Wednesday Fulham Stuff (12/08/15)...

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The Sean Davis Column

It looked like we were on course for an opening day win in Cardiff on Saturday, but I would've taken a point before the game. Obviously it was better than last year's start but it's always frustrating to concede a goal in the closing stages of a game. It's disappointing for the defence not to keep a clean sheet but sometimes there's not much you can do when somebody scores a wonder goal, you just have to hold your hands up and say great goal.

We could still have gone on and won it in stoppage time, and you would've put your mortgage on Ross McCormack putting that chance away. But if we're looking on the positive side then the most important thing for strikers is that they keep getting into those positions, and they were. Matt Smith demonstrated that as he was first to the loose ball early in the second half which saw him rewarded with a goal. Smith finished last season strongly and getting a goal in the first game of the season bodes well for rest of campaign, and it boosts confidence as well.

We put league matters aside temporarily on Tuesday as we face Wycombe in the Capital One Cup, and I'd like us to put out a strong side because our next game isn't until Saturday and a cup run would be good for the players and the fans. Wycombe were unlucky last season not to get promoted, losing in the Play-Off Final, so it will be a tough game and another game to get sharper. When you go away to lower league teams they have nothing to lose and everything to gain, but if we get the result we want then that will bring more confidence for our home game on Saturday.

"Although when I started at Fulham in 1996 we were in the bottom division, to me we will always be considered a top flight team."

I can't wait to get back to the Cottage on Saturday for our game with Brighton – it seems like ages since the last one, which was a cracker against Middlesbrough. Ideally it won't be as tense as that but hopefully it will be a good game and performance. I've missed Gentleman Jim and I'm sure he'll say he's missed me, although I know I've got some competition now after he had Scott Parker alongside him in the gantry for the Crystal Palace friendly! I saw Scotty in a petrol station beforehand and he was asking about Jim, so I told him he's a good honest Fulham fanatic. Hopefully Scotty won't be in the commentary box again this season because we all want to see him back out on the pitch.

Brighton started off with a win in their first match, so it will be another difficult game at the weekend. Chris Hughton has brought in ex-Fulham man Bobby Zamora so hopefully it won't be one of those cases where a former player comes back to haunt you like David Stockdale did last season – he had a worldie game for Brighton against us.

It should be a good game and one I see us going and getting the three points in. I think it's important this season that our home form is good. We need to be consistent, we need to put in performances back-to-back because that's how you go up this league, if you go on a run. Last season it was a bit lose, draw, win, draw, lose, lose; very inconsistent. That's something Kit and his staff will be drumming into his players – keep that consistency, keep that high intensity because if you can get three or four wins in a row it pushes you higher up the league.

I want us to be fighting for promotion. I'd love to see us pushing to get back in the Premier League because although when I started at Fulham in 1996 we were in the bottom division, to me we will always be considered a top flight team. It's important to get a good start because the games will be coming thick and fast and they add up. If we can get a winning mentality, which we didn't have last year, it should stand us in good stead.

It's going to be tough to go up, it's a tough league, I've always said that. The main thing for us is to get clean sheets. Then we can get promoted because there's always a chance that we will score a goal with the talents we have going forward. The whole unit has to be consistent – often it's just the back four and goalie who get the criticism when we concede but mistakes are made further forward which lead to goals. So if we can be better as a unit it bodes well for us.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/august/11/the-sean-davis-column?

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Fulham open Ross McCormack contract talks?

Fulham have reportedly started new contract discussions with striker Ross McCormack.

The 28-year-old, who arrived at Craven Cottage last summer from Leeds United for £11m, scored 19 goals in all competitions last term.

That form is said to have alerted Norwich City and Middlesbrough, both of whom have supposedly monitored the centre-forward's situation in recent months.

However, the Whites do not want to sell and have decided to negotiate a new deal with the Scot, according to the Daily Mail.

McCormack featured for the entire 90 minutes during Fulham's 1-1 draw with his former club Cardiff City at the weekend.


http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/transfer-talk/news/fulham-open-mccormack-contract-talks_238629.html

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CORAL IN BETTING PARTNERSHIP WITH FULHAM FC

Extensive branding opportunities in stadia.

