Black History Month – Barry Hayles
October marks Black History Month, and the Fulham Supporters' Trust would like to celebrate the significant contribution people of colour have made to Fulham Football Club, both past and present. Over the course of the month we'll be chatting to various black people from our club's history about Fulham and ask them what Black History Month means to them.
First up, Farrell Monk caught up with ...
Barry Hayles
Debut: home vs Chesterfield – November 1998
Appearances: 214
Goals: 57
For years, Black History Month has been the only time of year that the UK talks about the achievements of black people in this country. That is something that needs to change, but Barry thinks we are heading in the right direction. "It's been so significant over the past few years, especially with what's been going on recently," he says. "I think about how black people have been treated over the hundreds of years; it's important to highlight it all to ensure we can bring about equality." Although he admits more could be done. "Not everyone realises it's happening really! So it's best for the football community to highlight Black History Month as much as possible."
It's currently the International break. When Hayles joined Fulham in 1998, we were the only club outside England's top two divisions that had games postponed due to having more than three players away on international duty. That's certainly not the case for Barry's current club, Merstham, where he combines playing with the role of assistant-manager. "Unfortunately not, we're part-time!" he laughs. Sadly, the Surrey outfit fell to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Kingstonian the evening before we spoke.
London born and bred; Barry admits that getting a chance to move back to the area was one of the main reasons that he chose Fulham. "I'm a Londoner and Fulham were on the up; I couldn't turn it down really!"
Bristol Rovers fans were understandably displeased by the loss of their star striker. But it could've been a lot worse for the Gasheads – arch rivals Bristol City were in for Hayles. Thankfully for the Gas, and for us, he chose Fulham. £2.7m was more than enough to persuade Rovers to sell; it's a substantial sum for a third-tier club these days, let alone 22 years ago. They were keen to cash in.
"Fulham requested that I wasn't cup-tied so the manager [Ian Holloway] said I should say I was injured for the cup game, to make sure the move went through", Barry admits.
Hayles enjoyed six successful years at Fulham, including two promotions, an FA Cup semi-final appearance and European football [when the Whites reached the third round of the UEFA Cup in 2002], so you'd forgive him for not being able to choose a favourite moment immediately.
"Where to start?! Although I think I would have to go with my first goal against Southampton to knock them out of the FA Cup. I didn't hit the ground running, so to finally get my first goal really settled me in." That goal knocked out the Premier League outfit, before we famously overcame table-topping Aston Villa in the following round. It led to Fulham's longest FA Cup run since the final of 1975.
All things considered, it's safe to say Barry certainly made a positive impact over the course of his stay in SW6.
https://www.fulhamsupporterstrust.com/news/2020/10/black-history-month-barry-hayles/
Mitro On Target(https://images-v2.fulhamfc.com/fit-in/1600x1600/66c05900-0ec5-11eb-abfb-89a51636ee14.jpg)
Aleksandar Mitrović continues to close in on Serbia's goal record, adding to his tally in their Nations League draw with Turkey on Wednesday.
After Sergej Milinkovic-Savic had given the visitors the lead in Istanbul, Mitrović coolly converted a penalty to double the advantage, only for the Turkish to strike back with two goals of their own.
That spot-kick takes Mitro's total for his country to 36, just two behind Stjepan Bobek's current record of 38.
Stefan Johansen was an unused substitute in Norway's 1-0 win over Northern Ireland, as was
Marek Rodák for Slovakia's 3-2 home defeat by Israel.
Tuesday saw
Neeskens Kebano come off the bench at half-time, helping the Democratic Republic of Congo salvage a 1-1 draw against Morocco, having been trailing at the break.
Elsewhere,
Jean Michaël Seri and
Ola Aina were unused substitutes for the Ivory Coast's 1-0 defeat by Japan, and Nigeria's 1-1 draw with Tunisia.
At youth level,
Luca Ashby-Hammond claimed a clean sheet as England Under-20s defeated Wales 2-0.
The Fulham goalkeeper played the first half at St George's Park before making way for Sheffield United's Marcus Dewhurst.
https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/october/Mitro-On-Target/
Parliament to debate return of football fans after petition exceeds 190,000 signatures
Football clubs and fans were handed a boost when Parliament annonuced they would debate the possibility of fans being allowed back into stadiums following a successful petition
Parliament will discuss the possibility of letting fans return to matches after a petition reached over 190,000 signatures.
Football in England has been played behind closed doors since the country went into lockdown back in March.
Leicester's win over Aston Villa on March 9 was the last Premier League game to be played in front of a packed house.
But Parliament will now debate whether fans should be allowed back into stadiums on November 9.
The debate will take place in Westminster Hall with a member of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport in attendance.
Domestic football returned back in June after a lengthy absence and following its conclusion the new condensed season is now underway.
There has been a growing frustration among fans that other events have been allowed to take place with crowds while they remain unable to watch their teams play.
A lack of matchday revenue has also seen clubs, especially lower down the football league, seek help as they struggle to cope financially.
However Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden reiterated on Wednesday morning that fans will not be allowed to return while coronavirus cases continue to rise.
He said: "Yes of course I accept people's frustration at the inconsistency there. The simple reason is, we had sports on a path to return to normality. We were one of the first in the world to achieve football back and being played behind closed doors.
"The next phase was pilot games with social distanced spectators in stadia. I desperately wanted that to happen (go further than the pilots).
"Because of where we are with the rapid rise we have not been able to have that. The advice from the scientific community is that we should be imposing restrictions not further easing.
"We were ready to go. They were successful. We were ready to go from Oct 1. We had to pause it because of the rapid expansion of the disease. It is not just the stadium. It is the journey, people want to have something to eat on the way. That's not to say that can't be mitigated.
"We'd be increasing social interaction while imposing further restrictions.
"I want to rapidly return to this decision.We are ready to go when we get the starting gun fired
"We got PL and Championship up and running early on and got money back in the sport because of that."
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/parliament-debate-return-football-fans-22849702
New venue for Under-23s' Fulham clash
Newcastle United under-23s' upcoming Premier League 2 visit of Fulham on Monday, 19th October has a new venue.
The Division Two game was due to take place at Whitley Park but will now be held at St. James' Park, with kick-off set for 1pm (BST).
