Tuesday Fulham Stuff (29/09/15)...

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Exclusive: Fulham move for Charlton chief scout

Charlton chief scout Phil Chapple is leaving - to take up the same role at Championship rivals Fulham.

The 48-year-old has been in his current job with the Addicks since 2007.

But west London sources have revealed to the South London Press that Chapple is on the move to Craven Cottage.

It now remains to be seen how the Addicks fill the role.

Chapple will work under Mike Rigg, who joined Fulham as chief football officer.

Fulham recruited well in the summer with the likes of Jamie O'Hara snapped up on a free transfer and Tom Cairney joining from Blackburn Rovers.

Now Chapple will play a key part in their player recruitment.


http://www.southlondon-today.co.uk/article.cfm?id=3695&headline=Exclusive%3A+Fulham+move+for+Charlton+chief+scout&year=2015

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Fulham v QPR: the final word from the press box

...from the journalist who covers BOTH clubs


Head to head: Kit Symons (L) and Chris Ramsey

Fulham have already hit fifth gear from first whistle - never did they finish in the fast lane like Friday.

For those who saw it: think Blackburn a couple of weeks ago. A great first half gave way to Whites backs against walls in the second.

QPR were never in the Rover class.


Early doors: Moussa Dembele

From the second minute when Ryan Tunnicliffe dropped a shoulder, got round James Perch and picked out an unmarked Moussa Dembele to head home, it looked over and out.

It was a goal that would leave any coach bereft - never mind Chris Ramsey. The Rs coach must have wondered why he and the backroom staff prepared all week when you concede like that.

Even so, Mass Luongo should have levelled, but snatched his shot when through to hit the side netting rather than the back of it.

And that was that from an Rs point of view.

Why so emphatic for a Fulham side less than Championship contenders so far?

The blunt truth is Rangers have also yet to shine, save Charlie Austin in attack.

More worrying, man for man, apart from Rob Green in goal, and that was because Andy Longeran had so little to do, Fulham were a yard quicker, hungrier and creative.

Matt Phillips? This was a player touted as anything from £4m to £8m in the transfer window. James Husband pocketed him.


In charge: James Husband (R)

Austin himself? He got nought supply, and when he did get hold of the ball Tim Ream and Richard Stearman were so tight to him, they could have been Tangoing in Strictly.

The Rs midfield looked barren of ideas. In contrast, Tom Cairney, Tunnicliffe and Jamie O'Hara hammered away - and in the end 4-0 disguised wasted chances. Steadier shooting in the last 10 minutes and it would have been 6-0 like four years ago.

Ramsey might have signed Ryan Fredericks during the summer. Instead, he opted for Wigan's James Perch.


Speed merchant: Ryan Fredericks

Judging by the pair's performances on Friday, he got the wrong one.

Rangers for the top six? On this showing, they'll be luck to avoid the bottom half dozen, while Fulham should cash in on this showing and head towards to the play-offs.


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-v-qpr-final-word-10145998?

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U21 Preview: Fulham (H)

Derby County's Under 21s return to Barclays Under 21 Premier League – Division 2 action this evening by hosting Fulham at the iPro Stadium, kick-off: 7pm.

The fixture represents the first of Darren Wassall's fixtures to be held at Derby County's home ground with their previous two against Aston Villa and Swansea City being contested at St George's Park.

Tickets for the game - which will be located in the Toyota West Stand Lower - are available to buy online at WeAreDerby.com, over the phone on 0871 472 1884 (option 1) or in person from the Unite the Union Ticket Office during normal opening hours.

Supporters purchasing online can take advantage of the Print @ Home service.

Ticket prices have been confirmed as follows:

£3 Adults
£1 Under 18s
FREE Season Ticket Holders

Purchases will be available on arrival at the Ticket Office tonight but the Rams are advising supporters to book in advance and take advantage of the Print @ Home service, to avoid any queues.