Coral has been named Official Betting & Gaming Partner by Fulham Football Club following the signing of a 2-year deal.

Coral will gain brand exposure throughout Fulham�EUR™s Craven Cottage grounds, sponsor the Putney End Stand & provide betting services on matchdays.


http://www.casinos-online.co.uk/news/20150811/coral-in-betting-partnership-with-fulham-fc/?

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Sources confirm Fulham and QPR interested in signing USMNT defender Tim Ream

U.S. national team defender Tim Ream is a man in demand.

Ream, 27, is a fans favorite at Bolton Wanderers after joining the club in 2012 from the New York Red Bulls but he could be on the move.

After two impressive seasons which have seen him named the club's Player of the Season back-to-back, Ream has interested two other Championship sides based in London.

A source close to the deal has confirmed to ProSoccerTalk that both Fulham and QPR are interested in signing Ream before the transfer window shuts on Sept. 1.

The source claims that QPR are growing impatient with Bolton after tabling bids, as manager Neil Lennon and the directors are reluctant to sell Ream, such is his importance to their defense.

Fulham's interest is fresher, with the Cottagers eager to improve this season after spending most of 2014-15 in the lower reaches of the Championship following their relegation from the PL in 2014.

Would either side be a step-up for Ream? Both QPR and Fulham is expected to make a charge towards the top six this season but its far from a forgone conclusion. Many would argue that Ream is better off staying where he is at Bolton as Lennon took charge last season and in a limited amount of time plenty of progress was made.

That said, with Fulham's long history of attracting American players and the draw of living in London advantageous to most players, perhaps Ream and his young family need a change of scenery after nearly four years in Lancashire. The St. Louis native played for the U.S. at the 2015 Gold Cup but was used sparingly by Jurgen Klinsmann and if he wants to become a regular in the USMNT setup, its likely he will need to join a team either in the PL or one that gets promoted to England's top-flight.

Less than six months after joining Bolton in 2012, Ream was relegated from the Premier League and Bolton have been scrapping away in the second-tier of English soccer ever since.


http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/2015/08/11/sources-confirm-fulham-and-qpr-interested-in-signing-usmnt-defender-tim-ream/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Middlesbrough and Norwich keeping tabs on Fulham forward

Middlesbrough and Norwich City are both reportedly monitoring Fulham's star striker Ross McCormack.

The Championship and Premier League club are both on high alert as the Cottagers aim to tie down the Scotland international to a new deal at Craven Cottage this summer in order to ward off interest from other clubs.

The 28-year-old, who joined Fulham from Leeds United for £11m last year, scored 19 goals in 51 appearances in all competitions for Kit Symons' men last season.

McCormack played the full 90 minutes in Fulham's opening day Championship draw at Cardiff City, but it is unsure on whether the forward will remain at Craven Cottage past the close of the summer transfer window on September 1.


http://www.shoot.co.uk/middlesbrough-and-norwich-keeping-tabs-on-fulham-forward/?

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Fulham striker set for Eredivisie switch?

Roda JC are set to move for Fulham striker Adam Taggart, after missing out on their first-choice target, according to Dutch publication Voetbal International.

The Netherlands club were in talks with former Western Sydney Wanderers forward Tomi Juric, but have pulled out of negotiations after the player's representatives upped his personal demands.

Roda will now turn their attention to fellow Australian international Taggart, who was not invloved in Fulham's squad for their opening fixture on Saturday as they drew with Cardiff City 1-1.

Taggart has yet to play for Fulham after joining the London club in June last year on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee, but injuries played a part in keeping the striker from appearing, last campaign.

The Fulham forward has slipped down the pecking order at Craven Cottage, with the likes of Matt Smith, Cauley Woodrow, Ross McCormack and Moussa Dembele all ahead of him.

The 22-year old was a part of the Australia squad at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and appeared as the Socceroos lost to both Spain and the Netherlands respectively.


