Saturday Fulham Stuff (21/11/15)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham in talks to appoint Steve Clarke as manager

Fulham are likely to appoint Steve Clarke as their new manager after holding discussions with the Reading boss, as per West London Sport.

Fulham, who are currently in 12th place in the Championship, are searching for a replacement for Kit Symons, who was sacked earlier this month.

Clarke has emerged as a potential frontrunner despite his strong connections with rivals Chelsea. Clarke made over 300 league appearances for the Blues and was also assistant manager at Stamford Bridge from 2004 to 2008.

Clarke was later assistant manager at West Ham United and Liverpool. His first foray into management came with West Bromwich Albion in 2013 before he later took charge of Reading and guided the Berkshire club to the FA Cup Semi-Finals last season.

Fulham's defence has been particularly concerning this campaign, with the club having conceded 25 goals in the Championship so far this season, one of the highest amounts in the division.

They have fared slightly better in an attacking sense, however, creating 142 chances in the league so far this campaign.

A club who have several young talents on their books, including highly regarded forward Moussa Dembele, Fulham are determined to return to the Premier League, but it would be asking a lot for Clarke, or any other manager for that matter, to achieve that aim this season.


Read more at http://www.squawka.com/news/fulham-in-talks-to-appoint-steve-clarke-as-manager/523605#fkdQuudqHLx1LUYL.99

[WhiteJC]

 
Leeds United star Alex Mowatt raves about about Ross McCormack and Alan Smith

Leeds United's Alex Mowatt has named the best player he played with, and the least intelligent members of the current squad.

Leeds United ace Alex Mowatt gave a surprising answer when asked who was the best player he had ever played with so far in his career.

The 20-year-old could easily have picked a member of the current Leeds team, from this season or last, but instead decided against selecting any of his present teammates.

Speaking to SkySports FL72 Podcast, the midfield scoring sensation responded: "Ross McCormack, I thought he was quality.

"In my first season I thought he was unbelievable, he scored 30 goals as well. There were a few Premier League clubs coming for him but the price Leeds wanted they didn't want to pay that."

McCormack went onto sign for Fulham and after a tough start last season, went onto score a respectable 17 Championship goals, and is almost into double figures this time around, but is yet to score against Leeds in three consecutive meetings.

Quizzed over who Leeds' least intelligent players were, Mowatt was quick to name fellow academy youngsters Charlie Taylor and Sam Byram.

He was also asked which former Leeds United player he would have liked to have played alongside, he also chose another striker, one whose legend at the club was soured by his decision to join Manchester United.

Mowatt responded: "Alan Smith. I thought he was class, I loved him."


http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2015/11/19/leeds-united-star-says-ross-mccormack-best-he-ever-played-with/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham manager search: Whites go back to the drawing board after Reading boss Steve Clarke snubs switch

The Royals chief looked certain to take the job in west London after holding talks

Fulham managerial target Steve Clarke last night performed a dramatic U-turn and decided to stay at Reading.

The Scot looked certain to take the job in west London after being given permission to speak to the Craven Cottage club.

Rumours went into overdrive when the Royals cancelled Clarke's pre-match press conference yesterday morning and it appeared a deal was close to being concluded.

However, with the two club's reportedly having agreed a compensation package, Clarke is thought to have pulled the plug on the move and will now stay at the Madejski Stadium.

It all means Fulham will have to go back to the drawing board in their search for Kit Symons' replacement and Alan Curbishley will be in the dugout for Saturday's trip to MK Dons.

Former Leicester boss Nigel Pearson, Exeter's Paul Tisdale and Walsall manager Dean Smith are thought to remain in consideration for the role.

Meanwhile, Clarke is due to hold his re-arranged press conference in Berkshire this morning and will have a tough job on his hands to win back the Reading supporters after his public flirtation with the Whites.



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-manager-search-whites-go-10473202?

[WhiteJC]

 
Steve Clarke: Reading manager to stay following Fulham talks

Steve Clarke has confirmed he will remain as manager of Reading after holding talks about the managerial vacancy at Championship rivals Fulham.

