Tuesday Fulham Stuff (09/05/17)...

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Chelsea decide to sell Brazilian winger this summer: This club have first refusal

CHELSEA will grant Lucas Piazon a permanent exit in the summer.

The 23-year-old winger has impressed on loan with Fulham this term - his fifth temporary club since joining Chelsea in 2011.

Piazon, who has two caps for Brazil's Under-23s, has one year left on his Chelsea contract but is free to leave.

And Slavisa Jokanovic's promotion hopefuls have first refusal, according to the Daily Mirror newspaper.


Chelsea will allow Lucas Piazon to leave this summer

Piazon has scored six goals and provided four assists in 32 appearances for Fulham.

Speaking last September, Piazon indicated that he wanted to start putting down roots at a club.

"It makes no sense to go on loan all the time," he said. "It is not good for any player in my experience — or the experience of the other boys.


Lucas Piazon has impressed on loan at Fulham this term

"I don't see it as a positive thing any more. To be in a different place every year is not good for me at 22."

Fulham also have central defender Tomas Kalas on loan from Chelsea.

The Whites face Reading - one of Piazon's former loan clubs - in the Championship play-off semi-final first leg on Saturday.



http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/612249/Chelsea-Transfer-News-Lucas-Piazon-Exit-Fulham-Gossip

[WhiteJC]

 
Reading Tickets

2016/17 and 2017/18 Season Ticket Holders can now purchase additional tickets for our first leg Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Semi-Final match against Reading on Saturday 13th May, 5:30pm (maximum of five per person), whilst Members now also have access to tickets at this game (one per person).

Guarantee your seat for the match today, with tickets priced at just £20 adults, £10 concessions and £5 for under 18s.

16/17 Season Ticket Holders are reminded that they have until 9am Tuesday 9th May to keep their current seats for this fixture, after this time, all seats will be released to supporters with a Booking History.

Secure your tickets today online, by phone on 0843 208 1234 or in person from the Fulham Ticket Office.

Season Ticket Cards will not be in operation at this fixture, and all fans will be provided a paper ticket. The Fulham Ticket Office will have extended opening hours to personal callers this week, whilst fans are also reminded that in order to purchase tickets online, you must log-in to your account.



Matchday Hospitality
Watch all the Play-Off action in style with Matchday Hospitality packages available to purchase. Packages for the Semi-Final are selling quickly, so be sure to secure yours soon!

Prices start from £99 per person and supporters can purchase online now. Alternatively, to book or discuss your options, contact our Hospitality team by phone on 0208 336 7555 or by email at [email protected]



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/may/08/reading-tickets

[WhiteJC]

 
Slavisa Jokanovic challenges Fulham side to surprise Reading in play-off semi finals

Fulham will now face Reading in the play-off semi final with the winner going to Wembley and the head coach wants his players to surprise their opponents

Slavisa Jokanovic has challenged his side to 'surprise' Reading in their Championship play-off semi final after beating Sheffield Wednesday at the weekend.

A brace from Neeskens Kebano ensured the Cottagers came from a goal behind at Hillsborough to win the tie 2-1, albeit against a much changed Wednesday side.

It was a psychological victory for Fulham , who have the best record against the other sides in the play-offs, and the head coach has challenged his side to surprise Reading ahead of their two legged play-off semi final in the coming week.

He said: "This team finished third in the regular part of the competition.

"The table says they are favourites, but we are going to try and surprise them.

2It will be a tough two games for us, and for them too. We are confident, we believe we can play good football and win the games. With this mentality, anything is possible.

"It's going to be a very important 180 minutes for us. I expect we're going to be competitive, we're going to be focused, we're going to show the ambition and desire that we've shown this season."



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/slavisa-jokanovic-challenges-fulham-side-12998931

[WhiteJC]

 
Sheffield Wednesday 1-2 Fulham: Neeskens Kebano steals the show and other things we learned from Hillsborough

It was a much changed side from Sheffield Wednesday but Fulham got a psychological victory over their play-off rivals, here's what we learned from the game

Fulham flexed their muscles as they beat fellow play-off hopefuls Sheffield Wednesday in their own back yard yesterday - a game that saw the Cottagers extend their unbeaten run to six.

In that six, they've dispatched Huddersfield too, something that will no doubt have pleased Slavisa Jokanovic as they head into the play-offs.

He made four changes for the game on Sunday, keeping his side ticking along nicely whilst also making sure those that haven't played as much were also getting minutes, with Denis Odoi and Neeskens Kebano particularly standing out.

As ever, our reporter was there, here's what he learnt from the game.

