Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 24/06/25...

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How Kenny Tete's Departure Shines a Light on Fulham's Costly Contractual Mismanagement
Kenny Tete's decision to swap London for Liverpool is just the latest of a long litany of contractual mismanagement from Tony Khan and co. Why is this an issue for Fulham? How do FFC fix this? Keep reading – you'll find out...

Does Tete's Exit Make Some Sense?
Many have labelled Tete's Bosman departure as par for the course in modern football. That's simply not the case. In isolation, I understand the Dutchman's exit from both a club and player point of view. Fulham offered Kenny a three-year deal; he rejected, and is heading north for what I assume is a better-paid deal on Merseyside.
Who can blame him? He's turning 30, in search of his last bumper deal, and as the Whites know well, he's massively struggled for fitness in recent years. The former Lyon man's aforementioned faults are clear – maybe a departure is best for both parties. But that isn't my gripe with this situation.

Another Financially Nonsensical Decision
Tete's long-standing openness to leaving Craven Cottage has been there for all to see. When the club exercised their right to extend King Kenny's deal by a further year last summer, why wouldn't a final decision be made on Tete there and then? It's a puzzling decision. In fact, it's a reckless decision. Tete's departure isn't the Whites hierarchy's first rodeo when it comes to being left standing when it comes time to renew, either...

The Definition of Insanity: An Unwillingness to Learn from Mistakes
The well-profiled case of Tosin's departure to the dark side of SW6 was the perfect precursor for what happened with Kenny Tete this summer. Speculation around Adarabioyo's exit built for going on two years before the Manchester native left for Cobham last June. Whether it was AS Monaco or Newcastle United, Fulham had many a chance to recoup towards £20 million for a young English centre-half entering the prime of his career. But, in a mirror image to Kenny Tete's saga, London's Original's lack of market street smarts ended up with them being led on for a second summer running.

Why Contractual Mismanagement in a PSR World Is Financial Negligence
Letting one player leave who could have fetched an eight-figure sum is a mistake. Letting another do the same 12 months on is financially negligent. An unwillingness to read the tea leaves, put player and agent talk aside, and not make your call on a player's future has led to a loss of what I esteem to be at least £30 million in revenue in the past year. A shameful way to conduct business for a family as successful as the Khans. Think about the extra money or profits Fulham would have available if the losses of Tete and Tosin were compensated by fees. In the world of PSR, that is catastrophic business.

Will FFC Learn Their Lesson? What Could This Mean for the Future?
How many more financially impactful Bosman departures will it take till FFC learn their lesson? I hope it's a big enough wake-up call to get Rodrigo Muniz, Luc De Fougerolles, and Josh King re-signed in the coming weeks...
In short, Fulham's naivety cannot continue. In the long term, it will no doubt cost the Cottagers big time. Whilst not every free departure can be avoided – Marek Rodák and Bobby Reid are great examples of that – two consecutive key departures from our first eleven is unsustainable. If we make use of our – credit where credit's due – intelligent ability to add a one-year club extension in most of our contracts, why can't we make a sweeping decision once that clause is invoked? Tony, you decide: move X guy on for a fee, or move Y guy onto a long-term deal. You seem so keen to maximise profits in many other aspects of the club – why not here? Here's where it really matters. A failure to do so is a one-way trip to the Championship.



https://medium.com/@LondonsOriginal/how-kenny-tetes-departure-shines-a-light-on-fulham-s-costly-contractual-mismanagement-4d3312ae1fb5

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2025/26 Season Tickets on General Sale

A limited number of 2025/26 Season Tickets are now on General Sale for all supporters to purchase.

Following the closure of the renewal window for 2024/25 Season Ticket Holders and the exclusive window for those on the Season Ticket Waiting List, limited seats are now available to purchase.

Supporters will be able to purchase their Season Ticket in The Riverside, the Putney End or the Hammersmith End, with all 2025/26 Season Tickets now sold out in the Johnny Haynes Stand.

