Saturday Fulham Stuff (11/04/15)...

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Report: Celtic ready to bring former Leeds United striker Ross McCormack back to Glasgow

The Scottish international forward is being targeted by the SPL giants, according to a report in Scotland today.

Celtic are lining up a move that would massively bolster their striking options for next season, with a move for Fulham striker Ross McCormack being mooted by The Scotsman.

Last summer the striker, joined Fulham, with the Cottagers splashing out a reported £11 million on the Scottish international, according to the BBC.

But he has not lived up to the lofty expectations that were held of him at Craven Cottage. He had scored 29 goals for Leeds in the 2013-14 season, but has managed just 14 this term in a campaign which has seen Fulham at the wrong end of the Championship table.

The report claims that Celtic are looking for a new striker as Manchester City loanee John Guidetti is set to find a club elsewhere next season, after an up-and-down season on loan in Glasgow.

They also claim Celtic watched the ex-Leeds captain in action against Charlton Athletic at The Valley on Tuesday, a game in which he scored the opening goal.

The striker is a former Rangers youngster but made a name for himself at Motherwell before embarking on his Football League career.

At 28-years-old the Scotland international may crave a potential run in the Champions League and a return to his home-town, although Celtic will need to compensate Fulham fairly handsomely for the privilege.


http://hereisthecity.com/en-gb/2015/04/10/report-celtic-ready-to-bring-former-leeds-united-striker-ross-mc/?

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Result: Wigan Athletic come from behind to draw with Fulham

Wigan Athletic had to come from behind twice to secure a 2-2 draw with Fulham in their first match under new manager Gary Caldwell at Craven Cottage this evening.

The home side needed just a couple of minutes to open the scoring as Ross McCormack curled the ball into the bottom of the net after Sean Kavanagh pulled the ball back to him, with the finish beating a diving Scott Carson.

Kim Bo-kyung tested the Fulham defence with a well-placed delivery into the box as Wigan looked for a quick equaliser, but the hosts were able to deal with it.

The Latics did level the scores midway through the first half though as Scott Parker gave away a free kick in a dangerous position, leaving Jermaine Pennant to blast the ball in directly from the set piece.

It did not take the Cottagers long to regain the lead as Ryan Tunnicliffe sent a high ball forward, picking out Matt Smith 30 yards out, and the midfielder hit it first time to lob it beyond Carson.

Wigan were on the attack early in the second half as they tried to get back on level terms for a second time, but James McClean could not get the better of Marcus Bettinelli with a header from a Pennant cross.

Fulham responded to the visitors' bright start to the second half by pushing for a third, but McCormack saw his effort blocked, before Kavanagh twice missed the target.

Kavanagh was involved again as he picked out the head of Dan Burn from a corner, but the defender could not nod the ball on target.

Wigan started to see more possession again, allowing Pennant to fire in another dangerous-looking cross, but Harry Maguire could not squeeze his header inside the post.

Jason Pearce managed to keep the ball in though, bringing it down with his first touch before chipping it in from close range for the equaliser.

Cauley Woodrow tried to give Fulham the lead for the third time late on as McCormack found the substitute with a cross, but his header was too high.

Wigan were not settling for the draw though, and had a chance to steal the win down the other end shortly after when Pennant tried to head in from a McClean delivery, but his finish was blocked.

Woodrow came close again in the final moments after Parker connected with him, but his strike from outside the box was punched clear by Carson, ensuring that the sides finished level.

The draw moves Wigan up to 22nd, eight points adrift in the relegation zone, while Fulham sit 20th.


http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/result/result-wigan-come-from-behind-to-draw-with-fulham_216336.html

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Fulham 2-2 Wigan: Latics comeback twice to stun Cottagers in Gary Caldwell's first game in charge
Wigan twice came from behind to force a draw
Ross McCormack gave Fulham an early lead on four minutes
Jermaine Pennant equalised for Wigan with a stunning free-kick
Matt Smith restored Fulham's lead before half-time
Jason Pearce pulled the visitors level from a corner after the restart

James McClean's reaction said it all. As Scott Carson's long, hopeful punt downfield floated harmlessly out of play, the talented winger spun in disgust, shook his head and threw open his arms. Wigan are better than this, and they know it.

They were 2-1 down at that point, two moments of genius from Ross McCormack and Matt Smith the difference. They rallied to come away from Fulham with a point - it was a night in which new manager Gary Caldwell certainly saw enough to build on - but all at the club know their stay in the Championship is unlikely to be extended beyond May.

