Tuesday Fulham Stuff (26/04/16)...

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Smith: Play For Pride

Matt Smith was pleased to be back contributing on the pitch for Fulham, but rued the fact that it coincided with a disappointing afternoon at the Cottage.

The striker was introduced at the interval as the Whites trailed 2-0 to Nottingham Forest, and he soon halved the deficit when he nodded in Ross McCormack's cross.

But with his side in the ascendancy, the visitors struck a third with 20 minutes remaining to condemn Fulham to defeat.

"Going in two down at half-time doesn't really give yourselves much of a platform to work off," Smith admitted. "Second half we gave it a go, then their goal was a bit of a sucker-punch really.

"We've got to analyse and take stock of the performance and try and right our wrongs for next time.

"Like I said, their goal was a real sucker-punch because I think up until then the goals were only going to go in one net. So to concede that was a blow and it was a real uphill climb from there for the remainder of the game."

The striker's goal was his first since the opening day of the season, with a serious injury and the prolific form of McCormack and Moussa Dembélé limiting his opportunities.

Fulham's first choice pairing have netted no fewer than 40 times between them in 2015/16, and Smith confessed that it has been a trying campaign on a personal note.

"I'm delighted to get some game time," he stated, "but would have liked for it to have been in different circumstances. It was nice to get a goal, and maybe if I'm lucky I'll get some minutes in the last two games and see where we go from there.

"I'd only played 45 minutes over the course of the last 20 games, but I've remained focused in training because I was just hopeful that my opportunity would arise at some point."

Smith's next opportunity to impress could come in the local derby at Brentford on Saturday, and the 26-year-old stressed the importance of providing a response at Griffin Park.

"I think it's important for everyone; for the players, for the fans," he explained. "It's a local derby so it's more than points, it's that personal pride at stake.

"It's a big West London derby, we'll be right up for it, and we've just got to make a good account of ourselves because we need to finish the season on a positive."


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2016/april/25/matt-smith-play-for-pride?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham reveal pre-season training camp and tour - guess where?

Whites chief firming up plans for July as he plans ahead for a much better Championship campaign than 2015-16


Green party: Slavisa Jokanovic

Slavisa Jokanovic wants somewhere colder than 2015 to toughen up Fulham troops - so everyone in white is off to Ireland in July.

Last year, the training camp was in Portugal where Fulham inflicted the first defeat of many on Aston Villa this season (see video above) as well as enjoying baking heat Albufeira.

The Estadio Da Nora on July 11 was where Whites first kicked a ball in anger to beat Villa 3-1 with goals from Matt Smith, Alex Kačaniklić and Ross McCormack.

This time the Emerald Isle will be base camp and hopefully launch a better campaign to follow, with a friendly against League of Ireland Cork City in the offing.

The head coach and club officials are currently putting final touches in place for the trip.

Jokanovic said: "We are going to a more colder place.

"Generally, for British clubs it's better, and we are going to Ireland. We have some pre-season games lined up, around 50 per cent have been arranged, but not all of them.

"Cork is probably the second game, and the first is against a very small side. We are 85 per cent done on the preparation for this tour."


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-reveal-pre-season-training-11237270?

[WhiteJC]

 
Tradesman Trials

Fiat Professional, official car partner of The Football League, has today launched the Fiat Professional Tradesman Trials, a nationwide search to find a current tradesman who may have the talent to make it as a professional footballer in The Football League.

The move from the trades to professional football is a well-trodden path with a long list of past and present players starting out as tradesmen, including current Southampton striker, Charlie Austin who was a builder before he became a prolific Football League goalscorer with Swindon Town, Burnley and Queens Park Rangers. Likewise, former Peterborough United, Wigan Athletic and Fulham midfielder, Jimmy Bullard worked for his father's painting and decorating company before he hit the big time.

Tradesmen who think they've got what it takes to win the one month trial at a Football League club have until 12th June to showcase their skills by submitting videos of their footballing talent to www.tradesmantrials.co.uk .

