Friday Fulham Stuff (25/11/16)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Bettinelli: We're implementing Slavisa's style
by DAN on NOVEMBER 24, 2016

Fulham's dramatic improvement this season is down to the players successfully implementing Slavisa Jokanovic's style, according to Marcus Bettinelli.

The goalkeeper, currently second choice behind summer signing from Brentford David Button, says that Fulham's additional strength in depth – boosted by a summer full of new arrivals – and a lot of hard work at Motspur Park has put the Whites in a far better position than during their previous two Championship campaigns. He feels that the first team squad is know fully aware of what the head coach wants, with each player having a distinct role within Jokanovic's system.

Bettinelli told GetWestLondon:

Every manager is different and has different ways of going about things. Football is a universal language. Everyone knows what they have to do. He's very different to what Kit [Symons] was. Every manager has their own ways and you need to adapt to those as we've got a job to do.

Slav wants us to play football and build from the back. We've started to adapt to that. We've always had quality in the squad and we're starting to show what we can do.

The Huddersfield game showed what we're capable of and to follow it up on Sky against local rivals [Brentford], which is never an easy place to go. It shows the depth we have we have and how hard we're working,


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2016/11/bettinelli-were-implementing-slavisas-style/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Inside The Amex Stadium

Brighton supporter and presenter for Albion Roar radio Alan Wares assesses his side's excellent campaign to date, and looks ahead to Saturday's encounter.

How did you become a Brighton supporter?

Home town team. I'd been badgering my Dad to take me since before I can remember. Eventually, he took me aged eight. Never looked back.


What have been your best memories supporting the Seagulls?

Over 38 years, too many to list. Getting to the Cup Final, the promotions, campaigning for the new stadium, getting the new stadium, even The War Years (1995-97).



Who have been your favourite players over the years?

Peter Ward and Bobby Zamora spring to mind. Inigo Calderon was just a dreamboat, though the new favourite is Liam Rosenior. I interviewed him for The Albion Roar radio show last week, and he is by far the most eloquent footballer I've heard. He has settled into the way of thinking and living in Brighton in a way he hasn't done at other clubs.

Is this the year you'll win promotion?

It would be about time. 

What style of play can we expect from Brighton?

Depends if we turn up. Even though we're second, we haven't been playing that well - it still feels like we've yet to click. If we do turn up, there will be a small winger-sized blur who, when he stands still, is recognisable as Anthony Knockaert. He will be fed by a very strong midfield pairing of Dale Stephens and Steve Sidwell. A blend of quick passing, and quick feet, I'd say. 
Who have been your standout performers so far this season?

The aforementioned 'Le Petit Magicien' (Knockaert). Lewis Dunk in the centre of defence has also been excellent this season. Bruno, the captain, at right-back is also fabulous to watch.

There are a few ex-Fulham boys in your ranks – what's the verdict on Stockdale, Sidwell and Rosenior?

See above. Stockdale has been quiet most of the season. He has Dunk and Duffy in front of him...


Who in the Fulham squad will Brighton be wary of on Saturday?

No idea. We leave that to the highly impressive, highly respected Chris Hughton to worry about.

Where can away fans go for a pre-match pint?

Around Brighton Station, there are myriad pubs - they're generally the best for ale in the city. You can also buy decent beers at the stadium (you don't have to drink the corporate puzzle).

How do you see Saturday's game going?

Would love a repeat of last year's result. Not going to happen, sadly - these things never do.


What score prediction are you going for, and why?

Something - nil. Our defence, when it turns up, is impregnable. 11 clean sheets in 17 sheets says that.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2016/november/24/inside-the-amex-stadium?

[WhiteJC]

 
SEVEN CARD LININGTON TO BOSS BRIGHTON GAME

Match Referee News

Brighton and Hove Albion v Fulham

Championship Match Day 18 1617 at Amex Stadium

Saturday 26th November 2016    KO: 15:00

Referee: James Linington (Newport, IOW)

Referee James Linington can claim that every match in the EFL is an overseas appointment, requiring the short hop over from his home on the Isle of Wight.

He is a very experienced referee having refereed in the EFL for 9 seasons and this season he has joined the new elite group of full-time referees to officiate Sky Bet Championship matches, titled as Select Group 2

Mr Linington last reffed Fulham in October of this year when we drew at home 2-2 against Norwich in which he dished out seven yellows, four to Fulham players, Aluko (39,f), Malone (40,f), Parker (41,d), Johansen (87,arg) Before that reffed Fulham in a 2-2 away draw in October 2015 against Charlton. He handed out a yellow card to Christensen.

