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

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Fulham v Rotherham United: Joe Newell handed goals target as Millers plan to continue revival

NEIL REDFEARN has revealed that he has set in-form Rotherham United midfielder Joe Newell a double-figure goal challenge for the new year.

Newell and his team-mates head to Fulham tonight, buoyed by impressive back-to-back home wins over Hull City and Bolton Wanderers, with the Millers chasing a hat-trick of consecutive victories in the second tier for the first time since December, 2003.

While the Millers' team collective has helped yield the brace of recent triumphs, several players have made major contributions, including former Peterborough player Newell, who shone along with the likes of Grant Ward and Danny Ward against Wanderers on Boxing Day.


Newell has struck four goals in his past seven games and Redfearn is hoping it is a sign of things to come.

Redfearn, whose side jumped out of the relegation zone after beating Bolton, said: "As a group, it's quite a young one and certain individuals are starting to flower.

"People like Joe Newell and Grant Ward are really buying into it and you can see it.

"I have said to Joe 'can you get double figures?' and he was laughing because he had two at the time, but why not?

"He has got great ability and a fantastic left foot. He has got a way with him where he seems to pop up in space in the box, so I don't see why not."

Opportunity knocks for the Millers with consecutive away games against sides not in the best form in Fulham and Preston, who are just above them in the table and ripe for being reeled in.

The Cottagers start life under new head coach Slavisa Jokanovic tonight, with the Serbian likely to be introduced to home fans ahead of kick-off.

One man who needs no introduction to Redfearn tonight is Ross McCormack, whom he knows all about from his time at Leeds, with the Millers chief mindful of the pressing need to keep him quiet.

Redfearn, who enjoyed one of the finest hours of his Leeds tenure at Craven Cottage last term, said: "Fulham probably have a top-six squad with people like Ross. I know him from first-hand and he is probably as prolific as you are going to get at this level.

Opportunity knocks for the Millers with consecutive away games against sides not in the best form in Fulham and Preston, who are just above them in the table and ripe for being reeled in.

The Cottagers start life under new head coach Slavisa Jokanovic tonight, with the Serbian likely to be introduced to home fans ahead of kick-off.

One man who needs no introduction to Redfearn tonight is Ross McCormack, whom he knows all about from his time at Leeds, with the Millers chief mindful of the pressing need to keep him quiet.

"They have good players. Butthey are obviously going through a bit of change as they brought in a lot of players in the summer including (Ben) Pringle, who the Rotherham fans will know about and who I was interested in at Leeds.

"He is another who is capable on his day."

Last six games: Fulham DLDLDL, Rotherham United WLLLWW.

Referee: S Hooper (Wiltshire).

Last time: Fulham 1 Rotherham United 1; April 15, 2015; Championship.



Read more: http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/rotherham-united/fulham-v-rotherham-united-joe-newell-handed-goals-target-as-millers-plan-to-continue-revival-1-7646187#ixzz3vgzORMyo

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Fulham chief explains Slavisa Jokanovic plans and reveals Mike Rigg role

Shahid Khan has promised Fulham's fans that "brighter days are ahead" after the club appointed former Watford boss Slavisa Jokanovic as their new head coach.

okanovic was handed the reins at Craven Cottage on Sunday, 49 days after the west Londoners sacked Kit Symons following an inconsistent start to the Sky Bet Championship season.

The 47-year-old, who left Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv to take up the post, inherits a side in 18th position in the second tier, three points above the relegation zone.

"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," Fulham owner Khan said in a statement ahead of Tuesday night's home game against Rotherham.

"Slavisa is in London tomorrow (Tuesday) and will begin to fully acclimatise 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."

He added: "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."

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

Khan has outlined the role the Serbian will assume at Fulham, who have failed to win any of their seven matches since Symons' exit

"I believe the term 'head coach' has been misunderstood, though not by Slavisa nor nearly every one of the other candidates we interviewed," Khan said.

"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 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 Slavisa feels he needs to win.

"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."



Read more at: http://www.london24.com/sport/football/clubs/fulham/fulham_chief_explains_slavisa_jokanovic_plans_and_reveals_mike_rigg_role_1_4361067
Copyright © LONDON24

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Fulham v Rotherham: Four things to look out for
Rotherham travel to Fulham on Wednesday as they look to continue the momentum which has seen them move out of the relegation zone.

