Tuesday Fulham Stuff (29/12/15)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Let's keep it going, says Mattock

DEFENDER Joe Mattock and the Millers gun for revenge and a hat-trick of victories when they take on Fulham at Craven Cottage tomorrow night.

Fulham won the first meeting 3-1 at the AESSEAL New York Stadium back in August and it took a further month for Rotherham, then managed by Steve Evans, to land their first league victory.

The teams now meet with Neil Redfearn's men fresh from successive wins against Hull City and Bolton Wanderers and finally out of the Championship relegation zone while Fulham are without a win in nine.

And while wary of their threat, Mattock wants the Millers to carry on where they left off in Saturday's 4-0 thrashing of bottom side Bolton.

"It was great play from us, you could see the confidence rising in the team on the back of the win against Hull," he told the Advertiser. "If we can keep the performances high and keep getting in teams' faces and really get on the front foot then hopefully it will be a real turn of events for us.

"Fulham are a good side with some lively players and it's a tough place to go. Earlier on in the season when we played them it was a hard game for us, as results at the time showed, but maybe we can turn it on them this time.

"Being out of the bottom three is a huge lift for us and hopefully we can take that into the next game and keep the performances going."


http://rotherhamadvertiser.co.uk/sport/101069/let-s-keep-it-going-says-mattock.aspx?

[WhiteJC]

 
New Fulham coach Slavisa Jokanovic couldn't resist the 'magic' of England, says Maccabi chief Jordi Cruyff

Tel Aviv technical director Cruyff knows how special football is in the country having played for Manchester United in the 1990s


Duo: New Fulham head coach Slavisa Jokanovic and Jordi Cruyff

Maccabi Tel Aviv technical director Jordi Cruyff understands why Slavisa Jokanovic couldn't resist the lure of the Fulham hotseat.

Jokanovic was appointed as the Whites' new head coach on Sunday evening to bring to an end a long search for a replacement for Kit Symons.

The 47-year-old only spent six months in Israel having pushed Watford to Premier League promotion in last season.

Cruyff, who once played for Manchester United, knows how special football is England and was happy to allow the Serbian to have another crack at the Championship at Craven Cottage.

He said: "I think that for anyone in professional football England is the place to be and I have an understanding of why Slavisa would want to go back. Football is a small world and we never know when we will meet up again.

"We were very reluctant to let him go but I can understand why and the magic of England and what it has to offer. We would have preferred to keep our coach but this is life.


Calling the shots: Shahid Khan

"Maccabi should be proud as we've had coaches that have left to the Champions of Mexico, Switzerland and also to Brighton and now Fulham."

Jokanovic becomes the fifth manager appointed at Fulham since Shahid Khan took control of the club in the summer of 2013.

The Whites chairman added: "I am extremely proud to announce that Slavisa Jokanovic will be joining Fulham as our first team head coach.

"We considered many quality candidates for what we considered to be one of the best positions in football, and I personally interviewed most of them.

"While the search was time-consuming and painstaking at times, I knew that when the process was complete that Fulham would have the best man possible for this opportunity and challenge.

"Slavisa's credentials and passion for the job rose to the top through every stage of this process, and we cannot wait to welcome him to Motspur Park and Craven Cottage to get things going in the right direction for the second half of the season."


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/new-fulham-coach-slavisa-jokanovic-10657428?

[WhiteJC]

 
Done Deal: Fulham appoint former Watford manager as new boss

Fulham have confirmed that former Watford manager Slavisa Jokanovic as their new manager, after an extensive search that has spanned several weeks.

Several candidates have been examined, including Steve Clarke, who was manager of Reading at the time, Nigel Pearson, formerly of Leicester City, along with a host of other names, but Jokanovic has been deemed the right man for the job.

The Serbian manager was previously managing Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Israeli top division, after a bizarre turn of events saw him leave Watford, despite leading them to the Premier League.

Reports as to why the Serb left varied, but it is believed that the owners of the club weren't willing to match his demands for a new contract with a 200% wage increase.

Despite only moving to Israel in the summer, the former Chelsea midfielder finds himself back in the Championship as he looks to turn around the Cottagers' disappointing season.

Jokanovic inherits a Fulham side sitting in 18th place, just 3 points clear of the drop zone, ahead of Tuesday's clash with a struggling Rotherham side.


Read more at http://footballleagueworld.co.uk/done-deal-fulham-appoint-former-watford-manager-as-new-boss/?#JvazFjrcHOjMuU4y.99

[WhiteJC]

 
Pay on the day at Fulham

Tickets for tomorrow's Sky Bet Championship fixture against Fulham will be available on the day.

The match on Tuesday 29th December is a 7.45pm kick off at Craven Cottage.

Tickets for Rotherham supporters will be available to purchase from the away turnstiles. There is a price increase on all age groups except for under 17s.

