Thursday Fulham Stuff (05/05/16)...

[WhiteJC]

 
What Could Thomas Heatherwick Mean For Craven Cottage?
by CHRIS GILBERTSON on MAY 4, 2016

Whilst it may have nothing to do with what's happened on the pitch, the announcement last week that influential designer Thomas Heatherwick has been commissioned to work on the Riverside Stand, is a significant one for Fulham.

The current planned Riverside Stand

Why is this significant?

Fulham's Riverside Stand plans were hatched in the period before Shahid Khan bought the club. By appointing a design and architectural practice of the stature of Heatherwick Studios to enhance the plans is a statement of intent. If Khan is to spend money developing the Riverside Stand, it appears he's going to make it stand out.

Who is Thomas Heatherwick?

Heatherwick himself is arguably been one of the most influential figures in London's recent design history. His rise to household name came when he was commissioned to design the London 2012 Olympic cauldron, but he is also responsible for the new Routemaster bus as well as the somewhat controversial "Garden Bridge" which is to be built over the Thames. Heatherwick Studio is his London based architectural and design company that do everything from design household objects to large scale architectural projects.

Why Heatherwick?

Khan has an existing relationship with global stadium architectural mega-firm Populous . That he has chosen Heatherwick for the Riverside Stand project at Craven Cottage suggests this isn't simply a matter of stadium principal architecture. Heatherwick is a designer and his and Heatherwick Studio's role will probably be a hybrid one, taking the existing plans and enhancing the design into something of higher creative value.

Do Heatherwick Studio have experience of Stadia?

No, but everyone has to start somewhere. As I've already said, this is unlikely to be a full scale architectural project. Planning permission is already in place and the club has applied to commence preliminary works this summer.

What can we expect?

My guess is that this project will likely focus on the exterior of the stand in some capacity. Looking at Heatherwick Studio's previous work and considering Craven Cottage's unique Thames side location and I would imagine this project will see the exterior design and cladding of the new Riverside Stand evolve into something designed with a link to the natural environment in mind. For inspiration, a link to Heatherwick Studios current large scale projects can be found here.

Why does architecture and design matter here?

Architecture and design are subjective; one person's gem is another's carbuncle. However, buildings that are architecturally significant [be they gem or carbuncle] have immeasurably higher profiles than those buildings that sit in architectural anonymity. With a higher profile comes more opportunity. Part of any plan to develop the Riverside Stand is making it a 7 day a week, 365 days a year income generator. The gravitas attached to Thomas Heatherwick's name and the potential for a statement piece of architecture or design means that the new stand may become anything from a high end events venue to tourist attraction. A few pounds spent now on improving and signifying the design of the stand may make the project more financially viable in the long term. With Archibald Leach on one side and Thomas Heatherwick on the other, Craven Cottage will be arguably the most architecturally significant stadium in the country.

Does Shahid Khan have a track record of doing things like this?

Yes. EverBankField, home of the Jacksonville Jaguars, is partway through a series of large scale alterations and developments across a range of functions all designed to increase revenue streams. These include those to improve the fan experience, such as building one of the largest video screens in the world at an estimated cost of $50m and developing the first swimming pool from which you can watch a live NFL game, major improvements to corporate facilities and a masterplan to develop an amphitheatre concert venue adjacent to the stadium. What the Jaguars and Fulham have in common is a lack of an overwhelming fan base, and Khan appears to believe in using the stadium itself as a way of getting people through the turnstiles.

What does this do for the development timetable of the Riverside Stand?

This is the 'Million Pound Question' and it's hard to say as we really have no idea the extent of Heatherwick Studios involvement. Amending the design in any capacity is hardly going to speed up the process, so the question becomes one of how long will the project be delayed?

The first thing Fulham must do is commence the implementation works for the existing planning application. "Implementing" is the act of materially commencing the development stated in the actual planning permission. As soon as enough work has been done for the local authority to consider a development to have begun, and thus implemented, the planning permission can no longer expire.

If Fulham do not commence implementation works before the date 3 years after planning permission was granted, the permission would expire and the application process would have to start from scratch.

Will Fulham need to get a new planning permission?

Once a scheme is implemented, it is possible to amend the design of a development to a degree. There are two forms of amendment that Fulham could choose: a Non-Material amendment or a Minor Material amendment.

A Non-Material amendment is one that is "wholly acceptable, uncontroversial and of very little impact" and can include changes to the design of a building. These are essentially formalities to get approved via a simple form being submitted to the local authority. The timetable for a decision by the council is 28 days.

