Monday Fulham Stuff (09/01/17)...

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Ryan Sessegnon seals victory for dominant Fulham against Cardiff


Ryan Sessegnon picks up the rebound after Tom Cairney's shot struck the crossbar to score the decisive goal for Fulham at Cardiff. Photograph: John Sibley/Reuters

Slavisa Jokanovic has urged the Fulham owner, Shahid Khan, to keep hold of Ryan Sessegnon and strengthen the squad for a new-year promotion push.

Sessegnon became one of the youngest scorers in FA Cup history – at 16 years and 235 days – with the winner in Fulham's 2-1 third-round victory at Cardiff.


Fulham's early morning trip to Cardiff: whose bright idea was that?
Read more
It was the second time Cardiff had witnessed the promise of Sessegnon, who was born in May 2000, as he scored his first senior goal against them in August. On that occasion he became the youngest scorer in both Championship and Fulham history aged 16 years and 94 days.

Five months on and Sessegnon showed his predatory instincts once more, even if Barrow's Sean Cato's effort against Rothwell in 2011 makes him the youngest FA Cup goalscorer at 16 years and 25 days.

The England Under-17 international has been linked to the Premier League's big guns, with Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur all reportedly showing interest in the Wandsworth-born product.

"He's very good for the project of this football club, he's one of the most talented teenagers in England," Jokanovic said.

"I am sure that he is going to be a very important player for us in the future. But he's only 16 years old, we have to be careful with him, and I prefer not to talk so much about Ryan Sessegnon. He's a very intelligent kid, he's working very hard and has to keep going."

The Florida-based Khan, owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars team in the National Football League, is one of the wealthiest businessmen in the United States.

Jokanovic wants Fulham to invest in the January transfer window and push on with the Cottagers close to the play-off picture. Fulham are in 10th place after a slow start to the season, but winning their game in hand would move them to within three points of the top six.

Asked what he expected of the January transfer window, Jokanovic replied: "It depends on our ambition. I want Ryan Sessegnon, I want one striker and I want one defender.

"We have to try to push the team in the top six. We are past the first third of the season and we have in front of us 20 days still [of the window].

Of Fulham's win, he said: "I am pleased with this win because we moved the ball well and played with patience. We scored two goals and did enough for third goal."

Both managers resisted the opportunity to field entirely second-choice XIs in the run-up to crucial Championship fixtures, although Neil Warnock said his hand had been forced on the Cardiff team selection.

Jokanovic kept faith with eight of the Fulham team defeated by Brighton & Hove Albion at Craven Cottage last week. Chris Martin, however, was again absent despite the manager's insistence that the on-loan Scotland striker will not return to his parent club Derby County.

Warnock made five changes from the side who defeated Aston Villa on Monday, and he admitted he was unwilling to risk players who were nursing injuries. "It's a sad aspect when you play a weakened team like I have done today," the Cardiff manager said.

"The FA Cup is a great competition but there are other priorities now. A club like ours cannot afford to go down. We have to make sure we stay up and Bristol City on the horizon is a vital game for us. But today has answered a few questions that we do need reinforcements when we have players out."

A paltry crowd of 5,199 turned up with many home fans preferring to shun the 11.30am kick-off. The early start time on a Sunday made it difficult for Fulham supporters to travel to south Wales on public transport.

The game was also broadcast live on BBC Wales and Warnock said: "I thought the crowd would be smaller than it was when I saw the kick-off time."


https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/jan/08/cardiff-city-fulham-fa-cup-match-report

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Cardiff City 1-2 Fulham: Teenager Ryan Sessegnon hits winner on his FA Cup debut as visitors seal comeback
Anthony Pilkington's eighth-minute free-kick deflected in for Cardiff's opener
Fulham have kept just one clean sheet in their last 14 away games in the FA Cup
But the Cottagers responded quickly through Stefan Johansen's rifled effort
Fulham went ahead on stroke of half-time through 16-year-old Ryan Sessegnon

Whatever Cardiff get paid by BBC Wales for putting their FA Cup games on live TV it isn't enough. If it was billions, it still wouldn't be.

For the second year in a row they got knocked out of the third round in front of the ghostly atmosphere of a deserted stadium as a bizarre kick off time made thousands stay away.

Goals by Stefan Johansen and 16-year-old prodigy Ryan Sessegnon took Fulham through, deservedly even though Cardiff had taken the lead with an eighth minute deflected Anthony Pilkington free kick.


Ryan Sessegnon wheels away in delight having put Fulham 2-1 in front at Cardiff City


Sessegnon became the first player born in the 21st Century to score for Fulham last year


The travelling supporters voice their approval after seeing their side come back from behind


Fulahm's Stefan Johansen rifles in the leveller after 14 minutes in front of a sparse crowd


Johansen is congratulated by former Tottenham trainee Ryan Fredericks after his equaliser

But the lack of atmosphere was always the biggest handicap to a club that reached the final of the grand old competition in 2008 but has now fallen out of love with it.

Boss Neil Warnock showed where his priorities lay by making six changes to the side that had beaten Aston Villa on Monday.

Cardiff's PA always plays a song by The Stand called 'I'll be there' before the teams run out. On this occasion it would have been more fitting to play Atomic Kitten's track 'I won't be there.' The attendance figure of 5,199 was less than a quarter of the crowd that had seen Monday's win over Aston Villa.

The mixture of an 11.30 kick off, a warning by boss Neil Warnock that he'd make changes, and the live coverage meant acres of empty seats.

Credit, then, to a couple of hundred Fulham fans who had made it. With no train due to reach Cardiff on time they had to battle through the fog on the M4 to support their team.

