Saturday Fulham Stuff (16/12/17)...

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Sunderland In Focus

Have a browse through all the key matchday details as Fulham go in search of a fourth win from five when we travel to Sunderland on Saturday.
Possible opposition absentees

Paddy McNair - groin injury

Duncan Watmore - knee injury

Lamine Kone - knee injury

Jonny Williams - shoulder injury

Billy Jones - foot injury

Didier Ndong - knee injury

Bryan Oviedo - shoulder injury

Lee Cattermole - suspended
Tickets

Fans will be able to purchase tickets on the day, with no price increase, from Turnstile 71.
Weather

It will be a dry, sunny day in Sunderland, but temperatures will be as low as one degree during the game.
Getting there

A train from London Kings Cross to Sunderland takes around three-and-a-half hours, and the stadium is then a 15-20 minute walk.
He said...

"Of course I know Fulham well, I spent 10 years there as a player and a manager, but that won't come into my thinking. All it will be is, 'how do we get what we need on Saturday?'" – Chris Coleman, Sunderland manager.
Live stream

This fixture has been chosen for live coverage internationally, and therefore we cannot stream it on fulhamfctv. For a full list of international picks, follow this link.
Grosvenor Casinos match odds

Sunderland: 37/20

Draw: 12/5

Fulham: 7/5
Previous five results

Wolves 0-0 Sunderland (Sky Bet Championship)

Sunderland 1-3 Reading (Sky Bet Championship)

Burton Albion 0-2 Sunderland (Sky Bet Championship)

Aston Villa 2-1 Sunderland (Sky Bet Championship)

Sunderland 2-2 Millwall (Sky Bet Championship)



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/december/15/sunderland-in-focus

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Results

Friday
Sheff Wed	0 - 1	Wolves

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An ode to Steed Malbranque, Tony Blair's favourite footballer

Steed Malbranque may be one of the Premier League's more unheralded imports, but he will always be remembered fondly at Fulham, Totttenham and Sunderland.

It's 2005. Tony Blair has been invited, for reasons that aren't immediately obvious, onto BBC's Football Focus programme to give his views on the beautiful game.

The nation is unsure whether to take his opinion on anything – particularly something as important as football – seriously. However, to give the former Prime Minister his dues, on this occasion he may be onto something.

Sporting an unnecessarily open-necked shirt and asked to name the Premier League players who had caught his eye, he gave three responses: Teddy Sheringham, Arjan de Zeeuw, and Steed Malbranque.

The first, fair enough. The second is a story for another day.

Blair was a man who knew his football. Remember his headers with Kevin Keegan? We know that his love of Newcastle was entirely genuine, and that he wouldn't have pretended to support them just because they were the nearest major club to his constituency.

This was an era when the Premier League was graced with Thierry Henry and Ruud van Nistelrooy. Paul Scholes was at his peak. Yet, few had the foresight to invest their hopes in a midfielder who would go on to provide more assists than the Manchester United legend.

Malbranque made his name at Fulham as a record signing, arriving as a highly-rated but unknown French under-21 international costing £4.5million. By 2001, as a 20-year-old, he had already made 50 appearances for Lyon.

At Craven Cottage, he quickly earned a reputation as a phenomenally hard-working player, linking up with the likes of Luis Boa Morte and Brian McBride. Those were the days, weren't they?

A move to Tottenham Hotspur followed, where his tackling ability became more apparent than ever. In line with the step up he had made, he resolved to work even harder.

Just as he had in west London, he would achieve cult hero status at Spurs.

"Steeeed," White Hart Lane would cry whenever he came on or off the field, and all the more vociferously on the handful of times he scored for the club. Maybe it was because he kept them in such suspense before making his debut, having had to wait 10 weeks for his first appearance due to injury.

Of course, he is one of the last Tottenham players to win a trophy, playing his part in their Carling Cup triumph in 2008. In the semi-final thrashing of Arsenal, he notched the fifth goal in the dying seconds. It was no more than the icing on the cake, a tap-in, but it was absolutely glorious.

At the other end, and unfortunately just as memorable, came his comedic own goal against Sevilla in the UEFA Cup. It was a night when the La Liga outfit – incidentally, managed by a certain Juande Ramos – were almost certain to go through, though Spurs gave themselves hope as they came from two goals down, only to lose 4-3 on aggregate.

Christian Poulsen leapt up with the header. Malbranque's response was to flap at it, legs flailing, and before he knew it, the ball was in the back of the net. Martin Jol decided he would never be put on the near post at corners again.

It had taken a little while for the fans to warm to their new £2million signing. Perhaps on account of his injuries, his first campaign was underwhelming and it took time for the Belgian-born star to become instrumental. Never the bridegroom, but always in the wedding party, his display in the classic 6-4 win over Reading was overshadowed by Dimitar Berbatov's four goals.

The 2007-08 season started in traumatic fashion with Jol's underhand sacking in October, yet for Malbranque himself, the campaign brought progress.

Admittedly, he wasn't cut from the same cloth as the midfielders Mauricio Pochettino would entertain nowadays, but this was a very different time. Expectations are a little higher than they were then, but Moussa Sissoko might learn something from a player who captured the hearts of the Spurs faithful by sheer exertion.

Onto Sunderland, he followed in the footsteps of two other ex-Lilywhites in Teemu Tainio and Pascal Chimbonda. The Black Cats were looking increasingly like a Tottenham tribute act, featuring old boys Andy Reid, Darren Bent, and Frazier Campbell, as well as loanee Alan Hutton. Ricky Sbragia managed to exploit his versatility, using him both on the left and right and to great effect.

With the end of his time at the Stadium of Light came the end of English football's love affair with Steed Malbranque.

Upon quitting Lyon, he had made some fairly disparaging comments not about the club itself, but about the quality of Ligue 1, and chose to spend his best years across the water in England. It was only in the twilight of his career that he headed back to Lyon, via Saint-Etienne, before ending with a brief stint in Caen.

French fans may have forgotten all about him by that time, as he never ventured into the senior international team. The peak of his career coincided with Les Bleus finishing the 2006 World Cup as runners-up, with Franck Ribery announcing himself on the global stage. It would have taken something truly spectacular to make it into that XI.