Read more at http://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-striker-set-for-eredivisie-switch/?#hKAUQlPBe1bVw7sv.99

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Wycombe 0-1 Fulham: Alexander Kacaniklic's cool finish puts Kit Symons' side into Capital One Cup second round

Alexander Kacaniklic scored the only goal in the 69th minute for Fulham
Championship team evaded an upset at the League Two side's Adams Park
Symons fielded strong team in first League Cup round one tie since 2000

Alex Kacaniklic spared Fulham's blushes as he scored the only goal of the game against a spirited Wycombe side.

The Sweden international fired Kit Symons' side into the second round of the Capital One Cup after good work from summer signing Ben Pringle.

Fulham have not played in the first round of the League Cup since 2000 - but Symons showed the competition plenty of respect by fielding a strong team.

And although the Championship side had the better of the game they were frustrated by a stubborn Wycombe side.


Alexander Kacaniklic (left) celebrates with his goal's provider Ben Pringle (right) as Fulham go 1-0 up


It took until the 69th minute for Championship side Fulham to break the deadlock through the Swedish winger

But Symons was pleased with his side's application and being in the hat for the next round.

'We defended excellently and we looked really solid,' said Symons, who took over from Felix Magath last season. 'They put a lot of balls into our box and put us under a lot of pressure.

'The goal was a good break. I knew at half-time that the game would either be won by us not defending balls into the box, or from a little bit of quality from us.

'So it was a good ball across and then a good finish. I was pleased to see it go in.

'We defended excellently - we looked solid. They put a lot of balls into our box and put us under a lot of pressure.

'I wanted to win the game as I knew it would be a tough game. I made a few changes without weakening the team.

'Last season I inherited a squad of players seven games in which in my opinion wasn't quite right. It was a struggle and we had to address that during the summer.

'This year we've got a tight squad but a really good squad. If we can get one or two more players we're going to be looking really good.'

Fulham's first chance came when Pringle whipped in a dangerous cross from the left and the ball fell to Ross McCormack - but the striker pulled his shot wide of the far post.

Another of Fulham's summer signings, Tom Cairney, then found himself in a good position on the edge of the box, but as he lined up his shot defender Anthony Stewart dived in to make an excellent interception and clear the ball from danger.


Fulham keeper Marcus Bettinelli clashes with Dan Rowe as he almost puts Wycombe Wanderers ahead


A rainbow frames Wycombe's Adams Park on Tuesday night during the Capital One Cup first round match

It was not all one-way traffic though as Garry Thompson played a perfectly weighted ball into the area and Marcus Bean burst through but was unable to get his shot away.

Fulham continued to press and Kacaniklic - who started out on the left and then switched over to the right hand side - cut in from the wing and fired a low shot just wide of Matt Ingram's goal.

Then against the run of play Wycombe had a fortuitous chance to take the lead when Joe Jacobson whipped in a dangerous free kick and it looked like a routine save for Marcus Bettinelli - but the England U21 keeper fumbled and the ball fell to Danny Rowe who struck just wide of the Fulham goal.


Wanderers' Aaron Holloway (left) flies into a challenge with Shaun Hutchinson in the clash west of London

Fulham did have the ball in the net five minutes before half time but McCormack was ruled out for offside after a neat finish.

Wycombe looked lively after the break with Michael Harriman - on loan from QPR - looked dangerous on the right.

Fulham suffered an injury blow early in the second half when Jack Grimmer was carried off on a stretcher after a hard challenge from Thompson.

And then they went close again to breaking the deadlock when Kacaniklic fired a left footed shot from the edge of the area - but Ingram was able to make a comfortable save.


Kacaniklic is challenged from behind by Wycombe's Joe Jacobson during their League Cup encounter


Fulham's Jack Grimmer is removed from the pitch on a stretcher after a hard challenge from Garry Thompson

There was no disputing his effort midway through the second half though when Pringle made an excellent break down the left wing and cut the ball across to Kacaniklic, who was unmarked on the penalty spot and fired past Matt Ingram to give Fulham the lead in front of the travelling fans.

Substitute Matt Smith almost doubled the lead when he rose highest to head just wide at the far post.

Wycombe threw everything at Fulham in the dying minutes and Gareth Ainsworth put last season's top scorer Paul Hayes on to try and force extra time.

