Wednesday Fulham Stuff (17/12/14)...

[WhiteJC]

 
The Barry Hayles Column

I think my former Fulham teammate Kit Symons is doing really well as Manager. Since coming in he's turned the Club around, he turned our fortunes around and got the players playing for him. As a manager coming in, that's what you want. It was the right decision to give him the job full-time, anyone who follows me on Twitter will know I was rooting for him!

When we were players, I definitely knew he'd go on and become a manager in the future. You can see in certain players that they're leaders and that they know how to run a team. We had a lot of leaders in our changing room, as you can tell by the fact that people like Lee Clark and Chris Coleman have gone on to become managers as well. There was a lot of experience in the team and that was a good thing for Fulham.

Obviously this season didn't start too well for us with just one point won from our first seven games. It makes things harder for us but it's possible that we could grab a Play-Off place still, although it'll be a tough ask. We're going in the right direction so hopefully we can maintain our form and sneak into sixth place. I know it's going to be hard, especially when you consider where we are in the table at the moment, but fingers crossed we can do it.

The lads were up at Leeds on Saturday and that 1-0 was a great result away from home. Leeds haven't had the best of it of late but you've still got to go there and put in a performance and that's exactly what the boys did.

It sets things up nicely for the visit of Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday, and I think that will be a good day. I'm still a Fulham fan and I'll be down at the weekend cheering the boys on with the rest of you. I still love coming down to Craven Cottage, I've got fantastic memories of the place so it's always good to come back – I'm really looking forward to Saturday. I was in the Hammersmith End with the fans last season – I do like sitting with the supporters. The fans are what make a club so it's always nice to be amongst them.

Of course, Fulham versus Wednesday was a memorable fixture back in 2001 when we secured the title. We needed a point to be sure of it and Sean Davis grabbed a stoppage-time equaliser to make it 1-1. I got an injury in the game, came off, and then I ended up coming back on – or limping back on I should say – and then I remember I touched the ball to Sean to score. I think I had to come back off after that because I couldn't walk!

It was just a great day for the Club. We'd always looked like we were going to win the league but it was brilliant to secure the point that we needed to confirm it. We didn't play that well on the day, but we ground out the result that we needed to go up to the Premiership as champions. It was a fantastic year for the Club. It meant so much to the players as well to win promotion and get the chance to play on the biggest stage.

As for me, I'm still playing for Truro City. I've still got that hunger, I'm still passionate about playing and winning games, so I'm still thoroughly enjoying it. I'm having a Saturday off for once, though, as I'm coming to Fulham this weekend – I told the manager that I couldn't miss the game down at the Cottage!


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/december/16/the-barry-hayles-column?

[WhiteJC]

 
Patrick Roberts must leave Fulham to fulfil his potential



Touted by many as a 'mini Messi' but after a breakthrough into the first-team in the latter stages of last season and the early stages of the current campaign, Patrick Roberts has struggled to maintain or build upon that positive start.

During the past few years, word has quickly spread - not just in England - but across the whole of Europe of this exciting young talent at Fulham. Superb youth team performances for both the Cottagers and England have left Roberts a wanted man on many a big club's transfer list.

Although following relegation from the Premier League last term, many claimed that the west London club's plight would help the young Englishman break into the first-team sooner.

Substitute appearances in the club's first few Championship games gave hope that, that would be the case. However, since then he has struggled for any first-team action as the winger has begun to fall back into Fulham's youth set-up once more.

In all honesty the Championship may not be the best division for him to develop further as in the short cameos he has been handed. Being brushed off the ball by some of the division's large defenders with ease.

He's a small, skilful, technically gifted player. So the English football league may not be right for him. I have no doubts that his physicality, or lack of it, is the reason why he hasn't been handed more game time this season. Therefore a loan move to a fellow Championship or League One club may not be the answer either.

Perhaps a short-term move to a foreign country would be more beneficial for his development, but if he is to stay at Fulham then he will have to get used to the English style of play, rather than hiding away from it elsewhere.

TRANSFER POSSIBILITIES?

To be honest, staying put might be the best answer, as at the age of 17, he undoubtedly has time on his side. Fulham have become well known as having one of the best academies in the country, so Roberts could do a lot worse than staying and continuing to improve.

Also you never know, he could begin to mature physically and with the team continuing to struggle, he could find himself in the first-team picture once more. At least for now, there is no reason to panic but if he continues to receive interest from Europe's elite, it may not be hard to turn his head if he isn't playing regular first-team football.

Why stay in the Fulham youth set-up when you could join one of the world's best clubs and play at the same level?

OTHER OPTIONS

On the other hand, perhaps Fulham should cash in on the youngster? As things stand, they will be competing in the Championship for a few seasons to come and if Roberts can't fully adjust to the division, then surely he would struggle to turn into the player we all expect him to become.