The best entries will then be invited to attend an exclusive Tradesman Trials day, in association with The Football League that will take place by the end of June, where they will be put through their paces in front of a selection of scouts and Fiat Professional's football ambassadors. The winner will then select his preferred club from those signed up to the campaign* and receive a £2,000 prize.

Former tradesmen turned professional footballers, Stuart Pearce (electrician), Dean Windass (hod carrier) & Geoff Horsfield (builder) kick started the campaign by taking part in a Tradesman Challenge to see if they have still got their tradesman skills.

The series of challenges included plastering, painting and wallpapering, re-wiring a plug and building a brick wall. Ex-referee Dermot Gallagher was on hand to keep everyone in check throughout, while comedian Ian Smith provided commentary on the players' efforts.

Stuart Pearce comments: "When I first moved to Nottingham Forest from Coventry I advertised in the match day programme to get some extra income. I eventually stopped trading but Brian Clough never stopped bringing in his broken irons, toasters and kettles into the training ground for me to rewire!"

Shaun Harvey, Chief Executive of The Football League said: "The Tradesmen Trials from Fiat Professional offer a great opportunity for Football League clubs attempting to unearth the next big talent. I'd encourage as many tradesmen who think they have what it takes to sign up to the trials and give it their best shot."

Andrea Patti, Fiat Professional Marketing Manager said: "Fiat Professional has a proud history of working closely with tradesmen and satisfying their varying needs in terms of mobility and transport. We know that a large percentage of them are football fans and we are proud to be a partner of The Football League.

"Our aim is to find the next big name who has the footballing ability, but just hasn't had the right opportunity. We look forward to seeing the entries come through and the winner crowned at the end of June ready for what I am sure will be an incredible experience during the one month trial."

Visit www.tradesmantrials.co.uk to enter.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2016/april/25/tradesman-trials?

[WhiteJC]

 
Heatherwick Studio Appointed

Fulham Football Club is delighted to announce that as works progress at Craven Cottage for the redevelopment of its Riverside Stand, Chairman Shahid Khan has personally commissioned Heatherwick Studio, led by celebrated designer Thomas Heatherwick, CBE RDI, to contribute its significant expertise to the proposed scheme, thus enabling Mr. Khan to fulfil his aspiration of creating an iconic landmark on the banks of the River Thames.

The Club has been executing pre-commencement conditions for some considerable time to enable work to begin on the Riverside, where planning permission has already been achieved for a new stand. The plans increase the capacity of Craven Cottage which is vital for the future of the Club as it strives to fulfil the aspiration of a return to the Premier League. Further, opening up the Riverwalk for the first time, along with the Club's commitment to investment in Bishop's Park, will considerably enhance the locality every day of the year.

Heatherwick Studio famously designed the London 2012 Olympic cauldron, which was lit during the opening ceremony. The cauldron was made of 204 pieces, which were brought into the Queen Elizabeth Stadium by children, representing the coming together in peace of each of the 204 countries competing in the Games and the collaborative human spirit at the heart of them. The studio is currently working on large-scale architectural projects in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, America and the UK including new headquarters for Google in California and the redevelopment of the David Geffen Hall, home of the New York Philharmonic.

Known for his enormous enthusiasm for illustrious design, Chairman Shahid Khan has taken an avid interest in the Riverside investment and was so impressed with Heatherwick Studio's interest in collaborating on the project that he immediately asked for their involvement. This morning he said:

"The Riverside Stand project required patience and diligence, and ultimately a designer who understands the history of London, the Thames and, of course, Fulham. Thomas Heatherwick is that designer. I have had many meetings with Thomas in the past half-year and while his work speaks for itself, to hear him articulate his vision is something else. Thomas will bring to life what the project, the neighbourhood and the Fulham community deserve."

The final timescale will be determined following progression of the design and in the interim Fulham will continue to move forward with fulfilment of the pre-commencement provisions as planned.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2016/april/25/heatherwick-studio-appointed?

[WhiteJC]

 
Last Remaining Tickets

The last remaining tickets for Fulham's trip to Brentford on Saturday will go on sale to supporters with a purchase history at 10am on Tuesday.

Our allocation of almost 1,700 has almost sold out, so fans are advised to get in quickly to secure their place at Griffin Park for the local derby. No tickets will be available to buy from Brentford on the day.

