Thursday Fulham Stuff (08/12/16)...

[WhiteJC]

 
SLAVISA JOKANOVIC REALLY NEEDS TO GET MORE OUT OF THESE 2 FULHAM PLAYERS

Fulham are looking to put several years of turmoil behind them this season and finally make inroads into secure a place back into the Premier League, with Slavisa Jokanovic the man charged with steering the ship.

Reaching the Promised Land of the top flight might be an ambitious ask this season for the Cottagers, but Saturday's 5-0 thrashing of high-flying Reading offered an indication that Fulham are more than a match for any team in the division on their day.

Jokanovic's men are currently sitting in 10th in the Championship and having drawn seven games so far this season, it seems clear that they will need to start winning more games if they are to make the play-offs come the end of the campaign.

CHRIS MARTIN


Despite his impressive scoring ratio over the last few seasons at Derby County, some Fulham supporters remain unconvinced by the Scotland striker.

Martin has netted six goals for the Cottagers which for a striker of his quality isn't really a lot, with more expected over the next few months.

Jokanovic needs to work on a strategy to get Martin scoring a few more goals, which could be the difference in the Cottagers' attempts to reach the top six.

LUCAS PIAZON


The Brazilian winger is on loan at Fulham from neighbours Chelsea but hasn't really hit the ground running at Craven Cottage.

During a loan spell with Reading last season question marks were raised over his work rate and although that hasn't necessarily been the case at Fulham, he still needs to up his game some more.

Piazon has struggled to hold down a regular place in Jokanovic's side and that must be what he does first and foremost.



http://footballleagueworld.co.uk/slavisa-jokanovic-really-needs-to-get-more-out-of-these-2-fulham-players/

[WhiteJC]

 
OPINION: THESE 2 FULHAM WONDERKIDS ARE SURELY DESTINED TO FLOP

Fulham have every right to be full on confidence in the Championship right now, especially after this weekend's hammering of early promotion favourites Reading at Craven Cottage.

The Londoners really put the Royals to the sword, dispatching five goals in a performance that very much showed why they started so well earlier on this season.

It's the second time in five games that they've scored a quintet of goals and you have to wonder if they can find some consistency, whether or not Slavisa Jokanovic's team could make a push for the play-offs.

But with the first-team doing reasonably well right now, it's going to be tough for some of the club's younger talents to break into the first-team.

And like many teams at this level, it's a real battle for the youngsters to show the senior management what they are made of.

Sadly, we think there are a handful of the club's young players that might struggle to get into the first-team and for them, their future's may lie elsewhere.

So with that in mind, here's 2 Fulham wonderkids who could be destined to flop....

LARNELL COLE

Whilst he's not the youngest player on the books at Craven Cottage right now, Larnell Cole's chances of getting into the first-team as a regular are looking extremely limited indeed.

He's currently serving a loan spell with Inverness CT in Scotland and unlike Ryan Tunnicliffe, he's struggled to break into the senior fold since joining in 2014.

He's a quick, pacy forward who at one time, had been tipped for the top by the likes of Paul Scholes. But will he be able to break into the first-team after failing to score in Scotland so far? Probably not.

ANTHONY DOLAN

When you see young players like Ryan Tunnicliffe doing so well, you do have to wonder how tough it will be for others his age to get into the first-team equation.

And one young man at that crossroad is Anthony Dolan, who is an industrious, hard-working individual who is trying to make an impression in the Fulham U23 side.

But having started just five games this season, with four of those ending in defeats, you've got to suggest that it will be tough for the young Irishman. He'll be hoping to turn things around but it certainly won't be easy.




http://footballleagueworld.co.uk/opinion-these-2-fulham-wonderkids-are-surely-destined-to-flop/

[WhiteJC]

 
Manchester City to step up pursuit of Fulham wonderkid Ryan Sessegnon 
Ryan Sessegnon has impressed for Fulham and is attracting attention
Manchester City targeted youngster in August and are still keen
Pep Guardiola is ready to step up pursuit of 16-year-old defender 

Manchester City are ready to step up their interest in Fulham teenager Ryan Sessegnon.

Sportsmail revealed City had targeted the 16-year-old in August and have been impressed with his development this season as they monitor his progress.

Arsenal, who had a £3m offer rejected in January, Liverpool and Manchester United have also enquired about the left-back.


Ryan Sessegnon (left) is the subject of interest for Manchester City who are tracking him

Sessegnon is only 16-years-old but has impressed in the Championship for Fulham

Sessegnon could follow in the footsteps of Patrick Roberts in making the move as a promising youngster from Fulham to City.