There was nothing foggy about manager Slavisa Jokanovic commitment to the game, though. He made just two outfield changes from the side that had lost at home to Championship leaders Brighton on Monday – one of them to bring in 16-year-old Sessegnon at left wing back.


Cardiff got off to the perfect start with Anthony Pilkington scoring after just eight minutes


Pilkington's free-kick deflected into the net in front of a partially empty stand on Sunday


But Sessegnon completed a valiant turnaround by bundling into the net from a yard out

Fulham began the game well, and Pilkington's eighth minute goal was very much against the run of play.

Goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli was left stranded as Anthony Pilkington's free kick from 25 yards out, heading for the left corner, took a deflection off Lucas Piazon in the wall and ended up in the right.

Fulham's response was excellent. Wing back Fredericks ran at Cardiff's defence, picking his way past two defenders before squaring the ball back for Johansen to sweep it into the net.

It was the Norwegian international's fifth goal in his last seven games and a sign of how Fulham have turned round their campaign.


The 16-year-old scored on his FA Cup debut for his second landmark goal for the Cottagers


Sessegnon was a lively presence down Fulham's left channel and Jazz Richards had to be alert

And with 33 minutes gone Fredericks was the architect of the next goal too, as again he got to the byline and cut the ball back. This time Tom Cairney met it with a volley which hit the bar, and Sessegnon was alert to tap it home.

The youngster had already made history earlier this season as the youngest ever to score in a Championship match, and now he had an FA Cup goal to celebrate.

Cardiff looked shell shocked, and just couldn't cope with Fulham's movement and passing, with a scuffed long shot by Emyr Huws after 60 minutes their only hint of a response.

Even when Cardiff boss Neil Warnock sent on two subs with 20 minues left it failed to inject any spirit into the home team.

The difference in urgency and commitment was summed up when Johansen sprinted 20 yards to cut off a back pass to Cardiff keeper Brian Murphy, forcing skipper Sean Morrison to make a desperate clearance on the line.


The visit of Championship rivals Fulham was not a tie that epitomises the magic of the cup


Former Cardiff player John Toshack was in the stands to watch the Bluebirds exit the cup


Cardiff manager Neil Warnock shows his desire and passion on the sidelines during the defeat


The Fulham supporters who did make the early trip to south Wales were rewarded with a win


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-4099036/Cardiff-City-1-2-Fulham-Teenager-Ryan-Sessegnon-hits-winner-FA-Cup-debut-visitors-seal-comeback.html#ixzz4VFWRHeMh
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Head Coach Reaction

Slaviša Jokanović was pleased with the football on display in Fulham's 2-1 Emirates FA Cup victory over Cardiff City.

The Whites dominated their hosts from start to finish and perhaps should have won by a greater margin, but Jokanović was just pleased to secure safe passage to Round Four.

"We tried to play with our style," he explained. "We moved the ball from one side to the other. We played with patience and created many things.

"We scored two goals but I believe we created enough to score the third goal to finish the game a bit easier, but in the end it's important for us to pass this round and be ready for everything that's in front of us.

"Before this game I explained I was going to use my best team. Some people are injured, some people are at the Africa Cup of Nations, some people are sick. I expect we can be stronger for the next Championship game."

700 or so Fulham fans made the tricky trip to Wales for the match, which kicked off at the unusual time of 11.30am, and Jokanović was happy to reward them with progression.

"Great credit to them, like always," he said. "I understand it's a strange time to kick-off and we know how difficult a trip it was.

"We tried to give them something back and show them our good face today. I'm sure they're going to push us hard for the rest of the season.

"We are obligated to always be professional, push hard and try and win the game, and I hope they were able to enjoy this game that we played today."


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/january/08/head-coach-reaction

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U23s Sunk By Fulham

Opening PL2 game of the year ends in 2-0 defeat...

Fulham U23 - 2
Stoke City U23 - 0

A BRACE of goals from Fulham's George Williams consigned Stoke City's Under-23s to defeat in their opening PL2 game of 2017.

Glyn Hodges' men fell behind at Motspur Park after just eight minutes when goalkeeper Harry Isted brought down Elijah Adebayo in the area and Williams dispatched the resultant spot-kick.

The Potters struggled to fashion any clear-cut goal-scoring opportunities and Fulham sealed the victory in the second minute of added time when Williams converted after pressuring Isted into making a mistake.

Stoke: Isted, Edwards, Banks, Sweeney, McJannet, Molina (Szereto), Lecygne, Jarvis, Shenton, Choulay (Diallo), Abdallah. Subs not used: Sadiki, Deczki, Da Silva.


Read more at http://www.stokecityfc.com/news/article/2016-17/u23s-sunk-by-fulham-3508370.aspx#GtgUszJg85SepLkj.99

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Fulham ease past Cardiff - match in a minute and five things that got Whites into FA Cup fourth round
Whites win 2-1 in south Wales - and it's the likes of Manchester United, maybe Chelsea and Arsenal that await next time

Fulham had a comfortable Sunday morning in Cardiff to ease their way into the fourth round.

Goals from Stefan Johansen and Ryan Sessegnon snuffed out a lucky early lead for the hosts.

From then it became a passing exercise for Whites, with little to trouble recalled keeper Marcus Bettinelli.

Anthony Pilkington got lucky when his free-kick took a right-turn deflection off Lucas Piazon's back to put Cardiff ahead on eight minutes.

It proved a false dawn when right winger, Ryan Fredericks, that's correct, had far too much pace for Joe Bennett when he cut back for birthday boy Stefan Johansen to clatter the roof of the net.

Again converted right-back Fredericks skinned Bennett and this time Tom Cairney hit the bar for Ryan Sessegnon to tap home at the far post.

Bettinelli showed he had lost none of his spring when he went full-length right to parry away Joe Ralls's strike from outside the box.

