Thursday Fulham Stuff (05/01/17)...

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Report: Fulham battle Leeds to sign David Nugent

Fulham are keen on Middlesbrough striker David Niugent.

Fulham are keen on signing Middlesbrough striker David Nugent, report West London Sport.

Nugent could be available on either a loan or permanent deal, with Leeds United earlier considered as front runners for his signature.

Middlesbrough are signing Rudy Gestede from Aston Villa, which will further limit Nugent's chances of first team football.

Former England international Nugent has made only four appearances in the Premier League this season, all from the bench, for a combined 40 minutes of action.

The 31-year-old scored eight goals in the Championship last season and provided seven assists, and could be a vital contributor for his next club if he steps down a division.

Leeds could have an edge over Fulham as they rank higher in the table, currently sitting inside the play-off positions in fifth place.

Fulham are in 10th, currently six points back from the the play-offs, but have lost just twice in their last 10 games.


http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2017/01/03/report-fulham-battle-leeds-to-sign-david-nugent/

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Pantsil Visits Motspur

The Club can confirm that former player John Pantsil, now a coach with Kaizer Chiefs, will be spending some time at Motspur Park this month.

With the South African outfit currently on their mid-season break, Pantsil will be bringing four of their young players to the training ground to join in with Peter Grant's sessions.

It is purely an experiential trip, with no official collaboration between Fulham and Kaizer Chiefs.

Make sure you sign up to fulhamfctv for an exclusive interview with John, who will be discussing his time back at Motspur, and his experiences of representing the Whites.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/january/04/pantsil-visits-motspur

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Johansen Up For Award

Fulham midfielder Stefan Johansen has been nominated for the PFA Fans' Player of the Month for December in the Sky Bet Championship.

The Norwegian was in sparkling form last month, scoring four times in his five appearances, and laying on a further two assists for his teammates. His efforts also saw him named Man of the Match by the Fulham fans on four occasions.

He is on a six-man shortlist for the award, alongside Pontus Jansson, Sam Winnall, Nahki Wells, Glenn Murray and Bradley Johnson.

Follow the below link to vote for Johansen, with the winner announced at 10am on Thursday.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/january/04/johansen-up-for-award

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Fulham striker Matt Smith is more than capable of replacing Derby loanee Chris Martin, insists Scott Malone
Smith started up front against Brighton, giving a good account of himself, and Malone believes he is more than capable of replacing Martin

Scott Malone believes Fulham striker Matt Smith is more than capable of filling the void left by Chris Martin's refusal to play.

The Derby loanee is keen to return to the iPro Stadium and has been absent from the Whites' squad for their abandoned game at Reading as well as their 2-1 defeat at home to Brighton on January 2.

Smith started up front against the Seagulls, giving a good account of himself, and Malone believes he is more than capable of replacing Martin.

The full back said: "I think Matty played exceptionally well against two of the best centre halves in the league. Up until he went off, he did really well.

"He's more than capable (of replacing Martin). He was tremendous in the first seven or eight games so he's more than capable."


On strike: Chris Martin (Photo: GetWestLondon)

Fulham can feel hard done by after their defeat to the league leaders but Malone knows the Whites must take their chances when they come.

He added: "We can't keep saying it's harsh though. We were 1-0 up at their place and lost 2-1. They haven't done anything special to win the game.

"We can't keep saying it. We've played well for 90 minutes and if you don't win games, you don't get promoted.

"We're not scoring as much as we're creating. They've had one shot on target and a penalty and they've won 2-1. I don't know what to say. We'll have to move on."


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-striker-matt-smith-more-12403030

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Malone says Smith can step up for Fulham
by DAN on JANUARY 4, 2017

Scott Malone has backed Matt Smith to step up to the plate as Fulham seek an alternative source of goals after want-away striker Chris Martin downed tools.

