Friends of Fulham

Albion v Fulham match preview

Slaven Bilić's Baggies will look to stretch their unbeaten run to five games with a win against Fulham in a crucial promotion clash at the top of the Sky Bet Championship on Tuesday (ko 5pm).

Fulham

Their last outing

Fulham clocked up a fourth consecutive win in the league against Play-Off chasing Cardiff City on Friday.

Aleksandar Mitrovic, who was returning from suspension fired in a first-half penalty before Josh Onomah netted a second for the hosts after the break.

Fulham: Rodak; Christie, Ream, Hector, Bryan; Arter (Johansen 60), Reed (Sessegnon 84); Knockaert (Cavaleiro 78), Onomah (McDonald 84), Reid (Kebano 78); Mitrovic.

Subs: Bettinelli, Odoi, Mawson, Le Marchand.

In their dugout

Scott Parker was given his first ever managerial job on a full-time basis in the summer at Craven Cottage and has accumulated 76 points from his 43 league games in charge so far.

The midfielder picked up 18 England caps during a career that saw him turn out for Charlton Athletic, Norwich City, Chelsea, Newcastle United, West Ham and Tottenham before he finished his playing days at Craven Cottage.

Following his retirement, the 38-year-old coached Spurs' Under-18s ahead of moving to Fulham and becoming part of the backroom team under Slaviša Jokanović and then Claudio Ranieri - who he took over from on a caretaker basis towards the end of last season's difficult Premier League campaign.

One to watch

Aleksandar Mitrovic got himself on the scoresheet on his return from suspension by netting a penalty against Cardiff City on Friday.

The Serbian striker has 24 Sky Bet Championship goals to his name this term. He has also fired in eight goals for his country since September.

Our last meeting

Semi Ajayi's first goal for Albion earned Slaven Bilić's men a point on the road at Craven Cottage the last time the two sides met.

Fulham took the lead after 49 minutes with a freak Anthony Knockaert goal, but that triggered a powerful response from Albion who levelled in the 80th minute through Ajayi's header from a corner.

Stats

Albion

• The Baggies have scored 10 goals in their last four games, through seven different goalscorers.

• Filip Krovinović's goal against Blackburn meant he became the ninth Albion player to have scored three or more league goals for the Baggies this season.

• Slaven Bilić's men have scored 42 goals at The Hawthorns this season - which is the joint-highest goals scored at home. Brentford have also netted 42 times on home turf.

Fulham

• Scott Parker's men haven't won five consecutive games all season. They have won their last four games.

• Albion's last three clashes with Fulham have ended in a 1-1 draw.

• The Cottagers have scored just 23 goals in 21 games on the road this season.

Head to head


   

Albion wins
   

Draws
   

Fulham wins

League
   

31
   

18
   

24

League Cup
   

2
   

2
   

2

FA Cup
   

3
   

0
   

1

Total
   

36
   

20
   

27

Our man to watch

Matheus Pereira had another good game for the Baggies against Blackburn on Saturday, as the Brazilian does his best to help Albion to promotion.

Since the restart, Pereira has netted a double against Sheffield Wednesday, claimed a hat-trick of assists against Hull City and teed up Dara O'Shea's headed goal for Albion's second against Derby.

Follow the game

Season tickets holders who have claimed an iFollow package can again watch Albion play live when the Baggies take on Fulham.

If supporters have not claimed an iFollow package, they can still buy an audio match pass to listen to the game live. Find out more here.

Please ensure you have your redeemed your code and logged in to your account well in advance of the game. IFollow coverage starts one hour before kick-off.

Once logged in, supporters should visit our Match Centre and click 'Watch Now'.

If you have any problems with iFollow please contact [email protected]

Comprehensive coverage of the clash with Fulham is also available in our Match Centre, where you can listen to live commentary on WBA Radio or follow our live text feed.

WBA Radio is the only service that allows Baggies fans around the world - from Smethwick to the Sahara - access to uninterrupted live commentaries from every one of our competitive games. iFollow subscribers can join Gez Mulholland and Andy Johnson for Baggies-biased live commentary on Tuesday.

International supporters who have an iFollow subscription may be able to live stream the game depending on where they are located around the world. To find out, click here.

You'll also be able to find score updates on the club's social media channels.



https://www.wba.co.uk/news/2020/july/albion-v-fulham-match-preview/

Cyrus' Goal of the Month Nomination

Cyrus Christie's banger against Queens Park Rangers has been nominated for the Sky Bet Championship Goal of the Month award.

On the last day of June, Fulham were being held at 1-1 at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium with quarter of an hour to go.

But Christie ensured the three points would be coming back to SW6 when he took up the invitation of acres of space in front of him to advance and smash a sweetly hit low ping into the bottom left hand corner of the net.

Christie's competition for the award comes from Middlesbrough's Marcus Tavernier and Luton Town forward Harry Cornick, for their goals against Stoke City and Leeds United, respectively.

The winner will be decided by a fan vote at this Sky Sports link. Voting closes on Tuesday, with the winner announced on Friday.




http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/july/13/cyrus-christie-nominated-for-goal-of-the-month

Five Thoughts: Fulham 2-0 Cardiff City

With Cam indisposed this weekend, Drew Heatley has slipped into his Total 90s to run the rule over Friday night's victory.

---

What an enjoyable Friday night. I sat there, KFC bucket in hand, as Mitro dispatched a hell of a pen into the top-right corner and marvelled as Johansen and Onomah stunned the Bluebirds defence to make it two. It got me thinkin' – about five things, actually...

Parker's penchant for three points

Four on the trot. Lovely, isn't it? Equalling our best run of the season, we're left to rue what might've been if he hadn't capitulated against Brentford and folded against Leeds. And we bloody love a Friday night match. It was our sixth win from eight Friday night games home and away this, leaving us to all enjoy our weekends in peace (unless you play fantasy football or have an acca on, of course).

Onomah's ongoing awesomeness

Josh bagged his second goal in three games on Friday, continuing a wonderful resurgence in form. But his contributions have been about more than goals. I'm guilty of looking at Onomah through the same lens I did at the beginning of the season. I saw him as a more defensively minded midfielder who wasn't capable of taking a game by the scruff of the neck and changing it. But as Ben so eloquently put over the weekend, Josh's renaissance shouldn't come as a surprise – the ingredients have always been there.

Can Cairney come back?

The centre of our midfield might be comprised of just three cogs, but getting the balance right between them hasn't always been easy. Josh slipped into Cairney's boots on Friday, in front of Arter and Reed. It begs the question: will our captain return to the starting XI when he's fit? Accommodating both Cairney and Onomah would be tough; pairing players with TC has proved tricky in the past (Jean-Michael Seri, anyone?), but it's likely Arter would prove the casualty. And that would skew the balance once more. A nice headache to have? Perhaps not at this stage in the season.

Terrific two-goal triumph

That was only our sixth win by more than a goal out of our previous 22 triumphs. They say 2-0 is the most dangerous scoreline? Cobblers. Watching the game play out of Friday was unusually calming compared to the nervy final few minutes at the City Ground on Tuesday. It typifies the workman-like nature of Parker's Fulham – just don't ask us to come from behind...

Sixth (at least) secured

Beating the Bluebirds means we're guaranteed a spot in the strangest Championship play-offs ever. Does home advantage make a difference in the second leg with no fans? Could we possibly do it on a warm Tuesday night at Wembley? Some, if not all, these questions will now be answered. And we could well face Cardiff in the semis or the final, so like our game against Forest, it was a handy dress rehearsal. One thing's for certain: momentum is everything, so Friday's three points are among the most important so far this season.




https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2020-07-13-five-thoughts-fulham-2-0-cardiff/

Report: Fulham could replace Scott Parker with 61-year-old, two Championship rivals keen

Chris Hughton would be interested in replacing Scott Parker at Fulham if the Cottagers miss out on Premier League promotion, according to The Sun (13 July, page 61).

