Tuesday Fulham Stuff (24/11/15)...

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Fulham want to talk to Chelsea coach over manager job

Fulham want to open talks with Chelsea coach Steve Holland over their vacant managers job, according to The Sun.

he club have given Mike Rigg the task of finding and bringing in the club's next boss but he has so far been unsuccessful, and failed to convince Reading boss Steve Clarke to join the club this week.  Clarke reportedly rejected the deal as Fulham said the cost would be too high if the manager were to bring all of his backroom staff.

Money has also proved a problem with other targets.  Former Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson was reportedly unconvinced by the amount of money Fulham put on the table, and former Watford manager Slavisa Jokanovic would cost too much to release from his contract at Maccabi Tel Aviv.

With Queens Park Rangers reportedly closing in on Jimmy Floyd-Hasselbaink, another Fulham target, the club have approached Chelsea coach Steve Holland and have asked the Premier League champions' permission to talk to their man.

Holland has been at Chelsea since 2009 and was appointed assistant manager in 2011.  Holland is also currently assistant manager of the England Under-21 team.


http://the72.co.uk/40603/fulham-want-to-talk-to-chelsea-coach-over-manager-job/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Did Steve Clarke's Move To Fulham Collapse Over Cash?

The self-titled 'Football Insider' has REVEALED why Clarke didn't end up going to Fulham.

If the media are to be believed, Reading FC boss Steve Clarke came to within an inch of joining Fulham FC last week. It was news that came out of the blue, worried fans, angered them, and passed by — all in the space of a few days.

GetReading reporter Charles Watts interviewed him the day after he decided to stay at the Madejski Stadium, where the Scotsman said:

"It wasn't about money, it was about professionalism and ambition. I didn't want to be in a situation where I was always thinking what if I'd gone there, spoken to them and they'd come up with something that was mindblowing?

"But that wasn't the case. What I've got here is probably more mindblowing. I'm happy with what I've got here.

"When I sat down and weighed up the best options. This was the best option by a mile."

However, Wayne Veysey, the self-titled 'Football Insider', "former Evening Standard, Press Association and Goal chief correspondent with 17 years experience of breaking big stories", says this isn't the case and it was about the money on offer.

He reports:

Fulham's move to appoint Steve Clarke collapsed after he tried to renegotiate lucrative top-up bonuses, Football Insider sources understand.

Clarke had agreed the terms of a contract with Craven Cottage chiefs in midweek before making a U-turn that antagonised the Londoners and left him with no option but to remain at Reading.

A Fulham source told Football Insider: "Steve Clarke had agreed the contract with [Fulham owner] Shahid Khan. It was then passed over to Clarke's agent Phil Smith who wanted to renegotiate more money.

"The structure of the basic salary was fine. It was additional elements that was the problem, the bonuses. The tweaks [to the contract] were so substantial that Fulham were not willing to consider them. Shahid Khan said, 'no thanks, we won't be doing that'."

The collapse in negotiations meant Clarke was forced to return to Reading and pledge his future to the Championship promotion hopefuls after requesting permission to hold talks with Fulham earlier in the week.

That's a fairly dramatic twist on what Clarke has told the press, but at this stage it's unclear who is to be believed.

Clarke has the task of winning back over the fanbase and owners, so is unlikely to come back and natter about how Fulham weren't offering enough dosh. On the other hand, he has been backed to the hilt by the owners and has been with the squad long enough to know what he has at his disposal at Reading. He may well be telling the truth.

Of course the Football Insider story could also be true, especially as Clarke got as far as holding talks with the owners. That in itself suggests he's not 100% convinced by what Reading are offering him, so if the deal broke down because of money rather than what was on offer it might not be too long before Clarke sniffs out another opportunity. Then again, it may all be complete fabricated nonsense.

At the end of the day, it's likely to come down to where you stand on Steve Clarke as both a manager and a man. We'll never know for sure.


http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/11/23/9781690/did-steve-clarkes-move-to-fulham-fc-collapse-over-cash

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MK Dons v Fulham: Five things we learned

What can the Whites take away from their first match of the post-Kit era?