It is an infuriating situation, the damage inflicted by an ultimately doomed appointment of Malky Mackay incurable this season.


Fulham captain Scott Parker (right) is hassled for the ball by Wigan's Gaetan Bong (left) at Craven Cottage


Fulham striker Ross McCormack lets fly with a shot to score his side's opening goal against Wigan on Friday


The ever industrious Parker (left) dribbles away from the challenge of Wigan's Kim Bo-Kyung (right)


Wigan winger Jermaine Pennant (left) scores a stunning free-kick to level the scores 1-1 against Fulham

Caldwell must hope he has the character to build next year if they do fail to perform the improbable and remain in this division.

Seven points is now the difference, Wigan having played at least a game more than their rivals with just four games to play.

Their band of supporters in one corner of Craven Cottage recognise this is not the fault of Caldwell and are actually excited about what the future may hold. No Malky, no problem.

But as McClean's annoyance indicates, they are all too aware that this impending relegation should not have been allowed to happen.
The frustration is that their squad is more than capable of challenging under the right guidance, but probably won't have the opportunity to do so.

Wigan showed guts and dug in for Caldwell, whose more patient style in possession was referenced by the Latics' official Twitter account midway through this. It felt like a sly dig to his predecessor.


Matt Smith scores Fulham's second goal to restore their lead against Wigan at Carven Cottage on Friday


Smith slides to his knees as he celebrates putting the home side back in front in the Championship match

And to come from behind twice shows qualities they just did not possess under Mackay.

Caldwell, a rugged central defender, will be unhappy with the ease with which McCormack opened the scoring after just four minutes; Harry Maguire's header was a poor one, straight into the path of Sean Kavanagh, who fed the Scot and he was afforded the time to pick a spot and curl beyond Scott Carson.

In a game lacking genuine chances, there were then two moments of real class.

Firstly Jermaine Pennant levelled for Wigan, bending a wicked 25-yard free-kick away from the despairing Marcus Bettinelli. He ran the full length of the pitch to celebrate in front of the travelling hundreds.


Wigan utility player James Perch (left) jumps for the ball and is challenged by Fulham's Sean Kavanagh (right)

But anything the winger could do, lanky Smith would match. Fulham's target man - again in too much space - looked up from the same distance and marvellously clipped over Carson to net just his third goal for the club since a summer move from Leeds.

Those flashes from the front two rather masked what was a disjointed display by the Cottagers, still smarting from their derby humiliation against Brentford last week. Fans were furious at Kit Symons' lack of tactical imagination, further compounded when Jason Pearce gambled at the back post to equalise for the visitors in the 69th minute.

Smith had been taken off six minutes previously to a chorus of boos and chants of 'you don't know what you're doing' rained down on Symons. The same when McCormack was hooked for defender Kostas Stafylidis. Much like against Brentford, Fulham's paying customers did not shirk away from telling him exactly what they thought.

These are testing times for Symons, whose relationship with the fans is at its lowest ebb since he took over earlier this season. How he must've prayed Scott Parker didn't fluff his lines in stoppage time.

Compare that to Wigan who, even though they will almost definitely join Blackpool in League One, are pulling in the same direction.
Their new chairman David Sharpe, grandson of Dave Whelan, spoke of a long-term vision on appointing Caldwell on Tuesday, and that is something which has galvanised the place.

Had Pennant's late header not been superbly blocked by Dan Burn, the talk might have been of an unlikeliest of survival miracles.

Wigan's Jason Pearce (right) is congratulated by Pennant (left) as he scores the second equaliser for his side


Wigan's Jason Pearce (right) is congratulated by Pennant (left) as he scores the second equaliser for his side


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-3034174/Fulham-2-2-Wigan-Latics-comeback-twice-stun-Cottagers-Gary-Caldwell-s-game-charge.html#ixzz3WywFiEq4
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Fulham gain point against Wigan but fans round on Kit Symons

It's one point closer to Championship safety for Whites


Shhh: Almost there. Matt Smith celebrates after scoring the second

Fulham 2-2 Wigan

A vital point came with the sting of taunts for Kit Symons from his own fans.

The home faithful rounded on their own gaffer when he substituted second scorer Matt Smith just past the hour and Ross McCormack in injury time for a defender.

"You don't know what you're doing," chorused three sides of the ground.

Six minutes later Whites were made to pay when they surrendered the lead for the second time.