While it lasted, the pace and determination he showed at Fulham, and subsequently at Tottenham, was something to behold. So, here's to you, Mr Blair, for your incredible foresight.



http://www.planetfootball.com/nostalgia/ode-steed-malbranque-tony-blairs-favourite-footballer/

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Slavisa Jokanovic hoping to get Fulham's transfer business done early as he prepares to strengthen squad

The summer transfer window saw 11 signings made, while Sone Aluko and Scott Malone both left the club, and the club now have targets in mind for the January window.

Slavisa Jokanovic has revealed that Fulham know which players they will be targeting in January and hopes to have deals concluded at the start of the month.

The summer transfer window saw 11 signings made, while Sone Aluko and Scott Malone both left the club, and the club now have targets in mind for the January window.

The head coach has made it clear that he thinks the side aren't clinical enough in front of goal in recent weeks, while he also wanted to add a defender in the summer.


(Image: Harry Murphy/Getty Images)

And with January fast approaching Jokanovic has revealed the intention is to plug the missing gaps in the Fulham side.

He said:"I have the targets and it's clear what we need.

"The club has agreed what positions we need to improve in the future and now it's a question of how we are going to make the job.

"What I prefer, and what all the coaches in the world prefer, I expect we will make this job in the beginning of January, not at the end of this month.

"The intention is to try find an element that we are missing in these few months and try to be stronger, more solid and more competitive in the time that is ahead of us."



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/slavisa-jokanovic-hoping-fulhams-transfer-14041292

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Find The Perfect Gift

Enjoy the festive season with our Christmas store now open.

With gifts for the whole family, you are sure to find the perfect present for your loved ones this Christmas.

Shop from a number of Fulham FC gift ideas and stocking fillers including the brand new Christmas jumper, Official 2018 Calendar and soft toys.

There are also a number of special offers available, including:

    Free printing on all 2017/18 Home Shirts
    20% off all 2017/18 Away Shirts, including the goalkeeper top

Supporters can take advantage of these exciting offers online or at our brand new-look Stadium Store located at Craven Cottage on Stevenage Road.
Shop online

Terms & Conditions apply.
Home Shirt offer expires at midnight on Friday 22nd December
Away Shirt offer expired at midnight on Sunday 17th December


2017/18 Half Season Tickets

Why not treat yourself or someone special to a 2017/18 Half Season Ticket.

With 11 great games still to come at Craven Cottage, don't miss the second half with adults priced from £199 and juniors just £59!



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/december/15/christmas-shopping

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U23s Travel To Boro

Fulham travel to PL2 table toppers Middlesbrough on Sunday afternoon in a 1pm kick off.

Fulham are seven points behind Boro in fifth place in the league on 19 points. A win could potentially see the Whites go to third in the PL2, and also close the gap to the top of the table.

These two sides have met already this season in the reverse fixture at Motspur Park in the first match of the season.

Boro ran out 2-1 winners in a tight game where a Stephen Humphrys strike wasn't enough to win a point.

Since then however, the Whites have found their form and have had the best run in the league recently with five wins and draw.

The Whites' last match finished 1-1 as they hosted Brighton at Motspur Park.

A first half strike from winger Jon Dagur Thorsteinsson gave the Whites the lead, but a second half resurgence from the Seagulls meant the spoils were shared.

Middlesbrough lost their last match, it was their first league loss in five where they lost away 1-0 to Norwich City. Boro have two wins, two draws and a loss in their last five league outings.

Live updates will be provided on the Club's twitter account, @FulhamFC.

http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/december/15/u23s-travel-to-boro

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Sunderland v Fulham: Jokanovic wary of big threats in Black Cats' side

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic heads to the Stadium of Light wary of a Sunderland side seeking a first home win of 2017.

And he has pinpointed the potential danger of facing Lewis Grabban, Aiden McGeady and Callum McManaman. The Black Cats last secured a victory on Wearside on December 17 last year, but Chris Coleman's arrival as manager has boosted optimism that the barren run will finally end in tomorrow's Sky Bet Championship clash (3pm kick-off). Tomorrow, Fulham are the latest side to try to add to Sunderland's home woes and manager Jokanovic said: "They desperately need the points. "A big number of games are behind them now where they haven't won at home. "I expect they are going to be super-competitive in this game. The situation they're in, they need three points. "100% Sunderland are going to win Championship games at home, [but] I hope they are not going to do it against us. It will definitely be a tough game. "They've got a new coach now, new staff, and they're desperately waiting for a reaction. They are going to show something different, I expect they are going to show improvements.

"We need to focus on our job, try to dominate Sunderland. We're going to find a competitive, organised team. "They have quality players – McGeady, McManaman, Grabban, who is one of the top scorers in the Championship – and we have to take care. "We must find our style, start well, be ready to press, and be clinical with our end product when we are in the opposite box." Coleman has only his second home game in charge of Sunderland, against a club he played for and managed.

Jokanovic added on fulhamfc.com: "He's a fantastic manager. He got to the semi-finals of the European Championship (with Wales) ... he did a fantastic job with Fulham as a player and a coach. "I don't know him personally, but other people have a great opinion about him. What I hear is he's a great man. What I know is he's a very good coach." Meanwhile, the Cottagers' Serbian manager reckons that Sunderland's problems this term – in a first season outside the top flight since 2006-07 – prove just how difficult the Championship is. "Sometimes this kind of situation happens, the Championship is a tough competition and it's not easy for any club," Jokanovic said. "It's a big name, recently relegated from the Premier League. Last season, Hull, Sunderland and Middlesbrough were relegated, and none of these teams are in the top two. It's a big challenge for all the teams, and a big challenge for Sunderland too."



Read more at: https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/sunderland-v-fulham-jokanovic-wary-of-big-threats-in-black-cats-side-1-8911582

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'The tactic gave Spain a World Cup' – The verdict on Fulham's approach to Sunderland clash

Fulham travel to Sunderland this weekend as they look to get their play-off challenge really going ahead of the second half of the campaign.

The men from Craven Cottage have been too inconsistent for a top six berth so far this year but we know what they can do when they hook it up.

With that in mind, then, we're wondering whether Stefan Johansen will remain in his false 9 role against the Black Cats...

Alfie Burns

Not for me, at the Stadium of Light, Fulham should be going for it and lining up with a recognised striker.