Linington last reffed Brighton in a 4-0 home win against Colchester in August this year when he showed his yellow card three times one of them to a Brighton player, Oliver Norwood.

Last season he refed 26 games and dished out 74 yellows and 4 reds, so 2.8 yellows per game. He was below the League average of 3.1 yellows per game and was below average for red cards. This season so far he has dished out 78 yellows and 1 red card, so a near double 5.2 yellows per game.


http://www.fulhamweb.co.uk/news/seven-card-linington-to-boss-brighton-game.aspx?

[WhiteJC]

 
Magnus Norman: Fulham goalkeeper to stay at Southport on loan


Magnus Norman has also had spells on loan at Hayes and Yeading and Farnborough

National League side Southport have extended the loan spell of Fulham goalkeeper Magnus Norman until the end of the season.

The 19-year-old joined the Sandgrounders on a one-month loan in September, which was then extended until November.

The ex-England Under-18 international has made 13 appearances so far.

Steve Burr's side are 19th in the table, three points above the relegation places.


http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/38092306

[WhiteJC]

 
Malone hails Fulham's 'never-say-die' spirit
by DAN on NOVEMBER 24, 2016

Scott Malone feels that Fulham's 'never say die' approach can help them grind out crucial results in their promotion bid.

The left-back popped up with a crucial equaliser in the first minute of stoppage time against Sheffield Wednesday last weekend and it is far from the first time that Fulham have salvaged a vital point at the death. The Whites have found late equalisers against Cardiff City and Burton Albion already this season as well as pinching the points at Blackburn thanks to an injury-time winner from Tom Cairney.

It all stands in stark contrast to some of Fulham's limp capitulations having fallen behind last season. Malone told GetWestLondon that these signs only add to the belief around the camp that the club can mount a genuine promotion challenge this year:

It is a great time for us to do that. We have been down quite a few times this season, come back and taken points.

I think it is much better than last year, I do not think too many times you could have counted that Fulham would come back from behind and get a point last year. We have added that to our game and that can only be good for the points tally.

It certainly seems as if confidence is high at Craven Cottage with Malone saying that Fulham's recent run – Slavisa Jokanovic's side are unbeaten in their last three fixtures – and their encouraging performances against the top sides mean that the team fear nobody.

If you want to be in the top six, you need to beat teams in the top six. We have done well to get a point from behind. That is our aim. We probably could've won that game [against Sheffield Wednesday] if we got the goal five or ten minutes earlier, but we will take a point.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2016/11/malone-hails-fulhams-never-say-die-spirit/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Pre Match report for the Fulham game - Saturday, 26th November 2016

Brighton v Fulham

ALBION CHECKBOX; dww dll www dwd www wd

NOVEMBER; Bristol City 0-2 (A), Villa 1-1 (H)

TOP TEN; 1 Newcastle 40pt v Blackburn, 2 Brighton v 8 Fulham 25pt, 3 Reading 31pt v 10 Bristol City 24pt, 4 Huddersfield 29pt v Wigan, Brentford v 5 Birmingham 28pt, Derby v 6 Norwich 27pt, Rotherham v 7 Leeds 26pt, Wolves v 9 Sheff Wed 25pt.

*****

15/16 FULHAM AWAY; P23 W4 D10 L9 F30 A43 Po20 = 0.95pt/gm. A poor return that left them treading deep river water.
15/16 second half away; P11 W2 D5 L4 F13 A22 (Po19) = 1.00pt/gm. New management merely maintained status quo.
LAST SIX SEASONS; 8, 9, 12, 19 @ Prem, 17, 20. The only way is up for this old Thames-side club with recent elite history.

16/17 FORECASTS; title 33/1, promotion 9/1, top six 4/1, top London 9-5, relegation 8/1. Pundits thought the second-tier underachievers worthy of a middle order completion at best.
TARGET; owner Shahid Khan invested in the previously struggling ex-Prem outfit and wants a top six finish at least.


SLAVISA JOKANOVIC took charge at the Cottage in December 2015, steering them clear of the drop zone. He was boss at Watford when they were promoted in 2015.
The Serbian said, +there is no doubt we have a stronger, deeper squad with more quality. But all of them have to be ready to compete. Players all have to give their maximum+

INS; Chris Martin (Derby loan), Neeskens Kebano (Gent), Ragnar Sigurdsson, Stefan Johansen, Ryan Sessegnon, Josabed, Sone Aluko (Hull), Floyd Ayite (Bastia), Michael Madl (Graz), Dennis Odoi (Lokeren), Tomas Kalas & Lucas Piazon (Chelsea loan), Scott Malone (Cardiff), Kevin McDonald (Wolves), David Button (Brentford).