Martin told Slavisa Jokanovic that he wished to annul his current loan spell at Craven Cottage and return to Derby and also claimed he was injured, but Fulham have given both suggestions short shrift. With Martin unwilling to play, Smith returned to the starting line-up for Monday's narrow defeat by Brighton and Hove Albion and had a tough afternoon against Lewis Dunk and Shane Duffy.

Full back Malone told Get West London:

I think Matty played exceptionally well against two of the best centre halves in the league. Up until he went off, he did really well. He's more than capable (of replacing Martin). He was tremendous in the first seven or eight games so he's more than capable.

The former Cardiff City defender admitted he was disappointed to lose a game that Fulham had largely dominated, but insisted the Whites need to quickly turn that control of games into victory if they wish to pursue a genuine promotion push.

We can't keep saying it's harsh though. We were 1-0 up at their place and lost 2-1. They haven't done anything special to win the game. We can't keep saying it. We've played well for 90 minutes and if you don't win games, you don't get promoted.

We're not scoring as much as we're creating. They've had one shot on target and a penalty and they've won 2-1. I don't know what to say. We'll have to move on.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/01/malone-says-smith-can-step-up-for-fulham/

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The really strong Cardiff City team of 'reserves' Neil Warnock could choose to field in FA Cup clash with Fulham
It's a side packed with talent, underlining just how many players are on the Bluebirds' books

You can debate the quality of Cardiff City's starting XI in comparison to the teams setting the pace in the top half of the Championship.

But what you cannot do is doubt the quantity of talent available to Bluebirds manager Neil Warnock, who says he will use Sunday's FA Cup third round clash with Fulham to give fringe players a game.

Not giving the great old competition the respect it deserves, some may argue.

But the truth is Warnock, if he so chooses, could decide to leave out every single player from the starting XI who beat Aston Villa on Bank Holiday Monday... and STILL field a really strong Bluebirds team packed with skill, know-how, goal-getting ability and Premier League experience.

Warnock will probably mix and match a little. But even if he wanted to go the whole hog for complete change, he could name an X1 who would be more than a match for Fulham.

Here's the incredibly powerful Bluebirds reserve XI Warnock could choose to field in the FA Cup. We're sure you'll agree it's a pretty strong looking line-up for a so-called second string...

Ben Amos

Anyone who has Manchester United appearances to his name, albeit a limited number, has to have talent.

At 26, Amos already has bags of experience to his name and will be out with a point to prove, having lost his place to Brian Murphy as Cardiff's first-choice goalkeeper.

Amos was dropped following the 4-3 calamity at home to Barnsley, as Cardiff fans had it rammed home to them just how special David Marshall had been between the sticks for so many years.

Ben Wilson is another option, although Murphy may well play again. Amos is in the mix, though.

Jazz Richards

Jazz Richards is ready to return
The Wales defender, who played in the opening Euro 2016 win against Slovakia, has been frustrated by knee and calf problems since his move to Cardiff.

However, he is fit again and ready to make his mark against former club Fulham and prove to Warnock he can become a genuine rival to Lee Peltier for the regular right-back berth in 2017.

Matt Connolly

You have to have sympathy for Connolly. He doesn't do too much wrong, yet throughout his Cardiff career he has either been shunted to right-back (where he has invariably excelled) or left out of the team altogether because of the array of strong centre-backs available.

With Bruno Manga leaving for the African Cup of Nations and Sean Morrison likely to be rested, Connolly may well be Warnock's defensive kingpin against Fulham.

Lots of clubs in the Championship would love a centre-back of his class, but he's very much fourth choice for the Bluebirds, with Sol Bamba very much a first pick since joining.

Semi Ajayi

Young centre-back who arrived at Cardiff from Arsenal full of promise, but who has yet to kick on.

Warnock may well choose to go with Connolly and Bamba (back at centre-half and as captain) for the Fulham game to give a more solid foundation to the team, but Ajayi is itching for the chance to show what he can do, too

Declan John

Declan John in his Premier League days, playing against Arsenal (Photo: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Remember him? Three years ago it seemed as if John, a Premier League regular for the Bluebirds, was about to challenge Neil Taylor and Ben Davies for the Wales left-back berth.