Neeskens Kebano stole the show
He hasn't been playing as much as he would have liked to recently, but the Congo international took his opportunity at Hillsborough and will have given Jokanovic something to think about ahead of the play-offs.

His two goals will have helped, of course, but for me it was his relentlessness drive down the flanks that was the main reason for his good performance.

Time and time again he found himself with the ball at feet, allowing himself to drive at the Wednesday fullbacks who didn't know which way he was going to go, and whether he was going to pass short back to the midfield or try to find Martin in behind.

So much of Fulham's play comes down the wings and with Sone Aluko and Floyd Ayite preferred in the run up to the end of the season, Kebano has had to wait for his chance to come again, but he took that at Hillsborough and now it's up to Jokanovic as to who he picks for Saturday.

It was only four changes but it keeps the side ticking
Sheffield Wednesday changed ten players, while Fulham only made four changes to their starting XI, but that will keep the side ticking along nicely.

Everyone knows momentum is key going into the play-offs, and there was no need yesterday to completely change the side and to lose that going into the Reading game where the team could've spent the first half getting the cobwebs out of the system.

I thought it was good management by Jokanovic to give a few more players a run out from the start, as well as bringing on Scott Parker for the final 15 minutes to give him some much needed game time after his back injury before the last international break.

Stefan Johansen was a big miss

On the ball: Stefan Johansen (Photo: Paul Burgman/Press-Photos.com)

We know the result didn't mean too much and that Johansen was rested as a result of the knock he picked up at Huddersfield, but you could see the hole the Norwegian left in the side.

His work rate is relentless and he fills the gap between attack and defence, and Fulham missed that yesterday.

However, I was pleased to see him on the bench because I felt he looked jaded against Brentford and wasn't up to his usual standards and this rest will hopefully see him back to his usual performances against Reading on Saturday and Tuesday.

He is a massive part of this team and if he plays like he can in the play-offs, Fulham have a very good chance.

Chris Martin was off the pace
That three game ban has hit the striker hard - he seemed off the pace for the majority of the game and missed an absolute sitter from eight yards out - the only saving grace was that the lineman's flag had gone up to spare his blushes.

He played the entire game, which he needed to do, but as a result Fulham didn't really have an outlet up top with Kebano and Lucas Piazon the two players who carried the attacking threat for the side.

Fulham, despite being the joint top scorers in the division along with Newcastle and Norwich, have been crying out for a striker all season and I think one will need to be signed in the summer.

I can see Jokanovic going back to his false nine which has worked so well over the past month, with Martin coming on from the bench if they need a goal.



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/sheffield-wednesday-1-2-fulham-13001482

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham have first refusal on Piazon
by Dan on May 8, 2017

Slavisa Jokanovic will consider whether to keep Lucas Piazon at Craven Cottage on a permanent basis over the next few weeks after Fulham were handed first refusal on the Brazilian forward following Chelsea's decision to let him leave Stamford Bridge this summer.

The 23 year-old, who has been frustrated by his lack of first-team opportunities since joining the Blues back in 2011, has enjoyed a superb season on loan at Craven Cottage as Fulham qualified for the Championship play-offs. Piazon, who spoke on his arrival at Fulham of his desire of laying down roots at a particular club rather than being continually farmed out on loan by Chelsea, has forged a special bond with Fulham's fans – and his commitment to the cause was shown by his earlier than expected recovery from a broken jaw that see him return to the side for the run-in.

Piazon, who gleefully extended his initial six-month loan in December, has made 32 appearances for the Whites, scoring six goals and four assists, and after a strong display at Sheffield Wednesday yesterday, he is staking a strong claim to start against one of his former clubs, Reading, in Saturday's play-off semi-final first leg. Jokanovic is also keen to try and sign his other Chelsea loanee Tomas Kalas – only securing the permanent services of the Czech international centre back – will require a hefty transfer fee.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/05/fulham-have-first-refusal-on-piazon/

[WhiteJC]

How Kebano's renaissance fired Fulham's play-off push
by Dan on May 8, 2017

When Fulham fans apportion credit for the club's remarkable second half of the season surge, most of it will rightly go to Slavisa Jokanovic. The Serbian's side came into the own at the crucial point of the season – just as Watford did two years ago under his leadership – and overturned an eleven-point deficit to Leeds United as well as closing right in on several other play-off contenders. But, when you consider the genesis of the run that sparked the belief in the dressing room, people shouldn't forget the absolutely crucial contribution of one Neeskens Kebano.

