Friday Fulham Stuff (13/01/17)...

[WhiteJC]

 
FULHAM AND BRIGHTON EYEING PREMIER LEAGUE FORWARD



Fulham and Brighton look set to battle it out over Bournemouth's Lewis Grabban, according to the Mirror's transfer centre blog on Wednesday (21:20).

Both clubs are looking to strengthen their striking options and will ask about Grabban's availability.

Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic is targeting a striker who will suit his sides' style of play, while Brighton will be looking for more firepower in their bid for automatic promotion.

The Bournemouth striker has good pedigree in the Championship, scoring 35 goals in 90 appearances, after spells with the Cherries and Norwich.

Grabban has struggled for game time with Bournemouth, with just two substitute appearances in the league and three starts over the two domestic cup competitions.

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe has preferred to use Josh King, Callum Wilson and Benik Afobe as his striking options.

Fulham, who are currently 10th in the Sky Bet Championship table, are searching for a replacement for want-away striker Chris Martin, who told the club he wanted to return to parent club Derby.


http://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-and-brighton-eyeing-premier-league-forward/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fixtures Confirmed

The Club can confirm that our Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round tie with Hull City will take place at Craven Cottage on Sunday 29th January, kick-off 12:30pm.

Tickets for the match will be priced at £15 for adults and just £1 for juniors, and go on sale from 10am on Friday 13th January.

Season Ticket Holders will have their seats held until 10am on Wednesday 18th January. After this time, they will be released for General Sale.

Supporters will be able to secure their seat online at fulhamfc.com/tickets, by phone on 0843 208 1234 (opt. 2) or in person from the Fulham Ticket Office.

As a result of our FA Cup fixture, supporters are advised that two of the Whites' Sky Bet Championship fixtures will move.

The match away to Burton Albion, originally due to take place on Tuesday 31st January, has now been rearranged for Wednesday 1st February, kick-off 7:45pm.

Fans who have already purchased tickets for this fixture are advised that their tickets will remain valid for the rearranged game. Any supporters who can no longer make the new date are asked to return their tickets to the Fulham Ticket Office, with a covering note requesting a refund, by 5pm on Monday 30th January.

Tickets can be sent to:

Ticket Office
Fulham Football Club
Craven Cottage
Stevenage Road
London
SW6 6HH

The second fixture change sees our match against Blackburn Rovers, originally scheduled for Saturday 28th January, move to Tuesday 14th March, kick-off 7:45pm.

As above, any tickets already purchased will remain valid for the rearranged fixture, however should supporters wish to request a refund we advise you to contact the Fulham Ticket Office as soon as possible.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/january/12/fixture-update

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham and Chris Martin - Derby press to get striker back despite bagging QPR target David Nugent
There might be some around here thinking Rams want their cake and eat it as they press claims on Scotland international

Derby are adamant they want Fulham loanee Chris Martin back - despite adding £2.5 million David Nugent to the roster.

QPR had eyes on Nugent - but as that hope bit the dust, Rams boss Steve McClaren has made it plain he wants to beef up his strike force even more, according to the Derby Telegraph.

Martin has missed Fulham's last three games after he downed tools before the abandoned game at Reading on December 30.

However, the Whites board is backing angry boss Slavisa Jokanovic in their tug of war over Martin.

The striker claims to be injured, however Jokanovic's medical team have yet to find an injury.

"You know my position. My position is the club's and he will stay with us," the Fulham boss said.



"Yes (I've spoken to the owners and they agree with my stance on the issue).

"Generally this situation takes up so much energy and I have more important things to think about right now. I'm coaching 23 players. I don't have any intention to change my decision."

Jokanovic added: "He is still injured – I am not a doctor. I am a football coach. My opinion is my opinion. I haven't gone to university to study it."


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/fulham-chris-martin-derby-press-12442239

[WhiteJC]

 
Aston Villa want Fulham's Tom Cairney as Steve Bruce eyes reunion with midfielder he SOLD three years ago
As reported by Mirror Sport last week, Bruce is keen to make significant changes to his squad during January and has been handed £25m to spend

Steve Bruce is eyeing a reunion with Tom Cairney - three years after he sold him.

Aston Villa boss Bruce is plotting a move for Fulham's star midfielder Cairney this month.

The pair worked together at Hull before Bruce let him leave to join Blackburn permanently in January 2014.

Classy left-footer Cairney, 25, is now rated as one of the best midfielders in the Championship and valued at £10m.

