Thursday Fulham Stuff (18/12/14)...

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Ticket Office Opening Hours

Details of the Ticket Office's opening hours across the festive period.

Date   Opening times
Tuesday 23rd   9am-5pm
Christmas Eve   9am-3pm
Christmas Day   Closed
Boxing Day   Closed
Saturday 27th    10am-12pm
Sunday 28th    10am-12pm
Monday 29th    9am-Half-time
Tuesday 30th    9am-5pm
New Year's Eve    9am-3pm
New Year's Day    Closed


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/december/17/ticket-office-hours?

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Seko's Sheffield Wednesday Hope

Seko Fofana is keen to build on Fulham's victory at Leeds United when the Whites welcome Sheffield Wednesday to Craven Cottage on Saturday.

Fofana was a thorn in Leeds' side at Elland Road last weekend with an energetic display, and the 19-year-old was pleased he was able to contribute to such an impressive win.

Speaking to fulhamfc.com, Fofana said: "For me personally it was a great pleasure to be part of this victory because we needed a response from our defeat in the last match, and we needed to put this firmly behind us.

"It was a great experience as it was my third match in the First Team and I really enjoyed it. We had great support from our fans that travelled up to watch the game and this gave us an enormous lift and gives us the enthusiasm to want to try and do even better and to win as many matches as we can."

Fofana lined up in a midfield three alongside Lasse Vigen Christensen and Emerson Hyndman, and the trio did a superb job of combining their defensive responsibilities with creating multiple chances going forward.

"They're really good players and it was a delight to play alongside them in midfield," Fofana stated. "They're very good young players and Lasse is showing his experience from being in the First Team this season and he has been decisive in many games. Emerson is a great player, too, and they're both great people off the pitch.

"I felt under more pressure in my first two games because I'd just joined and was adapting to my new environment but I've settled in well now and by the start of the match on Saturday I felt really good."

He continued: "I wanted to give everything I could and was focused on playing well for the team so I thought less about pressure. I thought I did well but, of course, I think I can do a lot better and I have to keep working hard.

"There are things I need to work on that will allow me to perform well consistently. The games I've played so far have given me a lot of confidence and I want to do well for the team and the supporters that come to watch us play."

The Frenchman has been a Fulham player for less than three weeks, but he's been humbled by how quickly he has settled in.

"I've been made to feel welcome by everyone at the Club," he said. "All the players, the Manager, coaches, and all the staff. The Captain Scott Parker has been good to me, as have all of the players who I speak to every day. There has been an overwhelming effort from everyone to enable me to integrate in a short space of time and I thank them all as sometimes the transition can be difficult."

The Whites are up against Yorkshire opposition once again at the weekend when Wednesday visit the Cottage for the first time since April 2001.

Victory for Kit Symons' men would move them level on points with their opponents, but Fofana knows his team will have to put in another hard-working display in order to build on their win in Leeds.

"It's important not to be complacent because the last match was just one game so we know we need to be ready," he explained. "It will be another hard fixture; our opponents won't be coming here wanting to lose so we're expecting a hard encounter.

"Nonetheless, we want a victory and we'll be doing everything we can to earn it. I'll be looking to continue to work hard and, if called upon, I'll be looking to perform well."

In what is our last match before Christmas, junior fans can attend for just £1, and Fofana is keen to send the Whites supporters home content ahead of the festive season.

"It would be a great game to win for our fans so that they can go away happy before Christmas," he admitted. "It would be a great present for them as they're always behind us cheering us on and we'll try to do our best.

"I'm aware that there will be a lot of children and families at Craven Cottage on Saturday and there will be a great festive atmosphere so I'm hoping we can help make their day extra special."


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/december/17/sekos-sheff-weds-hope?

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Smith pleased with opportunity

Striker thanks boss for confidence boost.
Matt Smith has thanked City boss Steve Cotterill for giving him the chance to kickstart his season.