His price tag certainly won't increase if he remains in the youth team. So why not take the money and run whilst interest is at a high especially from clubs like Liverpool and Manchester United? It would be a controversial decision indeed.

Although, I believe that the club should do everything they can to hold onto young Roberts. Given the opportunity and the right support, he could become a world beater. Of course if he does live up to his large potential, then realistically Fulham will one day have to sell him on to a bigger club.

In the modern market the Cottagers could well herald an astronomical fee for the winger when that time comes. Not only could he help the club massively on the pitch but he could also bring in enough cash to possibly build a new team following his departure.

What's more as a home-grown player he could act as shining example of Fulham's impressive academy and this could help build a positive reputation, influencing other young talents' decisions when choosing which club to join.

In the short term and long term he could provide a lot of relief to Craven Cottage. As I said previously, time is on his side and therefore no rash decisions need to be taken.

Patrick Roberts is an outstanding young player and his talent needs to be nurtured. For now Fulham is where he should stay and if in 12 months he still hasn't improved on his current squad status, then perhaps action should be taken. My message to inquisitive fans is just for the time being, let it be!


http://www.givemesport.com/530494-patrick-roberts-must-leave-fulham-to-fulfil-his-potential?autoplay=on

[WhiteJC]

 
Forest Win Transfer Fund

Nottingham Forest were drawn as the winners of Sky Bet's Transfer Fund competition on Tuesday afternoon.

Fulham were one of nine Football League clubs in with the chance of winning the £250,000 prize, but Forest's name was the lucky one selected.

Fulham were in contention thanks to supporter Tony Richards, who was present at the draw alongside Whites legends George Cohen and Les Strong.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/december/16/forest-win-transfer-fund?

[WhiteJC]

 
Ross McCormack potentially set to leave Fulham in January

Fulham striker Ross McCormack could potentially be leaving Craven Cottage in January, a mere six months after the club signed him from Leeds United, according to the Mail.

McCormack, 28, joined the London club from Leeds United in the summer transfer window for £11 million, however he may be sold as Fulham are set to listen to offers for the forward.

The Championship outfit are willing to listen to offers, and if the right fee comes in for the striker, they will offload him, and subsequently strengthen different areas of the squad.

His form with Fulham this season is somewhat mediocre compared to that of last season, with the Scotland international only scoring four goals in 20 appearances for the Cottagers, compared to 29 goals last season for Leeds United.

It is unknown as of yet what clubs would be interested in the 28-year-old forward, however a move to his previous club Leeds United looks unlikely to happen, due to the Elland Road outfit receiving a transfer embargo from the Football League.

It is extremely unlikely Kit Symons' team will recoup the extortionate £11 million they forked out for the striker, and they would be lucky to receive even half of that expensive sum.

Fulham currently sit in 14th position in the Sky Bet Championship, having accumulated 25 points from 21 league games, in what has been an inconsistent season for the club.


http://footballleagueworld.co.uk/ross-mccormack-potentially-set-to-leave-fulham-in-january/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Bristol City loan striker Matt Smith hails team spirit at the club

Matt Smith may only have joined Bristol City a short while ago, but he is already convinced something special is happening inside Ashton Gate.

Out of favour and deprived of first-team opportunities at Championship club Fulham, the striker jumped at the chance to join the League One leaders on loan.

And having been parachuted into a thrilling promotion race and doubled his number of appearances for the season in the space of a fortnight, Smith is grateful to Robins boss Steve Cotterill for signing him.

Impressed by what he has seen, the former Leeds United and Oldham Athletic targetman believes City's squad possesses all the qualities needed to sustain a concerted push for promotion.

Smith said: "I've played in some good teams in my time, but the spirit here is absolutely unbelievable. This is a very well-oiled team and the players are high on confidence. But the team spirit is the thing that really stands out for me and it is clear to see something very special is happening at this club.

"This is a really close-knit group of players and they all socialise together away from the club. That shows in the way they are prepared to work for one another out on the pitch."

Smith felt Saturday's 1-0 win over Crawley highlighted the role played by team spirit at Ashton Gate this season.

Frustrated by a superb performance from Reds' keeper Lewis Price, the Robins had to wait until the 87th minute to break the deadlock, Luke Ayling grabbing a dramatic late winner to keep his side top of the League One table.

"The spirit and determination was there for all to see," said Smith. "Crawley came with a game-plan and made it difficult for us, but the boys never stopped believing, kept battling away and Luke scored a great goal to win the game at the death.

"That ability to find a way to win games in difficult circumstances is something all successful sides have. It was team spirit and sheer guts that helped get us over the line in the end."

Introduced as a second-half substitute in a 3-0 win at Peterborough on November 28, Smith has featured in three winning sides since his move from Fulham.

Promoted to the starting line-up for last week's Johnstone's Paint Trophy southern area semi-final against Coventry, he did well enough to retain his place against Crawley.