Aboubakar Kamara and Rui Fonte were both utilised from the bench last weekend, and for me, one of that duo should start tomorrow, with Johansen dropping back into a deeper role.

Jokanovic could be considering the tactic in bigger games, however.

Chris Gallagher

Yes, I don't see why not.

I think Fulham will have the majority of the ball and the fluid style of a false nine could work.

Sunderland have defenders such as John O'Shea who won't like getting dragged out of position. And, if it doesn't work it's easy to revert back to normal.

Adam Simeoni

Is there anyone else to play as a striker? Injuries are mounting up, and Jokanovic could be forced into playing a false nine again.

Fulham beat Birmingham but lost to Brentford with the tactic, so it remains to be seen whether it actually works.

The tactic gave Spain a World Cup, but will it work on a regular basis in the Championship? I'm sure we'll find out this weekend.


https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/the-tactic-gave-spain-a-world-cup-the-verdict-on-fulhams-approach-to-sunderland-clash/

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Sunderland players seem better suited to Chris Coleman's tactics – Fulham is big chance for us

Saturday's point against Wolves has set us up for two consecutive games at the Stadium of Light.

Coming away from Molineux with a result has been no mean feat this season, and to do so with a man down for a large period certainly warrants admiration.

The difficulty Sunderland have had this season has being building on any flickers of positivity. This is really a chance to do so. If we can beat both Fulham and Birmingham, seven points from three games sets us up very nicely for the manic festive period, and gets us moving away from the relegation zone. It's a big chance to end the home hoodoo, and in Birmingham at least, a chance to drag them further into the relegation mire. This may sound silly given our current position and predicament, but I am yet to see a good side come and beat us at the Stadium of Light. We have consistently lost and drawn to average and poor teams, and this is what makes the home record even more frustrating. The gung-ho approach under Simon Grayson probably didn't help and led to us getting caught on the break, thus changing the entire game. The approach under Chris Coleman has been evidently different; much more emphasis is based on keeping the ball and using it to get forward, rather that using a long ball tactic. Under Coleman we have had two clean sheets having previously failed to keep any and it is obvious to me that the players are much more suited to this style of football. Whether Coleman keeps with the same formation as against Wolves remains to be seen, although none of the players that came in did themselves any harm at all. Donald Love coming in from nowhere at right back, had one of his best games for the club and Lynden Gooch was fantastic in midfield, pressing and harrying all game.

Adam Matthews again impressed, this time at left wing back, Marc Wilson looked OK and it is testament to the defensive performance that for all Wolves' attacking quality, Robbin Ruiter wasn't particularly overworked in goal. Things may be a little different on Saturday, as the emphasis will more be on Sunderland to win the game. We won't see a backs to the wall performance against Fulham, and there will be some changes to personnel and possibly the system. With Cattermole suspended someone has to come into the midfield. Who comes in then? Joel Asoro was unused last weekend as was Aiden McGeady. Elliot Embleton came on for the last period in midfield so he could be in the thinking. What is essential is to get more support up with Lewis Grabban, whether that involves playing Vaughan up with him, giving Asoro a go or possibly playing McGeady centrally.

There is of course the chance the system may change completely but I feel Coleman may stick with the wing backs after what was undoubtedly our best defensive performance this season. A win can get us out of the bottom three on Saturday, so there is even some added motivation. But how many times have we said that before...




Read more at: https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/sunderland-players-seem-better-suited-to-chris-coleman-s-tactics-fulham-is-big-chance-for-us-1-8910590

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Sunderland v Fulham preview

Sunderland will be without the suspended Lee Cattermole when they face Fulham at the Stadium of Light.

Cattermole was sent off in last week's encouraging goalless draw against Wolves at Molineux, and boss Chris Coleman could make a number of other changes. Coleman has already indicated he could restore winger Aiden McGeady to his starting line-up after he impressed in training.

Callum McManaman is available again after suspension but Paddy McNair (groin), Bryan Oviedo (knee), Billy Jones (foot) and Didier Ndong (knee) are among those still set to be sidelined.

Fulham midfielder Neeskens Kebano will miss the trip. The Congolese midfielder limped off holding his calf shortly after half-time during the 1-0 win over Birmingham last Saturday and joins winger Floyd Ayite (hamstring) on the sidelines.

There was good news from the treatment room, though, with Chelsea loanee Lucas Piazon returning to training after a broken leg. Defender Denis Odoi is available after a one-match ban.

Opta stats

This is the first league meeting between these sides since January 2014 - Sunderland won 4-1 in the Premier League at Craven Cottage.

Outside of the top-flight, these sides haven't met in the league since the 1987/88 campaign - Sunderland won both matches 2-0 that season, with Marco Gabbiadini scoring three of those four goals.

Chris Coleman is set to face Fulham for the first time as a manager - Coleman managed 176 matches for the Cottages between 2003 and 2007.

The Cottagers have benefitted from a joint league high (along with Bolton and Reading) two own-goals this season in the Championship.

Sunderland have kept clean sheets in two of their last three league matches - as many as they'd managed in their previous 32 combined.

Sheyi Ojo has had a hand in four goals in his last four league matches for Fulham (three goals, one assist).

Prutton's prediction
We've reached a year since Sunderland last won a game at home. December 17, 2016 was the last time the Black Cats could celebrate victory at the Stadium of Light, when they beat Watford in the Premier League.

They're up against a somewhat revitalised Fulham who have started to rediscover some of the style that catapulted them into the play-offs last season. But I think this will be the day for Sunderland when that dreadful run ends.

David Prutton predicts: 1-0 (17/2 with Sky Bet)



http://www.skysports.com/football/sland-vs-fulham/preview/374882

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Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic provides interesting January transfer update

Fulham have failed to replicate last season's fine form so far this term.

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic spoke to reporters during his pre-match press conference, ahead of his side's trip to the Stadium of Light to take on Sunderland tomorrow, and delivered an update on his plans for the January transfer window, as quoted by Get West London.

The Cottagers nearly earned promotion to the Premier League last season, eventually losing out to Reading in the semi-finals of the play-offs, but this term has been far from plain sailing for Jokanovic's men, and they currently sit in 12th position in the Championship table.

There is still a long way to go this season, however, with 25 Championship games still to be played, and if the Serbian manages to bring some real quality to Craven Cottage in January, they have every chance fo making a sustained push for the top six.