Wassall's side head into this evening's meeting unbeaten in two having first returned to winning ways against Swansea, before being held to a draw against West Bromwich Albion.

The Rams fought back to defeat the Swans 2-1 at St George's Park – courtesy of goals from Max Lowe and Ivan Calero – before Alban Bunjaku's effort against West Brom was cancelled out in the second half.


Read more at http://www.dcfc.co.uk/news/article/u21-preview-fulham-h-2714480.aspx#hdcBPvGmmDClOJzY.99

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Aitor Karanka gives green light for Boro's James Husband to extend Fulham loan spell

The defender is set to extend his loan stint at Craven Cottage, confirmed Boro head coach Aitor Karanka.


James Husband

Aitor Karanka has given the green light for Boro defender James Husband to extend his loan spell at Fulham.

The defender's one-month stay at Craven Cottage ended after the Londoners' 4-0 win over QPR on Friday evening, and the 22-year-old has impressed during his second loan stint in the capital.

The left-back, who Boro signed from Doncaster Rovers last summer, has found first-team opportunities on Teesside limited over the last 12 months, largely due to the form of George Friend.

And Karanka has given his permission for Husband to extend his stay at Fulham - believing he has adequate cover in that position in Friend and Fernando Amorebieta.

When asked if he expects a deal to be agreed with Fulham , Karanka said: "I think so because we don't have problems (in that position) at the moment.

"He's another player who has a good future but I can't guarantee him games.

"It's better for him to be playing, but it's also important to us that he's playing for his development."

Husband moved to Fulham originally as cover for injured Everton loanee Luke Garbutt, but has caught the eye in recent weeks and has become a mainstay in Kit Symons' side.

I'd like to extend Hubby's loan. He's come in and done really well, and we would like to keep him here longer," Symons confirmed after Friday's win.

"Luke Garbutt is back in full training now, and we're going to need a strong squad for this challenge in the Championship.

"It's tough and we are going to lose players through injuries or suspensions, and we're going to need a really strong squad.

"Hubby's been brilliant and I'm delighted we've got him. The longer we can keep him, that would be great."

On Saturday, Karanka also sanctioned Adam Reach's three-month loan move to Preston North End , with the winger struggling to nail down a starting berth on Teesside.


http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/james-husband-middlesbrough-fulham-loan-10146296?

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O'Hara's Nomination

Jamie O'Hara has been nominated for the first PFA Fans' Championship Player of the Month Award.

The shortlist is compiled by a panel of expert judges, and fans can vote for their choice on skysports.com, who have teamed up with the PFA to be the digital platform for the awards.

O'Hara faces competition from Charlie Austin, Nick Blackman, Clayton Donaldson, Ryan Fraser, Tomer Hemed, Emyr Huws, Michael Keane, Kike, Jordan Rhodes, Orlando Sa and Ross Wallace.

One voting fan will win the chance to meet and present the Player of the Month with the award, and one of the winners will join the shortlisting panel for the following month's vote.

You can vote for Jamie by following the below link.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/september/28/oharas-nomination?

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Goal Cam: QPR

Relive the Whites hammering QPR from a different perspective, from our low angle, behind the goal cameras.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-h1WI1U_M5U

http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/september/28/goal-cam-qpr?

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Under-21s' Rams Trip

Peter Grant will have a strong squad to choose from when Fulham Under-21s face Derby County at the iPro Stadium on Monday night (7pm).

Scott Parker, George Williams and Luke Garbutt have all been pencilled in for some game time as they aim to recapture some match sharpness following their respective periods on the sidelines.

Our U21s go into the game in good form and will be looking for their third win on the bounce, after recent maximum points hauls from meetings with Stoke City and Blackburn Rovers.

The Rams currently sit two points and places behind Fulham in the table, and they also go into the game unbeaten in two after taking four points from their previous matches against Swansea City and West Bromwich Albion.

Peter Grant's match preview

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kw979syWAk

http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/september/28/under-21s-rams-trip?