Roberts has since been loaned out but showed his quality against his parent club with a goal for Celtic at Etihad Stadium in the Champions League.


The England youngster could follow in the footsteps of Patrick Roberts, moving to Manchester

Sessegnon is still very green but has impressed so far this term, scoring twice in six appearances in the Championship.

The 16-year-old boasts an 84 per cent passing accuracy and despite his tender age, appears to have the technical attributes to succeed at a higher level.

He may want to continue his development with Slavisa Jokanovic's side who lie in tenth and are a team on the up after their most recent 5-0 thumping of Reading. 


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-4007782/Manchester-City-step-pursuit-Fulham-wonderkid-Ryan-Sessegnon.html#ixzz4SELREgaq
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

[WhiteJC]

 
Who is Ryan Sessegnon? Fulham teenager profiled as Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester duo battle for signature
The teenager is in demand after coming through the ranks at Craven Cottage with a number of top Premier League clubs set to step up their interest in January


Sessegnon in action for Fulham (Photo: Rex)

Fulham teenager Ryan Sessegnon is set to spark a bidding war among the Premier League big boys.

Manchester City are stepping up their efforts to land the 16-year-old but they face competition.


Liverpool and Manchester United are also on the trail, while Arsenal had a bid rejected last January.

Those clubs are set to revive their interest when the window reopens with Sessegnon tipped for the very top.

But just who is the Fulham youngster - and what does he have to offer?

Background

Ryan Sessegnon has risen through the Fulham ranks (Photo: Rex)

Born in Wandsworth, Sessegnon joined Fulham in 2008, aged just eight.

He signed for the club alongside his twin brother Steven, who remains at Craven Cottage.

Sessegnon is first and foremost a left-back but can also play further forward and progressed through the Fulham ranks quickly.

First-team introduction

The teenager in action against Villa (Photo: Neville Williams)

Having been a regular with Fulham's Under-18s last term at the age of 15, Sessegnon was promoted to the first-team in pre-season.

The teenager made his full debut in the EFL Cup victory over Leyton Orient in August as Fulham won 3-2.

Just seven days later, Sessegnon was handed his first Premier League start in the draw with Leeds United.

History-maker

Ryan Sessegnon celebrates after scoring (Photo: Surrey Advertiser)

Having made his first start at Elland Road, Sessegnon scored his first goal just four days later in the 2-2 draw with Cardiff.

The left-back's goal saw him become the first player born in 2000 to score in the professional English leagues.

He is also the youngest player to score in a Championship match at 16 years and 94 days.

International recognition

The youngster in action for England (Photo: Aurelien Meunier)

Sessegnon has risen through the England youth ranks.

He featured in the Under-17 European Championships this summer as the Young Lions bowed out in the quarter-finals.

The teenager has since appeared for the Under-19s and scored in a win over Luxembourg last month.

What has been said about him?

Fulham Head Coach Slavisa Jokanovic (Photo: Rex)

Cottagers boss Slavisa Jokanovic handed Sessegnon his debut this season and has tipped the left-back for big things.

"He is a real winner and he is just 16 years and three months. He is a real young player," he said.

"He is a very interesting project as a player, but it is better not to put him under any pressure."



http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/who-ryan-sessegnon-fulham-teenager-9407630

[WhiteJC]

 
Arsenal, Fulham and England star Ronnie sets benchmark for Woking FC's Gozie Ugwu
Ugwu is among those who have made an impact at Cards from the word go, confirms Woking FC historian Mark Doyle


Maidstone United v Woking FC - Gozie Ugwu celebrates his first goal in the 3-0 win (Photo: David Holmes)

Gozie Ugwu has proved a fast starter in his Woking career, having notched 11 goals so far this term despite a stuttering start with injuries.

The Cards' striker - not particularly prolific in his senior career thus far- cracked nine in six prior to the FA Cup defeat to Accrington Stanley on Sunday (December 4).

Former Wycombe Wanderers front man Ugwu's hot streak has seen him grow in confidence and he has caught the eye as one of the stars of a disappointing campaign so far.

Thanks to Woking FC historian Mark Doyle, editor of the fabulous Cardinal Tales, it is clear Ugwu is up there in the list of players who have scored goals quickly for the club soon after having signed.

But he is some way short of the one man in particular, Ronnie Rooke.