No spectators will be able to attend the league clash due to the Coronavirus pandemic, which will be played behind-closed-doors.
Chris Hogg's side currently lie in eighth place of Premier League 2's second tier, two points adrift of the play-off places, after their opening three league fixtures.
United's second-string faced Fulham twice last term, beating the young Cottagers 2-1 in August 2019 before earning a 3-0 victory back in January.
https://www.nufc.co.uk/news/latest-news/new-venue-for-under-23s-fulham-clash/
BT Sport's Sheffield United vs Fulham free-to-air stance after Oliver Dowden request
Culture secretary Oliver Dowden has requested for Premier League free-to-air coverage and BT Sport has responded
BT Sport have confirmed that this weekend's Premier League clash between Sheffield United and Fulham will not move to a free-to-air model, despite calls from the government to do so.
Football fans remain unable to attend live matches due to the coronavirus restrictions, with lockdown rules across the country now varying after the introduction of a three-tier system.
There are fears that pay-per-view matches will lead some fans to gather in houses to watch the match, which led the government to comment on the matter this week.
Speaking at Wednesday's Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee hearing, culture secretary Oliver Dowden claimed it would be "a great gesture" if games were made available on free-to-air due to the restrictions in place.
He said: "I wouldn't accept the premise that people in Liverpool are going to breach the rules at all, but if BT are able [to make the match free to air] as a gesture, that would be a great thing to do of course."
While his comments were directly regarding the Merseyside derby between Liverpool and Everton, the point remains for other matches in this set-up.
However, BT Sport has now hit back at the request and ruled out such an approach, claiming it is difficult to start applying different commercial models to the different local lockdown situations.
"Broadcast revenue is critical to ensuring that football clubs stay financially afloat, and together we help protect the overall football ecosystem," a spokesperson for the broadcaster said.
"It's impossible to start applying different commercial models to the many differing and dynamic local lockdown situations."
Dowden was also not impressed with the introduction of pay-per-view matches, which includes the Blades' clash with Fulham on Sunday.
He said: "I was not massively impressed. These things jar with the idea of coming together in this period of crisis."
https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/football/news/sheffield-united-fulham-tv-coverage-19107916
Player 'passed medical' ahead of Fulham move – Set to sign four-year contract with Cottagers
Huddersfield Town's Terence Kongolo is set to complete a move to Fulham before Friday's domestic deadline, if reports coming out of the Dutch press are to be believed.
The Terriers allowed the 26-year-old to spend the second half of the last season on loan with the Cottagers.
He made only two appearances in all competitions for Fulham as injuries forced him to spend more time away from the pitch.
Despite the defender's recent injury woes, the Premier League side are still looking to sign him again, this time on a permanent deal. That's what Algemeen Dagblad are reporting today.
It's claimed the Netherlands international has 'passed his medical' test, 'with some delay' and will sign a four-year contract at Craven Cottage.
AZ Alkmaar also showed interest in the former Feyenoord man, but the player has turned down the chance to return to his homeland in favour of playing in the top flight club competition in England.
Kongolo can operate as a centre-back or a left-back, but Scott Parker only used him as a central defender at Fulham last season.
http://sportwitness.co.uk/player-already-completed-medical-ahead-of-fulham-move-set-to-sign-four-year-contract-with-cottagers/
Report: £18m man rejects Europa League club in favour of Fulham move
Terence Kongolo has turned down the chance to play Europa League football at AZ Alkmaar in favour of a return to Fulham, according to Algemeen Dagblad.
Well, the Cottagers have given themselves a chance at least.
Fulham were hopeless, rudderless and, most importantly of all, pointless heading into the international break.
But Scott Parker's hapless charges deserve some credit for bringing in a host of new central defenders in an attempt to strengthen their much-publicised Achilles heel.
Only one newly-promoted team in Premier League history conceded more than Fulham's 10 goals in three games since promotion.
But with Joachim Andersen and Tosin Adarabioyo arriving, and Kongolo set to follow, the Londoners will be hoping they now have the resilience to build on that much-improved 1-0 defeat to Wolves last time out.
The Mail reports that Kongolo is expected to join before Friday's deadline in a £3 million deal from a Huddersfield Town side who paid £18 million for his services just two years ago.
A foot injury restricted the Dutch international to just one appearance during a recent loan spell in West London but Parker obviously feels he has unfinished business in a Fulham shirt.
AD even claims that Kongolo rejected AZ Alkmaar in order to secure a move to the Premier League.
AZ will be playing Europa League football against Napoli and Real Sociedad this season and were joint top of the Eredivisie when the Dutch football season was curtailed back in April.
Yet if Kongolo can help Fulham confound the critics and pull clear of the bottom three, his decision might just have been worth it.
https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2020/10/15/report-18m-man-rejects-europa-league-club-in-favour-of-fulham-move/
Sheffield United vs Fulham: Premier League prediction, start time, team news, TV channel, live stream, h2h, odds
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Scott Parker's men are in desperate need of three points ( )
The Premier League's bottom two will meet at Bramall Lane on Sunday and Sheffield United host Fulham.
Both clubs are of to dismal starts to the season, losing each of their opening four games, and are already looking at a fight to stay in the top flight.
Fulham's defensive woes have cost them dear, with 11 goals conceded in four matches and Scott Parker will be hoping that some late additions in the transfer window can have an immediate impact.
The Blades, meanwhile, have found their woes to be at the other end of the pitch, with David McGoldrick's consolation effort against Arsenal the only league goal they have mustered so far this season.
https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-united-vs-fulham-2020-premier-league-prediction-time-team-news-tv-channel-live-stream-odds-a4571486.html
FPL Draft: Loftus-Cheek can be a hit at Fulham(https://resources.premierleague.com/photos/2020/10/05/7a696404-ecbf-4e07-b0b7-a1f4ef58d184/loftus-cheek-fulham.png?width=860&height=573)
FPL Draft expert Neal Thurman backs midfielder to thrive as a regular following his loan switch from Chelsea It feels like forever since the last round of action in Fantasy Premier League Draft.