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Fulham v Wolves

SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP
Venue: Craven Cottage Date: Tuesday, 29 September Kick-off: 19:45 BST
Coverage: Listen on BBC Radio 5 live and BBC local radio; text commentary on the BBC Sport website

TEAM NEWS

Fulham boss Kit Symons could be without Jazz Richards, George Williams, (both knee), Scott Parker and Luke Garbutt (both ankle).

All could feature for the club's under-21s on Monday night but are likely to still be absent for the first team.

Wolves coach Kenny Jackett may promote Sheyi Ojo and Nathan Byrne to the starting line-up.

Wolves have no new problems but remain without Dave Edwards (knee) for the foreseeable future.

MATCH FACTS
Fulham have lost three of their last four league games against Wolves, failing to score in each defeat (won one).
Wolves have scored in just two of their last six trips to Craven Cottage.
The Cottagers have scored in each of their eight league games this season, though they've also kept just one clean sheet.
Wolves have won just one of their last seven league games (D3 L3).
Kenny Jackett's side are the only team yet to concede a goal in the final 15 minutes in the Championship this season.


http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/34321292

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Preview: Fulham vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers

Two sides with contrasting form meet in the Championship on Tuesday night when Fulham play host to Wolverhampton Wanderers at Craven Cottage.

The hosts have taken nine points from their last four games, while Wolves have taken four and dropped into the bottom half of the table as a result.

FulhamRoss McCormack celebrates scoring for Fulham on September 13, 2015
© Getty Images
Fulham have been picked out by many as potential promotion candidates this season, and in recent weeks they have started to show why.

Wins against Rotherham United and Blackburn Rovers took Kit Symons's side away from the bottom three prior to the 3-2 defeat at Sheffield Wednesday last weekend. The Cottagers became the first team to lose to the Yorkshire outfit since the opening day of the season at Hillsborough.

However, they put that disappointing result well behind them on Friday night as they thumped Queens Park Rangers 4-0 at the Cottage.

A much improved performance was the foundation for a notable victory against their West London rivals, with goals from Moussa Dembele, Ben Pringle and a double from Ross McCormack doing the damage.

The result will give Fulham fans hope that there is a successful season ahead of them and it will certainly have made the rest of the division stand up and take notice.

Recent form: LDWWLW
Recent form (all competitions): WWWLLW

Wolverhampton WanderersKenny 'Grab Your' Jackett looks on during Wolves' game against Hull City on August 16, 2015
© Getty Images
Wolves have been in poor form of late, winning just one of their last six games to slip to 16th in the Championship table.

After narrowly missing out on the playoffs last season, Kenny Jackett's side were tipped to be among the contenders again this term, although that looks some way off at this point in time.

However, the tight nature of this division means that a top-six place is not out of reach, and Wolves are more than capable of putting a good run together to pull away from the bottom.

They have drawn both of their last two games, holding leaders Brighton & Hove Albion to a stalemate at Molineux last weekend before securing a 1-1 draw at Preston North End on Saturday.

It could have been much worse at Deepdale, but Kevin McDonald struck in the 91st minute to earn the Midlanders a point against the nine-man Lillywhites.

Recent form: LLWLDD
Recent form (all competitions): WWLDLD

Team NewsJazz Richards in action for Swansea on August 26, 2014
© Getty Images
Ahead of the visit of Wolves, Fulham boss Symons has a number of injury concerns.

The Welshman could be without Jazz Richards in addition to Scott Parker, Luke Garbutt and George Williams, although he will be tempted to stick with the side that breezed past QPR.

Wolves improved in the second half at Preston on Saturday, thanks to the half-time introductions of Sheyi Ojo and Nathan Byrne, so Jackett could think about promoting the pair to the starting XI.

Dave Edwards remains sidelined with his knee injury, while Conor Coady also misses out as he serves the final match of his three-game ban folowing his straight red card in the draw with Brighton.