Johansen picked the pocket of Murphy on 73 minutes to rob the keeper on the byline with only Sean Morrison getting back to spare the custodian's blushes.

Sone Aluko stung Murphy's fingers after a well-worked move, and former QPR boss Neal Warnock looked a forlorn figure in the Cardiff technical area by the end.

Talking tactics

Fair play to Slavisa Jokanovic. Pace on the wings in the form of Sessegnon and Fredericks caused Cardiff all sorts of problems.

Shifting Fredericks to the wing and denying former Cardiff defender Scott Malone a return to his old stomping ground suggests the Serb had done his homework.

On the evidence of this, Fulham can get by without Chris Martin.


Race: Rickie Lambert (R) duels with Tim Ream

How comes players on thousands of pounds a week turn their back on free-kicks?

That's Lucas Piazon, should there be any doubt.

OK, it may be instinct. But all the same a ball in the face doesn't come off your shoulder to wrong foot the keeper and put Cardiff in the lead.

Facing the ball come what may, should be a prerequisite of any professional footballer.

'It was like a training session at times'

Former Fulham boss Kit Symons summed up for the BBC the way Fulham stroked the ball around in the first half, and it was more of the same in the second period.

Make no mistake, it doesn't get much easier.


R you watching, gaffer? Former QPR boss Neil Warnock has eyes on the game

Now all Fulham have to do is produce the same against Barnsley next Saturday

Passing like they do, Whites make mugs of sides who can't compete with the movement of the west Londoners.

It's been said already - but for the final time, 11.30am on a Sunday morning?

Which bright FA or TV executive thought this one up? The swathes of unfilled seats at the Cardiff City Stadium and the echoing cries from players, killed the atmosphere, despite the win: 5,199 for a third round FA Cup tie? It's pathetic.


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-eased-past-cardiff-match-12422162

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Five things we learned from Cardiff City's FA Cup defeat to Fulham

Cardiff CIty crashed out of the FA Cup in the 3rd Round at the hands of Championship rivals Fulham but what were the key lessons learned?

The Bluebirds exited the FA Cup at the first time of asking following a lacklustre home performance against fellow Championship club Fulham.

Warnock's men took the lead in the first half thanks to a heavily deflected free-kick from Anthony Pilkington but they conceded twice in the first half to surrender the lead.

Fulham took control of the affair and secured their spot in the Fourth Round with ease but what were the five key lessons learned from a Cardiff perspective?

Bennett an unexpected weakness

Joe Bennett looked well off the boil for Cardiff and especially for the first half when he was beaten twice to concede two goals.

The former Villa man stood off on too many occasions and allowed his man space to beat him down the left-hand side. Bennett has been largely consistent for Cardiff but he replicated his poor performance at Villa Park back in November here and his team paid the price.

Cardiff missed the resolute Lee Peltier in this one and Bennett will need to up his game in time for the trip to Severnside rivals Bristol City next weekend.

Cardiff given a lesson in passing

The Bluebirds' possession retention was way off the boil and with Fulham's free-flowing play through the channels, there was a clear difference between the two teams.

Fulham are one of the more attractive teams in the Championship and they've shown that on a number of occasions this season. The Cottagers are superb in possession and they still manage to keep emphasis on attractive attacking play among their patient build-up.

Cardiff struggled to deal with that and for large spells, couldn't keep possession with passes going amiss all-to often. Warnock's men must improve their in midfield and they clearly missed Peter Whittingham to keep things ticking over.

Bluebirds struggle without Zohore

Cardiff clearly missed striker Kenneth Zohore against a sound Fulham defence. The Bluebirds started with Rickie Lambert up front but the lack of pace meant Cardiff had no advantage over the Fulham back-line who matched the veteran forward's height and stature.

Warnock's men needed an outlet, someone to get into the channels and make runs in-behind but they just didn't get that without Kenneth Zohore who was rested and left on the bench.

Zohore was an outcast to start the season but it seems there's no better option for Neil Warnock currently and he'll be pivotal to taking something from Ashton Gate next weekend.

Sol Bamba remains pivotal to the Cardiff defence

Sol Bamba was again pivotal in the Cardiff back-line with a handful of superb sliding tackles and blocks. The immovable centre-back continues to show just how important he is in Neil Warnock's side and he continues to set the standard for those around him.

Bamba managed to cut out a number of Fulham attacks and as always, you fear to imagine where Cardiff would be without him.

The Ivorian is a rock at the back and once again, he was probably the Bluebirds' best player in a largely disappointing performance.

Much better needed against Bristol City

One thing is for sure, Cardiff need to up their game massively ahead of the trip to Severnside rivals Bristol City next weekend. This was a lacklustre display from Cardiff and despite having a much-changed starting XI, you would expect much better from Warnock's men.

Cardiff couldn't find a pass and when added up with two pieces of very poor defending in the first half, it didn't look good as they crashed out of the FA Cup in the 3rd round.

The fringe players didn't do themselves any favours with no real stand-out performance between them and Warnock will be furious with the ease in which they were brushed aside by their Championship rivals.

If Fulham is the bench-mark, Cardiff are way off and the visitors defended everything their opponents threw at them with ease, as well as knocking the ball around attractively. Cardiff should have set the pace for the afternoon but instead, they were chasing and they will have to up their game massively ahead of next weekend.


http://www.insidewelshfootball.co.uk/five-things-we-learned-from-cardiff-citys-fa-cup-defeat-to-fulham/

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Cardiff City 1 Fulham 2, FA Cup: Teenager Ryan Sessegnon scores winner in fight-back victory


Ryan Sessegnon is congratulated by his team-mates CREDIT: REX FEATURES

Match Summary

Cardiff City 1 - 2 Fulham

Ryan Sessegnon became one of the youngest goalscorers in FA Cup history with the winner in Fulham's 2-1 victory at Cardiff.

