Sunday Fulham Stuff (23/07/17)...

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Fulham Goalkeeper Interest Ends

Bristol City had been linked with Marcus Bettinelli several weeks ago but nothing came of reports.

Interest has now ended, according to the Bristol Post.

Bettinelli, watched by Bristol City goalkeeping coach David Coles in the past, has been linked with Chelsea and Manchester City this summer, but is now expected to remain at Fulham.

The Post said: 'According to sources close to the West London club, Bettinelli was wanted by City but they have now cooled their interest, with Bettinelli instead due to sign a new contract with the Cottagers.'

Adding: 'That deal has effectively knocked out the Robins' interest and meant that City would not be able to fit the goalkeeper into their wage structure even if they did continue their interest.'

Bristol City's interest might have ended but the report went on to say it was 'still possible that a big money move could tempt Bettinelli elsewhere' but an extended stay at Craven Cottage is most likely.

David Button, who lost his place to Bettinelli at the end of last season, could be targeted but that deal would also be unlikely as the former Brentford keepers wages, even if he might be prepared to leave Fulham, would be too high for the Robins.

A loan arrival coming in would be most likely but it is possible Ivan Lucic or Max O'Leary could potentially be given the chance to compete with Frank Fielding to become the number one at Ashton Gate.

Meanwhile, former Bristol City keeper Elliot Parish has joined Scottish club Dundee, having left Accrington most recently, on a one year deal.



Read more: http://www.bristolcity.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=498107#ixzz4ndRKXg9w

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Fulham interested in taking Brighton's Oliver Norwood on loan

Oliver Norwood has been made available for loan this summer by Brighton

Fulham are keen to take Brighton midfielder Oliver Norwood on a season-long loan.

The Northern Ireland international, who made 37 appearances in Albion's promotion-winning campaign, is expected to leave the Falmer Stadium on loan in this transfer window.

Norwood is a former Manchester United trainee who joined Brighton from Reading last summer.

Fulham have agreed a £5m deal to sign Diego Rolan but the player is stalling

Fulham have been active in the summer market, signing two players so far in midfielder Ibrahima Cisse and centre-back Marcelo Djalo - the latter despite reservations from coaching staff.

The Whites are keen to add another midfielder, a left-back following the sale of Scott Malone to Huddersfield, and a striker.

Sky sources understand Fulham have agreed a £5m deal with Bordeaux to sign Diego Rolan but the player is unsure about moving to England's second tier and is stalling on a decision despite seeing their Motspur Park training ground twice.

They are also interested in Norwich striker Cameron Jerome.



http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/10957285/fulham-interested-in-taking-brightons-oliver-norwood-on-loan

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Fulham interested in signing Premier League midfielder with loan move

Promotion chasing Fulham are interested in signing Brighton midfielder Oliver Norwood, according to Sky Sports.

The former Reading midfielder and Northern Ireland midfielder was a regular for the Seagulls last season, helping the club win promotion to the Premier League for the first time in their history.

However, manager Chris Hughton is expected to go with different options in the middle of the park this term, and this means Norwood could well be surplus to requirements at the Falmer Stadium.

Fulham on the other hand are once again hoping to make a good go of it in the race for promotion after narrowly missing out in the playoff's last term. Slavisa Jokanovic saw his men beaten in the semi-final by eventual runners up Reading, and he will be hoping to go one better this year.

Norwood became a household name in the Championship following successful spells with Huddersfield and then Reading, and has proven himself to be quite the able performer at this level.

He would certainly add something extra to the middle of the park at Craven Cottage, and a loan move for the season could well be completed in the coming week.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-interested-in-signing-premier-league-midfielder-with-loan-move/

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Rosenborg star names ex-Celtic player he'll ring for help on beating Hoops

Celtic face Rosenborg in a Champions League qualifier next week.

Rosenborg midfielder Anders Konradsen has revealed to The Scottish Sun that he will enlist the help of Stefan Johansen for advice on how to beat Celtic.

The Norwegian outfit are gearing up for a two-legged Champions League qualifier with the Scottish Premiership giants.

Brendan Rodgers's side thumped Linfield 6-0 on aggregate in the previous round and the Bhoys are big favourites to get past Rosenborg, en route to booking their spot in the group stage of the competition for a second year in succession.

Johansen joined Fulham from Celtic last summer, and Konradsen suggests that he will phone his Norway team-mate for tips on how to beat the Bhoys.

