Friday Fulham Stuff (23/12/16)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Festive Fixtures

Ticket information for our matches against Ipswich Town and Reading that take place between Christmas and New Year:

	Ipswich	Reading
Off sale online	Now	Fri 23 Dec (3pm)
Off sale	Fri 23 Dec (3pm)	Fri 30 Dec (12pm)
Matchday pricing	£35/£25.50/£23/£12.50	£23/£16/£13/£8
Matchday collection point	Ticket Enquiry Centre, next to visitor turnstiles	Away End Ticket Office, South Stand

Subsidised coach travel (£5) remains available for these two fixtures. Call the Ticket Office on 0843 208 1234 to book.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2016/december/22/festive-fixtures

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham Miss Out on Striker

With the January transfer window almost upon us, speculation has already started as to who Slavisa Jokanovic might bring to Craven Cottage to boost our promotion hopes.

The grapevine, earlier this week, intimated that Fulham might be looking at bringing in another striker with Lukas Jutkiewicz being a name mentioned in despatches.

Well we can now confirm that is a move that will not happen with it being reported by the BBC Sport that the player has become Gianfranco Zola`s first signing at Birmingham City.

Jutkiewicz had been on loan at St Andrews and the loan deal between Burnley, his parent club, and Birmingham City, had a clause in it that included an option whereby Birmingham could make the deal permanent.

With Jutkiewicz having scored six times during his loan spell, Birmingham City have beaten Fulham to the punch and secured the services of the striker until 2020.

Time to look elsewhere methinks.



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=473013#ixzz4Te4yZZzm

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham boss faces selection headache about who replaces Chelsea loanee but there is better news on the injury front
The Czech Republic international has been a key player for the Whites and their best results have come when he has been at the heart of the defence

Slavisa Jokanovic has a selection headache to decide who replaces Tomas Kalas at the heart of Fulham's defence when the west Londoners travel to Ipswich on Boxing Day.

The Chelsea loanee has been a key player for the Whites and their best results have come when he has been at the heart of the defence.

However, he is set to miss the Christmas period after picking up a hamstring injury in last Saturday's 2-2 draw with Derby. Aside from the Czech defender, the Whites boss has a full squad to choose from.

Jokanovic confirmed: "Tomas Kalas has a hamstring problem and is outside of the squad but the other players are all ready for what's in front of us."

The Serb has to decide who partners Ragnar Sigurdsson in the middle of Fulham's defence with Michael Madl and Tim Ream the logical options.

Jokanovic added: "My squad has three centre-backs more. I will try and find a solution between these three players for Tomas Kalas."

Kalas has made 16 appearances for the club this term and scored in the 5-0 thrashing of Huddersfield at the end of October.


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-boss-faces-selection-headache-12360749

[WhiteJC]

 
Report: Glasgow Rangers and QPR keen to take Ryan Tunnicliffe off Fulham's hands

Glasgow Rangers manager Mark Warburton has already admitted he is looking to bring midfielders to Ibrox, while QPR boss Holloway is described as a fan.

Glasgow Rangers and Queens Park Rangers are among the clubs keen to take Ryan Tunnicliffe off of Fulham's hands in January, according to the Daily Mail.

Midfielder Tunnicliffe has fallen out of favour at Craven Cottage and is reportedly ready to leave next month.

Mark Warburton's Rangers are in the market for midfielders after tearing up Joey Barton's contract in November, while the report describes QPR counterpart Ian Holloway as a confirmed fan.

Tunnicliffe is out of contract in the summer, which would likely put him within the budgets of both Rangers and QPR.

Warburton admitted via the Daily Record on Thursday that, due to often inflated mid-season prices, he is looking to bring one or two loan signings to Ibrox January, and a move for Tunnicliffe could tie in to those plans.

QPR, meanwhile, have tightened their purse-strings significantly since falling out of the Premier League and returning boss Holloway is unlikely to have much money to play around with.

The Daily Record reported on Friday that the R's are targeting a January return for Glasgow Rangers defender Clint Hill, who swapped Loftus Road for Ibrox in July.


http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2016/12/22/report-glasgow-rangers-and-qpr-keen-to-take-ryan-tunnicliffe-off/

[WhiteJC]

 
Jokanović's Ipswich Preview

Slaviša Jokanović is expecting his side to be fully focused on the task in hand when they face Ipswich Town on Monday.