Jokanovic spoke to reporters during his pre-match press conference, and insisted that it is his hope to bolster his ranks next month,  whilst highlighting the importance of getting his business done early, as quoted by Get West London:

"I have the targets and it's clear what we need. The club has agreed what positions we need to improve in the future and now it's a question of how we are going to make the job. What I prefer, and what all the coaches in the world prefer, I expect we will make this job in the beginning of January, not at the end of this month. The intention is to try find an element that we are missing in these few months and try to be stronger, more solid and more competitive in the time that is ahead of us."

A win for Fulham against the Black Cats tomorrow could take them as high as eighth in the table, if result elsewhere go their way.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2017/12/15/fulham-boss-slavisa-jokanovic-provides-interesting-january-trans/

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History of Sunderland v Fulham; South Shields match-fixing, Hungarian football & a title pursuit
Sunderland and Fulham have faced each other 62 times in their history. Mark Metcalf scours into past games between the two and presents some of the most incredible tales having taken place.

With Sunderland having only played at the time in the First Division, it was not until the 1934/35 season that the Wearsiders faced the Cottagers in a competitive match when Second Division Fulham travelled north for a third round FA Cup tie at Roker Park.

The away side was managed by Jimmy Hogan, who is often credited with the revolution in European football that saw Hungary thrash England 6–3 at Wembley in 1953. After the match, Sándor Barcs, the Hungarian Football Federation President said, "Jimmy Hogan taught us everything we know about football."

Sunderland born Ernie Taylor, then playing for Blackpool, was one of the England players that fateful day against the Magyars. It proved to be the inside forward's only cap. Taylor later played for his hometown. Another Sunderland born inside forward from an earlier era who also played, between 1919 and 1921, for his home side was Barney Travers.

Travers, a prisoner-of-war in World War One, ended his career in disgrace after he joined Fulham from Sunderland for a fee of £3,000 in February 1921.

Travers was suspended for life by the Football Association in April 1922 for offering an alleged £20 bribe to throw the South Shields v Fulham fixture at the Horsley Hill Stadium in March 1921, although the attempted bribery was uncovered before damage was done.

Travers admitted he had travelled to the North East three days before the game but that was not unusual given that he had so many friends there.

Also, although he was charged on his own, it was hard to see how any match could be fixed by just one person. The match was crucial in that both Fulham and South Shields were challenging for promotion to Division One. South Shields won 1 v 0 but subsequently failed to gain promotion.

The FA held the enquiry in secret, ensuring justice would not be met in public. Travers career was forcibly ended. He later journeyed to Spain and subsequently travelled to Austria where he became Vienna player-manager in May 1922. He was to later return to Sunderland where he had a fruit and veg stall in the town.

Aged 50, Travers was later pardoned by the FA in 1945, but no announcement was ever made about the involvement of other players or of Fulham FC.

The first meeting between the two sides - on 12 January 1935 - was won 3-2 by Sunderland with all the home goals being scored by Bobby Gurney, who in the next round also scored in what is possibly the greatest game yet seen at Goodison Park, when Sunderland were knocked out of the FA cup by six goals to four after extra time.

It was not until the 1949-50 season that Sunderland and newly promoted Fulham faced each other on equal footing in Division One. It was a season which Sunderland began badly but when they beat the Whites 2-0 at Roker Park on 22 October 1949 the side managed by Bill Murray rose to ninth in the table.

The Wearsiders were to maintain their progress over the following months and as such when they travelled to Craven Cottage for an Easter Friday fixture they were in with a real chance of winning the League title again.

At this time Sunderland was tied with Arsenal and Aston Villa as the most successful League club ever with six titles each. The Roker Park club had had other opportunities to add to the total and might have won the crown in 1900-01 and 1902-03 in particular and possibly also in 1922-23.

Sunderland took their London opponents apart with goals from Tommy Reynolds, Len Duns - the club's oldest servant and who was making his first start of the season - and Tommy Wright. The victory ensured the double over Fulham for the season. There was general relief all round as a bad injury in the previous day's victory at home to Middlesbrough to top scorer Dickie Davis, who was to finish as Division One leading scorer in the season with 25 goals, was feared by many Sunderland fans to have dealt a fateful blow to their sides title chances.

Sunderland rose to the top of the table but the loss of Davis did prove crucial. Two days later Sunderland lost 2-0 at Middlesbrough. A crucial 2-1 home defeat to relegation bound Manchester City was followed by a 3-1 defeat at Huddersfield Town.

The Wearsiders beat Everton 4-2 at Roker Park before, on the final day of the season, a returning Davis notched two as Chelsea lost 4-1 at Roker Park. Sunderland finished third in the final table, just one point behind second-placed Wolves and title winners Portsmouth. It was a disappointing end to a season but that final placing remains Sunderland's highest since the last time the club won the title in 1935-36.



https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2017/12/15/16777440/history-of-sunderland-v-fulham-south-shields-match-fixing-hungarian-football-a-title-pursuit

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Sunderland v Fulham
SAT 16 Dec 2017 Championship
Venue: Stadium of Light


Sunderland boss Chris Coleman is awaiting his first victory at the Stadium of Light, after his side were beaten by Reading in his first home match

Sunderland midfielder Lee Cattermole serves a one-match ban but winger Callum McManaman is available again after suspension.

Paddy McNair (groin), Bryan Oviedo (knee), Billy Jones (foot) and Didier Ndong (knee) are among those still set to be sidelined.

Fulham forwards Neeskens Kebano (calf) and Floyd Ayite (hamstring) are out.

Lucas Piazon is back in training after a broken leg while defender Denis Odoi could return from a one-match ban.

SAM's prediction
Home win 32%   Draw 28%   Away win 40%

SAM, the Sports Analytics Machine, is a super-computer built by @ProfIanMcHale of the University of Liverpool.

Match facts
    This is the first league meeting between these sides since January 2014, when Sunderland won 4-1 in the Premier League at Craven Cottage.
    Outside of the top flight, the two clubs have not met in the league since the 1987-88 campaign. Sunderland won both matches 2-0 that season, with Marco Gabbiadini scoring three of those four goals.
    Chris Coleman is set to face Fulham for the first time as a manager - Coleman managed 176 matches for the Whites between 2003 and 2007.
    The west Londoners have benefitted from a joint-league high (along with Bolton and Reading) two own-goals this season in the Championship.
    Sunderland have kept clean sheets in two of their last three league matches - as many as they had managed in their previous 32 combined.
    Sheyi Ojo has had a hand in four goals in his last four league matches for Fulham (three goals, one assist).



http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/42289904

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SUNDERLAND: Didier Ndong ready to return to face Fulham

DIDIER NDONG is set to return to Sunderland's starting line-up for tomorrow's Championship home game with Fulham.

