Thursday Fulham Stuff (26/11/15)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham manager speculation: Holland said to have snubbed approach

A round-up of the latest speculation over who might take over at Fulham....

Steve Holland has snubbed an approach from Fulham, according to the Daily Mirror.

The Chelsea first-team coach has been touted as a possible contender to take over at Craven Cottage following the recent sacking of Kit Symons.

The Mirror say Holland told Fulham he would rather stay in his role under Jose Mourinho at Stamford Bridge.

Former Leicester boss Nigel Pearson, who has held talks with the Whites, is also said to be out of the running.

Fulham are now reported to be targeting Birmingham manager Gary Rowett, who has also been linked with the vacant manager's job at QPR.


http://www.westlondonsport.com/features-comment/football-wls-fulham-manager-speculation-chelsea-coach-said-to-have-snubbed-approach

[WhiteJC]

 
Poppy Shirt Auction

Fans can now bid on match-worn Fulham player shirts in the ‪Sky Bet Poppy Auction by visiting ‪www.skybet.com/poppy

The likes of Tim Ream, Ross McCormack, Jamie O'Hara and Moussa Dembélé have all signed the poppy-embroidered shirts worn in the Birmingham City game.

And fans can bid to win them by heading to www.skybet.com/poppy

All money raised will go towards supporting vital services such as The Royal British Legion's Family Holiday Breaks, which provides the families of serving and ex-Service personnel the chance to take a break away from the strains of everyday life.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/november/25/poppy-shirt-auction?

[WhiteJC]

 
Under-21s report: Chelsea 3 Fulham 4

Our Under-21s exited the Premier League International Cup at the quarter-final stage after twice coming from behind against their fellow Londoners but conceding a late deciding goal.

Moussa Dembele fired the Whites into an early lead, which Lewis Baker's penalty cancelled out before Patrick Roberts's goal put the visitors back in front.

The Blues levelled again before the first half was over as Jordan Houghton found the back of the net from 25 yards, and then Ali Suljic put his side in front for the first time in the game midway through the second half. Suljic's own goal and then Adam Taggart's close-range finish gave the Cottagers victory and sent them into the last four.



TEAM NEWS
With the Under-18s involved in the FA Youth Cup at Newcastle three days previously, Adi Viveash called upon the services of the older members of his group combined with some first-year scholars not involved at St James' Park. Baker and Alex Kiwomya returned to the side after recent loan spells at Sheffield Wednesday and Barnsley respectively.

There was an Under-21 debut for Suljic in central defence alongside Dion Conroy, with Fankaty Dabo and Kevin Wright forming the remainder of the back four protecting Mitchell Beeney's goal. Schoolboy striker Ike Ugbo led the line up front supported by Kiwomya and Reece Mitchell, while Houghton captained the team from midfield alongside Baker and Kasey Palmer.

Fulham's side contained five members of their Youth Cup final side that were beaten by our Under-18s last May, including second-leg goalscorers Roberts and Dembele.



FIRST HALF
The game burst into action right from kick-off as Magnus Norman in the Fulham goal was forced to make a good save after 30 seconds. Palmer's driven ball from midfield out to the right was taken down by Kiwomya and the winger's low effort was pushed strongly around the post by the goalkeeper. However, the deadlock was soon broken after two minutes and it was the Whites celebrating an early lead.

Left-back Jordan Evans advanced down the flank and cut the ball back to a lurking Dembele, who managed to turn on to his right foot and fire beyond Beeney despite the desperate last-ditch attempt of a block from Suljic.

Beeney saved well with his feet to prevent Dembele doubling his and Fulham's advantage before the Blues got themselves level after 13 minutes. Ugbo escaped down the left channel and was bundled over from behind by Noe Baba as he advanced into the penalty area. The referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot and Baker's effort had too much power and accuracy for Norman, despite the keeper diving the right way.

Yet the hosts were level in the tie for just a minute. A long ball forward found Dembele and the forward used his strength to get in behind Conroy to the byline before picking out Roberts in the box. The wideman was able to take the ball under control and swivel before finishing confidently past the onrushing Beeney.

Fulham enjoyed a strong spell after retaking the lead but Viveash's side weathered the storm and soon grew back into the game. Palmer fired wide, Suljic's header was clawed away by Norman and Mitchell shot over before a second equaliser in the 33rd minute. Skipper Houghton received possession 25 yards from goal and dispatched a crisp shot low into the bottom far corner.

Roberts missed the target by inches and Palmer was twice denied by Norman in the final minutes of an eventful opening half.



SECOND HALF
After ending the first period strongly, the home side restarted with the same high intensity and were ahead for the first time on the evening eight minutes into the second half. Palmer's jinking run forward drew a foul from Roberts and Baker's execution of the set-piece was dangerous, forcing Norman to scramble across his line and push the ball wide. Conroy was sharp to the loose ball and diverted it back across goal for his centre-back partner Suljic to turn in from close range for a debut goal.