He said to The Scottish Sun: "I'll be calling Stefan Johansen and seeing if he has any tips for us. Celtic have a lot of experience. Like us, their goal is to reach the Group Stages of the Champions League.

"They have a very good manager and an experienced team. We are underdogs, but I think that will work to our advantage.

"We know it will be a difficult match at Celtic Park, but don't forget we are very good at home too."

Rosenborg beat Irish champions Dundalk in the previous round, but needed extra time in the second leg to book their tie with Celtic.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2017/07/22/rosenborg-star-names-ex-celtic-player-hell-ring-for-help-on-beat/

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U23s: Fulham 3-3 Bournemouth

Fulham came from a two goal deficit to draw against AFC Bournemouth 3-3 at Motspur Park on Saturday. The match was played in difficult conditions, with the rain hammering down at times.

Stephen Humphrys and Steven Sessegnon both scored for the Whites, whilst Sessegnon also provided the assist for a Bournemouth own goal to level the game.

The match had started off at a rapid pace. George Williams broke down the left and got the ball to Stephen Humphrys, who hooked a shot wide of the right post.

In the second minute of the game Bournemouth had their first attack. Starting down the right a blocked shot ended up on the left and the man in red and black shot for the near post to beat Taye Ashby-Hammond and take an early lead.

Ten minutes into the match and Fulham were looking more settled after their early setback. Steven Sessegnon, operating down the right sent a lofty cross towards the back post. Jon Dagur Thorsteinsson rose up but a Cherries defender read it and got his head to the ball first.

Two minutes later and The Whites were at it again, this time Jayden Harris got a shot away from a tight angle on target, but the Bournemouth keeper collected the shot without issue.

In the 17th minute Fulham went close, Sessegnon, running down the right crossed low into the box and only just missed Elijah Adebayo with his run was a fraction too early.

It was in the 26th minute that Fulham got theirselves back into the game. Williams worked the ball well to Humphrys, who took his man on outside the box with a step-over and struck the ball with precision into the bottom left of the goal to make it 1-1.

Eight minutes later Fulham looked to take the lead, Adebayo sent a searching ball into the box from the left and Humphrys jumped high and got his head to the ball, but could only steer it over the bar.

Bournemouth almost took the lead on their next attack, winning the ball on the halfway line worked their way to the edge of the D. Their striker rattled the crossbar and the ball bounced off the line and Ashby-Hammond collected it.

In the 37th minute Bournemouth gained the advantage once more. They crossed the ball into the area from the left towards the back post, and their number 10 jumped high, and headed on target into the back of the net to take the lead for the second time.

Fulham looked to respond straight away. Humphrys shot hard from 30 yards out, and was matched with a good save. The goal scorer however, hurt himself in the process and was forced off with Isaac Pearce taking his place.

The second half started at the same pace as the first, and in the first minute the Cherries split Fulham's defence. The big number 10 was through on goal and slotted it past Ashby-Hammond to widen the margin to 3-1.

Fulham worked their way back into the game and were higher up the pitch. 10 minutes into the half and Sessegnon capitalised making it 2-3, striking a sensational effort from 20 yards out as it flew straight into the top corner to narrow the deficit to one.

66 minutes in and Fulham were level again. Sessegnon received a ball from the right, had time and space to fire a low cross into a packed box, it came off the defender and ended up in the back of the net to equalise at 3-3.

Williams was looking for the winner, burnt his man down the left and worked his way into the box, surrounded by three defenders still managed to get a shot away. A Bournemouth player however, got a leg to it and took the sting out of the shot for the keeper.

In the final ten minutes, Ashby-Hammond made a plethora of saves to keep The Whites in contention, and the match finished a draw with three goals a piece.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/july/22/u23s-fulham-3-3-bournemouth

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SV Darmstadt 2-2 Fulham: Ryan Fredericks scores as Slavisa Jokanovic's side draw in Germany

An own goal and a Ryan Fredericks strike saw Fulham draw their pre season friendly with Darmstadt in Germany

Fulham and Darmstadt played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in Germany in their sixth pre-season game of the summer.

It was the German side who had the better of the early stages when Fabian Holland tested the returning Marcus Bettinelli in the 13th minute, but the 25-year-old was equal to the strike and put it behind for a corner.

