Thursday Fulham Stuff (17/12/15)...

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Stuart Gray provides managerial latest and explains Fulham's key problem

Stuart Gray says he will be preparing Fulham's team for Bolton unless he hears otherwise as the search for a permanent manager goes on.

The former Sheffield Wednesday boss watched on from the sidelines as Freddie Sears fired Ipswich into the lead after just 16 seconds and despite a Ross McCormack free-kick special slack defending allowed Brett Pitman to fire home the winner.

And Gray, currently performing a 'senior coach' role at Craven Cottage says the players cannot use the managerial uncertainty as an excuse for a run of form which has seen them without a win since back on Halloween.

"We've had such a quick turnaround so at the moment nothing has been said. I'll be preparing the game for Bolton unless I hear any different," he explained.

"I've just said to the players, they can't use that (the managerial uncertainty) as an excuse. We can't control that; we can only control what happens when we cross the white line.

"Our focus in on playing and winning games. I can't fault the players application, they are putting a shift in we are just not making the right decisions."

Next up for Fulham is a trip to Bolton, who could not afford to pay their players last month and who came from 2-0 down to earn a draw at Charlton on Tuesday night.

Gray says Fulham cannot afford to keep giving sides head starts in every match if they want to end their winless run against Neil Lennon's side.

"I think what has been happening at this football club far too much this season is going a goal down," he added. "That was disappointing and we are having to chase it and try to get back in the game.

"I've said to the player's the most important thing is marking again in the box. There is just Pitman in the box when it's come in there. We aren't marking correctly in the box, Pitman has gambled and we are chasing the game again.

"To go a goal down has happened far too often.

"We go to a team on Saturday who are scrapping for their lives and are not getting paid, according to what I've read in the papers.

"We solve it by working hard on the training ground. The players know they've let themselves down. Teams aren't scoring great goals they are self-inflicted goals."


Read more at: http://www.london24.com/sport/football/stuart_gray_provides_managerial_latest_and_explains_fulham_s_key_problem_1_4349783
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Fulham remain keen on Slavisa Jokanovic

Despite bringing in Stuart Gray, Cottagers are still looking for a more permanent solution to head coach role

Fulham are still looking beyond Stuart Gray for their head coach role with Slavisa Jokanovic their number one target, HITC Sport understands.

Chief football officer Mike Rigg has struggled to find a replacement for Kit Symons and has appointed Gray 'until further notice'.

But whilst Gray is now overseeing first team duties, HITC Sport has been told by sources that they still want Jokanovic.

The former Watford boss is currently in charge of Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv, who bowed out of the Champions League this week - making it somewhat easier to prise away.

Fulham have already been rebuffed by Jokanovic due to their offers being below his expectations but they are set to go back this week with a deal which could see the former Chelsea man return to West London.

A Maccabi source confirmed to HITC Sport: "Fulham remain very interested and they know he is willing to work under their current regime and his track record is excellent, they feel he could be ideal for them."

Jokanovic guided Watford to Premier League promotion last season, and his stock is still very high in England, and it is believed he would like the chance to work in this country again.


http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2015/12/15/fulham-remain-keen-on-slavisa-jokanovic/?

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Fulham 1-2 Ipswich: Five things we learned about gutting Whites defeat

It was a night to forget - even after 16 seconds as Whites were ploughed under by the Tractor Boys but what did we learn?

Fulham got it in the neck from head coach Stuart Gray after losing to Ipswich - and rightly so. Here are the crucial learning curves from a pre-Christmas Game that was anything but a Cottage cracker.

Ross McCormack is as vital as ever
The Whites' appalling start left them looking bereft of confidence and at risk of a rampant Ipswich knocking them out of the game early on.

But the Scottish forward, as ever, produced the goods when required as he hammered home a 30-yard free-kick to get the Whites level in the blink of an eye.

Fans of the Whites shudder to think where they would be without the talisman's services, and he is clearly central to Fulham's plans of success.


Celebration time: Ross McCormack scores

Whites still need a defensive backbone
Stuart Gray was an uninspiring addition to the Craven Cottage backroom staff but after solidifying Sheffield Wednesday, his last club, it was hoped he would be able to turnaround one of the worst defences in the league.

Fulham conceded after 17 seconds and the visitors were desperate to take advantage as the Whites looked at sixes and sevens until McCormack brought them level.

One thing is for sure; the Cottagers' defence needs emergency surgery if they are to rescue a season increasingly seeming destined for mid-table.