*****

16/17 FULHAM AWAY; P8 W4 D3 L1 F11 A6 Po8 = 1.87pt/gm - a 12% failure rate against 38% parity but 50% success on the road.
REVERSE SEQUENCE; wlw ddw dw - a very useful series that if combined with better home form would be promotion level.

BRENTFORD 0-2, Cottagers felt at home in the west London ground and eased past local rivals to close on playoff places.
VILLA 1-0, Slavisa Jokanovic said, +we will only win games when we stop making stupid mistakes. We have to be stronger+
BARNSLEY 2-4, +we are unbeaten away. At home we come under pressure & not as comfortable without the ball as away+

FOREST 1-1, visitors were goalless but level for two thirds of this fixture and ended the night when equalising hosts opener.
WIGAN 0-0, +I cannot be satisfied we didnt win. We had a problem opening up the game & didnt create enough chances+
BLACKBURN 0-1, +we tried to play football, move the ball and dominate. It is good to go to the international break second+

LEEDS 1-1, travellers went all the way there and were merely moments away from returning to London with three points.
PRESTON 1-2, +I want to be successful so I need more options in my squad. I have talked about signings, Fulham need them+


EFL CUP; lost to Bristol Ciry 1-2 (H) 3rd rnd. Beat Middlesbrough 2-1 aet (H) 2nd rnd. Beat Orient 2-3 (A) 1st rnd.

*****

RIGHT NOW; Slavisa Jokanovic said, +we are beginning to build some kind of identity. We got points before but could not find a clear way to win games+

JANUARY RECALL; right back Ryan Fredericks said, +Chris (Martin) is flying. We would love to keep him, especially when he is playing like that. There is probably not a better striker in the league+

JANUARY BID; striker Sone Aluko said, +Tom (Cairney) is a top player - comfortable on the ball and scores as well. I hope we can keep hold of him+

COMPETITIVE; Slavisa Jokanovic said of the draw with Sheff Wed, +last year we would have lost 3-0. It was a small step where we are learning to compete+

Fatmanslims


http://www.brightonfans.com/NewsNow/reports_page.php?id=21&pre=yes

[WhiteJC]

 
Liam Rosenior and Beram Kayal still missing for Brighton

Brighton remain without Liam Rosenior and Beram Kayal for the visit of Fulham.

Former Cottagers defender Rosenior is working his way back to fitness following an ankle injury and is three or four weeks away.

Kayal is also recovering from an ankle problem which has sidelined him since September.

But boss Chris Hughton has no new injury concerns as the second-placed Seagulls attempt to extend their unbeaten run to 12 matches.

Fulham counterpart Slavisa Jokanovic again has a fully-fit squad to choose from.

Winger Floyd Ayite is over his recent ankle injury and came on as a substitute during the 1-1 draw with Sheffield Wednesday last weekend.

Jokanovic has named an unchanged side for the last three matches, in which Fulham have collected two wins prior to last Saturday's stalemate.

Ayite, Ryan Sessegnon and Matt Smith are among the players pushing for recalls should Jokanovic opt to make changes.


Read more at: https://www.clubcall.com/fulham/liam-rosenior-and-beram-kayal-still-missing-for-brighton-1832071.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Jokanovic: Fulham will soon 'hit highest level'
by DAN on NOVEMBER 24, 2016

Slavisa Jokanovic says he is still expecting more from his Fulham side despite their three-game unbeaten run that has propelled the Whites into promotion contention – and feels that his team will soon their 'highest level'.

The Fulham head coach has refused to get carried away with his team's greatly improved form this season and remains dissatisfied with their scratchy home form. The Serbian's side rescued a 1-1 draw against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday thanks to a last-gasp equaliser from full back Scott Malone and Jokanovic has insisted that his players put any thoughts of promotion out of their mind and focus on the tough trip to second placed Brighton and Hove Albion this weekend.

Speaking during his pre-match press conference at Motspur Park, Jokanovic said:

We cannot be satisfied. All of us know what our final target is. But we only think about the next step. And that is Brighton.We were not happy with the performance against Sheffield Wednesday. We want to show a better performance this weekend.

We are in a process and I believe we are going to be better at home in the future. This weekend is a great chance to test ourselves against one of the best teams in the league.

Step by step we are building something different. After four months of a new season, we are still building an identity and style. We are working daily on this and on our way. We expect soon we will be at our highest level. We are in a process and we will keep working.

Jokanovic was quick to dismiss questions about where Fulham may need to strengthen during the January transfer window, preferring to concentrate on the task at hand.

We have started thinking about the January transfer window. But the only thing important right now is the game against Brighton.