A Minor Material amendment is more significant than a Non-Material amendment but not significant enough that the description of the development changes as a result. A Minor Material amendment is treated as a new planning permission though and as such has a lengthier due diligence process.

If there are no ulterior motives from Shahid Khan (such as deliberately delaying the development) Fulham will likely hope to take the route of a Non-Material Amendment. However, given ambiguous nature of Fulham's announcement of Heatherwick Studios involvement, anything is possible and a complete redesign and planning application can't be ruled out.

Under either planning amendment route, the design of the Riverside Stand can be amended but the specific details such as the height, capacity and footprint must stay the same or close to the same or the matter will become far more complicated. In particular, the club will not want to alter anything which would fall under the Port of London Authority's jurisdiction for river works given it has taken nearly 3 years to get the licences in place for the current planning permission.

So what are the key dates?

Fulham have been working towards performing implementation works this summer. That is unlikely to change as these need to be done to prevent the existing planning permission falling away.

The club's previously stated timetable – to commence the full redevelopment in May 2017 – could still happen, although this may now be delayed depending on the scale of any design changes.

For now, fans will have to take the club at their word, both on intentions and timing. The lack of any clear detail in the club's Heatherwick announcement does means that all we can do is speculate.

The Fulham Supporters Trust will be meeting with the club's CEO Alistair Mackintosh on Tuesday 10th May, and subject to any further announcements in the interim, this should give fans the first opportunity to understand more. You can join the Fulham Supporters Trust here to receive minutes of the upcoming meeting with the club.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2016/05/what-could-thomas-heatherwick-mean-for-craven-cottage/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Report: Fulham target international defender previously on Everton's radar

Augsburg centre-back Ragnar Klavan is a target for the Cottagers, a report claims.

Fulham are targeting a summer move for Augsburg centre-back Ragnar Klavan, a previous target for Everton, according to a report in Wednesday's Daily Star.

Having steered Fulham away from the Championship's drop zone in his first half-season in charge, manager Slavisa Jokanovic will be keen to put his own stamp on the Cottagers' squad.

A move for Blackburn Rovers winger Ben Marshall was mooted by the Sun on Tuesday, and the Star claims Klavan is also on Jokanovic's shortlist.

The 30-year-old Estonia international, who has 108 caps to his name, has a year to run on his Augsburg contract.

Everton reportedly made contact over Klavan last summer, with the player's agent later revealing his client's dream to play in the English Premier League.

But Klavan, who played against Liverpool in this season's Europa League, may have to lower his sights a little - at least for another year.

Fulham are set to lose Dan Burn on a free transfer this summer and fellow centre-back Shaun Hutchinson could follow, though his contract includes the option to extend it by a further 12 months.


http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2016/05/04/report-fulham-target-international-defender-previously-on-everto/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Nothing gets past that Scott Parker...
In six months Sam Allardyce has transformed Sunderland, lifting them from 19th all the way up to 18th...

Scott Parker was a player who got mixed reviews when at Newcastle United.

His determination and bravery in a tackle were unquestioned but his tendency to go around in endless circles when in possession, made even Cheick Tiote look direct on a bad day.

As a guest on Sky Sports, Scott Parker has shown similar limited ambition in his punditry when discussing the relegation question.

The former Newcastle midfielder thinks that Norwich City 'are in a bit of bother', something which must come as a massive shock to the Norwich supporters when their team is second bottom with only 11 days to go to the end of the season.

Scott Parker also trots out the line about Sam Allardyce having been there before and knowing how to get teams out of relegation trouble...

Well he has been on Wearside over six months now and has managed to get them from 19th up to 18th in the table in that time, so you could say he has been kind of a success but they are still in the relegation zone with a week and a half of the season to go.

Sunderland might well stay up but it will only be because Newcastle firstly appointed Steve McClaren and then didn't sack him earlier.

Jamie Carragher agrees with Scott Parker about favouring Sunderland and points to the late Defoe penalty rescuing a point at Stoke.

From a Newcastle point of view I prefer to look at the very unlikely points we collected against both Manchester City and Liverpool after falling one and two goals behind respectively.

Once again, if Newcastle are relegated then it will be down to what happened in the first 28 matches of the season, rather than anything that happens in the 10 under Rafa Benitez.

Scott Parker:

"If  I am honest I think Norwich are in a bit of bother...

"Sam Allardyce is a man who knows what this is all about and he has got teams out of bother before.

"It is though in Sunderland's hands and if there is one team you would want to be it is Sunderland because it's in their hands.

"I still think I would want to be Sunderland (despite expecting Newcastle to beat Villa) – I can see Sunderland picking up some results."