But Fulham took the lead in outrageous fashion when Sulu stuck the ball in his own net from all of 35 yards out 17 minutes in, passing it past his own keeper.

Terrence Boyd was next to test Bettinelli, but he managed to pull off another good save before Sulu made amends for his own goal with a superb diving header just before the break after he met Boyd's cross following a nice bit of skill from the American.

Ibrahima Cisse replaced Tom Cairney on the 37th minute mark and he was involved in Fulham's first chance of the afternoon - his cross found Floyd Ayite but the Darmstadt keeper pulled off a good save to keep the scores level.

Artur Sobiech should've put the hosts ahead minutes later, but he skied his shot well over Bettinelli's bar when he found himself with space and time in the Fulham box.

Ryan Fredericks put Fulham back ahead with a great left footed finish when Matt O'Riley played the right back, cutting in onto his weaker foot and letting fly.

That lead didn't last long though, with Marvin Mehlem drawing the German outfit level with a close range finish to tie the score at 2-2.

Fulham: Bettinelli, Fredericks, Djalo, Ream, Sessegnon, McDonald, Cairney (Cisse), Johansen (O'Riley), Piazon, Aluko (Woodrow), Ayité (Opoku)

Subs (not used): Button, Rodák, Edun




http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/sv-darmstadt-2-2-fulham-13370215

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Fredericks finds net as Fulham draw with Darmstadt
by Dan on July 22, 2017

Ryan Fredericks starred as Fulham drew their penultimate pre-season friendly with SV Darmstadt in Germany this afternoon.

The Fulham full-back scored a terrific goal, but Slavisa Jokanovic's side were pegged back for the second time in the contest as the Whites had to settle for an entertaining draw. The Serbian head coach opted for a largely experienced side but handed Marcus Bettinelli, reportedly poised to sign a new contract with the Cottagers, his first start of the summer in goal. The Fulham academy graduate didn't have to wait long for his first taste of the action – palming aside a powerful cross-cum-shot from Fabian Holland and then gathered a Kevin Grosskreutz strike from the ensuing corner.

The visitors took the lead in farcical fashion having hardly threatened the Darmstadt goal when the home side managed to score a comical long-range own goal. Centre back Aytac Sulu beat his own goalkeeper from fully 35 yards when he drove a back pass towards his own goal completing wrongfooting a stranded Daniel Fernandes Heuer in the process. Darmstadt responded in spirited fashion with Bettinelli pushing over a floated strike from American Terrence Boyd before Peter Niemeyer somehow contrived to send a free header at a corner over at close range.

Fulham threatened fleetingly with Tom Cairney, back in action after being rested for Thursday's defeat at the hands of West Ham as a precaution after a knee injury, at the heart of their best moves. The returning Fulham captain played in Sone Aluko to conclude a fluent break, but the Nigerian forward failed to squeeze his shot beyond Fernandes from an acute angle after twisting past a defender.

Jokanovic's charges looked well set to take a lead into the half-time break before their old frailties at set plays resurfaced three minutes before the interval. Captain Sulu punished some sloppy marking to convert a fantastic diving header after the Fulham defence were fooled by a near post feint by Boyd to level matters.

Darmstadt began the second half with real purpose and Bettinelli produced a brilliant save just after the resumption when he clawed away a goalbound glancing header from substitute Artur Sobiech. Fulham's best opportunity arrived at other end when Floyd Ayite latched onto an excellent cross from Ibrahima Cisse but was repelled by a smart save from Joel Mall. The Whites somehow clung onto parity when Sobiech shockingly skied over the bar from barely a yard out – and the game swung from end-to-end afterwards.

The visitors went ahead again through a brilliant solo strike from the marauding Fredericks. The full-back burst down the right and, having been found by a fine pass from promising young midfielder Matt O'Riley, he cut inside and stroked home impressively with his left foot. Fulham's lead lasted all of five minutes before Marvin Mehlem profiting from some more slack defending by pouncing from close range. Both sides had opportunities to snatch a winner, but Holland squandered the best opportunity when he fired wastefully over from a promising position.

Jokanovic will be hoping that Fulham can add some further signings ahead of their final warm-up before the start of the Championship season against Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

SV DARMSTADT (4-2-3-1): Heuer Fernandes (Mall 45); Grosskreutz (Maclaren 77), Sulu (Hu 77), Kamavuaka (Altintop 45), Steinhofer (Sirigu 45); Stark (Lacazette 45), Niemeyer (Gaines 77); Kempe (Hohn 77), Von Haacke (Mehlem 46), Holland; Boyd (Sobiech 46, Bezjak 77).