The 52-year-old, who has been Royals boss since December 2014, said: "It's been a strange week but I know I've made the right decision.

"I just want to get back on with the work we're doing here at Reading," he told BBC Radio Berkshire.

Reading are eighth in the table, four places and four points above Fulham.

Clarke led Reading to an FA Cup semi-final last season and to as high as second in the Championship this term.

Fulham are looking to appoint a new boss after dismissing Kit Symons on 8 November.

"It wasn't close," continued Clarke. "I got permission from Reading to speak to Fulham, we had a chat, I came back in here the next day and I was out there on the training pitch working towards the weekend."

And the former West Bromwich Albion boss added that he "understood" why some Reading fans would feel anger at his decision to hold discussions with Fulham.

"I'm a professional and someone's prepared to pay a certain amount of money to speak to me about a possible job, it's something that, as a professional, I've got to look at," he said.

"Everybody behaved very well. The club were great to me, they gave me the go-ahead to speak to Fulham. I had a good conversation with them and decided that what I had here was better for me at this stage."


http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/34878852

[WhiteJC]

 
Back The Boys

There are still tickets available for Saturday's game, so secure yours to join the huge travelling army at MK Dons!

We've already got upwards of 3,100 Fulham fans making the trip to stadiummk, and you can join them by calling or visiting the Ticket Office before 3pm on Friday. Fans who book over the phone will have to specify if they'd like to collect their tickets from Craven Cottage in advance, or from MK Dons on the day.

There will also be tickets available to buy at stadiummk on Saturday. (Cash sales only from the Away Booth, or card and cash sales from the Main Box Office). Prices for these will remain the same; £25 for adults, £17 for over-65s and disabled tickets, and £7 for under-18s.

The ground is easy to get to from London, with trains from Euston to Bletchley taking around 36-51 minutes, and you can pick up a return ticket for just £15.90.

The game is guaranteed to see Fulham's largest away following since our return to English football's second tier, so make sure you don't miss out!


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/november/20/back-the-boys?

[WhiteJC]

 
Preview: MK Dons vs Fulham
   
MK Dons are at a crossroads as they prepare to face Fulham at home on Saturday.

While the Dons ended a run of three consecutive defeats with a 1-0 over Charlton at the beginning of the month, they lost 2-1 at Brighton last time out. Following a two-week break for international fixtures, tomorrow`s game could be vital for a side desperate to put together a run of results and stretch the dangerous one point gap with the relegation zone.

Fulham are also going through a difficult period, although it`s more concerned with their distance from the play-offs rather than the bottom three. After a 5-2 defeat at home to Birmingham Fulham sacked Kit Symons and, luckily for the Dons, it`s unlikely that they`ll have a replacement for tomorrow`s game. In a league where 8 managers have already been sacked, at least we can boast stability.

Fulham have had a mixed bag of results of late, with two wins, draws and losses in their last six games, and, as is usually the case, will see the Dons as an opportunity to pick up three points. Ross McCormack is the danger man with 11 goals already this season.

The Dons in contrast don`t have that sort of firepower. Maynard`s fantastic goal against Brighton will probably buy him a few starts ahead of Church as Robinson`s perennial striker conundrum continues.

With Reeves still injured Bowditch and Carruthers will be fighting to claim the number 10 role. Meanwhile, Hall and Murphy will be looking to start ahead of Baker and Powell, the latter having been brought off at half-time against Brighton.

Fulham will also be without the suspended left-back James Husband.
This will be the first meeting between the two sides and, allowing for fair refereeing, hopefully we can start our account with a win. If there is a contentious decision however, after weeks of supposedly unfair treatment, just look for Robinson`s reaction.


Read more: http://www.mkd.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=422378#ixzz3s4LFHeVG

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham to bring over 3,000 for MK Dons match
   
Fulham are set to bring more than 3,000 fans the short distance from London to stadium:mk for tomorrow`s game against MK Dons.

The figure is also set to rise before kick-off on Saturday.

And with both sides going through a difficult period and desperate for a win, hopefully we`ll have a good game and atmosphere.

Perhaps the one negative, which some have suspected, is the influence of a large following on the officials, with the Dons on the wrong side of some poor decisions in recent weeks.

