Friday Fulham Stuff - 29/11/24...

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European giants to 'offer' Crystal Palace player-plus-cash deal as Fulham 'agree' terms
All the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding the Premier League.

The Premier League is back in full swing after the international break, and the season will pick up pace from here, with festive fixtures only just around the corner. Over the coming weeks, Crystal Palace will seek to pull away from the relegation battle, while West Ham will hope to continue their recovery following a disappointing start.

Elsewhere, Brentford and Fulham will look to continue build on their solid start to the season. Here we round up all the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding the top flight.

Palace could be offered Luiz
Crystal Palace could be offered a midfielder with a big reputation in exchange for one of their most talented players. Juventus are said to be interested in Eberechi Eze among with a number of other teams in England and the rest of Europe.

According to SpazioJ, the Old Lady are interested in a £50million deal that could see midfielder Douglas Luiz used as part of the payment. Luiz has struggled to impress since arriving from Aston Villa, and he is now being tipped for a Premier League return.

Fulham 'agree' deal
Fulham are reportedly chasing a deal for Fenerbahce star Bright Osayi-Samuel. According to Score Nigeria, Osayi-Samuel has already agreen to join the Cottagers when his contract expires this summer.

The former QPR star is set to receive a new contract offer from his current club, but he could be set for a return to London instead. Joe Mourinho is said to be keen for Fenerbahce to offer him a new deal and to sweeten is with a sign-on fee. Fulham may have other ideas, free to agree a pre-contract with the player from January 1.



https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/crystal-palace/giants-offer-crystal-palace-fulham-4885753

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Southampton battle Aston Villa and Fulham for £10m Bundesliga transfer
Southampton are one of three Premier League clubs interested in securing a transfer for Werder Bremen's Romano Schmid.

Southampton will be active in the January transfer window. With Russell Martin at the helm, the Southampton owners would like to back his vision by bringing in resources from external avenues.

The start of the 2024/25 campaign has been woeful. Southampton's chances of staying up are slim, especially if they continue playing the way they have been. Therefore, the ulterior aim for the Saints should be to bring in some new faces.

The January transfer window could see Southampton lock horns with some familiar Premier League faces, as the Bundesliga transfer market becomes one of interest.

Southampton battle Aston Villa and Fulham for £10m Bundesliga transfer
According to a report from Dan Owen of TBR Football, Southampton are interested in signing Romano Schmid of Werder Bremen. However, they will face competition from Aston Villa and Fulham.

TBR has cited a news report from German football expert Florian Plettenberg, who claims Schmid is worth around £10m. This is a fee which, while high, is achievable by the three interested clubs.

However, Schmid is only under contract at the German outfit until 2026. Therefore, time is ticking for Bremen to make a sale, if they are to get anything back for the Austrian.

Schmid is an attacking midfielder, who primarily bridges the gap between attack and midfield. He often plays behind the striker, in a position which would suit Southampton.

Currently, Southampton have Joe Aribo, who is capable of carrying the ball forward. However, there is a lack of depth in the Southampton midfield for players with these attributes. Therefore, signing Schmid makes plenty of sense logistically.

More will be learned about Southampton's interest in Schmid the sooner January approaches. Not to wish time away, but it is dangerously close.



https://saintsmarching.com/southampton-battle-aston-villa-fulham-10m-bundesliga-transfer

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Jedi: We can go toe to toe with anyone
Antonee Robinson says Fulham will not be overawed by Tottenham Hotspur's most recent Premier League result, going into Sunday's derby.

Spurs inflicted a fifth successive defeat on Manchester City with an impressive 4-0 win at the Etihad last time out, but Robinson has faith that he and his teammates can come away from North London with a positive result.

"They're going to go into the game full of confidence," Jedi said. "We're going to have had a little bit longer break, us playing Saturday and not having a midweek game, they're going to have a tough game [against Roma in the Europa League on Thursday].

"So going into it, hopefully fresh legs play a bit of a factor in our favour. If we're on form and playing how well we can play, I think we go toe to toe with anyone.

"They've obviously done amazing to beat City that way, but City are in a tough moment at the minute, so we're not going to let that dismiss our efforts, we go into it full of confidence, trying to get something.