While the West Londoners might have the finest squad in the Championship on paper, with a strikeforce of Aleksandar Mitrovic, Bobby Reid and Anthony Knockaert striking fear into the heart of most second-tier defences, their undoubted quality has not always translated into results.

Fulham have won their last three league outings but an inconsistent run before lockdown means automatic promotion has slipped through their fingers.

The capital club are currently fourth, five points adrift of West Brom in second.

As a result, speculation has suggested that Fulham could dispense with the services of rookie boss Parker and bring a more experienced, proven tactician to Craven Cottage.

Hughton, then, would most certainly fit the bill.

The 61-year-old has a superb record in the Football League, leading a crisis-ridden Newcastle side back to the top-flight at the first attempt a decade ago before booking Brighton's place in the Promised Land for the first time in their history.

So if Parker was not under enough pressure already, he will now have to operate with the spectre of Hughton looming above Craven Cottage. 

The Sun reports that Birmingham City could look to bring back a former coach at Pep Clotet's replacement, while Hughton also has admirers at managerless Bristol City.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2020/07/13/report-fulham-could-replace-scott-parker-with-61-year-old-two-championship-rivals-keen/

Talking Points: Cardiff City

It's a positive discussion in Talking Points, after Fulham made it four wins on the spin with a 2-0 triumph over Cardiff City.

1. Play-Off minimum confirmed

Results at the weekend mean that Fulham are assured of a Play-Off spot at the very least this season. In fact, the lowest we can now finish is fifth. Victory at the Hawthorns would make things interesting, though, as we would then sit just two points behind West Bromwich Albion with two fixtures remaining. For the first time in their lives, Brentford fans will no doubt be cheering on the Whites this Tuesday.

2. Noses stay in front

We've discussed this before, but Fulham's record when scoring first this season is sensational, and Scott Parker has done a fine job of training his players in the art of keeping a lead. We've scored the first goal in 23 of our Championship matches this season. Of those, we went on to win 20, with just three of them ending in draws; West Bromwich Albion at home, Sheffield Wednesday away, and Millwall away.

3. Hungry, Hungry Mitro

Aleksandar Mitrović has had to watch on as his teammates took nine points from nine in his absence as he served a three game ban, and he looked as hungry as ever upon his return to the side. With the Captain's armband on, he dispatched one of the most perfect penalties you're ever likely to see, and was still keen to double his tally even with the game won, as some may have seen by his reaction when Ivan Cavaleiro took a late shot on rather than crossing to him.


4. Filling TC's boots

With Tom Cairney currently nursing an injury, Josh Onomah has become the most attack minded individual of our midfield three. It's a role that looks completely natural to the 23-year-old, thanks in large to the power and pace he can boast. He took his third goal of the season brilliantly, collecting Stefan Johansen's pass before slamming in a piledriver that the goalkeeper didn't even both trying to save.

5. Super sub Stefan

Stefan Johansen's performance after coming off the bench will have done his chances of getting a start no harm at all. The midfielder was on the pitch for just six minutes when he played a beautiful one-two with Onomah to create our second goal. Despite playing considerably fewer minutes than most of his teammates, his display was not lost on the fans who voted him in third for Man of the Match.





http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/july/13/talking-points-cardiff-city

'Concern now is...' – Sky pundit makes top-two prediction ahead of huge West Brom clash v Fulham

Sky Sports pundit Sue Smith has said that if West Brom can beat Fulham in the massive game on Tuesday they will go on to finish in the top two.

However, she also said that West Brom will "certainly" be looking over the shoulders in the face of some stunning form from Brentford.

Talking on The Football Show (Sky Sports, Monday, 11am) Smith said, "The fact that Brentford are in such good form, they'll certainly be looking over their shoulder.

"I think the concern now is that they have got another tough game, they've got Fulham on Tuesday.

"It was always going to be tough against a good Blackburn side. They could have killed the game off in the second half, they didn't and they'll be disappointed with that.

"Blackburn had their chances late on. They won't be happy with a point but at least they didn't lose.

"If they can get a big result against Fulham you would say they're there. But the way Brentford haven been playing recently, they've been fantastic."

Time for Baggies to bounce

It's all come down to this and the nerves are really starting to kick in ahead of the game against Fulham.

Leeds got a late, late winner to pick up three points from the game against Swansea on Sunday.

That's given them clear daylight and it looks like it's between us and Brentford for the last automatic spot.

We'd much prefer to be playing a side easier than Fulham but we think the way they play could play into our hands.

Leeds beat Fulham 3-0 after lockdown and if Slaven Bilic can get our players fired up – and it really shouldn't take much doing – then we're confident that we can get the all-important three points too.

Meanwhile, can Brentford really keep winning? That's seven in a row for them now and Preston won't be an easy game.



https://www.westbromnews.co.uk/2020/07/13/the-concern-now-sky-pundit-makes-top-two-prediction-ahead-of-huge-west-brom-clash-v-fulham/

At just £1m, should Leeds be battling Celtic for Fulham player?

Celtic are reportedly interested in raiding Championship promotion hopefuls Fulham for goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli as Neil Lennon looks to replace Fraser Forster – but do Leeds need to join Celtic in pursuit?

Bettinelli, 28, has lost his place in Fulham's starting line-up with Marek Rodak starting ahead of him between the sticks. Called up by England in September and October 2018, Bettinelli now looks set to leave Fulham.

That is because the goalkeeper has entered the final 12 months of his contract at Craven Cottage. The Daily Mail claim Celtic are looking to take advantage and lure Bettinelli north of the border, after talks to sign Forster failed.

The report states that Celtic could sign the former Accrington Stanley loanee for as little as £1million – and at that price, surely it cannot just be Celtic interested in signing a player that was in England's squad last season.

Indeed, Leeds United and Victor Orta have got to be on red alert. The Whites, who edged closer to Premier League football for the first time in 16 years on Sunday with a 1-0 win over Swansea, desperately need a goalkeeper.

Kiko Casilla has been linked with the exit door this summer after an indifferent spell at Leeds. He has been banned for the last eight games after being found guilty of racially abusing Jonathan Leko, during a clash against Charlton.

Illan Meslier, who remains on loan from Lorient has starred in his place, keeping five clean sheets in eight. The French ace is expected to sign a permanent deal, but with Casilla likely to leave, another goalkeeper is needed.

Bettinelli could be ideal. Decent with the ball at his feet, Premier League experience and available on the cheap – Leeds would be foolish not to consider a move for the English goalkeeper as cover for Meslier next season.



https://tbrfootball.com/at-just-1m-should-leeds-be-battling-celtic-for-fulham-player/

Johansen: You Never Know

Stefan Johansen was pleased to be able to influence proceedings on Friday night, and now has his eyes on a fifth successive win.

The popular midfielder stepped off the bench and within six minutes had teed up Josh Onomah for the decisive second goal against Cardiff City.

"It was a brilliant finish, the way he takes it on," Johansen said of his teammate. "He showed his quality right there. A great, great finish from Josh.


"Obviously every player wants to start the games, but we're in a good shape at the moment. We have a massive squad, full of good players, so when you get a chance from the bench you try to make an impact in the game.

"I felt like I managed to do that quite well against Cardiff. It was good to get an assist as well, it's always nice to help the team like that. It was a good game for the whole team."

