Friday Fulham Stuff (01/12/17)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham's Craven Cottage voted best ground in the Championship and fourth overall

The list was compiled by the Football Ground Guide website and the Cottage has beaten off some stunning competition

Craven Cottage - Fulham's iconic ground - has been named as the best stadium in the Championship by the Football Ground Guide website.

Fans use the website to leave reviews of the stadiums that they've been to, as well as give handy tips to other fans who may be thinking about visiting the grounds that other people have already been to.

The website asked supporters to vote for their favourite grounds from all 92 Premier League and Football League teams, and Craven Cottage came out as the best stadium in the Championship, while coming fourth in the overall list of stadiums.

Beating the likes of Hillsborough, Villa Park, Anfield and Goodison, fans all over the country seem to be fond of the charming old ground, and let's be honest, why wouldn't they?

Here's what they said about it:

"Quality of the architecture and setting beside the River Thames" – John Rogers

"Old school proper football ground with character in a great location" – Richard Geddes

"It has plenty of character with the old cottage in the corner, in a great location and plenty of room for away fans to make an atmosphere" – Henry Chard

And here's the top ten in full:

10. Hillsborough, Sheffield Wednesday

9. Etihad Stadium, Manchester City

8. AMEX Stadium, Brighton

7. Goodison Park, Everton

6. Anfield, Liverpool

5. Villa Park, Aston Villa

4. Craven Cottage, Fulham

3. Old Trafford, Manchester United

2. St James' Park, Newcastle United

1. Emirates, Arsenal



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulhams-craven-cottage-voted-best-13974737

[WhiteJC]

 
Wolves and Fulham reportedly interested in Sunderland star

Lewis Grabban, who is currently on loan at Sunderland from AFC Bournemouth, is under the radar of Championship sides Fulham and Wolverhampton Wanderers – according to talkSPORT.

Grabban is currently enjoying a fine run form for Sunderland, with the forward scoring eight goals so far this season and his exploits are all the more impressive due to the fact that he is playing for a team currently fighting relegation.

Now according to reports, this good form has caught the attention of Fulham and Wolves – both of whom are looking for experienced Championship quality forwards to help in their team's bids for promotion to Premier League next season.

Grabban has boasted a very good record in the Championship throughout his career with the likes of Norwich and Bournemouth, which makes him a safe signing for both Wolves and Fulham.

The transfer can be completed as early as January despite Grabban currently being on loan with Sunderland as Bournemouth have an option to recall the striker early from his spell at the Stadium of Light – a fact which will worry the Black Cats.




http://futnsoccer.com/2017/11/30/wolves-and-fulham-reportedly-interested-in-sunderland-star/

[WhiteJC]

 
Inside Griffin Park

Brentford fan Nik Jacques assesses an inconsistent season for the Bees, but says that he expects them to beat Fulham on Saturday.
How did you come to be a Bees fan?

It was the first club my Dad took me to when I was a young child. I remember sitting on the wooden seats (more like benches) in the Braemar Road Stand, and just being in awe and looking around thinking 'one day...'
What's your assessment of Brentford's season so far?

Underachieving to date. We have played lots of pretty football but often with no end product. Can be devastating going forward on the counter attack but still a bit shaky at the back. Confidence was starting to flow after a good run of results, so we're hoping for the best.
How frustrating was Monday night against QPR?

I still can't talk about it. 92 minutes of lording it up against a poor Rangers team for it all to be undone in two minutes. Still, it's Brentford, so nothing surprises me.
Where do you think you can end up this season?

Sneaky run at the last minute into a Play-Off place. Failing that I will settle for mid-table obscurity after our poor start to the season.
Who have been your better performers?

Ryan Woods; the special one Pirlo. Never puts a foot wrong and has so much time on the ball it's frightening, and he rarely gives the ball away. Romaine Sawyers; most improved player after a disappointing season last year (in my opinion). Nico Yennaris; unsung goal machine.
What's the best and worst thing about a trip to Griffin Park?

Best thing; old school ground with terracing and an atmosphere. Worst thing; half-time queue for toilets.
Where's a good place for away fans to get a pint before the game?

The Griffin.

Which Fulham players are you concerned about on Saturday?

George Best, Jim Stannard and Gordon Davies. Failing that, Tom Cairney; quality player who makes the team tick.
How does Dean Smith set Brentford up?

He will have them attacking from the off, with lots of controlled possession.
How do you see Saturday's game going?