Any collections and duplicate requests will be available from the collection window from the ticket office on Stevenage Road.

Tickets are no longer available from AESSEAL New York Stadium.


Read more at http://www.themillers.co.uk/news/article/rotherham-united-fulham-2871272.aspx#8Py5o7SC7baE2eMb.99

[WhiteJC]

 
BACKGROUND OF NEW FULHAM HEAD COACH SLAVISA JOKANOVIC

Slavisa Jokanovic has been named as Fulham's new head coach to bring to an end a long search for Kit Symons' successor at Craven Cottage.

The 47-year-old joins from Maccabi Tel Aviv and comes having already forged a reputation in England as both a player and a manager in the past.

Symons was sacked at the start of November and Fulham fans are relieved to finally have a new man in place as they gear up for the visit of Rotherham on Tuesday night.

But who is the coach Shahid Khan has entrusted with leading the club back to the Premier League and out of Championship danger?

Here's a closer look at the career of the Serbian tactician.

Jokanovic, a defensive midfielder by trade but with an eye for goal, started his career with Yugoslavian team Novi Sad before helping neighbouring team FK Vojvodina to the domestic title.

His form led to him signing for Partizan Belgrade and secured a domestic cup in his second season before another title in his third.

He earned a move to Spanish side Oviedo in 1993 and played two seasons there before moving to Tenerife.

He joined Deportivo La Coruna in 1999 and helped them win their first ever league title after forming a partnership with Donato and Mauro Silva.

He moved to London afterwards, signing for Fulham's rivals Chelsea, but after 39 appearances over two seasons he was released.

A brief stint with Ciudad de Murcia brought the end of his domestic career; scoring 66 goals in 403 league games.

Jokanovic represented Yugoslavia six times, making his debut in 1991 and helped them top the group in Euro 1992 qualification only for the country to be barred from the tournament due to war.

He made a further 58 appearances for FR Yugoslavia, which became Serbia and Montenegro before they became separate entities, and helped them qualify for the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000. He scored 10 goals in his international career.

Jokanovic took his first steps into management in 2007 as he returned to one of his old clubs, Partizan, and made an instant impression by leading the Belgrade side to back-to-back domestic doubles.

After leaving the club by mutual consent and taking some time out from football, Thailand Premier League outfit Muangthong United announced Jokanovic as their new boss.

He went undefeated throughout the campaign as he added a third league title to his collection as a manager before heading back to Europe with Levski Sofia.

His time in Bulgaria was unsuccessful and Jokanovic failed to see out the season before taking on a rescue mission with Hércules' but couldn't keep the Spaniards up in their final five matches.

However, Jokanovic was to bounce back in spectacular fashion as he led Watford back to the big time after taking over in October 2014.

But the boss would never manage in the Premier League with the Hornets though after failing to thrash out a deal in Hertfordshire.

Maccabi made the most of his wages wrangle with Watford, snapping up the free agent, and their faith was repaid as Jokanovic steered the club to the Champions League group stage.

His European conquest with Tel Aviv and his previous promotion win with the Hornets was enough to convince Shahid Khan to offer him the Fulham job at the end of December.


http://www.fulhamweb.co.uk/news/background-of-new-fulham-head-coach-slavisa-jokanovic.aspx?

[WhiteJC]

 
RUFC- Ref Watch v Fulham
 
SIMON HOOPER from Wiltshire

Simon was appointed to the National List of Referees in the summer of 2008 after going on a referee's course at the tender age of fifteen.

Simon's last game in charge of the Millers was in September 2014 at the New York Stadium when Blackburn Rovers were the visitors. Kari Arnason opened the scoring for the hosts on five minutes with Luciano Becchio making it two just after the half-hour mark giving the Millers all three points on the day. Lee Frecklington saw yellow that evening along with Rovers players Grant Hanley, Shane Duffy and Corry Evans.

Simon hasn't been involved in many of the Millers game but one was in August 2013 when we travelled to Premier League side Aston Villa in the Capital One Cup. Villa beat the Millers three-nil with goals from Andreas Weimann, Christian Benteke and Fabian Delph. The only card shown by Simon that evening was to Delph.

Simon was in the middle for Rotherham games was in February 2011 at the Kaasam Stadium when the Millers fell to their fifth straight defeat. The first blow for the visitors was an injury on just fifteen minutes to striker Ryan Taylor who had to be replaced by Omar Daley who had signed that week. The Millers were immediately on the back foot and three minutes later Simon Heslop opened the scoring for Oxford. Daley then helped the Millers to an equaliser when, on thirty-six minutes, he sent a lovely ball over to Nicky Law who chipped it over a diving U`s goalie to make the score one-all. With the visitors on top a rare run towards Andy Warrington by Steven MacLean saw new boy Callum Kennedy tug the shirt of the former Owls forward who went down resulting in a penalty for Oxford and a red card for the youngster on loan from Swindon Town. MacLean took and scored the spot kick giving the home side a two-one win.