But despite having everyone in Fulham's half - bar keeper Ingram - they were unable to force an equaliser and the Championship side held on to progress to the second round.

But Wycombe manager Gareth Ainsworth was proud of his players, he said: 'There were millions or pound of talent on the pitch and we showed what we're about in a really good way.


Kacaniklic puts Fulham ahead with a quality finish in the 69th minute against the spirited League Two side


The Swedish forward lifts the ball into the roof of the net beyond Wycombe keeper Matt Ingram


Fulham fans sang 'We only came for the sunset' as nature delivered a bright orange show in the sky

'I think we've got the respect of the Fulham players, the fans, the staff and if we play like that in the league we won't go far wrong at all.

'I'm really pleased for the boys because we gave them a test. They only had one shot on goal in the second half and it was their goal.

'It was a disappointing goal to concede but going forward I think we did really well. We definitely created some great opportunities, but they just lacked that final touch or ball or pass. Little things go for you sometimes, and I'm looking forward to getting them in the league.

'There's players out there worth 10 years of my budget. It's crackers! It's great to see my boys match them and then some.

'We had some individuals who probably played better than their opposite number, and that's really encouraging.'


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-3194234/Wycombe-0-1-Fulham-Alexander-Kacaniklic-s-cool-finish-puts-Kit-Symons-Capital-One-Cup-second-round.html#ixzz3iaDGyTuA
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

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Wycombe 0-1 Fulham: what Kit Symons said as well as news on horror injury for Jack Grimmer

Whites boss offers verdict on Capital Cup win

News on Jack Grimmer
We're waiting to hear - and it's his ankle, but anyone who comes off on a stretcher, and he's not one for rolling around, but it's fingers crossed for the guy.

It looks like there is a new signing on the way
There are positive talks going on at the moment, but I can't say much more than that

On the new Fulham squad
I inherited a squad that wasn't quite right, and balance is the most important thing in football in the squad. You need a bit of everything and we've got that this year.

If we can add to that and improve it.

On selecting Marcus Bettinelli ahead of Andy Lonergan
He was back because I picked him for tonight's team. Lonners (Andy Lonergan) had a really good game last Saturday at Cardiff. Marcus (Bettinelli) had a really good game tonight.

It's what I was saying about balance in the squad, and it offers me a choice on Saturday (against) Cardiff.


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/wycombe-0-1-fulham-what-9838331?

[WhiteJC]

 
Kacaniklic clinches safe passage for Fulham
by DAN on AUGUST 12, 2015

A breakaway goal from Alex Kacaniklic ensured a nervy Fulham side avoided any embarrassment at League Two Wycombe Wanderers tonight and made it safely into the hat for Thursday's second round draw in the Capital One Cup.

Gareth Ainsworth's side made life tough for their Championship visitors with a disciplined defensive display and, as the contest went on, the hosts grew in confidence, penning Fulham deep into their half during a second half bombardment. But Kit Symons will have been encouraged both by the way that his new-look side dealt with Wycombe's physical threat – keeping a rare clean sheet – and with the moment of quality that settled the tie. A swift counter-attack, sparked by substitute Matt Smith winning a header on the half way line, saw Tom Cairney release Ben Pringle with a sumptuous through ball and the tricky winger delivered the perfect cross for the previously panicky Kacaniklic to fire into the top corner from ten yards.

It was a flowing move that proved largely out of keeping with a sedate, scrappy game that was remarkable only for the ineptitude of referee Gavin Ward, who inexplicably failed to book Garry Thompson for a horrid lunge that ended Jack Grimmer's evening. The Scottish defender left the field on a stretcher after a lengthy stoppage with suspected Achilles damage and Symons admitted he was worried by the prospect of a 'nasty' injury. The incident seemed to enliven proceedings, with goalmouth chances having proved at a premium before the break.

Wycombe's best openings both fell to Thompson, whose early header lacked enough power to seriously trouble the recalled Marcus Bettinelli in the Fulham goal, but the veteran then sliced wastefully over from much closer range after the home side had easily won two headers in quick succession at a set-piece. Ross McCormack proved Fulham's most potent threat, although the Scottish international would have been disappointed to drag his shot wide of goal from twenty yards out. When McCormack did beat Matt Ingram with an emphatic finish to a lovely team move involving Tom Cairney and Kacaniklic, an offside flag snuffed out Fulham's celebrations.

