Friday Fulham Stuff - 14/11/25...

[WhiteJC]

Nigeria v Gabon: What Fulham trio Iwobi, Bassey and Chukwueze said ahead of WCQ playoff
Fulham trio Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, and Samuel Chukwueze have expressed confidence in the Super Eagles' ability to overcome Gabon in Thursday's crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff semifinal encounter in Morocco.

Nigeria will face the Panthers in a decisive tie that could see them move one step closer to sealing qualification for the global showpiece set to take place in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Speaking ahead of the encounter, Iwobi urged Nigerians to stay optimistic, stressing that the team is determined to deliver a positive result.

"Hopefully we win and get the result we want because the World Cup is the biggest competition and it would be a shame if Nigeria don't go and it's only right that we give our best and try and show Nigerians we are there," he told Sporty TV.

Defender Calvin Bassey echoed his teammate's sentiments, acknowledging the team's slow start to the qualifiers but insisting that confidence has now been restored within the squad.

"I think we started very slow but we are now, hope has been restored, we just have to make sure that we keep going and just take the game as it comes, we are Nigeria, we are a massive nation, and we know there is a lot of expectation and responsibility," Bassey said.

"As players we just need to focus on what we need to do, go out in Morocco and make sure we can get both wins."

Meanwhile, Samuel Chukwueze made an emotional appeal to fans to rally behind the team as they push for qualification.

"This is the moment we need the Nigeria fans, this is the moment to criticize or blame anyone.

"This is the time we have to be together because everyone want to be in the World Cup because Nigerians need to be in the World Cup but we are going to give our best, we promise them that we are going to give everything inside that pitch," he said

A win for the Super Eagles will secure their place in the playoff final, where they are likely to face the winners of the DR Congo vs. Cameroon clash.

Adeyemi Adewale



https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=57775

[WhiteJC]

Marco Silva linked with Leeds United job – It would be a bold move
Fulham boss Marco Silva has been linked with the job at Leeds United this week. Speculation continues to grow around Elland Road after the poor run of form recently.

Daniel Farke's side have lost three of their four games since returning from the international break. Results have not gone well and the fans are not happy, especially with the Leeds boss making some strange comments in post-match press conferences. Marco Rose and Brendan Rodgers have been linked to the hot seat at Elland Road recently.

It is believed that Farke will remain in charge till at least after the international break. The Mail are reporting that the German coach has the next four games to save his season. Which will be a big ask as Leeds face Aston Villa, Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool in those games.

Marco Silva latest name linked with Leeds United job
Marco Silva is the latest name to be linked with the job at Elland Road, despite no official decision having been made yet over his future at Fulham. It is believed that the Fulham board are discussing sacking the Portuguese manager after his poor start to the season. Silva's contract is also a huge factor in a potential decision – his current deal expires at the end of the season and he has declined signing an extension at this point in time.

Ally McCoist spoke on TalkSPORT about Leeds United potentially hiring Silva if the 48-year old is relieved of his current job.

"I don't know, I have got a great degree of sympathy for Daniel Farke. Because he was not even sat at the manager's desk when they were in the top flight, and there was people saying after he got them promotion, that he was not the man to lead them in the top flight. Which I thought was very really really very unfair.

"Marco Silva I think is a very very good coach. People have said Steven Gerrard is interested in the Leeds job. You have got to appreciate that there is something in the Leeds job. [It is a] big club."

A bold move could save Leeds' season
Ally McCoist is right in saying everything has sort of gone against Farke since the season began. He was given no chance of survival despite a decent start to the season, and now that the team have suffered a few losses on the bounce, everyone is calling for his head.

But in the Premier League, sometimes bold decisions are the solution. Silva would be a great option if the Whites were to sack Farke. The Portuguese coach has been involved in relegation battles before and knows how to handle a squad with little investment. But for now, since no decision has been made by Leeds, fans are left to hope Farke can turn the season around.



https://www.theleedspress.com/marco-silva-leeds-united-manager-job-links-daniel-farke-sack-46890/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham's Iwobi, Bassey, Chukwueze inspire Super Eagles ahead of World Cup playoff vs Gabon
Nigeria's quest for a 2026 FIFA World Cup ticket enters a decisive phase today as the Super Eagles face Gabon in the African World Cup Qualifying Play-off at the Stade Prince Moulay El Hassan in Rabat, Morocco, Soccernet.ng reports.

Ahead of the clash, Fulham trio Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey and AC Milan winger Samuel Chukwueze have urged their teammates to go all out and give Nigerians a performance worthy of the nation's footballing pedigree.

Nigeria reached this playoff round after an emphatic 4–0 win over Benin Republic, restoring belief among fans after an uneven start to their qualification campaign.

A victory against Gabon would secure a spot in the final playoff round, where the Super Eagles would face either Cameroon or DR Congo for a place in the Inter-Confederation playoff next March.

Alex Iwobi, one of the team's senior voices, highlighted the gravity of the moment, stressing that missing out on the World Cup would be unthinkable for a football powerhouse like Nigeria.

