Tuesday Fulham Stuff (10/03/15)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Felix Magath jets in for talks with Dave King as Rangers chiefs look to give promotion hopes a shot in the arm

MAGATH will sit down with King and Paul Murray for a wide-ranging discussion on the best way forward for Gers but his arrival last night is not an indication he is in line for Kenny McDowall's job.



http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/felix-magath-jets-talks-dave-5296337?

[WhiteJC]

 
Tickets for Brentford's match against Fulham at Craven Cottage on sale now

Season Card Holders with 920 loyalty points can buy now

Tickets for Brentford's Sky Bet Championship West London derby away to Fulham are on sale now to Season Card Holders with more than 920 loyalty points.

The Bees will travel to Craven Cottage for the derby on Good Friday, April 3.
The match will kick-off at 3pm.

Brentford have been given an initial allocation of just over 4,000 tickets and a further 1,100 will be available if needed.

Tickets are on sale now to Season Card Holders with more than 920 loyalty points while all other Season Card Holders will be able to buy from 10am, tomorrow, Tuesday March 10.

Club Members can then purchase at 10am on Thursday, March 12

Each person will be entitled to a maximum of two tickets.

They will then go on General Sale, again at two per person, at 10am next Monday, March 16.



Read more at http://www.brentfordfc.co.uk/news/article/fulham-v-brentford-ticket-news-2323022.aspx#WetjwDWiOf2htmF5.99

[WhiteJC]

 
Brentford On Sale

Tickets for the Whites' home fixture against local rivals Brentford on Good Friday, 3rd April (3pm), are now on sale to Season Ticket Holders and Members.

In what will be the first league clash between the two sides at Craven Cottage since December 1997, Fulham will be looking for revenge against the Bees following our Sky Bet Championship fixture at Griffin Park earlier this season.

Tickets for the Bank Holiday game, priced from £30 adults and just £5 for juniors in all home areas of the ground, are now on sale to Season Ticket Holders and Members, with tickets available on General Sale from Thursday 19th March.

Supporters can purchase tickets online, by phone on 0843 208 1234 (opt. 1) or in person from the Fulham Ticket Office today.

Buy Online

Putney End tickets will only be sold to Season Ticket Holders who currently have a Season Ticket in this area. Any supporters wishing to purchase tickets in this area, must contact the Ticket Office directly.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/march/09/brentford-on-sale?

[WhiteJC]

 
Kav: Hard To Take

As the saying goes, a week is a long time in football. Just six days after beating top-of-the-table Derby County at the Cottage, Fulham were sent crashing to a 5-1 home defeat to another promotion-chasing team in AFC Bournemouth on Friday night.

The players took a while to emerge from the dressing room as they came to terms with the loss and Sean Kavanagh admitted morale was unsurprisingly pretty low.

"As a team we didn't play great," he told the official website. "It was a hard loss to take. They're a good team, that's why they're up there sitting top of the league. We didn't deserve anything from the game."

The Whites found themselves 2-0 down at the break, a lead that was increased after the restart. Substitute Matt Smith offered the Whites a glimmer of hope with a well-taken strike on his home debut but Fernando Amorebieta was then sent off and Matt Ritchie scored from the resulting free-kick. Steve Cook's late stunner then rubbed salt in sore Fulham wounds.

"At 2-0 down, it was hard to come back from," said Kavanagh. "We just weren't good enough on the night. We have to try and pick ourselves up this week ahead of Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday. We've now got a full week to sort ourselves out and get our heads up for Sheffield."

One of the few positives for Fulham on a poor night was the display of Smith. The striker replaced Hugo Rodallega for the start of the second half and caused Bournemouth's defence all sorts of problems in his 45-minute cameo.

"Matt did well when he came on and he also played well at Watford in midweek so he'll be pushing for a start on Saturday," stated Kavanagh. "We play a bit different when he comes on but he scored and put Bournemouth on the back foot. Unfortunately Fernando then got a red card soon after and they scored straight from the free-kick which finished us off.