A fourth consecutive Boxing Day fixture away from home means the Fulham squad will be travelling to Suffolk on Christmas Day, but Jokanović knows such preparation is absolutely crucial.

"It's an important family day but at the same time we are professional in this football business," he explained. "We will have working days on the 24th and 25th to make sure we are ready for Boxing Day.

"We will stay the night in Ipswich and we will have a similar schedule to that which we have for normal games. It's a special day for all football fans and we have to be ready for the game."

It's approaching a year since Jokanović was named the Club's Head Coach, and while he's satisfied with the progress made in that time, he believes there is still more to come.

"I expect after Christmas we're going to be a still better team, still ambitious," he stated. "I'm really grateful for how people support us.

"I believe they are more ambitious than what we provided last Christmas, and I expect we are going to do a good job in this period, and still be in a better level next Christmas.

"We are conceding less goals, we showed more ambition and more character than if you compare it with this last year.

"I believe we have improved, although we need to avoid the costly mistakes that we've made in the past. If we continue to grow and improve, we can reach our target for this season."

The Whites go into the Portman Road fixture on the back of a four-game unbeaten run, during which time Stefan Johansen has chipped in with a goal in every match.

And Jokanović has been delighted with the attitude demonstrated by the Norwegian.

"He's a very good example for all the players," he stated. "His first months and his first games were very complicated for him, and he's showed how, with ambition, with concentration, with desire, with hard work, you can go from being not such an especially important player for us at the beginning of the season, to start being our best player in the last months.

"His form at the moment is at a very high level, he's repeated his fantastic performance in the last games, and we believe he's going to stay in the same level or, if possible, improve himself."


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2016/december/22/slavisa-jokanovics-ipswich-preview

[WhiteJC]

 
QPR mull January move for Tunnicliffe
by DAN on DECEMBER 22, 2016

Ryan Tunnicliffe celebrates scoring his sides fourth goal during the Sky Bet Championship match between Bristol City and Fulham played at Ashton Gate Stadium, Bristol on 31st October 2015

QPR are one of a number of sides considering a January move for Fulham midfielder Ryan Tunnicliffe, according to a report in the Daily Mail this afternoon.

The 23 year-old combative midfielder has not featured for the first team since October and is eager to get more game time. Rangers' boss Ian Holloway is eager to strengthen his midfield options in the new year but could face competition from a number of Championship sides. Fulham's opponents on Boxing Day, Ipswich Town, and Preston North End are also reportedly interested in securing the former Manchester United man's services and Fulham could be keen to strike a permanent deal with Tunnicliffe's current contract expiring in the summer.

The industrious Tunnicliffe, who captained United's youth team during his time at Old Trafford, has also attracted interest from north of the border with Glasgow Rangers boss Mark Warburton eyeing potential replacements for Joey Barton. Tunnicliffe has made 61 first-team appearances since signing for former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen alongside his ex-United team-mate Larnell Cole on transfer deadline day in January 2014, scoring two goals. He has also had loan spells with Wigan and Blackburn before reestablishing himself in the first team picture.

Tunnicliffe has found first-team football harder to come by this season, despite being impressive in Fulham's opening night win over Newcastle. He has suffered from the emergence of new signings Stefan Johansen and Kevin McDonald and managed just ten appearances, the last of which was as a late substitute as the Whites came back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Norwich City in October.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2016/12/qpr-mull-january-move-for-tunnicliffe/

[WhiteJC]

 
Jokanovic calls for Fulham focus
by DAN on DECEMBER 22, 2016

Slavisa Jokanovic has called on his Fulham side to remain focused ahead of the Boxing Day trip to Ipswich Town as the Whites chase crucial Championship points to remain in the play-off shake up.

Fulham's draw with Derby County last Saturday left them four points off the top six and the Serbian coach wants his side to maintain the high standards they have set since the last international break when they return to action at Portman Road. Jokanovic isn't unduly worried about the distraction of Christmas, telling his pre-match press conference:

It's an important family day but at the same time we are professional in this football business. We will have working days on the 24th and 25th to make sure we are ready for Boxing Day. We will stay the night in Ipswich and we will have a similar schedule to that which we have for normal games. It's a special day for all football fans and we have to be ready for the game.