"We've seen this year that they can play amazing against big teams, and there's been teams in and around us who managed to go against them and beat them, so we know they're not an unbeatable team by any stretch."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/november/28/jedi-we-can-go-toe-to-toe-with-anyone/

[WhiteJC]

Paul Pogba urged to turn down big move and sign for surprise Premier League club
Paul Pogba has been urged to turn down a move to a big club following his departure from Juventus and instead sign with Premier League side Fulham.

Pogba, 31, is desperate to get his career back on track after his four-year ban for doping offences was reduced to 18 months following an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The French World Cup winner will be free to resume training from January 2025 and is eligible to play again in March.

But Pogba will not be resuming his career with Juventus, where he returned in the summer of 2022, after both parties agreed to terminate his contract at the end of November.

The midfielder is not expected to be short of offers, with top European clubs as well as sides in the MLS and Saudia Arabia reportedly interested in agreeing a deal.

But former Dutch forward Ryan Babel has urged the Frenchman to consider a more low-key move to his former side Fulham to help get his career back on track.

'I think Paul Pogba could be a good addition for a Premier League club,' Babel told Instant Casino.

'I think he could deliver for teams like Fulham, the teams where the pressure is not as high as Man United.

'Not for the fact that he could not handle that pressure, but simply because I think there will be too much pressure on him.

'He'd be in the spotlight if he joined one of the top four teams. I think you know with all the trauma and things that he's experienced; I think for him it would be good to join a team that doesn't necessarily have the pressure to win the title.

'Then he could very quickly be one of the main stars and establish himself as a top-level player again. He would stand out in a team like that. 

'He hasn't played football in a long time. It's not easy to come back in at that level, it won't be easy for him, but of course he has the talent to do it.'

Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit, however, believes Pogba is ready for a big club and said his former side should look to beef up their midfield options by signing the Frenchman.

'Honestly, Arsenal should 100% gamble on signing Paul Pogba. He will give everything on the pitch,' he told Jeffbet.

'It will take him a few weeks to get fully fit, but he will be so eager to wash his name. There is a motivation that is priceless to a manager like Mikel Arteta.

'Pogba fits the Arsenal midfield perfectly, he's tall, strong and very creative. We all know how good a happy Pogba is, he needs love and to be given confidence, I think Arteta and Arsenal can offer this to him.'



https://metro.co.uk/2024/11/28/paul-pogba-urged-turn-big-move-sign-surprise-premier-league-club-22080622/?ito=newsnow-feed

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Nsasi signs first pro deal
The Club is pleased to announce that Eddy Nsasi has signed his first professional contract.

It's a deserved milestone for Eddy who has made big strides throughout his time at Fulham, joining the Club at the Foundation Phase. This season has been particularly significant in Eddy's Fulham journey, becoming a regular in our Under-21s side despite only turning 17 in August.

The defender has had good exposure to both U18s and U21s environments this season. He has made four appearances for Ali Melloul's Young Whites, but he's featured heavily in the older age group, playing 10 games across all competitions.

Eddy expressed his delight after signing his new deal, telling fulhamfc.com: "I'm very excited and very happy to sign my pro. I started here at Under-8s, so all of that hard work has paid off.

"My targets are to continue playing with the U21s, keep progressing, keep being the best player I can be and hopefully breaking through to the First Team."

Sean Cullen, Academy Director, added: "This is a great achievement for Eddy and his family, and a culmination of nearly 10 years' hard work for him.

"Eddy is a great character and the sort of person who is easy to get along with, however his personality changes quickly when he crosses the white line and he is a tenacious and determined defender, who enjoys the art of defending.

"Eddy has made the transition from 18s football to 21s quicker than we expected and has settled in well with the older age group, putting in some outstanding performances."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/november/28/nsasi-signs-first-pro-deal/

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In-form Celtic striker 'watched' by Sunderland and Fulham
Premier League and EFL clubs have identified as Celtic youngster as a potential transfer target.

Several top clubs in Premier League and the EFL have taken an interest in young Celtic striker Daniel Cummings, who has hit a rich vein of form for the Celts' B team in recent weeks.

Among them are Ipswich Town, Sunderland, Burnley, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Fulham. All of these clubs have recently 'watched' the player and are closely monitoring his progress.

This is according to a post on X (formerly Twitter) from journalist Pete O'Rourke, who wrote: "A host of English clubs, including Wolves, Fulham, Ipswich, Sunderland and Burnley watched in-form Celtic striker Daniel Cummings scored his fifth goal in five UEFA Youth League games with the winner against Club Brugge."



https://www.glasgowworld.com/sport/football/celtic/celtic-daniel-cummings-sunderland-fulham-4887101

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Fulham rival Aston Villa in Romano Schmid chase
Aston Villa will have the battle Fulham to acquire the services of Werder Bremen attacking midfielder Romano Schmid.