Indeed, stadium:mk has been popular for visiting fans so far this season. Over 4000 Birmingham fans and over 6000 Leeds fans have made the trip, with only Leyton Orient bothered about being placed in the top tier.


Read more: http://www.mkd.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=422381#ixzz3s4LaSpeP

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham to bring over 3,000 for MK Dons match
   
Fulham are set to bring more than 3,000 fans the short distance from London to stadium:mk for tomorrow`s game against MK Dons.

The figure is also set to rise before kick-off on Saturday.

And with both sides going through a difficult period and desperate for a win, hopefully we`ll have a good game and atmosphere.

Perhaps the one negative, which some have suspected, is the influence of a large following on the officials, with the Dons on the wrong side of some poor decisions in recent weeks.

Indeed, stadium:mk has been popular for visiting fans so far this season. Over 4000 Birmingham fans and over 6000 Leeds fans have made the trip, with only Leyton Orient bothered about being placed in the top tier.


Read more: http://www.mkd.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=422381#ixzz3s4LaSpeP

[WhiteJC]

 
Harrods in a Sea of Poundlands
by CHRIS GILBERTSON on NOVEMBER 20, 2015

The debacle of Steve Clarke's almost appointment does not reflect well on Fulham.

With Kit Symons' departure hardly coming as a surprise, what is more shocking is that Fulham didn't appear to have a succession plan. Mike Rigg, the man tasked with finding Fulham's new head coach, would surely have had a list of names at the ready for when they were needed. Alasdair Mackintosh certainly did, but the last manager he hired was Felix Magath.

Perhaps Rigg did, and does have a list. Perhaps that is why we find ourselves reeling from Steve Clarke's refusal. If Clarke's name has been on Rigg's list all along, that would explain our somewhat inexplicable desire to want him as our boss despite his little better than mediocre record as Reading manager.

It would be unfair to judge Mike Rigg until the coach he hires has had a year or two in the job. Who knows, Clarke saying no might be a blessing.

Whilst for many the delay represents an unneeded disaster, speed isn't the only obstacle Fulham face.

For Fulham the most important thing is who is appointed, not when. If time was of the immediate essence, then Alan Curbishley would already have his family photos on the desk in the manager's office at Motspur Park.

Time only becomes a problem if this drags on too long. Preston and Nottingham Forest follow this weekend's trip to MK Dons and they mustn't be wasted, but the entire future of the club doesn't hinge on these nine potential points. However, each game becomes more important with each point dropped and every day with a new coach will stand us in better stead. There is a balance to be had.

There is an argument though to suggest that unless we are working on a deal for Jose Mourinho (or David Moyes), there isn't a great deal to choose between the candidates. Every day where Head Coach's chair is sat vacant is, in essence, wasted. There is an expression, perhaps too vulgar for these pages, that suggests one has to "sh*t, or get off the toilet". We are not at that stage yet, but when choosing between 99p Stores and Poundland, there is a time limit to due diligence.

Of the coaches Fulham are considering, of course we are all hoping that there is someone worth waiting for. To continue the shopping metaphor, a Harrods in a sea of Poundlands. Remember, Harrods got us into the Premier League once.

I just hope whichever direction we go next, we do so privately. It may well not have been Fulham who leaked the Clarke info, but the press have cited Fulham sources more than once in the past fortnight.  The whole Championship don't need to know our business and the last two days will best be forgotten.

COYW


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2015/11/harrods-in-a-sea-of-poundlands/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Grant's MK Dons Preview

Peter Grant, who will be taking the First Team for the MK Dons game, discusses the past week of training and looks ahead to the match.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uX2Lkg6tNjk

http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/november/20/grants-mk-dons-preview?

[WhiteJC]

 
MK Dons v Fulham preview

MK Dons have no new problems as they prepare to host managerless Fulham.

Sam Gallagher (England Under 20), Simon Church (Wales), Lee Hodson (Northern Ireland) and the fit-again Cody Cropper (USA Under-23) have all returned unscathed from international duty and are available for selection.