The managerial situation is desperate
Stuart Gray, the senior first team coach, was in charge for his second game after the 2-2 derby draw with Brentford, and it has been over a month since the previous manager departed.

The Whites barely made it out of the tunnel before conceding. Many spectators had not even taken their seats.

Until they resorted to a 4-4-2, they were in disarray and the lack of certainty regarding the vacant head coach position cannot be helping.


In charge: Fulham coach Stuart Gray

They need a settled formation
The Whites have played the 3-5-2 formation to spectacular effect at times this season - just see the 4-1 win at Ashton Gate under Kit Symons.

And despite earning a point against rivals Brentford with that same formation, it seems that they won't be able to get away with it every game.

Ipswich found them out early on, and until they resorted back to a more conventional 4-4-2, with Tim Ream at left-back, the Whites were well out of the match.

The quality is there
Fulham made an abysmal start to the game, and not for the first time this season. But once more, they showed their quality in batches.

The link-up play between Alexander Kacaniklic , Moussa Dembele and McCormack, was sensational at times, and reminiscent of the incredible three-goals-in-six-minutes turnaround against Reading.

The three were at their best then, and the team as a whole were fantastic at picking them out for swift counter-attacks.

Fulham have the quality to have a fantastic second half of the season, but they need the right guidance.


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-1-2-ipswich-five-10607070?

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Rams Down To The Last 600 Tickets For Fulham

Just 600 tickets remain for Derby County's Boxing Day clash with Fulham at the iPro Stadium.

Tickets for the game on Saturday 26th December (3pm) went on General Sale earlier this month and supporters have been quick to secure their seats - and a full house is looming.

Derby last played at home on Boxing Day in 2011 and Rams fans are showing their thirst for festive football by generating an unprecedented demand for seats.

Following discussions with Fulham a further thousand seats were recently made available to Rams fans in the South East Corner of the iPro Stadium at Category C prices - reducing the Cottagers' allocation to 1,485.

Supporters wishing to sit with friends or family are advised to purchase as soon as possible to avoid disappointment as seats are continuing to sell fast - with the best place to purchase being in the additional seating area.

Prices start from: Adults £30 Senior Citizens £21 & Under 18s £16.50


Read more at http://www.dcfc.co.uk/news/article/rams-down-to-the-last-600-tickets-for-fulham-2852648.aspx#3edOjP7o0BRb82qC.99

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Ream: Unacceptable Start

Tim Ream was devastated with Fulham's worst possible start to the game against Ipswich Town on Tuesday evening.

Freddie Sears put his side in front with around 16 seconds played, and although the Whites managed to equalise through Ross McCormack's free-kick, Ipswich took the points back to Suffolk courtesy of Brett Pitman's second-half effort.

"Obviously it was a terrible, terrible start," Ream told the official website. "To give up a goal like that is unacceptable, but we got ourselves back in the game and came out in the second half and kind of got on top a little bit.

"Then, I wouldn't go as far to say we gifted them a goal, but against the run of play we let another one in and from there we were huffing and puffing but couldn't put another one in ourselves."

Sears' opener means that Fulham have now conceded the first goal in their last seven matches, and Ream knows they need to stop giving their opponents a head start.

He stated: "If we can keep it at zeros, and even go up a goal, I think everyone fancies our chances with the way we can move the ball around and create opportunities to put the ball in the back of the net.

"Unfortunately for whatever reason, and it's something that we need to figure out, we're going down a goal and it's hard to battle back and try to get on top after that.

"We'll have a recap on Wednesday and get right back out on the pitch and try to rectify the mistakes that we made. Then we look ahead right away, get back on the horse and try to get a win."

Fulham's next chance to get said win sees us travel to the Sky Bet Championship's bottom side Bolton Wanderers on Saturday.

Things are far from rosy at the Macron Stadium as the club deal with their well-publicised off-the-field problems, but Ream knows their players will be up for the battle.

"They're allegedly fighting for their pay cheque, they're fighting for their lives, literally," he said. "They have no other option, they're bottom of the table.

"They're pretty much in the shop window, every single one of their players, so they're going to come out with a lot of energy and they're going to do everything they can to dig themselves out of a hole and we have to be absolutely ready from the first whistle and not do what we did against Ipswich."

Ream was a popular member of the Wanderers dressing room prior to his move to SW6 in the summer, and he's looking forward to seeing some former colleagues at the weekend.

"I had three really good years there, and going back will be a little different as I'm playing on the away side," he admitted, "but I'm looking forward to going back and seeing old faces and chatting face to face instead of through text messages."