Tuesday's trip to West Bromwich Albion could be a pivotal fixture in the automatic promotion hunt.

Victory for Fulham would move us two points behind the Baggies, but a defeat would mean we could finish no higher than third.

"The only thing we are focused on is winning the remaining three games and seeing where it takes us in the end," Johansen stated. "We were a bit unlucky in the first two games against Brentford and Leeds, they could have ended up differently if we were a bit more clinical, but that's the way football is.

"We're on four wins in a row now, and we want to make it to seven and see where that takes us. We want to go there tomorrow to win the game and put pressure on them for the last two games, because then obviously they will feel us [breathing down their necks].

"You never know in football, I think there are still some exciting moments left in the season.


"We've been there before in the last few seasons in the Champ where we're chasing during the season and you can see different teams finding good form. You see Brentford now in really good form, so [West Brom] will definitely be feeling the pressure.

"We need to go there tomorrow and win, then it's only two points between us with still two more games to play, and you never know what could happen from there.

"We just need to go there with the same mindset that we've had the last four games, and take the confidence from those matches as we go there to try and win the game."

The Hawthorns is a ground Johansen knows well having spent the latter half of last season on loan there.

It's a team he clearly has plenty of respect for. Not that there will be any room for sentimentality on Tuesday.

"I think West Brom is a great club," he said. "I had a good six months there, although unfortunately we didn't get to the Premier League.

"There are good guys there, and they've got a very good manager now as well, so I'm not surprised to see them up there.

"But that's a part of the past now. Since coming back to Fulham, I've always had my mind on Fulham. I really enjoyed being at West Brom, but Fulham is everything now.

"I always have an eye on West Brom, but Fulham is the team for me. I've had a few seasons here now and it feels like my home."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/july/13/stefan-johansen-you-never-know

Cottage Talk Preview: West Brom vs. Fulham

Take a listen to a podcast that focuses on Fulham Football Club.

This is our preview of West Brom vs. Fulham, and joining the show was West Brom supporter Andy Caulton, who shared his perspective on the game. We ended the show with our predictions.


You can also listen to the show by following this link...
https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2020/7/13/21322611/cottage-talk-preview-west-brom-vs-fulham

Baggies urged to "embrace the pressure" as Fulham visit the Hawthorns

Albion welcome Scott Parker's Fulham to the Hawthorns on Tuesday evening for another key Championship encounter. Baggies boss, Slaven Bilić, has urged his players to embrace the inevitable pressure that they will feel in this promotion run in, but also to "screw [the] Blackburn" result as there were plenty of positives to take into the final three games.

Both sides are in good form with the hosts having taken ten points from the last twelve, and the visitors all twelve, albeit that the reaction in some quarters to the Baggies' draw with Blackburn at the weekend would suggest that they are about to collapse.

As I suggested in my match report, the Baggies used up one of their chances to drop points at the weekend and, assuming Brentford win their remaining three games, they can afford to draw one more game and still guarantee a top two finish. The Blackburn game should have been wrapped up inside an hour but poor finishing let Albion down – that is not something that has affected them too often this season, so it seems safe to put it down to it being "one of those days".

The fact that Albion are creating chances, as they have done consistently in their last four games, should provide the confidence that they will take enough in the next three to ensure that they get over the line.

The more worrying aspect of Saturday's match was that there did seem to be an element of panic to Albion's play in the last twenty minutes. That is something that Bilić picked up on and I'm sure he will look to address this ahead of the visit of Fulham. I actually think the Croat got his substitutions wrong, particularly with the introduction of Harper, but that is something that I have not said before this season – hopefully, it is a one off.

Scott Parker's team are enjoying a good run of form having emerged from lockdown a little shakily with defeats to Leeds United and Brentford. It was perhaps surprising that they managed to turn around their form without their talisman, Aleksandar Mitrović, who returned from a three-match ban in Friday evening's victory over Cardiff City.

When the clubs met back in September, the Cottagers dominated possession for the first hour but it took a stroke of fortune for them to take the lead when Knockaert's cross found its way into the net. The Baggies are a better side now, but they will need to be every bit as solid at the back to keep the division's top scorer, Mitrović, at bay.

Most felt that Derby County would present a challenge last week, but Albion controlled the game superbly and won comfortably in the end. Fulham present a different type of challenge with the multiple threats of Mitrović, Knockaert, Cavaleiro and De Cordova-Reid but I'm sure that Albion have the tools at their disposal to get the result they need.

Fulham really need the win to keep their hopes of a top two finish alive, and even a top three finish could be considered a significant advantage given that whoever finishes sixth would be the rank outsider in the play offs. I expect them to come at Albion, and they may well dominate possession, but that is not necessarily a bad thing for Bilić's team as was demonstrated against Derby last week.

Furthermore, while there will be much wailing and gnashing of teeth in some quarters should the Baggies drop another two points, a draw would not be a bad result in this fixture. The pressure would be on, but they should be capable of beating Huddersfield and QPR if they need to.

History
Fulham have the honour of being the first team that Albion beat in the Premier League. Megson's side beat the Cottagers 1-0 on 31st August 2002 thanks to a goal from Darren Moore having lost the opening three games of their debut campaign in the Premier League.

Since then, the Baggies have recorded just two league victories over Fulham, the most recent coming in 2010 when they came from behind to win 2-1 with goals from Youssouf Mulumbu and Marc-Antoine Fortuné, a result that put Roberto di Matteo's side 4th in the Premier League.

In the three subsequent meetings at the Hawthorns, two have ended all square while the Londoners won the other 3-1 on New Year's Day 2013.

The Baggies most recent big win came when the clubs met in the third tier in February 1993. Ossie Ardiles' team stuck four past the Cottagers without reply opening with a second minute penalty from Bob Taylor, with further goals from Ian Hamilton, Mickey Mellon and Wayne Fereday.

Albion's record win over Fulham is 6-1, a scoreline they have achieved twice, the first in 1946 and then again in 1962. Derek Kevan scored four on that occasion, and it was the first of a run of five games between the clubs at the Hawthorns when Albion scored 22 goals and conceded 6 – the results were 6-1, 3-0, 2-2, 6-2 and 5-1. Football was fun in the 60s!

Last matches
Last meeting

14 Sep 2019 – League Championship
Fulham 1 (Knockaert)
West Brom 1 (Ajayi)
Last meeting at the Hawthorns

22 Feb 2014 – Premier League
West Brom 1 (Vydra)
Fulham 1 (Dejagah)
Last win

23 Oct 2010 – Premier League
West Brom 2 (Mulumbu, Fortuné)
Fulham 1 (Carson (o.g.))



https://brummieroadender.com/baggies-preview/baggies-urged-to-embrace-the-pressure-as-fulham-visit-the-hawthorns/

Parker 'delighted' with Fulham; sends message to goal-hungry Mitrovic

Scott Parker has expressed his delight with his Fulham side after their 2-0 win at Cardiff on Friday secured a play-off spot for the Cottagers.

Aleksandar Mitrovic's penalty upon his return to the side and Josh Onomah's goal made sure of a vital three points.

However, Parker insists that his side will not sit back now, as they still have their sights set on automatic promotion.

"It's there and we need to keep pushing, I'm delighted we've got to the play-offs," he told the Birmingham Mail.

"This team we've played tonight was in the Premier League with us, and they were eight points better than us there only a year ago.

"To get to the play-offs like we have, to perform as we have this year, I feel that we've done very, very well.