A Season Ticket continues to offer the best value to watch Premier League football at Craven Cottage, guaranteeing a seat for all 19 home league matches as well as a host of other benefits.

With a limited number of tickets remaining, act fast to avoid disappointment!

More information on 2025/26 Season Tickets can be found here.

BUY ONLINE

Supporters must be logged into their OneFulham account in order to purchase tickets online.
HOW TO BUY

    Online at fulhamfc.com/tickets.
    By calling the Ticket Office on 0203 871 0810 (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm)
    In person from the Ticket Office (Monday-Friday, 10am-4:30pm)

https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2025/june/23/2025-26-season-tickets-on-general-sale/

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Exclusive: Fulham's response revealed amid Leeds' new Rodrigo Muniz bid
Fulham are confident of pricing Leeds United out of a move for striker Rodrigo Muniz this summer, sources have told Football Insider.

The Cottagers have already turned down a bid of £26million plus £6million in add-ons from Leeds – who are desperate to add Muniz to their squad following promotion.

Daniel Farke's side could return with another offer in a bid to test Fulham's resolve – but it is believed the London club are confident of keeping the striker at Craven Cottage.

Fulham are short up front with only Raul Jimenez and Muniz on the books for Marco Silva at present.

Fulham confident of keeping Muniz after £32m bid rejected
Leeds have identified the Brazillian forward as their top striker target but look set to lose out in their pursuit of his signature.

Muniz is under contract at Fulham until June 2026 but the Craven Cottage outfit have the option to extend his deal a further 12 months.

He scored 11 goals and notched two assists in 36 appearances across all competitions in the 2024-25 campaign.

The Brazilian, who arrived at Fulham from Flamengo in 2021, missed the end of the season with an Achilles tendon injury.

He has played 57 times in total in the Premier League with Fulham, scoring 17 goals.

Muniz has emerged as a target for Leeds following promotion as the Whites are not keen to rely on Championship top scorer Joel Piroe as their first-choice forward next season.

Leeds told £10m Longstaff offer will be accepted
Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed (15 June) that Leeds and Everton have been told Newcastle will accept £10million offers for Sean Longstaff.

Longstaff is set to enter the final year of his contract in Eddie Howe's side, with his long-term future now regarded as "definitely" away from St James' Park.

Leeds have now entered the race for his signature as Farke is planning to add Premier League experience to his squad.



https://www.footballinsider247.com/exclusive-fulhams-response-revealed-amid-leeds-new-rodrigo-muniz-bid/

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Everton on the verge of sealing Bosman move for Kenny Tete
Kenny Tete will reportedly leave Fulham as a free agent before completing a Bosman move to Everton in the summer transfer window.

According to an update by reputed Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Kenny Tete is the subject of interest from Everton. The Toffees have been keen on bolstering their defensive unit by signing a right-back in the summer transfer window. So, the 29-year-old Fulham wide player has emerged as a target for the Merseyside outfit.

The Dutchman is on the verge of joining Everton, with the Merseyside club securing a verbal agreement with him over a Bosman move. Tete will sign a three-year contract, with Fulham failing to convince him to remain at Craven Cottage beyond the summer transfer window.

Kenny Tete and his career so far
Kenny Tete has endured a topsy-turvy ride since joining Fulham from Lyon in October 2020. A native of Amsterdam, the 29-year-old spent his formative years in the Netherlands, passing through the academies at DWS and Zeeburgia before graduating from the youth division at Ajax. However, he rose in prominence at Olympique Lyonnais before moving to the Premier League.

The Dutch full-back has turned out over 100 times thus far for Fulham while chipping in with four goals and ten assists. However, Tete's fitness issues have created issues for Fulham, with the player missing over four dozen games. Meanwhile, the experienced defender will become a free agent in a few days after entering the final year of his contract.

Move across the Premier League on the cards
Kenny Tete will remain in the Premier League, even though he will leave Fulham as a free agent. The experienced full-back will complete a Bosman move to Everton, with the two parties striking a verbal agreement over a three-year contract that will be valid until June 2028.