The 16-year-old tapped home from close range as Fulham came from behind to win, with Stefan Johansen having cancelled out Anthony Pilkington's deflected free-kick.

It was the second time Cardiff had witnessed the promise of the England Under-17 international - who was born in May 2000 - as Sessegnon scored his first senior goal against them in August.

On that occasion Sessegnon became the youngest scorer in both Championship and Fulham history at the tender age of 16 years and 94 days.

Five months on and Sessegnon showed his predatory instincts once more, even if Barrow's Sean Cato remains the youngest FA Cup goalscorer at the age of 16 years and 25 days.


Ryan Sessegnon taps home from close range CREDIT: REX FEATURES

The early 11.30am kick-off had persuaded many supporters to stay at home, and there was a low-key atmosphere which did not help either side.

But respective managers Neil Warnock and Slavisa Jokanovic resisted the opportunity to make wholesale changes ahead of crucial Championship fixtures.

Warnock made five changes from the side which overcame Aston Villa on Monday, while Jokanovic kept faith with eight of the team beaten by Brighton.

Chris Martin, however, was again absent despite Jokanovic's insistence that the on-loan Scotland striker will not return to parent club Derby.

Cardiff got an early break with an eighth-minute free-kick 25 yards out and Pilkington's strike hit Lucas Piazon on the shoulder to wrong-foot Marcus Bettinelli.

That stroke of ill-fortune might have deflated some, but Fulham dominated the first period to such an extent that they enjoyed 76 per cent possession.

Parity was restored within six minutes when Ryan Fredericks beat Joe Bennett to reach the by-line, and his cross was sent into the roof as Johansen marked his 26th birthday in style.

Joe Ralls forced a fine one-handed stop from Bettinelli, but it was a rare home excursion as Fulham probed down both flanks and regularly had Cardiff at full stretch.

Full-back Fredericks was a constant attacking outlet down the right and he left Bennett trailing to deliver a 33rd-minute cross which this time Tom Cairney met.

Cairney placed his shot onto the crossbar, but Sessegnon was unmarked to touch home the rebound for his third senior goal.

Fulham continued to dominate possession in the second half, even if scoring opportunities were seldom.

The Cottagers had a rare fright when Bettinelli had to move sharply to hold on to Emyr Huws' stinging drive.

Piazon had two chances to put the tie out of Cardiff's reach, first sending his shot straight at Brian Murphy from 12 yards before firing over the angle of post and crossbar.

Murphy also made a full-length stop to deny Sone Aluko in the closing stages, but Fulham comfortably saw through a job well done.


http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2017/01/08/cardiff-city-1-fulham-2-fa-cup-teenager-ryan-sessegnon-scores/

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Slavisa Jokanovic praises Fulham's travelling fans after 2-1 victory over Cardiff City in the FA Cup

Slavisa Jokanovic praised Fulham's travelling crowd after his side progressed to the fourth round of the FA Cup with a 2-1 victory away to Cardiff City.

Around 700 or so fans made the trip to Wales for Sunday morning's 11:30 kick off, and will likely face more travel chaos as they return to London with the 24hour tube strike scheduled for 6pm.

"Great credit to them, like always," said the Fulham boss after the win. "I understand it's a strange time to kick-off and we know how difficult a trip it was.

"We tried to give them something back and show them our good face today. I'm sure they're going to push us hard for the rest of the season.

"We are obligated to always be professional, push hard and try and win the game, and I hope they were able to enjoy this game that we played today."

Fulham dominated possession at the Cardiff City Stadium as they recovered from an early set back to seal their place in the next round.

Anthony Pilkington had put the hosts ahead with just seven minutes on the clock, but first half goals from Stefan Johansend (14minutes) and 16-year-old Ryan Sessegnon (33minutes) saw Fulham take a lead into the break which they maintained for the rest of the match.

"We tried to play with our style," Jokanovic continued. "We moved the ball from one side to the other. We played with patience and created many things.

"We scored two goals but I believe we created enough to score the third goal to finish the game a bit easier, but in the end it's important for us to pass this round and be ready for everything that's in front of us.

"Before this game I explained I was going to use my best team. Some people are injured, some people are at the Africa Cup of Nations, some people are sick. I expect we can be stronger for the next Championship game."


http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/slavisa-jokanovic-praises-fulham-s-travelling-fans-after-21-victory-over-cardiff-city-in-the-fa-cup-a3435451.html

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Jokanovic wants to keep Ryan Sessegnon and strengthen Fulham squad in January

Slavisa Jokanovic has urged Fulham owner Shahid Khan to keep hold of teenage sensation Ryan Sessegnon and strengthen his squad for a new year promotion push.

Sessegnon became one of the youngest scorers in FA Cup history - at 16 years and 235 days - with the winner in Fulham's 2-1 third round success at Cardiff.

The England Under-17 international has been linked to the Premier League's big guns, with Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Tottenham all reportedly showing interest in the Wandsworth-born product.

"He's very good for the project of this football club, he's one of the most talented teenagers in England," Jokanovic said.

"I am sure that he is going to be a very important player for us in the future.

"But he's only 16 years old, we have to be careful with him, and I prefer not to talk so much about Ryan Sessegnon.

"He's a very intelligent kid, he's working very hard and has to keep going." Florida-based Khan, owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars NFL team, is one of the wealthiest businessmen in the United States.

And Jokanovic wants Fulham to invest in the January transfer window and push on with the Cottagers close to the play-off picture.