It's a game that has suddenly become entirely winnable following impressive displays in wins over Hull and Bolton.

Here's four things to look out for in the game.

Three and not so easy
Rotherham made it back-to-back wins for the third time this season when seeing off Bolton on Boxing Day but they have yet to further their winning sequence to three. In fact, that is an achievement that they have not yet managed since their return to the second tier as they never won more than one in a row last season. You have to go back to 2003-04 to find their last three-game winning run when they beat Walsall, Coventry and Wimbledon. How Neil Redfearn would love his side to end that wait at Craven Cottage and build on what has been a very good Christmas so far.

Entering the new year on a high
We are now just days away from the month which has been highlighted as the most important in Rotherham's season – January. That assertion, which was already well known, was reiterated by Redfearn after the horror show at Huddersfield and when he said the Millers were looking in danger of getting cut adrift. Now, by the time January comes, whatever happens at Craven Cottage Redfearn's side are guaranteed to out of the relegation zone when Big Ben strikes 12 on Friday and who would have thought that when the post-mortem of Huddersfield was taking place. How good would the New Year celebrations be if the Millers can end 2015 four – or even two – points clear of the drop zone.

Translating performances on the road
Rotherham's last two wins, which has breathed fresh life into their season, both came at New York Stadium and the challenge now is to pack them up and take them on the road, starting at Fulham. Danny Ward's emergence as a credible lone striker should certainly help their cause and the way that he has been joined in attack by Grant Ward, Joe Newell and others, allowing them to be dangerous on the break in the last two games is suited to playing away from home. Fulham will be expected to be the attacking force and be on the front foot and, providing they defend well, that plays right into Rotherham's hands. They five-man midfield has helped solidity that was missing at Huddersfield and now there is a goal threat, Redfearn must surely fancy getting something out of the game.

The new manager effect
The Millers take on a side who are woefully out of form and having not won in eight games confidence should be low. But the appointment of former Watford manager Slavisa Jokanovic will provide them with a timely boost and it could present problems for the Millers. The Fulham players could all now have an extra spring in their step as they try and impress their new manager, who is unlikely to be in control of the side. On top of that, the chairman came out with a rallying call on Monday which will only serve to fire the supporters and the side up.


http://www.itsmillerstime.co.uk/2015/12/fulham-v-rotherham-four-things-to-look.html?

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What Fulham fans can expect from Slavisa Jokanovic as boss

We put the new manager under the microscope and learn his coaching methods


New man at the helm: Fulham have appointed Slavisa Jokanovic as boss

Fulham are getting a very special manager in Slavisa Jokanovic , according to the man who has followed his progress closely at Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Freelance journalist and BBC World Football Correspondent Raphael Gellar has been reporting on Jokanovic's whirlwind six months in Israel.

Jokanovic led Maccabi into the Champions League group stage for the first time in 11 year during half-season at the helm.

It was that feat which most impressed Gellar and made others, including Whites chairman Shahid Khan , sit up and take notice of the Serbian.

"After Maccabi Tel Aviv defeated Viktoria Plzn and Basel in the Champions League qualifiers, I realized we had a very special manager," explained Gellar.

"His tactics and game plan were perfect against Basel and he was able to get Maccabi to the Champions League for the first time in 11 years.

"It's important to note that Oscar Garcia, Pako Ayestaran and Paulo Sousa were not able to accomplish this. Slavisa simply out managed Basel and it was amazing to watch."


No nonsense: Fulham head coach Slavisa Jokanovic

Jokanovic already has experience in the Championship, having guided Watford to promotion last term, and should have little trouble in settling back into the swing of things in England.

He is due to jet into London this morning, accompanied by match analyst Alberto Escobar, although his assistant Javier Pereira will remain in Tel Aviv for another week before following them to west London.

Jokanovic operates a tight ship and will instil discipline into the Fulham squad and Gellar points to his backroom staff as being key components as they form a solid coaching unit.

"Fulham supporters should expect to see a manager who always has his squad prepared for every challenge," Gellar added.