"Sheffield Wednesday's pitch isn't the best so it might mean we have to play a more direct game. That might suit Matty and I'm sure he'll be eyeing a starting role on Saturday."


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/march/09/kav-hard-to-take?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham defender must wait for news on contract

Left-back has done 'quite well' says Whites boss


Waiting game: Kostas Stafylidis (R)
The jury is out on whether Kostas Stafylidis will get a permanent contract - according to his Fulham boss.

The left-back was dropped for the 5-1 home hammering by Bournemouth on Friday, but appeared anyway as a 72nd minute sub after Fernando Amorebieta was red carded on his comeback.

Stafylidis, on loan from Bayer Leverkusen, is a rare success from Felix Magath's recruitment drive last summer.

The Greek international has been all but ever present over 42 appearances until Friday, and judging by Kit Symons' cautious tone, the 21-year-old still has much to do if he is to remain next season.


Challenge: Wolves' Dominic Iorfa in action with Stafylidis
"He's a young player, and he's having to adapt to a new environment in a very different league with a very different style of play," the manager said.

"He's done quite well. We've asked him to adapt and change his game slightly and do different things. He's tried to take it on board and put into practice."

There were furrowed brows on the bench at Sunderland in the FA Cup when Stafylidis backed off to give Black Cats far too much space. Since when, he's been far more like the human glue demanded by the gaffer.

"We like to press she we haven't got the ball," added Symons. "We want him to get out to the wide player quickly and engaged him. Since Sunderland, he's done that quite well.

"He's been playing in the team that tells a story and done well to hold down a position. Time will tell on decisions (over his future) and he needs to keep working hard and playing well from now until the end of the season."


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-defender-must-wait-news-8800838?

[WhiteJC]

 
#TransferListed

Jim White and Natalie Sawyer have been officially placed on the 'Transfer List', and will be swapping the news room for a new day job at the home game of a club from each of the Football Leagues – and it could be us!

As part of the Sky Bet Transfer Fund, Sky Bet have 'transfer listed' the pair and are giving you the chance to sign them for Fulham for a unique role, voted on by the fans.

They could be selling programmes, serving up matchday pies, or checking the pitch – and the winning fan responsible for bringing them to the club will then be able to enjoy the game in the exclusive company of Jim and Nat! In addition to this unforgettable matchday experience, Sky Bet will also deposit £250 into their Sky Bet account.

To enter, all you have to do is reply to the competition tweets from Sky Bet and tweet the hashtag #transferlisted followed by #Fulham. You can tweet as many times as you like, and the more hashtags our club has, the bigger the chance we and you have to win!

The first winner will be announced in one week, so get tweeting.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/march/09/transfer-listed?

[WhiteJC]

 
De La Torre On Target

Luca De La Torre was on target for the United States as they drew 2-2 with host nation Honduras in the CONCACAF U17 Championship on Sunday.

Honduras took the lead shortly after the quarter hour mark when Victor Matamoros volleyed in following a corner, but the States were level shortly after through De La Torre's cheeky back-heel.

And they turned the game on its head with 32 minutes played when Josh Perez found the top corner, a goal that looked set to win the contest until David Sanchez bundled in an equaliser for Honduras in the dying embers of the game.

The result keeps the United States at the top of Group A, and victory over Jamaica on Wednesday would guarantee their place at the FIFA U17 World Cup in Chile later in the year.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/march/09/de-la-torre-on-target?

[WhiteJC]

 
Symons hopeful of Richards fitness

Fulham are hopeful Jazz Richards will be fit for the trip to face Sheffield Wednesday next weekend.

The on-loan Swansea full-back was unavailable for last Friday night's home meeting with Bournemouth due to an ankle problem. Richards was badly missed too, as the Cottagers slumped to a 5-1 defeat in his absence to leave them still looking over their shoulder at the relegation battle. Manager Kit Symons said: "Richards has an ankle problem but hopefully he'll be back training the middle of the week, and fingers crossed for next Saturday."