But we're getting close to that time again, with the added bonus that the international transfer window is shut so we have a pretty good idea of how every club's squad will look. The domestic window then closes this Friday.
With all of that in mind, here are my priorities for waiver wire claims by position, ahead of Saturday's Gameweek 5 11:00 BST deadline.
GKP: Aaron Ramsdale (SHU)No new goalkeepers have arrived so we're left with the short-term options likely to be available on waivers. Based on the fixtures this week, I'd be inclined to give Ramsdale a chance.
Sheffield United need a win and hosting a Fulham side who have struggled for goals looks like the perfect tonic to stop their poor start to the campaign.
DEF: Alex Telles (MUN)After arriving close to the transfer deadline, Telles has yet to be through the waiver claim process and he offers great promise. His reputation isn't as a lockdown defender who will help Manchester United churn out clean sheets, but his strike-rate in Portugal was exceptional for a defender.
If he can bring that to the Premier League then he has Matt Doherty-like Fantasy potential. Man Utd will surely pick up at least the odd clean sheet along the way to boost his value as well.
MID: Ruben Loftus-Cheek (FUL)If you're desperate for a midfielder who might produce season-long value, the final hours of the transfer market didn't offer much hope. Thomas Partey may be a very good player, but he isn't a Fantasy-friendly option.
If forced to take a flier on a player with some upside, I'd go with Loftus-Cheek, who will get the chance to start regularly for Fulham following his loan move from Chelsea. I'm still not bullish on the Cottagers' attack but, if he can regain his pre-injury form, Loftus-Cheek could get things going in the right direction.
FWD: Edinson Cavani (MUN)This is another option I'm not terribly bullish on but can't overlook given the lack of quality alternatives. My warning here is not to be swayed by brand names, with Cavani and Man Utd both bringing a momentous aura to the move. Given the younger options ahead of him, I can't imagine that their new striker is going to be a regular starter.
If you're weak in this area and need to take the risk then, by all means, make it happen. If you have a lesser name who has already been productive this season, I'd stick with what you have.
https://www.premierleague.com/news/1862474
Premier League predictions: Lawro v Afrobeat star and Man Utd fan Rema
The 237th Merseyside derby takes place at Goodison Park on Saturday - but will it be the Reds or the Blues who are celebrating afterwards?
"Everton have surprised everyone," said former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson. "I know they have got some very good players but I thought their new signings would take longer to settle in.
"James Rodriguez looks like a real player and the game looks very easy for him. Allan and Abdoulaye Doucoure have done great as well and, now they have got Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring, they look a real handful.
"Defensively, they might have some tough days to come, but they have been very good so far and probably even manager Carlo Ancelotti has been surprised by how quickly it has all clicked for them.
"They are top of the table for a reason and it looks like they are going to give Liverpool a close game."
Lawro is making predictions for all 380 Premier League matches this season, against a variety of guests.
This weekend, he is up against singer, rapper, Afrobeat star and Manchester United fan Rema.
Rema - real name Divine Ikubor - has followed United since he was a boy growing up in Benin City, Nigeria, and got to know their star players by playing video games with his older brother.
"I love United because of him," the 20-year-old told BBC Sport. "He used to play Fifa against me as United, and he would always win - so I always saw them as the winning team!
"We ended up having arguments over who would get to play as them - but, when I got the chance, I got attached to players like Carlos Tevez, Cristiano Ronaldo, Edwin van der Sar and Wayne Rooney, before I even saw them play in real life."
Rema has a good reason to ask for a rematch after some his songs were included in the soundtrack for Fifa 21 when it was released last month - but he might not pick United next time he plays.
"I know we're not doing so good at the moment," he added. "Not compared to those days anyway. The way things are going this season, I am not too happy."
As well as United, Rema grew up watching Nigeria stars Jay-Jay Okocha and Nwankwo Kanu - although he was never able to pull off their kind of tricks himself.
"I used to play every day with my friends after school," he explained. "We would go and play barefoot in the field.
"Jay-Jay was my favourite. I idolised him and and I wanted to be a striker too, but sadly I would always end up in goal because I wasn't that good."
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
Sheff Utd v Fulham (12:00 BST)
Both of these sides have lost all four of their league games, so at least one of them will get off the mark.
I am going with Sheffield United to edge it. They deserved something from their performance against Arsenal last time out and I just think their manager, Chris Wilder, will really have them ready for this one.
Lawro's prediction: 2-0
Rema's prediction: 0-2
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54509881
Nottingham Forest make major Anthony Knockaert breakthrough with second winger a target - report
The Fulham winger had been linked with a reunion with new Reds boss Chris Hughton
Nottingham Forest expect to complete the signing of Anthony Knockaert before Friday's 5pm transfer deadline.
That is according to John Percy of The Telegraph, who says the Reds are set to land the Fulham winger on a season-long loan deal.
It is also reported that West Brom winger Kamil Grosiki remains a target.
Knockaert is in the prime of his career at the age of 28 and has vast experience in the Championship, winning promotion three times.
However, he is yet to feature in the Premier League this season for Fulham.
His arrival would represent a 14th signing since the end of last season, although he would be a first for new manager Chris Hughton, who worked with the player during a successful spell at Brighton.
Grosicki, 32, has been a long-term Forest target with a move close on the deadline for international deals before it stumbled.
https://www.nottinghampost.com/sport/football/transfer-news/nottingham-forest-make-major-anthony-4610765
Fulham need to sort out five exits before Friday
Fulham's transfer dealings aren't over just yet.
The Whites look likely to complete the signing of Terence Kongolo before Friday's domestic transfer deadline, but if the Dutch defender does sign, Scott Parker will be presented with yet another problem.
Kongolo would take the number of senior players at Fulham up to 30, and with Premier League squads compiling of 25 players, there is plenty of fat that needs trimming at Craven Cottage, otherwise, they will end up wasting millions of pounds in wages for players who aren't even able to play.
Five senior players need to be out the door by Friday's deadline, and at the moment, that doesn't look likely with exit links few and far between at the moment.
Anthony Knockaert has been linked with Nottingham Forest and Michael Hector has been linked with a QPR, with both reportedly being loan moves, but those deals don't seem to be close at the moment.
When we say millions will be wasted, we mean it as well.