Fulham possible starting lineup:
Lonergan; Fredericks, Ream, Stearman, Husband; Cairney, Tunnicliffe, O'Hara, Pringle; McCormack, Dembele

Wolverhampton Wanderers possible starting lineup:
Martinez; Iorfa, Batth, Hause, Golbourne; McDonald, Price, van La Parra, Wallace, Henry; Afobe

Head To Head
This fixture has tended to go Wolves's way in the 81 times that it has been played. They have won 37 times to Fulham's 22, while there have also been 22 draws.

Wolves did the double over their London opponents last season, winning on their last visit to Craven Cottage last August before cruising to a 3-0 success in the return in February.

Fulham's last home win came when the sides were both in the Premier League in March 2012. On that day, a hat-trick from Pavel Pogrebnyak and a brace for Clint Dempsey saw the Cottagers thump Wolves 5-0.

We say: Fulham 2-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers

Fulham have been in fine fettle and the comprehensive victory over QPR will lift spirits among players and fans even more.

They will be looking to continue that form here and, while Wolves might have picked up two decent points from their last two outings, Fulham should have just enough to see them off.


http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/preview/preview-fulham-vs-wolverhampton-wanderers_249178.html?#$$nvfg74&&+W6kwmZ5EeWNMgqwEpaN4w$$

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Kit: On To The Next

Manager Kit Symons allowed his players a moment to savour the QPR triumph but revealed full focus soon turned to Wolverhampton.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GODYwDyNuM

http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/september/28/manager-video?

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MATCH REPORT: Derby County U21s 3-0 Fulham U21s

Derby County's Under 21s extended their unbeaten run to three games with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Fulham at the iPro Stadium on Monday evening.

A first half strike from Ivan Calero had Derby in front early on and second half finishes from Alex Pearce and substitute Shaquille McDonald settled the Barclays Under 21 Premier League Division 2 fixture.

Derby have now won two of their last three games, drawing the other one, and showed a ruthless streak to their game in an impressive display under the floodlights.

Darren Wassall's side contained just two regular first-team squad members in central defender Pearce and midfielder Jamie Hanson. Their experience told in key areas of the team with Pearce, in particular, a calming and assured influence on his team-mates at the heart of the defence.

The Republic of Ireland international has featured in just one game for Paul Clement's side this season following arrival from Reading, in the Capital One Cup against Portsmouth, and was given the opportunity to get match minutes under his belt.

Hanson, a graduate of Derby's Academy, has made a handful of first-team outings this term and, like Pearce, was given a run out to remain up to match speed.

Fulham's line-up, meanwhile, included the experienced former England international midfielder Scott Parker, on-loan Everton full-back Luke Garbutt and Wales international striker George Williams.

It was the Cottagers who settled quicker in the opening exchanges, enjoying spells of possession high up the pitch and Parker seeing plenty of the ball. Concentration proved to be key early on and Derby kept their defensive shape as Fulham pushed for an early goal.

However, the Rams evaded that spell of pressure and grew into the game, taking the lead after 17 minutes.

Mason Bennett did superbly down the right to advance into the box and cut back to Isak Ssewankambo, who saw his shot cannon back off the post, leaving Calero with the simple task of lashing the ball into the roof of the net from a few yards out on the rebound.

Derby enjoyed even more of the play from that point, growing in confidence, and Calero nearly added to his and the Rams' tally on the half hour with a curling effort from the edge of the box that went just over the bar.

Fulham's first shot on target came on 37 minutes, but it proved to be a routine one for Jonathan Mitchell in goal to deal with as he easily got his hands behind Williams' tame effort from the edge of the box.

The goalkeeper also had to be alert in the final minute of the half to dive bravely at the feet of Williams in the box, in order to deny the former MK Dons forward the chance to get a shot away following a scramble.

The second half kicked off with a high tempo from both sides, but chances proved to be limited with the only effort before the hour being a curling effort from Callum Guy for Derby that Marek Rodak easily saved in the Fulham goal.