Everton had no shortage of right-back options, with recent reports linking them with Kyle Walker, Vladimir Coufal, and Anthony Caci. However, the Toffees have their next right-back, with Tete on the cusp of completing a Bosman move from Fulham to the Merseyside club.

With Ashley Young leaving Everton and Seamus Coleman in the twilight of his career, Everton needed a top-class right-back. So, Tete should be a long-term solution if the 29-year-old Dutch defender overcomes his recent fitness issues.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2025/06/23/everton-on-the-verge-of-sealing-bosman-move-for-kenny-tete/

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The real reason why Kenny Tete has decided to leave Fulham for Everton
Everton are on the verge of completing their second signing of the summer.

Everton News understands Kenny Tete is set to complete his move from Fulham upon the expiry of his contract.

Fulham fans are gutted to see Tete leave after a productive five years in West London, making 121 appearances.

The Netherlands international is widely regarded as one of the best defensive right-backs in the Premier League, so it's a smart bit of business by Everton.

With all that said, after speaking exclusively to journalist Graeme Bailey, we can now reveal why he has decided to leave Craven Cottage for new pastures on Merseyside.

Why Kenny Tete has decided to leave Fulham for Everton
Everton News can exclusively reveal that Tete has decided to leave Fulham because they only offered him a two-year contract.

Moyes and his chiefs pipped the Cottagers with a three-year deal, so he's decided to end his five-year stay in the capital and commit his future until 2028 at the Hill Dickinson.

Tete, 29, still has at least four years at the top level, so it's quite surprising Fulham weren't willing to meet his demands.

Anyhow, it's Everton's gain, and it will allow Jake O'Brien to move back to his favoured role at centre-back.

Everton now looking at a left-back
After almost wrapping up the Tete deal, focus appears to have turned towards bringing in a new left-back.

Moyes actually wanted a new left-back in January, but the Friedkin Group decided to keep their powder dry for a big spend this summer.

The Scotsman clearly remains unconvinced by Vitaliy Mykolenko, as Everton are now eyeing Lille's Gabriel Gudmundsson.

Gudmundsson is out of contract next summer, so he could leave the French outfit this summer for a reduced fee.

Leeds United are also circling.



https://www.everton.news/the-real-reason-why-kenny-tete-has-decided-to-leave-fulham-for-everton/

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Leeds sign £15m Fulham star and wonderkid full-back in £125m monster transfer window prediction
Leeds United look set for a busy summer transfer window ahead of their Premier League return

With the summer window open once more and plenty of business already getting done, one wouldn't blame any Leeds United fans if they were starting to develop an itchy transfer finger ahead of their return to the Premier League.

Daniel Farke's newly-promoted side have already confirmed one impending signing, with VfL Wolfsburg forward Lukas Nmecha set to join on a free transfer at the beginning of July, but so far they haven't spent a penny of their supposed £100m-plus transfer budget.

We're expecting the club to complete the purchase of Slovenia international defender Jaka Bijol from Udinese soon, so reinforcements are on the way, but keeping track of everything Leeds are planning has been made all but impossible thanks to deluge of transfer rumours that have been falling off the rumour mill incessantly over recent weeks.

Given that actually working out which transfer stories are true and which are simply not going to happen is nearly impossible for any human being, we thought we'd see if a computer could do any better – so we asked a well-known AI learning model what it predicted Leeds' transfer window would look like come the start of September.

Is AI able to cut through the noise and offer some insight into what might actually happen? Or is it, as we strongly suspect, going to prove to be no more able to get inside Farke's mind than we are? We'll know for sure in a couple of months' time, but for now, here's how the machines see the summer window panning out...

Spurs, Brighton & Fulham stars on Leeds' predicted shopping list
The good news right off the top is that the algorithm is confident that Leeds will indeed secure the signing of Bijol pretty soon, apparently for a fee of £14m – but that isn't the only defensive addition predicted.