Jokanovic feels Fulham have made strides forward in the year since he was appointed as the permanent successor to Kit Symons at Craven Cottage, but remains unsatisfied, targeting some improvements during the January transfer window and greater consistency from his players.

I expect after Christmas we're going to be a still better team, still ambitious. I'm really grateful for how people support us. I believe they are more ambitious than what we provided last Christmas, and I expect we are going to do a good job in this period, and still be in a better level next Christmas.

We are conceding less goals, we showed more ambition and more character than if you compare it with this last year. I believe we have improved, although we need to avoid the costly mistakes that we've made in the past. If we continue to grow and improve, we can reach our target for this season.

The head coach's thirst for improvement has been encapsulated by the form of Norwegian midfielder Stefan Johansen, who shrugged off a difficult start to his Fulham career to score four goals in his last four games and turn in several energetic displays at the heart of the engine room. Jokanovic was effusive in his praise of the former Celtic man.

He's a very good example for all the players. His first months and his first games were very complicated for him, and he's showed how, with ambition, with concentration, with desire, with hard work, you can go from being not such an especially important player for us at the beginning of the season, to start being our best player in the last months.

His form at the moment is at a very high level, he's repeated his fantastic performance in the last games, and we believe he's going to stay in the same level or, if possible, improve himself.

The only absentee from the trip to Suffolk will be on-loan Chelsea defender Tomas Kalas, who was substituted after just half an hour of the game against Derby on Saturday. Michael Madl and Tim Ream are in contention to partner Ragnar Sigurdsson at the heart of the Fulham defence.

Tomas Kalas has a hamstring problem and is outside of the squad but the other players are all ready for what's in front of us. My squad has three centre-backs more. I will try and find a solution between these three players for Tomas Kalas.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2016/12/jokanovic-calls-for-fulham-focus/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham boss backs David Button to return to form as he concedes under-fire keeper needs to improve
Button has borne the brunt of the criticism from supporters for over-playing at times and not commanding his area effectively

Slavisa Jokanovic has backed under-pressure goalkeeper David Button to improve following a series of errors that have led fans to question his continued selection.

While Fulham possess some of the finest attacking talent in the Championship, they have sometimes found it difficult to shut teams out at the other end of the pitch.

Button has borne the brunt of the criticism from supporters for over-playing at times and not commanding his area effectively.

The Tottenham academy graduate instantly became Jokanovic's first-choice keeper following his summer move from west London rivals Brentford, but some high-profile mistakes against the likes of Aston Villa and Wolves have led to many fans calling for the reintroduction of Marcus Bettinelli to the starting XI.

However, the Fulham boss acknowledged that while Button can make improvements, he added that this was true for many players in the squad and backed the English shot-stopper to return to his early-season form.

''Generally we believe all the players can be better. This is the same for David too," the Whites boss said.

"He started the season very well and is an important signing for us. We can expect him to be at a good level to bring us some points during the rest of the season.''


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-boss-backs-david-button-12361901

[WhiteJC]

 
REPORT: RANGERS IN RACE TO LAND BOX-TO-BOX ACE FROM ENGLISH CLUB, PLAYER KEEN TO MOVE IN WEEKS

Rangers are in the race to sign Fulham midfielder Ryan Tunnicliffe in January, according to a report.

The Mail claim Mark Warburton's side are among those keen to take advantage of the contract situation of the Manchester United academy product.

Tunnicliffe, 23, is out of contract next summer and would be a free signing for Rangers in January if he was to sign a pre-contract agreement as they are classified as a foreign club.

It is reported that Championship trio QPR, Ipswich and Preston are also keen to make a push for box-to-box ace Tunnicliffe, who is admired for his energy and drive from central midfield.

he former United trainee has slipped out of favour under Slavisa Jokanovic at Fulham and is said to be eager to gain more regular game time.

Tunnicliffe has made only 11 appearances for Fulham this season and started just three of the club's 22 Championship matches.