For all the promise of Kebano's debut at Blackburn, where he frightened the Rovers defenders with a combination of raw pace and the desire to take them on, it appeared for a while as though the Congolese winger's debut season at Craven Cottage would be remembered for that dreadful headed miss against Queens Park Rangers. The forward certainly paid the penalty for that error that was almost as misguided as his shockingly dyed mohawk – having to make them with brief cameos as a substitute until the African Cup of Nations, where he starred for Congo, that acted as a catalyst for the take-off of his Fulham career.

Kebano's renaissance on his return was immediate. Introduced as a late substitute in a topsy-turvy tussle with relegation-threatened Wigan Athletic, he kept his cool and clinically drove home the winner four minutes into stoppage time after being played through by Tom Cairney. Three days later and Kebano repeated the trick against Nottingham Forest. Brought on as Fulham were locked at 2-2 and Jokanovic sought further inspiration, Kebano bustled into the box and showed tremendous courage to robustly challenge Vladimir Stoijkovic and hook home a finish that entered the Hammersmith End net via the unfortunate Jack Hobbs.

People laughed when Tony Khan, who has recently taken over the director of football acquisitions domain that once belonged to Mike Rigg, suggested in all seriousness that the likes of Kebano and Floyd Ayite could be considered as genuine alternatives to Chris Martin up front after the club's failure to recruit any strikers other than Cyriac in the January transfer window. Well, after Ayite and Kebano's goal return in the run-in, who's laughing now?

Kebano wasn't done there, of course. He scored a crucial equaliser in Wales after Cardiff appeared ready to derail Fulham's play-off push with a feisty performance in February and followed that up with a vital third goal just as Preston North End threatened a comeback from 2-0 down at Craven Cottage the following weekend. That finish showed one of the winger's most appealing attributes – the priceless ability to retain calmness as he entered a one-on-one with the goalkeeper and his unerring finishing hasn't half proved valuable. There was another one against Aston Villa on Easter Monday that carried Fulham to the brink of the top six – and then came his brace at Hillsborough that turned around a game that the Whites had been behind in.

With Martin now available again after serving his suspension for the dismissal at Carrow Road, Kebano offering goals and valuable assists from an advanced position and Floyd Ayite's excellent return on the other flank to go alongside Sone Aluko's seemingly unquenchable work ethic, Jokanovic has a serious selection dilemma ahead of Saturday's play-off semi-final first leg against Reading with Lucas Piazon undoubtedly eager to feature against his old club as well. Now that Fulham fans can legitimately dream of a sensational end to the season, Kebano's part in making it all possible shouldn't be overlooked.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/05/how-kebanos-renaissance-fired-fulhams-play-off-push/

[WhiteJC]

 
Ticket Purchase Delays

Owing to a high volume of calls and website visitors, the Club is aware that some fans are experiencing delays in purchasing tickets for our first leg Play-Off fixture against Reading.

We would like to advise supporters that tickets remain available, and to keep trying. We thank you for your patience during this busy time.


Fans are also reminded that the Fulham Ticket Office will remain open to personal callers during extended hours this week.

The Club is aware of a high volume of calls and website traffic and we apologise for any delay you may be experiencing. Thank you for your patience.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/may/08/ticket-purchase-delay

[WhiteJC]

 
Reading FC talking points: Fulham in the play-offs, tactics and reflecting on an incredible season

Here's a look at some of the key points in the coming days

Reading FC capped off a superb season by seeing off Burton Albion on Sunday afternoon.

But the hard work is far from over as Royals tackle Fulham in the semi-finals of the play-offs.

Jaap Stam's side ended the campaign in third spot in the Championship table and are now just three games from a spot in the Premier League.

Royals have been written off by pundits and other fans throughout the season but have silenced them time and time again.

The play-offs begin on Saturday at Craven Cottage (5.30pm kick-off) before the return leg three days' later at Madejski Stadium on Tuesday night (7.45pm kick-off).

It promises to be an exciting few days in the build-up with Royals tantalisingly close to the top flight.

Here is a closer look at the some of the key points which are on the Reading agenda in the coming days.

Fulham in the play-offs
Reading and Fulham are the two in-form teams out of the four play-off sides which means something will have to give.

There's an argument to say the Whites are the toughest opponents out of the three for Reading - despite finishing in sixth place.


Fulham are the opponents for Reading in the play-offs

It's set to be a fascinating battle and one which Stam will relish.

Having an away leg first is perhaps beneficial - perhaps not - either way it's vital Royals are still in with a chance of progressing in the tie going into the second leg.

How to beat the Whites
It's a question Stam and his coaching staff will be pondering all week.

There is no doubt Fulham will provide Royals with a tough test - their toughest in quite a while.

Will the manager play three or four at the back? Will he go with two or one up front? Does he play for a draw and then a win at the Mad Stad?