The only other time Simon reffed a Millers game was in December 2009 at Don Valley when Burton Albion were the visitors. Adam Le Fondre had put the Millers two up in the first half but on sixty-five minutes Albion`s Aaron Webster got one back. Five minutes later Nick Fenton saw red when, for no reason anyone could see, he lunged at Webster. Fifteen minutes later Greg Pearson got an equaliser for the visitors.

Simon has been in the middle for twenty-five games so far this season showing sixty yellow cards and two reds



Running the Line at Craven Cottage will be ...

Robert Masey-Ellis from the West Midlands
and
Marc Wilson from Cambridgeshire

The Fourth Official will be ...

Michael Bull from Essex



Read more: http://www.rotherham.vitalfootball.co.uk/sitepage.asp?a=427737#ixzz3veOTsIea

[WhiteJC]

 
Kača: A Fresh Start

Alexander Kačaniklić insists the Whites must treat the Rotherham United game like a fresh start, and cannot suffer a festive hangover from the Boxing Day defeat at Derby County.

Speaking in the aftermath of the 2-0 reverse at the iPro Stadium, Kačaniklić is well aware Fulham need to improve on the display against the Sky Bet Championship leaders and must treat the Whites' final game of 2015 as a chance to turn over a new leaf.

"There's no excuses, we just need to get points," Kačaniklić told #FFCRadio. "We need to play well at home and we need to fans to be with us like they always are.
"We just have to forget about [the Derby game]. We cannot feel sorry for ourselves. We are at the wrong end of the table and we need to get points, especially on Tuesday, which is going to be a big game for us."

Listen to the full interview with Alexander Kačaniklić on #FFCRadio as we build up to the Whites' Craven Cottage encounter with Rotherham United from 7.15pm. You can tune in on the Match Centre or the official Fulham FC App.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/december/28/kaca-a-fresh-start?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham target 'right direction' after appointing Slavisa Jovanovic

Fulham chairman Shahid Khan believes Slavisa Jovanovic is the man to get Fulham going in the 'right direction' after his appointment at Craven Cottage.

The Cottagers have been without a permanent head coach since the sacking of Kit Symons in early November, but Jovanovic left Maccabi Tel Aviv to take over the Championship club, who sit 18th in the table.

And chairman Khan revealed his delight at the appointment.

"I am extremely proud to announce that Slavisa Jokanovic will be joining Fulham as our First Team Head Coach," he said.

"We considered many quality candidates for what we considered to be one of the best positions in football, and I personally interviewed most of them.

"While the search was time-consuming and painstaking at times, I knew that when the process was complete that Fulham would have the best man possible for this opportunity and challenge.

"Slavisa's credentials and passion for the job rose to the top through every stage of this process, and we cannot wait to welcome him to Motspur Park and Craven Cottage to get things going in the right direction for the second half of the season."

Jokanovic spent two years as a player with Chelsea between 2000 and 2002, and arrives at Fulham ahead of their match against Rotherham United on Tuesday.



Read more at http://www.football-league.co.uk/news/article/2015/fulham-target-right-direction-after-appointing-slavisa-jovanovic-2871341.aspx#Sw651g4GbV1QLBC7.99

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham appoint former Watford boss

Fulham have appointed Slavisa Jokanovic as their new head coach.
The Championship side had been without a manager since sacking Kit Symons in early November.

Serb Jokanovic, 47, won promotion to the Premier League with Watford last season but left Vicarage Road after contract talks broke down.

He was appointed manager at Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv in June, leading them into the Champions League group stage for the first time.

His last game in charge was a 5-0 victory on Sunday, with Maccabi announcing Fulham had agreed to pay a £367,000 compensation  fee.

Fulham chairman Shahid Khan said he had personally interviewed "many quality candidates for what we considered to be one of the best positions in football".

He added: "Slavisa's credentials and passion for the job rose to the top through every stage of this process, and we cannot wait to welcome him to Motspur Park and Craven Cottage."

Jokanovic, who spent two years as a player with Chelsea between 2000 and 2002, arrives at Fulham with the Londoners 18th in the Championship.

Their next match is on Tuesday, at home to fellow strugglers Rotherham, who are 21st.

PJ


http://www.footballtradedirectory.com/news/2015/december/fulham-appoint-former-watford-boss.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
FULHAM FINALLY APPOINT NEW HEAD COACH

After seven managerless weeks, Fulham have finally appointed their replacement for Kit Symons. But who is it?

Championship strugglers Fulham have appointed Slavisa Jokanovic as their new Head Coach.