Then Russell Slade, for some bizarre reason, chose to prefer the limited Scott Malone as his left-back and John's career went backwards fast.

Has tried to force his way into the team this season, but his last four appearances finished in defeat - to Burton, Derby, Preston and Norwich.

Perhaps too swashbuckling for a Warnock full-back, but he can look to show the defensive side of his game against Fulham.

Still only 21 and with plenty of time on his side.

Stuart O'Keefe

Stuart O'Keefe celebrates scoring against Bristol City
When he finally broke into the team last season O'Keefe brought a much-needed fresh energy to the midfield, but he's had to make do with being a bit-part figure again this time around.

Will relish the opportunity to actually start a game, another who can prove what he can do at the base of the midfield.

You'd think Warnock would like the combative qualities he could bring to the

Emyr Huws

Can Cardiff get more out of Wales star Emyr Huws?
The Wales international, who scored at Cardiff City Stadium against the Netherlands, arrived with a blossoming reputation during the summer but it hasn't happened for him yet.

Has actually played as many times for Wales as the Bluebirds this season - three appearances apiece.

Physical, box to box, great header of the ball, athletic, good in possession, he has plenty of talent and scores goals.

If, as expected, he plays against Fulham, he'll be out to show Warnock what he can do.

Lex Immers

Another of the forgotten men who could get the nod against Fulham. Or, if he wanted, Warnock could even choose Peter Whittingham, calf injury permitting, which would make the side even stronger.

Whittingham missed the win over Aston Villa, with some fans arguing Warnock's midfield of Sol Bamba, Aron Gunnarsson and Joe Ralls brought more vibrancy to the midfield.

Immers was a regular under Paul Trollope, but has been more out than in under Warnock.

But he possesses creativity and guile, can either play 10 or up front and while he lacks pace the Dutchman is a great reader of the game. Classic example of the first five yards being in his head.

Craig Noone

Came on early against Villa, but found himself behind Junior Hoilett and Kadeem Harris in the winger pecking order.

At his very best, Noone can hit real heights and did occasionally for the Bluebirds in the Premier League.

But while his work-rate has been excellent under Warnock, Noone hasn't managed a single goal this season.

For a bloke of his undoubted talent and shooting power, that's nowhere near good enough. An apt time for a season opener in the cup, then.

Anthony Pilkington

There are plenty of teams in the Championship who would make Pilkington one of the first names on their team-sheet.

Another who won't be completely happy with his goal return this season and who has flitted in and out of the team under Warnock.

Did net in two of his last three games, versus Wolves and Barnsley, but had to kick his heels in frustration on the bench against Villa.

Not a bad bloke to have starting in the FA Cup, mind.

Rickie Lambert

Rickie Lambert can be hugely effective
Cardiff's marquee capture of the summer, the ex-England centre-forward was meant to fire the goals which could help launch a play-off push and provide real know-how and leadership.

A mix of injuries and the sudden emergence of Kenneth Zohore have meant Lambert has had limited game time in recent weeks, but provide him with the right service and he'll score goals.

Lambert will look to do just that against Fulham.

SUBS:

Ben Wilson

Started three Championship games this season, Reading, Norwich and Preston, but unfortunately Cardiff lost the lot.

Sol Bamba

Having just returned from suspension he may need game time. One of only two starters against Villa in this reserve XI.

Peter Whittingham

Calf injury ruled him out of the excellent victory against Aston Villa. Will he be fit again?

Tommy O'Sullivan

Creative midfielder once named Welsh young player of the year, but who only has Cardiff cup appearances to his name.

Matt Kennedy

Looked so promising when he first joined Cardiff form Everton, bringing much zest, pace and creativity to Russell Slade's front line. But quickly lost his place.