Romano Schmid has taken his game to the next level in the last 12 months, and his performances have put him on the radar of a few clubs in England. According to a report from Graeme Bailey on TBR Football, Fulham and Aston Villa are both ready to battle it out for his signature.

Schmid joined the Bundesliga outfit at the start of 2019 from Red Bull Salzburg. He was immediately sent out on an 18-month loan spell at Wolfsberger AC. He managed to break into the Werder Bremen first team after returning to the club in the summer of 2020.

The attacking midfielder has gone from strength to strength over the years and has established himself as one of the most exciting players in the German top flight. The 24-year-old had an impressive Euro 2024 campaign for Austria, and national team boss Ralf Rangnick was quite impressed with the progress he has made in a short period.

While Schmid plays as a ten, his ability to have an impact on both ends of the pitch is what has attracted the attention of teams like Aston Villa and Fulham. He is a key figure in the German club, but with his contract running out in 2026, his future is quite complicated.

The Bundesliga outfit have a massive decision to make; they can either risk losing out on Romano Schmid for free in the near future or cash in on him while his value remains relatively high.

Schmid could move to England for under £10 million
The player's representatives are pushing for a move away from the clubs amidst interest from the Premier League and have informed the player that a fee of less than £10 million could help him secure a move in the upcoming transfer window.

Fulham as well as Aston Villa see this as a massive opportunity to bolster their midfield. Unai Emery loves working with players who can contribute in different aspects, and the Austrian international will surely be a great fit for them.

But, Aston Villa will have to rival Fulham, who want to add more quality to their midfield. The Cottagers want more creativity and feel Schmid could help their cause. While he prefers playing as a ten, the 24-year-old can feature in a deeper role as well as anywhere in attack.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2024/11/28/fulham-rival-aston-villa-in-romano-schmid-chase/

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Fulham linked with banned midfielder - in potentially the transfer of the decade
This blockbuster Fulham move would be beyond anyone's wildest dreams at Craven Cottage

Fulham's promising start to the season sees them truly knocking on the door of European football for the first time in a while.

It may prompt Marco Silva to urge those above him to go out into the market this winter to bolster his squad and hopefully help sustain the challenge.

To assist the cause, one of the west London club's former players has tipped them to go after a blockbuster gamble on a currently banned midfielder that would shock the world.

Ryan Babel urges Fulham to go after Paul Pogba
Former Fulham and Liverpool winger Ryan Babel has said currently-banned midfielder Paul Pogba should consider a move to Craven Cottage.

Speaking to Instant Casino, Babel said: "I think he [Pogba] could deliver for teams like Fulham, the teams where the pressure is not as high as Man United."

The French midfielder had been serving a four-year ban for doping offences that was recently reduced to 18 months on appeal when officials accepted his taking of additional testosterone was "not intentional", meaning he will be eligible to train in January ahead of resuming his career in March.

His most recent club, Juventus, mutually agreed to terminate his contract this month, but the 31-year-old is keen to get back on the pitch.

"He'd be in the spotlight if he joined one of the top four teams," Babel continued. "I think, you know, with all the trauma and things that he's experienced; I think for him it would be good to join a team that doesn't necessarily have the pressure to win the title.

"He hasn't played football in a long time. It's not easy to come back in at that level, it won't be easy for him, but of course, he has the talent to do it."

In FourFourTwo's opinion, if Fulham can pull off a move for Pogba it could be an incredible deal.

Pogba has been out for a while, so top teams may be hesitant, but this is a World Cup-winning midfielder only just in his 30s we're talking about; his quality on his day is undeniable.

However, big money moves from the likes of Saudi Arabia and the United States will undoubtedly be on the table — it would rest heavily on Pogba's priorities heading into this stage of his career.



https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/fulham-linked-with-banned-midfielder-in-potentially-the-transfer-of-the-decade

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Fulham contemplate Rayan Cherki winter move
Fulham are reportedly interested in signing 21-year-old Lyon attacker Rayan Cherki, a target for Liverpool and Newcastle United.

According to a report by Give Me Sport, Fulham are weighing up a move for 21-year-old Lyon whizkid Rayan Cherki ahead of the January transfer window. The academy graduate, who pockets £64,000-a-week wages, is on the radar of Liverpool and Newcastle United as well.

