw us through and the final whistle prompted scenes of mass hysteria around the Cottage.

I couldn't wait for the Final to come...

I hadn't seen Fulham play at Wembley since I was a 16-year-old hod carrier in 1975, and whilst I think I expected to be back a bit sooner, I obviously never thought I'd be sitting in the press box commentating!

Myself and Jamie arrived nice and early and, after a quick chat with Luis Boa Morte who'd pulled up next to us in the car park, we set off to pick up our accreditation. But we were told it wasn't ready, meaning we had some time to mingle with Fulham fans who'd come not just from around London and the South of England, but all over the country and indeed all around the world.


I had no real axe to grind with Aston Villa supporters, but had become increasingly fed up with them constantly moaning in the build up to the Final that a little club like Fulham shouldn't be entitled to the same number of tickets as them, as we had "no fans!"

How sweet it felt to be amongst 38,000 of our own, knowing that the West Midlands giants had returned some of their allocation unsold!

It was a lovely way to start the afternoon mixing with the fans, and no matter how many times I was asked about the outcome, my answer was always the same, "we're going to win."

That belief was enhanced by our great start and half-time lead, and I can honestly say I maintained it  throughout the game, although it might have wavered a little bit when Denis was sent off leaving our 10 men to fight a largely rear guard action in intense heat for over 20 minutes.

I can't begin to imagine what he was going through sitting in the dressing room watching the remainder of the action alone, but he must have been sick with worry that his second yellow card would have an adverse effect on the result and that he would be remembered as a Semi-Final hero and Final villain!

Thankfully, the rest of the lads held out and I'm sure none of us will ever forget the sight of our Belgian defender sprinting back onto the hallowed turf as though released from purgatory before mounting the goal frame to celebrate in front of the delirious Whites fans in the glorious Wembley sunshine, whilst sitting on the crossbar!


That moment is the iconic image that stands out amongst the frenzied celebrations enjoyed by the whole squad and just about everyone connected with the Club.

Jamie: Slaviša Jokanović's team were beaten at the Semi-Final stage of the previous season's Play-Offs, but that disappointment seemed to drive the team on and everyone was determined that we would put things right against Villa. Tom Cairney scored the all-important goal in a game that will never be forgotten. It was fitting Tom scored. He said, after the Play-Off defeat at Reading in the previous campaign, that the team would bounce back, and he kept his word.

The wonderful support clearly allowed our players to perform and Gentleman Jim went berserk on commentary. The two of us had sore voices for a week! Would we do it again... you bet we would!

Jim: I actually tried to gate crash proceedings but, sadly, wasn't allowed on to the pitch.

I did however receive a much appreciated cuddle from an exhausted Tim Ream before he disappeared down the tunnel, a moment captured for prosperity on TV, as well as a bear hug from an ecstatic Tony Khan outside the dressing room and a celebratory handshake with the Chairman.

Then, when myself and Jamie finally got back to the car park, we bumped into Slaviša, who unless my memory is playing tricks on me was actually carrying the Championship trophy!


There's a sad but true saying in football that "You're only as good as your last game," and at that particular moment in time, he and his team were monumental!

Jamie: Fulham were back in the Premier League after a long four year absence and it felt so good. The players showed an unbelievable spirit and were fully deserving of their success. Promotion was a well-earned reward for our free-flowing, attack-minded side.

Slaviša ensured that everything was right on the pitch and the Khan family, Alistair Mackintosh and all the staff deserved the adulation they received for the work they put in to make it all possible.

Come on Fulham!



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/may/27/jim-and-jamie-wembley-memories

2 pros and 2 cons to Fulham beating Middlesbrough in transfer swoop


Fulham are said to be rivalling both Middlesbrough and Reading to the potential signing of Oxford United defender Rob Dickie according to The Mirror.

The 24-year-old has been hugely impressive with the League One promotion hopefuls, having made 46 appearances in total for the U's in all competitions this term.

Oxford are currently sat third in the League One standings, and will be hoping they can win promotion into the second tier at the earliest of opportunities.

However, their push for promotion has been put on hold for the time being due to off-the-field events, with no scheduled date in place for competitive action to get back underway.

The off-the-field problems have led to financial uncertainty for some lower league clubs in the EFL, and it is claimed by The Mirror that the club may have to cash-in on some players to survive.

We take a look at TWO pros and TWO cons to Fulham beating Middlesbrough to the signing of Dickie heading into the summer transfer window.

Pro: The cost of any potential deal.

Given the current financial uncertainty in football due to recent off-the-field events, Oxford United could be forced to cash-in on some of their key players to keep the club alive.

Dickie is one of their best players at this moment in time, and it isn't a surprise to see him attracting interest from a number of Championship clubs.

Fulham could land his signature for a smaller fee than they would have originally have had to pay for Dickie.

Con: His lack of Championship experience.

Dickie only made one appearance for Reading's first team after progressing through their academy ranks.

He has had loan spells with the likes of Cheltenham Town and Lincoln City before moving to Oxford United, but he doesn't have much experience at all in the Championship, which will be a slight concern as it can be an unforgiving league at times.

Pro: He's a player playing at the top of his game.

Dickie has been brilliant for Oxford United this season, and has played his part in their push for promotion into the Championship.

The central defender has captained the U's at times this season, and is a real leader on the pitch, despite only being 24-years-old.

Fulham would be getting a player that would be at the top of his game, and full of confidence of replicating that with the Cottagers at the earliest of opportunities.