A MESSAGE FOR MITROVIC
Fulham were boosted by the return of talisman Mitrovic against Cardiff. The Serbian came back into the side after serving a three-match ban for elbowing Leeds' Ben White.

He marked his return with a goal, emphatically dispatching from the spot after he was pulled over by Dion Sanderson in the box.

The goal puts him on 24 for the season and he will no doubt have a part to play in Fulham's hunt for the top two, or in the play-offs.

"It's a big boost for us to have Mitrovic back, he's been an integral part of what we do," Parker added.

"He made a big mistake and had to take his medicine. The team had to step up and go without him and they have done extremely well in that time, stepping up to a man.

"But we're pleased to have him back of course we are. It's a squad game with how thick and fast the matches are coming. So we've got to keep pushing and keep going."

TUESDAY'S TRIP TO THE HAWTHORNS
Fulham continue their quest for an immediate return to the top flight with a crunch clash with second-placed West Brom at the Hawthorns.

"We'll go there hoping to get a result to try to keep the pressure on," Parker said. We had to stand up tonight [Saturday] to a challenge that was always going to be there from a strong and physical Cardiff team.

"A team that put the ball in the right areas from set plays and from all over the pitch. There was an element of real quality that shone through at times.

"We would have liked to have a bit more control but that's difficult against a good team like Cardiff.

"But also 2-0 is probably a fair result and on the scale of things we've had some other big big chances we've missed And overall I'm pleased with the result and my team's resilience."



https://www.teamtalk.com/news/scott-parker-fulham-mitrovic

West Bromwich Albion Face Fulham in Huge Promotion Clash

West Bromwich Albion take on Fulham in a crunch match in the EFL Championship. A win for the Baggies would see them go eight points clear of their opponents.

West Bromwich Albion vs Fulham – EFL Championship
Promotion Race Set to Go to the Wire?

Just when you thought the race for promotion was beginning to shut, the weekend's results have blown it right open again.

West Bromwich Albion, who are in pole position, travelled to Ewood Park to face Blackburn Rovers. A game many thought the Baggies would come away with three points.

They dominated the match and got their lead just before the breakthrough Filip Krovinović's close-range volley.

But the Baggies were not able to find a second, and it came back to haunt them. Joe Rothwell's goal in the 63rd minute meant Albion travelled back with a mere point.

It was a huge disappointment for Bilic's men. Following Brentford's victory earlier that afternoon against Derby County, the gap is down to three points – not to mention the also Bees have a superior goal difference to Albion.

The draw at Ewood has also put Fulham back in the frame. They won 2-0 at home to Cardiff City on Friday which was guaranteed, their play-off spot.

But now there's a real incentive for Scott Parker's men that they will be going up automatically. A win for them at The Hawthorns would put them two points off the top two with two games to play.

Match Facts

West Bromwich Albion are undefeated in their last four games. Fulham have won their last four matches, and have kept a clean sheet in their last three.

Aleksander Mitrović scored on his return to action on Friday, following a three game ban for elbowing Leeds United's Ben White. He is the League's joint top scorer alongside Ollie Watkins with 24.

The Baggies will be without Jonathan Leko, while Fulham will be missing Aboubakar Kamara and Terence Kongolo.

Thoughts on the Match

Slaven Bilic would have disappointed by the fact his side didn't put their chances away on Saturday.

But it's still very much in The Baggies' hands, with Brentford heading to Preston in midweek, they once again have a real chance of strengthening their position in the top two.

It's not going to be easy, especially the form Fulham have been in. But they know a defeat would mean they would have to settle for the play-offs.



https://lastwordonfootball.com/2020/07/14/west-brom-take-on-fulham-in-huge-promotion-clash/

'He'd definitely be an upgrade on Parker' – Interesting report emerges surrounding Fulham job: The verdict

This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Fulham could have Chris Hughton knocking on the door looking for a job in the summer, should Scott Parker leave Craven Cottage if he fails to win promotion back to the Premier League. 

According to The Sun (13/7, page 61), Hughton would be keen on the Fulham job if Parker was to leave the club on the back of a failed promotion push.

It's an interesting report and one that begs the question whether Hughton – a former promotion winner – is an upgrade on Parker?

Our writers discuss...

George Harbey

I think Fulham would need to consider this carefully.

Hughton is obviously a very experienced manager who has the knowledge of getting out of the a Championship and into the Premier League, and with the players Fulham have, they won't want to be hanging around the Championship for too much longer.

In that sense, it seems like a no-brainer to bring in a manager of Hughton's calibre, but in Scott Parker, they have an up and coming manager who has a lot of potential as a coach.

He should have gotten a lot more of out of his players this season, granted, but in his first proper season in management, he has them fighting for a place in the play-offs and a potential immediate return to the Premier League.

That cannot be overlooked.

Jacob Potter 

He'd definitely be an upgrade on Parker.

Hughton has experience of managing in the Championship, and has already shown in the past that he can win promotion into the Premier League, having achieved that with Brighton and Hove Albion.

Therefore, I think at this current time, he'd be an upgrade on Scott Parker, who I think will struggle to guide Fulham to promotion into the top-flight.

Fulham have got an excellent squad this season, so it's important that they find a manager that is capable of taking them into the Premier League next season if they aren't to achieve promotion this term.

I'd be surprised if the Cottagers were to part company with the former Chelsea and West Ham midfielder if they were promoted though.

Hughton would be somewhat of a coup for Fulham though, and I'd be targeting him at the earliest of opportunities, especially with other teams monitoring his situation.

George Dagless

It'd be a fine appointment.

I think Parker has gotten a little bit of a raw deal with some of the criticism he has had this season. Yes, Fulham should be closer to the top two but I think you need to remember this is his first full season in charge with huge expectation and overall there has been some really positive signs.

However, is that enough for a club like Fulham who ideally need to be promoted this season to keep some of their best players? That will be the decision they need to make and if they do get rid of Parker then Hughton would be about as good as they could get.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/hed-definitely-be-an-upgrade-on-parker-interesting-report-emerges-surrounding-fulham-job-the-verdict/

West Brom v Fulham - Match Preview

It's a game that needs no introduction.

Albion host Fulham this evening knowing they are just three results away from winning promotion to the Premier League.

At this stage of the season, points are the only thing that really matter.

But if Slaven Bilic's side can win tonight, it will not only give them an enormous confidence boost – it will also send a huge message to their automatic promotion rivals.

Despite a sluggish first few games, the Baggies have actually been very good since football was able to return following the coronavirus pandemic.

They go into tonight's match having taken 10 points from a possible 12.

The trouble is Brentford have done even better – with Thomas Franks' side aiming for their eighth consecutive victory when they host Preston North End tomorrow.

It is Albion's draw against Blackburn on Saturday that has led to anxiety levels increasing ahead of tonight's game.

The truth is the Baggies should have won comfortably at Ewood Park after creating a host of excellent chances.

But they were unable to find that crucial second goal. And that means Brentford cut the gap from five points to just three.

Nevertheless, promotion is still very much in Albion's hands.

Even if they draw tonight, wins over Huddersfield and QPR will see them return to the Premier League.

And that means Fulham's visit is more 'must not lose' than 'must win.'

The Cottagers, though, have to take all three points if they are going to keep alive their faint hopes of going up automatically.

And it's going to be fascinating to see how both managers approach the game – with each having chopped and changed between 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 systems this season.

Back in September, the two teams played out a 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage.

Albion started that day in a 4-2-3-1 while Fulham were 4-3-3.

And it's fair to say for half-an-hour the host's midfield three – with the extra man – ran rings around Bilic's side.

It wasn't until Albion's head coach matched them up that the Baggies got a foothold on the game.