Chelsea's control in the game continued for 20 second-half minutes and Liam Donnelly made a crucial sliding challenge on Palmer as the midfielder looked to burst past him and into the six-yard box. The topsy-turvy tie took another twist as Fulham brought the scores level at 3-3 midway through the half. Evans advanced and delivered a wicked cross from the left that Suljic sliced agonisingly into his own net, with Beeney stranded helplessly.

The Blues goalkeeper made a crucial stop from Taggart as the striker looked to squeeze a shot inside his near post from close range, however the Fulham no.9 made no mistake moments later. A high corner from the left was swung in, Tim Hoogland rose highest to nod back into the six-yard box and Taggart supplied the finish from a couple of yards out.

Baker and Houghton brought saves from Norman in the final 10 minutes but the late onslaught was contained well by Peter Grant's side, who progressed to the semi-finals.



MANAGER REACTION
Adi Viveash reflected after the game on an evening when his side exited the competition but one beneficial from a development perspective for his younger contingent. He said: 'Obviously we're disappointed to lose and go out of the competition.

'It's another really good development game for our younger players but once again we're talking about the game management. At 3-2 up we gave away poor situations and conceded poor goals.

'The dynamics of the team are different so it's a plus to have Kevin Wright and Reece Mitchell back out on the pitch after injuries and to have Ali Suljic making a debut at this level. Ike Ugbo was excellent as a schoolboy against two big, powerful centre-backs but we're talking about the rudiments of defending again and that means we need to put in more work on the training ground to rectify the little problems.

'It shows respect to us from Fulham that the likes of Roberts and Dembele were involved but that's what we want. It's the way it is when you're Chelsea and it's something the boys have to learn to cope with.'

The Academy return to action this Saturday 21 February as Joe Edwards' youth team host Reading at Cobham.

Chelsea Mitchell Beeney; Fankaty Dabo, Ali Suljic, Dion Conroy, Kevin Wright (Ola Aina 68); Lewis Baker, Jordan Houghton, Kasey Palmer (Charly Musonda 68); Alex Kiwomya (Charlie Wakefield 85), Ike Ugbo, Reece Mitchell.
Unused subs Billy Granger, Josh Grant, Ruben Sammut, Mukhtar Ali
Scorers Baker pen 13; Houghton 33; Suljic 53
Booked Houghton

Fulham Magnus Norman, Tim Hoogland, Jordan Evans, Liam Donnelly, Jonathan Buatu (c), Noe Baba, Patrick Roberts (Tom Richards 63), Ryan Williams, Adam Taggart, Moussa Dembele (Buomesca Tue Na Bangna 63), Ange-Freddy Plumain
Unused subs Marek Rodak, Tiago Casasola, Lyle Della Verde
Scorers Dembele 2; Roberts 14; Suljic (og) 67; Taggart 82
Booked Hoogland, Roberts


http://www.chelseafc.com/news/latest-news/2015/02/under-21s-report--chelsea-v-fulham.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Rowett best to play waiting game with Birmingham

Mikey Burrows understands why Fulham and QPR are chasing Gary Rowett – but thinks he should sit tight with high-flying Birmingham City.


Fulham should forget about grabbing Gary Rowett – the 'Bromsgrove Mourinho' is Premier League bound.

There's no doubt the surprise package of the Championship season so far has been Birmingham.

Just over a year ago they were scrabbling around the bottom of the division, having only survived in the last seconds of the previous campaign.

Yet the sacking of Lee Clark and the arrival of former Blues defender Rowett reinvigorated a club dwelling in the doldrums of financial uncertainty, with the owner in prison in Hong Kong and confusion over who was pulling the strings in the UK.

Through it all Rowett worked wonders, not just to keep Birmingham up but to lead them to mid-table safety without seemingly any fuss.

Almost inevitably those at the top take the plaudits and win the awards but considering Rowett's former club Burton went on to seal back-to-back promotions he really should have been the Football League's Manager of the Year.

It's no surprise both Fulham and QPR are now so strongly linked with the man affectionately known as the "Bromsgrove Mourinho", as he would be an ideal fit for either club, but whether the clubs would be the right choice for him seems more debatable.

Rowett is part of the new brand of young English coaches. A gritty yet occasionally cultured Premier League defender in his day, his coaching career has been marked by an unnerving attention to detail, amiable man management and an acute awareness of his surroundings.

His first task at St Andrew's was to bring his trusted backroom staff with him from Burton. Rowett is undoubtedly the main man but he often stresses the "team" effort behind his successes. Unity is important, on and off the field.

During Clark's tenure there had been consistent murmurings of discontent amongst the players and experienced backroom staff like Terry McDermott and Derek Fazackerley walked out, yet the new man sought to harmonise the group and in the summer rejigged his budget to reward his senior players with longer but not necessarily more lucrative contracts, his reasoning being security brings happiness, and happier players are better players.