"Slavisa is a brilliant tactician who knows how to get the best out of every one of his players.

"Eran Zahavi, who has scored 25-plus goals this year has been great under Slavisa and it is clear Slavisa has helped him develop in the short six months he has been here.

"He has a no nonsense approach and is very direct with his players and with the media.


Impressed: Fulham owner Shahid Khan

"If he has something on his mind, he will not be afraid to say it. He is also known for being completely professional and a gentleman on and off the pitch.

"It is very clear he is excited about managing Fulham and Fulham supporters should expect him to improve the squad immediately.

"I also believe one of the reasons he is so successful as a manager is his wonderful staff. They work really well together and are very loyal to Slavisa."

Jokanovic will cast his eye over his new Fulham players this evening when Rotherham United visit Craven Cottage.

Fulham have no fresh injury concerns for the clash but Rotherham defender Stephen Kelly is set to be fit again and could take Frazer Richardson's place at right-back


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/what-fulham-fans-can-expect-10660783?

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A Life Less Ordinary

In Fulham's first home game since the death of Jimmy Hill at the age of 87, the award-winning official matchday programme pays tribute to the Club's former player and chairman.

Hill played nearly 300 games for Fulham, later returning to the Cottage for an eventful 10-year stint as chairman. Without his input, there may not be a Fulham Football Club today.

In the programme, key Fulham faces pay tribute to the man. We hear from Tosh Chamberlain, Fred Callaghan, Gordon Davies and John Marshall, while historian Alex White recalls Hill's time as chairman.

Chamberlain, who played alongside Hill, said: "He was a very friendly fella. We used to go to Worthing and play golf. Me, Jimmy, Johnny Haynes, Roy Bentley and Beddy Jezzard. One time we got halfway round when the rain came down in buckets. Did it lash it down! We were saturated and Jimmy got us under a tree singing, 'we're poor little sheep who've lost our way.'

"He had his whole career mapped out in his head. He knew what he wanted to do next and he was an intellectual boy. He was always into something. Just look at what he went on to do."

Other highlights in the only matchday magazine that matters - which is also available to download digitally from 12pm on Tuesday - are:

Captain Scott Parker looks ahead to the clash with Rotherham United
Main interview Luke Garbutt reflects on his time in SW6 to date
Ross McCormack answers some random questions in the Name Game
John Collins waxes lyrical on his spell in SW6
Les Strong pens his latest column
And we continue to take a walk down memory lane to the 1998/99 promotion-winning season

Priced £3.50, the 84-page publication is available from various sellers on Stevenage Road from two hours before kick-off. Or order it online from ProgrammeMaster.

For just £1.99, the programme is also available as a digital download with added video content from 12pm on Tuesday, so whether you're at home or away, you need never be without it on your iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, PC or Mac via Apple's Newsstand or Pocketmags.

Or to ensure you don't miss a single copy of the official matchday programme, purchase an annual subscription. Head here for full details.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/december/29/a-life-less-ordinary?

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Craven Corner: Why Fulham made the right call in appointing Slavisa Jokanovic


New Fulham head coach Slavisa Jokanovic (Photo by Simon Hofmann/Getty Images)

Fulham have installed Slavisa Jokanovic as their new head coach after a search that lasted over six weeks following Kit Symons' sacking but what does our fan blogger Adam Brons-Smith think of the new man?

After another disappointing performance and display against Derby, Fulham fans can finally start to look forward to the new year under their new boss.

When the search for a new head coach began, the club outlined that they wanted someone who had won promotion from the Championship, and they've arguably made the perfect appoint in Jokanovic.

Promotion will be fresh in his mind after achieving promotion with Watford just last season and this should install a lot of confidence into Fulham's current set of players.

They finally have a head coach to work under and with Jokanovic stating he's joining Fulham for the long-term future, the club can finally focus on stability after a few rollercoaster years. However it sure is baffling that the club did not state his contract length in the appointment statement.

Fans would like to think that Jokanovic has been given a three-year deal to turn around the fortunes of club, it would also show that the club believe he is the right man for the job.

By not disclosing this information it will surely be a talking point for many fans, especially if there is interest in the coach should Fulham's fortunes turn around in the next six to 12 months. The only doubt over Jokanovic's managerial career is the fact that he hasn't stayed at a club for a long period of time.

