Saturday Fulham Stuff - 21/12/24...

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Antonee Robinson: Why Fulham full-back is currently the best left-back in the Premier League ahead of the January transfer window
Antonee Robinson is joint-third in the Premier League assists charts and has set up more goals than any top-flight defender; the Fulham defender has been linked with a January transfer move; watch Fulham vs Southampton live on Sky Sports this Sunday from 1pm, kick-off 2pm

In an era where most left-sided defenders are inverted into the midfield or wing-backs, it is refreshing to see an old-fashioned, marauding left-back thriving in Antonee Robinson.

The Fulham full-back is currently one of the most creative players in the Premier League, with six assists so far this season. It is the most out of any Premier League defender, while only Mohamed Salah and Bukayo Saka have more out of all the top-flight players.

What is even more impressive is while Robinson is competing with Salah and Saka on the assists front, the defender has kept both those players quiet at the other end in his last two Premier League games.

Six days after limiting Saka to scraps in Arsenal's 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage, Robinson did battle with Salah down the wing at Anfield last weekend - and won the individual contest.

The in-form Salah took on Robinson a dozen times down the right flank - three-quarters of those occasions saw Salah either lose the ball or pass it backwards. Only one out of the 12 occasions saw Salah make a positive movement - and that sole forward pass came to nothing.



At the other end, Robinson produced two assists at Anfield as Fulham claimed a 2-2 draw. He created four chances in total, three more than Salah. And this was no fluke performance up against the Liverpool forward. In fact, there was a similar outcome in last season's game at Anfield, which Fulham lost 4-3.

That day, Robinson laid on an assist for Fulham's first goal scored by Harry Wilson - and ended the game with an impressive 13 interceptions when up against Salah, who once again was kept off the scoresheet.

It goes to show that the American has been producing these levels for some time. And as Fulham manager Marco Silva adds: "He's one of the best left-backs in this league."



Robinson has always been a solid one-on-one defender from a defensive point of view. He made the most interceptions out of any player last term - and has continued this season in the same vein.

In fact, he is the only Premier League player to be involved in at least 65 one-on-one defensive duels this season and have his team not concede a goal from the same move.

Robinson has been taken on 129 times by opposition players and the ball has stayed out of the net on every occasion. Meanwhile, every other player put in similar positions has conceded at least once.

But this season, he has added a more attacking side to his game. He is top of the Premier League for overlapping runs and, as mentioned above, the end product is often chances created and assists.

"It's not just the way he is able to stop players, but the way he is able to help ourselves," says Fulham boss Silva - and his team-mates have noticed this too.

"He has been playing really good, he's been more decisive in the final third of the pitch because we know he's a really good defender," Raul Jimenez tells Sky Sports ahead of this weekend's game with Southampton.

"He has been really doing that final pass for us to score and I'm really happy for him to be in that form that he is now."

There are many factors that show why Robinson is getting more joy in attack. First is the simple notion that if Fulham's left-back is aggressive in attack, then some right-wingers may not track the American back. It happened with Salah last Saturday, which resulted in Robinson's two assists.

"If you create the right areas for him, he is going to be decisive going forward," Silva said after the draw at Liverpool.

"Going up and down is not easy for any winger to follow him the way he plays, but also he has improved in his defensive set-up."

But another reason is the emphasis Silva places on the left wing at Fulham. In the last two seasons, it has become the most popular avenue going forward for the west Londoners - who have also invested in this area recently in the form of Reiss Nelson and Emile Smith Rowe, the latter playing centrally but keen to drift into wide areas.



The star performer right now, however, is Robinson. And the next few months could be crucial for the American. Even Silva is aware of it.

"I don't want to talk too much about him because I know in January the same story is going to follow about Robinson," said the Fulham boss after the draw at Liverpool. "I don't want to go in that direction.

"He's really focused in the way he plays, so let's keep him like that. It's crucial for us. If he's the best [left-back in the league] or not, that's not for me to decide, my players are always the best!"

At 28 years old, age is not on Robinson's side but it hasn't stopped the rumours. Liverpool have been linked with the left-back amid their concerns over Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas - and the Reds already know what he is capable of doing.



https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/13276483/antonee-robinson-why-fulham-full-back-is-currently-the-best-left-back-in-the-premier-league-ahead-of-the-january-transfer-window

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How Fulham's Antonee Robinson has become the best left-back in the Premier League
US international starred against Liverpool and has taken his game to a new level this season

At Anfield on Saturday, there was what felt like a sliding-doors moment in the world of Premier League left-backs.

If Fulham's 2-2 draw against Liverpool was slightly surprising, a starring display from Antonee Robinson was not.

Andy Robertson was sent off for Liverpool after 17 minutes and it was hard not to view the afternoon's events as confirmation that Robinson has taken over as the best left-back in England.

Robinson assisted both Fulham goals in another brilliant performance.

He is the most prolific assister of all defenders in the Premier League since the start of last season with 12, while only Bukayo Saka and Mohamed Salah have more than his six assists this term.

Salah was also given a reminder of Robinson's quality at Anfield, successfully kept at bay by the America international for much of the affair. His manager, Marco Silva, said it was "difficult to express in words" how well Robinson had played against Liverpool.

"He's been great for us again this season," said Silva before the game. "Not only in our offensive process, in the defensive process as well. He's a great athlete, always capable to go up and down".

That is shown by the fact he is averaging 8.5 sprints per match in the Premier League, bettered only by one defender: Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez.

The Premier League has seen fewer and fewer out-and-out left-backs in recent seasons, but Kerkez and Robinson stand out, as does Marc Cucurella (when he's wearing the right studs).

Manchester City have tended to rotate between Rico Lewis, Matheus Nunes and Josko Gvardiol on the left side, Arsenal between Jurrien Timber, Riccardo Calafiori and most recently 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly.

Robinson's lung-busting runs have been a constant in the purest sense of the word.

He is on a run of 49 consecutive Premier League starts for Fulham and is one of just four outfield players to play every minute in the Premier League this season.

It is an underrated quality in football, but Robinson is very rarely injured.

Silva last week praised his left-back for improving the defensive side of his game over the last two years, and he is right in identifying Robinson as a now highly successful defender.

In an interview with WhoScored this month, Robinson said of statistics: "I don't look too much into it. You could have a game where it says you've missed seven crosses, but in a game you've put seven crosses in a good area. So you can take what you want out of it.

"But, on a whole, that's evolving to where football is going. Over time, the stats don't lie."

And, indeed, they don't. Robinson has completed the highest number of tackles plus interceptions this season (81) of any player in the league. Last season, in the same metric, he ranked second. Top? His then-Fulham teammate Joao Palhinha.

One wonders if the 27-year-old from Milton Keynes would be England's first-choice left-back if he had not committed his international career to the US, who he qualifies for through his father.

Robinson said recently that he is desperate to score his first Premier League goal as soon as possible, but acknowledged that the positional demands on him at Fulham tend to see him stay wide.

For the US, however, he is given more licence to arrive at the back post, sometimes even playing as a left wing-back.

Liverpool have long been fond of Robinson, keeping tabs on his progress over a number of years.

His stellar start to the season has swirled up fresh murmurs of transfer interest in him, and some Fulham supporters were alarmed when Robinson was seen to have 'liked' comments on social media suggesting he would fit right in at Anfield.