Jokanovic's arrival to Craven Cottage has ended a lengthy run of 49 days without a permanent boss for the Cottagers. Seven weeks ago today, Kit Symons' reign in the dugout ended after their 5-2 home defeat against Birmingham.

Several candidates were linked with the vacant Fulham job since Symons' sacking on November 8 – including former Leicester manager Nigel Pearson, Paul Lambert, Steve Clarke and Birmingham's Gary Rowett – but the club eventually opted for Jokanovic.

The Serb, 47, is familiar with the Championship after guiding Watford to automatic promotion last season. However he did not follow the Hornets into the top flight after contract talks broke down.

Jokanovic's most recent managerial venture was at Maccabi Tel-Aviv. He led the Israeli side into the Champions League group stages for only the second time after defeating Basel in the final qualifying round. However they would go on to finish bottom of Group G, a group that involved Premier League champions Chelsea, Porto and Dynamo Kyiv.

Fulham chairman Shahid Khan explained his reasoning behind hiring Jokanovic to the club's website:

"I am extremely proud to announce that Slavisa Jokanovic will be joining Fulham as our First Team Head Coach. We considered many quality candidates for what we considered to be one of the best positions in football, and I personally interviewed most of them.

"While the search was time-consuming and painstaking at times, I knew that when the process was complete that Fulham would have the best man possible for this opportunity and challenge.

"Slavisa's credentials and passion for the job rose to the top through every stage of this process, and we cannot wait to welcome him to Motspur Park and Craven Cottage to get things going in the right direction for the second half of the season."

As the chairman explained, Fulham fans will be hoping that the former Watford boss brings with him a turnaround in fortunes as they enter the second half of the season.

The Cottagers are currently 18th in the Championship, just three points above the relegation zone. They have suffered a prolonged run of poor form and are without a league win since October. Since Symons' departure seven weeks ago, the club have drawn four and lost three, including Saturday's 2-0 defeat at table-topping Derby.

The first match of Jokanovic's tenure is set to be an important one as Fulham host fellow strugglers Rotherham on Tuesday night. The Millers are three places and three points behind the Cottagers but will travel to London off the back of impressive victories over Hull and Bolton.


http://xtheline.co.uk/fulham-finally-appoint-new-head-coach/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Former Watford boss Slavisa Jokanovic named as Fulham manager


The former Watford boss was named as head coach minutes after his current side, Maccabi Tel Aviv, won 5-0
Photo: PA

Fulham's laborious managerial hunt has come to an end after Slavisa Jokanovic agreed to become head coach.

It is 49 days since the west Londoners sacked Kit Symons, having grown frustrated by their inconsistent Sky Bet Championship form.

The process to replace him has been fraught with challenges but, after Peter Grant and then Stuart Gray took temporary charge, the club have belatedly announced that they have agreed to bring Jokanovic from Maccabi Tel Aviv as head coach.


Fulham owner, Shahid Khan, had to pay Maccabi Tel Aviv £367,500 compensation to secure the Serb's services Credit: PA

The news came minutes after the Israeli league leaders won 5-0 at home to Hapoel Kiryat Shmona and means the former Serbia international returns to English football after just six months away.

Jokanovic last season led Watford to automatic promotion to the Premier League, only to leave Vicarage Road after talks over a new deal collapsed.

ITV Sport understands the 47-year-old has been on Fulham's shortlist to succeed Symons from the outset so, after a long and uncomfortable period without a manger, owner Shahid Khan was understandably pleased to make the appointment.

"I am extremely proud to announce that Slavisa Jokanovic will be joining Fulham as our First Team Head Coach," he said in a statement.

"We considered many quality candidates for what we considered to be one of the best positions in football, and I personally interviewed most of them.

"While the search was time-consuming and painstaking at times, I knew that when the process was complete that Fulham would have the best man possible for this opportunity and challenge.

"Slavisa's credentials and passion for the job rose to the top through every stage of this process, and we cannot wait to welcome him to Motspur Park and Craven Cottage to get things going in the right direction for the second half of the season."


The cottagers have not won in their last seven matches Credit: PA

Maccabi confirmed Fulham have paid 500,000 euros (£367,500) compensation for Jokanovic, ending a frustrating period without a manager.

The west London club initially agreed terms with Steve Clarke, only for the then-Reading manager to pull out.

Birmingham manager Gary Rowett and Rangers boss Mark Warburton were others sounded out, before former Sheffield Wednesday boss Gray was named senior coach and placed in temporary charge.

Fulham have drawn two and lost two under Gray, including the 2-0 loss at Derby on Boxing Day, and chief football officer Mike Rigg has now belatedly succeeded in bringing in Jokanovic.