The Rams then took control of proceedings with two goals in eight minutes proving to be decisive.

On 65 minutes, Derby doubled their lead. Hanson drifted a corner into the box from the right and, with Fulham unable to clear their lines, Pearce fired a low effort into the bottom corner with his left foot after the ball fell kindly into his path.

Another goal followed on 72 minutes and it proved to be a spectacular one as McDonald, four minutes after coming off the bench, let fly with a superb right-foot effort from distance which flew into the top corner

The final 15 minutes were fairly routine for Derby as they saw out proceedings to continue their rise up the league table and more goals could have followed, but Guy and McDonald had shots saved.

The Under 21s' next league fixture a long trip south to Brighton & Hove Albion on 19th October.

Derby County Under 21s: Mitchell, Ssewankambo, Lowe, Hanson, Pearce, Koblenz, Guy, Santos, Bunjaku (Zanzala 68), Bennett (McDonald 68), Calero (Vernam 77)

Substitutes Not Used: Mackay, Wassall

Fulham Under 21s: Rodak, Sheckleford, Garbutt (Evans 53), Parker (Elworthy 53), Pino Soler, Burgess, O'Halloran, Edun, Walker, Williams (De La Torre 60), Kait

Substitutes Not Used: Dawber


Read more at http://www.dcfc.co.uk/news/article/match-report-derby-county-u21s-3-0-fulham-u21s-2716388.aspx#3tTcqV7eikgStc4Q.99

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Parker and Garbutt play in Fulham Under-21 game

Scott Parker and Luke Garbutt featured for Fulham's Under-21 side in a match against Derby on Monday evening.

Both men have been nursing ankle injuries and have not played a first-team match this season – Garbutt was injured in a pre-season friendly against Crystal Palace soon after being signed on loan from Everton.

They played 53 minutes of the game at the iPro Stadium, where Derby won 3-0 with goals from Ivan Calero, Alex Pearce and Shaquille McDonald.


http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/football-wls-scott-parker-and-luke-garbutt-play-as-fulham-under-21s-are-well-beaten-by-derby

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Fulham defender Richard Stearman doesn't want a repeat of rollercoaster ride with Wolves

Defender played in three divisions for old club but will be happy with two at Fulham


Wolves reunion: Richard Stearman

Richard Stearman played in three different divisions during his time with Wolves but would be happy with experiencing just two at Fulham.

The transfer window deadline day signing swapped Molineux for Craven Cottage in the summer after a rollercoaster seven years in the West Midlands.

Stearman enjoyed two promotions, suffered two relegations and featured in the Premier League, Championship and League One for his hometown club.

Such a gamut of emotions left the centre-back drained and he is focused purely on helping the Whites get back to the top-flight this season.

Richard Stearman's 2014-15 season with Wolves
Appearances
45

Bookings
11

The visit of his former employers this evening represents the next obstacle on the road to the promised land and Stearman is looking forward to the early reunion.

"It's just football," he said. "I was going to have to play them at some point and I might have some inside knowledge as well so it will be good to play against them.

"League One is somewhere I don't want to be again for a very long time - if at all - and I've experienced great highs and lows with Wolves.

"I'd be happy with just the great highs here and I want to get back in the Premier League as quickly as possible. That's why I joined."

Stearman was named Wolves' player of the year last season by the club's fans and players but was allowed to leave Molineux by manager Kenny Jackett.

Such was the supporters' affection for the 28-year-old, an online poll showed more than 80 per cent of the Molineux faithful wanted the centre-back to stay.

"It's nice to hear and I'd rather it was that way round than 80 per cent telling me to go," he added. "I had a great affinity with my last team and something I want to replicate here.

"I know I've got to earn that respect through my performances but it's something I'm looking to achieve here."


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-defender-richard-stearman-doesnt-10131652?