These are just some of the dilemmas he's faced with.

Key players are back
One advantage Stam does have going into the two games is the return of a key pair.

Paul McShane and Joey van den Berg both got 45 minutes in the win at Burton on Sunday.

Their returns have come just at the right time and they provide some much-needed solidity at the back.

Royals' defence remains a concern but with McShane at the heart of it, fans are a lot more confident of keeping a clean sheet.

And if van den Berg plays as a midfielder as opposed to a centre-back, his ability to break up play and put in a challenge could be pivotal to getting a result.

What a season it's been
Whatever happens in the next week, Royals fans can look back on this season with great pride.

To come from the lower echelons of the Championship in the past two seasons and become genuine promotion contenders is some achievement.

Stam and the players must take enormous credit for the work done this season.

It would be truly memorable if they did go all the way and win at Wembley. But if that's not the case, then everyone at the club should still be proud of a historic campaign.



http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/reading-fc-talking-points-fulham-13000874

[WhiteJC]

 
Cardiff City boss Neil Warnock tips Fulham FC for SkyBet Championship Play-Off glory

The former Huddersfield Town boss tips the Cottagers for Premier League promotion but says 'anything can happen'

Huddersfield Town faced an ex-manager on Sunday in Neil Warnock and he was pleased his former club have clinched a SkyBet Championship Play-Off place.

The ex-Town boss now manages Cardiff City with his Bluebirds side beating Town 3-0 at the weekend on the final day of the regular season.

And Warnock, who managed Town in the mid-90s and led the club to promotion himself, thinks Town's clash against Sheffield Wednesday will be a great game.

Warnock said: "I am glad they have got Sheffield Wednesday, that should be a really good game. I don't think a draw would be a bad result at the John Smith's, with the pressure of Hillsborough on Wednesday in the second leg.

"It'll be an intriguing game and I hope I can do the game for Sky, I suppose that's the only way I've got of getting into the ground without a police escort!"

"I don't want Wednesday going up because I'd miss that trip - I've got Sheffield United to go to next year which is great.

"Fulham for me are the best team in the Play-Offs, however they haven't got the best defence, so anything can happen this year.

"I think Town have done fantastic and I voted for David Wagner as second place behind Nigel Clough for my manager of the year.

"What Wagner has done here is unbelievable. I think sometimes expectations soar and he has been able to bring things back down to earth.

"It has been great for them to get into the Play-Offs, and to have that chance of promotion.

"We beat them comprehensively here, yet the fans stuck with them which is great.

"I'm glad I'm going to be sat on my deck chair watching the Play-Offs, I'll be envious of the other managers that are contesting them that's for sure."



http://www.examiner.co.uk/sport/football/news/cardiff-city-boss-neil-warnock-13002357

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Neeskens Kebano says Fulham wanted to prepare for play-offs in right way with victory over Sheffield Wednesday

The DR Congo international said Fulham wanted to prepare in the correct way and being competitive at Hillsborough was the best way to do so

Neeskens Kebano feels Fulham prepared for the upcoming play-offs in the best way thanks to victory over Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday.

Carlos Carvalhal made ten changes to his side for the game, whereas Slavisa Jokanovic made only four, with players who have been in and out of the first team all season coming in to get game time ahead of the Reading games.

Kebano was one of those players and he staked his claim for a place in the starting XI for Saturday's game with two goals in each half in Sheffield, giving Fulham a psychological victory over a side who are also hoping for play-off glory.

And the DR Congo international felt the way they approached the Sheffield Wednesday game was the best way to prepare for what lies ahead next week.

He said: "I was not surprised, even today it wasn't an important game but we wanted to prepare for the play-offs in the best way and the best way was to be competitive and to give everything and to try to win today to keep the levels we have.

"I think it is the best way to prepare for what it is front of us and we did that in the best way.

"I'm happy and glad to have scored twice and helped my team to win today but now it is the end of the regular season and the most important part of the season.

"There are two tough games just in front of us and we cannot speak about Wembley for the moment."



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/neeskens-kebano-says-fulham-wanted-13002641

[WhiteJC]

 
'I have great confidence in Fulham,' says Kebano
by Dan on May 8, 2017

Two-goal hero Neeksens Kebano says Fulham warmed up for the play-offs in 'the best way possible' with a come from behind victory against Sheffield Wednesday.

The DR Congo international scored in both halves to give Fulham three points against one of their play-off rivals at Hillsborough yesterday and believes that the victory will see the Whites head into Saturday's play-off semi-final second leg with great confidence. He told FulhamFCTV after the final whistle in south Yorkshire:

    It's the best way to finish the regular part of the season. Now we know that the biggest part is just in front of us. so I think we ended in a very good way. Now there is some time to rest, to prepare to be better next week and to try to reach our goal.