Milton Keynes manager Karl Robinson will probably continue with his rotation policy in attack so Gallagher and Church could come into consideration for recalls, along with Dean Bowditch, Josh Murphy and Rob Hall.

Matt Upson's calf complaint continues to be managed and Ben Reeves is still struggling with his calf complaint.

Fulham could use untried 18-year-old goalkeeper Marek Rodak at stadium:mk.

The club had hoped Jesse Joronen could be called back from Stevenage but the shot-stopper has been ruled out for six weeks after injuring his thigh in the FA Cup win over Gillingham.

First choice goalkeeper Andy Lonergan is expected to be out for the rest of the month with a hamstring injury and after Joe Lewis' poor performance in their 5-2 defeat against Birmingham which saw manager Kit Symons get sacked, it appears likely there will be a change between the posts.

Cottagers midfielder Scott Parker looks likely to be available following problems with his ankle and Sakari Mattila should return after missing their last match due to illness.


http://www.skysports.com/football/mk-dons-vs-fulham/preview/339730?

[WhiteJC]

 
MK Dons Factfile

Fulham return to action after international duty with a first ever competitive fixture against MK Dons at stadiummk on Saturday (3pm).


The opposition

Things started brilliantly for MK Dons in their first ever season in the Sky Bet Championship as they thumped Rotherham United 4-1 away from home on the opening day.

A defeat at home to fellow promoted side Preston North End was followed by a four-point haul from meetings with Bolton Wanderers and Reading, leaving Karl Robinson's side sitting pretty in fourth, but things haven't really gone to plan since then.

Five defeats on the spin saw them come tumbling down the league table, although they did arrest their decline when they followed up a 1-1 draw at Bristol City with an impressive 3-0 home victory over Blackburn Rovers.

Their previous five outings have not proved overly fruitful, though, with a narrow win at home to Charlton Athletic the only game that saw them come away with anything.

Tickets

Tickets will be available for fans to purchase from stadiummk on the day of the game (cash sales only from the Away Booth, or card and cash sales from the Main Box Office). Prices will remain the same; £25 for adults, £17 for over-65s and disabled tickets, and £7 for under-18s.

How to get there

The ground is easy to get to from London, with trains from Euston to Bletchley taking around 36-51 minutes, and you can pick up a return ticket for just £15.90. The ground is then approximately a half hour walk from Bletchley Station.

Weather

It's worth wrapping up for this one as temperatures are expected to be around the three-degree mark come kick-off. It should be sunny, though.

Coral match odds

MK Dons: 31/20

Draw: 23/10

Fulham: 15/8


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/november/20/mk-dons-factfile?

[WhiteJC]

 
Under-18s' Swansea Trip

Free-scoring Fulham Under-18s will be looking to keep their good form going when they face Swansea City at their Landore Training Academy on Saturday (11am).

The Whites have netted 11 times in the last two outings, as Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur departed Motspur Park on the back of 6-1 and 5-3 defeats, respectively. It's form which has seen Steve Wigley's boys move up to seventh in the standings.

The Swans meanwhile have been struggling for form and find themselves bottom of the pile having won just once in 14 outings. One of their 10 defeats so far this season was against Fulham at Motspur, as first half goals from Stephen Humphrys and Josh Walker put the Whites on track for a 2-1 win.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/november/20/under-18s-swansea-trip?

[WhiteJC]

 
MK Dons v Fulham

SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP
Venue: Stadium MK Date: Saturday, 21 November Kick-off: 15:00 GMT
Coverage: Updates on BBC local radio and via live text commentary on the BBC Sport website

TEAM NEWS
MK Dons have no new problems as they prepare to host managerless Fulham.

With four players returning unscathed from international duty, boss Karl Robinson could continue his rotation policy.

Fulham could use untried 18-year-old goalkeeper Marek Rodak at Stadium MK as Andy Lonergan is set for a month on the sidelines with a hamstring problem.

Midfielders Scott Parker (ankle) and Sakari Mattila (illness) may also return.