The former Chelsea midfielder took on his former club in the Champions League group stage this season and thanked Maccabi for an enjoyable, if short, time at the helm.

"I apologise to the Maccabi supporters and I see that they are the most loyal fans, one of the most amazing I've seen in my football career," Jokanovic told the Israeli club's website.

"This made the games I played here at Bloomfield and on Europe great and I enjoyed the city of Tel Aviv.

"I want to thank all of the people here in Israel, including the press and friends that I've made during my time.

"There's a very important job in London coming up with Fulham and I am looking for stability and I hope to be there a very long time."

The Cottagers have failed to win any of their seven matches since Symons' exit and host fellow strugglers Rotherham on Tuesday.


http://www.itv.com/news/2015-12-28/former-watford-boss-slavisa-jokanovic-named-as-fulham-manager/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham v Rotherham preview

Matt Smith: Pushing to start for Fulham

Fulham have confirmed that former Watford manager Slavisa Jokanovic is their new head coach ahead of Tuesday night's clash against Rotherham.

Stuart Gray oversaw a 2-0 defeat at Derby on Boxing Day which made it no wins in nine for the Cottagers and there could be changes against the Millers.

Matt Smith, Tom Cairney and Ben Pringle, against his former club, are all pushing for starts.

Rotherham will again be without Leon Best as they are reassessing how to manage his groin injury which has restricted him to just 73 minutes in a Millers shirt.

Stephen Kelly (calf) should be fit, though, and he is likely to go straight into the side at right-back instead of Frazer Richardson.

Lewis Buxton will not play as he was left out of Saturday's 4-0 win over Bolton over "contractual issues".


http://www.skysports.com/football/fulham-vs-rotherham/preview/339813?

[WhiteJC]

 
A Message From The Chairman

Greetings to Fulham supporters everywhere and it certainly is my hope that you are still enjoying the Christmas and holiday season with friends and family. And with 2016 just a few days away, I think we have good reason to express warm wishes for the New Year with Slavisa Jokanovic as our new First Team Head Coach.

Before we get to Slavisa's appointment, however, let's talk about something more important, and that's the somber news we received earlier this month upon the passing of the legendary Jimmy Hill at the age of 87.

My time at Fulham has been brief, so with each passing week I am admittedly continuing to learn more about the legacy and traditions of the Club. But since my arrival in July 2013, there have been a few names that have made an immediate and lasting impact. Jimmy Hill was one of those names.

This isn't to say I currently - or will ever be - able to fully appreciate everything that Jimmy accomplished here, or what he means to the lore and history of Fulham Football Club. But, I believe I do understand how much Jimmy means to you. I've heard from many supporters over the past several weeks as our search for a new head coach continued, and many of you took the opportunity to also offer thoughts or memories of Jimmy, both as a player and as a builder of the Club.

Many of your recollections of Jimmy are priceless and timeless. I thank you for them and hope that you will find our tribute to Jimmy tomorrow evening, from the features in the official programme to the pre-match ceremony, to be respectful of his countless contributions to Fulham and the game of football in England.

As I noted yesterday, I'm now extremely proud to announce that Slavisa has accepted our offer to join Fulham and accept the challenge and opportunity that will come in leading our First Team. Slavisa is in London tomorrow and will begin to fully acclimate himself with the Club in the days ahead, but be assured that he's already very much attuned to our situation.

To say that Slavisa came prepared during the interview process would be an understatement. His analysis of our Club was impressive and his ideas were just what we wanted to hear. I'm confident that Slavisa will reverse our fortunes and bring to Fulham a winning mindset through the second half of the season and beyond.

I think it's important to point out that Slavisa emerged from an extremely impressive pool of candidates, some of whom became available or expressed their interest to us during the days and weeks that followed our decision to make a change on 8th November. This wasn't totally unexpected when you consider the attraction of Fulham, but it's safe to say that our shortlist of candidates grew immediately, as well as over time.

While Slavisa was someone we were interested in from the start, we had an obligation, in my opinion, to fully explore our options. This took time, and probably a bit more than any of us would have preferred, but with each day that passed and every deliberation we made, we got closer and closer to making the right call on Slavisa Jokanovic. And that's more important than anything.

I also want to note that Slavisa was someone who was beloved and respected by Maccabi Tel Aviv, his former club, and therefore required a great deal of effort on our part to arrange for his release. And when you consider that he was likely the target of other clubs who may have been contemplating a change, we are particularly fortunate to welcome him to Fulham.

In the end, all we need to remember is Slavisa has promoted a club from the Championship to the Premier League and has managed sides at the highest level of football. In other words, Slavisa is exactly the Head Coach we need.

And speaking of head coach – I believe the term 'head coach' has been misunderstood, though not by Slavisa nor nearly every one of the other candidates we interviewed. Slavisa avidly embraces the concept of head coach, which is to be on the pitch, training, organising, planning and everything that comes in preparing for and leading the Club on matchday.

