Friday Fulham Stuff (11/11/16)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Aluko nominated for player of the month
by DAN on NOVEMBER 10, 2016

Sone Aluko's superb recent form has seen him rewarded with a nomination for the Sky Bet Championship Player of the Month award for October.

The former Hull City forward put together some of the most consistent displays of his Fulham career over the past month and his excellent displays have coincided with Slavisa Jokanovic's recent revival that his seen the team revive hopes of moving into the promotion picture. Aluko's month began in the most desperate fashion – striking the post with an injury-time penalty that would have rescued a point in the derby with Queens Park Rangers – but the Nigerian international put that disappointment behind him almost immediately.

Aluko scored a vital equaliser before half-time to begin Fulham's comeback at Barnsley two weeks later and produced a sensational performance against the half-flying Huddersfield Town, laying on three goals as Fulham put five past the Terriers. The Hounslow-born man's excellent run of form continued with a goalscoring display in the local derby defeat of Brentford at Griffin Park on Friday night.

The 27 year-old is up against Reading goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi, Brighton centre back Lewis Dunk and Newcastle forward Dwight Gayle – both former Fulham transfer targets – in contention for the award. A panel comprising the former Wolves midfielder and Sky Sports commentator Don Goodman, the League Managers' Association director Olaf Dixon and Sky Bet's football trading manager Paul Lowery will meet to decide the winner.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2016/11/aluko-nominated-for-player-of-the-month/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Caley Thistle star Liam Polworth set for spell out - with the door open for Larnell Cole

LIAM Polworth's injury could present a first-team opportunity to Caley Thistle's on-loan star Larnell Cole.

Scans on Polworth's injury – picked up in the 3-0 defeat at Celtic – look set to keep him out for a significant period of time, which could open the door for Cole.

Caley Jags boss Richie Foran has been impressed with Cole's patience, having had to overcome an achilles injury following his loan move from Fulham.

He replaced Polworth at Parkhead and there could well be an opening in the side for the former Manchester United youngster when Inverness return to league action next weekend.

Foran also hopes to have Aaron Doran and Carl Tremarco available for the Aberdeen game, although Polworth's diagnosis is not good.

Foran told the Highland News: "Liam had a scan on Tuesday morning and we're thinking it's ligament damage.

"It's quite possible that we'll lose him for a period. He's still hobbling around on crutches, which doesn't look good.

"He's the only player that hasn't missed a training session – he doesn't get injured. So for him to be hobbling around means it could be a bad one.

"He won't let it faze him. He's really come out of his shell in the last couple of years. You wouldn't get a word out of him in the changing room when he first came in.

"I've been waiting to get Larnell a start. The team's been flying high so it's been tough for him. He's been patient and he gets his head down – you can see his quality and if it is him, he certainly won't let us down.

"Larnell deserves his chance now. He's worked hard and looked good in training. It could be his opportunity."

The international break comes at a good time for Foran, with only Polworth set to be unavailable for the home game against the Dons on November 19.

Owain Fon Williams, who made his return against Celtic last weekend, headed down to Wales this week ahead of their game with Serbia.

Another on international duty is French-born striker Lonsana Doumbouya, who received his maiden call-up to the Guinea squad last month.

Doumbouya will be in line for his debut against the Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday, an honour which delights his club boss.

Foran said: "We're absolutely delighted for him. When he came in his English wasn't great but the first thing he did was to book English lessons.

"He wants to be part of a successful team here. There's still more to come from him."

There is no completion yet on Alex Fisher's contract extension, with the striker at St George's Park this week as he steps up his return to match fitness.

A six-month extension is on the table for Fisher and he said last week that he was thrilled to have been offered the chance to stay.

Foran hopes to have the deal tied up next week, although there is no further movement at present on other extensions.


http://www.inverness-courier.co.uk/Sport/Football/Polworth-set-for-spell-out-leaving-door-open-for-Cole-09112016.htm?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham's hottest talent by a mile - and they have a few to choose from
Who's the best young White? Surely, there's no debate despite a string of academy graduates who have graced the first team this campaign

Form a queue to the right if you want Ryan Sessegnon in your team.

Already, the talented teenager at Fulham has drawn a string of admirers just three months after his debut.

He's not 17 until May next year, and ex-England etc Scott Parker was old enough to be his dad when the two were in the same Whites EFL Cup side against Leyton Orient in August.

But as the song goes in the King and I: 'if you become a teacher, by your pupils you'll be taught.'

Parker marvelled at the young left-back's show that night, and their boss thought much the same by picking Sessegnon another eight times, in which he scored twice – that's from left-back just to remind.


Foot in the door: Ryan Sessegnon challenges Burton Albion's Hamza Choudhury

His scriptwriter should get a bonus.

The said pair of strikes earned Fulham two points, a 2-2 draw against Cardiff and the teenager's last kick of the match against Burton for a 1-1 draw.