Apparently, Leeds will sign not one new left-back – a necessity given that Junior Firpo is leaving on a free transfer – but two. Gabriel Gudmundsson, the Lille and Sweden left-back who has been linked with a move to Elland Road by a few media outlets, is one, with a £10m price tag on his head, but the other purchase would be a little more audacious.

The AI reckons that Leeds will sign Brighton full-back Valentín Barco on a permanent deal after a frustrating first season in English football for the Argentine. After failing to make an immediate impact after a £7.5m move last summer, he spent most of the season on loan at Sevilla and Strasbourg, and now he could apparently be sold altogether. Leeds would pay £12m for the privilege, so Brighton turn a quick profit, but given that he was touted as one of the most promising left-backs in the world at Boca Juniors, we wonder if the Seagulls will really give up on him so easily.

Another player whose hasn't really been linked to Leeds much in the gossip columns is Fulham midfielder Sander Berge, signed for £15m apparently. Given that he played 31 matches for Marco Silva's side last season, we're not sure that one's all that realistic, but adding a new midfielder seems sensible enough – the AI also thinks they'll get Strasbourg wonderkid Habib Diarra, a target for several sides, for around £20m.

Rounding the shopping list off are two players that very much have been linked with a move – striker Nikola Krstović of Lecce and Spurs winger Manor Solomon, who was a hit on loan with Leeds last season, signed for a combined £30m.

Illan Meslier among those leaving according to the algorithm
On the sales front, the AI reckons that seven players will be leaving Elland Road this summer, including Firpo. A few names won't come as a surprise and don't require any great predictive powers on the computer's part: Joe Gelhardt, Darko Gyabi and Sam Greenwood are all sold in our simulation for a combined fee of a little over £10m.

Max Wöber gets sold off to for £6m – the AI doesn't comment on who he'll be sold to – while Jack Harrison is also off for £10m. Few alarms or surprises there, but at least Leeds don't seem likely to lose any key players. The final player on his way is controversial goalkeeper Illan Meslier, apparently leaving for Strasbourg for £15m after making one too many mistakes for Farke's comfort. Once touted as being among Europe's most promising shot-stoppers, it seems his time with the club is set for an ignominious end.

Now, one problem that may be immediately observed is that the AI seems to have Meslier leaving without a replacement. As it happens, it did suggest that Leeds would buy a new goalkeeper – but in the process, helpfully demonstrated that you really shouldn't use AI to do your homework.

That's because it has Leeds dropping £25m on Caoimhín Kelleher, which would be a fine idea if he hadn't already signed for Brentford. Why an apparently powerful and advanced learning algorithm can't pick up on something like that, we don't know, but it rather undermines the limited faith we had in its ability to determine the shape of the summer transfer window.

So in the end, Leeds spend just over £125m, buy a player who's only just signed somewhere else, and get a shade of £40m back to ensure that they don't have to fuss about PSR problems. A realistic assessment of the transfer window? Probably not. But we'll find out just how good these machines really are in a short while...



https://www.3addedminutes.com/sport/football/leeds-united/leeds-summer-transfer-window-prediction-5190198

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Exclusive: Fulham Eyeing 'Explosive' Right-Back to Replace £50,000-a-Week Star
Fulham have pinpointed Heerenveen star Oliver Braude as a potential summer acquisition as boss Marco Silva prepares for Kenny Tete to walk away from Craven Cottage and join Premier League counterparts Everton as preparations are made for next season, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.

Although Harry Wilson is keen to be rewarded with a new long-term contract in the aftermath of the Cottagers triggering a 12-month extension option written into his current terms, the west Londoners have set their sights on giving their squad a refresh in the remainder of the transfer window.

Tete is on course to head through the exit door, thanks to reaching a verbal agreement to sign for Everton on a three-year deal when he officially becomes a free agent at the end of the month, and Silva has been working with members of the recruitment department to fill the void that will be left by the Dutchman.