Fulham are currently in 10th place after a slow start to the season, but winning their game in hand would move them to within three points of the top six. Asked what he expected of the January transfer window, Jokanovic replied: "It depends on our ambition.

"I want Ryan Sessegnon, I want one striker and I want one defender.

"We have to try to push the team in top six. We are past the first third of the season and we have in front of us 20 days still (of the window).

"I am pleased with this win because we moved the ball well and played with patience. "We scored two goals and did enough for third goal."

Cardiff boss Neil Warnock said his hand had been forced on team selection. Warnock made five changes from the side which had beaten Aston Villa on Monday, and he admitted that he was unwilling to risk players who were nursing injuries.

"It's a sad aspect when you play a weakened team like I have done today," Warnock said.

"The FA Cup is a great competition but there are other priorities now.

"A club like ours can not afford to go down.

"We have to make sure we stay up and Bristol City on the horizon is a vital game for us. "But today has answered a few questions that we do need reinforcements when we have players out."

A paltry crowd of 5,199 turned up with many home supporters preferring to shun the 11.30am kick-off. The early kick-off time on a Sunday made it difficult for Fulham fans to travel to south Wales on public transport.

The game was also broadcast live on BBC Wales and Warnock added: "I thought the crowd would be smaller than it was when I saw the kick-off time."


Read more at: https://www.clubcall.com/cardiff-city/jokanovic-wants-to-keep-ryan-sessegnon-and-strengthen-fulham-1836587.html

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Neil Warnock: Cardiff City boss 'struggled to get out of bed' for cup tie

A crowd of 5.199 watched Cardiff's FA Cup third-round game with Fulham - the third successive season the Bluebirds have hosted a tie with a dismal attendance

Cardiff City manager Neil Warnock says he "struggled to get out of bed" for their FA Cup third-round defeat by Fulham.

Only 5,199 watched Cardiff lose 2-1 at home in a televised third-round tie which kicked off at 11:30 GMT.

Warnock made five changes to his team and lamented the sparse crowd as a sign of the FA Cup's declining status.

"I don't think it's just the 11:30 kick-off, it's the FA Cup in general," he said.

"When you look back to last week's game against Villa - 20,000 and the atmosphere and the way we played - it's almost a backward step.

"I struggled to get out of bed and I must admit I wasn't really excited at the prospect of playing the side I'd got to play in the FA Cup. I knew the crowd would be low and I just hoped the fans would be all right with me, and they have been."

The Bluebirds boss admitted Cardiff's Championship fixtures took priority but says the competition struggles to attract much incentive from some Premier League teams.

Top-flight side Bournemouth made 11 changes for their 3-0 defeat at Millwall, while Liverpool made 10 changes against Plymouth and Tottenham made nine for their match against Aston Villa.

"It's just how it is at the minute. People have other priorities, which is sad," he said.

"That [the crowd] is a thousand more than I expected when I saw the kick-off.

"Until they make it a Champions League place if they win the FA Cup, you're going to get that with all the bottom half of the Premier League teams."

Warnock says such decisions are an example of the FA Cup's standing among clubs who fear relegation struggles that could harm finances in the long term.

"The money that's around is quite immoral at times, and the FA Cup unfortunately takes a back seat," said Warnock.

Cardiff are 19th in the Championship table and not yet safe from relegation, prompting Warnock to rest several first-team players against Fulham.

Having led Sheffield United to the FA Cup semi-finals in 2003, the 68-year-old has experienced relative success in the competition.

With an important Championship fixture away at rivals Bristol City on Saturday. 15 January to prepare for, Warnock felt he had to make sacrifices against Fulham.

"It went pretty as much as I expected it to be really, if that's being a little bit negative," he added.

"I think it's a sad aspect when you play a weakened team like I have.

"The FA Cup's a great competition, but there are other priorities. Our club can't afford to go down. Bristol City on the horizon is a vitally important game.

"Maybe a couple of players I rested could have played, but I didn't think it was worth the gamble."


http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/38548247

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Sessegnon sends Fulham into fourth round
by DAN on JANUARY 8, 2017

Ryan Sessegnon secured Fulham's safe passage into the FA Cup fourth round draw at the Cardiff City Stadium this afternoon – but the margin of victory should have been far greater than the slender 2-1 scoreline.

Cardiff must be sick of the sight of Fulham's talented teenager. Sessegnon scored his first senior goal against the Bluebirds at Craven Cottage earlier this season and his simple winner after Tom Cairney's effort had come back off the crossbar made the 16 year-old one of the youngest goalscorers in FA Cup history.

Fulham, who fielded a surprisingly strong side as they sought to bounce back from the defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion on Bank Holiday Monday, showed considerable character to shrug off the setback of falling behind to Anthony Pilkington's deflected free-kick. The midfielder's effort, which hit Lucas Piazon and left Marcus Bettinelli with next to no chance, represented Cardiff's first attempt at goal and came against the early run of play, with their visitors having made the early running.

Ryan Fredericks, played as an out and out winger, had the beating of Joe Bennett throughout the contest. His first low cross created a decent chance from which Piazon couldn't profit, but the source of Fulham's equaliser four minutes later was little surprise. Fredericks surged into the penalty area with another devastating turn of pace and pulled the back for birthday boy Stefan Johansen, who slammed the ball home clinically from close range.

Much of the game was played at a walking pace which fit perfectly the ludicrous Sunday morning kick off time insisted upon by BBC Wales. Plenty of Cardiff supporters stayed away, but Fulham's support numbered a more than creditable 700 – and Slavisa Jokanovic's side put on a display of classy passing football to keep them entertained.

The Whites did seem insistent on trying to walk the ball in, so it was with some relief that finally went in front before half time. Again Fredericks was the outlet. The former sprinter displayed all his speed to get free again down the right wing and, although Cairney's lifted finish should have given Fulham the lead, young Sessegnon reacted quickest to prod home the rebound.