MATCH FACTS
This will be the first competitive match between MK Dons and Fulham.
Fulham have lost their last two league games, they've not lost three in a row since January.
Since his second-tier debut in August 2008, Ross McCormack has scored more goals in the Championship than any other player (104).
The Dons have lost four of their last five league games (W1).
There have been more goals scored in matches involving Fulham (57) this campaign than any other Championship team.
Fulham have the best shot conversion rate in the division this season (19.3%).


http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/34816933

[WhiteJC]

 
Under 21s Draw Colchester

Fulham Under-21s have been drawn away to Colchester United Under-21s in the Third Round of the U21 Premier League Cup.

The tie will take place at the Weston Homes Community Stadium on Tuesday 8th December.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/november/20/under-21s-draw-colchester?

[WhiteJC]

 
MK Dons v Fulham: Whites coach rubbishes concerns over new boss


No worries: Peter Grant

Fulham coaches Peter Grant and Alan Curbishley have been tasked with picking the side to get a first win at MK Dons tomorrow.

The search for a new manager continues after ex-Chelsea defender Steve Clarke U-turned on any switch from Reading yesterday leaving the caretakers to add final touches for a first competitive visit to Stadium MK.

Fulham are set to welcome back Jazz Richards and Ryan Fredericks, with one of the summer signings slotting in at right-back, a luxury denied sacked boss Kit Symons in the 5-2 defeat to Birmingham that cost him his job a fortnight ago.

Grant has been running the rule over returning internationals that include Tim Ream and Lasse Vigen Christensen, but made it plain any talk of fatigue fell on deaf ears.


Return on the cards: Jazz Richards (R)

The ex-Norwch manager, now U21s chief at the Cottage, reckons a managerless side are in good spirits despite uncertainty at the helm.

He said: "The boys have prepared really well and say there are no concerns. People think they must be telling lies."

"But you're (players) job is to play the game no matter who's in charge. Your job doesn't change.

"We have a clean bill of health with most of the players coming back, and I'm very happy with players coming back from international duty.

"Some had two games, and some didn't play. That's part and parcel of the modern game.

"If you tell some they are tired, they will be tired," he told the club's website.

More than 3,000 Fulham fans will make the relatively short trip up the M1 in hope of a third Championship away win, although long term injuries to Marcus Bettinelli and Andy Lonergan leaves Whites with only Joe Lewis and untried 18-year-old Marek Rodak to cover the goalkeeper slots.


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/mk-dons-v-fulham-whites-10478156?

[WhiteJC]

 
Your guide: Fulham

The Dons entertain Fulham at stadiummk on Saturday and mkdons.com is here to bring you all the essentail info you need...

It's also Armed Forces Day and the Club will be paying tribute to those who have fallen while serving for their country with a minute's silence and half-time parade amongst other activities.

TICKETS
Tickets are priced from £25 adults, £17 for seniors/under-21s and £7 under-18s, while under-12s go FREE with a £6 annual Young Dons membership.

This fixture has also been designated as Armed Forces Big Day which means any serving members of the armed forces are entitled to a FREE ticket, while friends and family as well as veterans can purchase tickets at discounted prices starting from £12 for adults/seniors and £3 for under-18s. ID is required either at the time of purchase or on collection.

Ticket collections will be from the usual place - Gate 6.

Full ticket details:
General sale
Family Area, Cowshed, Standard Corner and East Wing
Adults: £25
Over-65: £17
Under-21s: £17*
Under-18s: £7
Under-12s: FREE**
*Under-21s must be a Club Dons member to take advantage of the reduced price
**Under-12s go FREE when an accompanied by an adult and with a Young Dons Membership (maximum of two free U12s per adult)

East Centre
Adults: £30
Over-65s: £22
Under-21s: £22*
Under-18s: £13
Under-12s: FREE**
*Under-21s must be a Club Dons member to take advantage of the reduced price
**Under-12s go FREE when an accompanied by an adult and with a Young Dons Membership (maximum of two free U12s per adult)

clubRed
Adults: £35
Over-65: £27
Under-21s: £27*
Under-18s: £17
*Under-21s must be a Club Dons member to take advantage of the reduced price

Club Dons members are entitled to a £2 discount on their ticket, while Young Dons members receive a £1 discount. Adult season ticket holders may purchase an additional adult, senior or under-18 ticket at members' rate, however cannot purchase an under-21 or under-12 members ticket.