It will be interesting to see where the Olympics 2024 silver medalist ends up eventually. Lyon are under pressure to sell some of their key players after being handled a provisional relegation to the second division of French football.

Rayan Cherki is too good to play in the second division, and he will want to move on and join a big club. Liverpool will be an attractive destination for him amid the recent links, and it remains to be seen whether Fulham can convince the player to join them instead.

The French attacker is capable of operating as the central attacking midfielder as well as a winger. He will add goals and creativity in the final third and help open up opposition defences with his passing, technical ability and vision.

Rayan Cherki would improve all three clubs
Fulham could certainly use someone of his quality, and it remains to be seen how the situation unfolds. Meanwhile, Liverpool could use some creativity in the final third and have their sights set on Cherki. If Mohamed Salah decides to move on at the end of the season, the Reds will need a replacement.

Salah's contract is up in the summer, and Liverpool have not been able to secure an agreement over an extension. As for Newcastle United, they have been overly dependent on Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak for goals and creativity. They need more support in the final third, and the Frenchman would be ideal for them as well.

Fulham, Liverpool, and Newcastle United have the financial muscle to get the deal done, and it will be interesting to see where the player ends up. He will probably want to join a club capable of pushing for trophies.

Liverpool would be a more attractive destination compared to the other two clubs. The technically-gifted attacking midfielder has the qualities to succeed in English football, and he could develop into a key player for all three clubs with the right guidance.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2024/11/28/fulham-contemplate-rayan-cherki-winter-move/

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I only scored three Premier League goals for Fulham but one was a Puskas Award nominee
The Premier League has a rich and varied history, with plenty of brilliant players and cult heroes that "the streets won't forget".

One such player was Pajtim Kasami, who was on the books at Fulham between 2011 and 2014, and also played on loan at Nottingham Forest.

Kasami's Premier League career was modest for the most part as he registered 38 appearances and only scored three goals in the English top flight.

However, one of those goals was so amazing that people talk about it to this day, 11 years on.

Pajtim Kasami's wondergoal for Fulham against Crystal Palace
On 21 October 2013, Crystal Palace hosted Fulham at Selhurst Park in a Premier League game attended by 24.881 people.

Palace opened the scoring in the seventh minute through Adrian Mariappa, but Kasami equalised on 19 minutes in the most spectacular fashion.

Kasami connected with Sascha Riether's floated pass down the channel, controlling it with his chest on the right-hand edge of the penalty area.

Then, in one fluid movement, he let rip with a fierce volley which went beyond Palace goalkeeper Julian Speroni and into the top-left corner of the net.

Interestingly, Kasami's goal was not the only worldie of the match.

On the stroke of half-time, Steve Sidwell was in the right place to volley an effort into the net after a Fulham free kick bounced off the Palace wall.

Dimitar Berbatov then put the Cottagers 3-1 up in the 50th minutewith a deft header at the back post.

And finally, Philippe Senderos bundled in a scissor kick just five minutes later for a comprehensive win for Fulham.

Kasami's goal was the only one from the Premier League to be nominated for the following year's Puskas Award.

This was won by James Rodriguez for his 2014 World Cup goal for Colombia against Uruguay.

Kasami's career
Kasami's senior career began at Swiss club Bellinzona in 2009, though he was on the move to Italian side Palermo a year later.

He was on the move a year later, joining Fulham for an undisclosed fee. He made 56 appearances for the Cottagers and also took in a loan spell at Luzern.

Kasami's other goals for Fulham came in the Premier League as he netted in a 1-0 win over Sunderland in August and in a 2-1 win over Norwich City on Boxing Day.

Kasami then joined Olympiacos in 2014 for around £4million and, while on the Greek giants' books, he spent the 2016-17 season loan at Nottingham Forest, then in the Championship.

The 12-cap Switzerland international also played for Swiss duo Sion and Basel, plus another spell at Olympiacos, before joining Italian side Sampdoria, where he continues to play today.



https://tbrfootball.com/i-only-scored-three-premier-league-goals-but-one-of-those-was-a-puskas-award-nominee/

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Exclusive: £40m Star's 'Head Could be Turned' by Liverpool Pursuit
Liverpool are keeping tabs on Antonee Robinson and have refused to rule out the possibility of attempting to discover whether the Fulham star would be interested in completing a January move to Anfield amid additional interest from Manchester City, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.