The Black Cats return to action looking to avoid going an entire 12 months without recording a home victory, with their last success at the Stadium of Light having come when they beat Watford on December 17 last year.

They will be without Lee Cattermole following his dismissal in last weekend's goalless draw at Wolves, so Ndong's return from injury is particularly timely.

However, Paddy McNair, Bryan Oviedo and Billy Jones all remain on the absentee list as Chris Coleman prepares to lock horns with one of his former clubs.

Coleman said: "Didier Ndong has trained this week, and looks good. He looks fit, but he's been out for five weeks with no football. He's a naturally fit boy though, and he's trained well.

"Paddy McNair is not available unfortunately. He trained at the start of the week, but he's still feeling his groin, so he'll be unavailable. Bryan Oviedo will be another week or so, and the same with Billy Jones.

"Billy will need some football before he gets back on the pitch with us, but he's doing well with his rehab and could be ready to join in training with us next week."



http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/football/sunderland/15776338.SUNDERLAND__Didier_Ndong_ready_to_return_to_face_Fulham/

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Sessegnon switches agent ahead of summer bidding war

Tottenham have been put on high alert after reported target Ryan Sessegnon switched agents ahead of a possible bidding war next summer.

Left-back Sessegnon and his twin brother Steven, both currently playing for Fulham, have moved over to Unique Sports Management, a company whose clients include Spurs star Harry Kane and Crystal Palace ace Wilfried Zaha.

The brothers, both 17, have made the move alongside their current agents Andy Niedzwiecki and Joe Russo.

As quoted by The Sun, USM CEO Will Salthouse said: "We are really excited to welcome Ryan and Steven in to the USM family, alongside their existing management team of Andy and Joe.

"They join a highly motivated and dedicated team who are committed to helping the guys achieve their career goals."

The Sun claim that Fulham are already on the hunt for left-sided players to replace dazzling wide man Sessegnon, who is reportedly viewed by Spurs as a long-term replacement for Danny Rose.

Both brothers signed contract extensions at the Cottagers in the summer, and the fee for Ryan would have to be a large one if Spurs were to get their man.

Manchester United are also reported to be interested in Sessegnon, and it is thought that a tussle will ensue for his signature next summer.

OPINION
If Rose does leave north London, which is looking pretty likely, then Spurs would do very well to bring in Sessegnon to replace him. The 17-year-old has been a crucial part of Fulham's side for the past two years, and he bagged an incredible hat-trick on his 50th appearance for the club earlier this season. He is a European U-19 champion with England, and is one of the country's most highly-rated young talents at the minute. There is no doubt that the Lilywhites will have some stiff competition for his signature, and they will have to stump up an astronomical fee for the player. However, if Rose does go then the club should receive a sizeable fee for the 27-year-old, and would be able to reinvest that money into a deal for Sessegnon.



https://thisisfutbol.com/2017/12/blogs/premier-league/sessegnon-switches-agent-ahead-of-summer-bidding-war/

[WhiteJC]

Cookie doesn't crumble
by Dan on December 15, 2017

I don't have much time for Iain Dowie. Setting aside his QPR associations, he introduced the cringeworthy 'bouncebackility' into the game's lexicon during a doomed spell in the Selhurt Park dugout. In one of his numerous attempts to be funny on the telly, he suggested that Chris Coleman acquired his ubiquitous nickname because 'when he came up against me, he crumbled like a Cookie'. Everyone in the Sky studio, including Coleman (who was out of work at the time) cackled at the ingenious hilarity but Dowie's humorous aside couldn't be further from the truth.

Tomorrow afternoon represents the first time that Coleman, who made over 200 appearances for Fulham after dropping down two divisions in a sign that Mohamed Al-Fayed was serious about awakening the little team by the Thames, has sat in the opposite dugout against the Whites. Lesser men than the likeable Welshman would have been broken by the horrific car crash that shattered his leg, but Coleman not only came back to represent his country, he then took the first steps in a coaching career under Jean Tigana. When the Frenchmen's reign came to abrupt end with Fulham in serious danger of losing their Premier League place, Coleman took the reigns. It might have been temporary – but Cookie doesn't do anything to keep the seat warm and, after astonishing initial success, took charge of the Whites for 176 games.

Coleman's drive remains one of his most alluring credentials. Not for him the reflected glory of leading Wales to the semi-finals of Euro 2016 – ending half a century's wait for a place at a tournament finals. He could very easily have carried on as country of the country he loves, despite narrowly missing out on a trip to Russia this summer, but he decided to try and revive the beleaguered Black Cats instead. The task appears herculean, with Ellis Short taking pelters from one of the loyalest fanbases in British football, but Coleman's mixture of motivation and tactical acumen is already paying dividends – Sunderland held the league leaders Wolves to a goalless draw last week, despite playing the final half an hour with ten men after Lee Cattermole picked up two bookings in 60 seconds.

The Cottage records of both Coleman, who rescued the rudderless side he inherited from Tigana having come from behind to beat Newcastle inspired by a screamer from Sylvain Legwinski, and Kit Symons, who has joined the Sunderland coaching staff, are deserving of some reexamination. Coleman coaxed the very best out of Louis Saha, rediscovering the pace, power and athleticism that terrorised the First Division, and devised a system that allowed the mercurial Luis Boa Morte and the peerless Steed Malbranque to wreak havoc on top flight defences. Had Saha not departed for Old Trafford – when the Whites were implausibly challenging for the Champions' League places – that side could have achieved something incredible.

As it was, Coleman had to deal in the lower end of the transfer market after that. He unearthed some gems in the transfer market – most fans were pretty underwhelmed by the arrival of unheralded Brian McBride after Saha departed, but the American striker left Craven Cottage as a genuine club legend. Then there was the purchase of Clint Dempsey from the New England Revolution in 2007 for £1.5m – which, after 50 Premier League goals not to mention that unforgettable chip to cap the comeback against Juventus, seems like a snip. Coleman also plucked Moritz Volz from Arsenal's reserves, persuaded Papa Bouba Diop to try life by the Thames and snared Simon Davies from Everton.