Armed Forces Day
Family Area, Cowshed, Standard Corner, East Wing and East Centre
Adults: £12
Seniors: £12
Under-18s: £3
Serving members: FREE

clubRed
Adults: £15
Under-18s: £5
Serving members: FREE

Groups and business that book 20 or more tickets in one transaction can qualify for the Group Ticket Reward (GTR) prices of £18 for adults and £3 for under-18s.

Tickets will remain on sale right up until kick-off from the Box Office and cash only booths.

GETTING TO STADIUMMK
Click here for full details.

CAR PARKING
Limited parking is available on the stadiummk site at a fee of £7. Spaces can be pre-booked, just as they can for a park and walk option which is priced at £5 - click here to book!

Matchday spaces for blue badge holders are limited and must be pre-booked via the Box Office. The Club cannot guarantee an on-site parking space for blue badge holders who have not pre-booked but drop-off/pick-up points are available outside Gates 2, 4 and 7.

Car parking is also available for £5 at the Islamic Centre at Granby and at Castle House on Dawson Road. Supporters should be aware that these car parks are not officially run by the Club.

Drop-off is permitted outside the hotel reception, although collection will be limited post-match to allow for egress of pedestrians and movement of the visiting team coach.

A taxi rank is provided at the Gate 7 pick-up point.

Patrons should park considerately in the industrial areas surrounding the stadium and NOT in the parking areas of the nearby retail and trade outlets, or in areas signed as privately owned (such as Granby Trade Park) where there is a risk of clamping.
 
No football parking is permitted at the Asda store adjacent to the stadium site or at the MK1 retail park. A Parking Charge Notice of £60 will be issued for cars identified as parking for football or those exceeding the two-hour parking period.

PRE-MATCH
Armed Forces Big Day
A minute's silence will take place pre-match to remember those who have fallen while serving for their country. The silence will also also those inside stadiummk to pay their respects to those who lost their lives in the recent events in Paris.   

A wealth of activity will be taking place outside stadiummk from midday until kick-off, while there will be a parade at half-time - click here for the full details.

Box Office and Club Superstore opening hours
The Box Office and Club Store will be open from 9.30am until half-time and then for 30 minutes after the final whistle.

Gates
Gates will open at 1.30pm while Corporate Gate 8 will open at 12.30pm.

Following the recent events in Paris, additional measures will be in place for the safety of spectators attending the match, including greater emphasis to the stewards and security team. Bags will be searched and a number of people selected for being searched to deter and disrupt any suspicious or hostile behaviour, if there is any. The Club would like to thank supporters in advance for their co-operation.

Red dot bar
The red dot bar will open to home supporters only from midday.

Programme
Saturday's programme is priced at £3 and will be available to buy from sellers around the ground, as well as the Box Office and kiosks.

This edition includes an exclusive interview with captain Dean Lewington, while fellow defender Kyle McFadzean discusses his new deal.

There are also notes from Andrew Cullen and Karl Robinson, plus news of a special honour for the Chairman Pete Winkelman.

Outside concessions
There are burger vans and Pick 'N' Mix stalls situated outside the stadium between Gate 6 (Cowshed) and Gate 7 (Family Area).

INSIDE THE STADIUM
Concessions
There are numerous food and drink kiosks situated around the stadium concourse. There will be alcohol sales in the both the home and away sections on Saturday.

Don't forget, the £6 pie and pint deal is available from the Cowshed and East Centre bars.

Card and Contactless payments are now available at all main concessions around stadiummk - with the speed of contactless this is an ideal way to quickly and safely pay for your items!

Information point
The Information Point by Gate 4 is open pre-match and at half-time, selling tickets for home and away games, programmes and a range of club merchandise.

First aid
A First Aid Room can be located in the East Stand by Gate 4 with further first aiders located in each stand.

Betting
There is a betting point in the East Stand concourse and in all our executive areas. This is operated by our partner, Claydon Racing, and is open for business to all over-18s.

Disabled facilities
There are numerous dedicated disabled toilet facilities around the concourse.