Jamie Carragher:

"I still would side with Sunderland, just. I think if Sunderland get five points it will be enough. Newcastle will beat Villa, I think it's a big ask to beat Tottenham.

"I think that vital point at Stoke made a difference. Two draws and a win will be enough for Sunderland, I think."



- See more at: http://www.themag.co.uk/2016/05/nothing-gets-past-scott-parker-newcastle-united-norwich-city-sunderland/?#sthash.mMdE6lxa.dpuf

[WhiteJC]

 
Pringle Linked With Rangers

Blues loanee Ben Pringle is reportedly a target of Rangers ahead of their return to the Scottish Premiership.

According to the Daily Express Pringle is considering the potential switch and will make a decision on his future after Town's final game of the season at Derby on Saturday.

The 26-year-old has been on loan with the Blues from Fulham since February and has made nine starts and one sub appearance, scoring two goals.

Blues boss Mick McCarthy has made no comment on whether he plans to offer Pringle the chance to stay at Portman Road, however, the midfielder has either been an unused sub or left out of the 18 for the last three games for which he has been eligible.

Newcastle-born Pringle has another year left on the Cottagers contract he penned last summer after turning down a deal at Rotherham, but seems likely to move on having been out of manager Slavisa Jokanovic's plans.


Rangers boss Mark Warburton is understood to be a long-term admirer having previously tried to sign him during the summer of 2014 when in charge at Brentford.


http://www.twtd.co.uk/ipswich-town-news/29585/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Final Day Tickets

Fulham's final game of the 2015/16 season sees us take on bottom of the table Bolton Wanderers at Craven Cottage on Saturday (12.30pm).

Our junior fans can attend this match for just £1 in all areas of the ground, while adults tickets are available from £25.

You've been unwavering in your support throughout what has been a testing season in SW6, so come on down one last time as the Whites aim to finish the campaign in style.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2016/may/04/final-day-tickets?

[WhiteJC]

 
Jack Grimmer a treat for Shrewsbury Town
Defender Jack Grimmer has cooked up a storm for Shrewsbury Town – and reckons it is the ideal 'finishing school' after perfecting his signature dish.

The Scottish right-back, who is due to play the final
image: http://images.intellitxt.com/ast/adTypes/icon1.png

game of his loan from Fulham at Swindon on Sunday, has relished his second spell at the Greenhous Meadow.

Having settled into a flat in the town with fellow Fulham loanee Larnell Cole, Grimmer has loved life in Shropshire – and has taken to preparing his own meals.

The 22-year-old said: "I have to thank everyone at the club for putting Larnell and myself together.

"Instead of being cooped up in a hotel, you feel more at home as you're not confined just to one room. I don't think the people at the club realise how much it's meant to us.

"Luckily, I've been brought up the right way and nutrition is a massive part of being a footballer, especially with playing two games
image: http://images.intellitxt.com/ast/adTypes/icon1.png

a week. You need to eat the right stuff and I'm not too bad at cooking.

"I love doing stir fry because they're so easy to cook and you can put anything in them. If not, there's always a Nando's takeaway nearby.

"We share the cooking – Larnell will cook if it's something he wants or needs, but mostly it's Nando's takeaway or whatever.

"Sometimes we take things from the canteen upstairs here and heat it up for ourselves afterwards – it's a case of whatever is easiest!"

Grimmer and Cole are two of six loan players
image: http://images.intellitxt.com/ast/adTypes/icon1.png

at Town with Jack Hendry, James Wallace, Sullay Kaikai and Kyle Vassell.

An ever-present since he arrived in January, the right-back – who scored a dramatic equaliser in Saturday's 4-3 defeat to Peterborough – has made 23 appearances in all competitions
image: http://images.intellitxt.com/ast/adTypes/icon1.png

.

Everything about his stay has made Grimmer boost Town to young prospects as a loan destination.

He said: "I'd definitely recommend it highly to anyone – you only have to look at the loan players that have come in and the impact they've made.

"As soon as they speak to the manager, they'll get the vibe and that's what he instilled in me. It's a great chance and a great club to show what you can do.

"And if you come with the right mentality and right attitude, the fans will love you. I'd say, if you want to work hard, come here."

Off the pitch, Grimmer feels Shrewsbury is a perfect environment for a young footballer.


Read more at http://www.shropshirestar.com/sport/shrewsbury-town-fc/2016/05/04/jack-grimmer-cooking-for-shrewsbury-town/?#ZOQaHD5oOGO7FwOC.99

[WhiteJC]

 
Duo On England Duty

Dennis Adeniran and Ryan Sessegnon have been named in the England Under-17 squad for the upcoming European Championship Finals.