The first match of Fulham's life after Kit Symons ended in a 1-1 draw at MK Dons on Saturday. Dean Bowditch gave the hosts the lead midway through the first half but Moussa Dembele's leveller just before the break earnerd the visitors a point. Here, GetWestLondon picks apart what happened on and off the pitch in Milton Keynes.

Man of the Match

He may have shipped five goals in his last outing as Fulham keeper, but if it weren't for Joe Lewis, MK Dons could have been three goals up before the Whites had even had time to settle into the game. Fulham are evidently missing Andy Lonergan between the sticks, as most teams would their regular number one, but Lewis showed huge signs of improvement at Stadium:MK and helped prevent what looked early on like it could have been another heavy defeat.

Moment of the Match

For all of MK Dons' early pressure, it was Fulham who should really have taken the lead when Moussa Dembele missed the sort of chance which should give him nightmares, scuffing over from a few yards out with the goal at his mercy. The Frenchman has been in decent form of late, and made up for his miss later with Fulham's equaliser, but who knows how the game would have panned out if that chance had gone in and the Whites taken the lead?

Manager Watch

He might not want the job full time, but Peter Grant looked every inch the gaffer on Saturday, prowling the touchline and constantly on his feet in the technical area to deliver instructions to his players. It may not have been the most inspiring of performances, but a point on the road at least stops the rot and gives Grant something solid to build on during his interim spell. Tellingly, Alan Curbishley was in the stands, which says little for his prospects of returning to the dugout.

Mattila the hun-gry

He only had a 20 minute cameo near the end, but Sakari Mattila once again looked good, just as he had when previously thrown on. Aside from the Capital One Cup defeat to Stoke, which has been his only start so far, the summer signing from Aalesund has only enjoyed brief substitute appearances so far, but surely it cannot be long before the Finland international is given the chance to properly show what he can do and earn his first league start.

McCormack the saviour

There will have been little in the way of inspiration for the travelling fans to take away from Milton Keynes, but things would probably be a lot worse without Ross McCormack . The Whites' top scorer was a constant threat to the Dons' back four, always running the channels and looking for the ball, pulling players out of position, and it was his cross which provided Moussa Dembele with Fulham's equaliser. Whatever pans out for Fulham this season, McCormack will have a huge say in it.


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/mk-dons-v-fulham-five-10485082?

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Stears: Take The Positives

While Richard Stearman still looks back on Saturday's result as two points dropped, he acknowledged that a draw away from home isn't too bad an outcome.

The Whites fell behind to MK Dons on the half hour mark when Dean Bowditch was allowed time to get the ball under control before rifling in, but Peter Grant's side fought back to earn a share of the spoils through Moussa Dembélé's close range finish.

"It was a solid week of training and it was nice to get out there after the international break and just play football again. We were well prepared for the match and just got on with what we are supposed to do.

"We picked up a point but we possibly felt we should have had three. It is disappointing for us but in weeks gone by we might well have lost that one there at the end.

"It is obviously disheartening that we conceded a goal in the manner that we did but we showed resilience from there to get back in the game and push for the win.

"We dominated in the second half and Ross went close and Jamie had a couple of goes. We could have snatched the win late on, and we were unlucky not to do so, so we must take the positives from the performance and be satisfied that we picked up a point."

Fulham were backed by 3,371 travelling fans in Bletchley – our highest away following in the Sky Bet Championship – and Stearman was full of praise for their efforts.

"The support from the fans was fantastic," the defender admitted. "We knew coming into the game that we were bringing a solid following so we wanted to put in a good performance for them.

"It is obviously disappointing not to get the win for them but their support was brilliant nonetheless."

The 1-1 draw means Fulham's winless run now extends to three matches, a spell which will hopefully be halted when Preston North End visit Craven Cottage on Saturday.

"We are back in training and we will just get back to it," Stearman said. "We have a full week to prepare for Preston. As we already know there are no easy games in the Championship and we have to be ready."

Adult tickets for Saturday's game against Preston are available from just £25, while kids can attend for just £1!


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/november/23/stears-take-the-positives?

[WhiteJC]

 
Championship side Fulham keen to open talks with Chelsea FC coach

Sky Bet Championship side Fulham want to open talks with Chelsea coach Steve Holland over their vacant manager's job, according to The Sun.