HALF-TIME
Armed Forces Day
There will be a parade including representatives from 678 Rifles, Gurkhas, Oxforsdshire Hussars, Royal Green Jackets and many more.

POST-MATCH
Man of the match presentation
clubRed ticket holders are invited into the Ballroom after the final whistle for the man of the match presentation, where the chosen player will be presented with his champagne and take part in a quick interview.

red dot bar
The red dot bar will be open to all supporters until 7pm.

Should you need any help or assistance during your time at stadiummk, just ask one of our matchday stewards who will be pleased to help you.


Read more at http://www.mkdons.com/news/article/your-guide-fulham-mk-dons-v-fulham-2810536.aspx#00Gg7w2MgiZy30Xo.99

[WhiteJC]

 
review: Fulham

MK Dons and Fulham will go head to head for the first time in a competitive fixture on Saturday (k.o. 3pm).
The game, the first one back since the international break, presents a chance for the men from MK1 to pick up a third win in four games on home soil, having beaten Blackburn Rovers (3-0) and Charlton Athletic (1-0) in recent times.

THE OPPOSITION
Managerless Fulham, who sit 12th in the table, will be looking to bounce back from consecutive defeats.

However, before losses to Birmingham City and Burnley, the Cottagers were five games unbeaten which included a 4-2 win over Reading.

Fulham are a potent attacking force and there have been more goals scored in their matches (57) this campaign than any other side in the division.

VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Dons boss Karl Robinson: "Fulham are a team steeped in history - they are a phenomenal club. To see them up on my board is exciting and a huge challenge for us all. We're a long way off, but with the dedication of everyone here, we can leave a legacy.

"Every team has multi-million pound strikers and a few million in the back four. It's David and Goliath. It's daunting but exciting."

Fulham's first-team coach Peter Grant: "We know we've got good football players but they need to do both sides of the game well. Player for player talent wise, I will bet them against anybody in the league, that's for sure."

TEAM NEWS
The Dons remain without injured quartet Dale Jennings, Ben Reeves, Matt Upson and Joe Walsh for the visit of Fulham. Karl Robinson has no fresh injury concerns.

The visitors, meanwhile, need to choose between Marek Rodak and Joe Lewis in goal, while midfielder Scott Parker looks likely to be available following problems with his ankle and Sakari Mattila should return after missing their last match due to illness.

SKY BET ODDS
Result:
Dons win – 7/5
Draw – 5/2
Fulham win – 9/5

First goalscorer:
Simon Church – 11/2
Nicky Maynard – 6/1
Dean Bowditch – 13/2
Ross McCormack – 5/1
Moussa Dembele - 11/2
Matt Smith - 13/2

*All odds correct at the time of writing

Click here for odds on all Sky Bet Championship outright markets - don't forget the Dons benefit every time you win with Sky Bet!

MATCH COVERAGE
Tune in to MK Dons PlayerHD from 2.55pm for live commentary of the clash - click here to sign up for as little as £4.49 a month!

Fans can also stay in touch with the Dons via mkdons.com's matchday blog, which can be accessed by visiting the home page from 5.30pm.

Those on Twitter can also follow every pass, tackle, shot and goal by following the Club's official page - @MKDonsFC

A full match report will be available to view on mkdons.com straight after the final whistle.

Adults can watch the game from £25, seniors/under-21s from £17 and under-18s from £7 - don't forget under-12s can enjoy every game for FREE with a £6 annual Young Dons Membership!



Read more at http://www.mkdons.com/news/article/preview-fulham-mk-dons-v-fulham-2810565.aspx#G24jOjvTqttJbdrE.99

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3 things to look out for in the MK Dons v Fulham match

Milton Keynes Dons take on Fulham at Stadium MK in the Sky Bet Championship on Saturday afternoon, with both teams looking to bounce back after defeats just before the international break.

Karl Robinson's Dons are currently 21st in the table after a run of four defeats in five games – the latest of which was a 2-1 defeat at promotion-chasing Brighton and Hove Albion.