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"The 12th Man"

The atmosphere created by the home fans at Craven Cottage on Friday was absolutely electric. From the first whistle to the last, the Whites supporters were in fine voice – an effort which was replicated by the boys' stunning performance on the pitch.

A similar outcome on Tuesday evening against Wolverhampton Wanderers would be most welcome, with several of the players taking to Twitter after the Queens Park Rangers win to highlight how influential the fans were.

It may not be a local derby on Tuesday but we need you to get behind the lads as vociferously as you did against Rangers, as a win would move Fulham up to eighth in the table – just one point behind Reading in third!

Tickets will be available to purchase on the gate from advertised cash turnstiles, priced from £25 for adults and £15 for juniors.

Let's stick together – COYW.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/september/29/the-12th-man?

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Stepping Up

Despite his diminutive stature, you can't miss Ben Pringle with his mop of blond hair. Cauley Woodrow takes great delight in telling us Pringle's nickname of 'Boris Johnson'.

"It's nothing I haven't heard before," smiles Pringle, who has settled in seamlessly to life at Fulham off the pitch. On it, he admits there is plenty more to come from him following his summer arrival on a free transfer from Rotherham United.

"I don't think Fulham fans have seen the best of me," he tells Tuesday's official matchday programme. "They've seen glimpses but people are still getting used to each other in the team. There have been a lot of new signings, some have picked it up straight away, with myself it's been more of a slower process. But hopefully the more games I play, the lads will start to learn what I want to do each time I get the ball so things will only improve."

It's been a long road for Ben Pringle to get to where he is now. Born in Newcastle, he spent time on the books of the famous Wallsend Boys Club and then played for city rivals Cramlington Juniors before being spotted by West Bromwich Albion.

Rejected by the Baggies a year later, he played in non-League with Morpeth Town and then joined Gretna. When the Scottish side folded, he spent a brief period back home with local side Newcastle Blue Star. A disillusioned Pringle thought his dream of making it as a professional footballer was over.

"It hurt when West Brom let me go," admits the left-footed Pringle. "But they were in the Premier League. Bryan Robson was the manager and they couldn't really afford to be putting young lads in.

"I went to Ibiza for three months and worked out there, living in an apartment with my mates. I was living the life but my dad said I should come back and give it one more shot at football.

"David Holdsworth, my old Gretna youth-team manager, persuaded me to sign for Ilkeston Town where he was boss. It was my last chance to put myself in the shop window really. I did a season there where I was driving from Whitley Bay every two or three days. I'd drive three-and-a-half hours there, train and then drive back. It was hard - it was a 330-mile round trip - but it was a sacrifice I had to make."

To read the full interview with Pringle, get your hands on a copy of the new-look matchday programme against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Tuesday.

Other highlights in the only matchday magazine that matters - which is also available to download digitally from 9am on Tuesday - are:

Manager Kit Symons looks back on Friday's magnificent win over QPR
Scott Parker pens his Captain's column
Richard Stearman answers some random questions in the Name Game
Former Wolves midfielder Colin Cameron recalls his stint at Molineux
Mark Newson remembers his spell in SW6
We continue to take a walk down memory lane to the 1998/99 promotion-winning season
And there's a host of new features including One Hit Wonders, First & Last, Back On This Day and Unseen FFC

Priced £3.50, the 84-page publication is available from various sellers on Stevenage Road from two hours before kick-off. Or order it online from ProgrammeMaster.

For just £1.99, the programme is also available as a digital download with added video content from 9am on Tuesday, so whether you're at home or away, you need never be without it on your iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, PC or Mac via Apple's Newsstand or Pocketmags.

Or to ensure you don't miss a single copy of the official matchday programme, purchase an annual subscription. Head here for full details.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/september/29/stepping-up?

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Fulham raised the bar against QPR but must continue against Wolves

Whites midfielder calls on team-mates to go again after demolishing Rangers


Passion: Jamie O'Hara (R)

Fulham midfielder Jamie O'Hara believes the Whites have raised the bar for the season after their emphatic win over rivals QPR.