    We know that we are going to maybe meet them during the play-offs. They are a good team and I think that they did some changes of players today, but they are still a good team and we played seriously. It's just a very good test for the players.

Kebano was delighted to add further goals to his Fulham tally during what has been a remarkable second half of the season since returning from the African Cup of Nations, but the modest winger was quick to praise his team-mates.

    I am happy to have scored these two goals. If you are to reward someone, it is about all of the team. I didn't play alone, I played with my team-mates and we did a great job. It was a hard victory. Today when people talk about Fulham, they mention first their capacity to keep the ball and the way they are playing. I think the team is most important ahead of individuals.

    When you come into the team and it's been a long time that you didn't play, it is always tough and you had to find your mark to be good. All my team-mates always help. I don't know if you can feel it, but always on the field there is a lot of communication and from the bench too, so when you come into this team they make it easy for you. I think there is always a period of adaptation and when it is done, after that it is a bit easier.

He is looking forward to the test of the play-offs and the opportunity to try and reach the Premier League – but was quick to scotch any idea that Fulham had the upper hand over third-placed Reading following that 5-0 win in December.

    I hope that everything is going to be good for us. We are going to give everything and I hope that we will be rewarded for how we fought throughout the season, because it was a long season and a tough season as well. I was there for the first game [against Reading], the last game I wasn't there. The first game it was at home and we won 5-0. We cannot keep that in our mind because now it is a play-off and the play-off is like a Cup game – if you lose, you are out. It's like that and I think in their mind, they know how we are playing now, they looked at us throughout the season and now it is going to be harder than what it was at Craven Cottage in the first game. We have a great belief in the squad. I have confidence in my team and my team-mates so we can do this.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/05/i-have-great-confidence-in-fulham-says-kebano/

[WhiteJC]

 
Reading Mascot Competition

We are giving two lucky young Whites fans a chance to be mascots ahead of this weekend's Play-Off semi-final against Reading.

If you know an avid young Fulham supporter between the ages of 5-11 that you feel deserves the chance to lead the boys out at Craven Cottage this Saturday, you can enter them into the competition to win the opportunity of a lifetime.

To enter, simply tweet in a video on Twitter to @FulhamFC, or post a video on Instagram tagging @FulhamFC, describing your favourite moment of the season, just like Denis below.

Send us your moment using the hashtag #WeAreFulham, whilst wearing your Fulham shirt!

The compeition will close at Midday on Thursday 11th May.

Social Media Competition T&Cs

1. The promoter is: Fulham Football Club Ltd (company no. 2114486) whose registered office is at Motspur Park, New Malden, Surrey, KT3 6PT.
2. The competition is open to residents of the United Kingdom aged between 5-11 years except employees of Fulham Football Club and their close relatives and anyone otherwise connected with the organisation or judging of the competition.
3. There is no entry fee and no purchase necessary to enter this competition.
4. By entering this competition, an entrant is indicating his/her agreement to be bound by these terms and conditions.
5. Route to entry for the competition and details of how to enter can be found of Fulham Football Club's official Twitter and Instagram profiles.
5(a). The entrant must be following @fulhamfc in order to be eligible for the prize.
6. Only one entry will be accepted per person. Multiple entries from the same person will be disqualified.
7.  Closing date for entry will be Thursday 11 May 2017 at midday. After this date no further entries to the competition will be permitted.
8. No responsibility can be accepted for entries not received for whatever reason.
9. The rules of the competition and how to enter are as follows:
10. The promoter reserves the right to cancel or amend the competition and these terms and conditions without notice in the event of a catastrophe, war, civil or military disturbance, act of God or any actual or anticipated breach of any applicable law or regulation or any other event outside of the promoter's control. Any changes to the competition will be notified to entrants as soon as possible by the promoter.
11. The promoter is not responsible for inaccurate prize details supplied to any entrant by any third party connected with this competition.
12. The prize is as follows: The prize is as stated and no cash or other alternatives will be offered. The prizes are not transferable. Prizes are subject to availability and we reserve the right to substitute any prize with another of equivalent value without giving notice.
13. Winners will be chosen at random by software, from all entries received and verified by the promoter and or its agents.
14. The winner will be notified by email and/or DM on Twitter/Instagram on Friday 12 May 2017. If the winner cannot be contacted or do not claim the prize, we reserve the right to withdraw the prize from the winner and pick a replacement winner.
15. The promoter will notify the winner when and where the prize can be collected / is delivered.
16. The promoter's decision in respect of all matters to do with the competition will be final and no correspondence will be entered into.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/may/08/mascot-competition

[WhiteJC]

 
Reading FC gallery: Jaap Stam reflects on Burton Albion win and looks ahead to Fulham play-off clash

READING FC boss Jaap Stam believes this season's results against Fulham will have little bearing on the Championship play-offs.