This was a nervy encounter by two sides betraying their lowly status. Full of endeavour, it was, full of goalmouth action, it was not.

Even so, he shoots; he scores. Ross McCormack needed no second invitation after just four minutes when he received the ball from Sean Kavanagh 20 yards out and curled beyond the grasp of Scott Carson diving left.

It was the Scot's 15th goal of the season and his third in a row.


Fulham's Sean Kavanagh in action with Wigan Athletic's James Perch
Jermaine Pennant proved that when it comes to curling free-kicks there is none better in the Championship than his.

He scored twice recently shooting right-footed from the left. Fulham knew what was coming when the former Stoke star shaped up in the same spot on 22d minutes, but there was nothing they could do as the ball sailed over the wall and beyond the despairing dive of Marcus Bettinelli.

Anything Pennant can do, Matt Smith can clearly do just as well.

The striker, known better as bullet supplier to McCormack, fired a peach from 22 yards out, with Wigan forwards backing off expecting a pass.


Matt Smith scores the second goal for Fulham
Instead, he passed it into the net over Scott Carson who could do nothing but sorrowfully shake his head.

Wigan were level just shy of 70 minutes when a Latics corner was headed on by Harry Maguire to Jason Pearce who fired into the roof of the net – and pretty much against the run of play.

Dan Burn headed over straight after, and a point will do for Fulham given the plight of other sides down the bottom, but they will probably have to sweat another week to be absolutely sure.

Whites, 4-1-3-2: Bettinelli, Grimmer, Turner, Burn, Husband; Hoogland; Tunnicliffe, Parker, Kavanagh (Ruiz 73); Smith (Woodrow 63), McCormack (Stafyldis 90); subs not used: Kiraly, Hutchinson, Kacaniklic, Rodallega


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/fulham-gain-point-against-wigan-9023227?

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Fulham booed off after draw with Wigan

Fulham 2 Wigan 2

Ross McCormack and Matt Smith scored as Fulham went nine points clear of the Championship relegation places with four games left.

The Whites began the game brightly at Craven Cottage and went in front after only four minutes.

Sean Kavanagh rolled the ball to McCormack, who curled it brilliantly around Scott Carson from the edge of the box for his 13th goal of the season.

But Wigan, in Gary Caldwell's first game as manager, found their way back into the game and equalised when Jermaine Pennant fired in a free-kick past Marcus Bettinelli.

With Fulham on the back foot for much of the half, Smith gave the Whites an undeserved lead 10 minutes before half-time.

The striker found a pocket of space 30 yards out and unleashed a sublime shot over Carson and into the top corner.

Cauley Woodrow replaced Smith on the hour mark as Fulham pressed for a third, but the Latics leveled again when a corner was flicked on and Jason Pearce prodded in from close range.

In a frantic finish, both teams pushed for a winner.

Scott Parker tested Carson with a dipping half-volley while James Husband blocked a Pennant header late on.

The Whites almost found the net when Woodrow's effort was blocked at the near post in stoppage time.

But Wigan held on to share the points as boos rang around the stadium with Fulham's safety from Championship relegation yet to be guaranteed.

Fulham: Bettinelli; Grimmer, Turner, Burn, Husband; Hoogland, Parker, Tunnicliffe, Kavanagh (Ruiz); Smith (Woodrow 63'), McCormack (Stafylidis 90).
Subs not used: Kiraly, Hutchinson, Kačaniklić, Rodallega.


http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-booed-off-after-draw-with-wigan?

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Fulham 2-2 Wigan: Some things you just can't change

"Oooone ooof usss! Oooone oof usss!"

Why is that the only thing I can remember from the various interviews and press conferences surrounding Gary Caldwell's appointment as (temporary?) Wigan Athletic manager this week? At the risk of conjuring unsettling imagery from cult 1932 film Freaks, promoting from within seems a refreshing notion in light of Wigan Athletic's, shall we say, less than favourable recent experience of 'outsiders'.

Certainly, few will have even considered the fate of Malcolm G Mackay, but I can tell you he's stuck on the Football League roundabout somewhere in central Suffolk. Or maybe he's in Norfolk? That particular island is so large it spans four counties and can be seen from the moon, at least according to Buzz Allstrong. Hah, those guys who claim the Apollo 11 landings were fake must be chewing on their trilbies right now!