Cardiff were distinctly second best in the first period but a fine sprawling save from Bettinelli was needed to preserve parity when Joe Ralls sent a low shot towards the bottom corner. The pattern continued after the break with Fulham playing the much prettier football, but unable to apply the killer touch to put the tie to bed.

Cairney and Johansen passed the ball around Cardiff's diligent defence at will, utilising the pace of Fredericks and Sessegnon on the flanks, but with Piazon operating as a false nine, Jokanovic's side lacked the necessary thrust up front. One delightful move involving Sessegnon, Kevin McDonald and Cairney sent Sone Aluko through on goal, but Brian Murphy was alert to the danger and sprung off his line to save.

Although Neil Warnock threw on last season's leveller Craig Noone and Steven O'Keefe in search of a Cardiff equaliser – barring a fierce driver from Emyr Huws, it was actually Fulham who looked far more likely to add to their lead. A clever Cairney pass provided Piazon with the time and space to pick his spot, but the Chelsea loanee placed his shot too close to Murphy. The Brazilian also drove wide from ten yards as Fulham pushed forwards but fortunately the Londoners were not left to rue their rather generous finishing.

CARDIFF CITY (5-4-1): Murphy; Richards, Bennett, Morrison, Bamba, Halford (M. Harris 69); Ralls, Pilkington, Huws, K. Harris (Noone 80), Bennett; Lambert (O'Keefe 69). Subs (not used): Peltier, Connolly, Zohore, Wilson.

GOAL: Pilkington (16).

FULHAM (4-1-2-3): Bettinelli, Odoi, Sessegnon (Malone 90), Sigurdsson, Ream; McDonald; Johansen (Adeniran 81), Cairney; Fredericks, Aluko, Piazon (Humphrys 85). Subs (not used): Button, Edun, Jozabed, Smith.

GOALS: Johansen (16), Sessegnon (33).

REFEREE: Andy Woolmer.

ATTENDANCE: 5,199


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/01/sessegnon-sends-fulham-into-fourth-round/

[WhiteJC]

 
Report: Middlesbrough striker David Nugent to join Derby County

Leeds United, Fulham and Derby County have been linked with Middlesbrough striker David Nugent in the January transfer window.

Middlesbrough striker David Nugent will join Derby County in the January transfer window, according to The Sun.

According to the British tabloid, Championship club Derby would have to pay Premier League outfit Middlesbrough a transfer fee of £3 million in order to secure the services of Nugent.

Derby manager Steve McClaren reportedly wanted to sign Jordan Rhodes from Boro, but the Rams are claimed to have been priced out of a deal for the 26-year-old striker.

Nugent has struggled to make an impact for Middlesbrough so far this season, featuring just four times in the Premier League.

During the 2015-16 campaign, the 31-year-old striker scored eight goals and created 37 chances in 37 Championship matches for Boro.

The former Leicester City striker has also been linked with two other Championship clubs.

According to a report on West London Sport earlier this month, Fulham and Leeds United are interested in the Boro man.

Fulham and Leeds would be disappointed if Championship rivals Derby get to secure the services of Nugent in the January transfer window.


http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2017/01/08/report-middlesbrough-striker-david-nugent-to-join-derby-county/

[WhiteJC]

 
How high can Ryan Fredericks go?
by FPTAYLOR on JANUARY 8, 2017

I had been mulling over this post for a few days now but after his performance today, how could I hold off writing about the potential of Ryan Fredericks for much longer? Playing as more of a wing back against Cardiff in the 3rd Round of the FA Cup, Fredericks was integral in both Fulham goals eventually earning him a deserved Man of the Match award as Joe Bennett will struggle to tie his own shoelaces with the dizzying display from our speedy full back.

A bizarre signing initially as he left Bristol City after 26 days in the South West of the country, citing personal reasons for his motivation to come back to London. Bristol City's loss was the gain of Fulham FC as they snapped him up matching the alleged lower than £250k fee it cost for the Robins to sign him initially. Ryan Fredericks had a mixed first year at the football club, taking part in what would eventually become a one sided battle for the right back position with Jazz Richards, playing in a number of different systems under both Kit Symons and Slavisa Jokanovic (and also experiencing game time on the wing), a product of the Tottenham Hotspur academy, Fredericks also suffered from frequent niggling injuries keeping him out for weeks at a time and noticeable drops of energy in every game he played – running at lightning speed before being desperately shattered at the hour mark in every game.

The injury issues appeared to be continuing for Ryan as he walked off injured in our second official friendly in pre-season against Brighton just days prior to the team flying out the Portugal. Fredericks had surgery on August the 1st ahead of a 10-12 week recovery period which wouldn't see him back in a Fulham shirt until October. The beneficiary of the owner connection and everything being bigger and better in America, Fredericks spent a chunk of his rehab in Jacksonville with the Jaguars enjoying intense sunshine and getaway training to recover.

And recover he has, since coming back into the Fulham line up, Fredericks has lost just one of the matches he has started (against League leaders Brighton and Hove Albion) whilst blitzing the involvement in goals from the previous season – a mere one assist – to sitting on four with so long in the season yet to go. A genuine game changer with lightning speed, Ryan doesn't overly rely on it in defence positions as many speedsters have in years gone by. Relatively comfortable when closer to his own goal and an astute defender of his far post, Fredericks does however hold an issue with discipline; picking up 6 yellow cards in his 12 games back from injury. An issue that will need to be eradicated for his ability to take serious looks from those in the division above, I genuinely believe that the former district champion in the 100m and triple jump competitions has the core qualities to get to the highest level of English football.