Fulham, who are still on the look-out for a new manager after Reading manager Steve Clarke rejected the chance to move to Craven Cottage yesterday, were battered 5-2 at home by Birmingham City, which signaled the end for manager Kit Symons.

Saturday provides both teams with a good opportunity to get back to winning ways, and FootballLeagueWorld writer Matt Clayton identifies three things to look out for on Saturday afternoon...

1) MK Dons looking to avoid back-to-back defeats

The Dons lost their last game away to high-flying Brighton, a game where they maybe wouldn't have expected too much from anyway.

Fulham are very unpredictable as, before the international break, they won 4-1 away at Bristol City, but followed it up with defeats to Burnley and Birmingham, which ultimately lost Symons his job.

The London club have yet to appoint a new manager, so its unknown what to expect from Fulham.

Being at home, Robinson may fancy his side's chances of getting a much-needed win.

The Dons have only scored 14 goals in 16 League games this season so far. This is something that will have to improve if the are to start picking up results.

Robinson will know his side could fall into the bottom three with defeat.

2) Fulham striving for consistency

Fulham need to find some consistency from somewhere otherwise they won't achieve their aims of the play-offs this season.

The side needs a run of wins to get some confidence as, at the moment, they are leaking goals needlessly and it is costing them points.

This was a problem for Symons, and it remains to be seen if the new manager will be able to address this quick enough to get the necessary results.

The Cottagers are more than capable of scoring goals, Moussa Dembele and Ross McCormack is as good a strike force as any in the league, but they need to make sure they are tight at the back.

3) The form of Ross McCormack and Moussa Dembele

The talented duo have 16 goals between them this season in 16 league games.

Dembele is still only a teenager, but McCormack is an experienced player at this level, and one of the better strikers in the league. They seem to be complementing each other well.

It is promising for Fulham that they have two good goalscorers in the team.

The pair could cause MK Dons problems on Saturday if they link up well and get service from midfield.

They are the most prolific pair this season so far, and they are players who have the quality to win games for Fulham.


Read more at http://footballleagueworld.co.uk/3-things-to-look-out-for-in-the-mk-dons-v-fulham-game/?#ITgaYWXkH3y6yZMm.99

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EXCLUSIVE: FULHAM'S PURSUIT OF NIGEL PEARSON HITS SNAG OVER HIS ASSISTANTS

Fulham's hopes of appointing Nigel Pearson as their next manager have been hampered by his former club Leicester, Football Insider sources understand.

Pearson has held talks with Fulham over the vacant post but a deal is not close due to the cost of the assistants he wants to take to Craven Cottage.

Steve Walsh and Craig Shakespeare, Pearson's long-time assistants, have remained on the backroom staff at Walkers Stadium following Claudio Ranieri's summer appointment and are unwilling to drop to the Championship unless the Londoners can match their lucrative Leicester deals.

A senior Leicester source has told Football Insider that the pair's contracts include a 100 per cent bonus – effectively doubling their salary – if the club retain their Premier League status.

With Leicester third in the table after collecting 25 points from their opening 12 matches, Walsh and Shakespeare are almost certain to double their money at the end of the season.

The cost of appointing Pearson and the duo is prohibitive for Fulham and a well-placed source from Craven Cottage has told Football Insider that the Londoners are now ready to move on to other targets and bide their time before making an appointment.

Peter Grant will take charge of the team for Saturday's clash against MK Dons, and will be assisted by Alan Curbishley.

The halted pursuit of Pearson comes at the end of what has been a dramatic pursuit of a manager to replace Kit Symons, who was sacked 12 days ago.

Steve Clarke had agreed the terms of a contract with Fulham before making a U-turn and deciding to remain at Reading.

Pearson, who had been the original first-choice candidate, then held a second round of talks with the Londoners but an agreement has not been reached.

Symons was dismissed following Fulham's defeat to Birmingham before the international break, which left the Cottagers 12th in the Championship table, eight points off the play-off places.

Khan said he wanted to take the west London club "to a higher level of success" as they seek a return to the Premier League following relegation in 2014.


http://www.footballinsider247.com/exclusive/exclusive-fulhams-pursuit-of-nigel-pearson-hits-snag-over-his-assistants