Malky, like this season, will be quickly forgotten – a repressed memory packed into a corner of your brain alongside that time you went to work naked or got chased by a doughnut-wielding Scotsman in his long-unwashed lucky shorts. But you can thank me for reminding you about those 'isolated incidents' later, because look – the football is still going on, and apparently we played this evening! I, er... thought Friday nights were for rugball?

Jet Set Jermaine

Latics, too, were startled by this alarming news – so much so that they neglected to move when Sean Kavanagh collected the ball inside their half. So much so that they could do naught but point in awe as 14-goal (phwoar!) Ross McCormack effortlessly swerved an 18-yarder past Scott Carson. Welcome back to the first team, Carse, my lad! They say change is as inevitable as life and death, but Wigan Athletic fans will beg to differ: some things you just can't alter.

But much as Latics are prone to conceding the first blow, they are just as likely to muster superhuman strength in the face of apparently unavoidable disaster. It is, after all, Wigan time.

The first half of Easter Monday's Malky-killer was characterised by many, many set pieces that melted to worthlessness due to the lack of a free kick specialist. This was less of a problem tonight, as Jermaine Pennant had returned from his spring holidays. Indeed, you'll be delighted to hear that his first attempt was melting into Marcus Bettinelli's netting much as chocolate egg spreads over your fingers... only in this instance, the result was far more satisfying. Pennant and accomplice James McClean toasted the Rotherham offensive's great success once more.

Unfortunately, the visitors' exertions were relegated to trivial busy work as Matt Smith (ooh, I liked that game he did, Manic Miner!) gleefully capitalised on an inherent unwillingness to close down. But then, you expect most efforts from such range to challenge only the concession stand – this one triggered an impromptu chorus of the Lightning Seeds' Life of Riley... do they still use that music for Goal of the Week?

Everyone's a striker, baby

Wigan's response was delayed – their next attempt came close to the 60 minute mark. By the time McClean headed straight into Marcus Bettinelli's stomach, Martyn Waghorn had replaced Marco Fortune – a true signal of intent if ever there was one!

Ironically, however, the away side's second equaliser was made in the centre of defence. From another Pennant corner, Jason Pearce was the man to show the striker's in-stinks and meet Harry Maguire's header with an uncomplicated finish. Look, I know Captain Calds, Kop Conqueror is a disciple of Roberto Martinez's 'everyone's an attacker' philosophy, but this was ridiculous!

...What, you think there was a chance of a winner? Hah, don't you know these Wigan-Fulham games are destined to end in draws?

Well, due to the hosts' monopolisation of possession, that anticipated Wigan charge was limited to just one deflected James McClean shot. Kim's subsequent corner didn't even make it back into play... could a recently replaced Pennant have done better? And while we're asking pointless questions, can I request a do-over on this entire wretched season?

Since Fulham's own victory charge, while marginally better, was equally unsuccessful, the prescribed score draw became a predictable reality. It had, however, been a pulsating contest worthy of a relegation fistfight, and one I'm glad to say I thoroughly enjoyed. Aha, that newfound 'neutral perspective' works again! The mainstream media ought to try it some time.

(Wow, that's the first time he's mentioned those guys in weeks! I was beginning to think he'd forgotten about them. — Reader)


http://wigan.illarterate.co.uk/2015/04/10/fulham-2-2-wigan-some-things-you-just-cant-change/?

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Fulham 2 2 Wigan

Wigan battled back to earn a point at Fulham but new boss Gary Caldwell was unable to inspire them to a much-needed win in their fight against relegation.

Fulham led twice, first through Ross McCormack's low drive and then Matt Smith's stunning 25-yard strike.

Jermaine Pennant's curling free-kick cancelled out Fulham's opener and Jason Pearce prodded in on 69 minutes to earn a draw.

The result leaves Wigan seven points from safety with four games to play.

Former Latics defender Caldwell was appointed on Tuesday with the club 23rd in the Championship.

Wigan have endured a torrid season and Caldwell has been assured he will not be judged on whether he succeeds in his daunting task of attempting to keep the 2013 FA Cup winners in the division.

His reign could hardly have got off to a worse start, with McCormack capitalising on Harry Maguire's poor header to fire Fulham in front from the edge of the area.

Pennant's fine free-kick brought Wigan level as the visitors dominated the opening half, enjoying two-thirds of possession without creating any other clear-cut chances.

But they were punished for not capitalising on that superiority 10 minutes before the break when Smith scored with a superb 25-yard drive, his 17th goal of the season.

Wigan, though, demonstrated the battling qualities so often displayed by their manager during his playing career as they fought back after the break, eventually levelling in scrappy fashion.