The competition takes place in Azerbaijan, with the Young Lions' first fixture pitting them against Sweden on Friday 6th May.

They then take on France in their second Group C game three days later, before facing Denmark next Thursday.

The winners and runners-up in each of the four groups will then progress to the Quarter-Finals, and onwards.

England last won the tournament two years ago with then Fulham man Patrick Roberts playing a starring role.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2016/may/04/duo-on-england-duty?

[WhiteJC]

 
Stags let loanee Kavanagh leave early

Mansfield Town have allowed young Fulham defender Sean Kavanagh to return to his club early ahead of Saturday's final game at home to Cambridge United.

The Irish U21 international, who had played 25 times for the Cottagers, arrived on loan in January but struggled to make an impact.

He looked lightweight at left back in his first game and, although he was tried on the left of midfield too, he found the competition too strong as he ended up with just two starts and coming on five times from the bench

"Kav has gone back this week as we didn't see him being involved in the final game, so there was no point in keeping him away from London," said manager Adam Murray.

"We thank him for his time here. Obviously it didn't work out as we'd planned in terms of the amount of game time he got.

"But part of that is because the lads performed really well at times and it was tough for him to get in.

"We thank Fulham for their help with that one and we move on."

Murray still has other loanees in Swansea right back Dan Alfei, Port Vale winger Junior Daniel, and Chesterfield striker Mani Dieseruvwe, and has yet to decide on their futures.

"We will speak to the other loan players this week," he said. "We've obviously got to touch base with their clubs before we can do anything.

"We will see where the club lies. We will see where the individual lies. Then we can plan a bit more from there."



Read more: http://www.chad.co.uk/sport/mansfield-town/mansfield-town-news/stags-let-loanee-kavanagh-leave-early-1-7892161#ixzz47lNZGtnt

[WhiteJC]

 
Cup Glory For Fulham Pair

Luca de la Torre and Marlon Fossey each played the full 80 minutes as the United States Under-19s defeated Russia 2-1 in the Slovakia Cup Final last week.

Having fallen behind, goals from Nelson Hunsinger and Pierre Da Silva won the trophy for Brad Friedel's side.

In their previous game, a dead rubber in the group, they were beaten 3-1 by the host nation.

De la Torre came on just after the hour mark, while Fossey featured for the entirety and claimed the assist for the United States' consolation strike.

Photo courtesy of ussoccer.com.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2016/may/03/cup-glory-for-fulham-pair?

[WhiteJC]

 
Every Gamer's Adventure

Fulham fan and gamer William Jex, 22, will be proudly representing the Club in the inaugural Emirates FA Cup gaming tournament, competing for glory and the chance to lift the trophy at Wembley Stadium.

William will take on over 60 other video gamers each representing football clubs from across the country to battle it out for Emirates FA Cup supremacy and bragging rights. The competition garnered great interest from gamers and football fans alike.

William, who must play as Fulham throughout, prefers a 4-2-3-1 formation, with a starting XI of: Bettinelli; Fredericks, Madl, Amorebieta, Ream; Parker, O'Hara; Labyad, McCormack, Cairney; Dembélé.

The one day tournament will kick off with one gamer representing each of the 64 teams from the third round of this year's Emirates FA Cup. William Jex will fight off stiff competition as he travels to Wembley Stadium, the home of football, in the hope of lifting the Cup aloft.

The knockout tournament will take place across a variety of iconic locations within the stadium, including the changing rooms, players' tunnel and the team dugouts, with the final game being played from the legendary turf's centre circle on the 82 foot screens in the stands.

The event will take place on Saturday 7th May, two weeks before the real Emirates FA Cup Final, with this once in a lifetime opportunity to make every gamer's dream come true.

The tournament is taking place in the traditional Emirates FA Cup style, and will see Fulham fan William having to counter sweaty palms and shaking knees to see him through the competition at the grandest stage of them all. The victor will receive four tickets to The Emirates FA Cup Final on the 21st May, as well as the prestige of being the inaugural champion.

Lucy Roberts-Hartley, The Emirates FA Cup Marketing Manager said: "This is a truly one off experience for these elite gamers to represent their clubs at the home of football, Wembley Stadium. The Emirates FA Cup always provides many twists and turns and I am sure this tournament will be exactly the same, pitting some of the biggest fans and best gamers against each other.

"This is unlike anything we've ever done before and with it taking place just two weeks before the Cup Final I can't think of any better way to kick off The Emirates FA Cup fever."