But with his early statements easing these fears, supporters must do their best to fully support the Serbian. Whatever happens in the coming months, fans can only really start to judge the ideas of Jokanovic next season.

The reason being is that Fulham are unable to reshape the squad in January after receiving a transfer embargo. Furthermore, this season has arguably been wasted after throwing away the last seven games due to the length of time it took to replace Symons.

An exciting thought is that Jokanovic often played a 3-5-2/5-3-2 system during his time at Watford, so fine tuning our squad to fit that system shouldn't take as long as some may expect.

Stuart Gray, Peter Grant and even Symons tried to coach this style of play, and with a proven coach now installed, the players will only flourish as they will become more and more familiar with their roles and duties.

It is widely reported that Jokanovic will be bringing some members of his proven team with him, which will raise doubts about the future of Alan Curbishley at the club.

Alan was hired to be a management consultant for Symons to learn from and develop, but with Slavisa more experienced than the Welshma and now Stuart Gray at the club, is there still a job for Curbishley? I guess we'll find out more about Curbishley's future in the new year.

Fulham now face two tough fixtures against Rotherham and Sheffield Wednesday and with the new coach set to take the reigns against Wednesday, Gray will want to sign off his caretaker role with an impressive victory against relegation candidates Rotherham.

But despite Rotherham having relegation fears, they will be an incredibly tough opponent fresh from their 4-0 demolition of Bolton, a side Fulham could only scrape a 2-2 draw against.

Finally, the appointment of Jokanovic will be welcomed by everyone involved with the club and it should bring a lot of optimism to the players too as they will finally have an proven head coach to work under.

Even though a miracle is needed to rescue anything from this season, Fulham will be able to look to the future after finally installing the right person to take the club forward.



Read more at: http://www.london24.com/sport/football/clubs/fulham/craven_corner_why_fulham_made_the_right_call_in_appointing_slavisa_jokanovic_1_4361615
Copyright © LONDON24

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Rotherham Tickets

Tickets for Fulham's final match of 2015 against Rotherham United at Craven Cottage this evening (7.45pm) are still available for supporters to buy.

Priced from just £25 for adults and £15 for juniors, fans can secure their tickets in advance over the phone on 0843 208 1234 (option 1) or in person from the Ticket Office.

Tickets will be also available to purchase on the gate. Cash turnstiles will be available in the Hammersmith and Putney Ends, while tickets for the Johnny Haynes Stand can be bought directly from the Fulham Ticket Office.

So come on down to the Cottage as the boys look to end 2015 in style, as well as paying tribute to Fulham legend Jimmy Hill, for whom there will be a minute's applause prior to kick-off.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/december/29/rotherham-tickets?

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Rotherham United Factfile

Fulham will be looking to complete a first double of the season when Rotherham United make the trip to Craven Cottage on Tuesday evening for our final match of 2015.


The opposition

Rotherham endured a difficult start to 2015/16 and didn't taste victory until mid-September when they secured back-to-back wins against Cardiff City and Birmingham City. They had been bottom of the Sky Bet Championship but the six points moved them out of the relegation places.

Perhaps surprisingly, manager Steve Evans then left the club, with Neil Redfearn taking over shortly after. He struggled initially as the Millers took just one point from six games, but successive wins – at his former club Leeds United and at home to Bristol City – eased the pressure, although they then lost their next three.

They go into Tuesday's game in good form, though, having put Hull City and Bolton Wanderers to the sword in their previous two outings, scoring six in that time without conceding.

Team news

Striker Leon Best looks set to miss out once again due to a groin injury, while former Fulham man Stephen Kelly could be denied a return to the Cottage if he fails to recover from the calf problem that ruled him out of the Bolton win.

Jimmy Hill

The Club will be paying tribute to Jimmy Hill with a minute's applause prior to kick-off (7.45pm). The official matchday programme will also feature a number of articles and interviews looking back at the life of an incredible football man.

Tickets

Tickets will be available for supporters to purchase on the gate from advertised cash turnstiles, priced from £25 for adults and £15 for juniors.

Weather

It will be dry all evening in SW6, with temperatures of around 10 degrees.