But it then emerged that the comments were just left by friends of Robinson, not so much telling him to leave Craven Cottage but merely lauding their mate for his exceptional form.

Plenty of teams will be looking at Robinson as a target, but in the meantime Fulham can benefit from his meteoric rise.

At a point in time when there are so few genuine left-backs playing regularly in the Premier League, it now feels fair to conclude that Robinson is the best of the lot.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-antonee-robinson-best-left-back-premier-league-b1200644.html

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Raul Jimenez exclusive: Fulham striker feels he is back to his 'best version' after 'long journey' from skull fracture
Raul Jimenez believes he is back to his best at Fulham after a "long journey" from his skull fracture as he aims to become the leading Mexican goalscorer in the Premier League; watch Fulham vs Southampton on Sunday, live on Sky Sports Premier League from 1pm; kick-off 2pm

"I'm happy to be back."
Raul Jimenez believes he has finally rediscovered himself after his sickening head injury in November 2020.

The life-threatening moment saw the then-Wolves man knocked unconscious in a match against Arsenal following a horrific clash of heads with Gunners defender David Luiz.

It took Jimenez nine months to return from fracturing his skull to playing again - but in reality, it has taken the Fulham striker over four years to truly recover.

Six goals in all competitions this season and a classy backheeled assist against Manchester City in October shows he has recaptured his magic.

"It has been a long, long journey," he exclusively tells Sky Sports. "My first year was just recovery, doing some exercises that I never imagined I was going to do, like just strengthening my neck with a helmet and different things.

"Then coming back to the Premier League to face the games again, it was really good and amazing.

"After all those things, maybe the doctors were not that confident that I was going to make it to play again. But it was never out of my mind that I was coming back.

"I came back a year after, but I think I came back to my best version not too long ago, so I'm happy to be back.

"I still have much to give for Fulham and for football."

Jimenez hoping Fulham trigger one-year contract extension clause
Raul Jimenez's Fulham contract expires at the end of the season, but he is hoping the club will trigger a one-year extension clause.

Asked about his contract situation at Fulham, he said: "We haven't chatted yet. It finishes in summer but if they activate the clause, I will be happy because I'm happy here in Fulham, I'm happy here in London. It's a really good city, a really good club that I like. If it's activated, I'll be really happy."

A turning point for the Mexican came just before the third anniversary of his head injury.

A goal in Fulham's 3-1 defeat at Aston Villa in November last year ended his 33-game scoring drought in the Premier League. Since that strike, Jimenez has netted 12 goals in all competitions for the Cottagers, including five in the league this season.

"I knew when the first one came, they were going to be coming," he says. "Well, they came but then after I unfortunately got an injury, I broke that momentum.

"But it's football that things happen and then at the end, I finished the season with two goals at Luton.

"This season I started on the bench, then when I started playing I started to score goals as well.

"I know I have five goals, it maybe could be eight or nine, but it's like this, sometimes you're going to score, sometimes you're going to miss. But I'm going to keep trying and keep going for that."

'I'm playing with freedom now'
A carefree attitude is behind his resurgence, which was key to his "great finish" in Fulham's draw against Arsenal earlier this month.

"I feel really good, playing free," he reveals. "My first year here at Fulham, it wasn't my best. Now this year has been better.

"I'm trying to do my best every game, helping the team with goals, assists and creating spaces for other players to score.

"I like to be here and playing with that freedom. It's not that I don't mind if I miss a ball or if I don't score a goal but it's something that, 'Okay, if I miss there's going to be the next one and the next one I'm going to do it right', so I have that feeling that I can do better things when I'm free."

Jimenez's renaissance has much to do with Fulham boss Marco Silva.

The Portuguese took a gamble on the ex-Benfica forward in July 2023 after signing him from Wolves for £5.5m.

At that time, Jimenez had not scored in the Premier League since March 2022 raising serious doubts over whether he was a suitable replacement for the talismanic Aleksandar Mitrovic following his big-money move to Saudi Arabia.

But despite a slow start, Jimenez is now repaying Silva's faith.

"We trusted him when no one in the Premier League trusted him," Silva said of Jimenez last month.

"We are the ones that trusted him in a difficult moment of his career. We are really pleased with his momentum and the way we helped him get back to his best again."

It is no wonder Jimenez speaks so glowingly of the 47-year-old.

"He's [Silva] really important," he reveals. "He called me last summer [2023] and he told me that he wanted me to be here. He wanted me to be the striker here in the team.

"They were looking for one and he thought that it was a really good idea because he knew I still had it.

"He told me the last game we played against you when I was at Wolves, I knew you had it so I'm thinking about you and I want you to come. So that confidence brings you more confidence."

'I'm like a big brother to Muniz'
Healthy competition with fellow striker Rodrigo Muniz is also driving Jimenez's rejuvenation.

With eight more Premier League starts and four more goals in all competitions, 33-year-old Jimenez is belying the decade age gap between them.



He says of his relationship with Muniz: "I think it's one of the best rivalries if you want to call it that, because we are playing for the same position.

"I have been in other places that maybe another striker doesn't want me to score for him to play, but here it's different. I think every moment that I score, that he scores, we are happy.

"It's a 10-year age difference, but I try to help him in what I can. I try to be like a big brother to him to show the good things."

And their sibling-like love was on view in the car park afterwards as the pair joked around upon Muniz's arrival. The Fulham training ground is just a feel-good place right now.

The west Londoners sit eighth and are four points off the top four. Silva's side are on a four-game unbeaten run, including draws against title challengers Liverpool and Arsenal.

Jimenez feels they are "aiming for big things" and describes this Premier League season as "crazy", with only six points separating fourth-placed Nottingham Forest and 13th-placed Manchester United.

But where Fulham have struggled so far is against teams at the other end of the table. Their last defeat came against second-bottom Wolves, while they drew at strugglers Ipswich and Everton.

Sunday's home game against managerless bottom-club Southampton, live on Sky Sports, feels must-win if Fulham want to be serious contenders for a European place.

"It's going to be difficult because they sacked the manager [Russell Martin]," Jimenez says. "Sometimes that plays with them. They get more focused on the game as well, so we need to be prepared.

"They're at the very bottom but that doesn't change anything. Our mind needs to be: we're at home, we need to win this game and to keep climbing the table.

"All the last games we were doing great things, but it won't be good if you don't win this game at home against one of the bottom teams. So those are maybe the most important games when you think you're going to get the point, but you need to play the game first to get them and be sure that you can fight for higher things."

For Jimenez, there is an added incentive to benefit his relegation-threatened former club Wolves, where he scored 57 goals in 166 games during five seasons.

Asked whether he is thinking of helping the Old Gold with a win over Saints, he replies: "Yeah, of course. I'm always going to be supporting Wolves because it's a club that gave me a lot of things.

"I don't want them to get relegated of course, but also if we can help them in these kinds of things.

"But if we face them again now in Wolverhampton for sure I want to win, but in this case I want to help them."

Jimenez eyeing Premier League record
This weekend's match against Southampton could be a landmark one for Jimenez.

If he scores twice he will become the leading Mexican goalscorer in the Premier League overtaking Javier Hernandez's 53 goals for Manchester United and West Ham.