The West London side is finding it hard to find a new manager, since Kit Symons was sacked from the club a few weeks ago.

The Cottagers have identified Steve Holland as their next target and have asked the Premier League Champions permission to speak to the coach.

They have been in talks with several other managers, but have found it difficult financially draw them to the club.

Reading manager, Steve Clarke looked set to join the club last week, but could not agree a deal with the club.

Former Leicester City boss, Nigel Pearson was also another potential candidate, but that failed to materialise.

Holland has been at Chelsea since 2009 and was appointed assistant manager in 2011.  Holland is also currently assistant manager of the England Under-21 team.


Read more at http://footballleagueworld.co.uk/championship-side-fulham-keen-to-open-talks-with-chelsea-fc-coach/?#mCDscVZsk4A0CwXe.99

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Spurs and Everton lurking as Fulham's Dembele talks stall


Moussa Dembele: Attracting the attention of Everton and Tottenham

Fulham are bracing themselves for interest in Moussa Dembele in January after contract talks stalled, sources have told TEAMtalk.com.

Dembele has impressed for Fulham this season, scoring nine goals in all competitions, including the equaliser in the 1-1 draw with MK Dons on Saturday.

The Frenchman's form this term is now attracting interest from a number of Premier League clubs with the likes of Tottenham and Everton admirers of the forward.

Dembele's current deal is due to expire at the end of this season and Fulham have been locked in talks with the player and his representative for some time as they look to secure his long-term future.

Last month Fulham were confident of agreeing a new contract with Dembele, but the deal has been held up due to the growing interest from Premier League clubs and also the managerial situation at Fulham with the club currently without a manager following the departure of Kit Symons.

Due to the delay in resolving the contract situation Fulham are expecting bids for Dembele when the transfer window reopens in January and the highly-rated forward could even agree a pre-contract deal with interested clubs in the New Year.


http://www.teamtalk.com/news/spurs-and-everton-lurking-as-fulhams-dembele-talks-stall?

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Fulham: Peter Grant content with caretaker role at Craven Cottage

Fulham caretaker manager Peter Grant insists he has the quality to guide the side while the Championship club search for a replacement for Kit Symons.

The 50-year-old former Norwich City boss was placed in charge of training on Wednesday and oversaw Saturday's 1-1 draw at MK Dons.

Last week, Reading's Steve Clarke turned down the opportunity to replace Symons, who was sacked on 8 November.

"I have got the experience and am confident enough," Grant said.

Mike Rigg, chief football officer at Craven Cottage, is heading the search for a new manager after chairman Shahid Khan decided to sack Symons following a 5-2 defeat at home by Birmingham.

Grant left Norwich in October 2007 following a year in charge of the Canaries and has since had spells on the coaching staff at West Brom, Celtic, Birmingham, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest.

He joined Fulham as first-team coach in summer 2014 under then-manager Felix Magath, but then became Under-21 boss following the German's sacking that September.

Kit Symons was sacked after spending just under 14 months in charge of Fulham

"My role is to help out at this moment while the club search to pick the right man for the job," Grant told BBC Radio London.

"They are working diligently to do that. If that takes a little bit longer, so be it.

"I am more than willing to help out as long as Mike and the chairman are happy."

With Alan Curbishley, Mark Pembridge and Sean Reed previously in charge of training following Symons' departure, Grant said it had been a "whirlwind" few days since taking over.

"I was very conscious of not changing too much," he added.

"The boys have been very respectful and their attitude has been excellent. If I am still in charge for the next game I look forward to working with them."

Fulham, who are 12th in the Championship table, host Preston on Saturday.


http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/34899810

[WhiteJC]

 
Manchester United contact Fulham about Bayern Munich linked youngster

MANCHESTER UNITED have reportedly registered their interest in Fulham's Moussa Dembele.

Get French Football News report that officials from Old Trafford have been in touch with their Fulham counterparts to get a deal moving.

Interest in the 19-year-old is high with German giants Bayern Munich also said to be keen on the Frenchman.

It is claimed the Red Devils are eager to seal a move in January but they are prepared to wait until the summer if Fulham want to keep hold of him until the end of the season.