Royals finished third in the table after Saturday's 4-2 victory at Burton Albion and will now face the Cottagers over two legs in the semi finals.

It finished honours even between the sides during the regular campaign, with Reading winning 1-0 at Madejski Stadium but losing 5-0 at Craven Cottage.

However, Stam insists its is wrong to read too much into the heavy defeat they suffered in West London.

"People also need to realise that we beat Fulham at home as well," declared the Dutchman.

"Everyone knows what happened at their ground, but play-off games will be different to those in the league.

"We know all about Fulham's quality and they know about ours. They will try and find a way to make it difficult for us and we'll be trying to do the same.

"You know when you play against teams like Fulham that you have to dig in, and that's our plan.

"We're very happy with the way the season has gone but it's not over yet. It will be nice to finish it with a few more good results."

Despite finishing third in the table and four points ahead of fourth-placed Sheffield Wednesday, bookmakers have made Reading the outsiders to win the play-offs.

However, Stam's men will be quietly confident following four victories in their last five matches.

Their lively win at Burton last weekend was also the first time they had scored four goals in a league game this season.

Joseph Mendes and Jordan Obita put Royals 2-0 up at the break then Yann Kermorgant added a third with his 18th of the campaign and ninth in nine games.

The Brewers hit back with two goals in three second-half minutes from Ben Turner and Cauley Woodrow, but Lewis Grabban stepped off the bench to calm Royals' nerves with a fourth in the 84th minute.

Stam added: "It's better to go into the play-offs with a win instead of a bad result where you go home with a very strange feeling.

"I was very happy, at times it was a very open game. Burton wanted to do well in their last home match. They've had a great season with all they've achieved, but so have we.

"We bring certain qualities to the game and at time you saw that on Saturday when we scored four good goals.

"We conceded two in the second half, we gave them away too easily. But the players have done a great job overall to finish third in the league."

Reading will now travel to Fulham this Saturday for the semi-final first leg (5.30pm ko) before hosting the Cottagers in the return leg at Madejski Stadium next Tuesday night (7.45pm ko).

Stam stated: "The play-offs are completely different to league games. Hopefully we can do well and get to the final, but before that we need to look at the first game.

"Play-offs are different in terms of our approach and what they bring which is stress and tension because the games are so important.

"But we've got nothing to lose, we are third in the league and we have done well against the other play-off teams.

"We've won and lost games, we know that, but it's all about preparing yourself for these fixtures coming up by working hard like we have all season and hopefully getting the right result."



http://www.readingchronicle.co.uk/sport/readingfc/15272242.Reading_FC_gallery__Jaap_Stam_reflects_on_Burton_Albion_win_and_looks_ahead_to_Fulham_play_off_clash/

[WhiteJC]

 
Piazon: Play-Off Focus

Lucas Piazon told the Club's official website that the Whites can finally focus on the Play-Offs after Fulham's 2-1 victory over Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough on Sunday.

The Brazilian was making only his second start since fracturing his jaw against Cardiff in February but his return to the side has coincided with the White's push for the top six.

After getting half-an-hour of action in the West London derby against Brentford the attacker was hungry to make a mark against The Owls.

"Our spot was pretty much secure," Piazon reflected. "But to come up here and play in this atmosphere was something special.

"We played a very good game and dominated possession in the first-half.

"In the second-half when they were a man down and we kept hold of the ball even more and I think we deserved to win."

Piazon played a vital role in securing the three points by delivering a dangerous free-kick to help Neeskens Kebano grab is second of the game in the 79th minute. 

"I am pleased for the fans who travelled here today to get the win for them," he said.

"The Stadium was full here today and it was loud as well.

"We had a lot of fans too so it felt like a Play-Off atmosphere.

"Even if they changed a couple of players around, and we did the same, still it was a good test for us heading into the match next weekend."

Piazon was complimentary to the large following of Fulham fans who made the trip up North to support the Whites.

"It was nice to see that end, full of Fulham fans," the Brazilian said. "It gave us the energy and enthusiasm to win the game."

"We can't lie, after the Brentford game our heads were starting to think about the Play-Offs but we had to come here and play, compete and be professional, and that's what we did.

"Now we can fully focus 100 per cent on facing Reading on Saturday and we are going for it."