O'Hara played a pivotal role as Ross McCormack, Ben Pringle and Moussa Dembele ensured the Cottagers strolled to victory against their neighbours.

But the former Spurs man is calling on his team to maintain that level of performance for the remainder of the season.

"We've come in, we've got to go again and keep that level of performance now until the end of the season," said the 29-year-old.


Previous times: Jamie O'Hara during his time at Wolves in action against Fulham's Danny Murphy

"Definitely (It was the most complete performance), yeah. A clean sheet, four goals, and a great performance from everyone out there on the pitch. It was fantastic. We're buzzing."

The Cottagers host Wolverhampton Wanderers on Tuesday night at Craven Cottage, who have suffered a slow start to the season.

And O'Hara is hoping that the Whites will take the momentum from their derby win on Friday night to similarly put his former side to the sword.

He added: "Yeah it's fantastic. we're really happy. Everyone's really chuffed. We'll rest up, we've got a massive game again on Tuesday."


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-raised-bar-against-qpr-10154204?

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Thoughts on the QPR thrashing

A win that raises all sorts of questions.

What is the modern Fulham? The team that crushed QPR 4-0? Or the team that has been beyond ordinary for as long as we can remember?

Realistically you have to err on the side of caution, but just as there were reasons to be negative before, there were plenty of reasons to be cheerful on Friday too.

I think this was a crucial win in this respect. Few of us, I suspect, felt that the team had this kind of performance in them. That being so, where did it come from?

1) Ryan Tunnicliffe is not as good a footballer as some of the recent centre-midfield candidates, but he has a role and he sticks to it. Without overplaying this, a few of us have been moaning about this for ever. Football is a team game and sometimes you need less talented players to make the overall unit function. Tunnicliffe showed glimpses of this in a couple of very disciplined and restrained performances under Renee Meulensteen, and it's been pleasing to see him used now. So merely accepting the need for a player like Tunnicliffe feels like a big thing.

2) I recently read the latest Secret Footballer book, and there were a couple of interesting parts in particular. In one, the player – Dave Kitson we believe – talked about how fans are overly impressed by players who throw themselves around, but not by players who show real bravery, trying the difficult pass that has high rewards but which, when it's not successful, leads to groans from the crowd. For whatever reason – and it might be just how QPR defended – the players seemed somehow bolder. I think it helps having a genuine playmaker like Jamie O'Hara in the side. O'Hara – and I was quite wrong about this – isn't just about the spectacular for the sake of it. There's an intelligence to his play that opens up opportunities. I think perhaps that confidence spreads to his teammates.

3) alright, let's be honest, the back four is new and improved and this makes everyone else better too. Whatever the merits of those no longer playing, it must be said that Ream and Stearman have a steadying influence on the middle of the pitch, and the full-backs are on another planet altogether. James Husband looked good last year and has continued this. He just gets it. He seems – for this level – to have just the right kind of mentality for a full-back, good instincts, good decision making. The covering across in the second half, where he ended up sweeping up on the other side of the field, was a good example here. I don't know how the Garbutt situation will play itself out but Fulham have the player they need, and while full-backs aren't typically very exciting to those making transfer offers, we've all seen how hard it is to get good ones. Just make a deal, Fulham.

4) I don't know if Ryan Fredericks can defend but if he can he's too good for this level.

5) I confess to having had my doubts about Dembele. I thought I was seeing an age group bully, someone whose physical attributes made him a destroyer down the teams but unlikely to figure out the professional game. Of all our young players I was least impressed with him. Like all of us, I like to think I can spot a player, but clearly missed big here. He was immense on Friday and played an intelligent game in partnership with McCormack. And you can see plenty of room for improvement, too.