For more information on this season's Emirates FA Cup adventure, visit TheFA.com/TheEmiratesFACup.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2016/may/04/every-gamers-adventure?

[WhiteJC]

 
Riverside Restaurant

Take in Saturday's game against Bolton Wanderers in style by purchasing our Riverside Restaurant package.

Priced at £105 (+VAT) per person, the package includes a hot and cold buffet served prior to kick-off, fully inclusive drinks (including beers, wines and spirits) throughout the day, matchday programmes and team sheets per guest, and Director's Area seating to watch the game.

For more information or to book, call our Hospitality team on (+44) 020 8336 7555, 9am-5.30pm, Monday-Friday.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2016/may/04/riverside-restaurant?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham Winger Considering Rangers Move?

The Daily Express has said, with what they call an exclusive, that Ben Pringle is 'giving serious consideration' to a switch to Rangers this summer.

Clearly Mark Warburton will be looking to bring in players, there's a history with Pringle too as the Rangers boss tried to sign him when he was in charge at Brentford and he was playing for Rotherham, who wouldn't sell.

Pringle, who is under contract to Fulham for another year, is currently on loan with Championship rival Ipswich with a decision on his future to be made once the season ends on Saturday.

Assuming there's an interest in the 26-year-old given the fact he's still under contract we'll either have to pay a fee to Fulham or be reliant (again assuming he doesn't have a future with the London based club) on an agreement to free him from his contract.

Josh Windass and Matt Crooks have already agreed pre-contracts to sign for the Gers from Accrington this summer with Warburton thought to be in for as many as five close season signings.



Read more: http://www.rangers.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=566043#ixzz47lOmV56E

[WhiteJC]

 
5 Premier League stars Fulham need to sign to mount a promotion push next season

Fulham have had a disappointing season, sitting fourth from bottom going into Saturday's final set of fixtures.

48 points, or 11 wins from a possible 45, have seen Slavisa Jokanovic's inherited side humiliated by Wolves, Birmingham, Nottingham Forest twice, Blackburn, Brighton, and most recently rivals Brentford.

They started decently, however, and found themselves in the top half at the end of November. But the side with the league's fifth best attack also has the second worst defence, and that has cost them at times.

The Cottagers went on a good run in February, led by Tom Cairney, but overall it has been down to Ross McCormack and Moussa Dembele to try and save them from the drop. Without their goals, who knows  where they would be?

Their transfer ban ends in the summer, so a couple of summer additions and they would probably have a decent side, and who knows how they could fair if they keep their hands on McCormack and/or Dembele?

So, here are FIVE Premier League stars that Fulham should sign to mount a promotion bid next season.....

Luke Garbutt


The 22-year old has done a decent job at Craven Cottage, where he is on loan until the end of the season. Making 24 appearances, he's primarily operated from his natural position of left-back, but also filled in at left-midfield when needed.

He will return to parent club Everton this summer, and whilst the European Championships of 2016 is too early, Garbutt has been tipped to be a future England star.

Jokanovic, who masterminded Watford's promotion to the Premier League last season, would be foolish not to enquire about the possibility of a permanent move, or at least another season-long loan move, for the 53-time England under-age defender.

Wayne Hennessey


Number one at Selhurst Park, Hennessey has done well to fend off competition from Alex McCarthy and Julian Speroni. His good performances recently against Everton, Norwich and Arsenal have shown potential suitors what they would be investing in.

It is believed that the Welshman may want a change of scenery after this campaign comes to an end, where Palace have disastrously dropped down the table since the turn of the year. The 29-year old has previously played for Yeovil, Stockport, Bristol City and Wolves, and a move across the capital would be convenient for him as he would not have to relocate.

A goalkeeper of his calibre would be a major signing for Jokanovic, who needs to bolster his back five. However, he will need to fend of competition from Everton, Bournemouth and Middlesbrough for the in-demand 'keeper.

Maya Yoshida


The Japanese international has not been a regular in Southampton's side this season following the arrival of Virgil van Dijk from Celtic, as him and Jose Fonte have been a formidable partnership.

When he has featured for Koeman, he's done a pretty decent job, including scoring the winner in the victory over West Ham back in February. He has made 20 appearances so far.

At 27-years old, he still has plenty of time in his career, and offers Premier League and international experience to Jokanovic, something that the club will need if they are serious about a promotion push. It is also likely that the promise of regular football would be enough for him to be interested in a move away from St Mary's.

Fabio Borini


Following an unsuccessful spell at Liverpool, Borini moved back to Wearside in August last year for £8 million, and has gone on to score four in 24 for the Black Cats.