This doesn't mean he will have no say in player recruitment or squad assembly for the First Team – he most certainly will, working with Chief Football Officer Mike Rigg and his staff to ensure the best we possibly can that Fulham will field a starting XI that Slavisa will choose on matchdays and feels will be capable of winning. The concept of head coach simply means being hyperfocused on the pitch and team performance. But please be assured, Slavisa will collaborate closely with Mike and his staff as anyone would under the classic definition of manager. That was always the plan for whomever won the job, and I know that Slavisa and Mike will mesh well as we turn the page on 2015.

I do want to salute the work by Peter Grant and Stuart Gray in their caretaker roles while we brought this process to a close. There was much more to their body of work than may meet your eye. While collecting a few points, we were able to take a closer look at various players and line-ups and probably know our Club's potential and areas of need a bit better today than we did several months ago. I thank Peter and Stuart for keeping us together for the transition ahead.

Tomorrow night, therefore, is an occasion for you to celebrate our past in Jimmy Hill and future in Slavisa Jokanovic. For me, it's an opportunity to thank you for your patience and ask for your trust. I promise that no-one wants to deliver a winner to Fulham supporters more than I do. That's why we have Slavisa Jokanovic in the fold. Brighter days are ahead.

Come On You Whites!

http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/december/28/a-message-from-the-chairman?

[WhiteJC]

 
FULHAM WELCOME ROTHERHAM ~ CH. TEAM NEWS MD24

Team News

Fulham vrs Rotherham United

Championship Match Day 24 1516 at Craven Cottage

Tuesday 29th December 2015    KO: 19:45

Referee: Referee Simon Hooper (Wiltshire)

Referee Simon Hooper (Wiltshire)
Wilshire FA official referee Simon Hooper, 33 year old, began his Football League career as an assistant referee in 2006/07. At the same time he was a referee in non-league football. Hooper was promoted to a Football League referee the following season.

Mr Hooper last reffed a Fulham game in September 2015 when we lost 3-2 away at Sheff Wed in the Championship and he booked O'Hara and Burn. He reffed three of our games last season two away wins and a 4-1 home defeat by Brentford.

Rotherham last had the pleasure of Ref Hooper's company back in September 2014 when they beat Blackburn 2-0.

Last season he refed 40 games and dished out 131 yellows, 3.3 yellows per game, and 4 reds. This season so far he has refed 25 games waving 60 yellows, 2.4 yellows per game, and 2 reds.

Fulham
Fulham have confirmed that former Watford manager Slavisa Jokanovic is their new head coach ahead of Tuesday night's clash against Rotherham.

Stuart Gray oversaw a 2-0 defeat at Derby on Boxing Day which made it no wins in nine for the Cottagers and there could be changes against the Millers.

Matt Smith, Tom Cairney and Ben Pringle, against his former club, are all pushing for starts.

Rotherham
Rotherham will again be without Leon Best as they are reassessing how to manage his groin injury which has restricted him to just 73 minutes in a Millers shirt.

Stephen Kelly (calf) should be fit, though, and he is likely to go straight into the side at right-back instead of Frazer Richardson.

Lewis Buxton will not play as he was left out of Saturday's 4-0 win over Bolton over "contractual issues".


http://www.fulhamweb.co.uk/news/fulham-welcome-rotherham-~-ch-team-news-md24.aspx?

[WhiteJC]

 
SLAVISA JOKANOVIC APPOINTED HEAD COACH OF FULHAM

Slavisa Jokanovic has been appointed as Head Coach of Fulham FC.

Fulham Football Club Chairman Shahid Khan issued the following statement:

"I am extremely proud to announce that Slaviša Jokanović will be joining Fulham as our First Team Head Coach.

"We considered many quality candidates for what we considered to be one of the best positions in football, and I personally interviewed most of them.

"While the search was time-consuming and painstaking at times, I knew that when the process was complete that Fulham would have the best man possible for this opportunity and challenge.

"Slaviša's credentials and passion for the job rose to the top through every stage of this process, and we cannot wait to welcome him to Motspur Park and Craven Cottage to get things going in the right direction for the second half of the season."


- See more at: http://www.leaguemanagers.com/news/lma-latest/slavisa-jokanovic-appointed-head-coach-fulham/?#sthash.AaKAiHve.dpuf

[WhiteJC]

 
Jokanovic relishing fresh start

New Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic admits he is relishing the chance to build something at the club after taking over on Sunday.



The Serbian moves to Craven Cottage 49 days after the club sacked former manager Kit Symons.

Jokanovic has decided to leave his post at Maccabi Tel Aviv, despite the fact they sit top the Israeli Premier League.