Federic Gounongbe

Handed the number nine shirt at the start of the season so supposedly was meant to be first choice goal-getter. Still has plenty to prove.

Kenneth Zohore

Who could have forseen his sudden emergence? The second of the starting XI against Villa to make this match-day squad. Not a bad bench either, is it?


http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/really-strong-cardiff-city-team-12400805

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Fulham join race for Camara
by DAN on JANUARY 4, 2017

Fulham are the latest club to express an interest in signing Derby County forward Abdoul Camara, according to reports from France this afternoon.

The Guinea international hasn't started a senior league game since joining the Rams from Angers in January and is surplus to Steve McClaren's plans at Pride Park. Camara, 26, has made just fourteen appearances for Derby – the last coming in their 0-0 draw against Wigan Athletic on New Year's Eve – but that hasn't stopped a host of clubs from queuing up to try and sign him during the January window. Toulouse and Montepellier have began discussions to take Camara back to France, but there is concrete interest from a number of Championship sides including QPR, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Cardiff City.

A deal for Camara might be the easiest way to resolve the current impasse between Derby and Fulham over want-away striker Chris Martin. All parties have to agree to terminate the striker's loan, but Fulham are currently resisting pressure to annul the season-long agreement after the Scotland international went on strike last week. Camara, who can play up front as well as on the left wing, might fill in a void in Slavisa Jokanovic's squad as wingers Floyd Ayite and Neeskens Kebano are currently unavailable as they prepare to represent their countries in this month's African Cup of Nations.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/01/fulham-join-race-for-camara/

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Cardiff Update

Tickets for our Emirates FA Cup tie at Cardiff City on Sunday are now only available to purchase over the phone (0843 208 1234 – option 2) or in person.

They are no longer available to buy online, and those bought over the phone must be collected from Craven Cottage in advance, or the Cardiff City Stadium on matchday. Free coach travel is also still available for fans to take advantage of.

Tickets will go off sale completely at 3pm on Friday, but fans can purchase from the ground on Sunday at the Main Ticket Office from 9am, or the Away Ticket Office (Gate 12) from 10am.

Matchday tickets will be priced at just £12 for adults and from £5 for concessions.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/january/04/cardiff-update

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LEEDS SET TO BATTLE CHAMPIONSHIP RIVALS FOR PL STRIKER AFTER DONE DEAL – REPORT



Leeds and Fulham are both interested in signing David Nugent, according to a report.

West London Sport claim that Middlesbrough striker Nugent is surplus to requirements at the Premier League club after they completed the signing of Rudy Gestede from Aston Villa.

The report details that Leeds are interested in signing the 31-year-old, but face competition from Championship rivals Fulham.

It is understood that the Middlesbrough striker will be available for either permanent or a loan move this January.

Middlesborough announced they made the £6million signing of Gestede on Wednesday and are now packed with strikers in their squad, as cited by the club's official Twitter account.

Nugget has made just five appearances across all competitions this season and is now expected to be pushed even further down the pecking order.

The club are trying to retain their Premier League status and manager Aitor Karanka has not used Nugent since September.

The striker could join a Leeds side who are flying high in the Championship table in fifth, while rivals Fulham are currently just outside the play-off places in 10th.

Football Insider verdict:

Leeds should make Nugent a January priority and has experience of the Championship would be valuable. The Whites do have Chris Wood and Souleymane Doukara as their main attackers, but could do with an extra player in case of injuries. Nugget is a proven goalscorer in the Championship and still has a lot to offer at the age of 31. He played a crucial role in Middlesbrough's promotion to the Premier League last season, scoring eight goals and supplying eight assists in 40 appearances. Nugent also experienced promotion to the top-flight with Leicester and would bring some valuable knowledge to Garry Monk's squad.