He has been a useful commodity at Sunderland, but has been overshadowed by the goal-scoring brilliance of Jermain Defoe. Scoring isn't all that the Italian does, however, as his pace and willingness to work allows him to do a job on either wing, where he has been used most of this season by Dick Advocaat and Sam Allardyce.

Should Sunderland not survive the drop this season, he may feel his best chance of Premier League football in 2017 is jumping ship, and a potential candidate for that is Fulham, should Jokanovic use the money that owner Shahid Khan is going to give him wisely.

This could also be Borini's chance to be a central figure in a team, and would be a decent replacement to either McCormack and/or Dembele should they move on this summer.

Calum Chambers


The Arsenal defender hasn't been able to get a look in for his side this year thanks to the brilliance of Hector Bellerin at right-back and the settled partnership of Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny in the middle of defence. Even when one misses out, Gabriel Paulista seems to be next in-line.

His most notable appearance this season was in September's 2-0 loss to Chelsea, where he came on at half-time following Gabriel's red card, played pretty well and was unfortunate to have the telling touch when Hazard's shot was deflected beyond Petr Cech in goal.

He undoubtedly has talent, but just needs regular football to find that. With the settled back-four that the Gunners have been operating this year, it is unlikely that the Emirates will be the place he finds it next season.

The England international is versatile too, able to perform at right-back, centre-back or centre-midfield, which would be extremely valuable to Jokanovic.

A move to Fulham would not only strengthen their team, but would be great in the career of the 21-year old.



http://footballleagueworld.co.uk/5-premier-league-stars-fulham-need-to-sign-to-mount-a-promotion-push-next-season/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Should Tottenham Sign Fulham's Moussa Dembélé Still?

This past January, Tottenham Hotspur were close to signing Fulham's Moussa Dembélé before negotiations broke down which involved loaning the 19-year-old back to the Cottagers for the rest of the season if a deal was finalized.

One of the things that most people thought Mauricio Pochettino would do during the winter transfer window was sign a striker to help complement Harry Kane. It's not that the Argentine manager was against the idea, but any player who was signed in January had to improve the squad, as Daniel Levy put it.

Back in February, Tottenham Hotspur Supporters' Trust (THST) held a board-to-board meeting with Spurs' chairman, Daniel Levy, and one of the topics discussed was about Tottenham not signing a striker.

"Daniel Levy also explained that transfer funds would be available should Mauricio Pochettino identify a player he felt could improve our squad," read the minutes of February's board-to-board meeting.

"Funds had been available in January. Mauricio Pochettino was not a manager who believed that by simply spending, the squad would be improved."

"The decision to not sign a striker was Mauricio Pochettino's, and although he would have perhaps liked a young striker, he will only sign a player of the quality that can make a difference."



With Spurs pursuing Michy Batshuayi, Harry Kane has continued to show that he can carry Tottenham on his shoulders with his 25th league goal coming against Chelsea. But because Moussa Dembélé's contract is set to expire at the end of the season, should Spurs try to sign him again?

Although Fulham manager, Slaviša Jokanović, has stated that the Under-20 French international is one his two best players on his squad, Dembélé was surprisingly left out of the starting lineup against Brentford on April 30 due to an uncertainty on where his future lies.

"Dembélé is one of my two best players. I [usually] prefer to use him all the time," Jokanović said after a 3-0 defeat to Brentford (quotes via West London Sport).

"But I am not sure if Dembélé is going to be my player next season. I didn't see him so focused for this game and it's my decision to try with more midfielders – try and be a little bit more solid."

With the game getting out of hand, the Serbian manager tried to fix it by bringing on the 19-year-old to start the second half, but to no avail. Now, he has vowed to return to his normal formation and keep Moussa Dembélé in the starting lineup moving forward.

"I didn't find the solution and I tried in the second half to fix this situation and play what we are now going to play always," Slaviša Jokanović added.

Tottenham tabled a £5 million bid for the striker because Fulham wanted Dembélé to return if a deal had been finalized — which was close to happening as he completed a medical — but Spurs decided against it.


http://hotspurhq.com/2016/05/04/should-tottenham-sign-fulhams-moussa-dembele-still/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Phillips plots to rid Wanderers of "horrible" away record at Fulham

JIMMY Phillips wants to rid Wanderers of their "horrible" away record in what could be a parting gift in his interim manager's job.

Without a victory on the road since last April, the Whites head to Fulham on the last weekend of the season hoping to start afresh in League One next term.

Ridding the club of a winless streak now totalling 24 games would be a fitting way to sign off the season for Phillips, who is due to speak with co-owners Dean Holdsworth and Ken Anderson at the end of the season to see if he will retain a first-team role in League One next term.