Bees to win, but leaving it late just to make the fans nervous. Should be entertaining as both teams try and play football the right way, with a good hostile atmosphere.
What score prediction are you going for?

4-1 Bees, with us to score in the last minute. Why? Just happy memories...




http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/november/30/inside-griffin-park

[WhiteJC]

London Calling
by Lydia on November 30, 2017

With another London derby to look for forward to this weekend, I thought it was time to have a look at the Championship's 'London League' so far this season before looking ahead to our tie with Brentford on Saturday afternoon.

London contributes four teams to the SkyBet Championship this season with ourselves, QPR, Brentford and Millwall all competing. The table looks good if you are a Fulham fan with maximum points gained so far against teams from London. QPR have played out 2-2 draws with both Millwall and Brentford, including Monday nights late comeback, thanks mainly to the impact of Matt Smith, in injury time against Brentford. Millwall have had narrow 1-0 defeats to both Fulham and Brentford to leave them rooted to the bottom of the mini league.

Despite Fulham being at the top of the London League, each victory so far hasn't been particularly comprehensive, so we can expect another tight game on Saturday against a Brentford side who have only lost once in the league since mid-September. However, Brentford's late crumbling against QPR on Monday night that saw them squander a comfortable 2-0 lead in injury time seems to be the tale of their season so far. The Bee's have thrown away a total of 18pts this season from games were they had been winning at some point throughout, including conceding late equalisers against Bristol City, Middlesbrough and those two injury time goals from QPR on Monday evening. They have the players who can hurt teams in Ollie Watkins, Sergi Canos and Lasse Vibe (pictured below) but a leaky defence means that they find it very difficult to defend a lead. With 28 goals scored already this season in the league (bettered by only 7 other teams) Brentford potentially should be in a higher league position but, like ourselves, it is the defensive issues that will frustrate and worry fans.

Last season Fulham beat our neighbours 2-0 at Griffin Park thanks to strikes from Sone Aluko and THAT peach of a goal from Tom Cairney while a 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage was enough to seal Fulham's play-off spot bar a ridiculous goal swing in the favour of Leeds United. Games between the two sides are normally highly competitive so expect the same this time around.

We should have enough quality to see off our West London rivals, especially as our fortunes seem to be turning, but with Brentford determined to put the QPR result behind them quickly, this will not a be a straightforward game. Brentford are the league draw specialist this season with nine games finishing all-square but we aren't far behind that figure with eight. Score draw anyone? I wouldn't bet against it.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/11/london-calling/

[WhiteJC]

 
Sunderland boss confirms Bournemouth can recall Fulham and Wolves target Lewis Grabban - but hopes he will stay


Lewis Grabban in action for Sunderland.

Sunderland boss Chris Coleman has confirmed there is a clause in Lewis Grabban's loan deal that would allow Bournemouth to recall him in January.

But Coleman says the club's top scorer is happy on Wearside and says there has been no indication at this stage that the Cherries would look to recall Grabban, with interest in him from Championship rivals Fulham and Wolves. Ultimately the final decision will rest with Bournemouth but Coleman hopes the striker will stay at Sunderland for the rest of the campaign. Grabban, who has scored 10 goals in 15 league games, is on a season-long loan deal but his stunning form in a struggling Sunderland side has caught the attention of other Championship teams.

Both Wolves and Fulham are keen to land the 29-year-old on a permanent deal when the January transfer window opens. It would be a major blow to Sunderland, struggling in the Championship relegation zone, if Grabban's loan was to finish early and the cash-strapped Black Cats would struggle to match the financial clout of their Championship rivals in trying to sign him on a permanent basis.

Coleman was asked about the loan recall clause at his pre-match press conference. The Sunderland boss said: "They could do if they want to, that is in the contract, there is nothing we could do about that.

"But as far as I understand there has been no indication that will be the case. I think I am correct in saying Lewis is happy here, he has done a very good job, scored good goals, very important goals. He is very important to us. "There is nothing we can do, there is a clause to say he can go back but I have not been told by anyone there is an indication that is the case, it will be up to Bournemouth. "As I sit here, I hope Lewis is here for the rest of the season, of course, like any other Sunderland fan and all the signs from the player are good. "He enjoys his football, he has been scoring and hopefully that will continue."

Grabban has played for 10 clubs in his career including Millwall, Bournemouth, Norwich City and Reading. Bournemouth re-signed Grabban from Norwich for £7million in January 2016 but he made only 18 appearances before joining Reading and then Sunderland on loan.