"Gozie has a bit of a way to beat the daddy of them all," confirms Doyle. "Guildford born Ronnie Rooke only played 26 league and cup games but scored 29 goals in 1932/33.

"He was an incredible character, heavy smoker, bandy-legged, with a foot like a steam hammer.

"He left Woking for Guildford City, Crystal Palace and Fulham was capped for England against Wales in wartime (not officially recognised) and then won the Football League with Arsenal after the Second World War, scoring a shed-load of goals for Herbert Chapman's Gunners before dying of lung cancer in 1985.

"There was also Giuliano Grazioli, who scored six in six, while Charlie Mortimore scored 24 goals in 27 appearances in his first season which was 1953/53.

"Darran Hay scored eight in 13 appearances during his first loan spell and going back to the 1970s, Eggie James scored 35 league and cup goals in his first season at Kingfield."


http://www.getsurrey.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/arsenal-fulham-england-star-ronnie-12284647

[WhiteJC]

 
Gin Bar Just The Tonic For Fulham

Fulham Football Club has announced the official opening of The Clubhouse at Craven Cottage a unique Gin Bar which provides a hub for gin fans to gather at London's Original Football Club.

Overlooking the River Thames, The Clubhouse is a sleek, contemporary venue that combines comfort and style with premium service for the club's fans.

Created with the support of Gin Foundry, Fulham has sought to develop a mixture of drinks which complement all seasons and regions, as well as develop a signature Clubhouse cocktail evocative of the history and tradition of the football club.

The fully trained bar staff can offer news and insight and what going on in the world of Gin, offer a unique range of cocktails with flavours to delight every palate.

Formed in 1879, Fulham FC, is London's oldest professional football club and the first to open a bespoke gin bar, showcased at its historic home.

Following a successful launch event, The Clubhouse will be open to the public from Saturday 17 December when Fulham play host to Derby County.


http://www.fcbusiness.co.uk/news/article/newsitem=4685/title=gin+bar+just+the+tonic+for+fulham

[WhiteJC]

 
The Clubhouse Opened

Fulham Football Club is delighted to announce the official opening of The Clubhouse at Craven Cottage, London SW6. The Clubhouse is a unique Gin Bar which provides a hub for gin fans to gather at London's Original Football Club, enjoy each other's company, and – to celebrate Gin!

Overlooking the River Thames, The Clubhouse is a sleek, contemporary venue that combines comfort and style with premium service and exciting on pitch action in the SkyBet Championship where Fulham's most recent 5-0 result put the team within touching distance of the play-offs.

Created with the support of Gin Foundry, who bring a wealth of gin expertise and knowledge, Fulham has sought to develop a mixture of drinks which complement all seasons and regions, as well as develop a signature Clubhouse cocktail evocative of the history and tradition of the football Club.

The fully trained bar staff can offer news and insight and what going on in the world of Gin, offer a unique range of cocktails with flavours to delight every palate.
Formed in 1879, Fulham FC, is London's oldest professional football club and the first to open a bespoke gin bar, showcased at its historic home.

Following a successful launch event, The Clubhouse will be open to the public from Saturday 17 December when Fulham play host to Derby County.

For further information and booking enquiries, please contact Zara Barka on 020 8336 7404.

http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2016/december/07/the-clubhouse-opened

[WhiteJC]

 
FULHAM LOOKING TO SEAL £9 MILLION DEAL FOR INTERNATIONAL STRIKER

Fulham are set to make the loan spell of Chris Martin at Craven Cottage permanent by activating a £9m purchase option in the loanees deal with the West London side, The Daily Record reports (14:26pm).

The Scottish international has impressed in the early months of his time with Fulham, arriving this summer on-loan from Derby County, and took his tally to six for the season with a brace in the 5-0 drubbing of Reading last weekend.

Martin's performances have made an impression on Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic, who confirmed he's keen to make the deal permanent.

"It's not in my hands. My opinion is we need to sign a permanent deal with him. This is my opinion. It's a decision that is in the hands of the club. He's a target man and we need to connect with him."

"He scored the goals, he was our platform player. Apart from the goals he did very good work and pressed the opposition defenders very well. Credit to him, he's an experienced player and his numbers in the past show us that he can be a very important player for us. He's our top scorer and we have to believe in him."

Fulham currently sit eighth in the Championship table, three points behind the play-offs, and face crucial games with promotion rivals Derby, Reading and Brighton within the next month.


http://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-looking-to-seal-9-million-deal-for-international-striker/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham poised to make Martin move permanent
by DAN on DECEMBER 7, 2016

Fulham are set to turn Chris Martin's loan move from Derby County into a permanent deal by activating a clause in the previous transfer deal that allows them to sign the Scotland international for around £9m, according to the Daily Record.

