Tuesday Fulham Stuff (20/12/16)...

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Opening Hours

Details of the Ticket Office and Stadium Store's opening hours over the Christmas and New Year period.

Ticket Office

Christmas Eve	CLOSED
Christmas Day	CLOSED
Boxing Day	CLOSED
Tuesday 27th Dec	CLOSED
Wednesday 28th Dec	9am-1pm
Thursday 29th Dec	9am-1pm
Friday 30th Dec	9am-1pm
New Year's Eve	CLOSED
New Year's Day	CLOSED
Monday 2nd Jan	9am until post-match

   
Stadium Store

Christmas Eve	9am-1pm
Christmas Day	CLOSED
Boxing Day	CLOSED
Tuesday 27th Dec	11am-3pm
Wednesday 28th Dec	9am-5pm
Thursday 29th Dec	9am-5pm
Friday 30th Dec	9am-5pm
New Year's Eve	9am-3pm
New Year's Day	CLOSED
Monday 2nd Jan	10am-6pm

http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2016/december/19/opening-hours

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham player and his insiders view on that second Derby goal
Whites man at the back laments the set pieces that cost the club so dear - but reckons his side were the better team over 90 minutes


Lapses: Michael Madl (L)

Fulham defender Michael Madl admits shoring up the defence is still a work in progress.

Whites were in control at 2-1 against Derby on Saturday - and then the back four and everyone else went AWOL to allow Alex Pearce a free header from a corner and the equaliser.

Have a second look in the video above.

Boss Slavisa Jokanovic was left frustrated by the 'mistakes' in defence. Madl says set-pieces are still a bone of contention.

However, the man who came on for the injured Tomas Kalas reckons overall, Whites deserved more from the 90 minutes - and it's hard to argue.

He said: "The game could have gone in any direction but over 90 mins.

One of them blocked one of our players like we tried to do it in training; but we have to defend set pieces better."


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-player-insiders-view-second-12340401

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham must solve set piece pain, says Madl
by DAN on DECEMBER 19, 2016

Michael Madl knows Fulham have to stop conceding sloppy goals if they are to sustain a genuine promotion push this season after they drew 2-2 with Derby at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

The Austrian international was disappointed that the Whites only claimed a draw from a game they largely dominated but rued the defensive disorganisation that allowed Alex Pearce a free run at Tom Ince's corner to equalise fifteen minutes from time.

Madl told GetWestLondonSport:

The game could have gone in any direction but over 90 minutes we were the better side. One of them blocked one of our players like we tried to do it in training; but we have to defend set pieces better.

The centre half could be set for a lot more action over the festive period after Tomas Kalas limped off with a hamstring strain just thirty minutes into Saturday's contest. Madl, comfortably Fulham's best defender last season, has struggled for game time this term after Slavisa Jokanovic brought in Ragnar Sigurdsson to partner the Chelsea loanee but is now set to start the Boxing Day clash at Ipswich.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2016/12/fulham-must-solve-set-piece-pain-says-madl/

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Fulham plan to pip Blues to £1m Jutkiewicz
by DAN on DECEMBER 19, 2016

Fulham are poised to launch an audacious bid to pip Birmingham to the permanent signing of Burnley striker Lucas Jutkiewicz, according to the Daily Mirror.

Jutkiewicz has scored six goals in seventeen appearances during a successful loan spell at St. Andrew's and the 6ft 1in forward had talked positively about the prospect of making his move from Turf Moor permanent in the new year. But that was before the abrupt sacking of popular manager Gary Rowett shocked the Blues squad, something which Jutkiewicz revealed in an interview with the Birmingham Mail over the weekend.

New Birmingham boss Gianfranco Zola remains keen on signing Jutkiewicz on a full-time basis when the transfer window reopens, but he may have competition from several Championship rivals. One of those will be Fulham, who are keen to supplement Slavisa Jokanovic's striking options in January, as he currently has only on-loan Chris Martin, Matt Smith, Cauley Woodrow and in-form youth team forward Stevie Humphrys to select from.