Coral match odds

Fulham: 21/20

Draw: 13/5

Rotherham: 13/5

Last time we met

A solid performance earned Fulham a first away league win of the season at the New York Stadium at the end of August. Ben Pringle needed just seven minutes to open his Fulham account against his former employers when he tapped in after Moussa Dembélé's header was saved, before Ross McCormack doubled the advantage from the penalty spot on 16 following a foul on James Husband. Matt Derbyshire could have halved the deficit early on in the second half but his spot-kick was expertly saved by Andrew Lonergan, and McCormack almost secured the points when his venomous effort from distance hit the bar. Jonson Clarke-Harris did pull one back with a tidy finish from the edge of the box, but the Whites left with maximum points as Cauley Woodrow swept home Jamie O'Hara's pass in stoppage time.

http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/december/29/rotherham-united-factfile?

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Fulham to honour Jimmy Hill before clash with Rotherham

Whites plan celebration of one of their famous sons ahead of vital Championship match


Cottage legend: Jimmy Hill

Fulham will say goodbye to one legend tonight against Rotherham - while they hope another is in the making watching from the stands.

Slavisa Jokanovic will attend his first game as Whites new head coach as the club honours the passing of Jimmy Hill, former player, chairman, TV pundit and revolutionary of the game.

Hill died aged 87 on December 19 after a long battle with Alzheimer's, but chairman Shahid Khan plans a celebration of the man who preceded him in the 1990s.

Khan addressed fans through a club statement.


First class: Former Fulham chairmen Jimmy Hill (R) and Tommy Trinder

"Many of your recollections of Jimmy are priceless and timeless," he said. "

I thank you for them and hope that you will find our tribute to Jimmy, 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."

Former Watford boss Jokanonvic runs the rule over his new charges, winless in nine games and more than seven weeks since Fulham sacked Kit Symons.


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-honour-jimmy-hill-before-10661647?

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Millers in high spirits ahead of Fulham clash, says Redfearn

Millers boss Redfearn says his squad are upbeat ahead of the clash at Craven Cottage...

Rotherham United manager Neil Redfearn insists his side are in a buoyant mood ahead of their Sky Bet Championship showdown with Fulham at Craven Cottage tonight.

The Millers go into the clash in the capital on the back of consecutive home wins over Hull City and Bolton Wanderers and Redfearn is hoping to recreate those performances at AESSEAL New York Stadium on the road.

"The lads are upbeat and in a confident mood because we've had two good results back-to-back and we've had good performances in the last seven games," he told www.themillers.co.uk

"We've picked up four wins so the lads are really upbeat with it. It's a case of trying to replicate that now away from home and put on a good show and if we can put a performance on against Fulham then we've got a chance of getting the points."

With the Millers now in the thick of a busy festive schedule in the football calendar, Redfearn believes that preparing his players in the right way will be key to any success they may have on the road.

"We haven't got a big squad in terms of being able to change and rotate around so I think we have to be spot on with how we recover and how we turn people round," he added.

"They travelled down and had a light session yesterday and having the beds is as important as training sometimes to make sure they're rested but they're all chomping at the bit and they want to play and go and do well."


Read more at http://www.themillers.co.uk/news/article/rotherham-united-neil-redfearn-2874298.aspx#geKIz0MRK4hpxzk6.99

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FULHAM HEAD COACH JOKANOVIC ARRIVES TODAY

Fulham handed Slavisa Jokanovic the reins at Craven Cottage on Sunday, 49 days after the west Londoners sacked Kit Symons following an inconsistent start to the Sky Bet Championship season.

The 47-year-old, who left Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv to take up the post, inherits a side in 18th position in the second tier, three points above the relegation zone.

"As I have noted, 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," Fulham owner Khan said in a statement ahead of Tuesday night's home game against Rotherham.

"Slavisa is in London Tuesday and will begin to fully acclimatise 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."

He added: "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.

"Tuesday 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."

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

Khan has outlined the role the Serbian will assume at Fulham, who have failed to win any of their seven matches since Symons' exit "I believe the term 'head coach' has been misunderstood, though not by Slavisa nor nearly every one of the other candidates we interviewed," Khan said.

"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 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 Slavisa feels he needs to win.