The striker has been restricted to less than 30 minutes of football since joining Fulham from Leeds United in the summer.

But after switching to Ashton Gate on loan until January 25th, Smith has already made three appearances, starting in the last two matches.

Speaking on Bristol City Player, Smith said: "One of the reasons I'm here is to play games. I want to get my match fitness back to where it was.

"I want to be hitting the back of the net again and get my confidence and form up once more.

"It's been a frustrating couple of months with a distinct lack of opportunities on the pitch, so it's pleasing the manager has shown some faith in me with two starts so far."

Saturday saw Smith start in the league for the first time as City made it four wins on the spin thanks to Luke Ayling's 87th minute goal.

"I really enjoyed it," said the forward afterwards. "I'm delighted we managed to get the goal at the end because we thoroughly deserved to win.

"It was pretty relentless pressure from us. The keeper has pulled off some world-class saves early on and perhaps if we had made that breakthrough then they would have crumbled.

"At the end of the day we took all three points.

"The club deserves to be top of the table and we're still there now. Long may that continue.

"When things aren't going for you, it's a sign of a good team spirit that you can still come away with three points."



Read more at http://www.bcfc.co.uk/news/article/smith-pleased-with-opportunity-2147539.aspx#97iRAtU1dCQexy8g.99

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Points are presents for Shrewsbury Town loan star Josh Passley
There's only one thing talented young Shrewsbury defender Josh Passley wants for Christmas  – points.

Fifteen League Two points are up for grabs over the festive period for Salop.

On-loan Fulham star Passley will be spending Christmas Day away from home, with boss Micky Mellon having his players in training on the morning of December 25 before they head down to Oxford for their Boxing Day fixture.

Passley, whose family are all in London, will be picking up his presents long after the big day but isn't too concerned so long as Shrewsbury win all five of the games they are set to play in a hectic 20 days.

"It's going to be a tough 20 days but we are going for five from five," he said.

"Maximum points is what I want for Christmas because I'm away from home on Christmas Day.

"We have got training in the morning so it's the game on on Boxing Day that I am really looking forward to.

"I have to wait for my presents, so it's wins that I need. Christmas is a really important period and the games come thick and fast so we have to ready for them all."

The festive run is guaranteed to be a season defining one for Town with games against Wycombe, Burton and Luton to follow the Oxford fixture. Those three sides, along with Shrewsbury, make up the top four.

"Christmas is exciting but the fact we have got those three games after Oxford makes it even more exciting," said Passley. "They are in and around us but like I say – five from five. It's good to be playing the teams around you. It's the big games you look forward to and I want to be testing myself against the likes of Wycombe and Luton.

"You have to recover right and eat and drink right (over Christmas), the 20-year-old added. "This is an important stage of the season and you have to make sure your body is in the best condition."


http://www.shropshirestar.com/sport/shrewsbury-town-fc/2014/12/17/points-are-presents-for-shrewsbury-town-loan-star-josh-passley/?

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Wolves Seat Deadline

Season Ticket Holders are reminded that their seats for our FA Cup Round 3 Proper clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday 3rd January (3pm) will be reserved for them until 10am on Thursday 18th December.

After this time seats will be released for General Sale.

Ticket prices for the cup tie are priced at £20 adults and £5 juniors, with all tickets increasing by £5 on match day.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/december/17/wolves-seat-deadline?

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Hugo enjoying his football - Symons

Fulham boss Kit Symons has backed Hugo Rodallega to stay on the goal trail.

Colombian striker Rodallega's fourth goal in five matches was enough to sink Leeds on Saturday and took his tally for the season to nine. Symons said: "Confidence is a huge thing in football but especially with strikers I think. "Hugo's confidence is up and he's really, really enjoying his football. "I think you can see that and I think someone like Hugo, who's a lovely lad, wears his heart on his sleeve and he needs to be happy, he needs to feel loved and he's certainly that at Fulham. "He's enjoying his football and we're loving him scoring all the goals for us."