Fulham had to weather a bright opening to the second half from their hosts, but a defence well marshalled again by Shaun Hutchinson and protected superbly by the excellent Jamie O'Hara, stood firm before Fulham wrestled back control of the contest. Kacaniklic, who frequently swapped wings with the impressive Pringle, stung Ingram's palms with a rising drive from the right before popping up perfectly to put Fulham in front just after Symons had introduced Smith for Cauley Woodrow. The goal visibly relaxed Fulham and Cairney, playing in a more central role than the position he occupied at Cardiff on Saturday, showed off a few clever touches in advanced positions.

There was a first sighting of Finnish international Sakari Matilla, who replaced the peerless O'Hara for the final seven minutes, and Fulham's new signing was robust enough to disrupt Wycombe's attempts to feed substitute Paul Hayes with high balls in the closing stages. Whilst the Whites weren't clinical enough to kill off the contest with a second goal, the fact that they didn't concede another late equaliser will have satisfied Symons. Indeed, Fulham's defensive diligence ensured that, despite all their late pressure, Wycombe failed to seriously trouble Bettinelli as the clock ticked down.

WYCOMBE WANDERERS (4-4-2): Ingram; Jombati, Jacobson, Rowe, Stewart; Harriman, Bean, McGinn, Wood (Sellers 77); Thompson (Banton 74), Amadi-Holloway (Hayes 83). Subs (not used): Richardson, Bloomfield, O'Nien.

BOOKED: Rowe, Harriman.

FULHAM (4-4-2): Bettinelli; Grimmer (Richards 62), Voser, Hutchinson, Bodurov; O'Hara (Matilla 83), Cairney, Kacaniklic, Pringle; McCormack, Woodrow (Smith 68).

BOOKED: Kacaniklic, O'Hara.

GOAL: Kacaniklic (69).

REFEREE: Gavin Ward (Surrey).

ATTENDANCE: 4,012.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2015/08/kacaniklic-clinches-safe-passage-for-fulham/?

[WhiteJC]

 
From new Florida shirt sponsor to new pro player, Fulhamerica is still a thing

Sometime earlier this decade, the death knell of Fulhamerica rang out in the American media. Gone from the English side were players like Brian McBride, Carlos Bocanegra and Clint Dempsey, and that American Player in London vibe was left to Deuce at his new digs at White Hart Lane.

Maybe the American vibe never went away, but it's blossoming again under owner Shahid "Shad" Khan. The Pakistani businessman bought the team in 2013, and there's been a Fulhamerica revitalization under Khan (who also owns the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League).

That's increased with Fulham's new shirt sponsor, and another pro player joining the club's ranks.

With Emerson Hyndman making an impact for the club already at age 19, MLSSoccer.com reported today that 17-year-old San Diego attacking midfielder Luca de la Torre (above) has inked a professional contract with the club (He's currently with the Fulham U-18s).

And the next time either of those players nets a goal for the Cottagers, you'll see the Southern Sun beaming off their chests (in a sense, scroll down for image). Visit Florida is the new Fulham shirt sponsor, to the tune of "high six figures".

In return, Visit Florida expects a lot of Londoners abroad. From The Sun Sentinel:

"I love Fulham and I love Florida, so naturally it brings me a lot of satisfaction to see two of my personal passions become one," Khan, a supporter of Gov. Rick Scott, said in a prepared statement. "One of my stated goals has long been the expansion and development of Fulham as an international brand, particularly in the U.S. Visit Florida has a great tourism and leisure story to tell in the competitive London and UK market, and I don't think there can be a better way of communicating all Florida has to offer than through the power and following of Fulham Football Club."

The one-year deal, which Paul Phipps, Visit Florida's chief marketing officer, said is "high six-figures," is expected to generate a $3 return in Florida for each $1 spent.