Jutkiewicz made his name helping Swindon Town win promotion to League One in 2007 and enjoyed some success north of the border with Motherwell, scoring twelve goals in a profitable loan spell. He scored eighteen goals in 59 league starts for Coventry City, before a £1.3m move to Middlesbrough, saw him notch sixteen goals in 60 starts during an injury-ravaged period on Teesside. Jutkiewicz was a firm favourite with the Bolton fans as he scored seven times in 20 appearances, but struggled to obtain regular game time having completed a move to Burnley, who are looking to offload the 27 year-old in the new year.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2016/12/fulham-plan-to-pip-blues-to-1m-jutkiewicz/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham fans protest about Cardiff kick-off time

Fulham fans have lodged a protest to BBC Wales about the early kick-off for next month's FA Cup tie at Cardiff City.

Whites supporters face a very early start and limited travel options to make it to the Cardiff City Stadium for an 11.30am kick-off on Sunday, January 8.

The game has been selected for TV broadcast and Neil Springate, secretary of the Fulham Supporters' Trust, has written to BBC Wales' head of sport Geoff Williams to complain.

"We were very disappointed with the decision to reschedule the FA Cup third-round tie," said Springate, on behalf of the Trust.

"Moving the game for television has become something that the modern football fan has had to get used to, but picking a time of 11.30am is particularly insulting to the supporters who are the lifeblood of the game.

"The train options leave Fulham fans with just one direct service that will arrive into Cardiff at 10:59am, and facing the likelihood of altered (or delayed) services, due to works being undertaken, on the mainline leaving London Paddington, and the certainty of severe disruption to the Tube service prior to departure.

"We also note that many Cardiff City supporters may have great difficulty in reaching the stadium from various locations across Wales due to the early kick-off time."

Describing the FA Cup third round as 'one of the momentous days in the footballing calendar,' Mr Springate added: "As a public service broadcaster, BBC Wales should have a duty to consider the wider implications of their scheduling.

The fact that you have chosen this kick-off time shows just how far the ordinary fan has slipped down the pecking order in the modern game.

"We would be very interested to hear your reasons for making this decision and how you can explain it to the fans who now face a gruelling journey simply to support their side."


http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-fans-protest-cardiff-kick-off-time

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Fulham and Cardiff supporters protest against early FA Cup kick-off time
The Championship pair are scheduled to meet at 11.30am due to a live television broadcast

Fulham and Cardiff City's supporters' trusts have written to BBC Wales to protest against the early kick-off time of the two clubs' FA Cup third round tie.

The Championship pair will meet at the Cardiff City Stadium on Sunday 8 January, with the televised fixture currently due to start at 11.30am.

Supporters travelling from London by train have only one direct service available to them, operated by Great Western Railway, which is set to arrive into Cardiff Central station at 10.59am.

The letter by Fulham's trust describes the decision to play the game so early in the day as "insulting to the supporters who are the lifeblood of the game".

"As a public service broadcaster, BBC Wales should have a duty to consider the wider implications of their scheduling," the letter continues, "and the fact that you have chosen this kick-off time shows just how far the ordinary fan has slipped down the pecking order in the modern game."

In a statement, the Fulham trust said: "Both Trusts have long supported the campaigns ran by the national supporter groups, the Football Supporters' Federation and Supporters' Direct, on ticket pricing and away travel.

"The FA Cup third round was once a special weekend for football supporters up and down the country, but this decision highlights just how little 'magic of the Cup' remains."

Last month, rail operator Southern had to apologise to Brighton and Hove Albion fans who were left stranded after services were cancelled at short notice after their home 1-1 draw with Aston Villa.


http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/fa-league-cups/fulham-cardiff-city-new-fa-cup-protest-bbc-wales-supporters-trust-a7484706.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Fredericks: We Dominated

Ryan Fredericks was not content with Fulham only taking a point from their meeting with Derby County on Saturday.

The Whites enjoyed much the better of the encounter, but our opponents – who had won their previous seven – scored their only shots on target to snatch a 2-2 draw at the Cottage.

"We've dominated the game for 90 minutes," Fredericks told fulhamfc.com. "In the second half when we went 2-1 up, they never looked like scoring.

"We were really comfortable at the back, it's just so disappointing that again it's two mistakes that have led to two goals.

"It's so frustrating, as we were such a dominant team, we had all the possession, all the shots, all the chances.

"The gaffer said their strength would be to try and soak up the pressure and counter, and try and be clinical with the one or two chances which they get, and that's what happened. So it's frustrating for us.

"It's going to give us confidence, though, as Derby are on a good run, so for them to come here and us dominate them for the whole game, shows how good we are."