There are rough bits to smooth out, of course.

Blessed with blistering pace, Sessegnon is somewhat gung-ho charging forward, no doubt under instruction, but as a defender it's left Fulham exposed at the back on occasion.

Slavisa Jokanovic doesn't like to talk about him much.

The head coach thinks bigging up a player this young is asking for trouble. Actually it's asking other clubs to look at him – Tottenham are known to be interested.

And it didn't stop Fulham talking to Sessegnon and his family to convince them he should sign four-year pre-contract that will land on his mat with the birthday cards in May.

While here, we would like to know what you think of all the players at Fulham.

Please use the tool below and tick and rate the Whites.



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulhams-hottest-talent-mile-few-12154753?

[WhiteJC]

 
International Whites

We take a look at which Fulham players could feature for their respective teams over the international period.

Chris Martin will be hoping to lead the line at Wembley on Friday when Scotland face England. Results have been a mixed bag for Gordon Strachan's side in qualifying so far, but a win in London would put them level on points with their opponents in Group F.

Elsewhere in World Cup Qualifiers that evening, Stefan Johansen and Tomas Kalas could go head to head when Norway travel to Prague to take on the Czech Republic. Neither nation has set the world alight in their three games to date, so they'll both be keen to give their campaigns a kick start.

The Czechs follow that competitive fixture up with a home friendly against Denmark four days later.

Michael Madl has earned a recall to the Austria setup, and they have two fixtures to look forward to. They host the Republic of Ireland in a Group D match in Vienna on Saturday, before heading to neutral ground for a friendly against Slovakia on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Ragnar Sigurdsson's Iceland will be looking to maintain their fine start to qualifying when they take on Group I rivals Croatia in Zagreb. The sides each have seven points from their three games played to date.

Iceland then travel to Malta for a friendly three days later.

The final potential Fulham involvement in the European section of World Cup qualifiers comes in the form of Jesse Joronen, who's in the Finland party for their away match against Ukraine on Saturday.

Qualifying for Russia 2018 is also taking place in Africa, where Neeskens Kebano could feature for the Democratic Republic of Congo. They travel to Guinea on Sunday hoping to extend their lead at the top of Group A.

Floyd Ayité is also on his travels, after been named in the Togo squad for their double header of friendlies. They take on Comores in Casablanca on Friday, before making the journey south to face Morocco in Marrakech next Tuesday.

Lasse Vigen Christensen is the sole Fulham player involved at Under-21 level, with Denmark heading to Bergamo for a friendly with Italy on Monday.

We've got plenty of representation in the England youth groups, with Ryan Sessegnon and Tayo Edun named in the Under-19 squad for the European Qualifiers against Luxembourg, Wales and Greece, while Dennis Adeniran could feature for the Under-18s in their friendlies against Poland and France on home soil.

Finally, Marek Rodák has been called up to the Slovakia Under-20 group for their friendlies against Norway and the Republic of Ireland in La Manga. 


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2016/november/10/international-whites?

[WhiteJC]

 
How dream of starting against England turned into nightmare for Rams striker Chris Martin

The jubilation of earning a first start against England turned into a bit of a nightmare for Derby County striker Chris Martin - and he's keen to put things right as Scotland take on the Auld Enemy tomorrow night.

Martin, currently on loan with Fulham, started for Gordon Strachan's side as they were beaten 3-1 by England at Celtic Park in November 2014.

The forward failed to make his mark and was substituted at half-time.

"They were extremely good on the night. We had just come off an excellent result against Republic of Ireland a few days before and I think it [the England game] was my first start for Scotland and it didn't go too well," he told Sky Sports.

"I was sitting on the bench again by half-time, I didn't get out for the second half, but I remember England being extremely good, they used the ball well and were a threat.

"We know they have got some top quality players and we are going to have to be on our guard and it will be the same this time around."

Martin, though, believes that the Scots have learned their lesson and fear no-one in their World Cup qualifying group.


Chris Martin joined Fulham from Derby County on a season-long loan

"We have got to look at every team as beatable, we can't fear too many," he said.

"Everybody has got their strengths and weaknesses and we know it's going to be a really tough game.

"We know the quality they possess week in, week out in the Premier League and their qualifying campaigns over the last few years.

"We know it's going to be a tough game but there is no reason why we can't go into it and give it a good go and see where it takes us."


Read more at http://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/how-dream-of-starting-against-england-turned-into-nightmare-for-rams-striker-chris-martin/story-29884340-detail/story.html?#HFCuAwjxvcwjvdgy.99

[WhiteJC]

 
Barbara Windsor and Sadiq Khan hand special award to Fulham pensioner, 84, who can't stop volunteering
The ex-EastEnders star paid tribute to Clive Domm at Sadiq Khan's Team London Awards


Clive Domm receives his award from Carry On and EastEnders actress Barbara Windsor at the fifth Team London Awards, and Laura Brown, assistant director of Team London

A pensioner from Fulham who has spent more than 20 years giving up his time to help people in his community has been given a prestigious award.