The players that are likely to be left out of the 25-man squad are the ones who weren't signed this summer, and we have plenty of salary information about those players available to us.
The median wage of Fulham's first-team last season was reportedly £22,000, so if you have five players on that wage missing out that's £110,000 a week, and with the January window not open for another 11 weeks, Fulham could end up wasting well over £1m on wages for players who won't play, and that's just from now until January.
That's a conservative estimate as well as the wage chart we are using doesn't include players such as Jean-Michael Seri who is reportedly on £65,000 a week or Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa who was a £30m signing in 2018, so the actual median is probably slightly higher than the numbers we are working with.
Either way, it doesn't take a genius with all the facts and figures to hand to see that Tony Khan needs to work hard on finding new homes for five of his players or else he will metaphorically be throwing money down the drain on players who won't be able to play Premier League football.
https://www.footballfancast.com/fulham-fc-transfer-rumours/fulham-transfers-sales-exits-update-tony-khan
Report: Nottingham Forest close to signing Anthony Knockaert
Nottingham Forest are set to finally end their quest to sign a winger with the addition of Fulham flyer Anthony Knockaert, according to reports.
It had been claimed earlier this week that the Cottagers had rejected an opening attempt from Forest to sign the Frenchman.
Now, it seems as though a deal will take place before the domestic deadline, with Chris Hughton reuniting with a player he knows extremely well.
During the 2016/17 campaign, the 28-year-old scored 15 goals and registered nine assists as Brighton won promotion to the Premier League.
A proven Championship performer, Knockaert will undoubtedly complement Forest's current wingers, with Joe Lolley, Sammy Ameobi and Alex Mighten all vying for a place.
The Reds must arrest a run of form that has seen them lose seven games on the spin stretching back to last season.
Hughton hinted at a couple of signings when he checked in on Trentside and it remains to be seen if anyone will follow Knockaert.
Knockaert helped Fulham to promotion last season but hasn't featured in any of the first four Premier League fixtures.
The Cottagers only paid Brighton £10.5 million to secure his services on a permanent basis in the summer, as part of a mandatory agreement of last season's loan.
Forest travel to Blackburn this weekend for Hughton's first game and Knockaert will need to be registered by midday on Friday in order to be eligible.
Quality
The former France under-20 international has an injection of pace, is direct and is capable of taking players on with an abundance of tricks.
Forest have added 13 new players so far this summer and Knockaert now looks set to be the latest new recruit.
Having undergone a squad rebuilding process, it's important for Hughton to now get a settled team assembled and work on improving the club's fortunes.
https://www.nottinghamforest.news/2020/10/15/report-nottingham-forest-close-to-signing-anthony-knockaert/
Everton: Club plotting swoop for Aston Villa, Fulham, West Brom and West Ham target Josh King
Everton are plotting a swoop for Aston Villa, West Ham, Fulham and West Brom target Josh King, according to Football Insider.
As per the outlet, AFC Bournemouth have slashed the asking price for their man, with it reportedly going down from £20 million to £15 million.
King has previously held talks over moves to both West Ham and Aston Villa, while there has also been interest from the likes of Fulham and West Brom.
Nonetheless, a recruitment source has apparently claimed that the Merseyside club are plotting a surprise last-ditch swoop for the Norway international if the terms of the deal are right for them.
King would reportedly prefer a move back to the Premier League and Carlo Ancelotti's team may fit the bill for him.
King has excelled in the Premier League
Indeed, the 28-year old has excelled in the top flight before, having scored a rather impressive 48 goals and having make a further 15 assists in 161 top-flight games for The Cherries (via Transfermarkt).
King may well be able to provide good cover for Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison up top for the Goodison Park faithful should one of them get injured or suspended.
Everton will need to get a deal done fast
Everton will need to get a deal done for King fast if they are serious about signing him. With the competition from other clubs in the Premier League, coupled up with the looming deadline for domestic transfers, the Toffees need to get on their bike if they want to get this transfer over the line.
https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/everton-fc-news/everton-club-plotting-swoop-for-aston-villa-fulham-west-brom-and-west-ham-target-josh-king/
Nottingham Forest make move for Fulham's Knockaert
Nottingham Forest have enquired about signing Fulham winger Anthony Knockaert on a season-long loan.
The former Brighton and Leicester wide-man only put pen to paper on a three-year contract in July in a deal potentially worth up to £15m after he helped the Whites return to the Premier League last season while on loan from Brighton.
Knockaert was signed by new Forest manager Chris Hughton for Brighton in 2016 and despite having added 13 new signings after missing out on the play-offs last season, the East Midlands club are keen to bring in another attacking player to a first-team squad that already boasts 30 players.
But former Norwich and Newcastle boss Hughton played down speculation linking him with the 28-year-old Frenchman on Thursday.
"I've learned over the years that if you say yes or no to one player you open yourself up," Hughton told Nottinghamshire Live.
"These are things you learn over a period of time. It's speculation. The Knockaert one is because of my connection with him before.
"I'm quite sure that by the end of Friday, I'll be very happy with the squad I've got."
https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/nottingham-forest-make-move-for-fulhams-knockaert
Nottingham Forest 'expect' to sign Anthony Knockaert as Chris Hughton addresses transfer plans
The Reds have until 5pm to make signings before the transfer window closes until January
Nottingham Forest expect to complete the signing of Anthony Knockaert before Friday's 5pm transfer deadline.
That is according to John Percy of The Telegraph, who says the Reds are set to land the Fulham winger on a season-long loan deal.
It is also reported that West Brom winger Kamil Grosiki remains a target.
Hughton on transfers
Chris Hughton has refused to be drawn on potential transfers for Harry Wilson and Anthony Knockaert.
Liverpool winger Wilson and Fulham wide man Knockaert are widely reported as being Forest's top transfer targets before Friday's 5pm transfer deadline with a deal for Knockaert looking more likely.
Newcastle's Christian Atsu and West Brom's Kamil Grosiki are also in contention.
Hughton says he understands why Knockaert has been linked given their work together at Brighton, when they won promotion to the Premier League.