He also got the fans onside by bringing back the cult and rather large figure of Nikola Zigic. Though he was seldom used, the giant Serbian was given the chance of a deserved farewell that looked to have been denied him by Clark.

With a small squad and a smaller budget, Rowett set about making the team hard to beat. They became organised, disciplined and hard working, attributes that seem so simple and in most cases should be taken for granted but are important nonetheless.

Rowett's Blues are functional first, expansive second, and it has delivered a brand of counter-attacking football perhaps more suited to playing away, but still rewarding at home.

Such is the success of Rowett's revolution that the form shown since his arrival played over the course of a season would see Birmingham promoted. That particular feat may end up being beyond his still somewhat limited squad this year, but that will be more down to budget restrictions than coaching ability.

In short, Rowett embodies everything that top-level clubs should be looking for. Aesthetically he looks good on the sidelines; his close-cropped beard, nifty jumper and blazer combos mark him out from the more old-school tracksuited managers.

His thoughtful and often honest post-match interviews identify him as an astute thinker and tactician and twice this year already he has appeared on local radio phone-ins, perfectly happy to take supporters' questions and explain his decisions.

The intriguing question will be whether he could achieve the same results on a bigger stage, or with the vastly bigger budgets on offer at the London based clubs chasing him.

Having gone through such a rebuild in the West Midlands, whether Rowett would welcome the kind of resurrection job needed at Craven Cottage or Loftus Road remains to be seen.

There is no doubt he is fiercely ambitious, and with off-the-field issues improving but still not clear at Birmingham, maybe a new challenge would be welcome.

I'm sure I'm not alone in wondering whether Rowett's talents and abilities will soon be in demand higher up the football pyramid, so perhaps the biggest question of them all will be: is he prepared to wait?


http://www.footyplace.com/features/rowett-best-to-play-waiting-game-with-birmingham-1125329281?

[WhiteJC]

 
Manchester United consider move for Fulham's Moussa Dembele - report

Manchester United are considering a move for Fulham wonderkid Moussa Dembele, according to reports.

The 19-year-old, who joined Fulham from Paris Saint-Germain in 2012, has impressed this season having scored eight goals in 17 Championship appearances.

Man United would prefer to sign Dembele in January but are prepared to wait until the player's contract expires at the end of this season to secure his services.

As well as United, Bayern Munich are said to be among those interested in the young Frenchman.

Louis van Gaal has brought in the likes of Anthony Martial, Memphis Depay and Luke Shaw during his time in charge of the club and it is clear he is building for the future.

Dembele would certainly fit into that policy, and the youngster will be encouraged to see how van Gaal has handled young talents this season. Players such as Andreas Pereira, Cameron Borthwick-Jackson and Jesse Lingard have made the step up to first-team affairs over the course of the campaign and Dembele will likely receive the same treatment if he comes to United and van Gaal is confident in his ability.


http://thepeoplesperson.com/2015/11/25/manchester-united-consider-move-fulhams-moussa-dembele-130762/?

[WhiteJC]

 
PNE old boy misses reunion

Injury looks likely to prevent Fulham goalkeeper Andrew Lonergan from facing home-town club Preston North End this weekend.

Lonergan played 232 games for PNE, the first of those when he was only 16.

After spells with Leeds and Bolton, the 32-year-old joined Fulham on a Bosman in the summer.

North End's visit to Craven Cottage would have given Lonergan a first opportunity to face them since leaving in July 2011.

However, a hamstring injury has kept him sidelined in recent weeks.

Lonergan started the season as the Cottagers' first-choice keeper, playing their first 10 league games.

He suffered a hamstring strain in Fulham's goalless draw at Middlesbrough on October 17, and had to be replaced in the 77th minute.

A fortnight later, Lonergan returned to action for their 4-1 away victory over Bristol City.

Although he completed that game, the injury flared up again and he has been sidelined ever since.

Former Morecambe loanee Joe Lewis – on loan from Cardiff City – is now between the sticks for Fulham, backed up by Slovakian teenager Marek Rodak on the bench.

Preston-born Lonergan was on PNE's books from a young age.

David Moyes gave him his debut in a League Cup clash at Coventry in September 2000, Lonergan a few weeks short of his 17th birthday at the time.

Later that season, he made his league bow in a 3-2 victory over Watford as North End homed in on a play-off place.

After a handful of games over the next couple of seasons, Lonergan's big break came in the 2004/05 campaign when he made 26 appearances.

A knee injury put things on hold before he established himself as first-choice keeper from September 2007, onwards.

He was sold to Leeds after PNE's relegation in 2011, the Leeds boss who bought him being Simon Grayson.

Lonergan spent a season at Elland Road before moving back to the region to sign for Bolton Wanderers.

His three years there ended when he joined Fulham in the summer.