Read more at: https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/sunderland-boss-confirms-bournemouth-can-recall-fulham-and-wolves-target-lewis-grabban-but-hopes-he-will-stay-1-8886221

[WhiteJC]

 
Dean looking forward to Saturday's Fulham derby

"I am really excited about the game on Saturday as I think that it is a good game for us"

Brentford Head Coach Dean Smith believes his side have moved on from Monday's disappointing draw against QPR as they build up to a second derby inside a week. The Bees led 2-0 going into the final two minutes of added time only to concede twice to be denied the win. Now, with Fulham heading to Griffin Park this weekend, Dean has told his side that they have to keep doing what they are good at right up to the final whistle to see out wins.

Speaking to iFollow Brentford ahead of the game, Dean said: "We sorted it out Tuesday. I am not one who dwells on things too long after the game. It is important not to get too emotional after the game in the dressing room. I have been in there before when it was needed but Monday wasn't a time when it was needed. We were reviewing our game management after the Bristol City game to be honest. We were outstanding and they scored in the 97th minute of a game where we absolutely battered them. Straight after that game we were looking at ways to make sure that it didn't happen again but different circumstances have cost us a number of points. We know what we are good at and we have to make sure that we maintain what we are good at when we are leading."

Back-to-back wins have lifted Fulham into the top half of the Sky Bet Championship, two points and two places above The Bees. After facing more direct opposition in the form of Cardiff City, Burton Albion, and Queens Park Rangers in recent games, Dean is expecting a much more free-flowing and technical game this Saturday which he believes will suit his side.

"It will certainly be a footballing game," said Dean. "They won't be chucking balls up there for us to defend because they haven't got the players to do that. We have to make sure that we are at our best. We had two really tough games against them last season. They out-footballed us and deservedly beat us at home and then we shared the spoils at their place. I am really excited about the game on Saturday as I think that it is a good game for us. We don't go too far away from how we want to play. There are obviously different starting points about how we want to defend different styles but our style of play doesn't change."

Dean will be without the suspended Neal Maupay this weekend while he is also waiting for news on the injury which forced Florian Jozefzoon off in the first-half against QPR. The Head Coach did, however, have a positive update on the progress of Alan Judge towards full fitness. 

"Florian Jozefzoon is a doubt for Saturday as he felt his hamstring on Monday and we brought him off," said Dean. "Neal Maupay has picked up his fifth booking. The 19th game is the one where it goes up to ten but it is one of those things that happen. The pleasing thing was the two finishes from Lasse Vibe who looks on fire again. Alan Judge is very close. We did some 11 vs 11 today and he was involved in that while Lewis Macleod is definitely available to get on the pitch now. Alan needs some minutes: until he has played some match minutes he won't be available."



https://www.brentfordfc.com/news/2017/november/dean-pre-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

 
Slavisa Jokanovic believes Fulham have better momentum ahead of Brentford derby

Do you agree with Slav's verdict ahead of the west London derby?

Slavisa Jokanovic believes Fulham have better momentum than Brentford going into the west London derby on Saturday.

The two sides meet at Griffin Park with the Cottagers on an unbeaten run of three games, taking seven points including an exciting 5-4 victory over Sheffield United at Brammall Lane.

Brentford, meanwhile, are trying to get their heads round letting a two-goal lead slip in the last two minutes of injury time in their 2-2 draw with QPR on Monday night.


(Image: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire)

It looks set to be an exciting tie, but Jokanovic insists his side are full of confidence heading into the game.

He said: "All the teams have strengths, we expect we're in a better momentum than them and full of confidence.

"The style is similiar and I expect we are going to dominate the game, they don't enjoy being without the ball like we don't enjoy and I believe we will take this ball and we will be the team that will attack them.

"In these games, there will be space for both teams and we are going to try use this space better than what they use

"At the end, I expect one good football game and we will see at the end who will be better."

Dean Smith celebrated 100 games in charge of the Bees on Monday night, and the Fulham boss praised the way he's coached his side since joining.

He added: "He's a good coach, and all the credit to him - they bring the people from lower leagues and they didn't start with their best results, but step by step they are getting better and better.

"Now Brentford is a team you can recognise what the coach is doing with them, 100 games is many changes for the team and they build some kind of style.