In other Leeds transfer news, the club are in a battle to sign a proven Premier League midfielder who is desperate for a move.


http://www.footballinsider247.com/leeds-set-to-battle-championship-rivals-for-pl-striker-report/

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'In the Middle' with referee Dick Sawdon-Smith: 'Why James Linington was right to abandon Reading FC v Fulham due to fog'

The big talking point with spectators after Reading's match with Fulham was, of course, the referee's decision to abandon the game at half time due to the fog.

It was met with boos from both Reading supporters and the large contingent from Fulham.

The irony was that shortly after the announcement the fog eased and most of the supporters would have travelled home in perfectly clear conditions.

But that's sod's law. The referee wasn't to know that. Perhaps he could have waited a while to see how things would turn out, but how long? Ten minutes, 20 minutes?

There have been comments from ex-referees, saying that the advice to referees is to stand in the centre circle and if they can see both goals then play the game.

This is outdated, and the current advice is to stand in one goalmouth and be able to see clearly the other goal.

On this occasion it would be interesting to know whether the Fulham supporters or those in the North Stand could see much of what was going on at the other end.

It is the responsibility of the referee to decide whether or not a game should be played.

In this instance, the referee is reputed to have said that his assistant referees had difficulty in seeing what was happening on the other side of the pitch.

I have sympathy with this. Running the line properly requires extreme concentration.

I recently ran the line at a floodlit match where one of the teams were playing in black, (not allowed in local football of course), a great strain to see them against a dark background.

The deep red of the Fulham shirts must have created problems in picking them out on the far side of the pitch in the fog on Friday night.

I think the last thing anyone would have wanted in such a key match, was for it to have been decided by an offside goal that an assistant referee wasn't able to spot.


http://www.readingchronicle.co.uk/sport/football/15002101._In_the_Middle__with_referee_Dick_Sawdon_Smith___Why_James_Linnington_was_right_to_abandon_Royals_v_Fulham_due_to_fog_/

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McCormack in Fulham return?
by DAN on JANUARY 4, 2017

The Daily Mail have claimed that Fulham are interested in securing a quick reunion with striker Ross McCormack, who looks set to leave Aston Villa this month.

The Scottish striker, who only left Craven Cottage for the Midlands in the summer, has scored just three goals in 20 appearances since his £12m move. McCormack is out of favour under new Villa boss Steve Bruce and is considering his options as he searches for more regular first-team football. Villa have already rebuffed a tentative approach from local rivals Wolves to take the 30 year-old on loan, according to the Express and Star.

Fulham are currently in the market for a striker after Chris Martin downed tools and demanded to return to his parent club Derby County last week. A return to Craven Cottage for McCormack, who scored 42 goals in 100 appearances for the Whites, would still come as a huge surprise – particularly as Villa are looking to arrange a permanent exit for their forward. The Mail itself admits that any attempt to offer a short-term loan will likely be turned down – and Slavisa Jokanovic is already known to be casting a wide net across the continent in order to secure the striker he wants to reignite Fulham's promotion push.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/01/mccormack-in-fulham-return/

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IT'S TIME FOR JOKANOVIC TO COMPLETE DEALS FOR THESE 2 THIS WEEK FOR FULHAM

The Cottagers are yet to set the world alight this season as they currently sit 10th in the Sky Bet Championship table, six points off the play-offs at this current moment.

The January transfer window could prove vital in Fulham's season as they look to upset a few critics and sneak into promotion contention.

Manager Slaviša Jokanović will be wanting use the next few weeks as an opportunity to excite some supporters, before it turns into a mediocrity average year for the London club.

Although the limelight may be on the outings at Craven Cottage as loan striker Chris Martin has refused to play for them – demanding a return to parent team Derby County.

Fulham may want to resolve that issue before looking for new arrivals.

Jokanovic is not an idiot, mind you, he knows when he sees talent and that may be another case this month, providing the board give him the funds.

Here are TWO players the boss needs to complete deals for this week.....

AIDEN O'BRIEN

Millwall striker Aiden O'Brien has been linked with a move to the Championship following his ten goals this season already.