The more and more you look at Coleman's performance in his first job at the sharp end of football mangement, the greater it holds up in retrospect. The football was dire by the denouement, with his loyalty to Steve Kean costing Coleman dear, but the good times were very good. That win at Old Trafford – where Fulham seemed to have the freedom of Manchester against the English champions – ranks pretty highly even alongside the Whites' first-ever top flight defeat of Arsenal on a special night at Craven Cottage.

But Coleman's crowning glory has to be the tactical masterstroke that saw a Fulham side, short on form and confidence, shock Jose Mourinho's all-conquering Chelsea in 2006. Steed Malbranque sat on Claude Makele preventing Mourinho's men from enjoying the shield at the base of their midfield and, after Luis Boa Morte's glorious finish, Fulham carried the more potent threat with the Portuguese winger smacking the woodwork with a free-kick. Mourinho's men lost their composure, culminating in a shocking tackle from William Gallas seeing the defender dismissed, and several of their supporters on the field after the final whistle.

Coleman's remarkable achievements in charge of Wales are already well documented. The script of how an out-of-work manager hauled a side still traumatised by the death of their young manager – Coleman's closest friend in football – from obscurity to the last four of the European Championships probably belongs in a Hollywood movie producer's office but it played out for real in front of our eyes. His move to Wearside isn't the first time Coleman's taken on a challenge – you have to look at how he was prepared to try and propel Real Sociedad and Larissa back to their former glories to see that.

There's a personable side to Coleman that those not fortunate to have got to know him won't fully appreciate. I was lucky enough as a teenager, recovering from a serious operation as a result of my cerebral palsy, to spend some time with Coleman, when he was beginning the long, hard road back from the aftermath of that horrible car crash, in the gym and physio sessions. His optimism, energy and infectious sense of humour – even at what must have been a deeply dark time for him personally – inspired me to keep going. He won't find it difficult to motivate underperforming footballers and there are signs that his methods are beginning to take shape at the Stadium of Light.

All of which doesn't bode well for Fulham tomorrow. Coleman knows just what it's like to face a side who have been a year scrapping for a home win. He was in the visiting dugout when Sunderland last broke a barren run at the Stadium of Light, although he'd be the first to point out that defeat came only after the original fixture – which Fulham were leading through a McBride strike – was abandoned due to snow. Coleman's time at Fulham should afford him a rousing reception from the away end tomorrow afternoon, but they'll be no room for sentiment in his mind – the only satisfication he'll take on Saturday will come from three points.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/12/cookie-doesnt-crumble/

[WhiteJC]

 
Former Fulham boss Chris Coleman is only focused on winning: 'It's all about Sunderland for me'

Sunderland have went nearly a calendar year without winning at home

Former Wales manager Chris Coleman is fully focused on getting a win for his Sunderland side rather than feeling any nostalgia as he prepares to face Fulham for the first time since he left the club.

Sunderland have not won at home since 2016 and most recently lost 3-1 to Reading and drew with Milwall at home.

Coleman said: "Fulham is an ex club, of course, but it's all about Sunderland for me, it doesn't matter who the opposition are.

"Fulham tomorrow, Wolves last week, it doesn't really matter to me, it's another 90 minutes and it's another opportunity to get some points and get us away from where we are.

"I don't think too much about the opposition, it's all about us."

Nevertheless Coleman had memories of when Sunderland were on a similar home run in 2006 - they hadn't won a home game that season - and found their win against his Fulham team.

He said: "It was a replay actually, the first one, Fulham, we were winning 1-0 and the referee cancelled it because of the snow.

"We had to come up a few weeks later and lost it 2-1 and I think that was their first win."


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/former-fulham-boss-chris-coleman-14044413

[WhiteJC]

 
REPORT: TOWN U18s (3) 1-1 (4) FULHAM

Under-18s out of the FA Youth Cup after penalty shootout

Huddersfield Town's Under-18 side could be proud of the effort and performance at the John Smith's Stadium on Friday evening as it took penalties to see Fulham through to the Fourth Round of the FA Youth Cup.

A very even game that ebbed and flowed ended all level after 120 gruelling minutes and it took sudden death penalties to decide a winner, with visiting goalkeeper Luca Ashby-Hammond the hero.

Despite the result, Leigh Bromby could be proud of the football his youngsters played against U18 Premier League opposition, with substitute Micah Obiero netting a deserved equaliser for Town after they had fallen behind.

In a half featuring decent football from both sides, it was a ridiculous goal that opened the scoring after merely 17 seconds. Town took kick-off and worked the ball to right back Ben Jackson, who fired a difficult pass to goalkeeper Luke Mewitt under heavy pressure from two players. Custodian Luke Mewitt could only shin the ball out of the penalty area, but that allowed winger Chris Kelly to step onto the ball and curl it comprehensively into the far corner to give the visitors the lead.

Despite the shock of the early opener, Town responded well and got their collective foot on the ball, creating the next big chance of the game. Olly Dyson advanced and slid the ball right to find Jackson's overlap and his cross was ideal for midfielder Dom Tear to attack. The diminutive wide player got above the defender well, only to see his header kiss the top of the crossbar on its way over.

Dyson was at it on the other side in the 13th minute, finding left back Mason O'Malley's run. His cross was too deep, but Jackson was on hand to knock the ball back across goal before Fulham scrambled clear.

Fulham carried a menace going forward too and went very close to a second from a 20th minute corner, conceded by the impressive Jordan Thomas; he, alongside fellow full-back Sam Gibson, deputised well at centre back in the absence of regulars Cameron Taylor (foot), Oran Thompson (illness) and Saul Milovanovic (shoulder). Town 'keeper Mewitt didn't effectively punch clear the delivery and a Fulham player fired powerfully towards goal in the melee, only for O'Malley to get back on the line brilliantly to clear.

Fulham kept the ball alive and a clever reverse pass into the area found striker Timmy Abraham – brother of Chelsea striker Tammy – completely unmarked, but Mewitt came to the rescue, pushing the resulting shot wide of goal.