Other players to have worn the shirts of both Preston and Fulham in their careers include Mike Conroy, Brian McBride, David Healy, Eddie Lewis and Gavin Nebbling.

As was the case with North End's previous two opponents, Fulham have opted for a change at the top of late.

They sacked head coach Kit Symons earlier this month, the axe swung after a 5-2 home defeat to Birmingham City.

Peter Grant, the club's 
first-team coach, took charge of the Cottagers' 1-1 draw at MK Dons last week.

Reading boss Steve Clarke looked set to take the job ahead of the MK Dons game, only for there to be a late change of heart.

Chelsea's assistant first-team coach Steve Holland and Nigel Pearson – out of work since leaving Leicester in the summer – have been linked.

The current favourite with the bookies is Birmingham manager Gary Rowett who has turned the St Andrews' outfit from relegation candidates into promotion pushers.

It could be that Scotsman Grant is still in caretaker charge when North End arrive in West London.


http://www.lep.co.uk/sport/national-football/pne-old-boy-misses-reunion-1-7589763?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham stand-in hoping for swift appointment

Grant thinks players will benefit from new man coming in sooner rather than later


Caretaker: Peter Grant

Peter Grant reckons Fulham players will be all the better for when they are hearing just one voice on the training ground again.

Alan Curbishley initially took over first team duties following Kit Symons' sacking last month, only for U21s manager Grant to be promoted ahead of Saturday's 1-1 draw at MK Dons .

Grant, who has said he does not want the job full time , expressed surprise at finding himself leading things from the dugout, as just a few days before he had been preparing for an U21s game instead.

He said: "It's been a tough couple of weeks for them – they have heard a lot of different voices on the training ground.

"Three or four were also coming back into the side after not playing in a long time, but they showed a lot of character.

"You can see the flaws, and we have to be more intelligent with not giving the ball away. You can see why we have scored a lot and why we have conceded a lot.

"For all that though, Moussa (Dembele) missed a fantastic chance in the first half which could have changed everything."

Gary Rowett, whose Birmingham City side thrashed Fulham 5-2 in Symons' last match in charge, has been installed as favourite for the job.


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-stand-hoping-swift-appointment-10501011?

[WhiteJC]

 
Rodák's Contract Extension

The Club is delighted to announce that Marek Rodák has signed a contract extension, tying him to Fulham until the summer of 2018.

The 18-year-old graduated from the Academy and has been on the First Team bench four times this season.

"I'm really happy to get it done," he told fulhamfc.com. "Now I've just got to keep working and hopefully I'll get my chance in the First Team.

"Being involved with the matchday squad is good experience at my age, especially as a goalkeeper. Now I'm just waiting for my chance and hopefully I'll get it as soon as possible to show what I can do."


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/november/25/rodaks-contract-extension?

[WhiteJC]

 
Kav's Movember Effort

Sean Kavanagh has been growing a moustache this month as part of Movember, to raise awareness and funds for men's health.

If you too are taking part in Movember, you can join the official Fulham FC team by following this link. Here you can also donate to Sean or the Whites team as a whole.

"It's all for a good cause and hopefully a few people can donate," Sean said. "It's a poor attempt by myself but the main thing is raising awareness and hopefully a bit of money as well.

"This is the first year I've maybe been able to grow some hair on my face so I thought I'd give it a go!

"I've been getting a bit of stick from the boys here and there. The missus doesn't mind it to be fair, she thinks it's alright but she still can't wait for me to shave at the end of the month!"

The Movember Foundation spans the globe across 21 countries. Since inception, a global army of over 5 million Mo Bros and Mo Sistas have grown or supported the growth of a moustache to raise vital funds for the men's health organisation's cause areas of prostate cancer, testicular cancer, poor mental health and physical inactivity. To date more than £400 million has been raised globally and over 1000 men's health projects have been funded.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/november/25/kavs-movember-effort?

[WhiteJC]

 
Holland and Pearson Say No!
   
With the weekend fixture still some way off, the big question of who is going to replace the axed Kit Symons has still to be answered.

It is now two and a half weeks since Symons was axed and, according to the Mirror, two more perspective candidates have distanced themselves from the club.

It appears that the one-time favourite, the former Leicester City boss, Nigel Pearson, has no longer any interest in the vacancy with the inference being that the salary wasn`t of a level he was asking.

Also struck off the list is Steve Holland with Jose Mourinho`s assistant, apparently, deciding that he`d rather prefer to stay on at Stamford Bridge working alongside Jose Mourinho.

Which leads our source to concur that, as we reported yesterday; the Birmingham City manager, Gary Rowett, is the new favourite to succeed Symons and that Fulham will be looking to seek permission to talk to Rowett.

Ironically, it was a 5-2 defeat, inflicted by Rowett at his current club that was the final nail in the coffin for Symons reign at Craven Cottage.