Maguire flicked on Pennant's corner and Pearce was quickest to react to convert at the far post.

It was deserved reward for an improved Wigan performance, but the result may prove to be of little help in their bid to stay up.

Fulham manager Kit Symons: "We're a point closer to safety and come the end of the season it might be the point that keeps us in the division.

"It's been a tough season, to put it mildly, and realistically it was probably always going to be like that. When we stay up I certainly won't be doing cartwheels, but I'll breathe a sigh of relief."

Wigan manager Gary Caldwell: "I have just said to the players that I feel very proud of them considering we only had two days to work.

"It's crazy, absolutely crazy. An all-consuming job. But I loved every minute of it and can't wait for the next one. I've had a lot of managers texting me saying 'welcome to the madhouse' and I can see what they mean."


http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/32172417

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REPORT: FULHAM 2 WIGAN ATHLETIC 2

Caldwell's Latics twice come from behind to keep survival hopes alive in Fulham draw.

Latics earn 2-2 draw at Fulham in Caldwell's first game.
Goals from Jermaine Pennant and Jason Pearce.
Latics come from behind twice to draw at Craven Cottage.
FULHAM 2
McCormack 4
Smith 35

WIGAN ATHLETIC 2
Pennant 22
Pearce 69

Goals from Jermaine Pennant and Jason Pearce secured a dramatic draw at Craven Cottage where Latics had to twice come from behind to secure another precious point in their quest for Sky Bet Championship survival.

The new Latics manager promised changes and it was obvious from the first minute of this pulsating encounter that this was going to be a different Wigan Athletic, one intent on a passing game and playing the ball on the ground.

Caldwell's first ever team selection for Latics included two changes from the team that played Derby County last Monday. Scott Carson was back in goal after an absence of five matches, while Jermaine Pennant was chosen in front of Leon Clarke.

Unfortunately, Carson's first job back in the team was to pick the ball up from the back of the net as Caldwell's reign got off to the worst possible start.

Harry Maguire could only head a long ball as far as Sean Kavanagh, who threaded it through to Ross McKormack on the edge of the box and his shot curled in beyond Carson's despairing dive.

Nightmare start and yet you could already see the seeds of Caldwell's intentions in Latics' reaction. The ball was passed out from defence and zipped from player to player through midfield, Latics quickly forcing two corners, then Maguire trying his luck from distance.

The rewards came after 20 minutes when James McClean's run from the left ended when the Irishman was unceremoniously floored by Scott Parker 25 yards from goal – too far out, surely, even for the trusty boot of Jermaine Pennant? Wrong. Marcus Bettinelli dived at full stretch and got a hand to his effort but it was just too good.

Pennant, accompanied by Gaetan Bong, ran the full length of the field and fell to his knees in front of the thousand-strong following in the opposite end. What a moment for Caldwell and Latics. Now could they build on it?

In terms of possession, the answer was an emphatic yes, with Latics keeping the ball well and maintaining a really quick tempo, but they were hit with a second sucker punch out of nowhere when Matt Smith chipped Carson from distance on 35 minutes. It may have taken a slight deflection but the former Leeds and Oldham striker was surely offered too much space on the edge of the box.

Another blow but could they recover after the break?

Latics came out of the blocks full of confidence, still clearly intent on passing the ball well but struggled to break down a stubborn Fulham rear-guard.

Martyn Waghorn replaced Fortune on 56 minutes and he almost got the chance to score with his first touch, Pennant's corner headed at goal by McClean but Bettinelli held firm with the substitute bearing down on him.

Fulham came close with a couple of breakaways but Latics continued to dictate possession, and finally managed to breakthrough on the 69th minute, after another really patient build up saw Pennant breakthrough down the right and force a corner. He swung in the ball himself, Maguire met it on the penalty spot with a powerful header and Jason Pearce slid in at the far post to smash it into the roof of the net. Cue another great celebration.

Could Caldwell's Latics capitalise on all the good work?

Hearts were in mouths as Dan Burn headed McCormack's free-kick a foot over Carson's bar just after Chris McCann replaced Emmerson Boyce and as we entered the final quarter of an hour, it was anybody's game, both sides going for victory.

Fulham sent in a couple of dangerous crosses, then Latics broke away through McClean, this time mon the right, while Bong swung in a good cross from the left. McClean then crossed from the left this time and Pennant's header smashed Burn in the face.