Since then, though, Fulham have also switched to 4-2-3-1, largely due to the absence of skipper Tom Cairney.

And with so much at stake and the margins likely to be fine, those managerial decisions could be the difference tonight.

For Bilic, the message to his players has been very simple. He has told them to enjoy the occasion and play with confidence.

The disappointment of the draw at Blackburn – together with Brentford's incredible run – has somewhat overshadowed that the Baggies are in excellent form. But they are playing well and have every right to enter tonight's game with confidence.

"We are at that stage of the season – until you cross that finish line of course there is anxiety," Bilic said. "And to be fair there is a team below us in Brentford that is pushing us to the limit.

"But we are doing well, we are doing well.

"If it wasn't for them we would probably be safe, it would be done. But they are doing well and credit to them.

"We have to continue to do what we are doing. That is winning games.

"Of course, the supporters are a bit nervous, the players are a bit nervous.

"Everybody's a bit nervous. This is a big thing. It would be a big achievement.

"Everything that is big requires calmness because there will be difficulties. If it was easy it wouldn't be a big achievement."

Having played particularly well in their last two, Bilic has told his players to go out and do the same again.

"In the dressing room after Blackburn the guys were flat," he added.

"I said 'hey, there is no reason to be'.

"The result is one thing. But we are playing well.

"We just do the same, perhaps with a bit more concentration and just a little bit of luck to convert those chances.

"That is my message to the players."

Predicted team: Johnstone, Townsend, Hegazi, Ajayi, O'Shea, Sawyers, Livermore, Grosicki, Pereira, Diangana, Austin



https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/football/west-bromwich-albion/2020/07/14/west-brom-v-fulham-match-preview/

Fulham boss Scott Parker piles pressure on West Brom in fight for automatic promotion

Fulham boss Scott Parker says the pressure is on opponents West Brom on Tuesday night as his side look to keep alive their slim hopes of automatic promotion.

Fulham travel to the Hawthorns looking for a fifth consecutive win, but know defeat will end their bid to jump above the Baggies and finish inside the Championship top two.

Parker, who will again be without injured captain Tom Cairney, knows his side can play with a little more freedom after their Play-Off place was secured with Friday's win over Cardiff.

West Brom will take a giant stride towards the Premier League with victory and Parker expects the hosts to feel the heat as the season reaches its climax.

"When you are at the top of the league and everyone is trying to catch you, that is where the pressure is," he said.

"Leeds and West Brom have been under that pressure for large parts of this season, when you are a Brentford or a Fulham at this time, trying to catch, that pressure is a little bit less.

"Certainly I think there is an element of that which is correct, this is a massive game for them. It is for us too, every one of my players realise how important this is for us."

A Fulham victory would also swing the door open for London rivals Brentford - who host Preston tomorrow - to sneak into the top two with a win.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-scott-parker-pressure-west-brom-automatic-promotion-a4497576.html

Sky Sports pundit reveals his prediction ahead of West Brom and Fulham showdown

West Bromwich Albion take on Fulham in a crucial clash at the top of the Championship this evening with the chances of promotion on the line for both sides.

Sky Sports pundit David Prutton has revealed his prediction ahead of the game as he claims that Fulham could have the edge in the encounter.

West Brom slipped up thanks to a 1-1 draw against Blackburn Rovers on Saturday at Ewood Park which allowed closest rivals Brentford to close the gap to just three points.

Such are the fine margins, a loss for West Brom against the Cottagers and a win for Brentford against Preston North End on Wednesday evening would see the Baggies slip out of the top two for the first time since October.

Prutton believes that with Fulham needing to win to keep alive their slight chances of automatic promotion could play into the Londoner's hands.

"West Brom's slip at the weekend has opened the door right up for the sides below them, and Fulham may sense a little bit of blood," Prutton said.

"Scott Parker's side trail the Baggies by five points and only a win will do with three games to go. That might make it easier for them to approach the game in a way, and I have a feeling they could take advantage. 1-2."

There is no doubt that this is the biggest game of the season for both Fulham and West Brom. A draw is no good for either side as this would leave Fulham still five points behind with two games left.

A win for Fulham would keep their automatic promotion hopes alive and be a huge dent in confidence for Slaven Bilic's men. Whilst a win for the Baggies could see them go back to the top of the division dependent on their margin of victory but more importantly six points clear of the Bees.



https://the72.co.uk/179921/sky-sports-pundit-reveal-his-prediction-ahead-of-west-brom-and-fulham-showdown/

Kevin Campbell has just given his verdict on Leeds United's promotion chances

Former West Bromwich Albion striker Kevin Campbell predicted on Sky Sports News (10:37am, July 14, 2020) that Leeds United will clinch automatic promotion to the Premier League.

Campbell added that if West Brom are able to get the better of Fulham on Tuesday evening, then they should win automatic promotion from the Championship.

Leeds are at the top of the Championship table at the moment with 84 points from 43 matches, three points clear of second-placed West Brom.

The Baggies, who are three points ahead of Brentford in third, will take on Fulham at The Hawthorns in the league this evening.

Fulham currently find themselves fourth in the standings with 76 points from 43 matches.

Campbell said on Sky Sports News (10:37am, July 14, 2020): "I think Leeds are going straight up.

"I think the key to West Brom is tonight, the Fulham game. If they could beat Fulham, then I think they are virtually there."

Almost there

Leeds have not featured in the Premier League since 2004, but it seems that it is only a matter of time before the West Yorkshire outfit are back in the top flight of English football.

Given the Whites' form after the lockdown and the way they have played all season, it is hard to see Marcelo Bielsa's side suffer a late collapse.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2020/07/14/kevin-campbell-has-just-given-his-verdict-on-leeds-uniteds-promotion-chances/

Scott Parker lays down gauntlet to West Brom

Fulham boss Scott Parker has piled the pressure on West Bromwich Albion ahead of tonight's clash at the Hawthorns.

Albion have been somewhat inconsistent since the season's restart, picking up only three wins and being held to draws against Birmingham City and Blackburn Rovers.

Albion's promotion rivals Brentford, meanwhile, have been in scintillating form since the season's resumption, winning six games on the spin and moving to within only three points of the Baggies.

Tonight, West Brom face take on Fulham, who secured their place in the top-six with a win over Cardiff City on Friday night.

With their top-two hopes diminishing, the Cottagers will be keen to pick up another win tonight and apply even more pressure on Slaven Bilic's men.

Speaking ahead of tonight's clash, Scott Parker expects West Brom to be feeling the pressure ahead of the final three games of the season.

Via the Evening Standard, he said: "When you are at the top of the league and everyone is trying to catch you, that is where the pressure is.

"Leeds and West Brom have been under that pressure for large parts of this season, when you are a Brentford or a Fulham at this time, trying to catch, that pressure is a little bit less.

"Certainly I think there is an element of that which is correct, this is a massive game for them. It is for us too, every one of my players realise how important this is for us."

The Verdict

This is a really tough game for West Brom as Fulham sit five points off the top-two, and will be keen to properly go for a win now their top-six finish is guaranteed.

Albion know that they cannot afford to slip up with Brentford playing tomorrow night, which adds to the pressure even more.

They have the players and the experience to beat Fulham tonight, though, and if they can nullify Aleksandar Mitrovic's threat, then it should be an easier task for Albion.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/scott-parker-lays-down-gauntlet-to-west-brom/

"Massive game" – Scott Parker piles the pressure on West Brom ahead of crucial game

Fulham manager Scott Parker has piled the pressure on West Bromwich Albion ahead of their huge game at the Hawthorns this evening as reported by The Evening Standard.