Phillips picked up his first victory since taking temporary charge on Saturday against Hull City and wants to build on the result to give the Whites' long-suffering supporters something positive to remember going into the summer.

"Yes, we've won one game but we don't want to get carried away," he told The Bolton News. "There's no question we would like to get rid of this horrible away record, though, and if we can do that at Fulham, fantastic. It might just give that little bit of hope to the fans."

Phillips also picked up his second clean sheet in three games against the Tigers, which were earned either side of another resolute display with 10 men at Cardiff City.

After working so hard on the training field to establish a rigid and reliable formation, Wanderers are looking again to protect at least a point at Craven Cottage.

"We are away from home and we need to remember that," he said. "You need a defensive stronghold, it is vitally important, and we know we have players who will create chances. First and foremost the shape of the team has to be right and that is the message we have repeated time and time again.

"Hard work is the key. We will be telling the players exactly that."

Wanderers have only taken four points away from the Macron but are still some way short of the club record 36 winless games, established between November 1948 and September 1950.

The Whites go into the summer without a permanent manager but with the emphasis placed firmly on a bedrock of home-grown players in League One.

Phillips will again look to give opportunities where he can but admits the club has allowed a number of talents from his academy to slip the net in the past.

"We have had good players in previous seasons, the problem is that they did not get the opportunity," he said.

"These players have had a chance to show what they can offer to the club's future.

"Moving forward we do need to get a blend of experience down the spine, mixed with the younger ones who will provide legs and hopefully a bit of quality too.

"I have got faith they can play a big part for us next season and then beyond."


http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/wanderers/14472460.Phillips_plots_to_rid_Wanderers_of__quot_horrible_quot__away_record_at_Fulham/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Wellington wings in to make injury return at Fulham

WELLINGTON Silva has staked a claim to make a final appearance for Wanderers after making a successful return for the development squad on Tuesday night.

The Brazilian winger has not figured since limping out of the 6-0 defeat at Bristol City in March but scored twice for the Under-21s as they were knocked out on penalties by Manchester City in the Manchester Senior Cup semi-final.

Jimmy Phillips hoped to have him fit for the weekend's season finale at Fulham, which will be the winger's last appearance for the Whites before he returns to Arsenal.

Wellington picked up in good form, giving the Whites a 2-1 lead at the break after David Faupala had opened the scoring for City.

Synan Bytuqi restored parity after the break and though both sides had chances to seal a place in the final against either Bury or Manchester United, penalties were required.

Kaiyne Woolery missed from the spot for Wanderers, who named a strong line-up including Alex Finney, Tom Walker and Jamie Thomas.

Although Harry Campbell made a save from Angelo Tasende in the shootout, Chris Cvetko's miss proved decisive and City made their way through to the final.


http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/wanderers/14472548.Wellington_wings_in_to_make_injury_return_at_Fulham/?

[win-dup]

What Could Thomas Heatherwick Mean For Craven Cottage?
by CHRIS GILBERTSON on MAY 4, 2016

Whilst it may have nothing to do with what’s happened on the pitch, the announcement last week that influential designer Thomas Heatherwick has been commissioned to work on the Riverside Stand, is a significant one for Fulham.

The current planned Riverside Stand

Why is this significant?

Fulham’s Riverside Stand plans were hatched in the period before Shahid Khan bought the club. By appointing a design and architectural practice of the stature of Heatherwick Studios to enhance the plans is a statement of intent. If Khan is to spend money developing the Riverside Stand, it appears he’s going to make it stand out.

Who is Thomas Heatherwick?

Heatherwick himself is arguably been one of the most influential figures in London’s recent design history. His rise to household name came when he was commissioned to design the London 2012 Olympic cauldron, but he is also responsible for the new Routemaster bus as well as the somewhat controversial “Garden Bridge” which is to be built over the Thames. Heatherwick Studio is his London based architectural and design company that do everything from design household objects to large scale architectural projects.

Why Heatherwick?

Khan has an existing relationship with global stadium architectural mega-firm Populous . That he has chosen Heatherwick for the Riverside Stand project at Craven Cottage suggests this isn’t simply a matter of stadium principal architecture. Heatherwick is a designer and his and Heatherwick Studio’s role will probably be a hybrid one, taking the existing plans and enhancing the design into something of higher creative value.

Do Heatherwick Studio have experience of Stadia?

No, but everyone has to start somewhere. As I’ve already said, this is unlikely to be a full scale architectural project. Planning permission is already in place and the club has applied to commence preliminary works this summer.