Federico Chiesa proved to be the Reds' only outfield arrival during the summer transfer window, thanks to completing a £12.5million switch from Juventus, but boss Arne Slot has still enjoyed a productive start to his reign and finds his side eight points clear at the top of the Premier League.

Although a European win over Real Madrid earlier this week means that Liverpool have won 17 of their 19 matches under the Dutch tactician, recruitment plans are still being put in place ahead of the winter transfer window opening for business at the turn of the year as there will be an opportunity to bolster the squad.

Reds Mulling Over Winter Swoop for Robinson
Title-chasers keen to discover left-back's desire to seal switch
 Liverpool are contemplating whether to test Fulham's resolve with a formal offer for Robinson during the fast-approaching January transfer window, according to GMS sources, and the Premier League title-chasers are eager to discover whether upping the ante in their pursuit will be enough to turn his head.

The Cottagers are in a strong negotiating position ahead of potential bids from Merseyside, thanks to the United States international having more than three-and-a-half years remaining on a contract which allows him to pocket £50,000-per-week, but the opportunity to compete in the Champions League and for silverware could be difficult for him to ignore.

GMS sources have been informed that Fulham are hoping to price Robinson out a mid-season move by holding out for a lucrative fee, but Liverpool are considering bringing in a fresh left-back option due to regular starter Andy Robertson's recent performances coming under the microscope.



 The 27-year-old has been in his current surroundings since joining the west Londoners in a £2million deal from Wigan Athletic in August 2020, and interested parties will have to fork out a substantially higher fee in order to tempt head coach Marco Silva into giving the green-light for the move to be completed.

Fulham are in line to demand £40million for Robinson as he is seen as a pivotal part of their future plans, GMS sources recently revealed, and Liverpool will have to decide whether they are prepared to reach those levels after it has emerged that Manchester United are unlikely to match his price tag.

Slot Contending with Rival Robinson Interest
Manchester City are admirers of United States international
 GMS sources have been told that Liverpool have continued monitoring Robinson despite being aware that Fulham are adamant he will not be sold halfway through the season, while Manchester City are long-term admirers and have become more curious about his full potential after being deployed as an inverted full-back on international duty.

Josko Gvardiol has already been guilty of making an error which has led to a goal in the Premier League this season, and the Sky Blues' underwhelming run of form ahead of a trip to Anfield on Sunday has resulted in head coach Pep Guardiola mulling over whether to bring in competition.



https://www.givemesport.com/liverpool-transfer-news-antonee-robinson-head-could-be-turned-pursuit-anfield/

[WhiteJC]

Notes from the November meeting with FFC

On Wednesday 13 November 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)
    Carmelo Mifsud (Communications Director, CM)
    Jack Burrows (Marketing Director, JB)
    Katy Brecht (Head of Ticketing, KB)
    Nicola Walworth (Supporter Liaison Manager & Disability Liaison Officer, NW)

The FST was represented by:

    Simon Duke (Chair, SD)
    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:

    Role of the FAB
    Ticketing, including the ticket exchange
    Riverside Stand update
    Fulham Women, including comms
    Other business

OPENING DISCUSSION

The meeting opened with general happiness about the mood across the Club and the great pleasure that fans are currently enjoying with the recent runs of results, both for the male and female Fulham teams.

ROLE OF THE FAB

SD opened the questions from the Trust by advising the Club that one member had asked what the current position is with the Fan Advisory Board as there have been no communications since the formal launch. SD had discussed with David Claridge, FAB Chair, who confirmed that whilst work was going on in the background, the main delay was in setting up IT infrastructure.  CM explained that the next steps are in process, which involves the purchase of a domain (completed), email addresses for each member, and a form of contact for any fan raise with the FAB about concerns they may have. Once this is in place (expected to be 2/3 weeks), there will be an opportunity for the FAB to communicate how to get in touch and vice-versa. Communication may include the responsibility split FAB/FST details to avoid duplication.

SD then raised questions about the latest draft of the Football Bill, which is making its way through Parliament. There are two significant amendments to the earlier draft:-

    Consultation with fans on pricing;
    Democratic selection of FAB members rather than Clubs making unilateral decisions

Both of these go against the way the Club has acted until now. CM explained that the Club were happy with how they had acted up until now based on the guidelines in establishing the Fan Advisory Board but will of course review any recommendations in approach required by changes to legislation if / when passed.