"All the social media is with that every time that I score, so I'm aware of it," he reveals. "It will be an honour. I hope before the year is finished, I get that record for myself and I want to keep scoring to make it bigger."

So could Sunday be the day he breaks the record?

"Why not?" he says. "I want to aim for that. I want to be targeting, but we never know.

"We go with calm - maybe I don't score or maybe I make a hat-trick! It can happen. But I'm really happy that I can make that come to me."

He adds: "Maybe if that [the head injury] didn't happen in that moment, maybe I would have broken the record years ago. But things happen for a thing and I have the opportunity for it, and I'm really happy for that.

"I'm going to be aiming for this. I still have three games this year and, well, I hope before that I'll make it."

Whether he reaches the milestone on Sunday or sometime next year, it will mark another extraordinary chapter in Jimenez's remarkable return from his skull fracture.



https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/13276061/raul-jimenez-exclusive-fulham-striker-feels-he-is-back-to-his-best-version-after-long-journey-from-skull-fracture

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Sunderland transfer blow as Fulham consider bid for striker who Gareth Southgate labelled a 'good player'
Sunderland look to have been dealt a premature January transfer blow, with Fulham now lining up a move for someone on Kristjaan Speakman's transfer radar.

Kristjaan Speakman no doubt has several tricks up his sleeve for the upcoming January transfer window, as he did for the previous summer transfer window.

Just as it looked like Sunderland's striker search had hit a brick wall, Speakman signed Wilson Isidor on loan. Then when it looked like the summer would conclude as quite a quiet one, Sunderland signed four new players on deadline day.

Speakman has earned praise and rightly so. But there's still some gaps in the side, with Sunderland fans thinking a new striker is still needed despite the additions of Isidor and Aaron Connolly in the summer.

Few have been linked though. Instead, a lot of the Sunderland transfer rumours of late have linked players with moves away from the Stadium of Light, with January looking potentially very treacherous for the Black Cats.

Fulham line up Evan Ferguson bid in January
One name who's been somewhat loosely linked with Sunderland is Brighton and Ireland hotshot Evan Ferguson.

It's claimed that Sunderland and Leeds United are eyeing Ferguson ahead of the January transfer window with Brighton weighing up a loan exit.

The 20-year-old has fallen down the pecking order after previous battles with injury. He's scored just once in 11 Premier League outings this season, despite scoring six in each of the last two campaigns.

Now, an emerging report from The Independent has revealed that Fulham are 'investigating a deal' for Ferguson in January, with a loan deal touted for the Brighton mam who's labelled a 'serious option' for the Londoners.

Speaking in 2023, then England boss Gareth Southgate labelled Ferguson as a 'good player'.

Another striker target seems more realistic for Sunderland in January
A loan deal for Ferguson in January always seemed like a longshot for Sunderland, with a Premier League switch much more probable.

Instead, Sunderland may have a more realistic and potentially more fruitful bet in a possible permanent swoop for Celtic's Daniel Cummings.

Sunderland are keen on Cummings amid his uncertain Celtic future but face competition from a growing number of clubs in England and Europe.

He seems to boast a lot of similar traits to Ferguson in that he's prolific and powerful, and young too, and Sunderland may much rather have a striker on their books permanently than temporarily.



https://www.sunderlandafc.news/transfers/sunderland-transfer-blow-as-fulham-consider-bid-for-striker-who-gareth-southgate-labelled-a-good-player/

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Southampton 'agree one-and-a-half year deal with former Serie A boss' with shock new candidate 'flying to the UK TODAY as Saints look to seal appointment in time for Fulham clash'

    Southampton are closing in on the appointment of a former Roma manager
    The Saints sacked Russell Martin immediately after 5-0 loss to Tottenham

Southampton are reportedly set to appoint a former Serie A boss as their new manager.

The Saints are on the hunt for a new boss after Russell Martin was sacked last Sunday, with the club rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table.

The South Coast club have so far claimed just one win from 16 matches on their return to the top flight and are nine points adrift of safety.

According to The Athletic, Southampton have reached an agreement to appoint former Roma boss Ivan Juric as their new manager.

The outlet claims that the 49-year-old is expected to fly out to the UK today (Friday) with a view to being on the touchline for Sunday's clash with Fulham.

The Croatian has agreed a deal until 2026 with a two-year option to extend.

Juric was sacked from his role with Roma side last month after just three months in charge, having taken over from Daniel De Rossi in September.

He left the side four points above the Serie A relegation zone and 20th in the Europa League table.

It is said that Southampton view him as a strong character who makes teams difficult to beat though physical intensity and solid defensive structure.

Juric previously spent three years with Torino and was a strong contender to become Southampton's manager two years ago.

He was in the final two to replace Ralph Hasenhuttl but the Saints instead opted for Nathan Jones.

Talks were held with Sheffield Wednesday head coach Danny Rohl but Southampton were unwilling to pay a large compensation to secure his services.

The Championship side were unwilling to let Rohl leave on the cheap following their bright start to the season, with the club ninth in the table and just five points off the play-offs.

Juric, if the deal goes through, will be Southampton's fourth manager in two years after Martin was sacked following the 5-0 thrashing by Tottenham.

Under-21s manager Simon Rusk took interim charge of the side in their Carabao Cup loss to Liverpool. 



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-14213519/Southampton-agree-one-half-year-deal-former-Serie-boss-shock-new-candidate-flying-UK-TODAY-Saints-look-seal-appointment-time-Fulham-clash.html

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Preview: Fulham vs. Southampton - prediction, team news, lineups
The Ivan Juric era at Southampton could commence on Sunday afternoon, when the Saints host Fulham in their final Premier League battle before Christmas.

The managerless hosts gave a good account of themselves against Liverpool in the EFL Cup in midweek, a few days after Marco Silva's men held the league leaders to a 2-2 stalemate.

Match preview
Assuming there is no unforeseen paperwork hitch at the last minute, former Roma and Torino head coach Juric is to be sworn in as Southampton's new manager in the coming hours, and the Saints are working tooth and nail to have him in the dugout for the visit of the Cottagers.

Juric - whose short-lived Roma spell left a lot to be desired - takes the reins from Russell Martin after last weekend's embarrassing 5-0 home hammering at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur, who struck all five of their goals before the half-time whistle and condemned the ex-Saints boss to his inevitable fate.

However, a Southampton side under the temporary tutelage of Simon Rusk were only beaten 2-1 by EFL Cup holders Liverpool in Wednesday's quarter-final, but that was another blot on their 2024-25 report card, which now reads six losses and a draw from their last seven games.

Juric could do worse than turn to survival specialist Sam Allardyce for relegation dogfight inspiration, as his 20th-placed Southampton team are nine points adrift of safety in the Premier League table, and they will spend Christmas Day in last place for the first time since 1992.

Only Brentford have also accrued just a measly one point on the road in this season's top flight, although the Bees' abysmal away record is balanced out by their league-high home points total, and not since February 2023 have Southampton come up trumps in a Premier League away fixture.

Such statistics highlight just how difficult Juric's great escape mission will be, but while Southampton welcome a new man into the St Mary's offices, Silva could not be more settled in the Fulham chair as the Cottagers seek to enhance their European credentials.