Read more at: https://www.clubcall.com/fulham/symons-hopeful-of-richards-fitness-1761723.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Rangers boss Kenny McDowall unmoved by Felix Magath involvement

Rangers manager Kenny McDowall says he is not worried by the arrival of former Fulham boss Felix Magath in Glasgow.

Rumours have been circulating that Magath, who proxied his vote at last week's EGM to supporters after acquiring a one per cent stake in the Championship side, may be set for a role with the club.

Sky Sports News HQ understands that there is no immediate thoughts of offering him a role at the club even though he has intimated he would be interested in being part of any rebuilding project at Rangers.


http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/9751693?

[WhiteJC]

 
Jazz Richards should be fit for Fulham's trip to Sheffield Wednesday

Fulham are hopeful Jazz Richards will be fit for the trip to face Sheffield Wednesday next weekend.

The on-loan Swansea full-back was unavailable for last Friday night's home meeting with Bournemouth due to an ankle problem.

Richards was badly missed too, as the Cottagers slumped to a 5-1 defeat in his absence to leave them still looking over their shoulder at the relegation battle.


http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11681/9751659/jazz-richards-should-be-fit-for-fulhams-trip-to-sheffield-wednesday?

[WhiteJC]

 
The Craven Corner: One step forward, two steps back – The story of Fulham's season

What a shambles we had to witness on Friday night against Bournemouth, an absolute car crash from the starting eleven to the game plan that was trying to be implemented.

Kit explained before the game that Hugo Rodallega's start was to add something 'new' and 'fresh' after Woodroow had been starting. But what did he add? The game plan was clearly direct up to the front men but Rodallega was never going to win much against the Bouremouth central defenders, what's more baffling is that Matt Smith would have been the sensible choice to 'try something new' – Proved that with his goal at least.

But this is the problem, under Kit we had the mini-revival then we should have secured an experienced manager just to get us through the season with the squad we had. We are now hoping the teams below us don't pick up anymore points and they somehow play worse than we have been.

There has to be a change that's for sure and I don't understand how we've gone from using exciting younger wingers in Alexander Kacaniklic, Patrick Roberts, George Williams etc into not even including them in the squad – what's the plan B?

No offence to Sean Kavanagh, but the guy is a natural full-back, so being asked to play in a midfield diamond is stupid. Look at the top teams in the Championship, they all play with width and we have none. We're so one dimensional that it forces us to playing a long ball up front. Teams will simply pressure us and then stretch the channels to create chances, it's happened time and time again this season and Kit hasn't even made a change.

Furthermore, I'm baffled why Kit re-called Tim Hoogland and Fernando Amorebieta in this game. Okay, they are on their way back to injury but it's an incredibly tough game to through them into and especially when they are not the quickest across the turf. Using Kostas Stafylidis or Sean Kavanagh at left-back and Jack Grimmer at right back would have dealt with their threat much more efficiently. I've really lost my patience with Kit's decisions and his inexperience and I strongly feel it's time to change. If the board aren't prepared to make the switch this late on, then someone has to tell Kit that the system/game plan has to change. If he insists on playing that long ball, then Matt Smith has to be a permanent fixture for the remaining games and considering his partnership with Ross at Leeds it would make sense to have them both up top from kickoff. Matt will provide some much needed height and strength which will create knock-downs for Ross & Bryan Ruiz. Creating chances for the strikers should be a key focus in the remaining games too, so bringing back a 4-4-2 with width would be amazing even though I'm being ambitious. Give Patrick Roberts and Kacaniklic the chance to run at defenders with their quick feet and energy, it'll cause problems.

Finally, whilst we're making changes for the next game – isn't it time that Dan Burn partnered Shaun Hutchinson?