The former Watford boss has plenty of experience in the Championship after leading the Hornets to promotion last season and he has set his sights on a long reign with his new side.

He said: "I apologise to the Maccabi supporters and I see that they are the most loyal fans, one of the most amazing I've seen in my football career.

"This made the games I played here at Bloomfield and on Europe great and I enjoyed the city of Tel Aviv. I want to thank all of the people here in Israel, including the press and friends that I've made during my time.

"There's a very important job in London coming up with Fulham and I am looking for stability and I hope to be there a very long time."


Read more at: https://www.clubcall.com/championship/jokanovic-relishing-fresh-start-1793766.html?

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Bournemouth 'make enquiry for McCormack'
by DAN on DECEMBER 28, 2015

Bournemouth have made an initial enquiry over the availability of Fulham forward Ross McCormack, according to a report from the Daily Mail this afternoon.

The Mail suggests that Fulham could use the proceeds from a potential sale of the Scottish international to ensure a prompt removal of their forthcoming transfer embargo at the end of the January window. McCormack has scored fourteen goals in 26 appearances this season for Fulham, who currently sit eighteenth in the Championship table and appointed Slavisa Jokanovic as their permanent successor to Kit Symons last night.

The 29 year-old only extended his current contract at Craven Cottage in August after Fulham fought off reported interest from the likes of Sheffield Wednesday and Derby County to secure his services until 2019. McCormack joined the Whites from Leeds in the summer of 2014 for a fee that could have reached £11m – and Fulham would want to recoup a significant amount of that outlay if they were tempted to sell next month. Bournemouth have reportedly sent scouts to watch McCormack's recent displays as they seek to add offensive reinforcements after Eddie Howe already completed a deal to sign the Roma forward Juan Iturbe.

McC0rmack has scored 33 goals in 77 appearances since leaving Elland Road and captained Fulham for much of the first half of the season in the absence of injured club captain Scott Parker.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2015/12/bournemouth-make-enquiry-for-mccormack/?

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Fulham chief Shahid Khan defiant over his long-winded recruitment process and says Slavisa Jokanovic always interested them
Fulham appointed Slavisa Jokanovic as manager last week
Owner Shad Khan has defended his long recruitment process 
The former Watford boss left Maccabi Tel Aviv to come to Craven Cottage

Fulham owner Shahid Khan has defended the recruitment process which ended this week with the confirmation of Slavisa Jokanovic as the club's new head coach.

Jokanovic will take charge from caretaker boss Stuart Gray, the newly-appointed senior coach, who arrived earlier this month to take first team duties from Peter Grant.

It has been a long and complicated procedure since Kit Symons was sacked in early November.


Slavisa Jokanovic was named as the new Fulham boss after leaving Maccabi Tel Aviv for England


Fulham's owner Shahid Khan has defended his recruitment process, which took a number of months

Four others – Steve Clarke, Nigel Pearson, Gary Rowett and Mark Warburton - turned down the job for different reasons before Jokanovic agreed to return to England from Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Khan, in his programme notes for Tuesday's game against Rotherham, said: 'It's important to point out that Slavisa emerged from an extremely impressive pool of candidates, some of whom became available or expressed their interest to us during the days and weeks that followed our decision to make a change on 8th November.

'This wasn't totally unexpected when you consider the attraction of Fulham, but it's safe to say that our shortlist of candidates grew immediately, as well as over time.

'While Slavisa was someone we were interested in from the start, we had an obligation, in my opinion, to fully explore our options.

'This took time, and probably a bit more than any of us would have preferred, but with each day that passed and every deliberation we made, we got closer and closer to making the right call on Slavisa Jokanovic. And that's more important than anything.

'I also want to note that Slavisa was someone who was beloved and respected by Maccabi Tel Aviv, his former club, and therefore required a great deal of effort on our part to arrange for his release.


Jokanovic helped Watford earn promotion to the Premier League before he departed in the summer

'When you consider that he was likely the target of other clubs who may have been contemplating a change, we are particularly fortunate to welcome him to Fulham.

'In the end, all we need to remember is Slavisa has promoted a club from the Championship to the Premier League and has managed sides at the highest level of football. In other words, Slavisa is exactly the head coach we need.'

Jokanovic left Watford at the end of his contract after winning automatic promotion last season, and moved to Maccabi in Israel. American Khan was in London before Christmas to personally oversee the final stages of the search.


Jokanovic will be working alongside former Sheffield Wednesday manager Stuart Gray

Fulham have struggled in the Championship since they were relegated from the Barclays Premier League but the brief will be for the new head coach to lead them back into the top flight.

Khan added: 'I believe the term 'head coach' has been misunderstood, though not by Slavisa nor nearly every one of the other candidates we interviewed. Slavisa avidly embraces the concept of head coach, which is to be on the pitch, training, organising, planning and everything that comes in preparing for and leading the Club on match day.