The attacking right-back made Fulham's equaliser against the Rams with a fine run and cross in stoppage time at the end of the first half, taking his assist tally to three in as many games.

"It's what the gaffer wants from me," Fredericks explained. "He wants to see shots and crosses from the full-backs, he wants us nice and high. I've been trying to do that recently so it was good to get another assist.

"There's no better time to score than just before you go in for half-time. It gives the lads a bit of a boost so it was good to get that, it's just a shame we didn't go on and win it.

"We need to cut out some of our mistakes but we don't really need to change anything about the way we're playing. We're dominating every game we play and once things start dropping for us I'm sure we'll start soaring up the table."

Floyd Ayité and Stefan Johansen's efforts at the weekend means the duo have now netted eight goals between them in December.

"They're both great players," Fredericks stated. "They've both hit top form at a very important time of the season. It's a busy period so long may it continue."


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2016/december/19/ryan-fredericks-we-dominated

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Birmingham City transfers: Fulham join Derby County in January race for Blues striking target
Blues face competition for January transfer target

Fulham are the latest club thought to be showing interest in signing Birmingham City's loan striker Lukas Jutkiewicz during the January transfer window.

The 27-year-old Burnley forward notched his sixth goal in 20 matches during the Blues 2-1 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday.

Blues were understood to be close to working out a fee with Burnley for his services after his successful loan spell but interest is increasing from Championship rivals.

Fulham have reportedly joined Derby County in battling Blues to the £1million-rated striker with Burnley ready to sell the former Middlesbrough man when the transfer window opens.

Frontman Chris Martin could be recalled by parent club Derby and Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic is considering a move for Jutkiewicz as a replacement.

There were questions whether Blues may have altered transfer targets after the change in manager but new boss Gianfranco Zola has confirmed he still wants to recruit Jutkiewicz on a permanent deal.

"He helped the team throughout the game. It was unlucky that a goal like that didn't bring anything today in terms of points.

"Lukas is an important player for us. We will try everything we can to keep him with us if we can. He was really outstanding today and we'll try our best.

"He scored one goal, he was always a threat and he worked very hard, unbelievable work. It's good to have players like that."



http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/birmingham-city-transfers-fulham-join-12342751

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Fulham fans vent fury over BBC's FA Cup kick-off change to a Sunday MORNING
The Cottagers travel to Cardiff on January 8, and the match has been switched to an 11.30am kick-off so it can be screened on BBC Wales


Fulham fans have written an open letter (Photo: Jamie McDonald)

The decision to move Cardiff's FA Cup third-round clash against Fulham to a Sunday morning kick-off has been labelled "insulting" by the Fulham Supporters' Trust.

The Bluebirds were drawn to host their Sky Bet Championship rivals, with the fixture subsequently moved to an 1130 kick-off on Sunday, January 8 so the game can be shown live on BBC Wales.

But Fulham fans have reacted strongly to the announcement, which severely limits their travel options to make South Wales in time for kick-off on the day in question.

In the open letter published on its website, the Fulham Supporters' Trust stated its unhappiness with the rescheduling.

"We were very disappointed with the decision to reschedule the FA Cup Third Round tie between Cardiff City and Fulham for Sunday 8 January, with an 11.30am kick off, that was announced earlier this week," it read.

"The FA Cup third round is one of the most momentous days in the footballing calendar and, although the competition's enduring value has been questioned in recent years, it remains a draw that fans await with great anticipation.

"Moving the game for television has become something that the modern football fan has had to get used to, but picking a time of 11.30am is particularly insulting to the supporters who are the lifeblood of the game."

The open letter also claimed both sets of fans face a battle to make it to the Cardiff City Stadium in time for the early start.

It continued: "The train options leave Fulham fans with just one direct service that will arrive into Cardiff at 10:59am, and facing the likelihood of altered (or delayed) services, due to works being undertaken, on the mainline leaving London Paddington and the certainty of severe disruption to the Tube service prior to departure.

"We also note that many Cardiff City supporters may have great difficulty in reaching the stadium from various locations across Wales due to the early kick-off time."

Fulham, who were knocked out at the third-round stage last season, drew 2-2 at home to Cardiff when they met in the league in August.

But the supporters' trust also claims there will be a poor turnout for this meeting as fans have been overlooked.

"We are appreciative of both clubs' attempts to provide free travel options for their fans, but any previous planned initiatives to improve attendance at this fixture will have been doomed by this decision," the open letter said.