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/december/16/ream-unacceptable-start?

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Ex-Fulham youngster trials at Rangers

Rangers have apparently taken on another trialist who reportedly played and scored in last night's 9-0 demolition of Airdrieonians by the U21s.

19-year old winger Mekhi Leacock-McLeod, (possibly) currently a free agent, is at Murray Park to attempt to win over Mark Warburton and get his career back on track after Wolves reportedly let him go following their capture of him from Fulham.

The young attacker is the latest winger to be linked to Rangers, and is yet another trialist if the claims are true, although he was contracted to Wolves till summer next year, and as such it is unclear if the lad really is a free agent or if a small fee to Wanderers would be necessary to complete the deal should he impress.

A right winger, he is a strong and quick and would surely be first-team squad material and a potential solution to the slightly troublesome position on the right where Martyn Waghorn has played as auxiliary while Nathan Oduwa has flashed hot and cold.

The transfer window is well and truly open and Rangers are desperate to get a slightly ailing squad enhanced in time for the business end of the season.


http://www.ibroxnoise.co.uk/2015/12/ex-fulham-youngster-trials-at-rangers.html?

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GEORGE BEST'S BEAUTIFUL RENAISSANCE AT FULHAM

WHEN GEORGE BEST PLAYED FOR SECOND DIVISION FULHAM during a short spell in the mid 1970s, he undoubtedly cut a conflicting figure to the slight, jinking winger English fans had known during his enthralling 13 years at Manchester United. His body was thicker, his skin sun-kissed, both by-products of the comfortable California life afforded by a season spent playing for Los Angeles Aztecs, his fifth club in two years since leaving Old Trafford.

His cascading locks were in contrast to the bob that inspired the 'El Beatle' nickname; his short-sleeved, snow-white shirt could never be draped over a single hand held aloft to salute a goal like his long red jersey had done. His appearance betrayed hints of the archetype of the playboy footballer he had helped to mould.

But although it was easy to place your finger on his physical changes, something deeper had altered in the boy from Cregagh. Something was different in his demeanour; something burned brighter behind those blue eyes, dormant since he ceased to be a Busby Babe.

Few could argue that Best turned his back on top-level football when he played his last game for Manchester United in 1974 at the age of 27. His stints at each club immediately after, from South Africa to Ireland, attracted throngs of spectators but were equally tumultuous and ephemeral.

When poor discipline hampered his stay in the League of Ireland with Cork Celtic, Best crossed the Atlantic to join the razzmatazz of the North American Soccer League, which had already cajoled Pelé, and signed for LA Aztecs, co-owned by the flamboyant Elton John, in 1976.

Best wasn't a big name on the West Coast. The Star-Spangled Banner provided a blanket of anonymity and he found solace in finally escaping the shackles of fame first locked upon him in M16. But he was a success on the field, playing 24 times and scoring 15 goals. The new accentuation of luxury and absence of public pressure seemed to suit Best, but the outdoor NASL season ran only until the end of August.

In the summer of that year, unctuous Fulham chairman Ernie Clay saw an opportunity in Best's brief schedule to fulfil his idea to assemble a team of stars to draw bigger crowds to Craven Cottage. Two seasons previously, club captain Alan Mullery induced Bobby Moore to trade West Ham for SW6, and Clay now honed his sights on Best and Rodney Marsh to complete the triumvirate.

Marsh took the chance to return to his former club on loan from his own American dream at Tampa Bay Rowdies. An old drinking pal of Best's, it is Marsh who persuaded the Belfast Boy, who had a home on the nearby King's Road, to accept Clay's £500-a-match contract and make the short saunter down the Thames to join him at the Cottage. On 12 August, Clay announced both players would join when the NASL season broke at the end of the month, under new manager Bobby Campbell.

Although many were sceptical about Best's UK return, some observers noted an upturn in attitude upon his arrival. After watching him train for two weeks with the club, The Times' Norman Fox wrote: "I was impressed by his athletic appearance and his convincing interest in 'coming back', as he felt able to cope with the pressures of life as the centre of permanent publicity."

The man himself underlined he was focused solely on football, and not the temptations littered on its periphery. "I just want to get on the field and be allowed to play," Best told reporters. "If people can judge me as a football player then that's all I want."

Best took the duty to beguile the paying public to heart; a new, adoring, audience gave him a desperately sought-after drive long since excluded from his fame-and-alcohol-induced bubble. Moore was football royalty, Marsh the club favourite, but it was Best the punters came to see.