GOALS: Sulu (42), Mehlem (69).

FULHAM (4-3-3): Bettinelli; Fredericks, Djalo, Ream, R. Sessegnon; McDonald Cairney (Cissé 37), Johansen (O'Riley 63); Lucas Piazon, Aluko (Woodrow 73), Ayité (Opoku 84). Subs (not used): Rodak, Button.

BOOKED: Johansen.

GOALS: Sulu (o.g. 17, Fredericks 64).



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/07/fredericks-finds-net-as-fulham-draw-with-darmstadt/

[WhiteJC]

 
The Next Gareth Bale? – 3 Signs This Teenage English Sensation Is Showing That Indicate Similar Future As The Welshman's

Three Signs As To Why Ryan Sessegnon Could Be The Next Gareth Bale

Having broken into the Fulham team last season as a 16-year-old without a professional contract, Ryan Sessegnon has been busy setting the Championship alight and moves have been afoot to get him to the Premier League, mainly by Tottenham and Liverpool.

Those clubs can see serious potential, enough to pay crazy money perhaps, and in Spurs' case they are clearly reminded of a certain Gareth Bale. Here are three striking signs which show that he is fast becoming 'the next Gareth Bale':

His Pace
Sessegnon is a lightning and not just in a straight line. His change of direction is frightening and has dazzled defenders at Championship level already. Bale did the same thing for Southampton and to this day, he uses his pace as his main strength.

His Change Of Position
Bale started out as an attacking left-back before moving up the pitch as his career progressed. Sessegnon too is listed as a left-back and can indeed play in that position. But, much earlier perhaps than Bale, he has been moved right up into the attacking three behind Fulham's striker, given that he has the talent to do so much damage there.

I do hope he is kept in that position. I remember watching Gareth Bale as a young left-back at St Mary's and had never before seen a player run a game from that position. His real rise came in the Champions League games for Tottenham against Inter Milan, especially scoring a hat-trick at the San Siro in the first leg, which by then meant that people saw him as a winger.

Harry Redknapp held him back a wee bit in my opinion, insisting time and again that his real position is as an attacking full-back, something which looks a little silly now.

His Potential
Bale had such natural talent that you could envisage his rise all the way to the top, long before it happened and it's the same here with Sessegnon. There's no doubt that he'll be a very young England international, though I can only hope they hold back just a little to protect him. Qatar 2022 could be an excellent stretch target for him.

Other than injury, the thing that has let Gareth Bale down is his poor attitude, manifesting itself as a rather cowardly attitude in terms of criticising England time and again and its people, once leaving for Spain, despite having been made as a footballer by its clubs and its leagues. Clearly, he will have no option but to return in due course and will no doubt have a miraculous change of opinion.

Hopefully, Sessegnon keeps a better attitude toward sthe wider football world and decides to play at a club where it is going to be best for him in the long-term.

http://soccersouls.com/2017/07/23/3-reasons-why-ryan-sessegnon-is-showing-signs-of-becoming-the-next-gareth-bale/

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Head Coach Reaction

Speaking to fulhamfc.com following the 2-2 draw with SV Darmstadt on Saturday afternoon, Slaviša Jokanović reflected on the week away in Austria and Germany.

The trip featured two fixtures in three days, and the Fulham Head Coach admitted that such a situation can be testing for a squad.

"We tried to find our style," he explained. "In this moment it's a little bit complicated for us. Against West Ham I could use only 14 players, today only 15 players.

"It's not time for some players to play 90 minutes or for some of them to play 90 minutes in both games. We did what we could in this moment.

"A typical pre-season is planned for 20-22 players, but I didn't find this situation. In the end, we had to improvise a little bit. We care about fitness, especially our more important players.

"We had to organise ourselves a little bit differently and try and be careful about training, give the players a chance to survive the pre-season games. In the end, I cared more about our fitness.

"I expect the board of the Club are going to bring in some people who are going to support us. In this moment I try and save my more important players to be available for the start of the Championship."

Tom Cairney exited the field of play in the first half against Darmstadt, having carried a slight knock earlier in the week.

"We assessed him for a few days and I didn't use him against West Ham," Jokanović stated. "He felt better this morning and we tried to play a few minutes with him.