As reported by Mirror Sport last week, Bruce is keen to make significant changes to his squad during January and has been handed £25m to spend.

Newcastle are also keen on Cairney.


http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/aston-villa-want-fulhams-tom-9609238

[WhiteJC]

 
Aston Villa keen on Cairney
by DAN on JANUARY 12, 2017

Aston Villa are the latest Championship club to be linked with a move for Fulham captain Tom Cairney, according to a report from the Daily Mirror this afternoon.

The newspaper claims that Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce, who sold Cairney to Blackburn Rovers when he was in charge of Hull City back in 2014, has made the Fulham playmaker one of his top targets as he sets about spending the £25m he has been handed to try and turn the side relegated from the Premier League last season into a promotion force.

Fulham have opened talks about a possible new deal with Cairney, who has stepped into a leadership role this season when club captain Scott Parker has been unavailable, and told Newcastle United in December that it would take a bid of around £20m to make them contemplate a sale. The 25 year-old has scored 13 goals in 62 league appearances since moving to Craven Cottage last summer – and has found the net five times in 25 games this term.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/01/aston-villa-keen-on-cairney/

[WhiteJC]

 
CHANGE OF DATE FOR FULHAM FIXTURE

BURTON Albion's home game against Fulham has been pushed back 24 hours to allow for the London's club's FA Cup commitments.

Fulham play Hull in the FA Cup Fourth Round with the game scheduled for Sunday, January, 29. Hull play in the EFL Cup semi-final on Thursday, January 26, which has knocked back the FA Cup game 24 hours and has therefore resulted in the Brewers home game also moving on one day.

Albion's Championship game with Fulham will now take place on Wednesday, February 1 (7.45PM kick off).

Ticket prices are as follows:
 
Seated:
Adult -£24.00     
Senior (65+) - £22.00
Young Person - £22.00   
Under 17 - £14.00             
Under 13 - £14.00
 
Terraces:
Adult - £20.00   
Senior - £18.00
Young Person - £15.00   
Under 17 - £7.00               
Under 13 – £7.00
 
The easiest way to purchase tickets is online. You can also purchase tickets by calling 01283 565938 or by visiting the club shop during normal opening hours.

Tickets already bought for January 31 are valid for the new date.

Anyone who has purchased tickets already but who can't make the new date can ask for a refund by calling 01283 565938 or dropping into the club shop.


Read more at http://www.burtonalbionfc.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/change-of-date-for-fulham-fixture-3514749.aspx#sshbSdMLvYWdjkEX.99

[WhiteJC]

 
VILLA SET FOR BATTLE TO SIGN TALENTED FULHAM MIDFIELDER

According to the Daily Mirror, Villa manager Steve Bruce is eyeing up a reunion with Fulham midfielder Tom Cairney – a player he sold three years ago.

The pair worked together at Hull before let him join Blackburn on a permanent deal in January 2014. since then, Cairney has come on leaps and bounds and the classy left-footer is now considered to be one of the best midfielders in the Championship. He is now being valued at £10 million.

Newcastle United are also very keen on the talented 25-year-old and it looks like there could be a big money battle about to break out between the two clubs. Villa have the advantage when it comes down to funds as Tony Xia has supplied Bruce with a handy £25 million transfer budget. However, Newcastle are all but likely going to earn an automatic promotion place and, therefore, the possibility of testing his skills in the Premier League might be too difficult to turn down.

One thing is for certain though – if both clubs do decide to make an offer for him, he is going to have one huge decision to make!


http://readastonvilla.com/2017/01/12/villa-set-battle-sign-talented-fulham-midfielder/

[WhiteJC]

 
ASTON VILLA READY TO MAKE MOVES TO SPOIL NEWCASTLE'S PURSUIT OF PLAYMAKER

Aston Villa could make a move for reported Newcastle United target Tom Cairney this month, according to the Daily Mirror.

The 25-year-old has been touted as a potential target for the Toon Army this summer, who have reportedly been quoted up to £20m by the Cottagers. While he's not the biggest of names, the former Scotland U21 international has proved mightily impressive in west London over the past few months.

Villa chief Steve Bruce worked with the creative midfielder at Hull City and took the decision to sell him on to Blackburn Rovers, prior to his move to Craven Cottage for around £3.5m in 2015. Should the fallen Midlands giants make a move to formalise their reported interest, it could set up a transfer battle involving the biggest clubs in the Championship.