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=423166#ixzz3saC0UpMj

[WhiteJC]

 
Graham Leggat: Entertaining forward who played in the 1958 World Cup and once scored a three-minute hat-trick
In 1971 Leggat emigrated to Canada, working as player-manager of Toronto Metros before forging a new career as a broadcaster, covering World Cups and Olympics and becoming one of the best-known faces on Canadian screens


Graham Leggat (far left) Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Graham Leggat was one of the most entertaining footballers of his generation, a dashing, prolific and versatile sharpshooter with Aberdeen, Fulham and Scotland in the middle years of the 20th century. Mere statistics rarely reflect a performer's true glory, but in Leggat's case they do make persuasive reading.

For his home-town club, the Dons of Pittodrie, for whom he starred as they won the League championship and the League Cup in consecutive seasons, he scored 92 goals in 151 games over five campaigns from 1953-54, almost all while operating on the right wing. For Fulham, with whom he excelled as they rose to the top flight of the English game in 1958-59, then in serial successful battles against relegation through to 1966-67, he contributed 134 goals in 280 appearances while filling all five attacking roles.

While collecting 18 caps for Scotland he also scored eight times, including one on his debut in a 1-1 draw with England in front of 132,000 at Hampden Park in April 1956. Add the three together and it makes 234 in 449 matches, better than a goal every two games, a remarkable ratio for any forward, particularly one not regularly deployed as the spearhead of his side.

Having been signed by Aberdeen from junior club Banks O'Dee as a 17-year-old, Leggat played only twice for the reserves before manager Dave Halliday called him into the first team, where he was quick to become a regular. That season he shone as the Dons reached the final of the Scottish Cup, which they lost to Celtic, but soon they tasted triumph as 1954-55 League champions, and he fitted productively into a forward line which also featured inside men Harry Yorston and Bobby Wishart, centre-forward Paddy Buckley and left-winger Jack Hather.

Leggat rose to new heights in 1955-56, top-scoring with 29 goals as Aberdeen finished runners-up to Rangers and lifted the League Cup, with the wide man netting in the 2-1 final victory over St Mirren. He headed the Pittodrie goal charts again in 1956-57, then started the following season with a five-strike salvo in a 6-2 win at Airdrie, only for his momentum to be halted temporarily by a broken leg.

By the spring he had bounced back to his best, a strong, pacy, exceedingly skilful performer, brave and brimming with determination, a natural target for leading English clubs. Therefore it was something of a surprise when, after featuring for Scotland in the 1958 World Cup finals in Sweden, Leggat was recruited by Second Division Fulham for a £16,000 fee which seemed paltry for such a high achiever.

The newcomer, still only 24, took the surest way into the hearts of the Craven Cottage faithful by scoring on his debut, in a 6-1 home victory over Stoke City, and in each of his next five games, all of which were won. Meshing delightfully with fellow attackers Maurice Cook, Trevor "Tosh" Chamberlain and especially the exquisitely gifted inside-forward Johnny Haynes, Leggat dazzled as Fulham were promoted as runners-up to Sheffield Wednesday.

Sometimes deployed as a centre-forward by manager Bedford Jezzard, the Aberdonian was top scorer with 20 goals as the Londoners finished in mid-table in 1959-60, but then began a sequence of seven nerve-jangling brushes with demotion which might have depressed many an individual but which appeared to bring the best out of the resilient Leggat.

Along the way he plundered eight hat-tricks, including one in three minutes against Ipswich Town at Craven Cottage on Boxing Day 1963, a contest in which he scored four times and which the uncharacteristically dominant hosts won 10-1. Astonishingly, two days later in the Portman Road return, the East Anglians prevailed 4-2, although Leggat was again on target for Fulham.

It appeared he had a liking for yuletide: in 1966, having reached the veteran stage and been dropped by manager Vic Buckingham, he was brought back for two games at centre-forward and scored five, a hat-trick against Leicester and a brace against Stoke. His reward, only a few days later, was to be transferred to Birmingham City of the Second Division, a transaction viewed with horror by many of his long-time fans.

With Leggat gone, Fulham were finally relegated in 1967-68. Meanwhile the Scot never settled at St Andrew's, nor with Third Division Rotherham United, whom he joined in July 1968, and after one season at Millmoor he embarked on a short spell of coaching youngsters for Aston Villa, then turned out briefly for non-League Bromsgrove Rovers.

In 1971 Leggat emigrated to Canada, working as player-manager of Toronto Metros before forging a new career as a broadcaster, covering World Cups and Olympics and becoming one of the best-known faces on Canadian screens.

Graham Leggat, footballer and broadcaster: born Aberdeen 20 June 1934; played for Aberdeen 1953-58, Fulham 1958-67, Birmingham City 1967-68, Rotherham United 1968-69; capped 18 times by Scotland 1956-60; died Canada 28 August 2015.


http://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/graham-leggat-entertaining-forward-who-played-in-the-1958-world-cup-and-once-scored-a-three-minute-a6747471.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Stadium Store Opening Hours

Details of the Stadium Store's opening hours, where they differ from the usual 9am-5pm Monday-Saturday & 11am-4pm Sunday, up until the end of the calendar year.