Caldwell's last throw of the dice came in the shape of Josh Murphy, who replaced Pennant in the 83rd minute – could his fresh legs make the difference? Latics still came forward, McLean twice fired at goal, one went wide, the other was blocked, while Carson had to dive at the feet of Jack Grimmer.

'Come on Wigan', roared the Latics fans, as four minutes of added time were announced...the yellow shirts tried valiantly to conjure up one more opportunity. McClean and Waghorn were not quite able to combine on the edge of the box, then Fulham had a chance, Bong blocking Grimmer's effort.

The travelling fans greeted the final cheer with warm applause for the players as the soap opera of this extraordinary season now continues on Tuesday against Millwall.

Fulham: Bettinelli, Grimmer, Turner, Burn, Husband, Tunnicliffe, Hoogland, Parker, Kavanagh (Ruiz 73), McCormack (Stafylidis 90+3), Smith (Woodrow 63)
Subs: Kiraly, Hutchinson, Kacaniklic, Rodallega

Latics: Carson, Maguire, McClean, Pennant (Murphy 83), Kim, Boyce (McCann 70), Bong, Perch (Capt), Pearce, Fortune (Waghorn 57), Kvist
Subs: Al Habsi, Mckay, Ojo, Barnett


Read more at http://www.wiganlatics.co.uk/news/article/report-fulham-2-wigan-2-championship-pennant-pearce-caldwell-2392670.aspx#fqP6B0WQgOSztm0J.99

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Wigan's Jason Pearce secures point at Fulham but draws are not enough

Gary Caldwell will have been aware the Wigan Athletic chalice he took possession of earlier this week had long been poisoned. However, any vague hope the 32-year-old novice had of producing an antidote to spawn an unlikely survival mission was tempered by Fulham, who took a big leap to securing their Championship status with a draw on a frenetic night at Craven Cottage.

The new Latics manager, who replaced the sacked Malky Mackay on Tuesday, endured a dreadful start when his defence conceded a soft goal inside four minutes. Jermaine Pennant equalised midway through the opening period with a superb free-kick before Matt Smith put Fulham back in front. Jason Pearce headed in a second equaliser with a little over 20 minutes remaining but the visitors could not find a winner.

It may not be the final nail in Wigan's coffin but draws will no longer suffice. Their Championship days look numbered as they lie seven points from safety with four games to play, and League One beckons for a side who this time last season were heading for the play-offs. Twelve months before that they were on their way to Wembley and an FA Cup win.

"We'll try and win every game," Caldwell said afterwards, satisfied with the performance but aware that their chances of staying up are remote. "There's 12 points still to play for and we'll see if it's enough. But if I get that application and belief from the lads, I'll be happy whatever happens. This is a long process to get the club where I want it to be."

Once Caldwell's appointment was confirmed, the Wigan chairman, David Sharpe, spoke of a return to the passing game for which the club became well-known under Roberto Martínez. There were brief, fleeting signs of something resembling that here but before the new manager could even warm his seat in the dugout, the visitors were behind and the setback was self-inflicted.

Harry Maguire's botched headed clearance, under little pressure, dropped to the feet of Sean Kavanagh, who strode forward before picking out an unmarked Ross McCormack on the edge of the area. The striker steadied himself before curling a shot past Scott Carson for his 13th league goal of the season. Without him Fulham would be far deeper in the mire.

Much of Wigan's plight can be boiled down to problems in attack rather than defence. Of the bottom 10 in the table only Brighton have conceded fewer but only Blackpool and Millwall have scored fewer. Yet they drew level 22 minutes in when Scott Parker impeded James McClean and Pennant bent an exquisite free-kick over the wall. It was Pennant's third goal of the season, all from free-kicks.

Despite the impressive finishing, the game lacked finesse for long spells and McCormack almost capitalised on slack Wigan defending for a second time after latching on to a cross-field pass from Michael Turner, only for the striker to be halted by a desperate last-ditch slide from Emmerson Boyce.

No matter, a minute later the hosts went back in front thanks to a stunning goal from Smith that caught Carson by surprise. Ryan Tunnicliffe picked Smith out 25 yards from goal and, as the Wigan defence stood off, he floated a stunning right-footed effort over the retreating goalkeeper's head and into the top left corner.

Fulham enjoyed the upper hand early in the second period but could not find a third to put the game to bed. Smith, who remained the focal point of their attack, was replaced by Cauley Woodrow shortly after the hour, a switch greeted by chants of "You don't know what you're doing" directed at the manager, Kit Symons. "Matt was shattered," Symons said. "He's had a lot of football. He was out on his feet. We wanted fresh legs. It was quite an obvious one to make."