Dembele joined the Cottagers from Paris St-Germain and was part of their team that reached the final of the FA Youth Cup two seasons ago.

He's broken through in to the first team this term because of injuries to others.

Striker Matt Smith picked up a knee problem and Dembele seized his chance to make an impact.

He's scored seven goals in the Championship and is currently in talks over a new deal with his current contract due to expire in the summer.


http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/477157/Moussa-Dembele-Manchester-United-Fulham-transfer-news

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Fulham Clash Confirmed

Cottagers visit in U21s Cup.

Colchester United will take on Fulham in the U21s Premier League Cup in early December.

The U's were paired with their London opponents in the Round of 32 recently and the match is due to take place on Tuesday December 8th with a 7pm kick-off.

John McGreal's side made it to this stage after beating Bournemouth 3-0 at the Weston Homes Community Stadium in October.

Full details of prices will be confirmed soon and, as a result, the Crystal Palace game due to be played on December 7th now moved to early February.

That means December currently looks like this for the U's first team and development squad:-

December 1st: v Canvey Island (H, Essex Senior Cup) 
December 6th: v Altrincham (H, FA Cup)
December 8th: U21s v Fulham (H, U21s PL Cup)
December 12th: v Barnsley (H, League One)
December 14th: U21s v QPR (H, Development League 2)
December 19th: v Rochdale (A, League One)
December 21st: U21s v Charlton Athletic (A, Development League 2)
December 26th: v Southend United (H, League One)
December 28th: v Gillingham (A, League One)


Read more at http://www.cu-fc.com/news/article/colchester-fulham-u21s-premier-league-cup-2815330.aspx#HYIokQtgs44BDQtR.99

[WhiteJC]

 
Manchester United make contact over possible transfer for Fulham striker Moussa Dembele – report

Moussa Dembele has been impressing for Fulham this season. (Picture: Getty Images)

Manchester United have reportedly made contact with the representatives of highly-rated Fulham youngster Moussa Dembele over a January transfer.

Although the Red Devils want to bring in the French striker this winter, he seems most likely to remain with the Championship club for the rest of this season at least, according to Get French Football News.

Dembele has really impressed for Fulham this season, scoring seven goals in fourteen Championship games and also attracting rumoured interest from Tottenham.

However, the 19-year-old's importance to the club means they are likely to do all they can to keep him at Craven Cottage for as long as possible.


Read more: http://metro.co.uk/2015/11/23/manchester-united-make-contact-over-possible-transfer-for-fulham-striker-moussa-dembele-report-5520716/#ixzz3sOZQliGf

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Admire Moussa Whilst You Can!
   
Last week our exciting young French striker, Moussa Dembele picked up a personal accolade that very few people of his age have done.

Moussa was named the Football League Player of the Month for October, something we feel he should be congratulated on.

On Saturday, in our first ever fixture against the MK Dons, Moussa continued his fine run of recent form by scoring our equalizer, even if all that was required was a tap-in.

Having won the aforementioned accolade, it`ll become a lot harder for Fulham to hang onto the young star, the big clubs will be circling and all Fulham supporters can do is admire the youngster whilst he`s still with us, because I fear it won`t be for long!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=422908#ixzz3sOZzH2LL

[WhiteJC]

 
Man Utd make contact over Moussa Dembele transfer

Manchester United have made contact with Fulham to register their interest in signing striker Moussa Dembele, according to Get French Football News.

United got in touch with the Cottagers to make them aware that they are keen to sign the French youngster and to ask to be kept up-to-date with Dembele's situation.

The Red Devils are reportedly interested in signing the 19-year-old in the January transfer window, though the article suggests that, at present, it is more likely he will stay at Craven Cottage until the end of the campaign.

The youngster has also been recently linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur, where he would join near-namesake and former Fulham star Mousa Dembele.


And the GFFN report claims Bayern Munich are also in the running to sign the France Under-20 international.

The younger Dembele has scored nine goals in 19 appearances for Fulham so far this season, including a run of five goals in five games during October.


http://www.offthepost.info/blog/2015/11/man-utd-make-contact-over-moussa-dembele-transfer/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+offthepost%2FTLAa+%28Off+The+Post%29