However, he said it would be unwise for him to be drawn into conversations about specific players who belong to other clubs, with the Telegraph reporting a loan deal for Knockaert is close.
https://www.nottinghampost.com/sport/football/transfer-news/nottingham-forest-expect-sign-anthony-4611333
So once again Lawro is predicting us to lose, always good to hear. Parker should make good use of this in his pre match team talk to put effort up a notch.
Nottingham Forest 'expect' to strike loan deal for Fulham's £10 million signing
Nottingham Forest 'expect' to seal a deal to sign Fulham's Anthony Knockaert today, as per a report by Nottinghamshire Live.
The Reds are working on a season-long loan move for the winger before the transfer deadline at 5pm.
Knockaert, who is 28 years old, could be set to become Chris Hughton's first signing at the City Ground. The pair worked together at Brighton and Hove Albion and a reunion is now on the cards.
He only signed for Fulham for £10 million (as per Transfermarkt) in July after spending last season on loan at Craven Cottage. However, he looks poised to leave the Premier League new boys.
Knockaert made 39 appearances for Scott Parker's side in all competitions last term during his loan spell from Brighton and Hove Albion, chipping in with five goals to help the London club get promoted.
He knows what it takes to get out of the Championship. He played a huge part in Brighton's promotion under Hughton in 2017 by scoring 15 goals in that campaign.
Knockaert also helped Leicester City win the Championship title six years ago, before getting his third promotion with Fulham last term.
The Frenchman has proven he is a quality player at this level and would be an exciting signing by Nottingham Forest.
It has been a busy transfer window for the Reds, having brought in the likes of Lyle Taylor, Luke Freeman, Cyrus Christie and Scott McKenna, but their recruitment drive could go down to the wire today with Knockaert in their sights.
https://the72.co.uk/196900/nottingham-forest-expect-to-strike-loan-deal-for-fulhams-10-million-signing/
Fulham set to sign Terrence Kongolo from Huddersfield on permanent deal
Fulham have finalised a deadline day deal to sign defender Terrence Kongolo on a permanent deal from Huddersfield.
The 26-year-old joined the Cottagers on loan in January earlier this year but picked up a season-ending foot injury during his only league appearance for Scott Parker's side in February.
Kongolo has passed his medical and will make the move for a fee of up to £7million. His arrival could mean defensive departures before the close of the domestic window, with Fulham having signed an additional two central defenders on the final day of the main transfer window.
One man leaving the club is Anthony Knockaert. The winger signed on loan from Brighton last year before his move was made permanent in July after a certain number of appearances triggered an obligation to buy in the deal.
The 28-year-old has been deemed surplus to requirements following the arrival of Ademola Lookman from RB Leipzig and is set to join Nottingham Forest.
https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-set-to-sign-kongolo-from-huddersfield-on-permanent-deal-a4571841.html
Timmy Abraham SignsYoung Striker In On-Loan
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Argyle have secured the deadline day loan signing of highly-rated Fulham striker Timmy Abraham.The young striker, 19, joins Ryan Lowe's Pilgrims from the Premier League side until January.
Abraham, the younger brother of Chelsea and England striker Tammy, began his career in the Academy at Charlton Athletic, before joining the Craven Cottage outfit in 2017.
Timmy has been a regular in Fulham's under-23 set-up, alongside fellow Argyle loanee Jerome Opoku, who joined the Pilgrims last month.
The London-born striker netted twice in two appearances in the EFL Trophy last season, as well as scoring against Argyle in Fulham's 2-0 victory over the Pilgrims in the Premier League Cup in November 2019.
In January 2020, Timmy joined Sky Bet League One side Bristol Rovers, making four appearances before the season was curtailed due to the coronavirus.
Abraham will wear the no.29 shirt during the Pilgrims' 20/21 Sky Bet League One campaign.
Deal subject to EFL approval.
https://www.pafc.co.uk/news/2020/october/timmy-abraham-signs/
Plymouth Argyle sign Fulham striker Timmy Abraham on short-term loan
The 19-year-old will be with Ryan Lowe's Pilgrims until January
Plymouth Argyle have signed Fulham's 19-year-old striker Timmy Abraham on loan until January.
The deal with the Premier League club was completed in the build-up to the 5pm domestic transfer deadline today.
Abraham was reportedly a target for German Bundesliga club Borussia Dortumund earlier this month.
According to Transfermarkt.de, Dortmund wanted to bring in Abraham on loan, with a £2 million option to sign him.
The intention was that, initially, he would have played for Dortmund's second team.
However, the paperwork was not completed in time before the international transfer window closed on October 5.
Transfermarkt.de also reported that Dortmund could renew their interest in the London-born striker in January.
For now, Abraham has joined Argyle and is set to be in their squad for the League One game against Northampton Town at Home Park tomorrow.
The younger brother of Chelsea and England striker Tammy Abraham, he has not played for Fulham at first team level.
He has, however, scored two goals in three starts and two substitute appearances for the club in the EFL Trophy over the past couple of seasons.
Abraham signed on loan for League One side Bristol Rovers last January but played only four times off the bench for them.
The striker is described on the official Fulham club website as 'A direct attacking player who can play centrally or wide'.
He will add to Argyle manager Ryan Lowe's attacking options, which also include Ryan Hardie, Luke Jephcott, Frank Nouble and Dom Telford.
Abraham scored one of the goals for Fulham when they beat Argyle 2-0 int he Premier League under-23 Cup at their Motpsur Park training ground last November.
He will wear the number 29 shirt for Argyle, where his team-mates will include another on-loan Fulham under-23s' player, Jerome Opoku.
https://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/sport/football/plymouth-argyle-sign-fulham-striker-4612303
Steve Bruce names three senior Newcastle United players who will face Fulham
Matty Longstaff's set for his first game of the season – after recovering from injury.
The Newcastle United midfielder – who signed a new deal at the club in August – hasn't played so far this season because of a thigh problem. However, Longstaff has trained all week, and Steve Bruce has pencilled him in for a start in Monday's Under-23 game against Fulham at St James's Park.
"Thankfully, he's traimed for a week," said United's head coach. "We'll play in him alongside Ciaran Clark and Paul Dummett. Touch wood, it looks like he's on the road to recovery."