Slavisa Jokanovic is keen to boost Fulham's promotion push by converting Martin's loan into a full-time deal as soon as possible, although it remains to be seen whether this will be during the upcoming January window or in the summer. Martin has enjoyed a successful loan spell after slow start at Craven Cottage, scoring six goals in 14 appearances. He added two well-taken goals in Saturday's 5-0 thrashing of promotion contenders Reading.

The Fulham head coach had spoken of his desire to keep Martin around in the run up to that game:

I's not in my hands. My opinion is we need to sign a permanent deal with him. This is my opinion. It's a decision that is in the hands of the club.

He's a target man and we need to connect with him. He scored the goals, he was our platform player. Apart from the goals he did very good work and pressed the opposition defenders very well.

Credit to him, he's an experienced player and his numbers in the past show us that he can be a very important player for us. He's our top scorer and we have to believe in him.

Jokanovic will also be seeking to supplement his striking resources in the new year as Fulham currently only have Matt Smith and Cauley Woodrow as senior strikes to rival Martin for a spot in the first team.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2016/12/fulham-poised-to-make-martin-move-permanent/

[WhiteJC]

 
Leeds United owner Massimo Cellino to fight FA punishment over Ross McCormack transfer

The FA is poised to hand the Italian the punishment over a breach of FA regulations in regards to the sale of McCormack to the Cottagers in 2014.

An FA commission is also poised to fine Leeds a further £250,000 after spending more than 12 months investigating allegations of an illegal payment authorised by the club during McCormack's £10.75 million transfer.

But a "surprised" Cellino insisted on Wednesday night that he was not guilty of any wrongdoing, with the 60-year-old vowing to take the "right steps" to defend himself at a tribunal.

Cellino said in a statement released by Leeds United: "I am surprised to read the news regarding the FA's intentions to ban and fine me, as well as fine the Club.

"I am not guilty and I will take the right steps to defend myself through the tribunal. I feel that I am guilty of one thing, protecting Leeds United since I took charge of the Club.

"I ask the players, manager and my staff to continue to work with loyalty and professionalism and to keep fighting for the Club everyday on and off the pitch.

"I am sure that the public in this country and the free press will take the time to look into this case and find the truth."

Cellino acquired a majority share of Leeds in February 2014 and his two-and-a-half-year tenure has seen the sacking of six coaches and a number of off-the-field incidents.

The 60-year-old was suspended by the Football League in 2014 after being found guilty of tax evasion in his homeland and this year had another ban overturned.

Cellino's company Eleonora Sport took full control of Leeds in September but there has been growing speculation over his future at the club in recent months.

Italian businessman Andrea Radrizzani last week confirmed his interest in a 50 per cent share of Leeds with a view to buying the Sky Bet Championship club outright next summer.

The co-founder of media rights group MP & Silva claimed he was in "advanced negotiations" with Cellino.

And unlike in previous seasons, Cellino has played a lower-profile role this term with Garry Monk working the oracle as head coach.

Leeds are currently fourth in the Championship table, the highest they have been for six years, and victory at second-placed Brighton on Friday evening would take the Whites third.

Asked what Cellino had said to him about the job he had been doing, Monk said: "Nothing. Our focus remains the same. I speak to him regularly and it's not always just about football. It's about a lot of things.

"Of course he can see the job that we are doing and he is very happy with the way that we work and he's happy with the group and how the team are progressing so that's important.

"But he also understands we need a lot of improvement as well if we want to sustain what we are doing. But he understands that process is not an overnight thing and it takes time to get everything across and get to the level that you want to be able to compete for things like promotion and the ambitions that you have to get out of this league."



Read more at: http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/leeds-united-owner-massimo-cellino-to-fight-fa-punishment-over-ross-mccormack-transfer-1-8278939

[WhiteJC]

 
Why Fulham look destined for the Championship play-offs

With the Championship living up to it's unpredictable reputation, it's time to look at why Fulham are prime contenders for promotion.

Fulham's 5-0 demolition of Reading at the weekend was no fluke. After years of throwing money around in the second tier in an attempt to gain relevancy, it seems as if the London based side are finally on their way back to where they need to be - the Premier League.