The 23- year-old has been attracting interest from Fulham and their London rivals Queens Park Rangers.

The former Republic of Ireland under-23 international is a product of the Lions' youth academy and has had several loan stints away from The Den, including time at Crawley, Aldershot and Torquay United.

O'Brien established himself in the Millwall team in 2014 following their relegation to League One.

If Chris Martin does happen to depart Craven Cottage then Jokanovic will be on the hunt for a new striker, and rather play risky I think he should be on the safe side and wrap up a deal for Aiden O'Brien, before this weekend's trip to south Wales to face Cardiff City in the FA Cup Third Round.

ROB KIERNAN

The 25-year-old is a key reason as to why his team Rangers are currently second in the Scottish Premiership, despite being several points behind bitter rivals Celtic.

Fulham had actually shown a keenness in defender Rob Kiernan before the January transfer window opened, and could be making the permanent switch to south London this month but, in my opinion, as the player continues to impress other clubs may show an interest so manager Slaviša Jokanović may be better off completing this deal within the next seven days.

Kiernan was once a member of the Republic of Ireland set-up along with Aiden O'Brien when they were both youngsters.

He would be an astute signing for Fulham.


http://footballleagueworld.co.uk/its-time-for-jokanovic-to-complete-deals-for-these-2-this-week-for-fulham/

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Wolves and Fulham enquire about bringing in Aston Villa star Ross McCormack on loan
Aston Villa are likely to reject approaches for Scottish striker Ross McCormack
30-year-old has proved one of the most prolific strikers in the Championship
McCormack has been in & out of the starting line-up at Villa under Steve Bruce

Wolverhampton Wanderers and Fulham have enquired about taking Ross McCormack on loan from Aston Villa.

The requests are likely to fall on deaf ears at Villa Park after they signed McCormack for £12million in the summer.

The 30-year-old has proved one of the most prolific strikers in the Championship over recent seasons.


Wolverhampton Wanderers & Fulham have enquired about taking Ross McCormack on loan

The requests are likely to fall on deaf ears at Villa Park after they signed McCormack for £12m

However, McCormack has been in and out of the starting line-up at Villa under Steve Bruce.

He has made 12 starts and scored twice which has alerted Midlands neighbours Wolves and former club Fulham who are both looking to bolster their attacking options.

Forward Rudy Gestede completed his move to Middlesbrough from Villa on Wednesday.

The Benin international signed a contract until 2020 on Teesside, after completing a medical, with the fee officially undisclosed but thought to be in the region of £6million.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-4089428/Wolves-Fulham-enquire-bringing-Aston-Villa-star-Ross-McCormack-loan.html#ixzz4UsD1fAX4
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

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Jokanović Nominated

Slaviša Jokanović has been nominated for December's Sky Bet Championship Manager of the Month award.

It was a productive and unbeaten month for Fulham, with the team winning three and drawing two of their five fixtures, before their final outing of the calendar year at Reading was abandoned at half-time with the score goalless.

The Royals were our first opponents in December and were well and truly put the sword at Craven Cottage as the Whites registered a 5-0 victory. A dramatic 4-4 draw at Wolverhampton Wanderers followed, before we returned to winning ways with a hard fought 2-1 victory over Rotherham United.

A 2-2 home draw with Derby County then brought their seven match winning run to a halt, and Ipswich Town were comfortably beaten 2-0 on their own patch on Boxing Day.

Jokanović is up against Brighton & Hove Albion boss Chris Hughton, Leeds United's Garry Monk, and David Wagner of Huddersfield Town.

The judging panel comprises former Ipswich manager George Burley, Sky Sports' EFL League expert Don Goodman, EFL Marketing Director Drew Barrand, League Managers' Association Director Olaf Dixon and Sky Bet Football Trading Manager Paul Lowery. The winner will be announced on Friday.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/january/05/jokanovic-nominated