The Cottagers head to the Midlands on the back of four consecutive wins and with top scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic back in the side following his suspension.

West Brom have also been in a good run of form with three wins out of their last four but the draw against Blackburn Rovers on Saturday allowed closest promotion rivals Brentford to close the gap to just three points.

Parker will again be without injured captain Tom Cairney but they have the freedom in knowing that their play-off place is secured and believes with West Brom under pressure to win, it could play into their hands.

"When you are at the top of the league and everyone is trying to catch you, that is where the pressure is," he said.

"Leeds and West Brom have been under that pressure for large parts of this season, when you are a Brentford or a Fulham at this time, trying to catch, that pressure is a little bit less."

"Certainly I think there is an element of that which is correct, this is a massive game for them. It is for us too, every one of my players realise how important this is for us."

This is undoubtedly a huge game for both sides with a defeat for Fulham all but ending their hopes of an automatic promotion spot.

For West Brom, they will be eager to get back to winning ways with Brentford hot on their heels and a defeat here could see the Bees overtake them into second spot should they win their game against Preston North End on Wednesday evening.



https://the72.co.uk/179965/massive-game-scott-parker-piles-the-pressure-on-west-brom-ahead-of-crucial-game/

Why Fulham should snatch midfielder away from Hull City this summer

Fulham boss Scott Parker crossed paths with Hull City midfielder Kevin Stewart as players together on the books at Tottenham Hotspur.

The 26-year-old is poised to become a free agent this summer and should be targeted by the Cottagers.

Stewart is likely to be moving on from the KCOM Stadium on a free transfer with it unlikely the Tigers will be able to keep him at the club. Therefore, Fulham should swoop in and bring him to Craven Cottage.

He would be a shrewd signing for the London side as he would add more options and depth to their midfield department.

Stewart joined Hull three years ago and has since made 74 appearances for the Yorkshire side, chipping in with three goals.

He has played at the highest level for Spurs and Liverpool in the past and has proven with the Tigers that when fit that he can be a top player at Championship level.

Stewart started out at Tottenham but left for Anfield in 2014. He had loan spells away from the Merseyside club at Cheltenham Town, Burton Albion and Swindon Town before going onto play 20 times for the Reds' first-team.

He has some injury worries since joining Hull in 2017 and initially struggled to impress there. However, he has since fought his way back and has established himself as one of Grant McCann's key players.

Stewart won't be staying there next season, especially if they are relegated to League One. Fulham will be keen on boosting their squad this summer and should have him on their radar.



https://the72.co.uk/179972/why-fulham-should-snatch-midfielder-away-from-hull-city-this-summer/

'A little bit of blood' - Pundit makes telling West Brom vs Fulham prediction

West Bromwich Albion news: David Prutton is predicting a 2-1 win for Scott Parker's side when they head to The Hawthorns for a crunch Championship battle tonight

Sky Sports pundit David Prutton is predicting a surprise victory for Fulham at West Bromwich Albion when the two sides meet tonight.

The former Nottingham Forest and Leeds United midfielder thinks Slaven Bilic 's side will slip up against the Cottagers.

Prutton is predicting a 2-1 win for Fulham, whose form has improved dramatically with four wins on the spin putting them back in the automatic promotion picture.

Second-placed Albion need a positive result from tonight's game to take another step toward a return to the Premier League.

Brentford host Preston North End tomorrow night and if Thomas Frank's side capitalise on a slip-up from the Baggies then they could nudge them off the top of the table.

Prutton, who has predicted Brentford to win, thinks Fulham will take advantage of Albion's draw at Blackburn Rovers.

"West Brom's slip at the weekend has opened the door right up for the sides below them, and Fulham may sense a little bit of blood at the weekend," he told Sky Sports.

"Scott Parker's side trail the Baggies by five points, and only a win will do with three games to go.



https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/west-brom-vs-fulham-prediction-18593828

'Turn on the style' – These West Brom fans look ahead to Fulham clash

West Brom face a huge game in the battle for automatic promotion to the Premier League this evening, as they host Fulham at The Hawthorns.

Following their 1-1 draw away at Blackburn Rovers on Saturday, the Baggies are just three points clear of the play-off places, and Fulham could move to within two points of Slaven Bilic's side if they claim victory in the Midlands.

Defeat for West Brom this evening would also give Brentford the opportunity to leapfrog them into second if they can win at home to Preston on Wednesday night.

This therefore, is clearly a vital game for West Brom in the context of this season, and taking to Twitter pre-match, the club's social media admin have been looking to build the anticipation amongst the supporters, with a simple but emotive post, declaring the side's focus on this particular outing.

That post has certainly provoked a response amongst the Baggies' fanbase, with a number responding to the tweet to send their messages of support to their side ahead of a crucial few days in the quest for a return to the Premier League.




https://wba.vitalfootball.co.uk/turn-on-the-style-these-west-brom-fans-look-ahead-to-fulham-clash/

SUPREMOS: Jimmy McIntyre

(https://www.ccfc.co.uk/contentassets/aa1bf266f11d43a88fe5056e9444d076/mcintyre-web.jpg/Large)

Mark Robins is the latest in a long line of Sky Blue Supremos, the men who have tried to bring success to City. In this series first published in matchday programme PUSB, writer Rob Mason reflects on the highs and lows on those who have occupied the hot-seat.

Jimmy McIntyre managed three clubs and became the first man to win the old Division Three South with two different clubs. Unfortunately, City were the team with which he won nothing but McIntyre remains a fascinating figure in the Coventry story. While he passed away over 60 years ago characters such as him all played their part in the club's history and this series seeks to ensure their stories are not forgotten.

McIntyre's contribution to Coventry commenced long before he became manager in 1928.  A crowd of around 2,000 all went home talking about him after his home debut on 9 September 1905. The front page of that evening's Coventry based Midland Evening Telegraph advertised a production of 'Three of a Kind' at the Coventry Hippodrome but McIntyre had already hit his own three of a kind with a hat-trick in a 6-1 win over Burslem Port Vale Reserves in the Birmingham and District League.

Having started so well, McIntyre proved he was no flash in the pan, going on to score 19 goals in only 24 games in a season when no-one else managed double figures. City finished 11th in the 18 team table.  He saved his best performance for his home town team, scoring four in a 5-1 win over Walsall in November.

The Saddlers were one of his old teams. McIntyre had played for them in 1901, when he was 20. He had begun with Witton, continued with Darlaston Town and moved on to Wednesbury Old Athletic before his spell with Walsall.  He didn't appear the kind of man who as a manager could ask for loyalty from his players as he tended to move on an annual basis himself.

Having spent 1901 with Walsall and 1902 with Notts County, 1903 found him at Northampton where he was a team-mate of Herbert Chapman. Chapman would create the great Huddersfield and Arsenal teams of the twenties and thirties who each won the league title in three successive seasons. Never short of self-confidence in his own later managerial career, McIntyre was fond of comparing himself with his former colleague.

Following his spell alongside Chapman, McIntyre moved to Reading in 1904 before his season with Coventry, after which he was released by cash-strapped City and signed for fellow Birmingham League members Dudley. The following season he finished his playing days with Bournbrook in the Birmingham Junior League.

Having given up playing McIntyre continued on the training staff at Coventry in 1907, a year in which he is known to have purchased shares in the club. Apparently he was registered as a player with City from 1909 to 1912 but this appears to have been so he could be called upon in emergencies, a policy not unusual for club trainers at the time. Later he was similarly registered at Southampton from 1912-14, again without actually playing.