Town's first year goalkeeper was on hand again four minutes later to save from goal-scorer Kelly at his near post after he weaved his way into the box from the Fulham right.

Both sides enjoyed good possession and attacks, but at this stage it was the visitors creating the better chances. Kelly went very close to his second in the 35th minute after a flowing passing move, but could only divert right back Spence's low pull back wide of target.

Playing in the eight position, Matty Daly impressed for Town and he created two good opportunities for teammates as the half ended. The first saw the midfielder find Olly Dyson on the edge of the Fulham 'D', but after a smart turn he curled a shot over with his second touch.

Hilton soon fired wide at the other end for the away side before Daly created Town's chance of the half three minutes before the interval. He intercepted a poor Fulham pass and set Tear away into the area with a beautifully weighted pass inside centre back Mundle-Smith, but the attacker's aim was off as he tried to lift the ball over advancing goalkeeper Luca Ashby-Hammond.

There was still time for Fulham striker Abraham to miss a sitter, firing well wide from the penalty spot after a knockdown from a free-kick from Nicolas Santos Clase.

Fulham started the second-half brightly, with Jackson needed to block a Joe Felix effort wide before Santos Clase headed a tough chance well wide while falling backwards.

Town fought back and started to boss the second 45 minutes, with composed play from the midfield duo of High and Daly a feature.

First Dyson found Danaher on the left and his cross fell to Daly, but his first-time volley was excellently blocked by left back Felix.

Then top scorer Danaher forced the 'keeper into action, with his controlled volley from Isaac Marriott's cross excellently kept out by the strong left hand of Ashby-Hammond.

Dyson soon had a shot blocked before Jackson picked out Danaher's head with a deep cross, which was claimed by the custodian as Town continued to make the running.

Substitute Obiero, who came on to support Danaher in attack, impressed even before his goal. His clever flick into the box allowed Tear to test the 'keeper's reflexes once again after the hour mark.

However, the young Terriers were not to be denied and drew level in deserved fashion with 11 minutes of normal time remaining. A superb, patient passing move spanning the width of the pitch ended with High picking out left back O'Malley on the left with a superb pass inside the full back and Mason's deep cross was expertly headed back across goal and into the corner by Obiero.

Fulham responded and had a few chances before the end of the 90 minutes, with Harris firing wide and substitute Dan Martin rolling a shot agonisingly past the far post with the last kick of normal time.

The quality of play dipped slightly in extra time as cramp set in for most of the players, but Fulham still had a few half-chances. Town 'keeper Mewitt saved sharply from Santos Clase and twice from Jayden Harris before tipping a 25-yard shot from Tyrese Francois onto his bar.

PENALTIES

Fulham: Joe Felix scores, 0-1
Town: Scott High saved, 0-1

Fulham: Sessegnon saved, 0-1
Town: Obiero saved, 0-1

Fulham: York hits post, 0-1
Town: Tear scores, 1-1

Fulham: De Havilland scores, 1-2
Town: Dyson scores, 2-2

Fulham: Francois scores, 2-3
Town: Daly scores, 3-3

Fulham: Ashby-Hammond scores, 3-4
Town: Eli saves, 3-4 – FULHAM WINS

Town's team (4-2-3-1):
Luke Mewitt; Mason O'Malley (Dahomey Raymond, 97'), Sam Gibson (Jordan Eli, 95'), Jordan Thomas, Ben Jackson (Micah Obiero, 62'); Scott High, Isaac Marriott; Olly Dyson, Matty Daly, Dom Tear; George Danaher (c)

Unused subs:
Tom Bamford, Josh Austerfield

Town booking:
Olly Dyson (64')

Gate:
173



https://www.htafc.com/news/2017/december/report-town-u18s-3-1-1-4-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

Ashby-Hammond heroics hand Fulham FA Youth Cup win
by Dan on December 16, 2017

Match report by Sam Holter

Luca Ashby-Hammond saved three penalties and lashed home a sudden-death spot kick of his own as Fulham's Under 18s progressed to the FA Youth Cup fourth round at the expense of Huddersfield Town on a dramatic night at the John Smith's Stadium.

The sixteen year-old stopper saved penalties from Scott High, Micah Obiero and Jordan Eli in between stepping up to put the Whites in front as Fulham set up a tie at Swansea City following a breathless shoot-out. The visitors showed great character to shrug off the setback of conceding a late equaliser to Obiero and going so close to clinching the contest at the end of normal time, with the highly-rated Ashby-Hammond producing a couple of brilliant reaction stops after Steven Sessegnon had struck the post with his own penalty.

The evening started in the finest possible fashion for the young Whites as eager pressing from Sonny Hilton and Timmy Abraham forced the Terriers into a dreadful error straight from the kick-off. Ben Jackson's risky backpass played Luke Mewitt into trouble and the goalkeeper's shanked clearance went straight to Chris Kelly and the Jamaican winger curled home a splendid finish to put Fulham in front with just seventeen seconds on the clock.

Leigh Bromby's side quickly put the shock of that earl concession behind them and began to play their pretty football. A floated early cross from Jackson saw Dom Tear head fractionally over, before the full-back – determined to make amends for his dreadful decision-making – headed Olly Dyson's deep cross back across goal and sparked some serious panic in the visitors box before captain Joe Felix took charge.

Nicolas Santos-Close went close to doubling Fulham's lead after Mewitt came to punch away a corner and failed to get much of a connection. The Terriers' keeper was indebted to Mason O'Malley's quick reflexes on the goal-line as the full-back cleared Santos-Close's effort. Mewitt redeemed himself with a brilliant reflex save to deny Timmy Abraham after the young forward had sprung the Huddersfield offside trap and then gathered a Kelly drive at his near post as the Whites' shots rained down in quick succession.

A first half that been full of lovely passing patterns ended with some pulsating end-to-end action. The excellent Djed Spence did brilliantly down the right flank to beat a few home defenders and supply the cross for Kelly, only for the Fulham goalscorer to drag his shot wide of goal. Dyson and Tear sent shots similarly wide for Town, whilst Abraham somehow swept a shot wide with the whole goal to aim at from eight yards after Santos-Close had flicked on a Fulham free-kick. The striker – brother of the prolific Chelsea forward Tammy – didn't reappear after the interval.