Read more at: https://www.clubcall.com/fulham/hugo-enjoying-his-football---symons-1751442.html?

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Sky Bet Championship: Hugo Rodallega praised by Fulham boss Kit Symons

Fulham boss Kit Symons has backed Hugo Rodallega to stay on the goal trail in the Championship.

Colombian striker Rodallega's fourth goal in five matches was enough to sink Leeds on Saturday and took his tally for the season to nine.

Symons said: "Confidence is a huge thing in football but especially with strikers I think.

"Hugo's confidence is up and he's really, really enjoying his football.

"I think you can see that and I think someone like Hugo, who's a lovely lad, wears his heart on his sleeve and he needs to be happy, he needs to feel loved and he's certainly that at Fulham.

"He's enjoying his football and we're loving him scoring all the goals for us."


http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11681/9610022/sky-bet-championship-hugo-rodallega-praised-by-fulham-boss-kit-symons?

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Bilbao Visit Motspur

Fulham Under-21s play host to continental opposition when Athletic Club Bilbao visit Motspur Park on Wednesday evening (7pm).

It's the Whites' second game of their Premier League International Cup campaign, having beaten West Ham United 3-2 nine days ago. Thomas Eisfeld, Ange-Freddy Plumain and Tiago Casasola were on target for Peter Grant's team that evening.

All four teams in Group B have three points, with Bilbao beating West Ham, who defeated PSV Eindhoven, who in turn overcame the Spanish side 1-0. Fulham remain in pole position to take one of the top-two spots that ensure progression to the next phase, having played the fewest games.

Group B   P   W   D   L   F   A   PTS
Athletic Bilbao   2   1   0   1   5   4   3
Fulham    1   1   0   0   3   2   3
PSV Eindhoven   2   1   0   1   2   2   3
West Ham   3   1   0   2   7   9   3

Bilbao and the Hammers kicked off the competition back in mid-October, with the Basque outfit coming out on top of a thrilling 5-3 game at Upton Park.

The visitors made a flying start to proceedings and were 1-0 up within a couple of minutes when Jorge Garcia took advantage of a defensive mix-up to roll the ball into an empty net.

West Ham did draw level courtesy of Matthias Fanimo's deflected effort, but they were on terms for a matter of seconds before Aitor Seguin found the net with a free-kick. Urtzi Iriondo then made it 3-1 when his deflected strike flew in via Joshua Pask just after the half-hour mark.

After a goal-laden first half, it wasn't until the 77th minute that the net bulged again, this time when Elliott Lee reduces the arrears.

Sensing an equaliser, West Ham pressed forward but were caught out when Garcia found his range from a free-kick in the first minute of stoppage time.

The excitement didn't end there, though, as Irons substitute Kieran Bywater curled one in from the edge of the box, before Mario Barco grabbed the game's eighth goal at the death to conclude a pulsating evening in East London.

All of Bilbao's scorers from that night – Garcia, Seguin and Barco – are in the squad of 17 for Wednesday's meeting with Fulham at Motspur Park.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/december/17/bilbao-visit-motspur?

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Leeds United were too hasty on Ross McCormack sale

It was the moment that most football fans had decided that their sport had officially gone mad; it was the day that Ross McCormack moved from Leeds United to Fulham for an eight-figure fee.

The striker was deadly at Championship level, especially for Leeds, as he notched countless Championship goals at a rate of nearly one every two games.

But his transfer fee was met largely with amusement towards the club who purchased him and congratulations to the club who sold him.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN

However, just a few months later, it looks as though, once again, the Yorkshire club have made a decision that may come back to bite them. Rumours are suggesting that McCormack could be in line for a Premier League move, despite indifferent form for the struggling Londoners, and any potential fee could even eclipse the £11 million that the Cottagers shelled out.