A magnificent opportunity to dent Liverpool's title aspirations arose at Anfield when Andy Robertson took the walk of shame in the first half, but Fulham failed to cling onto a pair of one-goal leads against Arne Slot's 10 men, shipping a late equaliser to the ever-clinical Diogo Jota.

Regardless, taking points off of Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool in the past four gameweeks is a commendable feat for Fulham, who are eighth in the table at present, but such is the tight nature of the standings that the Cottagers could spend December 25 as high as fifth or as low as 13th.

Clean sheets remain hard to come by for the Cottagers, who only have one shut-out to show from their last 10 matches, but no team in the Premier League is on a longer scoring sequence than Fulham, who have made the net bulge in each of their last 15 top-flight battles.

Silva's side also helped condemn Southampton to the drop in 2022-23, doing the double over the Saints with a 2-1 home win and 2-0 away success, prior to which they won just one of 11 matches against the South Coast side between 2005 and 2021.

Fulham Premier League form:

    W    L    D    W    D    D


Southampton Premier League form:

    L    L    D    L    L    L

Southampton form (all competitions):

    L    D    L    L    L    L


Team News
Confirmation of Juric's arrival and whether he will take charge of this game is yet to arrive, but Southampton's setup this weekend should not differ too much from the Croatian's philosophy, as he was been a proponent of using three centre-backs during his time in Serie A.

However, Jack Stephens will not be among the defenders in contention - he is serving the last of a four-game ban - while Will Smallbone (thigh), Gavin Bazunu (Achilles) and Ross Stewart (calf) are definitely unavailable too.

In brighter news, Aaron Ramsdale could make his comeback from a finger injury on Sunday, where he will no doubt replace Alex McCarthy if fit enough, and Kyle Walker-Peters is likely to return after missing the Liverpool loss with a knock.

Fulham, meanwhile, must make do without playmaker Andreas Pereira due to a yellow-card ban; the Brazilian was booked in the ninth minute against Liverpool and was perhaps fortunate not to see red for a poor tackle on Ryan Gravenberch.

While Pereira will watch on helplessly, Calvin Bassey and Tom Cairney are now back from their own suspensions, and Joachim Andersen (calf) is also expected to be fit enough to take part.

On a negative note, the knee injury that Kenny Tete sustained at Anfield will rule him out for eight to 10 weeks; he joins Reiss Nelson (thigh) and Harrison Reed (knee) in the treatment room.


Fulham possible starting lineup:
Leno; Castagne, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Lukic, Berge; Iwobi, Smith Rowe, Wilson; Jimenez

Southampton possible starting lineup:
Ramsdale; Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Wood; Sugawara, Downes, Fernandes, Walker-Peters; Dibling, Armstrong; Archer

We say: Fulham 2-0 Southampton
Both teams have scored in each of Fulham's eight Premier League home matches this season, but that trend will surely be bucked here, even if Southampton do arrive with a new manager bounce.

While the Saints have struggled for offensive inspiration all season, Fulham have not failed to score since the opening day and should make light work of their opponents, whose five-point total if they lose would be the joint second-lowest in Premier League history at Christmas.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/preview/preview-fulham-vs-southampton-prediction-team-news-lineups_561079.html

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Presidential candidate eyeing Fulham man in January – Talks underway with entourage already
Beşiktaş president candidate Serdar Adali is eyeing up Fulham's Adama Traore as one of his first signings in January if he wins the race to run the football club.

That's according to Fanatik, who say that Adali's team have already started contacts with the Fulham forward's entourage over a potential move.

They explain that Traore's current contract with Fulham is set to expire at the end of the season and so talks have been opened with him about his future.

However, rather than waiting until the summer, it seems the potential Beşiktaş president wants to sign the Spaniard in the January transfer window instead.

He's perhaps looking to take advantage of the fact that Fulham, who haven't extended Traore's deal as yet, would have to sell the 28-year-old now or risk losing him on a free transfer in the summer.

The player is free to talk to clubs about a pre-contract agreement for the summer from 1 January under the Bosman ruling but Fulham do have an option to extend his deal by a year anyway and avoid both scenarios.

What Fulham's asking price for him would be isn't mentioned but the chance to make money now, if Besiktas are willing to offer enough, could prove tempting to Marco Silva's side.

They're not in the game for now, with Beşiktaş and Adali seemingly focused on talking to Traore before making their move.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/presidential-candidate-eyeing-fulham-man-in-january-talks-underway-with-entourage-already/

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West Ham and Fulham interested in player – Premier League return possible, club could sell
Fulham and West Ham United were linked with a move for Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli yesterday.

It was suggested that the Juve player could depart the club in January and his price tag was at about €20m.

Fagioli doesn't seem to be the only Juventus player that Fulham and West Ham are interested in, as La Gazzetta dello Sport today state that they are also potential suitors for Douglas Luiz as well.

The 26-year-old Brazilian has struggled at Juve since his arrival from Aston Villa in the summer transfer window, playing only 342 minutes in all competitions for the Bianconeri.

The Italian side want to sign David Hancko in the January transfer window and they need money from sales. Douglas Luiz is one player who can be moved out and encouragement is offered to Fulham and West Ham in their chase.

The report indicates in Juve's move for Hancko, there will be little room for discount and that is why the Old Lady would desperately need cash.

There is no indication of how much the midfielder could cost, but the two London clubs could be in with a chance.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/west-ham-and-fulham-interested-in-player-premier-league-return-possible-club-could-sell/

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Matchday Preview: Southampton
🆚 Southampton
🏟 Craven Cottage
🏆 Premier League
🗓 Sunday 22nd December
⏰ 2pm (GMT)
#️⃣ FULSOU

The opposition

Southampton returned to the Premier League at the first time of asking last season, with Russell Martin leading them to a fourth place finish, before dispatching West Bromwich Albion and Leeds United in the Play-Offs. But Martin's possession-based game struggled to yield results in the top flight, and he was relieved of his duties following Sunday's 5-0 defeat by Tottenham Hotspur, with the club sitting bottom of the table on five points – nine clear of safety.

Under-21s coach Simon Rusk has stepped up to the top job on an interim basis, and there were encouraging signs in Wednesday's Carabao Cup Quarter-Final defeat by Liverpool. 2-0 down at the break, they reduced the deficit through a fine Cameron Archer goal, and could perhaps feel hard done by not to have taken the tie to a penalty shoot-out.

Team News

🤍 The return of Tom Cairney from suspension is a timely one, as Andreas Pereira picked up his fifth booking of the season at Anfield. Kenny Tete's serious injury that day means he joins Harrison Reed and Reiss Nelson in the treatment room, but Calvin Bassey is available after serving his one game ban. Joachim Andersen has also made a welcome return to training.

😇 Southampton hope to have a couple of key players back available on Sunday, following the returns to training of both Aaron Ramsdale and Kyle Walker-Peters. They will still be without Gavin Bazunu, Ross Stewart and Will Smallbone, though, while Jack Stephens is suspended.

Tickets

Tickets are still available to buy.

Kits

Southampton will be in their pink change kit on Sunday.

Coverage

FFCtv subscribers can listen to commentary from Gentleman Jim and Jamie Reid, while the game will be broadcast on Sky Sports in the UK, and on Peacock in the United States.

Weather

⛅ Rain is unlikely on Sunday, and temperatures will be around the seven degree mark.