Clive Domm, 84, volunteers for the Fulham Good Neighbours, and was chosen as one of capital's outstanding individuals who go "above and beyond their call of duty".

He received the Team London Long Service Award from London Mayor Sadiq Khan and Barbara Windsor at a City Hall ceremony on October 31.

The charity, which is this year celebrating its 50th anniversary, provides help and assistance for elderly people, allowing them to live independently and overcome isolation and loneliness.

Described as "inspiring" by the Mayor, Mr Domm's volunteering began when he started caring for his own elderly mother.

After she died, he continued helping others through the Fulham Good Neighbours group, which meets in Rosaline Road and organises weekly events such as a lunch club featuring topical guest speakers, a carers' support group and art sessions.

Despite his age, he also helps a wheelchair-bound elderly woman collect her prescription from a pharmacy several times a week.

Mr Domm said: "It is a big surprise for me to be recognised through the award.

"Volunteering keeps you young and gives you a purpose in retirement."

Praise came from Fulham Good Neighbours director Krzysztof Mikata-Pralat, who said: "Clive started volunteering in the case of caring for his mother and bringing her to her appointments.

"He thought that other people in their 60s needed help the same way so he became involved in the charity.

"If individuals in society don't help each other then it's not a community.

"Community happens when people come together expecting nothing in return.

"To donate a little time is all that's needed to make a change and making a difference in people's lives."

The Team London Awards, now in its fifth year, have already recognised the dedication and commitment of over 375 volunteers from across the capital.

Anyone interested in volunteering for Fulham Good Neighbours can call 020 7385 8850 or go to their website .


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/news/west-london-news/barbara-windsor-sadiq-khan-hands-12154911?

[WhiteJC]

 
Christmas Store Open

The Christmas store is now open online with a whole host of exciting gifts available for the Whites fan in your life!

Choose from seasonal essentials such as Christmas Jumpers and stocking fillers, or, if you're looking to treat your loved ones this festive season shop our him, her and juniors categories today.

With a click and collect service available, as well as free UK delivery on all orders over £75, there's no better time to begin your shopping!


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2016/november/10/christmas-store-open?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham midfielder wins Sky Championship player of the month for October
Whites team-mate pays tribute to a player who's known the hard times in football with Hull City - but is back to his best

Fulham winger Sone Aluko has been named the Sky Bet Championship Player of the Month for October.

Back to his dynamic best, mesmerising defenders with his dribbling ability and taking them on both inside and out.

Aluko scored with a lovely solo effort against Barnsley, then had a hat-trick of assists in a memorable display against Huddersfield.

Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic said: "I am very happy for Sone getting this award as he has worked hard for the team over the past months, so it is a good reward for him.


Delight: Sone Aluko makes it 2-2 at Barnsley

"We have seen an improvement to our results of late, so it is also a reflection on the whole team, and I want that hard work to continue so that many of my players will be eligible for this award in future months."

Aluko said: "Personally it's a great feeling to be recognised with this award. It's a nice feeling to be publically rewarded for your efforts.

"Ultimately, I think it's a team award. I wouldn't get this award if the team weren't winning and it's a credit to my teammates and all the staff who have provided me with a platform to play well on.

"The results have gone our way recently and because of this I've been able to show my best form."

Jokanovic is not the only one at Craven Cottage to admire Aluko.

Striker Cauley Woodrow was equally pleased for his team-mate.

"Chris and Sone have been around a long time. Sone has played in the Premier League. Chris has scored a lot of goals in this league. I'm young so I'm trying to learn from both of them.


Hits: Sone Aluko (L) and Chris Martin

"Sone has been on fire recently with three assists against Huddersfield and scored against Brentford. He's playing really well and I'm pleased for him. He's a good guy and it's good for the club that one of our players have won that award."

Sky Sports' EFL pundit Don Goodman said: "It's great to see Sone doing so well under Slavisa Jokanovic at Fulham after he was so unlucky with injuries at Hull.

"He's clearly a very talented lad and has been a joy to watch in October, taking the game to the opposition, cutting through opposing defences, laying on chance after chance for teammates and scoring goals to boot!"

Sky Bet Football Trading Manager Paul Lowery said: "Left behind in the Championship after his former employers Hull achieved promotion to the Premier League last year Aluko seems to have found a perfect fit with Fulham.

"Playing behind Chris Martin he has excelled, creating chance after chance in a mesmerising display against Huddersfield.

"Having jumped up the table after a poor start, Fulham are back in to 9/1 to be promoted this season, and with Aluko determined to get another crack at the Premier League those odds will continue to tumble if the men from Craven Cottage can keep up their current excellent run of form."