Cottagers Showing Interest in Deal for Braude
West Londoners in danger of facing competition for right-back

Fulham are eyeing a move for Braude to replace the outgoing Tete, according to GMS sources, but they are in serious danger of being dragged into a bidding war if they decide to up the ante in their pursuit as he has been getting admiring glances from Premier League rivals and clubs across Europe.

The Cottagers are aware that they would have no issues meeting the 21-year-old right-back's wage demands as he is on a contract which allows him to pocket less than £2,500-per-week at Heerenveen, meaning he is being viewed by suitors as a cut-price option as they assess the market.

GMS sources have been informed that Braude is firmly on Fulham's radar after enjoying an eye-catching 2024/25 campaign in the Eredivisie, but that has resulted in Premier League counterparts West Ham United, Everton, Bournemouth and Aston Villa also keeping tabs on his situation.



Tete is edging towards embarking on a fresh challenge on Merseyside, having been looking at potential destinations as he ticks into the final days of his £50,000-per-week contract at Craven Cottage, and that has led to the west Londoners prioritising the addition of a right-sided defender.

Fulham are among a host of Premier League outfits weighing up whether Braude is ready to make the switch from Heerenveen, GMS sources have learned, while there has also been plenty of interest from sides across the continent at a time when he is being tipped to move onto pastures new.

Silva Considers Braude Swoop Despite Doubts
Recruitment departments have concerns over 21-year-old's size

GMS sources have been told that Braude's ability and durability in duels have resulted in Fulham chief Silva continuing to contemplate heading into negotiations despite some recruitment teams having concerns over whether his size could result in him struggling to make an impact in the Premier League.

The Norway under-21 international is 5ft 9in, leading to some scouts having fears that he could be targeted by opponents when they put crosses into the penalty area, but he would provide Timothy Castagne with competition for a regular starting berth after being described as 'explosive'.

Fulham are viewing Braude as an intriguing prospect as they ready themselves for Tete's departure, GMS sources understand, while there is confidence that he is ready to take his career to the next level as he has shown confidence and ability beyond his years during his time at Heerenveen.

GMS sources recently revealed that the Cottagers have also refused to rule out offering Joao Palhinha a route back to familiar surroundings if it becomes clear that reigning Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich are prepared to offload him 12 months after his arrival at the Allianz Arena.

All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 23/06/2025



https://www.givemesport.com/fulham-transfer-news-eyeing-oliver-braude-replace-kenny-tete-craven-cottage/

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Exclusive: Fulham's preferred Joao Palhinha deal structure revealed as decision made
Fulham would prefer to bring Joao Palhinha back to the club with a loan-to-buy deal, sources have told Football Insider.

The Cottagers are preparing to register their interest in an agreement with Bayern Munich with Palhinha struggling to break into Vincent Kompany's squad.

He had established himself as one of the Premier League's leading defensive midfielders prior to his £48million move to Bavaria.

However, it is believed Fulham are not willing to come anywhere close to that fee if they were to bring him back.

Fulham want loan-to-buy Palhinha deal
Sources say the west London club are keen to re-sign the Portugal international on an initial loan with a potential option to buy.

Palhinha endured a disappointing first season with Bayern, playing only 941 minutes of action in the 2024-25 campaign.

He has travelled to the United States for the Club World Cup but has been an unused substitute in both matches so far this month.

The midfielder made 79 appearances over two seasons with Fulham before leaving last year (2024) and led the Premier League for tackles and interceptions in that time.

His contract with Bayern Munich is set to run until June 2028.

Fulham confident of staving off Muniz interest
Meanwhile, Football Insider has revealed (23 June) that Fulham are confident of pricing Leeds United out of a move for striker Rodrigo Muniz this summer.

The Cottagers have already turned down a bid of £26million plus £6million in add-ons from Leeds.

Daniel Farke's side could return with another offer in a bid to test Fulham's resolve – but it is believed the London club are confident of keeping the striker at Craven Cottage.



https://www.footballinsider247.com/exclusive-fulhams-preferred-joao-palhinha-deal-structure-revealed-as-decision-made/

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Reports: Fulham and Arsenal in talks to complete double deal this summer
Arsenal and Fulham could complete a double transfer deal worth around £30million this summer, according to emerging reports.