Should Ryan Fredericks be able to keep himself fit and flying, importantly keeping that electric fleet of foot running for 90 minutes on a consistent basis, harness his feisty nature on field into disciplined defending and continue to provide in the final third, Fredericks' ceiling is very high indeed. Thanks must go to Slavisa Jokanovic and the clubs' Head of Medical and Sport Science Marco Cesarini for the intensity of training sessions and improvement of his conditioning – it's now down to Ryan Fredericks to continue his already quick development, and at only 24 years of age, Fredericks is looking every bit like a player you could shine up to take into the Premier League.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/01/how-high-can-ryan-fredericks-go/

[WhiteJC]

 
Piazon poised to extend Fulham loan
by DAN on JANUARY 8, 2017

Lucas Piazon is poised to extend his loan spell at Fulham from Chelsea until the end of the season in the next few days.

The Brazilian forward has quickly become a popular figure at Craven Cottage and head coach Slavisa Jokanovic has recently lauded his performances in the press. Piazon's importance to Fulham's potential promotion push has only been strengthened by Chris Martin's decision to strike and try force through a return to January.

Piazon, 22, has made sixteen appearances for Fulham scoring four times. The skilful forward's most recent strike came in the 2-1 defeat by Brighton and Hove Albion on Bank Holiday Monday.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/01/piazon-poised-to-extend-fulham-loan/

[WhiteJC]

 
Brighton and Fulham both on same Saturday night transfer mission, flying Championship flag

Brighton & Hove Albion and Fulham were flying the flag for the Championship as both sent 'spies' to watch the match between Vitoria Guimaraes and Benfica on Saturday night.

Benfica won the match 2-0 and Brighton and Fulham found themselves among some rather big names. Also checking players out for transfers were officials from both Manchester clubs, Arsenal, West Brom, West Ham, several La Liga clubs, Marseille and Ajax.

There's no indication from A Bola, who report Fulham and Brighton on the list, who the Championship clubs were watching, but Benfica players don't come cheap. With Brighton being top of the Championship, they'll hope to have a PL style budget next season.

Konstantinos Mitroglou scored Benfica's second goal and whilst Fulham fans will have pretty disastrous memories of the striker's time at the club, he's done much better in Portugal.

Championship clubs regularly scout Portuguese league games, looking for possible purchases, with the most notable being Sheffield Wednesday, led by Portuguese manager Carlos Carvalhal.

Brighton and Fulham aren't usually seen on scouting lists in the country, but it can't be a bad thing that the clubs are extending their net.


http://sportwitness.co.uk/brighton-fulham-saturday-night-transfer-mission-flying-championship-flag/

[WhiteJC]

 
NEWCASTLE IN THREE-HORSE RACE TO LAND 25-YEAR-OLD CHAMPIONSHIP STAR – REPORT



Newcastle are eyeing a move for Fulham's Tom Cairney but face competition from two Championship rivals, according to a report.

The Mirror claimed in Sunday's paper (page 64) that Cairney is also interesting Norwich and Brighton, as he continues to wear the captain's armband in the absence of Scott Parker.

Known for his eye for goal from the middle of the park, the 25-year-old has been Fulham's star performer this season in Slavisa Jokanovic's play-off chasing Championship side.

Serbian boss Jokanovic is desperate to hold on to his number 10, after being quoted as saying that he will guarantee Cairney remains at Craven Cottage.

"Tom is so important to us. He makes us tick and he shows he can do damage to teams," Jokanovic said. "I'm going to guarantee he's going to stay with us."

Rafa Benitez is reportedly interested in bringing in a number of players this month, as he looks to kickstart the Toon's stuttering bid to secure promotion back to the Premier League at the first attempt.

However, the former Liverpool boss may be forced to look elsewhere unless he can strike a deal with the west London club.

This season, the former Blackburn midfielder has scored five goals and provided four more in assists during his 25 league and cup appearances.

Football Insider verdict:

Bringing Cairney to St. James' Park would prove a top signing for Benitez's side, as he continues to inspire Fulham in their bit to secure a place in the Championship play-offs. With plenty of experience in England's second division, Cairney could provide the know how to help the Magpies secure promotion. However, with Ayoze Perez and Mohamed Diame currently plying their trade in the number 10 role, the Scotland Under-21 international might be tempted to avoid a move to the Toon after seeing the likes of Achraf Lazaar, Daryl Murphy and Matz Sels struggle for game time following summer moves to the north East. Manager Jokanovic has also made it as clear as he can that he doesn't want his star to move and a move this January might be too soon.


http://www.footballinsider247.com/newcastle-three-horse-race-land-25-year-old-championship-star-report/

[WhiteJC]

 
2 STRIKERS FULHAM MUST ATTEMPT TO SEAL A DEAL FOR THIS MONTH

Fulham's season has more or less been average, with little ambition for the club to challenge the promotion places, but also having enough strength to comfortably survive the drop. In fact, looking at the Cottagers' current squad I would say mid-table is just about right for the personnel they have at the club.

With the January transfer window, manager Slaviša Jokanović will be looking to improve his team to make a late bid for the top six and has already stated his priority will be at the back as well as midfield.

Although the west London outfit have been linked with a number of attacking players over the last week and with the ongoing saga surrounding loanee Chris Martin wanting to return to his parent club Derby County, the Craven Cottage side may well want to sign a striker this month.


Here are TWO forwards Fulham may want to seal a deal for in January...

ROSS MCCORMACK


Ross McCormack is of course no stranger to Craven Cottage having spent two years there before moving to current employer Aston Villa.

The Scotland international started his career in is homeland with Glasgow Rangers in 2003 but chances were limited which led to the striker joining Motherwell, where he scored 10 goals in 48 appearances.