    "Hopefully we will win and get the results we want because the World Cup is the biggest competition and it will be a shame if Nigeria don't go so it's only right that we give our best and try and ensure that Nigeria are there," Iwobi told sports journalist Kelechi Anyikude.

Super Eagles hope has been restored, says Bassey
Former Ajax defender Calvin Bassey echoed Iwobi's rallying call, noting that the team's journey to this stage had been challenging, but confidence had returned. Bassey is Nigeria's most valuable defender and the only player to feature in every minute of the Super Eagles' ten qualifying games.

    "We started off very slow but we're here now. Hope has been restored, we just have to make sure we keep going. We are Nigeria, we are a massive nation, we know there's a lot of expectation and responsibility. As players we just need to focus on what we need to do, go out to Morocco and make sure we get both wins," Bassey said.

The atmosphere in the Nigerian camp is reportedly upbeat, with head coach Eric Chelle encouraging his players to approach the game with focus and intensity.

The squad blends experience and youth, with 2023 African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen leading the line alongside 2024 winner Ademola Lookman.

Behind them, Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi will look to dictate play from midfield, while Bassey and William Troost-Ekong anchor the defence.

Chukwueze calls for unity, fans' support
For Samuel Chukwueze, unity within the camp and among fans could prove decisive in pushing the Super Eagles over the line. The winger appealed for togetherness at a time when criticism has trailed recent performances.

    "This is the moment we needed, this is not the time to criticise anyone. This is the time we have to be together because everyone wants to be at the World Cup. Nigeria needs to be at the World Cup. We're going to give our best, I promise them that," Chukwueze stated.

Kick-off against Gabon is scheduled for 5 p.m. Nigerian time, before Cameroon meet DR Congo later in the evening at the Stade El Barid, also in Rabat.

Coach Chelle's 24-man squad includes returning names such as Chidera Ejuke and goalkeeper Maduka Okoye. However, Ola Aina misses out due to injury, with Bright Osayi-Samuel expected to step in at right-back. Semi Ajayi's suspension rules him out of the Gabon match, though he could feature in the next round if Nigeria progresses.

Chelle has opted against recalling Paul Onuachu and Victor Boniface, instead turning to Tolu Arokodare and Akor Adams for attacking depth.



https://soccernet.ng/2025/11/chukwueze-iwobi-bassey-super-eagles-gabon.html

[WhiteJC]

Premier League free transfers: Marc Guehi, Bernardo Silva and Ibrahima Konate could leave for free next summer

Once a player's deal enters the final six months, they can negotiate a free transfer with a club outside England; Keep up to date with all the latest news across the whole of the 2026 winter transfer window with the Transfer Centre blog on Sky Sports' website and app

A number of Premier League stars have entered the final year of their contracts, meaning they can negotiate a free transfer with clubs outside of England from January.

Here, Sky Sports takes a look at all 20 clubs in the top-flight and the players they could be set to lose on a free transfer next summer.

Fulham
Ryan Sessegnon
The Fulham academy graduate rejoined the club on a free transfer after leaving Tottenham in 2024 and has already started more games in the Premier League than last season.

His importance is growing at Craven Cottage and the club hold an option to extend his stay by an additional 12 months. If he can stay fit and continue his current trajectory, expect a new deal with fresh terms to reflect his importance to arrive in the near future.

Harry Wilson
Sky Sports News reported Wilson was the subject of transfer interest from Leeds United in the summer and links for the playmaker will likely materialise again if his contract situation is not resolved.

Fulham pulled the plug on Wilson's move to Elland Road, reiterating he was not for sale, and head coach Marco Silva has since confirmed that he is set for talks regarding an extension.

Adama Traore
Fulham triggered an option to extend Traore's contract until 2026 last season but the winger has found minutes hard to come by in the current campaign.

Sky Sports News reported West Ham are interested in signing Traore in January, with Wilson and Alex Iwobi the preferred options in wide areas for Silva.

Raul Jimenez
Jimenez was another player whose contract was extended until the end of the 2025/26 season and he continues to play a key role for Silva, competing with Rodrigo Muniz for the starting role up front for the Cottagers.

Tom Cairney
Club captain Cairney left it late to sign an extension at Fulham but has been used sparingly so far this season. With his 35th birthday approaching, an emotional exit from Craven Cottage could be on the cards.



https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11661/13467920/premier-league-free-transfers-marc-guehi-bernardo-silva-and-ibrahima-konate-could-leave-for-free-next-summer

[WhiteJC]

Sources reveal Fulham's true stance on Marco Silva sack as major decision hinges on 'key' factor
The future of Fulham manager Marco Silva has been the subject of serious speculation recently, and TEAMtalk sources suggest that the London club are currently 50/50 on whether to sack him.

The Cottagers have had a poor start to the season, and a 2-0 defeat away to Everton has left them 15th in the Premier League table – only one point above the relegation zone.

Silva, 48, was made as Fulham boss in 2021 and has been largely successful, securing their promotion from the Championship in the 2021/22 campaign, followed by 10th, 13th, and 11th-place finishes in the top flight. His contract expires next summer.

But after their negative start to the campaign, multiple journalists claimed earlier this week that Silva is under serious pressure and at risk of losing his job.