"If I have the possibility to use different names, different players, I can use them, but right now I took some kind of risk. I understand it's not time for risks, but this is our situation."

Pre-season concludes against Bundesliga outfit VfL Wolfsburg next Saturday, and Jokanović is looking forward to returning to Craven Cottage.

"It's a nice game in front of us, our last test," he said. "I expect this week we are going to find some support for these players. I expect we will play the best game in this pre-season, and show we can be competitive in the season that's in front of us."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/july/22/head-coach-reaction

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Pre-season 'complicated' by lack of signings, says Jokanovic
by Dan on July 23, 2017

Slavisa Jokanovic appeared to suggest last night that Fulham's failure to make more summer signings has severely hampered his preparation for the start of the Championship season.

The Serbian head coach, speaking to Fulham's own website following the conclusion of the club's mini summer tour to Austria and Germany, admitted that his squad had found things 'complicated' after he had to 'improvise' given that they were light on numbers. Jokanovic went on to say that he expects the Fulham board 'bring in some people who are going to support us' in the coming days – subtly alluding to his frustration that deals have not already been concluded.

The Whites draw 2-2 with German side Darmstadt yesterday afternoon and now face one final friendly, against Wolfsburg, at Craven Cottage next weekend before they start their domestic campaign by hosting Norwich on August 5. Jokanovic was sanguine about the club's pre-season experience, given the fact that the group he has taken away on both summer trips has been considerably smaller than normal.

    We tried to find our style. In this moment it's a little bit complicated for us. Against West Ham I could use only 14 players, today only 15 players. It's not time for some players to play 90 minutes or for some of them to play 90 minutes in both games. We did what we could in this moment.

    A typical pre-season is planned for 20-22 players, but I didn't find this situation. In the end, we had to improvise a little bit. We care about fitness, especially our more important players. We had to organise ourselves a little bit differently and try and be careful about training, give the players a chance to survive the pre-season games. In the end, I cared more about our fitness.

Jokanovic's comments about the club's recruitment are more guarded that the infamous remarks that directly criticised statistical analyst Craig Kline last August but will still put pressure on the Fulham hierarchy to deliver key reinforcements in good time ahead of the big kick off.

    I expect the board of the Club are going to bring in some people who are going to support us. In this moment I try and save my more important players to be available for the start of the Championship.

Tom Cairney returned to action against Darmstadt having missed the midweek game against West Ham having picked up a knock during training and Jokanovic was unrepentant about acting cautiously when it came to his captain's fitness.

    We assessed him for a few days and I didn't use him against West Ham. He felt better this morning and we tried to play a few minutes with him. If I have the possibility to use different names, different players, I can use them, but right now I took some kind of risk. I understand it's not time for risks, but this is our situation.

The Fulham head coach is looking forward to the final friendly of pre-season which presents an intriguing match-up against Wolfsburg, evoking memories of the club's famous Europa League run some seven years ago.

    It's a nice game in front of us, our last test. "I expect this week we are going to find some support for these players. I expect we will play the best game in this pre-season, and show we can be competitive in the season that's in front of us.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/07/pre-season-complicated-by-lack-of-signings-says-jokanovic/

[WhiteJC]

 
Report: Sheyi Ojo wants Fulham loan after Newcastle United deal collapses

Liverpool winger Sheyi Ojo has been linked with Newcastle United, Fulham, Derby County and Middlesbrough in the summer transfer window.

Liverpool winger Sheyi Ojo wants to join Fulham in the summer transfer window, according to The Sun on Sunday (print edition, page 59, July 23, 2017).

It has been reported that Ojo wants to move to London club Fulham on loan for the 2017-18 campaign.

Championship rivals Derby County and Middlesbrough also want the 20-year-old winger, according to the report, although a deal regarding a sale to Newcastle United has collapsed.

Ojo is a very talented and promising young winger, and it would make sense for him to leave Liverpool on loan in the summer transfer window.

Fulham are a big and ambitious club, and the Cottagers will be looking to finish in the top six of the Championship next season.

Playing at Craven Cottage would be beneficial for Ojo, who needs competitive football at this stage of his career in order to improve and develop.

Liverpool finished fourth in the Premier League last season and will be aiming to challenge for the league title during the 2017-18 campaign.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2017/07/23/report-sheyi-ojo-wants-fulham-loan-after-newcastle-united-deal-c/