"As a public service broadcaster, BBC Wales should have a duty to consider the wider implications of their scheduling - and the fact that you have chosen this kick-off time shows just how far the ordinary fan has slipped down the pecking order in the modern game."

The letter, signed by Fulham Supporters' Trust secretary Neil Springate, also asked for clarification on the reasons behind the decision.



http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/fulham-fans-vent-fury-over-9486572

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham Supporters' Trust labels kick-off for Cardiff FA Cup tie as 'insulting'
Fulham's FA Cup third round tie is away to Cardiff on Sunday, January 8
The game will kick-off at 11.30am due to BBC television coverage
Fulham Supporters' Trust has been left 'very disappointed' by the decision
BBC Wales also moved Cardiff's third-round tie to the Sunday last year at 6pm

Angry Fulham fans have called the decision to move their FA Cup third-round tie at Cardiff to a Sunday morning kick-off 'insulting'.

The tie — to be shown live on BBC Wales — will start at 11.30am on January 8, even though the only direct train from London that morning will reach Cardiff at 10.59am.

The Fulham Supporters Trust published an open letter on their website, saying: 'Moving the game for television has become something that the modern football fan has had to get used to, but picking a time of 11.30am is particularly insulting to the supporters who are the lifeblood of the game.


Fulham's Scott Malone pictured after Fulham's 2-2 draw with Derby County on Saturday

'The train options leave Fulham fans with just one direct service, and facing the likelihood of altered (or delayed) services, due to works being undertaken, on the mainline from London Paddington and the certainty of severe disruption to the Tube service prior to departure.

'We also note that many Cardiff City supporters may have great difficulty in reaching the stadium from various locations across Wales due to the early kick-off time.'

BBC Wales also moved Cardiff's third-round tie to the Sunday last year, with a 6pm kick-off, and the 1-0 defeat by Shrewsbury drew a crowd of just 4,782 — fractionally above the stadium's record lowest football attendance of 4,194.


Fulham's third-round FA Cup game is away to Cardiff at 11:30am on January 8

The Fulham supporters' statement added: 'The FA Cup third round is one of the most momentous days in the footballing calendar and it remains a draw that fans await with great anticipation.

'As a public service broadcaster, BBC Wales should have a duty to consider the wider implications of their scheduling — and the fact that you have chosen this kick-off time shows just how far the ordinary fan has slipped down the pecking order in the modern game.

'We are appreciative of both clubs' attempts to provide free travel options for their fans, but any previous planned initiatives to improve attendance at this fixture will have been doomed by this decision.'


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-4049290/Fulham-Supporters-Trust-labels-kick-Cardiff-FA-Cup-tie-insulting.html#ixzz4TMPNh1OM
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Cardiff set to make loan move for Bettinelli
by DAN on DECEMBER 20, 2016

Neil Warnock is poised to offer Marcus Bettinelli some precious first-team football as he prepares to table a loan bid for the Fulham goalkeeper.

The former England under-21 international has endured a frustrating few months at Craven Cottage as deputy to summer signing David Button – and was even overlooked in favour of fellow academy graduate Jesse Joronen during Fulham's EFL Cup campaign. Bettinelli's wages will be covered by Cardiff, according to a report in the Sun, as Warnock is desperate to replace the under-par Ben Amos in the Bluebirds' goal.

The 24 year-old goalkeeper has been at Fulham since he was fourteen and signed professional terms with the club in 2011. He enjoyed impressive loan spells with Dartford and Accrington Stanley before making his Fulham debut in their 1-0 win at Brentford in the League Cup in September 2014. Bettinelli eventually established himself as the club's senior goalkeeper under Kit Symons and made 31 appearances last season, having recovered from a serious knee injury. Bettinelli, who made his England under-21 debut against the Czech Republic in November 2014, has made 57 senior appearances for the Whites.

Slavisa Jokanovic brought in Button from Brentford over the summer and much will depend on whether the Serbian head coach decides to stick with the former Tottenham goalkeeper as his number one after some iffy performances in recent weeks. Bettinelli could be line for a recall in the Boxing Day clash against Ipswich Town at Portman Road, but if he remains on the sidelines the goalkeeper could be set for a move to Fulham's FA Cup third round opponents.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2016/12/cardiff-set-to-make-loan-move-for-bettinelli/