While Albion will be without former Fulham full-back Liam Rosenior and midfielder Beram Kayal for Saturday's game, Jokanovic has the luxury of picking from a virtually full squad. Only captain Scott Parker, suspended as a result of his booking after coming on as a substitute against Sheffield Wednesday, will be missing.

Scott Parker is suspended but everyone else is available. I can choose from a full team except Scott Parker.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2016/11/jokanovic-fulham-will-soon-hit-highest-level/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Make Sport Everyone's Game

Fulham have joined a GB-wide campaign to show that lesbian, gay, bi and trans (LGBT) people are welcome at every level of sport.

Stonewall's Rainbow Laces campaign will see thousands of people, from fans to players, put on Rainbow Laces on 26 and 27 November to show that sport is everyone's game and to ensure LGBT people feel welcome and included.

Prior to training today several of our first team players wore the laces in support of the campaign.

We know most fans welcome and accept LGBT people in sport. However, recent research shows that half of all fans have heard offensive remarks about lesbian, gay, bi and trans people in the last five years.

We can't let the minority of fans spoil the game and make LGBT fans feel unwelcome watching or playing football.

By supporting Rainbow Laces we are stepping up to show that offensive chants, language and behaviour have no place in our game.

Stonewall's Rainbow Laces campaign is supported by TeamPride, a group of global organisations committed to LGBT equality.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2016/november/24/make-sport-everyones-game?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham missing former Tottenham man for Brighton trip as Slavisa Jokanovic eyes improvement on Sheffield Wednesday
Aside from the veteran being unavailable, Slavisa Jokanovic has got a full squad to choose from, something which pleases the Serbian


Banned: Scott Parker

Fulham are missing Scott Parker for Saturday's trip to Brighton as the former England midfielder serves a one match back.

Aside from the veteran being unavailable, Slavisa Jokanovic has got a full squad to choose from, something which pleases the Serbian.

He said: "Scott Parker is suspended and everyone else is available for the Brighton game. It's good news for us and I have a choice from the full team minus Scott Parker."

Fulham go into the game in good form having beaten Huddersfield 5-0 and Brentford 2-0 before following it up with a 1-1 draw with Brighton.

However, Jokanovic wants more from his side and has called on them to step up ahead of the trip to the Amex Stadium.

He added: "In the last three games, we've got seven points. We can't be as happy with the performance against Sheffield.

"We believe we have to improve our level and can make one step up and hopefully improve on that."

Brighton go into the game in excellent form themselves and have the best home record in the division. Fulham, on the other hand, have the best away record in the Championship.

Jokanovic explained: "They have gone 11 games unbeaten. It's a very strong side with very good offensive players. They play good football and it will be an interesting test for us."


Leaders among men: Slavisa Jokanovic (L) and Scott Parker

He added: "Generally, we've found we've won more points away from home. Some games at home we've played very well.

"We've not been clinical enough. We can be under more pressure at home. We need to concentrate more and avoid unnecessary mistakes.

"Generally, we're in a process and we'll be better in the future.

"We're going to play away at Brighton – it's easier for us away. In a realistic life, it's very tough and a complicated game for us against one of the best teams in the league. It's a great chance to test ourselves."


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-missing-former-tottenham-man-12226654?

[bill taylors apprentice]

SEVEN CARD LININGTON TO BOSS BRIGHTON GAME

Match Referee News

Brighton and Hove Albion v Fulham

Championship Match Day 18 1617 at Amex Stadium

Saturday 26th November 2016    KO: 15:00

Referee: James Linington (Newport, IOW)

Referee James Linington can claim that every match in the EFL is an overseas appointment, requiring the short hop over from his home on the Isle of Wight.

He is a very experienced referee having refereed in the EFL for 9 seasons and this season he has joined the new elite group of full-time referees to officiate Sky Bet Championship matches, titled as Select Group 2

Mr Linington last reffed Fulham in October of this year when we drew at home 2-2 against Norwich in which he dished out seven yellows, four to Fulham players, Aluko (39,f), Malone (40,f), Parker (41,d), Johansen (87,arg) Before that reffed Fulham in a 2-2 away draw in October 2015 against Charlton. He handed out a yellow card to Christensen.

Linington last reffed Brighton in a 4-0 home win against Colchester in August this year when he showed his yellow card three times one of them to a Brighton player, Oliver Norwood.

Last season he refed 26 games and dished out 74 yellows and 4 reds, so 2.8 yellows per game. He was below the League average of 3.1 yellows per game and was below average for red cards. This season so far he has dished out 78 yellows and 1 red card, so a near double 5.2 yellows per game.


http://www.fulhamweb.co.uk/news/seven-card-linington-to-boss-brighton-game.aspx?

And gave 2 penalties against us !