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-midfielder-wins-sky-championship-12158807?

[WhiteJC]

 
Leigh Griffiths set to start for Scotland as Gordon Strachan considers dumping Chris Martin for Wembley crunch

THE Scotland boss is ready to rip up his strategy and start again - an admission which will bring Griffiths and Steven Naismith back into contention.

GORDON STRACHAN arrived at Wembley last night - then dropped a huge hint that he could turn to Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths to fire Scotland to glory.

The national boss started out this latest campaign convinced that his team needs a powerful, physical striker leading the line if its to have any chance of making it all the way down the road to Russia 2018.

Fulham frontman Chris Martin started the opening two games of the qualification campaign before Steven Fletcher got the nod last time out in Slovakia.

But after taking just four Group F points from a possible 12, Strachan is ready to rip up his strategy and start again - an admission which will bring both Celtic hitman Griffiths and Norwich forward Steven Naismith back into contention for a starting place against the English.

Strachan said: "The strategy (of playing a big, physical striker) was something I could use in different games, that's for sure. You look back on it later and ask yourself was that right? Was that wrong? But at this moment in time it's too early to look at what's right and wrong. Once you see the points you'll know if it's been right.

"You never make it so that's the way you're playing. I see a new trend coming in in football where the main striker is stronger and quicker, that focal point. You look at that and ask have we got that, can we do that, if you don't you go somewhere else and do what's best for the team. You have to find these things out. I do think that's a trend with a bigger striker because everybody is playing deeper."

Asked if that means Griffiths could start tonight Strachan said: "We're not a team that can say 'that's the way we play', it's not like a Barcelona where we're that good to say that's the way we play and we never change.

"Because of where we are and what we do and the players we have we have to adapt to who we're playing at different times. I would be great to just say 'that's the way we play' like Barcelona, and not think about tactics.

"That's it, every week. Man City play that way, brilliant, or Chelsea play that way, three at the back. We're a bit different from that. We have to understand who we're playing against. If you're fighting a heavyweight boxer you can't just fight the same way as him, if he's a big puncher you have to do something else."

Strachan's own future in the job may rest on a shock win tonight, as well as Scotland's chances of making it to the next World Cup.

And the manager conceded that his team will have to produce the best perfromance of his four years in charge if Scotland are to turn it all around at the home of their oldest rivals.

He said: "If we get near the standard we got when we played here the last time, I thought it was a terrific game of football. There was a point when we got to 2-1 that I thought we were going to go on and win the game and I want to get to that point again - and then to go past it. I want us to get to that point then take it from there."

Strachan considered his own position in the days immediately following the last double header against Lithuania and Slovakia before deciding to lead this charge across the border.

And he admitted last night that his pride has been dented ever since.

When asked if this game was the most significant of his time in charge he said: "I know what you're inferring but it's just three points. It really is a huge three points and it's to get some respectability back because I felt we lost that in the last couple of games. And a little bit of pride.

"It's the one place you want to perform and put on a good show because there's so many people there.

"We're doing it for the group, the people who have travelled, anybody who has tapped us on the shoulder and wished us good luck and anyone who wants us to win. We're doing it for them.

"Nothing else has any bearing on the next 24 hours.

"It's huge. Absolutely. It's a huge game. We can't beat about the bush on this one."


http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/leigh-griffiths-standby-gordon-strachan-9236822?

[WhiteJC]

 
Aluko Named Player Of The Month

Sone Aluko has been named the Sky Bet Championship Player of the Month for October.

Back to his dynamic best, mesmerising defenders with his dribbling ability and taking them on both inside and out.

Aluko scored with a lovely solo effort against Barnsley, then had a hat-trick of assists in a memorable display against Huddersfield.

Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic said: "I am very happy for Sone getting this award as he has worked hard for the team over the past months, so it is a good reward for him.

We have seen an improvement to our results of late, so it is also a reflection on the whole team, and I want that hard work to continue so that many of my players will be eligible for this award in future months."

Aluko said: "Personally it's a great feeling to be recognised with this award. It's a nice feeling to be publically rewarded for your efforts.
"Ultimately I think it's a team award. I wouldn't get this award if the team weren't winning and it's a credit to my teammates and all the staff who have provided me with a platform to play well on.

"The results have gone our way recently and because of this I've been able to show my best form"

Sky Sports' EFL pundit Don Goodman said: "It's great to see Sone doing so well under Slavisa Jokanovic at Fulham after he was so unlucky with injuries at Hull.
"He's clearly a very talented lad and has been a joy to watch in October, taking the game to the opposition, cutting through opposing defences, laying on chance after chance for teammates and scoring goals to boot!"

http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2016/november/11/sone-aluko-named-player-of-the-month?