"We will probably have a day off on Monday and then straight back to training on Tuesday to begin the preparations for the game on Saturday."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/may/08/piazon-play-off-focus

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham loanee Cauley Woodrow not ruling out return to Burton Albion next season


Cauley Woodrow says he wouldn't rule out returning to Burton Albion next term

Cauley Woodrow says he would not rule out a return to Burton Albion next season if the opportunity arose.

The Fulham loanee ended his spell at the Pirelli Stadium by netting his fifth Albion goal in Sunday's 4-2 defeat to Reading, nodding home from Will Miller's cross as the hosts came close to a remarkable comeback.

Woodrow made 14 appearances in total for the Brewers to help them over the Championship survival line, with Cottagers teammate Lasse Vigen Christensen also crucial to them completing the job.

That pair - along with Albion's five other loan players - will now return to their parent clubs, while Nigel Clough will look at building another squad capable of thriving in the second tier. And for now, Woodrow – who made eight outings for Fulham at the start of the campaign – says it will be a case of wait and see about where he is playing his football next term.

"I don't really know to be fair - I've got to speak to my agent and speak to Fulham," said the 22-year-old when asked what the future held for him.

"They're obviously in control of my future because they are my club, but I wouldn't rule it out coming back here, because I've really enjoyed my time here.

"But anything can happen in the future, and you've just got to wait and see. I wouldn't say yes and I wouldn't say no (if opportunity was there to return). Like I said, Fulham are in control of what's going to happen.

"If they want me to go back there and play next season, then they want me to stay there. I can't really choose where I want to go. If the opportunity did come back, then I definitely wouldn't rule it out."

Woodrow's immediate focus, though, is on international football.

"Hopefully I get called up for England in the European Under-21 Championships this summer," he added.

"That would be a great achievement for me. Then we'll just see from there really."




Read more at http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/fulham-loanee-cauley-woodrow-not-ruling-out-return-to-burton-albion-next-season/story-30319556-detail/story.html#LRt6KrilXQxsXhGL.99

[WhiteJC]

 
Slavisa Jokanovic says Fulham can cause an upset against Championship Play-Off 'favourites' Reading

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic is not worried that Reading go into their Championship play-off semi-final as favourites.

Fulham finished the regular season strongly and face the Royals for a place at Wembley as they chase a return to the Premier League.

The Whites won 2-1 at Sheffield Wednesday on the final day yesterday and finished sixth in the table, while Reading finished third. Fulham host the first leg at Craven Cottage on Saturday before the return leg at the Madejski Stadium next Tuesday.

Jokanovic said: "Reading finished third in the regular part of the competition. The table says they are favourites but we are going to try and surprise them. 

"It will be a tough two games for us and for them, too. We are confident, we believe we can play good football and win the games. With this mentality, anything is possible. 

"It is going to be a very important 180 minutes for us. I expect we are going to be competitive and show ambition and desire."

Fulham have already been involved in plenty of drama with Reading this season after their away match in December was abandoned at half-time because of fog. Much of the fog cleared during the interval but conditions outside the ground meant the match was called off with the score at 0-0.

Fulham lost the rearranged game 1-0 but beat Reading 5-0 at Craven Cottage in the reverse fixture.




http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/slavisa-jokanovic-says-fulham-can-cause-an-upset-against-championship-playoff-favourites-reading-a3533591.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Semi-Final Second Leg Tickets

Tickets for Fulham's Sky Bet Championship Semi-Final second leg against Reading will go on sale to Season Ticket Holders (one per person) with 700 or more Loyalty Points from 2pm Tuesday 9th May.

Owing to extremely limited availability, with a maximum allocation of 2,000 tickets for Fulham fans, tickets for the tie at the Madejski Stadium on Tuesday 16th May (7:45pm) will be sold to supporters on a Loyalty Points basis.

Season Ticket Holders with 700 or more Loyalty Points will have an exclusive window to purchase their seat from 2pm on Tuesday, before Season Ticket Holders and Members with 565 or more Loyalty Points will have the opportunity to purchase from 9am Wednesday 10th May.

The full on-sale dates can be found below:

Date    Who
2pm, Tuesday 9th May
   Season Ticket Holders with 700 or more Loyalty Points
9am, Wednesday 10th May
   Season Ticket Holders & Members with 565 or more Loyalty Points
9am, Thursday 11th May
   Season Ticket Holders & Members with 525 or more Loyalty Points
9am, Friday 12th May
   Season Ticket Holders & Members with 500 or more Loyalty Points
9:30am, Saturday 13th May
   Season Ticket Holders & Members with 250 or more Loyalty Points

Tickets for the match are priced at £20 adults, £10 for concessions and £5 for junior fans aged 17 and under.