Fulham Flutter

The Fulham Flutter allows fans from across the UK to go into the running to win some unique Fulham prizes at every home Premier League fixture. Fans can purchase a season ticket to be automatically entered into every home draw or buy tickets on a match-by-match basis, with the winner of our top prize announced on the big screen at half-time of the match.

Drinks offers

Fans can enjoy £3 pints of beer, cider, Guinness & pale ale, as well as canned wine in all four stands, and £2 soft drinks, until 1pm. This offer will also be available to all supporters in the Riverside Stand post-match, from 15 minutes after the final whistle.



Forever Fulham

1975 FA Cup Final starter John Fraser will be the latest Forever Fulham recipient at half-time.

Matchday programme

Antonee Robinson takes centre-stage in the official matchday programme.

The in-form defender reflects on his superb display at Anfield last weekend and discusses why he thought his Fulham career might be over upon Marco Silva's arrival.

Elsewhere in the publication, Sander Berge answers some very random questions, while John Fraser looks back on his stint in SW6 ahead of receiving the Forever Fulham award.

Meanwhile, Paul Moody recalls his spells at Southampton and Fulham, Silva and Tom Cairney supply their regular notes, and Women's star Madi Parsonson is the subject of our Getting To Know feature.

Packed with a wealth of content, the 104-page programme will be on sale around the ground on Sunday priced £4, or you can pick up a copy online.

https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/december/20/matchday-preview-southampton/

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Update: Ivan Juric will manage Southampton against Fulham this weekend
According to reliable journalist David Ornstein, the plan is to have Ivan Juric managing Southampton before their clash against Fulham this weekend.

Against Liverpool in midweek, current interim manager Simon Rusk led the Saints on the touchline. Unfortunately, we were knocked out of the EFL Cup but finished in a respectable quarter final place.

If anything, Simon Rusk only solidified the notion that he is the right man to coach the U21 team. He is a likeable character with a great personality, as shown by his media work before and after the Liverpool match.

Earlier today, we covered a report from Sky Sports which said that Simon Rusk would manage Southampton for the upcoming match against Fulham. We would now like to provide an update here, as the plan has since changed.

Update: Ivan Juric will manage Southampton against Fulham this weekend
According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Southampton have now agreed a deal with their new manager Ivan Juric. He is believed to be under contract at St Marys Stadium until 2026, with a two-year option to extend.

Juric will travel to United Kingdom today, with the hopes of securing his visa to be on the touchline for Sunday's clash against Fulham.

Therefore, we would like to reiterate - If Juric's visa appointment goes to plan, it will be Juric who manages Southampton against Fulham, not Simon Rusk, despite previous reports.

In his own words, Ornstein said: "Southampton have agreed a deal with Ivan Juric to become their new manager. Juric has agreed a deal until the summer of 2026 with the a two-year option to extend. The contracts are being drafted and Juric is expected to arrive in the UK today (Friday)."

"The Croatian will have a visa appointment and, if all goes to plan, he will be in place for Southampton's trip to Fulham on Sunday."



https://saintsmarching.com/update-ivan-juric-manage-southampton-against-fulham-weekend

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Team News: Long spell out for Tete
Fulham will be without Kenny Tete for the foreseeable future, after the defender picked up a nasty injury in last week's draw at Anfield.

As the Dutchman was defending a Liverpool attack, Joe Gomez ran into him, which caused visible swelling and bruising to Tete's leg, and he limped off to be replaced by Timothy Castagne.

And Marco Silva revealed the gutting news in Friday's press conference that it will be months, not weeks, before we see Tete in action again.

"Some not good news about Kenny Tete," Silva confirmed. "Last game, the impact on his shin in that moment was clear for everyone that was watching the game on TV, and that big knock and tackle had an impact in his knee, and he's going to be out for a long period.

"Doesn't need surgery or something like that, but he is going to be out of the sessions at least 8-10 weeks. And, of course, it will take longer time for him to be ready after that, to be able to help us, like he was really doing."

After struggling for regular game time last season, Tete had been in wonderful form this term, perhaps best emphasised by the fact that a player of Castagne's talents has predominantly started games on the bench.
Timothy Castagne replaces Kenny Tete at Anfield

"Yes, it's a big blow, no doubt about it," Silva admitted. "When Kenny Tete has in his place a player like Timothy Castagne, and is able to start almost all the games this season so far, shows how he's performing, how he's training every single day as well, because Timothy Castagne was impressive last season.

"He came to our football club, and he took completely the position, and first time that he got the position, he didn't give any chance for Kenny Tete last season.

"And this season was slightly the opposite, because Timothy Castagne came a little bit late, and Kenny had a very good pre-season, and he's performing so well.

"Not at all because Timothy is not at this level – Timothy is a really good right-back for us, and last season he showed that, he's been showing in his career. But yes, Kenny is doing so well, and it's a big blow for us.

"It's going to be a time for Timothy to come and to show his quality again. He's more than ready for it, and he has all the trust from ourselves. And, more than that, he has the quality to do it in a very good way.

"And probably it's one of the positions that is just a matter of who is going to start, because they are different football players, but they are two very good right-backs, and we are really comfortable with that situation.

"But, of course, I would prefer to have both ready than just one."

In more positive news, Joachim Andersen is close to a return, while Calvin Bassey and Tom Cairney have served their suspensions, with the Club Captain's availability all the more timely after Andreas Pereira's fifth booking of the season at Anfield.

"The other situations, they are more or less the same – the situation of Harrison Reed, of Reiss Nelson, as you know," Silva said.

"Joachim is back in the training sessions, training with the team again, and is just a matter of fitness, really, to be able to play again.

"But Kenny, Harrison Reed, Reiss Nelson, they are going to be out, as is Andreas Pereira, as you know, with his fifth yellow card."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/december/20/team-news-long-spell-out-for-tete/

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Club have made bid for Fulham man – Offering improved wages but deal seen as difficult
Brazilian side Palmeiras have already submitted an offer to Fulham to sign Andreas Pereira, even offering the player more money than he earns at Craven Cottage.

That's according to TNT Sports Brasil, who report that Palmeiras have already put their offer on Fulham's table.

They don't detail the nature of the bid at this moment in time but do say the deal is very difficult to complete at this moment in time. They make reference to the fact Fulham rejected a €20m offer from Marseille in the summer, suggesting Palmeiras would need more than that.

Palmeiras have, though, offered more money than Pereira currently earns at Fulham. They add that there is a feeling among some Brazilian players in the Premier League that they are undervalued in the Premier League.

They're now looking at Memphis Depay and his revival in Brazil, while earning big money, and how playing in their home country could be beneficial for them.

Whether this pushes Pereira to push Fulham to get a deal done remains to be seen, but it should be remembered that he's been very open about leaving the club in recent weeks.

He later pushed back and suggested his comments had been misinterpreted but it seems Palmeiras are now testing the waters ahead of next season.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/club-have-made-bid-for-fulham-man-offering-improved-wages-but-deal-seen-as-difficult/

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Fulham 'investigating' January transfer for 'phenomenal' striker in West Ham and Leicester City blow
The future of Brighton striker Evan Ferguson looks set to be a hot topic during the January transfer window.