Smith managed 65 minutes in both games and is gradually regaining his match sharpness following a long time spent on the sidelines at Fulham.

"I came here to play games and, so far, I've got exactly what I wanted," added Smith. "Although I've not managed to score a goal yet, I'm getting into good positions.

"The quality of my finishing is not what it should be yet, but that will come with minutes on the pitch. I've had an incredibly frustrating time this season and I'm really enjoying the opportunity to play games again. After what has happened, it is good to feel wanted and to feel valued.

"Coming here has been like a breath of fresh air and I just want to help contribute to the team's on-going success if I can."



Read more: http://www.westerndailypress.co.uk/Bristol-City-loan-striker-Matt-Smith-hails-team/story-25725440-detail/story.html?#ixzz3M9OzoGYQ
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[the nutflush]

Ross McCormack potentially set to leave Fulham in January

Fulham striker Ross McCormack could potentially be leaving Craven Cottage in January, a mere six months after the club signed him from Leeds United, according to the Mail.

McCormack, 28, joined the London club from Leeds United in the summer transfer window for £11 million, however he may be sold as Fulham are set to listen to offers for the forward.

The Championship outfit are willing to listen to offers, and if the right fee comes in for the striker, they will offload him, and subsequently strengthen different areas of the squad.

His form with Fulham this season is somewhat mediocre compared to that of last season, with the Scotland international only scoring four goals in 20 appearances for the Cottagers, compared to 29 goals last season for Leeds United.

It is unknown as of yet what clubs would be interested in the 28-year-old forward, however a move to his previous club Leeds United looks unlikely to happen, due to the Elland Road outfit receiving a transfer embargo from the Football League.

It is extremely unlikely Kit Symons’ team will recoup the extortionate £11 million they forked out for the striker, and they would be lucky to receive even half of that expensive sum.

Fulham currently sit in 14th position in the Sky Bet Championship, having accumulated 25 points from 21 league games, in what has been an inconsistent season for the club.


http://footballleagueworld.co.uk/ross-mccormack-potentially-set-to-leave-fulham-in-january/?

Is it April fools day or something?  I've never read such a load of crap in my entire life.  Why would we settle for half of what we paid for him to strengthen our squad when half of what we paid for him would probably buy one decent player?  Complete BS.

[Syd Cupp]

Forest Win Transfer Fund

Nottingham Forest were drawn as the winners of Sky Bet's Transfer Fund competition on Tuesday afternoon.

Fulham were one of nine Football League clubs in with the chance of winning the £250,000 prize, but Forest's name was the lucky one selected.

Fulham were in contention thanks to supporter Tony Richards, who was present at the draw alongside Whites legends George Cohen and Les Strong.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/december/16/forest-win-transfer-fund?

How ironic when on another post "Transfer Embargo" it says ......
It has just been confirmed that Leeds, Forest and Blackburn have been put under transfer embargo for breaching FFP rules with Bolton, Bournemouth, Birmingham and Middlesborough looking like they're in a bit of trouble as well.

[ToodlesMcToot]

Ross McCormack potentially set to leave Fulham in January

Fulham striker Ross McCormack could potentially be leaving Craven Cottage in January, a mere six months after the club signed him from Leeds United, according to the Mail.

McCormack, 28, joined the London club from Leeds United in the summer transfer window for £11 million, however he may be sold as Fulham are set to listen to offers for the forward.

The Championship outfit are willing to listen to offers, and if the right fee comes in for the striker, they will offload him, and subsequently strengthen different areas of the squad.

His form with Fulham this season is somewhat mediocre compared to that of last season, with the Scotland international only scoring four goals in 20 appearances for the Cottagers, compared to 29 goals last season for Leeds United.

It is unknown as of yet what clubs would be interested in the 28-year-old forward, however a move to his previous club Leeds United looks unlikely to happen, due to the Elland Road outfit receiving a transfer embargo from the Football League.

It is extremely unlikely Kit Symons' team will recoup the extortionate £11 million they forked out for the striker, and they would be lucky to receive even half of that expensive sum.

Fulham currently sit in 14th position in the Sky Bet Championship, having accumulated 25 points from 21 league games, in what has been an inconsistent season for the club.


http://footballleagueworld.co.uk/ross-mccormack-potentially-set-to-leave-fulham-in-january/?

Is it April fools day or something?  I've never read such a load of crap in my entire life.  Why would we settle for half of what we paid for him to strengthen our squad when half of what we paid for him would probably buy one decent player?  Complete BS.

Why would anyone believe that we actually paid 11 million for him? Anymore, if I see a speculative article about Ross, I just look for that number. If it's in the article, I turn the page.

[rogerpbackinMidEastUS]

"McCormack's form has been somewhat mediocre".......really ?
+ it's been widely stated that we didn't pay 11M pounds.
So, he hasn't scored the goals but he's been brilliant at everything else

Idle journos BS