To secure your seat, fans can buy online at fulhamfc.com/tickets from 2pm on Tuesday, by phone on 0843 208 1234 or in person from the Fulham Ticket Office.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/may/08/away-semi-final-tickets

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham have history against them in the Play-offs as they bid for Premier League football

Semi-final opponents Reading are more than twice as likely to gain promotion to the Premier League than sixth place Fulham, history suggests

Third place Reading are more than twice as likely to win promotion than sixth placed Fulham , history suggests.

More than twice as many teams have won the playoffs after finishing third than they have from both fourth and sixth.

As many as nine of the 24 teams to win promotion through the playoffs in the Premier League era finished the season in third place.

They include teams such as West Ham in 2011/12, Swansea in 2010/11 and Bolton in 1994/95.

By contrast, only four teams to finish in sixth have ever made it to the top flight - Crystal Palace in 1996/97 and 2003/04, West Ham in 2004/05 and Blackpool in 2009/10 - as have just four who finished fourth - Leicester in 1993/94, Charlton in 1997/98, QPR in 2013/14 and Hull in 2015/16.

Fifth placed Huddersfield are in the second most successful playoffs spot - seven sides who finished in fifth in the league went on to win the playoffs.

Finishing league position | Playoff winners

3rd | 9

4th | 4

5th | 7

6th | 4



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-history-against-play-offs-13004189

[WhiteJC]

Piazon ready for the play-offs
by Dan on May 8, 2017

Lucas Piazon was delighted that Fulham finished the regular season in style at Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday and says the squad are now fully focused on starting the Championship play-offs in a similar fashion.

The Brazilian, who could be line for a permanent switch to Craven Cottage after Chelsea confirmed to the Sunday papers that he was free to leave Stamford Bridge this summer, returned to the starting line-up for the game against Fulham's play-off rivals and was full of energy in both defence and attack, despite being deployed as the main support to lone striker Chris Martin.

The 23 year-old was pleased with Fulham's composure, especially after going behind to an early strike from Sam Winnall. He told the club's official website:

    Our [play-off] spot was pretty much secure. But to come up here and play in this atmosphere was something special. We played a very good game and dominated possession in the first-half. In the second half when they were a man down and we kept hold of the ball even more and I think we deserved to win.

Piazon was delighted that the team managed to put on a special display for the travelling supporters, with whom he has built up a special rapport during his time at Craven Cottage.

    I am pleased for the fans who travelled here today to get the win for them. The stadium was full here today and it was loud as well. We had a lot of fans too so it felt like a play-off atmosphere. Even if they changed a couple of players around, and we did the same, still it was a good test for us heading into the match next weekend.

    It was nice to see that end full of Fulham fans. It gave us the energy and enthusiasm to win the game. We can't lie, after the Brentford game our heads were starting to think about the play-offs but we had to come here and play, compete and be professional, and that's what we did.

    Now we can fully focus 100 per cent on facing Reading on Saturday and we are going for it. We will probably have a day off on Monday and then straight back to training on Tuesday to begin the preparations for the game on Saturday.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/05/piazon-ready-for-the-play-offs/

[WhiteJC]

Woodrow won't rule out Burton return
by Dan on May 8, 2017

Cauley Woodrow is open to a potential return to Burton Albion after successfully helping the Brewers retain their Championship status season.

The England under-21 international, who scored the fifth goal of his loan spell yesterday against play-off contenders Reading, will return to Fulham to resolve his short-term future this summer but hasn't ruled out the opportunity of linking up with Nigel Clough's side in the future.

Woodrow told the Burton Mail after the final game of the season:

    I don't really know to be fair – I've got to speak to my agent and speak to Fulham. hey're obviously in control of my future because they are my club, but I wouldn't rule it out coming back here, because I've really enjoyed my time here.

    But anything can happen in the future, and you've just got to wait and see. I wouldn't say yes and I wouldn't say no. Like I said, Fulham are in control of what's going to happen. If they want me to go back there and play next season, then they want me to stay there. I can't really choose where I want to go. If the opportunity did come back, then I definitely wouldn't rule it out.

The 22 year-old scored five goals in 15 appearances for the Brewers as he and fellow Fulham loanee Lasse Vigen Christensen gave a real boost to Burton's survival bid. The first team football was also vital for Woodrow, who had made just one league start all campaign for Fulham, and the striker's focus now switches to representing England at the European Under 21 championships this summer.

    Hopefully I get called up for England in the European Under-21 Championships this summer. That would be a great achievement for me. Then we'll just see from there really.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/05/woodrow-wont-rule-out-burton-return/