"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."


http://www.fulhamweb.co.uk/news/fulham-head-coach-jokanovic-arrives-today.aspx?

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Championship Preview: why Jokanovic must unify Fulham

Here are The Football Lab's predictions for tonight's games in the Championship. Brighton look to end their recent goalscoring problems against Ipswich, who have had some good results lately but are yet to prove themselves against the division's elite. Meanwhile, Slavisa Jokanovic takes charge of Fulham for the first time, the visitors to Craven Cottage being Rotherham, who have climbed out of the drop zone with four wins in seven.

Brighton v Ipswich

Brighton have stuttered a bit of late, having lost 3-0 at home to Middlesbrough just before Christmas and clung on for a 0-0 draw with Brentford. They relied on a man of the match performance from goalkeeper David Stockdale at Griffin Park and were shaky at the back, despite keeping a clean sheet.

In the absence of Gaetan Bong, Inigo Calderon looked a liability when taking the position of Brighton's first choice left-back. Chris Hughton does not seem to rate Adam Chicksen as a Championship level left-back but this blog would argue that he could do a job. He might not be the most flamboyant full-back in this division but he works hard and does the simple things well. Calderon has more talent going forward but every time teams attack him, he looks uncomfortable at left-back and that could be a problem for Albion.

Going forward, Brighton offered nothing on their trip to West London. Target man Tomer Hemed looked static and the typically rapid James Wilson was reportedly ill, and was taken off at half-time for defensive minded midfielder Andrew Crofts. The quality in Brighton's play seems to have dropped a touch, so Hughton will be delighted to see Kazenga Lua Lua is back in training. Lua Lua was key for the Seagulls early on in the campaign and he is somebody who can provide the attacking spark they need.

One player who came off the bench at Brentford was Elvis Manu. The young forward was caught offside on a few occasions, but he showed some pace. Elvis is not suited to playing on his own up front – he can't be too lonesome – yet there may be potential for him to play just off a taller striker.

Manu might enjoy some opportunities to run in behind Ipswich's defence on Tuesday, as the East Anglian visitors tend to play a high pressing game. A lot of the goals Mick McCarthy's side have conceded this season have come through quick counter-attacks, so Brighton will look to use the speed of their forward men to get in behind.

Ipswich have attacking wide men themselves in Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Freddie Sears. With right winger Maitland-Niles, there is a sense that he has become 'McCarth-ified' in terms of the way he tracks back and responds to losing the ball. It seems rather unlikely that the speedy 18-year-old has learnt his defensive traits from Arsene Wenger.

A lot of Ipswich's attacks come down the left-hand side, but as a by-product of that, they concede a lot of goals via their left as well. Left-back Jonas Knudsen is often playing behind an attack-minded winger, be it Sears or Ryan Fraser, the latter being currently out. Knudsen is not the strongest defensively and can often be vulnerable when dealing with against opposition breakaways.

For that reason, there is potential for Rajiv Van La Parra to cause problems. The Dutchman is one of the quickest players in the Championship and, if he had a more dependable end product, he would be among the best. Van La Parra has impressed in the few games he has played at the AMEX and this blog fancies him to tear Knudsen apart.

Ipswich are on a good run but they have struggled against the best teams in this division, and that puts them in a category just below the automatic promotion chasers. Brighton will get back to winning ways.

Fulham v Rotherham

Fulham are, remarkably, the top scorers in the Championship this season, yet they are only 19th in the table. The West Londoners have conceded two fewer goals (41) than Bristol City (43) – the team with the worst defensive record – and have shipped two or more in seven of their last nine games. Clearly, the situation at Craven Cottage is that they do not have any problems putting the ball in the net, but they do have problems keeping it out.

New manager Slavisa Jokanovic inherited a Watford side last season that was having similar problems, albeit the Hornets were much higher in the table. In fact, one of Watford's most important wins under Jokanovic came at Craven Cottage in December, when they won 5-0 thanks to a Troy Deeney hat-trick and an Almen Abdi stunner. If it was that particular Watford performance that made Fulham approach the Serb, they have appointed him for the wrong reasons.