Con: Can they offer him regular game time?

Fulham are a team that are heading in the right direction under the management of Scott Parker, with the Cottagers currently sat third in the Championship table.

However, given the fact that they could well be playing their football in the Premier League next season, questions will be asked as to whether Dickie would be given regular game time with them or not.

You would imagine that it would be tough to see him breaking into the starting XI ahead of the likes of Michael Hector, Tim Ream or Alfie Mawson anytime soon, which could tempt him with a move elsewhere instead.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/2-pros-and-2-cons-to-fulham-beating-middlesbrough-in-transfer-swoop/

We must have patience with Conceicao – Zambo Anguissa

Midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa has called for Cameroon coach Toni Conceicao to be given more time to prove himself.

Conceicao succeeded Clarence Seedorf as Indomitable Lions coach in September 2019 and has taken charge of three matches: a 0-0 friendly draw with Tunisia, 0-0 draw at home to Cape Verde and 1-0 win away to Rwanda.

The latter two matches were in Group F of the qualifiers for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations – a tournament Cameroon will host.

Zambo Anguissa started all three matches under Conceicao and has called for patience after underwhelming reviews for those performances.

"Speaking to him, there is only good [in Conceicao]," Zambo Anguissa told Canal+, as quoted by Press Sport.

"From the start, he put a point of honour on what we players like; player-coach rapprochement and dialogue. He is very close to his players, he gives us and we want to give him back. He was clear with everyone. I think we should give him time and patience."

Conceicao will be under pressure to guide Cameroon to staring showing on home soil in next year's AFCON, while their 2022 World Cup qualifying group – which includes fellow heavyweight Ivory Coast, as well as Mozambique and Malawi – represents another major challenge for the 58-year-old Portuguese.



https://africanfootball.com//news/778643/We-must-have-patience-with-Conceicao-Zambo-Anguissa

 Championship player joins Help 2 Beat Cancer CIC

Fulham ace Cyrus Christie will be talking about his football career to date and also his uncle, boxer Errol Christie


FULHAM DEFENDER Cyrus Christie will be the subject of attention this weekend. Help 2 Beat Cancer CIC will present  an evening with the Fulham and Republic of Ireland star on May 30 at 7pm.

The footballer will be interviewed by Nathan Cameron, who is currently playing at Macclesfield Town FC and a former England U20 player.

Christie will be talking about his football career to date and also his uncle, Errol Christie, who is recognised in the Guinness Book of Records as one of Britain's greatest amateur boxers, who sadly died of cancer aged just 53 in 2017.

Upcoming
Christie said of the upcoming event: "It's all in aid of worthy causes and I am honoured to have been asked to participate. I look forward to it."

The Founder of Help2BeatCancer CIC is Alfred Samuels. Alfred was diagnosed in early 2012, with Advanced Metastatic Prostate Cancer, Stage 4 and initially given six months to live. Alfred survived due to his participation in the Cancer Research UK funded Stampede drug trial. He has founded Help2BeatCancer CIC to support Cancer Awareness and Research Programmes.

More men are now dying from prostate cancer in the UK than women are from breast cancer. One in eight men in the UK will be diagnosed with Prostate Cancer in their lifetime.

That likelihood is doubled for black men, with one in four being affected by Prostate Cancer in their lifetime. Research, by Cancer Research UK, reveals that one man dies of Prostate cancer every 45 minutes in the UK, and that figure has been increasing over the past 20 years.

Prostate Cancer UK estimates that more than 120 million pounds in research funding is needed to make sufficient advances in research, screening and treatment.

Special guest on May 30 will be music artist Nahide a hotly tipped UK star of the future.

More details about the event along with ticket prices and booking can be found at:  www.footballmutualaid.com/cyrus-christie

Visit:help2beatcancer.org



https://www.voice-online.co.uk/sport/football/2020/05/27/championship-player-joins-help-2-beat-cancer-cic/

Hull City: Two people from Championship club test positive for Covid-19


Championship side Hull City have confirmed two people at the club have tested positive for coronavirus.

The English Football League earlier said there were two positive cases out of more than 1,000 players and staff tested at the 24 second-tier clubs.

In a statement, Hull said the pair were asymptomatic and feeling no ill effects, but would self-isolate for seven days in line with EFL guidelines.

They will both be tested again at a later date.

The Tigers did not confirm whether the positive tests were from players or staff.

It comes after reports that Hull vice-chairman Ehab Allam wrote to the EFL twice to say the season should be voided.

With Championship clubs set to return to training on Monday, a total of 1,014 tests were undertaken on players and staff over the past 72 hours, with all but the two at the Tigers coming back negative.

Those who had returned negative tests would be allowed to enter training grounds, but prior to going in, everyone must complete a screening protocol to detect any symptoms in a manner devised by the club doctor.

In the Premier League an unnamed Bournemouth player was one of two new coronavirus cases discovered by the latest round of top-flight tests - taking the overall total of positive results to eight.

The tests, which are being funded by the clubs and will not affect NHS testing, are not 100% accurate but meet government and NHS standards.

The Championship, which has been suspended since 13 March, is hoping to restart the season at some point in June.

Meanwhile, no testing programme is in place for League One and League Two clubs.

On 15 May, teams in the fourth tier "unanimously indicated" they wanted to bring their season to an early conclusion, although talks between sides in League One stalled after they failed to agree on a resolution.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52789239