Date   Opening times
Friday 27th Nov    9am-7pm
Saturday 28th Nov   9am-6pm
Thursday 10th Dec    9am-8pm
Saturday 12th Dec    9am-6pm
Tuesday 15th Dec    9am-10pm
Thursday 17th Dec    9am-8pm
Thursday 24th Dec    9am-3pm
Friday 25th Dec    CLOSED
Saturday 26th Dec    CLOSED
Sunday 27th Dec    CLOSED
Monday 28th Dec    9am-3pm
Tuesday 29th Dec    9am-10pm
Thursday 31st Dec    9am-3pm
Friday 1st Jan    CLOSED
Saturday 2nd Jan    9am-6pm


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/november/25/stadium-store-opening-hours?

[WhiteJC]

 
Worry for Birmingham City as Rowett is favourite for vacant Fulham job

Birmingham City fans playing darts in the Transfer Tavern, are nervously discussing reports that their manager is the front runner for the vacant manager's position at a Championship rival.

The Daily Mirror is reporting that Fulham have made Gary Rowett their top target, after both Steve Clarke and Steve Holland turned down approaches.

Clarke held talks with Fulham last week, but was not convinced into taking the job and decided he was better off staying with current club Reading, as for Holland he decided that he wanted to remain part of the Chelsea back room team and help improve the struggling Premier League champions form so far this season.

Rowett has turned Birmingham's form around since taking over at the club in September last year when the club were 21st in the Championship and couldn't seem to find any form, but by the end of that campaign Rowett had led them to an impressive 10th place finish.

The Birmingham City fans here inside the Transfer Tavern are hopeful that Rowett will remain with the club should any offer for his services come in from Fulham come in, as he has been a mastermind!

Our landlord feels it would be a big mistake for Rowett if he left for Fulham, as he shouldn't leave a job half done at the Blues!


Read more at http://www.footballtransfertavern.com/uncategorised/worry-for-birmingham-city-as-rowett-is-favourite-for-vacant-fulham-job/#RrWq1AuIssB25E2c.99

[WhiteJC]

 
Reports: Birmingham boss Gary Rowett on Fulham's wish-list

Fulham are considering making an approach for Birmingham City boss Gary Rowett, with both Nigel Pearson and Steve Holland no longer in the running to take charge at Craven Cottage, as per the Mirror.

Fulham are still seeking a replacement for Kit Symons, who was sacked earlier this month. Pearson, the former Leicester City manager and Holland, the current first-team coach at Chelsea, were both considered for the position but the pair are no longer interested.

That could lead to Fulham making an approach for Rowett, who led Birmingham to a 10th placed finish in his first season in charge, with the club having been languishing in 21st place when he took over.

Fulham are currently in 12th place in the Championship table and it is looking increasingly unlikely that they will be in contention to return to the Premier League in the near future, while the club will be fearful of being dragged into a relegation battle in England's second tier.

The Cottagers have created 162 chances in the Championship so far this season, 12 fewer than Rowett's Birmingham have managed.

Fulham's average pass accuracy of 78% in the Championship this campaign is one of the best returns in the division, but the club are eager to appoint a new manager as soon as possible in an attempt to turn their season around.

Fulham have averaged 39 defensive actions per game in the Championship this season.


Read more at http://www.squawka.com/news/reports-birmingham-boss-gary-rowett-on-fulhams-wish-list/529164#4ALbtxj5XDXgZ1Ls.99

[WhiteJC]

 
Sheffield Wednesday and Hull weighing up shock bid for Championship striker

Hull City and Sheffield Wednesday are both chasing Fulham forward Ross McCormack, with both sides preparing big money moves for the forward, according to HITC Sport.

It is understood the Championship duo are looking at the forward to bolster their attacks in January, but he certainly won't come cheap.

The Scottish forward joined the Cottagers in 2014 after an £11 million move from Leeds United which has set the benchmark for big spending in the Championship.

Both Hull and Sheffield Wednesday are chasing promotion this season and will be looking to add that extra bit of quality that could make the difference.

Fulham will be unwilling to sell to a Championship rival, but the striker himself may feel Fulham aren't promotion contenders and may want to leave.

Fulham made sure they tied their star man to a new contract earlier in the year giving him a three-year contract.

Both sides already have talented strikers at their disposal but the Championship is a long season and extra options is only a good thing.

Hull sit top of the Championship with 35 points just ahead of Brighton and Hove Albion on goal difference.

Meanwhile, the Owls sit eighth on 27 points just one point off sixth placed Birmingham City.