More vitriol was directed at Symons minutes later when Fulham's lead was surrendered for a second time. Pennant delivered a corner from the right, Maguire rose to head goalwards and Jason Pearce was on hand to divert the rebound in from six yards.

Both sides battled for a winner – Woodrow denied by Carson and McClean seeing a fizzing shot deflected narrowly wide three minutes from the end – but it never materialised and the full-time whistle was met by another chorus of jeers aimed at the Fulham manager despite the point surely guaranteeing their safety.


http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/apr/10/fulham-wigan-athletic-championship-match-report?

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Symons defends decision to take Smith off

Boss Kit Symons defended his decision to substitute Matt Smith after an hour of Fulham's 2-2 draw against Wigan.

Smith found the top corner with a wonderful effort in the first half but was hauled off for Cauley Woodrow with the Whites ahead at 2-1.

"Matt was absolutely shattered," Symons said. "He's had a lot of football and a really tough game on Tuesday night.

"He was out on his feet and we wanted fresh legs and energy for working back, so it was one of those substitutions that was quite an obvious one to make."

The substitution upset many fans around Craven Cottage as boos echoed around the stadium after the final whistle, but the Fulham manager was quick to defend his choice.

He said: "That's football. I've got to make decisions that I think are the right ones for the club, and that's what I'll always do."

With four games left in the Championship this season, Fulham lie nine points off the relegation zone with Rotherham United next up at home on Wednesday.

"It's a point closer to safety. It was hard-fought, but come the end of the season it'll be a point gained and a point that helps us stay in this division," Symons said.

"It's been a difficult season to put it mildly and it was always going to be like that.

"When we stay up I won't exactly be doing cartwheels but I'll breathe a huge sigh of relief, that's for sure.


http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/symons-defends-decision-to-take-smith-off

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Match Report: Fulham 2 - Wigan Athletic 2



Points! We got one.

Four games left, ooooooo- anyway, we got a point as Wigan came back in the second half earlier today.

We found ourselves up after just four minutes of decent attacking - a long ball from James Husband was cleared into the path of Sean Kavanagh, his pass to McCormack being met with a curled effort from outside the box and into the net, making this the Scotsman's 15th goal in all competition.

Wigan responded by applying pressure for a while, but all that came out of it was an effort from 40 yards out by Harry Maguire in the 19th minute, which flew straight into the stands. Scott Parker dodged a booking just a minute later after he caught James McClean on the outside of the box before he took a shot. Jermaine Pennant made it 1-1 with the resulting free-kick, curling it over the Fulham wall and past Marcus Bettinelli.

Dan Burn caught a booking in the 27th minute for fouling Kim Bo-Kying as Wigan started to take possession, but we started to latch onto the ball and get back into the game, with McCormack catching a long ball from Micharl Turner and taking a shot, but unfortunately it was blocked by Emmerson Boyce. Matt Smith ended up making it 2-1 two minutes later, when Ryan Tunniclife found him in space just 35 yards out, before the striker took a touch and launched the ball straight over Scott Carson and under the crossbar. Sean Kavanagh caught a booking as well as a yellow card for catching Pennant on the stroke of halftime.

Neither side made any changes for the start of the second half, but Wigan decided to bring on Martyn Waghorn for Marc-Antoine Fortune in the 57th minute for a corner. From the set piece, McClean headed towards Bettinelli, the ball finding the keeper's hands in the process. McCormack's shot was sent down while Kavanagh shot the rebound far too high and wide, before Kit Symons bought on Cauley Woodrow to replace Smith.

Wigan managed to bring it level in the 69th minute when Pennant's corner found its way to Maguire, whose flick of the ball hit the path of Jason Pearce at the back post, heading into goal from just a few yards out. We almost equalized shortly after, but Burn headed a free Kick from McCormack over the bar, before Bryan Ruiz came on to replace Kavanagh.

Parker forced Carson to save with nine minutes left, his left footed shot from just outside the box making for a comfortable save by the keeper. Woodrow's shot was also held by the Wigan goalie as the game began to reach its end. The young striker had one more chance on goal in injury time, which was blocked by Gaetan Bong. McCormack came off for Konstantinos Stafylidis in stoppage time, but the game ended before an attack could be produced.