CM went on to explain that the terms of reference are what the club always aims to refer to with any queries on the structure of the Fulham FAB and they may be amended as required in light of any legislative changes and would require in further details and input from club / FAB and external stakeholders. Each club has set theirs up uniquely, and there is a difference in structures across the Premier League. The club remain confident that they will use the guidance from the Premier League to ensure they have a structure that fits the requirements of the Football Governance Bill. Regarding the setup in its initial form CM also added the objective from the outset was to have a FAB that could provide representation for fans.

It was also noted that the work undertaken by the club to ensure compliance has added to the team's workload significantly, and to mitigate this work, the Supporter Relations Department has one new full-time member in the department started this week with another full-time member joining in January.

TICKETING, INCLUDING TICKET EXCHANGE

SN then asked about recent ticketing issues, namely the inability to use the ticket exchange, which was particularly frustrating on the night of the recent home game against Brentford and had always been advocated by the Club as a reason to commit to a season ticket. It was noted that most emails to the Trust had been on this subject, plus (briefly, as Arsenal pricing had only been announced a couple of hours before the meeting) the Arsenal game itself.

The Trust made the suggestion that on nights such as the Brentford home game – with a far lower chance of a total sell-out, including the Riverside was unlikely given the game being on a Monday night and available to watch at home – Ticket Exchange could be used as a stand by stand basis. This would allow those who cannot afford Riverside prices to attend games. Without giving any commitment, the Club has agreed to consider this.

Regarding the Arsenal pricing, AM was extremely confident of a sell-out for the fixture in all areas of the stadium. Regarding Brentford, it had felt like an unusual mix for a Monday night fixture at the end of half-term, but for upcoming other fixtures, Wolves and Arsenal, he was far more confident of these games selling out. From a commercial perspective, it is imperative to be primarily focused on selling a game out. It has been noted that it is of importance to Marco (Silva), and it means a lot to him to see the Riverside stand in particular, full.

So, concerning a future fixture like Brentford, a conversation has started between AM, KB, and JB. Still, with a packed fixture list and a busy Christmas period, the Club felt confident that an outlier like a Monday evening fixture would not happen often. KB added that from a commercial perspective, it doesn't make sense to open the ticket exchange and give credit back to season ticket holders (STHs) whilst still attempting to sell tickets, but the technology does mean that this is possible when the possibilities of it being helpful to the Club to sell more tickets are in place.

Whilst noting the credit returned to STHs, KB also explained that with the recent change of ticketing platform provider, it would be required to change the system of returning credit to those exchanging their ticket. The new platform would allow a more flat-rate exchange fee and credit the member with their funds as soon as their ticket is sold, rather than after the fixture has been completed.

SD again expressed the Trust's concerns over high ticket pricing, which is preventing many supporters from attending games. Over time, this will have a detrimental effect on the sustainable fan base. SD also confirmed the Trust support for the FSA-led #StopExploitingLoyalty campaign, which the Club had already been aware of.

RIVERSIDE STAND UPDATE

With specific questions in regards to the Riverside Stand and with Darren Preston and Glen Sutton being unable to attend the meeting in person, it was agreed that those questions be emailed to them, which has since been done so, and with the following replies:

    What is the present capacity of the Riverside Stand? Licensed capacity is 7,351
    If not yet fully available, when will it be, and what work is still required? More seats and lounge capacity will come forward as we complete some base build rectifications and finish floors so they're usable.
    When will the Market Place be open on non-match days? The plan is for the area to open fully in late January or early February.
    Will any priority or concession be given to season ticket holders or residents to use any new facilities? There will be plenty of offers and promotions for those with ST's. We will also have a Fulham Pier loyalty scheme for those who visit often. Hopefully, we can provide plenty of reasons to keep visiting!

FFC WOMEN UPDATE, INCLUDING COMMS

HD asked if there was an official attendance number for the latest FFC Women's game at Craven Cottage and how the team felt the attendance was going. JB stated that the actual attendance through the gate was approximately 1,500. A higher number of tickets were purchased but were unused by fans not attending on the day. JB explained that the fixtures at the Cottage are great opportunities to showcase the team and the matchday experience, particularly as they are often enjoyed by those attending – more families. Many factors will impact how many more fixtures the Club can hold this season, but the aim is to develop this and encourage those who attend at the Cottage also to look to continue to follow at Motspur Park.