No fewer than 21,177 fans streamed into Fulham's Putney ground to see Best make his debut against Bristol Rovers on September 4, 1976, and score the game's only goal after just 71 seconds. But not only did Best seal victory that day, he spent much of the remaining 88 minutes and 49 seconds diligently delivering on his promise to "make football fun again" – and the dubious press were suddenly rapturous.

"The crowd were treated to flashes of his old acceleration, the immaculate first-time control, teasing dribbles, accurate passes and a range of flicks and tricks," scribed author and Fulham historian Alex White, while journalist Clive White claimed the return was 'as good a dream debut as any that Roy of the Rovers could invent'.

The next home game against Wolves drew a crowd of 25,794, nearly three times the 9,437 that had turned up to watch the opening game of the campaign against Nottingham forest just three weeks earlier. Although the game ended 0-0, Best was again a standout. He and Marsh both produced flashes of animation on the pitch punctuated by irresistible trickery, and the crowd loved it. As Duncan Hamilton put it, "Best and his amigo Marsh ... were like a two-man circus, pitching their tent to perform Big Top tricks".

The next home league match against Hereford United saw the Best and Marsh carnival at its zenith. Fulham ran out 4-1 winners with Alan Slough and John Evanson opening the scoring. In the second half Best crossed for John Mitchell to head down for Marsh to score his first, before the Londoner completed a brace with a whirling shot from the very edge of the area. Fulham even scored Hereford's consolation by way of an own goal from Ernie Howe.

Best and Marsh were at the height of their magisterial tomfoolery throughout. In the second half the pair stood over a free-kick. Best motioned to place the ball before flicking it up for Marsh to volley and loop wide. The pair even tackled each other to illuminate the game's paler patches. It was carefree, flair football at its finest. Best's trademark grin and guile had begun to resurface and what seemed so enigmatically different upon his return had become promptly apparent: George Best was enjoying playing football again.

In training he was no less jocular. On one occasion, he wagered £10 with Peter Mellor, Fulham's goalkeeper, that he could score a penalty against him without looking. Best won, back-heeling an effort into the bottom corner after a two-step backwards shuffle.

Of course, there were still tales of Best's wilder side courting the playboy lifestyle. London in the 1970s was a hive of hedonism featuring the world's most gifted and tainted individuals, and Best was frequently found in the middle of that particular social Venn diagram. The West End nights sometimes crept into the days and intruded on his relationship with the young Fulham manager.

"When [Best would] turn up at 3pm Bobby Campbell would give him a rollicking and send him into Bishop Park," recounted Tony Gale, a teenage trainee at Fulham in the 1976-77 season. "Bob would put down jumpers for ­goalposts, order Perry Digweed, another apprentice, in goal and send George out to dribble round a few willing kids and score a few, while dodging women pushing prams!"

And then there was the more shameful incident where Best required 55 stitches to facial wounds after crashing his car into a lamppost outside Harrods at 4am following a drinking session in a Jermyn Street nightclub. There were less savoury moments on field too, such as the red card in a 4-1 defeat to Southampton for using language as colourful as his character. But the stories of his positive endeavours far outweighed the negative.

Best played for Fulham 32 times in his first season. His performance in the 3-1 win over Chelsea – six weeks after his crash – helped the Cottagers to avoid relegation by just a point in front Fulham's largest crowd of the season.

Surprisingly, the Moore-Best-Marsh trinity played only 15 times that season and the trio had long since disbanded when Best left for LA again at the beginning of the 1977-78 season, having managed just two goals in ten games.

At the tail end of his Thames-side stay the club fined Best for missing training, while the player complained of unpaid wages. But any cloud under which he left for America was banished by the memory of the sparkling displays he imbedded in the minds of those who saw him, aided by his friend Marsh. "It was like the Harlem Globetrotters. The fans came to be entertained, we entertained them," Marsh later remembered. "We did it to put a smile on people's faces," Best innocently insisted.

After leaving Craven Cottage, Best globe-trotted around a number of clubs, signing for nine more teams from Scotland to Hong Kong. Many critics would say his career took a downward turn after departing Manchester United, but his time at Fulham was the closest he came to recapturing the form that made him famous.

Nearly 30 years after his debut, Best succumbed to a disease he was powerless to stop, aged only 59. One of his last wishes was for people to "remember me for my football". Few who witnessed his brief but brilliant revival in English football at Fulham, could ever forget.


http://thesefootballtimes.co/2015/12/16/george-bests-beautiful-renaissance-at-fulham/?