If yet another money-spinning move does come to fruition, it would only add insult to the harmful injuries that Whites fans are already nursing. Ironically enough, any hopes of spending remnants of the McCormack sale this winter have been quashed by their recently imposed transfer embargo.


http://www.givemesport.com/530891-leeds-united-were-too-hasty-on-ross-mccormack-sale?autoplay=on

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Why Fulham would be mad to sell Ross McCormack in January

The Cottagers have been linked with a January sale of the former Leeds striker - one that would make no sense at all.

Recent reports suggest Fulham are ready to listen to January offers for former Leeds United striker Ross McCormack.

The Scot joined the Cottagers from the Yorkshire side for a reported initial fee of £6 million - one that could rise to £11m, the more quoted figure. Fulham's Communications Director has since denied the story, however:

Which is just as well. A sale might make sense from a financial perspective: McCormack will be one of Fulham's priciest players and would be expected to still hold plenty of resale value at 28 years of age.

But, from a footballing standpoint, the west London side would be absolutely mad to let the ex-Leeds forward go.

   Assists   Chances Created   Goals   Appearances   Minutes Played
Ross McCormack   7   41   4   20   1,696
Lasse Vigen Christensen   5   23   4   16   1,350
Hugo Rodallega   5   24   9   16   1,338
Bryan Ruiz   2   20   3   13   974
Tim Hoogland   1   10   4   13   1,079
Scott Parker   1   17   3   20   1,700

As Opta stats show, McCormack's impact at Craven Cottage has been immense - just perhaps a little lower profile than one might have initially expected.

As a prolific goalscorer in the Championship last term, Fulham fans may have expected the Scot to have netted more than four times so far this season. But take away McCormack's incredible 41 chances created and seven assists and you remove a significant portion of Fulham's attacking threat.

With the Cottagers still in the bottom half of the table, letting their star man go would almost be an act of hubris that could see them slide down the standings. After all, how Leeds could now do with both the goals and creative ability of their former striker.



http://hereisthecity.com/en-gb/2014/12/17/why-fulham-would-be-mad-to-sell-ross-mccormack-in-january/?

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Arthurworrey To Face Manchester United

Stephen Arthurworrey played 90 minutes for Yeovil Town on Tuesday as they beat Accrington Stanley 2-0 to set up a dream FA Cup tie with Manchester United.

The two sides had initially drawn 1-1 in the Second Round tie and so a replay was needed to see who would face Louis van Gaal's men at home.

And the Glovers left it late to book their place in the next round, with Simon Gillett volleying home in the 84th minute, before they sealed it with Kieffer Moore's header moments later.

After the game, Arthurworrey tweeted: "Can't wait to put Wayne Rooney in my pocket. In all seriousness, can't wait to play against some great players."


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/december/17/arthurworrey-to-face-manchester-united?

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Fulham`s Rodallega Back in the Groove
   
Ignored by Felix Magath and treated like an outcast by the fated German manager, Hugo Rodallega is enjoying something of a renaissance as far as his Fulham career goes.

The Colombian striker is on a rich run of form that has seen him score 4 goals in his last 5 games, the latest strike being enough to give Fulham all three points up at Elland Road last Saturday.

Kit Symons should be given praise for the manner in which he has restored Hugo to a lethal striker and one who is helping the Fulham cause.

Talking about Rodallega`s resurgence, Symons has remarked to the media,

'Confidence is a huge thing in football but especially with strikers I think.

'Hugo's confidence is up and he's really, really enjoying his football.

'I think you can see that and I think someone like Hugo, who's a lovely lad, wears his heart on his sleeve and he needs to be happy, he needs to feel loved and he's certainly that at Fulham.

'He's enjoying his football and we're loving him scoring all the goals for us.'

I just can`t believe that Magath deemed not to use the player but then again Felix made some strange decisions did he not?