So far, it's proved a frustrating transfer window for the Magpies, who missed out on Tom Cleverley as the 27-year-old former England and Manchester United man closes in on a move to Watford.


http://nothingbutnewcastle.com/2017/01/blogs/nowt-but-newc-natter/aston-villa-ready-to-make-moves-to-spoil-newcastles-pursuit-of-playmaker/

[WhiteJC]

 
Championship rivals eye Birmingham's Davis

HITC Sport understands Championship rivals Queens Park Rangers, Nottingham Forest and Fulham eye Birmingham midfielder.

Birmingham City midfielder David Davis is a target for Queens Park Rangers, Nottingham Forest and Fulham during this month's transfer window, HITC Sport understands from sources close to the club.

Davis is in the final six months of his contract at Birmingham and has yet to agree a new deal at St Andrew's.

The news of his contract situation has alerted a number of clubs to his possible availability this month with QPR, Forest and Fulham all weighing up moves for the all-action midfielder.

Davis has impressed for Birmingham this season, scoring three goals in 24 appearances, including the equaliser in the midlands derby clash with Aston Villa in October.

The 25-year-old has established himself as a key member of the Birmingham side since joining from local rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers in the summer of 2014.

QPR, Forest and Fulham are all in the market for midfield reinforcements this month and they see Davis' all-action style as being a key addition to their sides.

Birmingham are reluctant to lose Davis, who has made over 110 appearances for Birmingham and is a big fans' favourite at St Andrew's, but they are bracing themselves for offers for the player before the close of the transfer window.


http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2017/01/12/por-championship-rivals-eye-birminghams-davis/

[WhiteJC]

 
Aston Villa transfers: Here's what we know about Tom Cairney
Fulham's midfielder was linked with the club earlier today - this is what we know about him

Aston Villa were linked with a move for Tom Cairney this morning while other midfield target Henri Lansbury is no closer to completion.

Villa have already submitted a £3million bid for top target Lansbury, while Barnsley midfield man Conor Hourihane is also on their radar.

Here's what we know about Tom Cairney...

Would he be up for a transfer?

Tom Cairney
Our source tells us that Cairney has settled in London and is on a very good deal at current club Fulham which would be hard to walk away from.

Fulham, understandably, are desperate to keep him in West London. A move to the Premier League would be more tempting for the midfielder.

However, a huge offer could obviously tempt him to up sticks.

What would he bring?

Tom Cairney
Cairney is one of the most creative players in the Championship and has been earning rave reviews over the last couple of years. His wand of a left foot has picked the lock in many a second tier defence and had fans drooling in the process.

He dictates games for the Cottagers and has been adding goals to his game in recent years.

Five goals this term have him among the Championship's most prolific midfielders - but that isn't

Where would he fit in?

Steve Bruce is known to be actively searching for midfield reinforcments. A left-sided midfield player is also on the agenda.

There could be room for two centre-midfielders to join the club this month. It appears that Lansbury will be one - but the other is up for debate.

A midfield trio of Mile Jedinak, Lansbury and Cairney would represent the most talented in the division - surely?



http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/aston-villa-transfers-heres-what-12446345

[WhiteJC]

 
Leeds fight Fulham for £7 million Premier League forward

Leeds United are said to be one of a number of Championship clubs interested in Bournemouth striker Lewis Grabban, according to The Mirror.

The 29-year-old is said to be looking for a move away from the Vitality Stadium this month after finding his first-team opportunities limited since rejoining from Norwich City in January 2016, with Fulham and Brighton & Hove Albion also in the running for his signature.

Having appeared from the bench in the Cherries' opening three Premier League games of the season, Grabban has failed to make a matchday squad in the league since, with his only goal of the campaign coming in the League Cup defeat to Preston North End in September.

The £7 million-rated forward was part of a much-changed line-up that was demolished 3-0 by League One Millwall in the FA Cup last weekend, after which manager Eddie Howe criticised the players who had come in for what was a desperately poor performance.

Despite his lack of game time, Grabban has a good record in England's second-tier and would be viewed as a low-risk acquisition at that level.

His 22 Championship goals for Bournemouth in 2013-14 earned him a move to Norwich City, for whom he bagged 12 in 36 appearances the following season.