Arsenal have plenty to do in terms of incomings, but they will want to clear the decks a bit to help boost their fund. That could be substantially helped by Fulham as Oleksandr Zinchenko and Reiss Nelson are both emerging as key targets for the Cottagers.

Fulham are keen to strike a bargain for Zinchenko, who has fallen down the pecking order under Mikel Arteta. The Ukrainian international, signed for £32million from Manchester City in 2022, is now expected to leave before the new Premier League season. According to The Sun, Fulham are hoping to land him for around £10million, despite Arsenal valuing him at closer to £12.7million. His experience and ability to play in both defence and midfield are seen as major assets by Marco Silva.

AC Milan had also shown strong interest, with reports suggesting the Serie A side were in advanced talks over a €15million deal. However, Fulham's Premier League status and familiarity with ex-Arsenal players could give them the edge.

Reiss Nelson, 25, is another player on Fulham's radar. The winger impressed on loan at Craven Cottage last season before a hamstring injury cut his campaign short. Fulham are understood to be interested in bringing him back permanently, and Arsenal are willing to do business at around £20million — a potential boost to their transfer funds as they eye attacking reinforcements.

According to Football Insider, Fulham are working to finalise a deal for Nelson. Former Gunner Alex Iwobi even hinted that a double swoop could be on the cards, telling the media: "We like to sign Arsenal players, maybe we'll sign another."

If both transfers are completed, it would represent smart business for Fulham and provide Arsenal with crucial funds for their summer rebuild under Andrea Berta.

Moreso than the transfer fee, getting both of the fringe players off the wage bill would also be a big boost. The duo earn a combined £250,000 per week.



https://fresharsenal.com/reports-fulham-and-arsenal-in-talks-to-complete-double-deal-this-summer/

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Silva seeks Zinchenko swoop
Fulham are readying a £10m move for Arsenal's out-of-favour Ukrainian international Oleksandr Zinchenko, according to The Sun.

The former Manchester City man appears to on his way out of the Emirates this summer having fallen down Mikel Arteta's pecking order. The 28 year-old, converted from an attacking midfielder to a left back by Pep Guardiola during his spell with Manchester City, made just 28 appearances for the Gunners last season and wants more regular football to retain his international place ahead of next summer's World Cup.

Fulham are long-term admirers of Zinchenko, whom they tried to sign from City themselves, and Marco Silva sees the Radomyshl native as a talented operator across a number of positions. The four-time Premier League winner is settled in London and is believed to be interested in moving to Craven Cottage like Bernd Leno, Alex Iwobi and Emile Smith Rowe. The Sun suggests that the Whites could face competition from the likes of AC Milan, Ajax and Borussia Dortmund.

Zinchenko has scored twelve goals in 73 senior caps for his country, whom he has represented at three consecutive European Championships. A surprise £1.7m signing from Ufa by Manchester City in July 2016, he made 128 appearances under Guardiola and was part of the City side that reached the 2021 Champions' League final.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2025/06/silva-seeks-zinchenko-swoop/

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Joyeux anniversaire, Jean Tigana
Fulham's French revolutionary – the legendary Jean Tigana celebrates his 70th birthday today. A quarter of a century on from when the former Monaco manager was lured to Craven Cottage, the magic of what came next still feels fanciful. The Whites were magnificent almost from the off under the softly-spoken Frenchman having looked utterly bereft of ideas under Paul Bracewell in the previous campaign. They waltzed to the Division One title playing fabulous football – still some of the finest ever seen on the hallowed turf of London's oldest professional side.