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=380515#ixzz3MBYtAgiR

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Fulham Youngsters Moment of Glory
   
Down at Huish Park, our young defender, Stephen Arhurworrey, is set to play in probably the biggest game of his life.

Last night Arthurworrey played the full ninety minutes as Yeovil beat Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup second round replay against Accrington Stanley.

Yeovil`s reward for reaching the 3rd round is a high publicity encounter with a Manchester United side, conceivably, will view the FA Cup as the only trophy they can win this season.

The tie means that Arthurworrey will lock horns with the likes of Robin van Persie, Radamel Falcao, Wayne Rooney and James Wilson.

Speaking about the tie, Stephen has remarked via the social network site Twitter,

"Can`t wait to put Wayne Rooney in my pocket. In all seriousness, can`t wait to play against some great players."

It should be quite an occasion for the lad and we wish him well.


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=380518#ixzz3MBZRFFAd

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Fulham forward Smith admits frustration

Out-of-favour striker Matt Smith has admitted his frustration at seeing his Fulham career stall since his deadline day move from Leeds United.

The 25-year-old has played just 38 minutes in three appearances for the Whites, getting sent off on his debut at Reading, and last month he joined Bristol City on loan.

Smith, who will be at Ashton Gate until 25 January, has started twice for the Robins and said he was relieved to finally be seeing some time on the pitch.

He told City's website: "One of the reasons I'm here is to play games. I want to get my match fitness back to where it was.

"I want to be hitting the back of the net again and get my confidence and form up once more.

"It's been a frustrating couple of months with a distinct lack of opportunities on the pitch, so it's pleasing the manager [Steve Cotterill] has shown some faith in me with two starts so far."

Smith struck up a prolific partnership with Ross McCormack at Leeds last season, scoring 40 league goals between them, before both moved to Craven Cottage in the summer.

But while McCormack has settled in as a first-team regular at Fulham, even captaining the side on his return to Elland Road last weekend, Smith had been on the fringes until his loan deal.


http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/football-wls-smith-admits-frustration-since-move-from-leeds-united

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Mitroglou goals give Olympiakos 2-0 win

ATHENS, GREECE
Kostas Mitroglou scored a goal in each half to give Olympiakos a 2-0 win over Panionios on Wednesday, and move the champions a point behind Greek league leader PAOK.

The Greece striker, who struggled after a disappointing spell at Fulham, beat in-form keeper Nikos Papadopoulos with a header in the 36th minute and completed the scoring moments before the final whistle.

Olympiakos coach Michel Gonzalez thanked veteran French defender Eric Abidal who is expected to announce his retirement on Friday.

In Wednesday's other matches, Kerkyra beat Ergotelis 3-1, Asteras was held 1-1 at Panthrakikos and Atromitos beat Levadiakos 1-0. Panetolikos edged Platanias 1-0, Veria beat Volos 2-0 and OFI drew 1-1 with Kalloniki.

PAOK travels to Giannina Thursday, while third-place Panathinaikos takes on Xanthi.



Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/article4569859.html?#storylink=cpy

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Stekelenburg the hero as Monaco reach Coupe de la Ligue quarter-finals

The Dutchman's shoot-out heroics helped defeat Lyon, while Lille also progresses on penalties and Guingamp continued their impressive form

Lille and Monaco were both triumphant on penalties as they sealed quarter-final spots in the Coupe de la Ligue on Wednesday.

Hosts Lille were 6-5 winners from the spot after their tie against Bordeaux ended 1-1 at the end of extra time at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy.

Mariano had given Bordeaux a 16th-minute lead, only for Lille to hit back through Michael Frey 14 minutes later.

It was the same story at the Stade de Gerland as visitors Monaco upstaged last season's runners-up Lyon 5-4 on penalties.

Dutch goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg was the hero in the shoot-out after both teams cancelled each other out in extra time.

Monaco substitute Yannick Ferreira Carrasco broke the deadlock in the 94th minute before Alexandre Lacazette sent the match to penalties with a 105th-minute equaliser.