Watford already had a side capable of playing good football – Jokanovic did nothing special on that front – but he instilled a sense of grit and doggedness into the side. He tightened up the defence and add steel to the midfield, Adlene Guedioura being a key acquisition, and a player who Fulham fans would surely welcome at the Cottage. Jokanovic will drill the players well in the first two thirds of the pitch and give them the freedom of movement in the final third. That was why he was so successful in the Championship last term, and that is what Fulham need. Their players have no shortage of individual talent, but they need some guidance – they need to be know what they are doing when out of possession and they need to be part of a cohesive system. Jokanovic is just the man to provide that.

Rotherham have picked up some vital wins lately. When they were thrashed by Ipswich at the beginning of November you sensed they could become cut adrift, but the Millers have won four out of a possible seven since then. It seems telling that the team have not dropped any points from winning positions under Neil Redfearn's tutelage, and 12 of the 13 games since the former Leeds boss' appointment have been decided by the first goal.

Some will look at that and criticize the team for a lack of spirit, or Plan B, but this blog would argue that simply being able to hold onto leads is good enough for a team battling the drop. If you want a play-off or promotion place, you have to be a bit more creative and adaptable at certain times. However, Rotherham only had to win 11/46 games to stay up last season, and if you can bank on holding onto the occasional lead, you have what it takes to stay in a division.

Rotherham are not a particularly special team, but given the financial gulf between themselves and their competitors, they are doing well to stabilize themselves in the Championship. If they can extend the loan spells of energetic midfielder Grant Ward and talented young centre-back Farrend Rawson, or sign those players on permanent deals, they will give themselves a great chance of remaining a Championship club.



http://www.thefootballab.co.uk/2015/championship-preview-why-jokanovic-must-unify-fulham/?

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Jokanović In Detail

We take a look at new Head Coach Slaviša Jokanović's career in football to date.

As a young player in his native Serbia – or Yugoslavia as it was then known – Jokanović enjoyed success at FK Vojvodina and Partizan Belgrade, where his form attracted the attention of La Liga outfit Real Oviedo, who he joined in 1993.

During his two years at Oviedo he helped the club to two ninth-place finishes and a Copa del Rey Quarter-Final appearance, before moving to Tenerife in the summer of 1995.

In his first season there, Tenerife finished fifth in La Liga, two points and a place above Real Madrid, to earn qualification for the UEFA Cup the following term. His most successful time in Spain was still to come, however, as he helped Deportivo de la Coruna to their first-ever title in 2000.

Chelsea then paid a reported £1.7m to acquire his services, where he made more than 50 appearances across two seasons. During that time he featured twice against Fulham; in a 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage in September 2001, and as a late substitute in the FA Cup Semi-Final later that year.

After leaving the Blues, he finished his career at Spanish Segunda B outfit Ciudad de Murcia.

Known primarily as a defensive midfielder, Jokanović is one of Yugoslavia/Serbia's most-capped players, having represented his country on 64 occasions, during which time he scored 10 goals. He played every minute as Yugoslavia were knocked out by the Netherlands at the Round of 16 stage at the 1998 World Cup.

It was the Dutch who knocked them out again two years later at the European Championships, with Jokanović ever present in the Group Stage only for a red card to rule him out of the Quarter-Final meeting.

His first taste of management came with former side Partizan, who he led to consecutive league and cup doubles – a feat never before achieved in the club's history. After leaving Belgrade, he replaced Robbie Fowler at Thai outfit Muangthong United in 2012 and immediately led them to the league title without losing a game all season.

Short spells at Levski Sofia and Hercules followed, before he was appointed Head Coach of Championship side Watford in October 2014. He went on to lead the Hornets to promotion to the Premier League at the first time of asking, and they were only denied the title on the final day.

After leaving Watford in the summer he took up a similar role at Maccabi Tel Aviv, and he took the Israeli side into the Group Stages of the UEFA Champions League for the first time in 11 years.

His first match in the dugout in charge of Fulham will be at home to Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday 2nd January, and he will be officially unveiled as our new Head Coach on fulhamfc.com tomorrow (Wednesday 30th December).


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/december/29/jokanovic-in-detail?