Just getting Tigana to London was a real coup for the Cottagers. He was enraptured by his first visit to Fulham's historic home and attracted by the challenge of establishing Fulham as a top flight force. There was the initial shock that cult hero Geoff Horsfield wouldn't be part of his plans when the first team came back from holiday earlier than anyone else. The team took a myriad of medicals, blood tests, x-rays and trips to the dentist. Their diets were handed over to a dietician that Tigana trusted and alcohol was out. Peak performance was the aim and the club's fitness programme was overhauled under the stewardship of Roger Propos.

That began with three training sessions a day in the hot summer months, including during what some players thought would be a relaxing pre-season trip to Devon. Many of them were without a ball. It paid off when Fulham proved to be far fitter than their competitors. In the longer term, it also extended the careers of some Fulham stalwarts who feared they would be on the way out under the new regime – the likes of Andy Melville, Rufus Brevett and Barry Hayles flourished when given their opportunity in the first team.

Tigana didn't tweak his squad – he immediately reshaped it in accordance with the way he wanted to play football. One of the first arrivals was John Collins, an important cog in the Fulham midfield for sure, but also an experienced player who had thrived under Tigana at Monaco and, at least initially, acted as a conduit for the manager's ideas on the field as well as a translator. Horsfield went to Birmingham City and was replaced by Louis Saha, best known to British audiences for a forgettable spell at Newcastle. The French forward's touch, class and mobility would soon terrorise English defences.

Saha was joined in an enterprising attack by Luis Boa Morte, who had struggled at Southampton after getting his start under Wenger at Arsenal. Eyebrows were raised at the decision to loan him in from the south coast, but the Portuguese winger – who often operated up front in the First Division – scored 21 goals in 46 appearances scaring Division One defences with his pace, direct running and desire to win. Then there was Fabrice Fernandes, a mercurial winger from Rennes, whose loan spell might have fizzled out but he provided plenty of moments of magic. All of them together was a truly frightening prospect.

Tigana's footballing methods seem old hat now, but he insisted on goalkeeper Maik Taylor playing the ball out from the back rather than thumping it downfield. The players recall the manager erupting in fury after a pre-season win over Brentford when the Northern Ireland keeper launched the ball forward once the opposition latched onto the tactic. Early in the season, Melville feared the drop when one poor ball cost Fulham a goal. Instead, Tigana encouraged him in the dressing afterwards – insistent that the rewards would come.

And they did. Fulham's football was spellbinding. Collins and the evergreen Lee Clark formed a telepathic triumvirate with the academy graduate Sean Davis in central midfield. Davis has spoken previously about wondering where his career was going as he struggled to nail down a position in the side under Bracewell and Kevin Keegan having been handed his senior debut by Micky Adams. Tigana tried him in a deeper role and it proved a masterstroke, with the youngster blossoming into the archetypal holding midfielder, whose energetic bursts forward delivered vital goals.

The memories from that unforgettable season are bountiful. Saha's sensational first half hat-trick against Barnsley, Barry Hayles' brilliant treble that blew Watford away on Boxing Day and the ease of a derby win over QPR at Craven Cottage. The matches that bring back all the nostalgia are of course those at the close of the campaign when promotion was within touching distance. Tigana fondly remembers the way Fulham fought back at Blackburn, a man down, after Graeme Souness had insisted his side were the best in the division:

    "If I was to choose one memory from my time at Fulham, though, it would be a game at Blackburn towards the end of my first season. We played half the match with 10 men, but Sean Davis scored a 90th-minute winner – it was the moment when promotion was all but assured. It was the first and only time that I jumped off the bench to hug my players. The only time in my whole career."

Promotion was clinched at Huddersfield three days later and it was somehow fitting that Davis, who had netted that improbable winner at Ewood Park, secured the title with a last-gasp strike against Sheffield Wednesday. The scenes on the Hammersmith End terrace that afternoon will remain with me for a lifetime.

So successful was Tigana's first season in charge that Fulham even made a mockery of Mohamed Al-Fayed's five year target to reach the top flight. A summer of spending, including the purchase of Edwin van der Sar, showed they had no intention of merely making up the numbers as Saha's sumptuous double at Old Trafford underlined. Their excellent start to the season hit a road bump before Christmas, but the Whites still reached an FA Cup semi final and won the InterToto Cup before progressing into the third round of the UEFA Cup. Tigana's time at Fulham might have ended in recriminations and disappointment, but there's no doubt he totally transformed London's oldest professional club.