Our next game is against Rotherham United at home on Wednesday evening. Let's try and win!


http://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2015/4/11/8384403/match-report-fulham-2-wigan-athletic-2

[WhiteJC]

 
Manager Reaction

Kit Symons saw Fulham's 2-2 draw at home to Wigan Athletic as another precious point towards Championship safety.

The Whites led twice against their fellow strugglers at the Cottage through superb Ross McCormack and Matt Smith strikes, only for Wigan to draw level on each occasion through set-pieces.

The draw leaves Fulham nine points clear of the drop zone and Symons said afterwards: "We could have wrapped it up and put the game to bed and I would have slept a lot better tonight if we'd have done that. It wasn't to be and it's another point towards safety which is of paramount importance to this Club.

"Gary Caldwell has just come in to take charge at Wigan and that gave them a lift without a doubt. They passed the ball well and it was a tough game for us. I would have loved all three points but one now and stopping them getting any extra is precious.

"It was frustrating to concede two leads but in open play we defended well and looked solid. We conceded a bit of possession which I thought might happen so I wasn't overly worried about it as our shape was good and we limited them to very few chances. I don't really remember Marcus [Bettinelli] making a save. But to concede from two set-pieces is something we need to do better on.

"In the last two games we've looked solid. It might not be easy on the eye but to be honest I don't care too much about that at the moment; it's a results business and we got a result tonight. It wasn't the ideal one but it could have been worse, that's for sure."

Fulham had a couple of late chances in the dying stages but saw their efforts either saved or blocked and Symons continued: "We had really good opportunities but we needed to be more clinical and if we had been we'd have scored at least one of them.

"But it's understandable with the situation we're in; the players are desperate to make sure they do enough to keep us in the division so I can understand their anxiety."

McCormack made way for Kostas Stafylidis deep into injury time, with some of the home support querying the decision.

Kit explained: "Ross has played a lot of football and is carrying a bit of a knee injury. With two minutes to go I thought we were creating chances from central and Ross was in a wider area. I wanted to win the game, of course I did, but I was equally concerned about making sure we got the point.

"I understand people are frustrated that we didn't win the game; three points would have been virtually a celebration. It wasn't to be and people are disappointed. My remit is to do the right thing for the Club and keeping us in the Championship is the only thing that matters to me. What people think of decisions I make is up to them.

"When I took over, we had one point from seven games and were in dire straights. We've turned it around and will do enough to keep us in the division and then rebuild and be better and stronger next year."


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/april/10/manager-reaction

[WhiteJC]

 
McCarthy: Fulham Link Shows I'm Doing Something Right

Town boss Mick McCarthy says he must being doing something right if he's being linked with jobs elsewhere, with Championship strugglers Fulham reportedly keen to poach him in the summer.

"I've got a two-year contract here," McCarthy said when quizzed on the reports. "Somebody told me about that the other day. There's nothing I can do about it.

"If somebody mentions my name it means I'm doing a good job elsewhere - great if someone thinks that."

McCarthy, 56, signed the new deal running until June 2017 last summer having taken over at Town in November 2012.

Fulham are currently 20th in the Championship, nine points off the relegation zone, and have had a poor season following their relegation from the Premier League last May, despite the significant advantage of parachute payments.

Current manager Kit Symons took over, initially as a caretaker-boss, following the departure of Felix Magath in September, agreeing a deal until the summer of 2016.

McCarthy says he's happy with Town: "Absolutely, but if Manchester United come and ask me to go up there I'll be going. That is the case in point.

"But Man United won't be asking me and I won't be going up there and I did sign that contract and I'm happy with it, I'm delighted to be here. And I cannot do anything about what people write.

"But do you know what? I'm kind of glad my name does get a mention because I see some of the names which get a mention for jobs and I think 'How the flipping hell is that happening?' when I've been doing it for 23 years and I've got as good a record in the Championship, probably better, than anybody else who is doing it. But I can't do anything about that, I'm happy here."

The former Ireland, Sunderland, Wolves and Millwall boss recalls being overlooked in favour of younger, less experienced but perhaps more fashionable managers along with Hull City boss Steve Bruce prior to his appointment at Town.

"Remember me and Brucey were out of work and we were both having a little bleat about it? Maybe we're seen as the old school. But kind of works, doesn't it? And I don't know how many new ideas there are, to be honest with you. I want to get promoted with us, that's what I want to do. That's my bag."


http://www.twtd.co.uk/ipswich-town-news/27214/?