It was suggested that the possibility of arranging coaches from Craven Cottage to Motspur or vice versa and other ways to help encourage fans who have enjoyed games to return and support the team more, all of which the Club team are looking into. For matches at Motspur Park, the club regularly flyer locally to encourage residents to attend matches and target a number of fixtures across the season where entertainment offering is enhanced with additional activity to generate a family atmosphere.

HD then asked about the ability to have equal communications on the Club website for the Women's team and the Academy, where sometimes there has been some inconsistency for the Women's updates. There is a different style of table for U21s/U18s, for example, and JB explained this due to the information that the club receives from the league. They are looking into a way to create the same style table for the women and will update it in due course.

CM then spoke further about the comms on the website and explained that one part-time person is charged with the entire digital comms task for the Women's team – website, email and social media, but the full-time staff also assist as much as possible. It has been felt that other digital platforms (namely social) have had higher traffic for learning about the women's team, and therefore more focus has been put into these areas. The Club are always looking to improve communications, but they also want to help encourage growth by maximising the use of the platforms where match reports are most likely to be read, hence the focus on social. CM invited it for any further ideas for increasing the comms that come to the Trust via the board or members to speak in more depth about this topic outside of the meeting.

AOB

SN explained that members had enquiries about using the OneFulham account and the ticketing account that the details needed to be updated on both. This led to confusion, such as deliveries going to old postal addresses and email addresses needing to be registered. KB was aware of these issues and is trying to update as quickly as possible. Still, it is best to check that the email address that people have signed up for on the main website is the same email that their OneFulham account is registered with, as if two email addresses are used, this can cause confusion.

Various Trust members also noted that the quality of the burgers had recently been lessened, and the stock levels also appear to be off, with burgers at the recent Brentford game being sold out before kick-off. AM and JB agreed to take the issue to the following internal Commercial meeting and feedback.

Finally, from the Trust, SN explained that an email had been received asking about using street branding on lamposts, which is used by another football club based in SW6, and asked if Fulham could have a similar street branding exercise on Stevenage Road or around Putney Bridge station. This is something that the Club have looked into, and they will let the Trust and members know of any updates in this area.

CM closed the meeting by explaining that the annual ED&I survey is asking for responses from fans who would have received an email, which the club sent to their database names. Anyone who still needs to receive the survey should contact [email protected]. It could be that their email communication preferences need amending, which can be done by logging into the OneFulham account. Clicking Profile>Manage Account, then scroll down to check your Communication Preferences.



https://www.fulhamsupporterstrust.com/news/2024/11/notes-from-the-november-meeting-with-ffc/

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Fulham scouted Daniel Cummings on Wednesday
Fulham scouted Celtic attacking sensation Daniel Cummings on Wednesday ahead of a potential transfer.

Daniel Cummings' consistent performances at the youth level have put him on the radar of multiple top clubs in England. Fulham are one of the clubs who seem to be quite keen on signing the Scottish forward and according to a report from Football Insider, the Cottagers scouted him this week ahead of a potential move.

Cummings has been a part of the Celtic setup since 2016. He came up the ranks at some pace and signed his first professional contract with the club back in 2022. While the teenager is yet to make his senior debut, he has been scoring goals for fun at the youth level and his performances haven't gone unnoticed.

The teenager has five goals in his five UEFA Youth League outings and when it comes to the Lowland League, he has 17 goals in his 14 outings. While he prefers playing as a number nine, the teenager can even start on the flanks when needed.

His ability on the ball along with his finishing make him a huge prospect. While he is yet to get his first taste of senior football, clubs are already keen on signing him. Quite a few English clubs have been linked with him and Fulham are the ones who are quite serious about their pursuit.

Fulham scout Cummings
The Cottagers are always on the lookout for opportunities to bolster their squad for the long run and they feel Cummings could be a great investment for the future. They recently asked their scouts to watch him in action during the UEFA Youth League.

Scouts from the English outfit were in the stands as the 18-year-old scored the only goal in their 1-0 win over Club Brugge. His consistency seems to have convinced Fulham that he could be an ideal signing for them. Since he will be out of contract next summer, the Cottagers have a massive opportunity to sign him for just €310,000 (minimal fee with cross-border compensation).

While Marco Silva's team will have to battle it out with quite a few top clubs, their interest is quite firm and they can surely offer Cummings ideal conditions to continue his development.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2024/11/29/fulham-scouted-daniel-cummings-on-wednesday/