Merci pour les souvenirs, Monsieur Tigana.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2025/06/joyeux-anniversaire-jean-tigana/

[blingo]

How Kenny Tete's Departure Shines a Light on Fulham's Costly Contractual Mismanagement
Kenny Tete's decision to swap London for Liverpool is just the latest of a long litany of contractual mismanagement from Tony Khan and co. Why is this an issue for Fulham? How do FFC fix this? Keep reading – you'll find out...

Does Tete's Exit Make Some Sense?
Many have labelled Tete's Bosman departure as par for the course in modern football. That's simply not the case. In isolation, I understand the Dutchman's exit from both a club and player point of view. Fulham offered Kenny a three-year deal; he rejected, and is heading north for what I assume is a better-paid deal on Merseyside.
Who can blame him? He's turning 30, in search of his last bumper deal, and as the Whites know well, he's massively struggled for fitness in recent years. The former Lyon man's aforementioned faults are clear – maybe a departure is best for both parties. But that isn't my gripe with this situation.

Another Financially Nonsensical Decision
Tete's long-standing openness to leaving Craven Cottage has been there for all to see. When the club exercised their right to extend King Kenny's deal by a further year last summer, why wouldn't a final decision be made on Tete there and then? It's a puzzling decision. In fact, it's a reckless decision. Tete's departure isn't the Whites hierarchy's first rodeo when it comes to being left standing when it comes time to renew, either...

The Definition of Insanity: An Unwillingness to Learn from Mistakes
The well-profiled case of Tosin's departure to the dark side of SW6 was the perfect precursor for what happened with Kenny Tete this summer. Speculation around Adarabioyo's exit built for going on two years before the Manchester native left for Cobham last June. Whether it was AS Monaco or Newcastle United, Fulham had many a chance to recoup towards £20 million for a young English centre-half entering the prime of his career. But, in a mirror image to Kenny Tete's saga, London's Original's lack of market street smarts ended up with them being led on for a second summer running.

Why Contractual Mismanagement in a PSR World Is Financial Negligence
Letting one player leave who could have fetched an eight-figure sum is a mistake. Letting another do the same 12 months on is financially negligent. An unwillingness to read the tea leaves, put player and agent talk aside, and not make your call on a player's future has led to a loss of what I esteem to be at least £30 million in revenue in the past year. A shameful way to conduct business for a family as successful as the Khans. Think about the extra money or profits Fulham would have available if the losses of Tete and Tosin were compensated by fees. In the world of PSR, that is catastrophic business.

Will FFC Learn Their Lesson? What Could This Mean for the Future?
How many more financially impactful Bosman departures will it take till FFC learn their lesson? I hope it's a big enough wake-up call to get Rodrigo Muniz, Luc De Fougerolles, and Josh King re-signed in the coming weeks...
In short, Fulham's naivety cannot continue. In the long term, it will no doubt cost the Cottagers big time. Whilst not every free departure can be avoided – Marek Rodák and Bobby Reid are great examples of that – two consecutive key departures from our first eleven is unsustainable. If we make use of our – credit where credit's due – intelligent ability to add a one-year club extension in most of our contracts, why can't we make a sweeping decision once that clause is invoked? Tony, you decide: move X guy on for a fee, or move Y guy onto a long-term deal. You seem so keen to maximise profits in many other aspects of the club – why not here? Here's where it really matters. A failure to do so is a one-way trip to the Championship.



https://medium.com/@LondonsOriginal/how-kenny-tetes-departure-shines-a-light-on-fulham-s-costly-contractual-mismanagement-4d3312ae1fb5

I find this article pointless. The writer has no idea about anything going on behind the scenes at FFC and this just looks to me like an excuse to have a dig t TK