Fulham are 'investigating' a potential January transfer for Brighton striker Evan Ferguson, in an update that will come as a blow for Premier League rivals West Ham and Nottingham Forest.

The 20-year-old is expected to make an exit from the AMEX Stadium next month as he struggled for game time under new boss Fabian Hurzeler. Ferguson has only managed 215 top flight minutes across 11 appearances so far this term.

For a player tipped to follow in the footsteps of Harry Kane as a prolific Premier League bagsman, those chances are not thought to be cutting it with Brighton also open to the idea of loaning out the rising star so he continues his development.

Earlier this week, it had been claimed that West Ham were 'front of the queue' for negotiations with Brighton. The Hammers have struggled for consistency this season and injuries to Niclas Fullkrug and Michail Antonio have not helped their output in front of goal.

That report had also named Leicester City as potential suitors as Ruud Van Nistelrooy looks to build his own side, but the prospect of a move to the London Stadium rather than a Midlands relegation battle was said to be a more tempting proposition for Ferguson.

However, The Independent now claims that Fulham are also in the transfer race with Marco Silva wanting to bolster his attacking options at Craven Cottage. The outlet labels Ferguson a 'serious option' for the Cottagers.

A £100 million price tag had been slapped on the forward over the summer with the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United said to be circling. Those sensational links have died down with a January short-term loan move more likely.

Ferguson praised for 'phenomenal' finishing
Speaking about Ferguson in January of this year, as heads started to be turned by the player, Brighton teammate James Milner admitted that he was the real deal. He told TNT Sports: "I think [he's] a great lad, first and foremost. Wants to learn, wants to get about, which is so important.

"He's in a great place in terms of the club, the manager he's working with. Senior players he works with, looking at someone like Welbz [Danny Welbeck] - how he goes about his business and how he plays. He's in a great spot.

"His finishing is phenomenal you know, just so good. If a chance is falling, you want it to go to him. He had a chance at West Ham, we were joking about it. He didn't score but he made it out of nothing - he hit it instinctively."



https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/fulham/fulham-investigating-january-transfer-4918693

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Fulham man encouraging club's push to sign him – Wants transfer, delighted with offer
Andreas Pereira's apparent desire to return to Brazil is what has prompted Palmeiras to push to sign him from Fulham.

That's according to journalist André Hernan, who adds his information to the rapidly developing story around the Fulham midfielder today.

A report from TNT Sports in Brazil today stated that Palmeiras had made their move for the 28-year-old, submitting a bid to Fulham and offering him better wages than he earns at Craven Cottage to tempt him into a return to Brazil.

They stated that a deal was seen as difficult to get done given the finances involved but Palmeiras were trying, nonetheless.

Hernan now provides his own information, reporting that a deal for the Fulham midfielder is 'catching fire' and that Palmeiras have been encouraged to move by the player himself.

"And another news that is catching fire. It's Andréas Pereira at Palmeiras," he said on his YouTube channel.

"Palmeiras made an offer. The player liked this offer, he really liked this offer. And now of course he has the next step, which would be a release from Fulham. That's the most complicated part of the story.

"The player has a salary from the Premier League earning pounds. It's the best league in the world and you have to have the player released.

"But from what I could gather here Andréas Pereira would like to return to Brazil and would like to play at Palmeiras. So that's what lit the fire at the football academy, at the directorate of Palmeiras. And so, Palmeiras sent an offer. The player liked the offer. And now he hopes to move forward. To seal this great contract."

The question remains whether Fulham will do business with the Brazilian side to give Pereira his wish in January.

The 28-year-old remains a key player under Marco Silva and has a contract until June 2026. Fulham also have an option to extend that by another year.

They already rejected a €20m bid from Marseille in the summer and will surely want more before sanctioning an exit mid-way through the season. It's up to Palmeiras to work that out, but it seems they've been encouraged by Pereira to do so.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-man-encouraging-clubs-push-to-sign-him-wants-transfer-delighted-with-offer/

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Fulham lineup vs. Southampton: Predicted XI for Premier League clash
Fulham manager Marco Silva has confirmed a devastating defensive injury blow ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash with Southampton at Craven Cottage.

The Cottagers lost Kenny Tete to a knee problem in last weekend's 2-2 draw with Liverpool, and the Fulham boss has now confirmed that the issue could sideline him for between eight and 10 weeks.

Tete joins Reiss Nelson (thigh) and Harrison Reed (knee) on Fulham's absentee list, which also includes Andreas Pereira, who was yellow-carded for the fifth time in the Premier League season at Anfield.

In brighter news, Tom Cairney and Calvin Bassey are available again after serving their own suspensions, and there is a good chance that centre-back Joachim Andersen will be fit to return from a calf injury.

Andersen and Bassey could now join forces in a new-look central partnership after Issa Diop and Jorge Cuenca started at Anfield, while Timothy Castagne will deputise for the stricken Tete on the right.

Cairney offers Silva an alternative option in the engine room, but Sander Berge and Sasa Lukic should reprise their roles on Sunday, where Emile Smith Rowe should be a like-for-like swap for the banned Pereira.

The hosts' attack should remain unaltered otherwise, as Harry Wilson and Alex Iwobi are both set to support Raul Jimenez, who ought to hold his spot up front in spite of Rodrigo Muniz's goal as a substitute last weekend.

Fulham possible starting lineup:
Leno; Castagne, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Lukic, Berge; Iwobi, Smith Rowe, Wilson; Jimenez



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/predicted-lineups/three-in-two-out-predicted-fulham-xi-against-southampton_561101.html?newsnow

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Southampton lineup vs. Fulham: Predicted XI for Premier League clash
Premier League basement boys Southampton could receive a double fitness boost ahead of Sunday's Premier League showdown with Fulham at Craven Cottage.

The Saints are expected to confirm the appointment of Ivan Juric as their new head coach imminently, but as things stand, Simon Rusk will remain in control of the reins for this weekend's clash.

Rusk undertook pre-match media duties on Friday and confirmed that Aaron Ramsdale might be in contention to return from his finger injury, while Kyle Walker-Peters should also be OK to play after missing Wednesday's 2-1 EFL Cup quarter-final loss to Liverpool.

A fit-again Ramsdale will no doubt displace Alex McCarthy in goal, but with Jack Stephens serving the fourth and final game of his ban, Nathan Wood should link arms with Jan Bednarek and Taylor Harwood-Bellis at the back.

Walker-Peters's return to fitness might spell the end of Ryan Manning's stint on the left-hand side, and an alteration could also occur on the opposite flank, as Yukinari Sugawara seeks to demote James Bree to the bench.

Changes ought to be limited further up the field, though, as Mateus Fernandes and Flynn Downes are midfield mainstays, while the in-demand Tyler Dibling should strut his stuff in the final third too.

Scorer of a fine consolation against Liverpool, Cameron Archer could join forces with Adam Armstrong in the final third, unless Paul Onuachu does enough to force his way in.

Southampton possible starting lineup:
Ramsdale; Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Wood; Sugawara, Downes, Fernandes, Walker-Peters; Dibling, Armstrong; Archer



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/southampton/predicted-lineups/ramsdales-return-predicted-southampton-xi-against-fulham_561102.html?newsnow

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Arsenal makes a decision about loanee when he returns in the summer
Reiss Nelson is expected to return to Arsenal at the end of this season after completing his loan spell at Fulham, and the Gunners have already made a decision regarding his future at the club. The English winger had been initially set to stay at the Emirates for the current campaign, having been part of the first-team setup. However, when a late opportunity emerged for Arsenal to sign Raheem Sterling from Chelsea, the club decided to send Nelson out on loan to Fulham for the season to make room for the more experienced player.