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Preview: Fulham v Rotherham United
by DAN on DECEMBER 29, 2015

The long search for Kit Symons' replacement is over, although as the deal to bring Slavisa Jokanovic wasn't finalised until Sunday night, Fulham's new head coach is likely to be the most interested spectator inside Craven Cottage tonight. The view that the former Watford boss takes of the side he watches this evening will prove vital as a transfer embargo prevents Jokanovic from adding to his squad on a permanent basis during the January window. There's also the small matter of this fixture now being a genuine six-pointer as Fulham's promising autumn form gave way to the kind of winter slum that spells relegation.

The last side that Stuart Gray selects could also be instructive. Fulham were defensively diligent at Derby County last weekend and could probably consider themselves unfortunate to have not come away with more than blood, sweat – and perhaps a few tears – to show for their efforts. Richard Stearman had his poorest game since signing from Wolves and there is little sign of the defensive calamities that have characterised the club's return to the Championship ending. Gray's decision to play Tim Ream at left back and loanee Luke Garbutt in front of him might have brought for the latter at Bolton, but is in no way a long-term solution to the problem.

Such a selection shifts Alex Kacaniklic – now Fulham's longest-serving player – onto the right flank of a conventional four man midfield. The Swedish winger on his day can be brilliant, but those performances have been far and few between of late. However inconsistent he might be – and he created a couple of good chances for himself at the IPro – it is harsh to judge a player when he's being asked to play in a position that is foreign to him. The switch to a 5-3-2 – tried briefly by Symons earlier in the system – might exclude the few out-and-out wingers at the club, but it would also represent the best way to play to Fulham's strengths, although I don't expect Gray to be too radical this evening.

Something does need to be done in central midfield, however. Jamie O'Hara had a fabulous start to the season playing as a deep-lying playmaker, but his form has tailed off in recent weeks. He was bullied off the ball by Derby and, although Emerson Hyndman is a prodigious talent, he's hardly the ballast you need in such a physical league. A midfield enforcer in the mould of a Dickson Etuhu would be perfect – and perhaps afford our overworked centre halves the protection they've been sorely missing – but Finnish international Sakari Matilla is the only genuine holding midfielder at the club and seems to be sidelined by a back injury.

Last season's home fixture with Rotherham was also a meeting of two sides horribly preocuppied with the drop. Since then, Fulham have signed Rotherham's man-of-the-match that night, although Ben Pringle has struggled to recapture such sparkling form in west London, and the Millers have replaced Steve Evans with Neil Redfearn. Tonight's game could see a return for one of Roy Hodgson's 2010 Europa League heroes as Irish international Stephen Kelly is expected to shake off a calf strain and start at right back – in place of Frazier Richardson – for the visitors.

Jokanovic would dearly love to watch his side add to the solidarity home clean sheet they have mustered in the league this season, but that will be far from a straightforward task. Apart from the 'self-inflicted' wounds that Gray described the Derby goals as, Rotherham put four past Bolton on Saturday, which followed hot the heels of an impressive 2-0 win over promotion-chasing Hull. Neil Redfearn, who didn't get the chance to build on his impressive start as caretaker of a young Leeds side, has lifted the south Yorkshire side out of the drop zone – and their confidence in forward areas should mean that Jokanovic will be able to make a qualified assessment of his new employers, defensive frailities and all.

Tonight also marks an opportunity for Fulham fans to pay their respects to Jimmy Hill, who died so sadly of Alzheimer's a couple of weeks ago. Much has been written about Hill as a footballing pioneer – and he certainly was – but his impact at Craven Cottage shouldn't be understated. As well as his high-profile campaigning for the abolition of the maximum wage which meant that Fulham fans were able to enjoy the talents of Johnny Haynes for the duration of his memorable career, Hill came to the rescue of a club whose very existence was in danger in the 1980s and steadied another rock ship as chairman. Whilst we might not all agree with every decision he took or each opinion he espoused, every Fulham fan owes Hill a debt of gratitude – and I hope that is reflected in the tribute we gave him this evening.

MY FULHAM XI (5-3-2): Lonergan; Fredericks, Garbutt, Ream, Stearman, Hutchinson; Hyndman, Christensen, Cairney; McCormack, Dembele. Subs: Lewis, Burn. Richards, Parker, Kacaniklic, Woodrow, Smith.


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