As Coventry trainer McIntyre finally seemed to be finding a home in football after his frequent moves and after a year on the backroom staff became the chief trainer at the club, a position he held until 1912, working alongside Joe Beaman, Walter Harris, Harry Buckle and Robert Wallace as the managerial door revolved, always remembering that at this time the manager's role was predominantly secretarial, meaning that as chief trainer McIntyre would have had a considerable influence on the team leading up to the First World War, albeit mostly this would involve ensuring levels of fitness.

His first season as chief trainer corresponded with Coventry's move into the Southern League.  Under Harris they propped up the table in the first year but climbed to 8th, 10th and ultimately 6th under McIntyre's training regime.

In April 1912 as the Titanic set sail from Southampton, McIntyre headed there as trainer. It was a position he held until the league was suspended three years later as World War One brought The Southern League and Football League to an end until peace was restored. In McIntyre's final season as trainer The Saints finished sixth, level on points with fourth placed West Ham. Coventry that season were in the second division of the Southern League having gone down the season before, but The Bantams would be elected to the Football League upon the resumption of peace-time football.

As what would be Coventry's first Football League season got going, Jim McIntyre enjoyed his first season as Southampton manager. Still in the Southern League, Saints finished eighth. The following season was their first in the newly formed third division and under McIntyre Southampton finished runners up. They did not go up though as only the champions were promoted. It was just as well, as if two teams were promoted and relegated Coventry would have gone down having finished second bottom of division two.

Saints did rise the following season however in the first year of a regionalised third division, as they pipped Plymouth Argyle to the title on goal average. McIntyre's magic continued on the south coast as they not only consolidated at the higher level in mid-table but enjoyed a cup run to the quarter-final stage. There they only lost in a second replay to West Ham who went on to win the first ever Wembley final.

McIntyre would have one more full season in charge of the south coast club whose rise continued as he lifted them to fifth in the table. 1924-25 saw Southampton in mid-table when McIntyre's time came to an end on December 1st, signing off with a point in The Saints derby away to Portsmouth.

By now in his mid-forties McIntyre's next move was out of football as he moved to Scotland to run an Edinburgh hotel!  After three and a half years north of the border, he was tempted back to his native midlands when Coventry City asked their former player to take over from James Kerr, who had left four months before McIntyre's appointment on June 1st 1928.

A disciplinarian who produced a strict set of rules for players to adhere to, modern day players might be flabbergasted to learn he banned players' attendance at Whist Drives but more likely modern players won't know what Whist Drives are. Despite being denied the social occasion that the card games of Whist could provide, City started brightly under their new supremo, losing just two of their opening 15 games, a run that culminated in a sequence of four successive victories. However, while there were 10 wins before Christmas there were fewer than half that number after it with City becalmed in mid-table, especially after cashing in on top scorer Ernie Toseland who went to Manchester City as a club record sale.

McIntyre's second season saw City draw upon 10 fewer players and the more settled side corresponded with a climb to sixth place. The rise came despite conceding 16 more goals. There were though 26 more scored with Jimmy Loughlin the man mainly responsible.

Loughlin had been brought in by McIntyre from West Ham mid-way though his first season in charge and after close to a goal every two games in the second half of the manager's first season, marked his own first full campaign with 24 goals in 31 appearances, topping his total up to 30 with another six in only four cup games.

Loughlin wasn't alone in being a regular scorer. Two other men McIntyre had introduced mid-way through his initial campaign came to the party with 17 and 15 goals respectably: left winger Billy Pick and Billy Lake from Walsall - who would become a City legend - while Alf Widdowson also reached double figures.

It wasn't just the attack that McIntyre focussed on however as having brought in left back Ted Watson from Wolves reserves late in his first season he raided the Molineux second string again in the summer for right half Frank Higham. He was an instant success in a strong half-back line with Norman Dinsdale and Billy Bell.

Goals were in shorter supply at both ends in the following 1930-31 campaign as the high scoring of the era started to calm down. Having been a gun for hire himself as a player McIntyre had no problem in finding goal-scorers, in this campaign Bristol Rovers import John Phillips notching 17 in 25 league games in what would be his solitary season with City. However other than Lake, who top scored with 23, no-one else notched more than half a dozen.

The goals largely dried up after McIntyre left on 13th February after a final fixture which brought victory over his home-town Walsall. Whereas City had failed to score in only eight of the 30 league and cup games played prior to his departure the team failed to score in half of their remaining 14 games after he was sacked. The writing had been on the wall for McIntyre since before Christmas when following an FA Cup defeat at home to Exeter, who had been beaten in the league a fortnight earlier, his boardroom opponent Walter Brandish assumed control of team selection.

Two months after leaving Coventry, McIntyre was back in football as manager at Fulham where he became The Cottagers most successful boss in a quarter of a century. By now 50, McIntyre continued to demonstrate his talent for signing goal-scorers, this time bringing in Frank 'Bonzo' Newton from Stockport. 'Bonzo' though would also lead to McIntyre's departure from the job and the game.

McIntyre was back at Highfield Road for the final game of the 1930-31 season he had begun as manager of Coventry, but he would be disappointed as goals from John Philips and George Reay gave his former side victory. The former boss gained the upper hand on the opening day of the following season as Newton netted twice as Coventry were beaten 5-3 at Craven Cottage.

Newton would do even better in the return on New Year's Day as he smashed a hat-trick with Fulham again going nap. Thankfully Coventry also scored five in an astonishing five all draw that featured seven second half goals, City's Billy Lake matching Newton with his own hat-trick.

That 10 goal thriller typified the two teams who were the only two sides to score over 100 goals. Fulham's tally of 111 was only three more than Coventry but while City languished in 12th place, their former manager's side took the title.  Only three of the bottom four let in more than the 97 Coventry conceded, while Fulham's defence were pierced 62 times, a figure bettered by only three teams.

Newton top scored with 43 goals from 39 league games with another four strikes in the cup.  With Jim Hammond also notching 31, free scoring Fulham were worthy champions, right winger Billy Richards and full back Joe Birch also being brought in as McIntyre maximised his resources.

There were some great wins. After beating Coventry 5-3 in their opening match, Fulham doubled that tally in their next home fixture, hitting Torquay for ten. There would also be a late season double header where an aggregate of 13-0 was recorded in back to back home games.

Promotion held no fears for Fulham who finished third with Newton still the main man with almost a goal a game (27 in 31) at the higher level. Newton would score twice on the opening day of the next (1933-34) season but they would be his final goals for the club. Never afraid to back his own judgement, McIntyre sold him to Reading in September for £650, investing £2,500 in his replacement, the Arsenal veteran Jack Lambert.

Lambert got off to a decent start with goals in his second and third matches but would only score twice more in his 14 further games for McIntyre, including the Gaffer's last as strugglers Millwall were beaten. Three days later McIntyre was sacked with the sale of Newton cited as Fulham installed their former player Jimmy Hogan who had excelled on the continent, most recently as manager of Austria.

For McIntyre it was the end of the road in terms of football. He returned to the Southampton area but not to the football club. Instead he swapped Fulham for a factory called Follands until retirement, passing away in Surrey in 1954, aged 72.



https://www.ccfc.co.uk/news/2020/july/supremos-james-mcintyre/

Barcelona interested in Tottenham's Ryan Sessegnon

Barcelona have inquired into the availability of Tottenham's Ryan Sessegnon, having been big admirers of him since his days at Fulham.

Their intrigue in the 20-year-old extends back more than two years, since Barca scouts were in the stands at Wembley to watch him in the 2018 Championship play-off final.