"I believe he's done a very good job with this team."




http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/slavisa-jokanovic-believes-fulham-better-13977453

[WhiteJC]

 
Brentford trio set to miss Fulham clash as Dean Smith gives injury update

Dalsgaard, Maupay and Jozefzoon absent for Bees

Neal Maupay and Henrik Dalsgaard will certainly miss Brentford's west London derby with Fulham, while Florian Jozefzoon is likely to be absent.

The Bees striker is suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card in the 2-2 draw at QPR, while the Danish full back is still absent with a heel injury.

Jozefzoon, meanwhile, picked up a hamstring strain early in the contest and, as of Thursday morning, has not trained with the squad meaning he is highly unlikely to feature.

"Flo felt his hamstring and we had to bring him off (at QPR)," Smith said."He's a doubt for Saturday."

He added: "He hasn't trained yet. He's having a scan this afternoon so we'll see later."

Dalsgaard's heel injury is preventing him from taking part and it appears to be a longer term issue as things stand.

Smith added: "He won't be ready. It's a low burner, a bit like the Lasse Vibe one. It's dragging on a bit"

Maupay picked up a yellow card for a late foul in the win at QPR and, as such, will sit this game out.

Smith confirmed: "Neal Maupay won't be involved as he picked up his fifth booking. I spoke to him before him going on not to get booked.

"He picked up his fifth and the 19th game was the one where it goes up to 10. It happens and you deal with it. But Lasse Vibe looks on fire again and he's scored a lot of goals under my tenure."

The Frenchman's suspension could provide a chance for Justin Shaibu to impress during the contest, even though he's been a forgotten man in recent weeks.

Smith explained: "Justin has done all right when he's been on the bench. He's still a member of the first team squad but he hasn't had the opportunity. He's fine."

Alan Judge is moving closer to a return but the game will come to early for him as Smith wants him to feature for the B team first.

The head coach revealed: "He's very close. We've done some 11 v 11 today and Alan is involved in that but Lewis can get on the pitch now.

"Until Alan plays minutes in terms of a B team game or behind closed doors (then he won't be considered for selection)."

Rico Henry (knee) is a long term absentee.



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/brentford-trio-set-miss-fulham-13977618

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham team news as two players have question marks over their inclusion against Brentford

There are still question marks over the fitness of two key Fulham players as they face Brentford in the west London derby on Saturday

Fulham will be checking on the fitness of both Tim Ream and Kevin McDonald ahead of the trip to Brentford, with both still a doubt after missing the Millwall win.

Both players failed fitness tests ahead of the win last weekend and Slavisa Jokanovic will be checking on their condition as they face the Bees in the west London derby at Griffin Park on Saturday.

The Fulham boss will hope that both players are fit for the tie, with Floyd Ayite and Lucas Piazon definitely missing out as they continue their recovery from injury.

Apart from that, it's a clean bill of health for the side as they make the short trip to Griffin Park, while the home side will be without Henrik Dalsgaard, Neal Maupay and Florian Jozefzoon.



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-team-news-two-players-13977684

[WhiteJC]

 
Brentford boss defends under-fire goalkeeper ahead of Fulham clash

The shot stopper has made some costly errors in recent games, notably when it comes to dealing with crosses

Dean Smith backed goalkeeper Dan Bentley ahead of Brentford's west London derby with Fulham.

The shot stopper has made some costly errors in recent games, notably when it comes to dealing with crosses.

But the head coach has been quick to defend his keeper, who held his hands up for his mistake in the 2-2 draw at QPR.

He said: "I'm not concerned. Dan is a very good goalkeeper. He made a mistake for their first goal and against Leeds.

"He made a mistake early in the second half and then after that took a ball under pressure so he's a player you look at and knows it doesn't affect him. He'll get on with the game and better and better."

Bentley has made some key saves during his time at Brentford but will know recent errors have been costly.

"What is form? He's made a mistake. Other players make mistakes during a game and it's not highlighted much. That's all it was," Smith explained.

"One of the things we've got in the squad is a great culture and a great bond. Dan Bentley made a mistake and he held his hand up but the players around him weren't there to get him out of it and they held their hands up as well.

"Football is a game of mistakes and you want to make less mistakes than the opposition.

"If you look back at the goal, he doesn't get protection from the one of Jake Bidwell and that's something we, as a group, would accept."

There is certainly a case made for Luke Daniels and Smith knows he faces a selection dilemma with the former Scunthorpe man itching for a start.