Longstaff's return to fitness comes ahead of tomorrow night's home game against Manchester United. The 20-year-old, memorably, scored on his Premier League debut against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side last season, and also netted at Old Trafford.
All Newcastle's international players, including defender Fabian Schar, have returned unscathed.
Schar played three games for Switzerland despite being taken off against Burnley with a shoulder problem, while left-back Jamal Lewis returned early from Northern Ireland duty because of an Achilles issue.
Winger Ryan Fraser also topped up his fitness with three Scotland appearances.
"They're all OK," said Bruce. "Everyone's returned OK. Jamal Lewis returned early. That was agreed, and he's fine. Fraser, great news for him. We needed him to be careful. He's not played since last March much. So, yeah, it's done him the world of good – and he got a winner."
Meanwhile, Bruce confirmed that goalkeeper Martin Dubravka is making slower-than-hoped progress from an operation on his heel. Bruce said: "It's slower than we would have liked. Let nature take it's course."
https://www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/football/newcastle-united/steve-bruce-names-three-senior-newcastle-united-players-who-will-face-fulham-3005537
The academy conundrum: why are our young stars not coming through?
In his first piece for Fulhamish, Charles Jones looks at the curious case of our academy.
A few years ago it looked like we were on the verge of a golden era in SW6.
It seemed as though every other week we were hearing about a new young star emerging at Motspur Park, ready to take the first-team by storm.
It all started well enough, as Ryan Sessegnon trailblazed his way to a Championship Player of the Year award during our electric 2017/18 promotion season, while others such as twin brother Steven, Harvey Elliott, Cody Drameh and Matt O'Riley were all in the background earning a lot of praise for their work with our youth outfits.
Yet, here we are, almost in 2021, and not a single one of the players mentioned above is at the club or in the squad for this season, Ryan Sess was always destined for bigger things, but Steven Sess is out on loan at Bristol, while Elliott, Drameh and O'Riley have left without making any real impact on the first-team, despite once being touted as the club's future.
A perilous position
A whole generation of young talent came and went without us even noticing, and the club looks like it's getting ready to repeat that same mistake.
Timmy Abraham would've left for Borussia Dortmund at the end of the transfer window if it wasn't for mistakes on our side, while Jay Stansfield wasn't even making the bench during Aleksandar Mitrovic's absence towards the end of last season, despite our utter lack of depth in the striker position.
Too dangerous to debut
The problem is that it's been a long time since Fulham have been able to take any risks on the pitch.
Ever since the 2013/14 season, every single campaign has been nerve-jangling. We've been staving off relegation to League One, chasing a play-off spot or competing for automatic promotion, and struggling to stay in the Premier League. When every game is a must-win, you can't afford to consistently hand out debuts and chances to young players. It's too much of a risk.
Is the answer mediocrity?
Think back to the last time we were a comfortable Premier League team. We had a number of young players getting chances; the likes of Kerim Frei and Alex Kačaniklić were regulars in the matchday squad. And while Pajtim Kasami wasn't an academy graduate he racked up more than 50 appearances before his 22nd birthday.
Compare this to last season, and the only player under the age of 21 who got a league start was Steven Sessegnon, and while the likes of Sylvester Jasper, Luca De La Torre, O'Riley and Stansfield did feature in the league, they had to settle for just 77 minutes between them.
Unfortunately, Fulham once again aren't in a position where they can start a game with anything less than a full-strength squad as the threat of relegation looms over Craven Cottage like a dark cloud, but you can't help but feel like we're once again in danger of wasting the fruits of our category one academy's labour.
What more can we do?
It's all well and good pointing out that this is a problem, but what is the solution?
Perhaps the answer lies with one of the rare success stories from our academy in recent years, Marek Rodak. He cut his teeth with numerous loan spells before becoming a vital part of our squad, so why isn't this model used more often?
Look at someone like Luca De La Torre, he made his first-team debut way back in the 2016/17 season, but despite getting chances from a young age, these were few and far between, with the American making just 14 senior appearances before leaving this summer, and it's hard to imagine that he wouldn't have benefitted from a loan spell or two.
That could be where the answer lies, just look at the latest England squad and you have examples of some of the most talented players in the country benefitting from loan spells in the lower leagues to hone their craft.
Jack Grealish played for Notts County, Jordan Pickford spent a season as Bradford's number one and even Harry Kane had four loan spells before becoming a regular at Spurs.
Of our current batch of players out on loan, you could argue that we're looking to nurture Steven Sess, though he broke into the first team on 11 occasions last season. But the real positive sign that we're looking to develop our youth in the lower leagues is Jerome Opoku at Plymouth.
The 22-year-old spent last season at Accrington Stanley and as a confident, ball-playing centre-back, he plays in a position that's proved to be a problem one for us in recent years. Letting him hone his skills in the EFL is absolutely the right move. Today's news that he'll be joined at the Pilgrims by Timmy Abraham is further proof that we might be leaning into the loan development system more.
Our category one academy isn't producing what we need it to. It's like having a Porsche on the driveway and not using it. Perhaps we can do more to aid their development by utilising a loan model that allows our youngsters to gain experience in senior football. Then we might really be on the verge of a golden era.
https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2020-10-16-the-academy-conundrum-why-are-our-young-stars-not-coming-through/
Timmy Abraham: Plymouth Argyle sign Fulham striker on loan(https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/976/cpsprodpb/4167/production/_114934761_shutterstock_editorial_10557498ab.jpg)
Timmy Abraham made four substitute appearances for Bristol Rovers last season
Plymouth have signed Fulham forward Timmy Abraham on loan until January.Abraham, the younger brother of Chelsea and England striker Tammy, follows Fulham team-mate Jerome Opoku in making a loan switch to the League One club.
The 19-year-old has not made a senior appearance for the Cottagers but has scored twice in five EFL Trophy games for their under-23s.
Abraham had a brief spell on loan with Bristol Rovers in League One last year but failed to score in four matches.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54570993
'Close to leaving': Manager says reported Fulham target is set for exit
Terence Kongolo is 'close' to completing a return to Fulham on transfer deadline day, Huddersfield Town coach Carlos Corberan has told the Yorkshire Live.
Talk about unfinished business.