Although he has struggled to make the leap to the Premier League, sides with promotion aspirations may well take a punt on the English-born Jamaican and a club such as Leeds, who are seeking extra goals to support top-scorer Chris Wood, could be a perfect fit.


https://ninetyminutesonline.com/leeds-fight-fulham-for-7-million-premier-league-forward/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham star Tom Cairney doesn't panic under pressure in possession and can pass like the late Johnny Haynes... but the playmaker must add goals to game
Under Slavisa Jokanovic, Tom Cairney is enjoying a fine season with Fulham
Cairney caught my eye when first at Hull City and then Blackburn Rovers
He is now emerging as a mature left-sided playmaker who can pull the strings
The 25-year-old star is not the quickest but he has a football brain and is brave

Our scout is a top football expert who attends matches each week searching for the next star. He brings you his verdict in Sportsman.

This week it's Fulham midfielder Tom Cairney under the microscope...


Tom Cairney — born in Nottingham but a Scotland U21 international — is enjoying fine season



WHAT HAS HE GOT?
Under Slavisa Jokanovic, Fulham are playing a good brand of football and, in his midfield, Tom Cairney — born in Nottingham but a Scotland Under 21 international — is enjoying a fine season.

Cairney caught my eye when first at Hull City and then Blackburn Rovers and he is now emerging as a mature left-sided playmaker who is able to play in the central third and pull the strings.

After a fairly long apprenticeship, he has improved enough to start looking like a player who could well attract offers.

He does not panic under pressure in possession and can slowly turn and shield the ball. It is his passing of the ball that catches the eye though. He gets his head up early and sees the possibilities, makes an early selection and inevitably a good decision.


Cairney is now emerging as a mature left-sided playmaker who is able to pull the strings


The 25-year-old impressed at Hull City and then Blackburn Rovers before joining Fulham

Older Fulham fans will recall the late Johnny Haynes sliding wonderfully paced passes inside the full back to outside left Tosh Chamberlain. Cairney has the ability to play this pass and did it three times in a recent game.

WHAT DOES HE NEED?
I would like to see him score more goals. Any creative midfield player must be aiming for at least three attempts every game. He is not the quickest but he has a football brain and is brave. If he spots a cross-field opportunity he is prepared to play the longer pass, risking an interception from the opposing full back but having the confidence in his accuracy.

If he wants to progress he would find the pace and body strength of the very best players a challenge and would need to adapt to that.

But with his control and poise, he has the ability to make time for himself on the ball. Could he have the same influence at a higher grade? Quite possibly as he is maturing.


Under Slavisa Jokanovic, Championship outfit Fulham are playing a good brand of football



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/article-4114454/Fulham-star-Tom-Cairney-pass-like-late-Johnny-Haynes.html#ixzz4VcxTvfqD
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

[WhiteJC]

 
Tom Cairney – Another Myth Like Cleverley, Schlupp Etc? Plus, Lansbury Update

In terms of incoming transfer links to Aston Villa today, on top of the Birmingham's standard multiple Henri Lansbury stories, it seemed that media outlets were running stories to dismiss their earlier stories on supposed Villa targets that had little logic to them in the first place.

One mooted name even managed to sign for a new club, so we don't have to hear his name mentioned again.

Speaking of which...

Cleverley Joins New Club After Unlikely Villa Link

After Everton signed Manchester United midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin for a fee rising to £24m, there was always going to be a midfielder or two making way, and when Premier League clubs outside the top six are linked by newspapers, Villa are seemingly thrown in the mix two.

But were the likes of Everton's James McCarthy or Tom Cleverley in their prime ever going to trade in the Premier League for a loan spell of Championship football? MOMS previously said it was very unlikely indeed and Cleverley has been the first to prove this by today joining Watford on loan until the rest of the season.

Red Herring Rhodes

As MOMS stated early, logically it was unlikely that Villa would look to splash another £10m on a striker in the form of Middlesborough's Jordan Rhodes. The Birmingham Mail today printed this oxymoron:

'Middlesbrough have not received any bids for in-demand forward Jordan Rhodes.'

In-demand? But no bids...

Schlupp Up

It's been reported that Crystal Palace have moved to the front of the queue in terms of enlisting the services of Leicester City winger Jeffrey Schlupp. It's not clear if there was actually any serious Villa interest in the winger, but the price tag of £12m always made him unlikely.

All Roads to Hull Blocked

Hull maybe the City of Culture for 2017, but it's unlikely Villa will be buying any of their players to improve the midfield culture at Villa Park. MOMS thinks this was just the BBC's Pat Murphy putting an end to lazy journalism links, but worth repeating here:

Cairney Believe it Will Happen

Speaking of lazy links to players who played for Bruce at Hull City, some media outlets are trying to link Villa with Fulham midfielder Tom Cairney to a move to Villa. Search back three days and all the reports were linking Cairney with a move to Newcastle and that it was going to cost £10m for it to have any chance to happen.