What can we expect?

My guess is that this project will likely focus on the exterior of the stand in some capacity. Looking at Heatherwick Studio’s previous work and considering Craven Cottage’s unique Thames side location and I would imagine this project will see the exterior design and cladding of the new Riverside Stand evolve into something designed with a link to the natural environment in mind. For inspiration, a link to Heatherwick Studios current large scale projects can be found here.

Why does architecture and design matter here?

Architecture and design are subjective; one person’s gem is another’s carbuncle. However, buildings that are architecturally significant [be they gem or carbuncle] have immeasurably higher profiles than those buildings that sit in architectural anonymity. With a higher profile comes more opportunity. Part of any plan to develop the Riverside Stand is making it a 7 day a week, 365 days a year income generator. The gravitas attached to Thomas Heatherwick’s name and the potential for a statement piece of architecture or design means that the new stand may become anything from a high end events venue to tourist attraction. A few pounds spent now on improving and signifying the design of the stand may make the project more financially viable in the long term. With Archibald Leach on one side and Thomas Heatherwick on the other, Craven Cottage will be arguably the most architecturally significant stadium in the country.

Does Shahid Khan have a track record of doing things like this?

Yes. EverBankField, home of the Jacksonville Jaguars, is partway through a series of large scale alterations and developments across a range of functions all designed to increase revenue streams. These include those to improve the fan experience, such as building one of the largest video screens in the world at an estimated cost of $50m and developing the first swimming pool from which you can watch a live NFL game, major improvements to corporate facilities and a masterplan to develop an amphitheatre concert venue adjacent to the stadium. What the Jaguars and Fulham have in common is a lack of an overwhelming fan base, and Khan appears to believe in using the stadium itself as a way of getting people through the turnstiles.

What does this do for the development timetable of the Riverside Stand?

This is the ‘Million Pound Question’ and it’s hard to say as we really have no idea the extent of Heatherwick Studios involvement. Amending the design in any capacity is hardly going to speed up the process, so the question becomes one of how long will the project be delayed?

The first thing Fulham must do is commence the implementation works for the existing planning application. “Implementing” is the act of materially commencing the development stated in the actual planning permission. As soon as enough work has been done for the local authority to consider a development to have begun, and thus implemented, the planning permission can no longer expire.

If Fulham do not commence implementation works before the date 3 years after planning permission was granted, the permission would expire and the application process would have to start from scratch.

Will Fulham need to get a new planning permission?

Once a scheme is implemented, it is possible to amend the design of a development to a degree. There are two forms of amendment that Fulham could choose: a Non-Material amendment or a Minor Material amendment.

A Non-Material amendment is one that is “wholly acceptable, uncontroversial and of very little impact” and can include changes to the design of a building. These are essentially formalities to get approved via a simple form being submitted to the local authority. The timetable for a decision by the council is 28 days.

A Minor Material amendment is more significant than a Non-Material amendment but not significant enough that the description of the development changes as a result. A Minor Material amendment is treated as a new planning permission though and as such has a lengthier due diligence process.

If there are no ulterior motives from Shahid Khan (such as deliberately delaying the development) Fulham will likely hope to take the route of a Non-Material Amendment. However, given ambiguous nature of Fulham’s announcement of Heatherwick Studios involvement, anything is possible and a complete redesign and planning application can’t be ruled out.

Under either planning amendment route, the design of the Riverside Stand can be amended but the specific details such as the height, capacity and footprint must stay the same or close to the same or the matter will become far more complicated. In particular, the club will not want to alter anything which would fall under the Port of London Authority’s jurisdiction for river works given it has taken nearly 3 years to get the licences in place for the current planning permission.

So what are the key dates?

Fulham have been working towards performing implementation works this summer. That is unlikely to change as these need to be done to prevent the existing planning permission falling away.

The club’s previously stated timetable – to commence the full redevelopment in May 2017 – could still happen, although this may now be delayed depending on the scale of any design changes.

For now, fans will have to take the club at their word, both on intentions and timing. The lack of any clear detail in the club’s Heatherwick announcement does means that all we can do is speculate.

The Fulham Supporters Trust will be meeting with the club’s CEO Alistair Mackintosh on Tuesday 10th May, and subject to any further announcements in the interim, this should give fans the first opportunity to understand more. You can join the Fulham Supporters Trust here to receive minutes of the upcoming meeting with the club.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2016/05/what-could-thomas-heatherwick-mean-for-craven-cottage/?

Just sodding well get on with it then and stop sodding prevaricating. My s/t renewal depends on it.