'This doesn't mean he will have no say in player recruitment or squad assembly for the First Team – he most certainly will, working with Chief Football Officer Mike Rigg and his staff to ensure the best we possibly can that Fulham will field a starting XI that Slavisa will choose on matchdays and feels will be capable of winning.


Fulham fans will be hoping Jokanovic can lead them back to the Premier League during his tenure

'The concept of head coach simply means being hyperfocused on the pitch and team performance. But please be assured, Slavisa will collaborate closely with Mike and his staff as anyone would under the classic definition of manager. That was always the plan for whomever won the job, and I know that Slavisa and Mike will mesh well as we turn the page on 2015.

'To say that Slavisa came prepared during the interview process would be an understatement. His analysis of our club was impressive and his ideas were just what we wanted to hear. I'm confident that Slavisa will reverse our fortunes and bring to Fulham a winning mindset through the second half of the season and beyond.

'Thank you for your patience and ask for your trust. I promise that no-one wants to deliver a winner to Fulham supporters more than I do. That's why we have Slavisa Jokanovic in the fold. Brighter days are ahead.'



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-3376473/Fulham-chief-Shahid-Khan-defiant-long-winded-recruitment-process-says-Slavisa-Jokanovic-interested-them.html#ixzz3vgPSJZjt
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

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Fulham supremo explains how Jokanovic's homework got him the manager's job

New man in charge at Craven Cottage was thorough in his research of struggling Whites


New White: Slavisa Jokanovic

Shahid Khan had his eyes opened when Slavisa Jokanovic dropped his CV on to the Fulham chairman's desk.

It appears the man finally named in the Whites hot seat after seven weeks of waiting, had researched the club top to bottom - and reckoned he knew exactly what was needed.

Khan and the club finally wafted the appropriate white smoke by appointing the man who led Watford to the Premier League last season only to resign over a wages row.

It still needed a fair bit of wrangling with Maccabi Tel Aviv, the club Jokanovic joined after Watford, and £367k compensation, but Khan believes it was well worth the wait.

"To say that Slaviša came prepared during the interview process would be an understatement," the chairman explained.

"His analysis of our club was impressive and his ideas were just what we wanted to hear.

"I'm confident that Slaviša will reverse our fortunes and bring to Fulham a winning mindset through the second half of the season and beyond."


Backing: Shahid Khan

Khan also underlined the new man in charge will have a say along with chief football officer Mike Rigg over new permanent signings - not that any will happen in January transfer's window after the club breached Financial Fair Play rules.

Khan said: "Slaviša avidly embraces the concept of head coach, which is to be on the pitch, training, organising, planning and everything that comes in preparing for and leading the Club on matchday.

"This doesn't mean he will have no say in player selection – he most certainly will, working with Chief Football Officer Mike Rigg and his staff to ensure the best we possibly can that Fulham will field a squad that Slaviša feels he needs to win."


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-supremo-explains-how-jokanovics-10659266?

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Jokanovic capture is 'a coup for Fulham'
by DAN on DECEMBER 29, 2015

Convincing Slavisa Jokanovic to leave Maccabi Tel Aviv for Fulham is a 'coup' for the club, according to the Israeli journalist who broke the story that the Serbian was heading to Craven Cottage.

Speaking on Talksport, Raphael Geller said that Jokanovic had rebuffed advances to take over at other Championship sides like Blackburn, Queen's Park Rangers and Reading but chose to move to Fulham after it became clear that the club hierarchy were desperate to bring him in and that there was a lot 'passion' associated with his new club. Although Maccabi were reluctant to let Jokanovic leave, they received around £386,000 in compensation – which is a significant fee for a manager, who only had a further six months on his contract.

Geller, who praised Jokanovic for guiding Maccabi past tough opponents on their way to the Champions' League group stages, believes that Fulham fans should be 'really excited' by the appointment. Jokanovic was flying into London last night, although he will not take charge of his new side against Rotherham tonight, preferring to watch from the stands. His coaching staff will also be leaving Maccabi to join him at Craven Cottage, although they will arrive later, having committed to helping the Israeli side make the transition towards a new coach.

Geller said:

Fulham fans should be really excited. He will need time to implement his style and bring his players in. It will not happen over night. He's a really interesting character. He's played several different formations, he doesn't have a goto formation, he sees what's available. He's known for being very smart tactically. He's very, very smart, he's like this old school manager that looks specifically at every aspect.

I think it's a coup, he's a guy that should be in the Premier League. In a few years we'll look back and talk about Jokanovic. He's very honest with the media and his players. He says what he feels. He's a very special manager.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2015/12/jokanovic-capture-is-a-coup-for-fulham/