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic recently said: "Tom Cairney is so important to us. I'm going to guarantee he's going to stay with us."

It doesn't sound like someone who will let Cairney go easily.

Conspiracy theory: do papers run stories with players and then switch the club linked every few days!?

Mr Popular

Derby and Birmingham local press will be delighted that they can write even more stories to add their their almost obsessive coverage of Nottingham Forest midfielder Henri Lansbury.

According to Derby boss Steve McClaren, speaking at his latest pre-match press conference, nothing has been signed off on Lansbury, although the midfielder is still expected to sit out Forest games in the immediate future.

Here's what McClaren said on the matter:

"I find that strange (reports of him signing for Villa). We have heard nothing of that.

"We made an enquiry and bid a couple of weeks ago, and I think there is turmoil going on at Forest at the present moment in terms of a takeover.

"So I think everything is up in the air in terms of Nottingham Forest and Lansbury. We are just keeping an eye on the situation.

"As I say, I don't think anything will be sorted until the club knows who the new owners are going to be."

UTV


http://www.myoldmansaid.com/tom-cairney-another-myth-like-cleverley-schlupplansbury-update/

[WhiteJC]

 
HELLO TOM CAIRNEY: THE POTENTIAL NEW-LOOK NEWCASTLE UNITED MIDFIELD

While the Newcastle United fans in the Transfer Tavern have been all but certain their side would make an instant return to the Premier League for much of the season, some stuttering league form of late has caused concern.

Though the Geordie faithful propping up the bar are still in love with the Rafalution, they are desperately hoping top brass at St. James' Park are able to bring in some January reinforcements to aid their promotion challenge.

So reports strongly linking the Magpies with a move for Fulham midfielder Tom Cairney have provided some food for thought.

Clearly, the 25-year-old isn't exactly the biggest of names, though could be a wonderful addition to the ranks in black and white and is certainly a departure from the French-based talent the Toon were previously so hell-bent on signing in their droves.

With the transfer stories in mind, our Tyneside locals are trying to imagine the potential look of their engine room if Cairney is to arrive.

Here's what they've come up with.

CDM: JONJO SHELVEY
The main source of creativity at St. James' Park, Jonjo Shelvey's absence in the heart of midfield following a five-game suspension has been a gutting one for Rafa Benitez.

Playing like a man who knows he is too good for this league, the 24-year-old is the best midfielder in the Championship.

CM: ISAAC HAYDEN
Where Shelvey sits and pulls the strings, summer signing Isaac Hayden provides the legs and short, snappy distribution alongside the former Liverpool ace.

Though he's trying to do too much in Jonjo's absence, Hayden at his best is a mightily useful addition for the Magpies.

CM: TOM CAIRNEY
Linked with a move to the Toon Army, the 25-year-old would be a more mobile creative option than Shelvey, pushing up more in support of the central striker.

Well versed in the dark arts of the Championship, the former Scotland U21 international could really energise a Magpies midfield that has so often failed to find ideas when faced with some slightly good defending.



http://www.footballtransfertavern.com/newcastle/hello-tom-cairney-the-potential-new-look-newcastle-united-midfield/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TransferTavern+%28The+Transfer+Tavern+Home+Page%29

[WhiteJC]

 
Don't blame Chris Martin for Fulham tug-of-war, says Derby County boss Steve McClaren

David Nugent's arrival at Derby County does not change the Rams' stance over Chris Martin, manager Steve McClaren has confirmed.

And McClaren has said to blame him and not the player for the current tug-of-war over the striker.

Martin is on a season-long loan at Fulham but Derby want to cut-short his stay and Martin is keen to return.

Fulham are adamant that he will stay until the end of the season.

"None of this is Chrissy Martin's fault. It is me coming back (to Derby) and wanting him back," said McClaren.

"I have put a bit of pressure on this club and a little bit of pressure on Chrissy. I suppose I have been the cause of it.

"Like I said when I first came in, to have had Chrissy Martin would have been great because I have worked with him.

"From day one I said if there is any possibility to bring him back... and basically the club is acting under that instruction."

Martin has not played for Fulham since he scored in the victory at Ipswich on Boxing Day.

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic has stated that Martin says he is injured but that the club's medical staff have been unable to find any injury that would rule him out of playing.


Read more at http://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/don-t-blame-chris-martin-for-fulham-tug-of-war-says-derby-county-boss-steve-mcclaren/story-30053969-detail/story.html#v9GQc6x785fho7xx.99