Those same scouts had been to watch him at least three times at Craven Cottage during what was his best season to date - having become aware of his emergence as one of Europe's best prospects at youth level.

Barca have now let that admiration be known in discussions, via intermediaries, over potential swap deals between the clubs this summer, despite Sessegnon's slow start to life at Spurs.

Sky Sports News reported last month that Barca had offered the likes of Nelson Semedo and Samuel Umtiti to Spurs, while expressing an interest in their beleaguered record-signing Tanguy Ndombele.

However, Sky Sports News can now reveal that Barca's interest in Ndombele has cooled after they signed Miralem Pjanic from Juventus.

Although Barca do see Ndombele as another attractive prospect, they still have other midfield options in Frenkie de Jong and Sergio Busquets and are prioritising signings in other areas; notably up-front with the desired signing of Inter Milan's Lautaro Martinez.

Barca are also interested in bringing in another left-back, however, which has led them to looking into Sessesgnon despite his struggles to get into Tottenham's team under both Mauricio Pochettino and now Jose Mourinho this season.

He has made only four Premier League starts and 12 appearances in all competitions, after Spurs finally signed him for £25m last summer following a long-term pursuit of their own.

They first made Fulham an offer around the time he made his debut as a 16-year-old in 2016 and explored that interest in every subsequent transfer window - and he remains the only left-back they have signed in six years, since Ben Davies joined from Swansea in 2014.

Sessegnon is said to be concentrating on finishing the season with Spurs before assessing his future. The player feels he has done all he can to earn more game time than he has so far.

The Spurs hierarchy would also like to have seen both Sessegnon and Ndombele play more after making significant investment in the pair last summer, but they have been peripheral to Mourinho's first-team plans so far since the restart.



https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11675/12028408/barcelona-interested-in-tottenhams-ryan-sessegnon

Stefan Johansen Still Hopeful for Fulham's Automatic Promotion Chances

Fulham midfielder Stefan Johansen has not given up hope of the club returning to the Premier League through automatic promotion.

The promotion-chasing Cottagers face a trip to The Hawthorns on Tuesday afternoon, where they will have the opportunity to take points off of their promotion rivals West Bromwich Albion.

West Brom sit second in the table, five points clear of Fulham, who will see this game as a 'six-pointer'.

Stefan Johansen Still Hopeful for Fulham's Automatic Promotion Chances
Winning Run

If they want to gain promotion, then Fulham are certainly going the right way about it, right now. They have won four of their six games since the Championship returned, including all of their last four.

Johansen is hoping the club can take that run up to seven wins.

"The only thing we are focused on is winning the remaining three games and seeing where it takes us in the end," Johansen told the club website. "We were a bit unlucky in the first two games against Brentford and Leeds, they could have ended up differently if we were a bit more clinical, but that's the way football is."

"We're on four wins in a row now, and we want to make it to seven and see where that takes us. We want to go there tomorrow (on Tuesday) to win the game and put pressure on them for the last two games, because then obviously they will feel us (breathing down their necks).

"You never know in football, I think there are still some exciting moments left in the season."

After the trip to West Brom, Fulham will host Sheffield Wednesday at Craven Cottage and their final game of the season will see them visit Wigan Athletic's DW Stadium.

Pressure on West Brom

"We've been there before in the last few seasons in the Champ where we're chasing during the season and you can see different teams finding good form. You see Brentford now in really good form, so (West Brom) will definitely be feeling the pressure," Johansen added.

"We need to go there tomorrow and win, then it's only two points between us with still two more games to play, and you never know what could happen from there.

"We just need to go there with the same mindset that we've had the last four games, and take the confidence from those matches as we go there to try and win the game."

Johansen will be hoping to extend his own good form too. He came off the bench to assist Josh Onomah for Fulham's second goal in the 2-0 win over Cardiff City last Friday.

Respect for Former Club

The Norwegian midfielder spent some time out on loan at West Brom in 2019.

"I think West Brom is a great club. I had a good six months there, although unfortunately, we didn't get to the Premier League."

"There are good guys there, and they've got a very good manager now as well, so I'm not surprised to see them up there.

"But that's part of the past now. Since coming back to Fulham, I've always had my mind on Fulham. I really enjoyed being at West Brom, but Fulham is everything now.

"I always have an eye on West Brom, but Fulham is the team for me. I've had a few seasons here now and it feels like my home."



https://lastwordonfootball.com/2020/07/14/stefan-johansen-hopeful-for-fulham-automatic-promotion/

'He's gone for it!!' – These West Brom fans react as team news for Fulham clash is confirmed

West Brom face a potentially season-deciding game this evening, as they host Fulham at The Hawthorns with the battle for automatic promotion to the Premier League this season approaching its conclusion.

Victory for West Brom would put them six points clear of the play-off places in the race for a return to the top-flight, but defeat would put a significantly different complexion on things.

If Fulham are able to beat the Baggies this evening, they would move to within two points of Slaven Bilic's side, while that would also give Brentford the opportunity to climb above West Brom into second in the table on goal difference, if they can win at home to Preston on Wednesday night.

As a result, there is almost no margin for error for West Brom here, and perhaps with that in mind, manager Slaven Bilic has named a side that shows two changes from the one the drew 1-1 at Blackburn on Saturday, with Ahmed Hegazi replacing Kyle Bartley in defence, and Grady Diangana replacing Saturday's goalscorer Filip Krovinovic, with those players both dropping to the bench.

Taking to Twitter to react to that team news, plenty of West Brom fans were keen to voice their opinion on their side's starting lineup for such a vital game.



https://wba.vitalfootball.co.uk/hes-gone-for-it-these-west-brom-fans-react-as-team-news-for-fulham-clash-is-confirmed/

'What a team', 'Brave' – Plenty of West Brom fans react to Slaven Bilic's latest selection call v Fulham

West Brom will be hoping they can keep their hopes of catching league-leaders Leeds United alive with a positive result against Fulham on Tuesday evening.

The Baggies are currently sat second in the Championship table, and are three points clear of third-placed Brentford with three matches remaining in this year's campaign.

They take on a Fulham side that are will be keen to put together a positive run of form themselves starting this evening, as they look to build some form ahead of potential play-off matches.

Slaven Bilic has named his starting XI ahead of the game, as they go in search of a crucial three points at The Hawthorns. Ahmed Hegazi and Grady Diangana come into the side to replace Filip Krovinovic and Kyle Bartley.

Plenty of West Brom supporters took to social media to issue their thoughts on Bilic's latest team selection ahead of the game. against the Cottagers.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/what-a-team-brave-plenty-of-west-brom-fans-react-to-slaven-bilics-latest-selection-call-v-fulham/

'Justice for Johansen' – Plenty of Fulham fans fume as midfielder is left out v West Brom

Fulham will be hoping they can pick up a much-needed three points when they return to competitive action against West Brom on Tuesday evening.

The Cottagers head into the game off the back of an impressive 2-0 win over play-off chasing Cardiff City at Craven Cottage, and they'll be keen to build on that important win.

Scott Parker's side are currently sat fourth in the Championship table, and will be well-aware of the threat that Slaven Bilic's men are going to pose to them on the day at The Hawthorns.

Parker has named his starting XI for this one, with Harry Arter surprisingly dropping to the substitutes bench despite some improved displays recently.

Plenty of the Craven Cottage faithful took to social media to issue their thoughts on Parker's latest team selection ahead of the game, with plenty being frustrated by Stefan Johansen being on the substitutes bench again.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/justice-for-johansen-plenty-of-fulham-fans-fume-as-midfielder-is-left-out-v-west-brom/