My team for the next game:

GK: Marcus Bettinelli

LB: Kostas Stafylidis

CB: Dan Burn

CB: Shaun Hutchinson

RB: Jack Grimmer

RCM: Scott Parker

LCM: Bryan Ruiz (Slightly ahead)

RM: Patrick Roberts

LM: Alexander Kacaniklic

STR's: Ross McCormack + Matt Smith

If that had to change in any time of the game, Ruiz could play in the hole behind Matt Smith , Ross could go wide and another CDM come enter the game to convert to a 4-2-3-1 system.



http://www.london24.com/sport/football/clubs/fulham/the_craven_corner_one_step_forward_two_steps_back_the_story_of_fulham_s_season_1_3985245

[WhiteJC]

 
Williams Injury Update

Whilst on loan at MK Dons, George Williams suffered a rupture to his ACL. He had successful reconstructive surgery on Saturday evening in London and will now undergo a 4-6 month period of rehabilitation.

We all wish George a speedy and full recovery.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/march/09/williams-injury-update?

[WhiteJC]

 
How Brentford and Fulham have benefited from indiscipline this season

Bees have seen six opponents red card, while Whites see three depart but, when combined, it only matches Bournemouth's total

Brentford are second only to Bournemouth in benefiting from red cards in the Championship this season.

The Bees have seen six opponents sent off during the course of the season, but the Cherries' opponents have been shown nine red cards in league games this season, treble the league's average.

In fact, 13 per cent of all red cards shown in the Championship this season were shown to a Bournemouth opponent.

Wolves and Watford tie for third with five, while Fulham are just above average having seen three opponents dismissed.

The average Championship side have seen 2.8 red cards dished out to their opponents this season, compared to the football league average of three.

Bournemouth's opponents haven't seen the most cards in the country though.

Wycombe Wanderers have also seen their opponents get nine red cards when playing against them this season.

However, both Wycombe and Bournemouth have played more games than their Premier League counterparts.

Chelsea's opponents have been sent off at the same rate as Bournemouth's and Wycombe's - one every four games.

Wycombe have only had one of their own players sent off in the league this season,

That means that Wycombe's opponents have had eight more players sent off than Wycombe have themselves - the biggest difference in the country.

Bournemouth have the Championship's largest difference in their favour with seven.

Club: Off against

Bournemouth: 9

Brentford : 6

Wolverhampton Wanderers: 5

Watford: 5

Huddersfield Town: 4

Bolton Wanderers: 3

Cardiff City: 3

Reading: 3

Blackburn Rovers: 3

Nottingham Forest: 3

Middlesbrough: 3

Sheffield Wednesday: 3

Birmingham City: 3

Fulham : 3

Ipswich Town: 2

Charlton Athletic: 2

Derby County: 2

Norwich City: 2

Wigan Athletic: 1

Leeds United: 1

Millwall: 1

Brighton and Hove Albion: 1

Rotherham United: 0

Blackpool: 0



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/how-brentford-fulham-benefited-indiscipline-8804515?

[WhiteJC]

 
Junior Club Day

Fulham FC and Surrey County FA have teamed up once again to launch the 2015 Junior Club Day!

Taking place at our home fixture on the Bank Holiday weekend against Brentford (Friday 3rd April, 3pm), for the fifth year running clubs from Surrey that have achieved FA Charter Standard status are able to take advantage of discounted tickets for this match, as well as enjoy a range of additional goodies and surprises - including a foam paw, and your club's name in the matchday programme!

What's more, the club who brings the most attendees will be announced on the big screens, receive an on-pitch presentation, as well as win a Training Ground Experience!

Tickets are just £5 for juniors while adults can save 50 per cent on the match ticket price, making it just £15 rather than £30. When purchased in the same application, one free adult ticket will also be given for every 10 juniors.

Find out more online here, and join us for Junior Club Day by downloading a Booking Form and returning it with payment to the Fulham FC Ticket Office, or scan and email to [email protected] today.

Find Out More

Terms and conditions apply, this special offer is only available to managers, players and Surrey FA Clubs. All tickets are subject to availability.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/march/09/junior-club-day?

[WhiteJC]

 
Richards set for Weekend Return
   
Jazz Richards, on loan from Premier League Swansea for the rest of the season was conspicuous by his absence as Bournemouth handed out a thrashing on Friday evening.