McCormack signing for Cardiff City in January 2008 despite interest from Wigan Athletic and Middlesbrough. He spent two-and-a-half years with the Bluebirds before Leeds United snapped him up for an undisclosed fee.

The ex-Doncaster Rovers loanee hit the net on 53 occasions in 140 matches for the Yorkshire club but his most prolific form came in the 2013/14 season when he scored 29 goals. That consistency earned him a transfer to relegated Fulham prior to signing for Aston Villa last summer.

Fulham need to snap him up because Ross McCormack will be on the cheap as he's currently struggling to pick up the same form he had at Elland Road, and with Steve Bruce not getting the best out of him the forward may want to move. The Cottagers have to seal a deal for him this month before he gains more interest.

DAVID NUGENT


A striker who can't stay away from the rumour mill is Middlesbrough striker David Nugent, having been linked with half the clubs from the Championship but Fulham look the most likely to complete a deal.

The 31-year-old has been restricted to just five appearances this season since 'Boro's promotion to the Premier League and will be pushing for a move away from Teeside during the January transfer window.

Nugent knows the Championship well after spending four years of his career at Leicester City between 2011 and 2015. The former England international, who has just the one cap, has scored over 130 goals during his career which has seen him play across all four divisions of the professional ladder in England.

Fulham have been linked with the striker and I can't see why they wouldn't be able to attract him. David Nugent wants more time on the pitch and he'll get that at Craven Cottage but they need to get a deal done quick amid interest from a host of Championship clubs.


http://footballleagueworld.co.uk/2-strikers-fulham-must-attempt-to-seal-a-deal-for-this-month/

[WhiteJC]

 
Norwich Looking At Midfielder?

Norwich City will fight it out with Newcastle and Brighton for the signature or Fulham midfielder, Tom Cairney report The Mirror

The 25 year old joined Fulham for £3m from Blackburn in 2015 and has been a real star for the Cottagers this season, making 23 appearances, scoring 5 goals and making 4 assists too.

He's also recently been named Captain due to various injury problems suffered by Scott Parker.

Having said all that though, do Norwich need another number ten?

Seems unlikely to me and his manager, Slavisa Jokanovic is talking tough about keeping his man.

'Tom is so important to us. He makes us tick and he shows he can do damage to teams," Jokanovic said. "I`m going to guarantee he`s going to stay with us."

I seriously doubt we could afford this lad and I don't think we need him anyway. He plays the same role as Wes Hoolahan, Alex Pritchard and James Maddison and the way injuries have been of late a regular central midfielder is needed more.

OTBC


Read more: http://www.norwich.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=475382#ixzz4VFgItA6T

[WhiteJC]

 
Jokanovic aims to keep Sessegnon and strengthen Fulham squad
by DAN on JANUARY 8, 2017

Slavisa Jokanovic lavished praise on teenage defender Ryan Sessegnon after the England Under 17 international scored the winner as Fulham reached the fourth round of the FA Cup – and detailed his plans to strengthen his squad ahead of a promotion push.

The Serbian head coach was effusive in his praise for Sessegnon, who made the most of his first start in a month and a half, and urged Fulham to ward off the interest from all around Europe in one of the country's most promising young players. He admitted he was keen to speak only sparingly about Sessegnon so as not to put too much pressure on the 16 year-old's shoulders.

He's very good for the project of this football club, he's one of the most talented teenagers in England. I am sure that he is going to be a very important player for us in the future.

But he's only 16 years old, we have to be careful with him, and I prefer not to talk so much about Ryan Sessegnon. He's a very intelligent kid, he's working very hard and has to keep going.

Jokanovic called on the club's ownership to match his own levels of ambition by strengthening his squad in key areas in order to help Fulham sustain a serious promotion challenge in the second half of the season.

It depends on our ambition. I want Ryan Sessegnon, I want one striker and I want one defender. We have to try to push the team in top six. We are past the first third of the season and we have in front of us 20 days [of the transfer window] still.

The Fulham head coach was pleased with the way his side dominated proceedings against Cardiff in the morning kick-off, but felt they could have scored more goals.

I am pleased with this win because we moved the ball well and played with patience. We scored two goals and did enough to score the third goal.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/01/jokanovic-aims-to-keep-sessegnon-and-strengthen-fulham-squad/

[WhiteJC]

 
Chelsea deal almost done: Midfielder confirms it on social media

CHELSEA loanee Lucas Piazon says he is close to extending his deal with Fulham.

The young midfielder has been with the Championship outfit since the start of the season and signed initially on a short-term loan.

Piazon has been a regular under Slavisa Jokanovic this season, contributing four goals in 15 appearances.

And it seems he wants to extend his loan deal with Fulham after taking to social media to give an update on his contract situation.


Lucas Piazon is hoping to extend his loan deal with Fulham

Asked by a fan on Twitter if he would extend his loan deal, Piazon replied: "Almost done mate, hope to be done asap."

Piazon, who has represented Brazil at youth level, has been at Chelsea since 2011.

But the 22-year-old has managed just one league appearance for the Blues during that time with Fulham the fifth club he's been loaned too.


Slavisa Jokanovic has been impressed by Lucas Piazon this season

Jokanovic has been impressed with the Brazilian's impact since he came into the side, recently saying: "Lucas Piazon, in the last few games, has started to be a very important player for us. He is very fast and has experience playing in this competition.

"He played 23 games for Reading last season, so he didn't need a lot of time to adapt himself. We are happy with what he has offered in the last few games."

It is unclear whether Fulham are trying to negotiate a loan extension or a permanent move.


http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/751754/Chelsea-Transfer-News-Fulham-Lucas-Piazon-Premier-League-Gossip