This would certainly be a major deal if either club could lure McCormack, and it would undoubtedly give them a significant boost in their aspirations of promotion to the Premier League.


Read more at http://footballleagueworld.co.uk/sheffield-wednesday-and-hull-weighing-up-shock-bid-for-championship-striker/?#ERyditgqpq3OJ0q7.99

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Championship: Odds hint that Fulham and QPR have found their men

Over a fortnight has passed since Fulham and QPR started manager searches, but there are odds-on favourites for both jobs...

"Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has done so well since stepping in for Gary Rowett at Burton that he has emerged as QPR's leading target, being backed in to 8/11 frontrunner status."

QPR sacked Chris Ramsey on November 4 and Fulham got shot of Kit Symons four days later, yet it is now the final week of the month and neither have been able to identify and recruit a replacement.

It isn't entirely clear whether that is more so because of a lack of desirable candidates or their own struggles to seduce the better managers on the market - the Cottagers were recently knocked back by Reading's Steve Clarke - but, whatever the primary reason, the delay isn't benefitting either club.

Even though the Hoops placed a proven Championship operator in temporary charge in Neil Warnock, they have been held 0-0 at home by Preston and beaten 1-0 by Middlesbrough since ditching Ramsey, falling 15 points adrift of the automatic-promotion pace as a consequence.

Fulham have only competed once since Symons' dismissal because they got rid at the start of an international break, presumably expecting to hire his successor in the fortnight of inactivity, and that too was a disappointment as they drew with lowly MK Dons.
There was also a surprise because, despite having their own Warnock on the books in Alan Curbishley, it was U21 manager Peter Grant who was asked to oversee all matchday duties.

Both teams are racing the clock again if they are to make appointments before their home fixtures on Saturday, in which QPR are 21/20 to defeat Leeds and Fulham are 5/4 to overcome Preston.

However, while their next bosses might not be in the dugout that briskly, there are signs that progress in finally being made, with both of the relevant markets on the Betfair Sportsbook presently being led by an odds-on favourite.

Fulham are peeking higher up the Championship and wondering if they will be able to prise Gary Rowett away from Birmingham. You would think not given that the Blues currently occupy a play-off position, but odds of 4/11 indicate that they have a legitimate chance.

The 41-year-old waited until being offered a job two divisions higher up in familiar surroundings before leaving Burton, so it is strange that he would appears to be open to a comparatively sideways move a mere 13 months into his transformation of the second city side.

His Pirelli Stadium replacement, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, has done so well since stepping in that he has emerged as QPR's leading target, being backed in to 8/11 frontrunner status. The former Chelsea striker refused to enlighten on the subject when asked after his team's 1-0 win at Wigan though.


https://betting.betfair.com/football/championship/latest-next-fulham-manager-and-next-qpr-manager-betting-odds-251115-39.html?

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WILL THESE FACTORS SEE FULHAM RE-ESTABLISH THEIR TOP FLIGHT STATUS?

12th May 2010. HSH Nordbank Arena, Hamburg. Atlético Madrid. Fulham FC. Level at the end of 90 minutes. Diego Forlán's strike opened the scoring but 5 minutes later Fulham's Welsh midfielder Simon Davies equalises.

116 minutes on the clock, the South-West London club 4 minutes away from penalty shoot-out and the chance of winning the UEFA Europa League. Diego Forlán, the Uruguayan who had flopped at Manchester United but resurrected his career in La Liga, broke the hearts of Fulham fans – including mine – with a deflected strike past Mark Schwarzer.

That was a good 5 years ago, oh how so much has changed in those 5 years for Fulham and its fans. That season included climbing out of the relegation zone to finish in a respectable 12th position, thrashing Juventus 4-1 and reaching the Europa League. Fast forward to 2015 and the club lay in 12th position this time in the SkyBet Football League Championship.

5 managers in those 5 years isn't too bad a statistic. Closer inspection tells a different story. Mark Hughes brought in after Hodgson moved north to Liverpool, spent 11 months in charge before leaving. Martin Jol had the longest tenure – 2 years – before being sacked in 2013. Rene Meulensteen, the ex- Manchester United coach only lasted 17 games. Felix Magath replaced him. The German was tasked with avoiding relegation; a task too great as the club dropped ended their 13 year stay in the English top flight.

Magath lasted 7 months before he was ousted. Academy coach, Kit Symons was promoted to the role of caretaker before being made permanent. The Welshman becoming owner Shahid Khan's fifth manager since buying the club from Mohamed Al-Fayed. He is now the latest casualty to make the fired list; 1 year and 2 months make him the longest serving manager since Mr Khan took over.