At Fulham, Nelson has been able to showcase his talents, even though his appearances have been limited. The winger has featured in only a few matches for the Cottagers, but they have benefited from his contributions when he has played. Nevertheless, despite the positive impact he has had in those games, Nelson is still expected to return to Arsenal next summer once his loan spell concludes. Like many players who have come through the renowned Hale End academy, Nelson has always dreamed of making it big with Arsenal's first team.

However, it seems that Nelson may have missed his chance to establish himself as a regular starter for the Gunners. According to a report in The Daily Mail, Arsenal has no intention of keeping the winger when he returns at the end of the season. The club plans to offload him once he returns, indicating that Nelson's future at Arsenal may soon be up. This decision is part of the club's strategy to focus on strengthening their squad with more reliable and consistent performers.

Nelson is expected to follow in the footsteps of other Hale End graduates like Eddie Nketiah, who have had to move on from the club to build their careers elsewhere. While it would have been great to see Nelson regularly feature for Arsenal, it is becoming clear that his current level of performance is not enough to secure a long-term place in the squad. It seems that the best course of action for both the player and the club would be for Nelson to find a new opportunity, where he can continue his development and achieve success away from the pressure of competing at Arsenal.



https://www.justarsenal.com/arsenal-makes-a-decision-about-loanee-when-he-returns-in-the-summer/383224

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Fulham considered the "big difficulty" as player pushes to leave – President turning old desire into reality
Fulham are blocking any deal for Andreas Pereira at this moment in time, despite Palmeiras' efforts to sign him in January.

That's according to ESPN Brasil, who report that the 'big difficulty' for the Brazilian side will be convincing Fulham to sanction an exit.

Various reports from Brazil have Palmeiras pushing to get the 28-year-old, who has seemingly encouraged the club to make their move for him. He would like to leave Fulham and values a return to Brazil.

ESPN say that has prompted and encouraged Palmeiras' efforts, but the 'big difficulty' will be convincing Fulham, who have 'closed the doors' to a departure this season.

They've already turned down two proposals in the summer, one from Marseille and one from Nottingham Forest, both of which the midfielder admitted to earlier this year in a controversial interview with Premier League Brasil.

Palmeiras are betting on the "good eyes" that Pereira has for a potential departure from Fulham. ESPN back up claims that his salary 'is not high' and that could weigh heavily on negotiations as Palmeiras are offering R$1.5m to him, around £1.95m a year.

The problem is that Fulham have already turned down a €25m bid from Marseille, worth almost R$160m at the current exchange rate.

Palmeiras believe Pereira and his staff can influence Fulham to accept a lower proposal than that, with the player's desire to leave and put himself in the spotlight for the 2026 World Cup made clear.

Their interest in him is not new as President Leila Pereira was in constant contact with the midfielder and his staff earlier this year. She made it clear she would like to sign him one day and now that intention has become a reality.

Fulham are standing firm, though, and it will seemingly be up to Pereira to convince them to let him go and accept a lower offer from Palmeiras than the ones they've previously rejected.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-considered-the-big-difficulty-as-player-pushes-to-leave-president-turning-old-desire-into-reality/

[WhiteJC]

Liverpool learn asking price for Antonee Robinson
Liverpool will have to fork out £40-50 million to sign Manchester United and Arsenal-linked full-back Antonee Robinson in January.

Antonee Robinson's consistent performances for Fulham have resulted in a significant amount of interest in his services. Multiple top clubs want to prise him away from Craven Cottage in the upcoming transfer window and Liverpool are one of them.

According to a report from Football Insider, the Merseyside club will have to fork out a massive £40-50 million to sign the American international in the upcoming transfer window. Apart from the Reds, rivals Manchester United and Arsenal are also interested in the former Everton star.

Robinson came up the ranks at Goodison Park before making the switch to Wigan Athletic. Fulham secured his services in the summer of 2020 on the back of his performances at Wigan.

The 27-year-old full-back has gone from strength to strength over the years establishing himself as one of the best defenders in the Premier League. He has started in all 16 of their league games and has six assists to his name.

Liverpool want to sign Robinson in January
His performances have caught the attention of quite a few top clubs in the country. Liverpool are one of the giants that are keen on adding him to their ranks. They have been keeping a close eye on him and were quite impressed with his double-assist performance at Anfield.

The Reds are looking for a long-term replacement for Andy Robertson whose levels have dropped of late. They consider Robinson a perfect fit for their system and want to add him to their squad in January.

While Liverpool are considering making a move in the upcoming transfer window, Fulham have no intentions of parting ways with him mid-season. He is a key part of Marco Silva's side and with his contract running until 2028, the Cottagers are firmly in control of the situation.

Liverpool will have to battle rivals
The report suggests the Reds will have to pay around £40-50 million to convince Fulham about a sale. Meanwhile, they will also have to battle Manchester United and Arsenal.

The Red Devils are looking for a new left-back amidst fitness concerns of both their left-sided full-backs Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia. Meanwhile, Oleksandr Zinchenko is no longer an important part of Mikel Arteta's plans and he seeks more quality on the left flank.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2024/12/21/liverpool-learn-asking-price-for-antonee-robinson/

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Notes from the December meeting with FFC
On Wednesday 11 December at 13.30, the Fulham Supporters' Trust (FST) met with Fulham FC via video conference.

The Club was represented by:

    Alistair Mackintosh (Chief Executive, AM)
    Darren Preston (Chief Operating Officer, DP)
    Carmelo Mifsud (Communications Director, CM)
    Jack Burrows (Marketing Director, JB)
    Katy Brecht (Head of Ticketing, KB)
    Jamie Nicholson (Head of Fan Engagement, JN)
    Nicola Walworth (Supporter Liaison Manager & Disability Liaison Officer, NW)

The FST was represented by:

    Simon Duke (Chair, SD)
    Jerry Cope (Treasurer & Membership Secretary, JC)
    Steve Nicholson (Secretary, SN)
    Hayley Davinson (Board member, HD)

HOW IT WORKS
At our regular monthly meetings, Trust board members normally ask questions relating to as many topics as possible in the time available, based on responses from members to the advance notification of the meeting and our own observations from interacting with the wider supporter base. The Club then gives its position, which is discussed. These notes are therefore a statement of both points of view. The Trust continues to press both the Board's and its members' view at this meeting and in separate meetings.

Often members ask similar questions, and, in these cases, we try to summarise, provide the Club with feedback and gain as much useful information as possible in the time available. We also prioritise new and time-critical topics, whilst also seeking updates on longer running issues.

You can access notes of all previous meetings on our web site, including the most recent information on key topics not covered at this meeting.

TOPICS DISCUSSED
Items focussed on at this November meeting were:

    Chelsea Ticket Sales Process
    Wolves and Arsenal Matches
    Ticketing
    Ground
    Other Business


OPENING DISCUSSION
SD opened the meeting by informing the Club that HD had, following the annual election cycle, been appointed Vice Chair of the Trust, with Ian Clarke stepping down from the Trust Board, and being replaced by Dan Crawford. Ian's expertise would however still be available to the Trust, and he would remain one of the Trust's representatives on the IAG. The Club congratulated HD on her appointment, and thanked Ian for all his work over many years.