Some people will choose to look at the league table and highlight their inconsistencies, but the important thing is that nobody is talking about them. With years of being in the spotlight behind them, Fulham are able to quietly go about their business regardless of what the sides around them are doing.

In the Championship the best place you can hope to be as the season draws to a close is just on the verge of the play-offs with a bucket load of momentum, and given the strength in depth Fulham have that seems very possible for them.

With the likes of Sone Aluko leading the line aswell as having a strong defensive unit, the club have finally found the balance they need to make a real push for promotion. In previous years they always lacked that one spark, but now all the pieces are coming together.

With experience, quality and composure, expect Fulham to find themselves in the top six come May.

Fulham's Sone Aluko celebrates opening the scoring

http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2016/12/07/why-fulham-look-destined-for-the-championship-play-offs/

[Bronaldinho]

The latest 'Craven Corner' article has gone live today too.

You can read it here:

thecravencorner.wordpress.com

When Fulham are on form, there's not a team in this league that can beat us on our day. Bold statement? Yes. Is it fair? Probably.

Going into the fixture last weekend, most fans would have taken a point before the kick off. Reading went into the game on a run of five straight wins, and were the in-form team in the division. Jaap Stam had got them playing some decent football and pushed them up into third in the league, while we had been going through an inconsistent patch and in the Brighton game we had dominated until second half where we capitulated.

So what happened against Reading then? Ryan Fredericks returned to the starting eleven, which was the correct tactical move and we continued to press and try to kill off the game when in control – something that we didn't do against Brighton in that second half. Fulham have a terrific squad this season, and we're at our best when we are going forward; getting the full-backs in the attacking third and doubling up in vital areas. As soon as we turn off or decide to sit back, we no longer dictate the tempo and as we've seen so many times this season, it costs us. We took the foot off the accelerator in the second half when we were leading, and Brighton got more of the ball, and then two lapses in concentration saw a 0-1 lead turn into a 2-1 defeat, and we have to make sure we continue to play for 90 minutes.

Against Reading, we continued to attack at every opportunity and that dominance lead to an impressive performance and a statement of intent from the club. With the likes of Chris Martin, Stefan Johansen, Tom Cairney, Sone Aluko & co in the final third, we have some of the best attackers in this division. With Martin leading the line, we have one of the most prolific target men in this league, as long as we keep attacking and providing chances for him, he'll finish. Yes, some people will miss McCormack when we have been goal-shy, but McCormack moved on, and we became a better side because of it. Martin is a focal point in attack, while Ross tried to drop back and get the ball, leaving a gap further up the field. As long as Martin is leading the line, the ball will stick – the potential issue is that the supporting attackers don't get close enough. But if we continue to press, there will be willing runners from midfield supporting the target man.

While there are issues around consistency with the team, what has been clear in recent weeks is the quality and reliance on midfield trio, Stefan Johansen, Kevin McDonald & Tom Cairney – all of which, compliment each other. McDonald at £1.25m and Johansen at £2m seem to be the best investment by any club this summer. Recruiting that level of quality at those basement prices in today's market is a master stroke and the board deserve a round of applause for securing both. While McDonald isn't the fastest to cover ground, he is becoming more and more disciplined and his range of passing is terrific. He has the ability to architect a move from a deeper position while his understanding of the game and predicting the pass is something that is vital to his game. This is then complimented by Cairney and Johansen ahead of him. Cairney is given free reign to float about and cause problems where it matters in an advanced playmaker role, while Johansen has a bigger engine than most military vehicles. Johansen doesn't stop running and being able to be a box-to-box midfielder for 90 minutes makes him a key player and his goal against Reading shows his class -the finish was of the highest standard.

Now, if we can manage to find a level of consistency, Fulham can achieve a top six finish position this season. This is the test now: To make sure we don't get complacent and aim to kill the game out when we've been in control. We've dominated every game in terms of possession, now we just need to keep going until the game is out of sight. That's not winning 5-0 every week, but that's getting at least a two goal cushion when we are on top. 1-0 Isn't a safe score line these days, and if we find that level of consistency there's not another club in this division that should stop us on our day.

We now have 5 games before the end of the year, and there's no reason why we shouldn't aim to at least win 3 or 4 of those. Wolves, Derby, Ipswich, Rotherham & Reading await us, but if we replicate the form against Reading, we could force ourselves into the top six at Christmas. These aren't the easiest fixtures coming up, but they are the type of games we need to win to be top six material. Let's get consistent, not complacent.

Thank you for reading and your ongoing support of the blog.

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