It is true to say Mr Khan's reign as chairman has not been as fruitful as his predecessor or reached the expectations he had when buying the club. The billionaire business tycoon who owns NFL side Jacksonville Jaguars can probably be the first person to confess that his knowledge of football – the real kind – is very limited. All the changes his making to the club isn't going to help in his quest to reach the golden land. The Barclays Premier League, the Holy Grail for fans, players, managers and chairman's. The richest league in the world is set to become even richer now, with the new £5.1 Billion TV deal being implemented in 2016/17 season. The rewards for getting promoted this season and the next subsequent years are greater than before. To achieve his goal, results on the pitch will have to improve though.

The old guards who helped keep Fulham as a regular name in Top flight departed after their relegation to the championship. John Arne Riise, Jonny Heitinga, Brede Hangeland, Steve Sidwell, Damien Duff, Kieran Richardson, Giorgos Karagounis, Ashkan Dejagah all departed for new pastures either ashore or stayed in the Prem.

Promotion hopes were place on Ross McCormack, an £11 million capture from Leeds and championship top scorer in 2013-14 season, Bryan Ruiz, Scott Parker, Hugo Rodallega and a bunch of their young, talented players promoted to the first team; Patrick Roberts, Moussa Dembélé, Sean Kavanagh, Emerson Hyndman, George Williams, Marcus Bettinelli, Cauley Woodrow and Jack Grimmer.

A 17th place finish last season mixed with some heavy defeats; 5-1 at home to Bournemouth, 5-0 at home against Watford, 4-1 home against Brentford, 5-0 against Derby and 5-3 away to Nottingham Forest.

This season has seen an improvement in results – 4-0 home victory against rivals QPR – but a 5-2 defeat to Birmingham and 3-0 defeat at the hands of Wolves, both at Craven Cottage, is evidence the club still has a lot to do before they can be considered as serious promotion candidates.

An encouraging sight for fans is the team's performance, especially from the younger stars. Moussa Dembélé in particular, who was recently awarded with the Football League Young Player of Month award for his 5 goals in 3 games during October. To achieve success the Whites will have to get the mix of youth and experienced right. Hopefully their young players will carry on flourishing while the older senior players, Scott Parker, Kay Voser, McCormack, new summer additions Richard Stearman and Jamie O'Hara will use their experiences and leadership skills to help the club fight for promotion.

It will take time no doubt at that, Shahid Khan and fans must be patient. Whoever takes over will have to implement their tactics and gameplay philosophy to the players, success may not come straight away and hopefully this is something Mr Khan will take into consideration before sending the new manager packing.

Stability on and off the pitch is what the club needs. The vast majority of the team has spent a full season together and will now have a greater understanding of one another. Shahid Khan needs to find manager and stick with them through thick and thin. Then maybe Fulham can make a return to the top flight amongst the best clubs in the country and the glory of European nights can make a return to Craven Cottage.


http://tbrfootball.com/fulham-fc/?

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Lewis enjoying a new lease of life at Fulham after Blackpool struggles

Cardiff loanee delighted to be at a more settled club


Pointing the way: Joe Lewis

Joe Lewis has found he has a new lease of life at Fulham after a difficult year with Blackpool last season.

The Tangerines' problems have been well documented and the Cardiff loanee even had to wear a shirt signed by him against Reading, which was meant to be put aside for a club sponsor but there were no spares left.

The 28-year-old joined Fulham on a season long loan in the summer and has found himself enjoying his time at Craven Cottage.

Lewis said: "It's a very well run club. It's an easy dressing room to slot into with a lot of good lads. I knew a few lads from previous clubs.

"It's easy when you know people like that. They look after the players really well. It's nothing alien to me. I've been at a few clubs now. I'm used to the changing surroundings.

He added: "I felt for the Blackpool fans because the club was all over the place. As people could see from the outside, it was a bit unstable and the fans weren't enjoying it at all.

"Hopefully they can turn it around but it's nice to be at a stable club like Fulham."


Unhappier times: Joe Lewis at Blackpool

Fulham are currently on the hunt for a new manager after parting company with Kit Symons with Peter Grant in temporary charge and Lewis has faith in the club to make the right decision.

The keeper said: "The club is trying to find a manager and they'll do what is best for Fulham.

"We get told at a similar time to everyone else. At a lot of clubs I've found out on Sky Sports News.

"We found out before everyone else here. I'm sure when the club is ready to appoint someone and I'm sure it'll be as soon as possible."

Preston visit Craven Cottage on Saturday and boast one of the meanest defences in the Championship, while Fulham are the leading goalscorers in the division.

Lewis said: "It'll be a very tough game. Preston are a good club and the manager has done really well there.

"There are no easy games in this league. Defensively they've been strong this season and we've been good going forward."

Tickets for Fulham v Preston North End, priced from £25 adults and £1 juniors (under 17 years of age) are now on General Sale. Call the Fulham Ticket Office on: 0843 208 1234 or online at: www.fulhamfc.com/tickets

Supporters are advised to purchase tickets in advance as all ticket prices will increase by £5 on the day of the match.


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/lewis-enjoying-new-lease-life-10503545?