Football Insider verdict:

When it comes to prising midfielders from English clubs, Warburton has a patchy record. And that is being generous. Joey Barton was not the only flop. Jordan Rossiter and Matt Crooks have also made negligible impact since moving from south of the border last summer. Only Josh Windass has really shone of the midfielders signed from England. Rangers should exercise caution before pushing hard for Tunnicliffe. He has been only a fringe player at Fulham this season after being a regular player in 2015-16.


http://www.footballinsider247.com/report-rangers-race-land-box-box-midfielder-english-club-player-keen-move-weeks/

[WhiteJC]

 
Jokanovic hands Button his backing
by DAN on DECEMBER 22, 2016

Slavisa Jokanovic has backed David Button to remain as Fulham's number one goalkeeper and insisted that he can improve on his recent below-par performances.

Button has come under pressure after a couple of costly errors cost Fulham crucial points in the race for a top six spot in the Championship. The summer signing from Brentford was at fault for a number of the goals Fulham conceded at Molineux in the recent pulsating draw with Wolves – and then failed to claim a corner that led to Alex Pearce heading home an equaliser for Derby on Saturday.

Jokanovic kept faith with Button in goal after a horrendous mistake gifted Aston Villa a winner earlier in the season and the Serbian head coach seems content to keep faith with the former Tottenham goalkeeper for the moment.

Generally we believe all the players can be better. This is the same for David [Button] too. He started the season very well and is an important signing for us. We can expect him to be at a good level to bring us some points during the rest of the season.

Jokanovic's decision to retain Button as Fulham's number one could have immediate consequences for Marcus Bettinelli, who has been linked with a loan move to Cardiff City in January.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2016/12/jokanovic-hands-button-his-backing/

[WhiteJC]

 
Christmas in Ipswich? Fulham to spend big day near Portman Road ahead of Boxing Day clash
Whites boss Slavisa Jokanovic is treating the contest with Mick McCarthy's side as if it were a normal game

Fulham will travel to Ipswich on Christmas Day and stay overnight ahead of their Boxing Day meeting with the Tractor Boys.

Whites boss Slavisa Jokanovic is treating the contest with Mick McCarthy's side as if it were a normal game.

However, he is aware of how Christmas is a time for family and will be of the belief the best present will be returning to west London with all three points.

He said: "I believe it is similar to other English clubs. We will try and respect this important day.

"It is an important family day but at the same time we are professional in this business and we will be working on 24th and 25th to be ready for Boxing Day."

The Fulham boss added: "We will stay the night at Ipswich and we will make more or less a similar schedule what we made before in normal games.

"I consider this a normal game too in front of us. I understand that it is important and special day for all the football fans. We have to be ready for the game."


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/christmas-ipswich-fulham-spend-big-12362274

[gang]

REPORT: RANGERS IN RACE TO LAND BOX-TO-BOX ACE FROM ENGLISH CLUB, PLAYER KEEN TO MOVE IN WEEKS

Rangers are in the race to sign Fulham midfielder Ryan Tunnicliffe in January, according to a report.

The Mail claim Mark Warburton's side are among those keen to take advantage of the contract situation of the Manchester United academy product.

Tunnicliffe, 23, is out of contract next summer and would be a free signing for Rangers in January if he was to sign a pre-contract agreement as they are classified as a foreign club.

It is reported that Championship trio QPR, Ipswich and Preston are also keen to make a push for box-to-box ace Tunnicliffe, who is admired for his energy and drive from central midfield.

he former United trainee has slipped out of favour under Slavisa Jokanovic at Fulham and is said to be eager to gain more regular game time.

Tunnicliffe has made only 11 appearances for Fulham this season and started just three of the club's 22 Championship matches.

Football Insider verdict:

When it comes to prising midfielders from English clubs, Warburton has a patchy record. And that is being generous. Joey Barton was not the only flop. Jordan Rossiter and Matt Crooks have also made negligible impact since moving from south of the border last summer. Only Josh Windass has really shone of the midfielders signed from England. Rangers should exercise caution before pushing hard for Tunnicliffe. He has been only a fringe player at Fulham this season after being a regular player in 2015-16.


http://www.footballinsider247.com/report-rangers-race-land-box-box-midfielder-english-club-player-keen-move-weeks/

Ace? more like Joker.