He added: That's why Dan Bentley knows he has to make less mistakes because he knows he has Luke Daniels pushing him all the way."



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/brentford-boss-defends-under-fire-13978065

[WhiteJC]

 
Slavisa Jokanovic reiterates David Button's choice of goal kick is his preferred style of play

The keeper has come in for some criticism for his distribution, but his manager has backed him ahead of the Brentford game

Slavisa Jokanovic has reiterated that David Button is playing the style that he wants Fulham to play, and if the keeper makes mistakes it's down to him, not the player.

The goalkeeper, who has enjoyed a good season so far, has come in for some criticism from some set of the Fulham support for the amount of times he plays the ball short from goal kicks, which some believe puts the side under unwarranted pressure.

However, Jokanovic, who has spoken before about how he wants Fulham to build attacks from the back, has reiterated ahead of the Brentford game that Button chooses the shorter pass because he wants him to - and if he makes any mistakes then it's down to the manager and not the player.

Button returns to Griffin Park on Saturday, where he spent three years, having kept his first clean sheet since August in the 1-0 win over Millwall, and his manager has backed him ahead of the game.

He said: "I know there exists a question about David Button, where we start our build up with the short ball and try find spare man with the player surrounding them.


(Image: Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)

"This is my order, I force him to do this and I don't find any target men to play long balls because I don't believe we will win if I send a long ball for Rui Fonte, Kebano, Sessegnon, Ayite or these kind of players.

"Our supporters can believe I want him to try and play from the back, and I understand we can make mistake and I take this risk and these are my mistake.

"If David Button miss some pass, it's because I make mistake, not because Button makes mistake.

"People have a sensation that Button takes the decision, but I prefer we take this during the game, and sometimes we must find a little bit different solution.

"At the end I am satisfied of David's choice and how he's managed this situation."



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/slavisa-jokanovic-reiterates-david-buttons-13977617

[WhiteJC]

 
upturn not down to Kline's exit – Jokanovic

Slavisa Jokanovic has insisted Craig Kline's exit has not been the catalyst for his side's improved results.

The Whites have won twice, drawn and lost once since Kline – the ex-assistant to head of football operations Tony Khan – was sacked.

es the return of key players from injury has been more significant.

"I don't believe my players are thinking about this man (Kline). I am not thinking about him either. It's not an important thing," he said ahead of the west London derby with Brentford.

"I don't want somebody to believe we lost some games because he was here or we won some games because he is out.

"His participation was in a different part (of the club). He wasn't involved in the past like he's not involved now, whether we win or lose the game.

"There are many reasons why we are where we are this season. Without going so deep into it, we had many people with some physical problems. I'm talking about important players; players my team depends on.

"When some important players don't play for my team we are in trouble. We are still trying to adapt some players. In a big club in England, it's not strange that you are waiting a year for some new players to give some results."

Fulham moved into the top half of the Championship by following up a 5-4 victory at Sheffield United with a 1-0 win at home to Millwall.

Jokanovic explained: "The Sheffield United game was a very important win for us and our confidence, against a very strong team at the top of the table. But thinking about one game I'm not sure is correct.

"My job is to be positive and I must be satisfied with this game, like I must be satisfied with the three points against Millwall. But, at the same time, I must be realistic.

"It's simple; we must push and show more enthusiasm, desire and quality. I can organise the team but the end product depends on my players and them taking the right decision at the right moment."



http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/jovanovic-insists-kline-exit-not-catalyst-upturn

[WhiteJC]

 
Micky Adams Q&A Live: An evening at the Cottage with the former Fulham manager

Join us for live updates from the Fulham Supporters' Trust evening Q&A with Micky Adams

The Fulham Supporters' Trust are hosting an evening with former manager Micky Adams to discuss his time spent at the club.

Adams famously got the club promoted from Division Three in 1996/67, being named Division Three manager of the season having been appointed as player/manager in March 1996.

Following Mohamed Al-Fayed's take-over of the club, Adams was dismissed in September 1997 in favour of Kevin Keegan and Ray Wilkins, but the Adams is still held in high regard around the Cottage.

The Fulham Supporters' Trust chair, Tom Greatrex, will be hosting the evening, which gets underway at around 7.30pm, as he and Adams discuss his time at the Cottage - both playing and managing.



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/micky-adams-qa-live-evening-13975099

[EastEndWhite]

Hope this link works!

https://mobile.twitter.com/FulhamFC/status/936196383576612867/video/1