It turns out that Richards missed the game courtesy of an ankle problem.

However, the indications are that Richards will be fit for the game against Sheffield Wednesday this weekend with Kit Symons remarking about the situation,

'Richards has an ankle problem but hopefully he'll be back training the middle of the week, and fingers crossed for next Saturday.'

The way we`ve been defending, on occasions, recently, the return of Jazz Richards will be most welcome.


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=391845#ixzz3Ty543Twm

[Bill2]

How Brentford and Fulham have benefited from indiscipline this season

Bees have seen six opponents red card, while Whites see three depart but, when combined, it only matches Bournemouth's total

Brentford are second only to Bournemouth in benefiting from red cards in the Championship this season.

The Bees have seen six opponents sent off during the course of the season, but the Cherries’ opponents have been shown nine red cards in league games this season, treble the league’s average.

In fact, 13 per cent of all red cards shown in the Championship this season were shown to a Bournemouth opponent.

Wolves and Watford tie for third with five, while Fulham are just above average having seen three opponents dismissed.

The average Championship side have seen 2.8 red cards dished out to their opponents this season, compared to the football league average of three.

Bournemouth’s opponents haven’t seen the most cards in the country though.

Wycombe Wanderers have also seen their opponents get nine red cards when playing against them this season.

However, both Wycombe and Bournemouth have played more games than their Premier League counterparts.

Chelsea’s opponents have been sent off at the same rate as Bournemouth’s and Wycombe’s - one every four games.

Wycombe have only had one of their own players sent off in the league this season,

That means that Wycombe’s opponents have had eight more players sent off than Wycombe have themselves - the biggest difference in the country.

Bournemouth have the Championship’s largest difference in their favour with seven.

Club: Off against

Bournemouth: 9

Brentford : 6

Wolverhampton Wanderers: 5

Watford: 5

Huddersfield Town: 4

Bolton Wanderers: 3

Cardiff City: 3

Reading: 3

Blackburn Rovers: 3

Nottingham Forest: 3

Middlesbrough: 3

Sheffield Wednesday: 3

Birmingham City: 3

Fulham : 3

Ipswich Town: 2

Charlton Athletic: 2

Derby County: 2

Norwich City: 2

Wigan Athletic: 1

Leeds United: 1

Millwall: 1

Brighton and Hove Albion: 1

Rotherham United: 0

Blackpool: 0



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/how-brentford-fulham-benefited-indiscipline-8804515?

Interesting analysis. I have to say I thought that Bournemouth, although playing the best football I have seen at CC this season were very good at throwing themselves to the ground, especially the number 13 Callum Wilson who was doing it from the off on Friday. The ref must have spotted as the only foul he gave was when he sent Amo off, yet did not give any yellow for simulation, unlike the Man U game last night where De Maria got a card last night for the same thing.

[ScalleysDad]

Over 900 points!!! How on earth can you amass that many and just out of interest does anybody have over 900 points? I remember with the Brighton away game there was a bit of a flap on about loyalty points and the Club admitted they had not been keeping up and I had fifty added as a rounded up best guess figure taking me to over 400. Not really sure I can be bothered with that call again and I would probably have to pay somebody to tag along these days but just curious if anybody has 900 plus. Certainly worthy of a milky bar.

[Two Ton Ted]

Over 900 points!!! How on earth can you amass that many and just out of interest does anybody have over 900 points? I remember with the Brighton away game there was a bit of a flap on about loyalty points and the Club admitted they had not been keeping up and I had fifty added as a rounded up best guess figure taking me to over 400. Not really sure I can be bothered with that call again and I would probably have to pay somebody to tag along these days but just curious if anybody has 900 plus. Certainly worthy of a milky bar.

That's for Brentford fans.

[ScalleysDad]

Now children. Lets all gather round and I will tell you a true story.

"Read the bloody article properly or be that plank your parents told you about!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Thanks TT for just making the point. Others would have made me bleed.