A man who was restricted to just one fleeting appearance in Fulham colours during an injury-stricken loan spell is about to be handed the chance to prove, at long last, what he is all about at Craven Cottage.
The Mail reports that Kongolo is expected to complete his return to the Premier League strugglers before today's 5:00pm deadline.
What's more, Huddersfield will accept just £3 million for a player they paid a club-record £18 million for as recently as 2018.
"I think both players are close to arriving to a deal," Corberan said when asked about Kongolo and Karlan Grant, who has since secured a long-awaited £15 million move to West Brom.
"I think it's something that is not complete but both players are close to leaving the club.
"I think the situation didn't change from when we arrived here at the club because we didn't play with either player. Kongolo was injured and the club was focused on trying to make this deal (happen)."
The Dutch international, who helped Louis Van Gaal's Netherlands team reach the semi-finals of the World Cup in 2014, has played just nine minutes of football in 2020 thanks to a broken foot.
Kongolo did, however, turn down the chance to take on Napoli and Real Sociedad in the Europa League with AZ Alkmaar in favour of a second spell at Craven Cottage (AD).
https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2020/10/16/close-to-leaving-manager-says-reported-fulham-target-is-set-for-exit/
Team News(https://images-v2.fulhamfc.com/fit-in/1600x1600/b92f7280-0faf-11eb-b0c7-5fdb0c7b80e0.jpg)
Scott Parker delivered some frustrating news regarding Joachim Andersen in Friday's pre-match press conference.
The centre-back injured ligaments in his ankle during training, and is now set for a spell on the sidelines.
"We've had some pretty bad news with Andersen, who's obviously only just come into the football club," Parker revealed. "He's damaged his ankle in training so he'll be out for the foreseeable future.
"I wouldn't want to put an actual timescale on it but it's going to be some weeks. It's disappointing of course, because we had him for two days, we saw his quality, but we're going to be without him now for a little time.
"Hopefully we'll get him right, get him rehabbed, and get him back as part of the team."
In other injury news, it was a mixed bag with regards to Kenny Tete, Mario Lemina and Harrison Reed, who have all been missing of late.
"Tete's still struggling and will be out for a few weeks," Parker stated. "Lemina's back, he's been training now for 10 days.
"Harrison Reed is getting there, but the weekend will come too early for him."
https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/october/Team-News/
Sheffield Wednesday In For Premier League Defender, Face Competition
Sheffield Wednesday have slapped in a bid for Fulham centre-back Michael Hector, who is also interesting QPR, according to talkSPORT.
Having already sealed a loan deal for striker Jack Marriott from Derby County, Owls boss Garry Monk has turned his attention towards reinforcing his defensive department.
Wednesday are thin at the back, having been hit by an injury crisis, and Monk is keen on bringing in new defenders with the clock counting down on the domestic transfer window.
The Yorkshire giants are closing in on a loan swoop for Cardiff City's Aiden Flint but are also keen to land an additional centre-back.
And Wednesday are claimed to have slapped in a bid for Fulham defender Hector.
Hector spent the 2018/19 season on loan at Hillsborough from Chelsea and had a superb season in Yorkshire.
He was voted Owls' Player of the Year and Monk is eager to bring the 28-year-old back before the evening's domestic transfer deadline.
However, Sheffield Wednesday could face competition as QPR also like Hector and a move to Loftus Road would mean a stay in London for the player.
The Jamaica international has registered five appearances in all competitions for the Cottagers since the current season kicked off.
https://insidefutbol.com/2020/10/16/sheffield-wednesday-in-for-premier-league-defender-face-competition/477880/
Huge injury blow for Fulham as three are ruled out of Sheffield United clash
Joachim Andersen has suffered ankle ligament damage and is set to be out for at least a month.
The new centre-back got injured barely a few days into training – and will have to wait until at least November to make his Fulham debut.
The most expensive Danish player ever when signed by Lyon at the start of last season was expected to feature alongside the likes of Manchester City recruit Tosin Adarabioyo at Sheffield United this weekend, but that hope has been dashed.
Head coach Scott Parker, when asked how long Andersen would be out, said: "The foreseeable future."
Meanwhile, Kenny Tete has a torn calf and is also taking his turn on the treatment table, while Sunday's clash with the Blades is a "game too soon" for midfielder Harrison Reed, Parker says.
The one ray of light is Mario Lemina's expected return to the squad.
The Southampton loanee has been 'training the full 10 days" since the start of the international break and is pencilled in for Parker and Fulham's attempt at getting a first point on the Premier League board.
https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/huge-injury-blow-for-fulham-as-three-are-ruled-out-of-sheffield-united-clash
Sheffield United v Fulham(https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/976/cpsprodpb/0ADF/production/_114938720_parker2.jpg)
Scott Parker's Fulham side have won one of their past 23 Premier League away games
TEAM NEWSSheffield United's record signing Rhian Brewster is expected to make his debut.John Egan's availability is being investigated after he came into close contact with a Republic of Ireland team-mate who tested positive for Covid-19.
John Fleck, Oli Burke and David McGoldrick are all doubts after getting injured on international duty.
Fulham's new recruit Joachim Andersen has damaged ankle ligaments during training and faces several weeks out.
Mario Lemina is fit but Kenny Tete and Harrison Reed remain sidelined.
LAWRO'S PREDICTIONBoth of these sides have lost all four of their league games, so at least one of them will get off the mark.
I am going with Sheffield United to edge it. They deserved something from their performance against Arsenal last time out and I just think their manager, Chris Wilder, will really have them ready for this one.
Prediction: 2-0MATCH FACTSHead-to-head The home side has won both previous Premier League meetings, which came in the 2006-07 season.
Fulham won 5-4 away and 3-0 at home in the most recent matches between the sides, in the 2017-18 Championship. Fulham's Ryan Sessegnon and Leon Clarke of Sheffield United scored hat-tricks in the game at Bramall Lane.
Sheffield United Sheffield United could lose eight league games in a row for the first time in their history.
They have begun a top-flight season with four straight defeats for the first time since 1966.
The Blades have only once lost their opening five league fixtures in a season, when in the second tier in 1995-96.