The young Whites were indebted to Ashby-Hammond for preserving their advantage when he produced a stunning save to prevent Town top scorer George Danaher from opening his account. The Fulham keeper did brilliantly to palm away the Huddersfield skipper's volley from Isaac Marriott's cross – before holding a Danaher header at point blank range as the hosts' continued to press.

It became a question of how long Steve Wigley's boys could hold out and the Terriers finally grabbed a deserved equaliser with twelve minutes left to play. It was a goal of the highest quality which saw a flowing passing move culminated in a lovely interchange between O'Malley and High down the left before Obiero ghosted in at the back stick to guide home an emphatic header.

To their immense credit, Wigley's side finished normal time the stronger and Dan Martin spurned a glorious chance to win the tie in stoppage time when he stroked wide after Felix's fine pass had parted the Huddersfield back line. The Whites had the better of the openings in the extra half hour too with Mewitt keeping out two Jayden Harris drives before somehow tipping Tyrese Francois' long-range onto the crossbar with seconds left. You could have been forgiven for thinking it wasn't going to be Fulham's night after that – but their spirit shone through in the shoot-out.

HUDDERSFIELD TOWN U18s (4-2-3-1): Mewitt; O'Malley (Raymond, 97), Gibson (Eli, 95), Thomas, Jackson (Obiero, 62); High, Marriott; Dyson, Daly, Tear; George Danaher. Subs (not used): Bamford, Austerfield.

BOOKED: Dyson.

GOAL: Obiero (78).

FULHAM U18s (4-2-3-1): L. Ashby-Hammond; Spence, Felix, Mundle-Smith, S. Sessegnon; Harris, Francois; Kelly (Martin 72), Santos-Close (de Havilland 105), Hilton; Abraham (York 45). Subs (not used): J. Schwarzer, Asare.

BOOKED: Abraham, Hilton.

GOAL: Kelly (1).

ATTENDANCE: 173



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/12/ashby-hammond-heroics-hand-fulham-fa-youth-cup-win/

[WhiteJC]

 
Chris Coleman determined to avoid a year's worth of home defeats

CHRIS COLEMAN admits his Sunderland players are "stuck in a real rut", but has warned them not to start throwing in the towel as they look to end the worst home run in English football.

If the Black Cats fail to beat Coleman's former club, Fulham, at the Stadium of Light this afternoon, they will have gone an entire 12 months without recording a single home victory.

Tomorrow marks the one-year anniversary since Patrick van Aanholt scored the only goal in a 1-0 win over Watford, and since then, Sunderland's players have played a remarkable 21 games on their own ground without claiming a win.

Coleman has only presided over one of those matches, but that was enough to emphasise the scale of the problems that present themselves each time Sunderland run out on home soil. Having started reasonably strongly against Reading, Coleman's side finished their last home game in complete disarray as Callum McManaman's dismissal sparked a second-half collapse that eventually culminated in a 3-1 defeat.

This afternoon promises to be another fraught experience, particularly if Fulham claim an early lead, but Coleman has urged his players to embrace the challenge facing them rather than shrink away from it.

"I fully understand why people are talking about it (the record)," said the Sunderland boss. "I've only had it for one game, but I fully understand what Simon (Grayson) will have been going through too because you don't want to disappoint people.

"That's the last thing you want to do, and if you're doing it every week, it's hard. I'm quite sure every performance hasn't been drastic and bad, there must have been one or two performances where the boys were unlucky, but for whatever reason, we didn't get across the line. We have to get over the line, and we have to do it quickly.

"We just have to get back into that habit of winning a game. It can go the other way, and when you're used to negativity and losing, you get into a real rut. You have to get out of it, but to do that, you have to go above and beyond.

"You have to put yourself out there, knowing you're not guaranteed to get anything back. But you've still got to put yourself out there because otherwise things don't change. If you keep doing what you've always done, you'll get what you've always got.

"We've really got to be brave. Whether that's 'ugly brave' in our set-up and winning 1-0, or being brave enough to really take advantage when we're doing well in a game. What we can't do is say, 'You know what, it's just not happening today'. That's a recipe for disaster."

Sunderland have shown signs of improvement under Coleman, with last weekend's goalless draw at league leaders Wolves witnessing a spirited backs-to-the-wall defensive display after Lee Cattermole was sent off midway through the second half. Cattermole is suspended this afternoon, with his place set to be taken by the fit-again Didier Ndong.

Sunderland's best performances this season have all come on their travels, suggesting there is now a psychological issue when it comes to playing at the Stadium of Light.

The Black Cats' home can be an unwelcoming environment when things are not going well, with more than 20,000 empty seats adding to the dispiriting atmosphere, and some supporters have suggested closing off parts of the ground or altering the match-day experience to try to spark a change in fortune.

Coleman understands such sentiments, but insists he will not be in indulging in what he perceives to be gimmicks in an attempt to transform his side's record. Instead, he will be trusting his players to change the prevailing mood via their performances on the pitch.

"People have talked about changing things around, and putting the fans closer together in the stadium, but we'll know we're doing something right when we see all the fans closer together because there are a lot more fans here," he said. "That's when we'll know we're on the right track, not shifting them from here to there just to change things around.

"The way for us to get the fans closer together is to start winning and get on a positive track. Everything else is a gimmick really. We just need to concentrate on getting more fans in the ground because they want to see a winning team."

Coleman might only have been Sunderland's manager for less than a month, but he already boasts personal experience of the club ending a lengthy winless run.

Back in 2006, Coleman took his Fulham side to Wearside to face a Sunderland team that had not won a single Premier League home game all season. The match was abandoned because of snow with Fulham leading 1-0, and when the rearranged game took place in May, Sunderland were faced with their final chance to claim a home win. Thanks to goals from Anthony Le Tallec and Chris Brown, that is exactly what they recorded.

"I remember the first game," said Coleman. "We were winning 1-0 but the referee cancelled it because of the snow. We came back up a few weeks later, and ended up losing that game 2-1.

"It was Sunderland's first win, but of course I was managing Fulham at the time, so I didn't really pay too much attention to what was going on with Sunderland and the run they were going through. Fulham are an ex-club of mine, but it's all about Sunderland now. It's all about us."



http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/football/sunderland/15776893.SUNDERLAND__Chris_Coleman_explains_how_his_players_can_transform_their_home_form___and_avoid_a_year_s_worth_of_defeats/