"We think this sport ties into a very passionate fan base, and Florida can become the destination of choice," Phipps said. "You have to find new and different ways to communicate your brand."

That could be worth close to $200 million to Florida in tourism, Phipps says in the article. It's little surprise that big American dollars would look into the value of Visit Malaysia's deal with Cardiff City and similar deals.

Whether de la Torre becomes a force for Fulham or the USMNT — he also holds a Spanish passport — the returning Fulhamerica vibe is sure to bring back warm memories for many American fans. Now can it help bring back Premier League football to Craven Cottage?


http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/2015/08/11/from-new-florida-shirt-sponsor-to-new-pro-player-fulhamerica-is-still-a-thing/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Bolton rebuff Fulham bid for Ream
by DAN on AUGUST 12, 2015

Bolton manager Neil Lennon revealed tonight that the club had turned down two bids for American defender Tim Ream from Championship rivals.

Speaking after Wanderers' Capital One Cup defeat at the hands of Burton Albion, Lennon said that offers from Fulham and QPR had both been rejected and that the 27 year-old could still leave the club before the close of the summer transfer window.

We have had two bids, one from QPR and one from Fulham. Obviously [they are] not the valuation we see the player at so it is as you are. If and when a bid comes in that satisfies the club, we have a decision to make.

You always make contingency plans. Every player has his price but at the moment we are in no panic to sell. He should train on Thursday so he should be in the squad for the weekend.

Kit Symons, who told BBC Radio London tonight that successful talks were ongoing regarding the potential signing of several Fulham targets, has been keen to strengthen his back line for much of the summer. Fulham have made several offers for Brighton centre back Lewis Dunk – with newspaper reports suggesting another bid might well be in the pipeline – and have also seen bids for Wolves defender Richard Steerman and Sheffield Wednesday centre back Tom Lees turned down.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2015/08/bolton-rebuff-fulham-bid-for-ream/?

[WhiteJC]

 
'We'll need to speak to the player and his agent' impressive striker set for Bristol City move

Bristol City have had an undisclosed fee, believed to be £6million, for Crystal Palace striker Dwight Gayle accepted, boss Steve Cotterill has confirmed.

The Championship Robins, who were beaten in the Capital One Cup first round at League Two Luton on Tuesday, will now discuss terms with the 24-year-old.

"We've had a bid accepted and that's as far as it's gone," Cotterill told the club's official website.

"We need to speak to the player and his agent. I don't think anything has changed whilst we've been playing so maybe we'll know more on Wednesday. "He's someone we'd like to have at the football club."

Gayle, who joined Palace from Peterborough in the summer of 2013, scored 10 goals in 29 appearances last season, but does not appear to be in Alan Pardew's plans following the arrivals of Patrick Bamford and Connor Wickham at Selhurst Park.

If the striker can agree personal terms on a switch to Ashton Gate, he will become the Robins' club-record transfer, comfortably eclipsing the £2.25million they paid for Nicky Maynard in 2008. West Ham and Fulham had been linked with the forward this summer.


Read more at: http://www.london24.com/sport/football/clubs/crystal-palace/we_ll_need_to_speak_to_the_player_and_his_agent_impressive_striker_set_for_bristol_city_move_1_4189780
Copyright © LONDON24

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Academy Update

The Club is pleased to announce that a number of our young players have now signed professional terms at Fulham.

Further to the news that Aron Davies, Josh Walker, Aaron Redford and Elijah Adebayo had all gone pro, we can now confirm that midfielders Luca de la Torre and Foday Nabay have signed deals until June 2018, while Tayo Edun, Mattias Kait and Anthony Dolan have agreed terms until June 2017.

Furthermore, Academy youngsters Jerome Opoku, Cassian Thomas, Taye Ashby-Hammond, Marlon Fossey, Dennis Adeniran and Joshua Lukwata have begun scholarships at the Club, as have Moritz Jenz, Jon Dagur Thorsteinsson and Mikolaj Kwietniewski, who have arrived from clubs in Germany, Iceland and Poland respectively.

Photo (l-r): Redford, de la Torre, Walker, Adebayo, Davies, Edun, Kait, Dolan


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/august/11/academy-update