QPR were pretty awful but Fulham were excellent. One swallow doesn't make a summer, but just showing that we have this kind of performance in us is enough to bring about some optimism.


https://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2015/09/29/thoughts-on-the-qpr-thrashing/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Wolverhampton Wanderers Factfile

Fulham can move up to eighth spot in the Sky Bet Championship with victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Craven Cottage on Tuesday evening (7.45pm).


The opposition

After narrowly missing out on the Play-Offs last season, expectations were high for Wolves going into 2015/16, but they've been rather inconsistent so far.

Not helped by the loss of influential duo Bakary Sako and Nouha Dicko – the former joining Crystal Palace and the latter suffering a serious injury – Kenny Jackett's men currently sit 16th in the standings, with two wins, three draws and three defeats from their eight games so far.

Last time out they needed a stoppage time strike from Kevin McDonald to earn a point at nine-man Preston North End, a match which Kit Symons attended in preparation for Tuesday's game.

Team news

Captain Danny Batth returned from injury at Deepdale and he's expected to keep his place at the Cottage, but the game comes too soon for Dave Edwards. Sheyi Ojo and Nathan Byrne impressed after coming off the bench at the weekend and could be promoted to the starting XI.

Tickets

Tickets will be available to purchase on the gate from advertised cash turnstiles, priced from £25 for adults and £15 for juniors.

Weather

It's expected to be dry in Fulham all day, with temperatures of around 15 degrees come kick-off.

Coral match odds

Fulham: 13/10

Draw: 5/2

Wolves: 21/10

Previous meeting

Three first-half goals earned Wolves victory at Molineux back in February, although it was actually a fairly even game on the whole. Batth headed his side in front with 10 minutes played, and two goals in the last five minutes of the half from Sako ultimately gave Fulham too great a mountain to climb.

http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/september/29/wolves-factfile?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham boss explains why he disagrees with ex-Blackburn star Tom Cairney

Whites winger wants to come inside - Symons has a better plan


Fulham's Tom Cairney celebrates scoring against Brighton

Tom Cairney doesn't like playing on Fulham's right that much - but his boss insists he's far more effective there.

In fact, Kit Symons thinks that by starting right and working left the £4million man will end up where he wants to be.

"By playing wide Tom can come into those central areas unmarked, rather than standing in there and getting picked up," Symons explained.


Salute: Cairney

"His goal against Brighton for example: Matt Smith kept it alive; Tom picked the ball up very wide played into Lasse (Christensen), picked it up and scored.

"So coming from out to in he can do a lot of damage especially with that great left-foot.

"He can thread a pass or get a shot away."

Salute: Cairney
"His goal against Brighton for example: Matt Smith kept it alive; Tom picked the ball up very wide played into Lasse (Christensen), picked it up and scored.

"So coming from out to in he can do a lot of damage especially with that great left-foot.

"He can thread a pass or get a shot away."


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-boss-explains-disagrees-ex-10157313?

[WhiteJC]

 
Championship: Wolves take on Fulham the day after owner Steve Morgan puts the club up for sale

Wolverhampton Wanderers will play Fulham this Tuesday evening just 24 hours after their owner announced he is putting the club up for sale

Chairman Steve Morgan has decided to put his 100% shareholding in the Club up for sale after eight years in charge of the club, and will step down from the Board with immediate effect and day-to-day activities will continue to be managed by the Chief Executive with the current Board overseeing operations.

In a statement, the club insisted, "While the process of finding a new owner is being undertaken it is very much business as usual for the Head Coach, players, staff and all other stakeholders involved with Wolves."

"Steve would like to relay to all concerned that his ongoing commitment and financial support to Wolves will continue until a new owner can be found."

Morgan, 62, bought the club in 2007 from Sir Jack Hayward for £10, along with a guarantee of £30m in investment.

Wolves have made a steady if unspectacular start to the season so far, and travel to Craven Cottage to face a Fulham side who are also trying to make an impact at the top end of the table, but both are currently in mid table.


http://www.footballtradedirectory.com/news/2015/september/championship-wolves-take-on-fulham-the-day-after.html?