High-flying Guingamp continued their brilliant run of form, account for second-tier side Arles 2-0 away from home.

After stunning PSG on Sunday, goals to Christophe Mandanne and Claudio Beauvue extended Guingamp's winning streak to five matches in all competitions.

Elsewhere, Saint-Etienne defeated Lorient 1-0, while Rennes edged Creteil by the same scoreline.


http://www.goal.com/en/news/90/france/2014/12/17/7185042/-?

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Sheffield Wednesday: Owls look to shackle red-hot Rodallega

For Sheffield Wednesday to extend their unbeaten away run to six matches, they will have to shackle one of the Championship's form strikers this weekend.

More than 3,500 Owls fans will head to Craven Cottage hoping the team can keep Fulham forward Hugo Rodallega quiet.

The Colombian ace has bagged nine goals in 17 appearances during the 2014/15 campaign, including four in his last five outings.

Rodallega's latest strike helped Fulham edge past Leeds United last Saturday, a result which moved the London outfit to within three points of Wednesday.

Fulham boss Kit Symons is tipping Rodallega to stay on the goal trail and to continue playing a big part in their renaissance.

"Confidence is a huge thing in football but especially with strikers I think," said Symons. "Hugo's confidence is up and he's really, really enjoying his football.

"I think you can see that and I think someone like Hugo, who's a lovely lad, wears his heart on his sleeve and he needs to be happy, he needs to feel loved and he's certainly that at Fulham.

"He's enjoying his football and we're loving him scoring all the goals for us."

Seko Fofana, Rodallega's teammate, is calling on the Cottagers to build on their fine win at Elland Road. But the French youth international, on loan from Manchester City until January 31, is refusing to underestimate the threat Stuart Gray's charges will pose.

The 19-year-old midfielder stressed: "It's important not to be complacent.

"It [Wednesday] will be another hard fixture; our opponents won't be coming here wanting to lose so we're expecting a hard encounter.

"Nonetheless, we want a victory and we'll be doing everything we can to earn it. I'll be looking to continue to work hard and, if called upon, I'll be looking to perform well."


http://www.sheffieldtelegraph.co.uk/sport/sheffield-wednesday/sheffield-wednesday-owls-look-to-shackle-red-hot-rodallega-1-7010005

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Alan Biggs at Large: Why Sheffield Wednesday are a good bet for capital gains at Fulham this weekend - despite their opponents' striking riches

A three-point advantage says Sheffield Wednesday are a good bet to "get a result" at Fulham on Saturday. Otherwise, the logic has me beaten.

Without wishing to make excuses in advance, there is no way Fulham should be below the Owls. Or the likes of Reading, Bolton, Leeds and Wigan. For all the frustration of an avoidable 1-0 home defeat to Wolves - when Stuart Gray felt a third successive win was there for the taking - I still feel Hillsborough's head coach is making a little go a long way in relative terms.

An examination of clubs ahead of him (and not by much) would reveal much higher wage bills at the likes of Middlesbrough, Derby, Watford, Norwich, Blackburn, Nottingham Forest and Cardiff. Okay, Bournemouth are shock leaders – but they are not without financial muscle, hence rumours that manager Eddie Howe earns upwards of£600,000 a year.

None of this is to decry the best efforts of Milan Mandaric. It is testimony to his resourcefulness and the stability he has brought to the club that Wednesday are in such a position after his four years at the helm. But Fulham, remember, have a strike pair who have commanded career fees of £15.5m, including £11m. The Owls are over-achieving a touch in my view. Credit for that to Gray and a tight-knit squad.


http://www.sheffieldtelegraph.co.uk/sport/sheffield-wednesday/alan-biggs-at-large-why-sheffield-wednesday-are-a-good-bet-for-capital-gains-at-fulham-this-weekend-despite-their-opponents-striking-riches-1-7009061