TEAMtalk insider Dean Jones has now shed light on the situation and reveals that Fulham sources are playing down the sack talk. However, he is not definitely safe. If Silva was to be sacked, he wouldn't be waiting around for a new job for long.

"There is a lot of talk about Marco Silva right now and it does feel like it could go either way," Jones exclusively told TEAMtalk.

"Sources close to the club insist there is no story and that it's business as usual. There are often rumours around him leaving when a transfer window is due to open and, in that sense, this feels like the same old story.

"But Fulham have looked a little stale this season and his contract situation is curious at a time when he has not signed a new one.

"Other sources have begun mentioning names in the frame to me, and they also claim that ultimatums are being set around him signing a new deal.

"I guess we will find out reasonably soon which way this falls. The January window feels pretty key to me. The manager has done a brilliant job at Fulham so he'll be very confident that he's in a good position right now, either way.

"If he does actually end up leaving, he'd be snapped up by someone else in no time."

Fulham debating over controversial sack call
Football is of course a results business but given Silva's previous successes at Fulham, it would be a controversial move to sack him now.

They have comfortably avoided relegation in the past few seasons and that must have earned him some credit.

We are not even halfway through the campaign and Fulham are outside the bottom three – albeit by a slim margin.

Silva is certainly under the spotlight though and if their next few league games after the international break don't go to plan, it may well be curtains for the coach.

Fulham face an in-form Sunderland side at home next, followed by tough clashes against Tottenham (away), Manchester City (home), before facing Burnley (home) in a game they ought to be winning.

Crucial days lie ahead for Silva's future and struggling sides with managerial pressure of their own, such as Leeds United, may well be watching developments with interest.



https://www.teamtalk.com/fulham/sources-reveal-fulham-true-stance-marco-silva-sack-major-decision-hinges-key-factor

[WhiteJC]

McNally extends Fulham stay

The Club is delighted to announce that Alfie McNally has signed a new contract at Fulham.

The goalkeeper has penned a new deal that will keep him at Fulham until the summer of 2028, with a Club option of a further year.

Alfie joined Fulham from Brentford and is now into his tenth year at the Club.

The 20-year-old has made 11 appearances for our Under-21s side this season – and has captained the side on eight of those occasions. He has also had plenty of First Team exposure, travelling with the matchday squad for most fixtures, as well as training with Bernd Leno and Benjamin Lecomte on a daily basis.

Speaking to fulhamfc.com after signing the deal, Alfie said: "It feels amazing. I've been at the Club 10 years and I'm glad that I get to stay for a few more.

"I'd like to thank my family, and coaches like Andrew Joslin, Simon Locke, Geoff Warne - and there are a lot more people who I could thank as well.

"I've had a great mixture this year. One of the main targets for me was to get lots of gametime, which I've done, but training with the First Team this year has added to my overall experience."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2025/november/13/mcnally-extends-fulham-stay/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham refuse to release coach – Approach made in recent days
Fulham have rejected an approach from Casa Pia to reappoint assistant coach Gonçalo Santos, says Record. The Portuguese club contacted him in recent days, hoping to bring him back as head coach, but Fulham made it clear he would stay in London.

According to reports in Portugal, Casa Pia see Santos as the ideal replacement for João Pereira. However, the Premier League side value his work under Marco Silva and refused to let him leave mid-season.

Santos himself also wants to continue at Fulham, where he plays an important part in the coaching team. This follows his recent remarks about Marco Silva, featured in a recent article, where he praised the Portuguese manager's leadership and long-term impact on the club.

At the same time, interim coach Gonçalo Brandão is earning credit at Casa Pia. His team's 2-2 draw against Benfica strengthened his chances of being confirmed permanently. The club's board are pleased with his work and could end their search soon.

Santos managed Casa Pia in the 2023/24 season before joining Fulham. He has since built a strong partnership with Silva, describing their relationship as "very positive and complementary."

Back home, many still praise the job he did in Portugal, but both he and Fulham remain focused on their Premier League project.



https://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-refuse-to-release-coach-approach-made-in-recent-days/

[SP]

Have to say I agree with this comment from Tony Pullis on the BBC:

That's why, when I was asked to give my views on what I would change to improve football today, I have not tried to reinvent anything. Instead, I wanted to focus on things that would benefit the fans.

My biggest issue is that referees and the VAR are becoming more important than the game itself.

So, for a start, VAR has to rein its neck in. Video assistant referees are here to stay, but we have to change the way they are being used.

[epsomraver]

Have to say I agree with this comment from Tony Pullis on the BBC:

That's why, when I was asked to give my views on what I would change to improve football today, I have not tried to reinvent anything. Instead, I wanted to focus on things that would benefit the fans.

My biggest issue is that referees and the VAR are becoming more important than the game itself.

So, for a start, VAR has to rein its neck in. Video assistant referees are here to stay, but we have to change the way they are being used.

Its simple, provide a monitor that the Ref AT HIS DISCRESSION ONLY  can go to to review an incident, been saying it for years

[sunburywhite]

You see video replay used in other sports even when the official knows the call but just wants to cover his /her arse

Look at run outs in cricket, how often the go upsatirs even when the can see the player out by feet