Manager Chris Wilder has lost seven consecutive league matches as a manager for the first time since a run of 10 consecutive defeats with Halifax Town between February and April 2004.
United scored their first Premier League goal of the season in their most recent match, with David McGoldrick finding the net against Arsenal in a 2-1 defeat.
Fulham Fulham have never started a season with five successive league defeats.
They could lose their opening three away fixtures in a Premier League season for the second time, after 2008-09.
Fulham's solitary victory in their past 23 Premier League away games was by 1-0 at Bournemouth in April 2019 (D2, L20).
Scott Parker has lost 11 of his 14 Premier League matches as a head coach.
Parker scored a 90th-minute winner in West Ham's 1-0 victory versus Chris Wilder's Oxford United at Upton Park in the League Cup second round in August 2010.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54496453
Pre-Sheff Utd Press Conference
When discussing Sheffield United's position in the table, Scott Parker emphasised that we are still in the embryonic stages of the season.
A fantastic campaign saw Chris Wilder's charges finish ninth in the Premier League last season, but they currently sit alongside Fulham in the relegation zone.
"When you're in the Premier League and you're against teams of that quality, teams like Sheffield United, along with a bunch of 10 or 12 teams in this division, can lose football matches," Parker explained.
"The fine margins of this league, sometimes you can be on the end of a bad result. I think what Chris has done at Sheffield United is nothing short of incredible.
"A team and a side which did remarkably well last year, and I have no doubt they'll go and pick up some results and do well again this year.
"They have an unbelievable work ethic, they have a real understanding of how they play in terms of their structure."
And when it was put to Parker that it could be an opportunity for his side to take advantage of the opposition's form, he replied: "Maybe, but I'm sure Chris will say the same about his guys.
"Chris has been a manager a lot longer than me, but we've both been around football long enough and understand that you can lose football matches.
"Four games in is still early days, so I'm sure there's a levelness about Sheffield United. But they've also not won a game this year, so will be eager to get onto that, like we are.
"Like I constantly say, we know where we are. Of course we're all desperate and we're all working tirelessly – players, staff, everyone at the football club – to try and get the results."
He continued: "It's a big game for us, and it's exactly the same for Sheffield United. It's a big game for both teams, but what game isn't? Every game is going to be big for us this year.
"Of course there may be an extra bit on it because both teams haven't got any points on the board as of yet.
"Every game is going to be big for us this year, and this weekend's going to be no different. As always, we'll prepare and go into the game to try and win it.
"It's a tough game ahead, yes, for sure, but one which we're looking forward to."
https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/october/Pre-Sheff-Utd-Press-Conference/
Joachim Andersen: Fulham defender out for 'some weeks' with ankle injury(https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/976/cpsprodpb/127AD/production/_114939657_gettyimages-1227866054.jpg)
Andersen has yet to make his debut for Fulham
Fulham's new Danish signing Joachim Andersen has been ruled out for at least a few weeks with an ankle injury.The 24-year-old central defender signed on loan from Lyon on transfer deadline day but must wait to make his debut for the Premier League's bottom side.
"He's damaged his ankle in training over the last couple of days so he will be out for the foreseeable future really," said manager Scott Parker.
"I wouldn't want to put a timescale on it but it's going to be some weeks."
The Cottagers, who were promoted via the play-offs, have conceded 11 goals in their first four games of the season and are yet to take a point.
Last month, club vice-chairman Tony Khan apologised to the club's fans for their start to the season and promised to sign new players, with the centre of the defence a particular focus - so the loss of Andersen is a further blow.
Parker added: "We're disappointed of course because we had him for two days, we see his quality but we're going to be without him for a little time and hopefully we'll get him right, get him rehabbed and get him back to being part of the team."
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54567618
Knockaert joins Forest on loan
French winger Anthony Knockaert has joined Nottingham Forest on loan until January, Fulham have confirmed this evening.
The former Leicester and Brighton wide man arrived at Craven Cottage from Albion on loan at the start of last season. Knockaert scored five goals in 39 appearances as Scott Parker's side were promoted from the Championship via the play-offs and Fulham paid a reported £10m to convert his loan into a permanent move. The 28 year-old has not featured in the league at all so far this season with his only Fulham appearances coming in the League Cup.
Knockaert, who had previously worked with newly appointed Forest boss Chris Hughton at Brighton, will team up with Cyrus Christie, who is also on loan at Forest, at the City Ground. The deal includes an option for the Championship club to buy Knockaert permanently.
https://hammyend.com/index.php/2020/10/knockaert-joins-forest-on-loan/
Anthony Knockaert: Fulham Winger Joins Nottingham Forest on Loan Until January
Fulham Winger Anthony Knockaert Signs for Nottingham Forest on Loan
Anthony Knockaert Links Up With Former Boss Chris Hughton
Nottingham Forest have completed the loan signing of Anthony Knockaert from Fulham. The former Brighton & Hove Albion winger joins Forest until the end of the season.
Forest have agreed a deal with Fulham for the winger at the second attempt after an initial offer was reportedly turned down.
Knockaert, 28, played under Hughton with Brighton. The experienced winger scored 15 goals in 45 league appearances as the Seagulls were promoted to the Premier League in 2016/17.
He signed for Fulham this summer but has yet to make a top-flight appearance, with all three of his appearances coming in the League Cup.
The Reds had been linked with Knockaert almost immediately after Hughton's appointment at Forest.
Liverpool winger Harry Wilson and Newcastle United duo Christian Atsu and Jacob Murphy have all been linked with a move to the City Ground.
But Hughton has finally got his man in order to bolster the squad.
Forest Continue Summer of Signings
The addition of Anthony Knockaert takes Nottingham Forest's summer signings total to 14.
Knockaert, however, is Chris Hughton's first signing since taking over from Sabri Lamouchi at the City Ground.
The Reds have added plenty of quality to their squad – including Harry Arter, Lyle Taylor, Scott McKenna and Luke Freeman.
The move could see teenage winger Alex Mighten drop out the squad. Depending on his fitness, Joe Lolley may also be transferred to the left-wing ahead of Sammy Ameobi.
https://lastwordonsports.com/football/2020/10/16/anthony-knockaert-fulham-winger-joins-nottingham-forest-on-loan-until-january/