CHELSEA TICKET SALES PROCESS
SD relayed the anger and frustration of many supporters about the surprise policy not to use Loyalty Points to allocate away games for what was arguably to supporters the biggest away fixture of the year, at Chelsea on Boxing Day, a very popular day for going to a football match. He asked whether, in the light of difficulties experienced even accessing the website or the phone-lines on the morning of ticket release, with a subsequent failure of many very regular away supporters to secure a ticket, the Club were happy, in hindsight, with their approach.

AM responded that the Club were happy with their approach. Dispensing with loyalty points for this game had given an opportunity for a wider range of supporters to attend this game, not just those with high loyalty points. This did not necessarily mean that Loyalty Points would be discarded for all future games – a decision would be made on a game-by-game basis, but he did think, that the FAB with both the Trust and DSA represented, should discuss with the Club how to evolve the Loyalty Points system. He added that the Club intended to show the game on TV at the Cottage for those unable to get tickets due to the unprecedented high demand.

SD reminded the Club that following a similar situation with the Boxing Day fixture with Crystal Palace in 2022, himself and Ian Clarke had met with the Club, and been assured that the situation would not repeat itself. He also asked why Chelsea tickets had not been put on sale or notified earlier at least to give people, eg with work commitments, the opportunity to make themselves available that morning. Research by the Trust had found that recent Chelsea home games against Arsenal, Villa and Forest had been put on sale, respectively, 33, 31 and 27 days before the relevant fixture, but Fulham had only allowed 20 days. The West Ham game on sale today had less than 24 hours' notice.

AM thought that Crystal Palace game was not analogous, as 2 tickets per season ticket had been allowed, against 1 only this time. KB added that one of the issues in people, including ticket office staff, accessing tickets is the 15 minutes allowance for supporters to complete transactions and pass eligibility checks for the number of tickets requested. Tickets were put back on sale if the transactions were not completed in time.

KB said ticket information for Chelsea was published on the website 48 hours before going on sale. KB added that it was not, in the Club's view, appropriate to make public conversations between Fulham and Chelsea over the timing of the start of sales. In terms of access to the phone lines current Fulham policy was if there was likely to be a long wait, it was better for callers to be told to ring back later, rather than wait in a very long queue, which might not be practical for some supporters.

SD re-iterated that there was considerable anger among many loyal supporters about what had happened, without any warning. He welcomed the need to review the Loyalty Point system, with the involvement of the Trust, to allow recent supporters more access to away tickets and reminded the Club that the Trust had presented a paper on this subject. The Trust was however concerned that this should not be done in a piecemeal way, but with a fully thought-through new approach, in full consultation with supporter groups. He was also aware of a dual system recently introduced by Reading as one option worth considering.

WOLVES & ARSENAL MATCHES
SD said that there had been issues with visible away-fans in home areas against Arsenal, and he knew the Club had been sent details of a particular incident where the stewards felt unable to take action. It was good that this would be followed up with potential action against any Fulham Season Ticket Holders or Members who had purchased the particular tickets, but the Trust remained concerned that there could be a serious incident one day. (The Trust asks all supporters to let the Club know where noticeable away supporters are sitting in home areas, particularly giving seat numbers so this can be followed up)

DP replied that reports following the Arsenal game of this issue, had not increased, and that where detailed seat numbers particularly had been given to the Club, these were followed up vigorously with ticket-purchasers, and where appropriate bans issued. It was however particularly difficult to undertake pre-event checks for games against other London Clubs where postcode clues were much less relevant, balanced against Fulham's need to encourage the expansion of its fan base. He reminded the Trust that a balance had also to be struck between taking action during the match, which was potentially very disruptive, versus taking action after the game.

SN asked why there had seemed to be particular issues gaining access to the ground against Wolves, with heavy congestion reported in some areas, perhaps because of digital season tickets not up-dating. DP and KB agreed that there did seem to have been more such digital issues with Wolves on iPhones, with some supporters thinking that deleting their ticket was the right approach (which was not the best way forward) rather than using the fix set out on the Club website, which worked in nearly all cases.

TICKETING
SN continued by asking whether the Club knew why some phones were not up-dating matches consistently. DP responded that they had met with their technology supplier for this area and the situation seemed a bit better for the Arsenal game, albeit not for everyone. The supplier was working to improve the situation, and the Club would continue in the meantime to communicate with supporters before every home match how to fix this issue, which was frustrating to all concerned. It was critical that such action was taken well before the match, not as approaching the turnstiles.

SN then asked whether the Club would consider the Brentford initiative capping the price of entry for young away supporters at £10 and a freeze on prices for next season. AM responded that they had only recently become aware of the Brentford approach and the Club were, as always, considering their future ticketing plans – the timing of pricing proposals for next season would depend on when the Club were certain as to the League in which the first team would be playing, and he did not want to tempt fate even after the good start to the season!

In response to a further question from SN, AM said that pricing for the Watford game was close to agreement with the away club and would be published soon (now done). Prices would be lower.

The Trust asked about arrangements for free tickets for some local residents eg the Brighton game. DP replied that two games close together, both on TV with consequential crews and lorries, had been particularly disruptive for some residents and the Club thought it appropriate to offer this small token of appreciation for their tolerance, for the Brighton game. The Trust supported this initiative for residents, who had also had to put up with disruption from the construction of the new stand.

GROUND
SD asked whether the Club had noticed that standing in the aisles seemed to have returned in the Hammersmith End. DP agreed to follow this up.

In response to further question from the Trust, DP said that unfortunately there had been a power failure in the bars in the Hammersmith End on the day of the Brighton match, despite testing the day before. This had caused the shutting of some bars. DP also accepted that there had been problems with the tannoy, which had been rectified at half-time.

Again in response to a question from a Trust Member, DP confirmed that bitter was now available in the Riverside stand, and they were continuing to look at beer choices. In response to a further question from the Trust, DP said it was not currently practical to expand the range of specialist food, eg for Coeliac diets, because of very limited demand, but this is kept under review.

AOB
In response to a series of questions and suggestions from HD, based on emails from Trust Members:

    AM agreed to consider the selling of a, perhaps transparent, bag of the right size at the Club shop to speed up entry to the ground for those who needed to carry small bags;
    AM and DP confirmed that the Club follow up vigorously unauthorised use of the Club's intellectual property;
    Although a museum might not be possible in the Riverside stand because of space constraints, the Club continued to consider how to display its heritage – for instance the Cottage tours continued to get very positive reviews;
    The Club were considering whether to mark the 10-years' service of both Tim Ream and Tom Cairney, perhaps in a way that helped a charity of their choice, but they had to wary of such an event, without significant pricing, losing money;
    The Club were considering how to mount further special collection opportunities following the recent successful food-bank initiative, organised by the Lillies and endorsed by the Trust; this could include (say) a special hygiene related 'foodbank';

The meeting closed at 1430.



https://www.fulhamsupporterstrust.com/news/2024/12/notes-from-the-december-meeting-with-ffc/