Terrace tickets are available for just £25, while concessionary prices start from just £8.

The Whites are unbeaten in London derbies this season, and will be looking to sign off their away season in style at the weekend!


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2016/april/25/last-remaining-tickets?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham Appoint Heatherwick Studio For Riverside Plan

Redevelopment work on the Riverside stand at Fulham FC's Craven Cottage home will be overseen by Heatherwick Studio it's been announced.

Chairman Shahid Khan, has personally commissioned Heatherwick Studio, led by celebrated designer Thomas Heatherwick, CBE RDI, to contribute its significant expertise to the proposed scheme enabling Mr. Khan to fulfil his aspiration of creating an iconic landmark on the banks of the River Thames.

The west London club has been executing pre-commencement conditions for some considerable time to enable work to begin on the Riverside, where planning permission has already been achieved for a new stand.

The plans will increase the capacity of Craven Cottage as they strive for a return to the Premier League as well as open up the Riverwalk for the first time, along with the club's commitment to investment in Bishop's Park.

Heatherwick Studio famously designed the London 2012 Olympic cauldron, which was lit during the opening ceremony. The cauldron was made of 204 pieces, which were brought into the Queen Elizabeth Stadium by children, representing the coming together in peace of each of the 204 countries competing in the Games and the collaborative human spirit at the heart of them.

The studio is currently working on large-scale architectural projects in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, America and the UK including new headquarters for Google in California and the redevelopment of the David Geffen Hall, home of the New York Philharmonic.

Known for his enormous enthusiasm for illustrious design, Fulham Chairman, Shahid Khan has taken an avid interest in the Riverside investment and was so impressed with Heatherwick Studio's interest in collaborating on the project that he immediately asked for their involvement.

"The Riverside Stand project required patience and diligence, and ultimately a designer who understands the history of London, the Thames and, of course, Fulham. Thomas Heatherwick is that designer," said Khan.   

"I have had many meetings with Thomas in the past half-year and while his work speaks for itself, to hear him articulate his vision is something else.

"Thomas will bring to life what the project, the neighbourhood and the Fulham community deserve."

The final timescale will be determined following progression of the design and in the interim Fulham will continue to move forward with fulfilment of the pre-commencement provisions as planned


http://www.fcbusiness.co.uk/news/article/newsitem=4332/title=fulham+appoint+heatherwick+studio+for+riverside+plan+?

[WhiteJC]

 
No Arsenal approach for Benfica's Mitroglou

The Gunners have been linked with the Greek international in recent days, but Goal sources claim that he is set to sign a permanent deal with the Portuguese champions

Kostas Mitroglou is on Arsenal's radar but the Greek striker expects to complete a permanent deal at Benfica, Goal understands.

The forward, who is currently on loan from Championship side Fulham, has been targeted by several major European league clubs including AC Milan after scoring 19 goals in 28 appearances for the Portuguese champions.

Mitroglou, 28, only played three times during his spell in the Premier League two years ago due to injury problems, but has proved his worth in the Primeira Liga following a series of impressive performances upfront.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is open to signing a striker this summer if the club can attract a 'world class' player. While Mitroglou's camp claim that their man remains third or fourth on his striker shortlist for the summer, the likes of Edinson Cavani and Gonzalo Higuain have been set as the 'benchmark' for any potential arrival.

Wenger enquired about Mitroglou while he was playing for Olympiakos in 2013 and has previously experienced the full force of 'El Pistolero' after he scored when the two teams met in the Champions League group stage in 2011 and 2012 respectively.

Several major Portuguese news outlets including A Bola and Record have claimed in the past few days that a deal had been discussed between Mitroglou's representatives, Arsenal officials and his parent club Fulham - although Goal understands that these reports are completely false.

Mitroglou is currently in talks over a permanent deal with the Portuguese champions and has verbally agreed a deal, although he will need to reduce his wage from €2.8 million per season to €1.8m, while Fulham are prepared to let the striker leave if Benfica can match his €7m buyout clause.


http://www.goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2016/04/25/22785842/-?