Monday Fulham Stuff (01/01/18)...

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Slavisa Jokanovic is frustrated with Fulham's first half vs Hull City because of comeback

Jokanovic was clearly frustrated with his players efforts despite the win but was pleased with their reaction

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic was unhappy with his side's performance as he felt the opening period came down to a lack of energy.

The Serbian manager, while pleased with his team's turnaround, was clearly frustrated that the same animation was not shown in the first half.

Fulham made a double substitution after forty minutes as they went into the break 2-0 down thanks to goals from Jarrod Bowen and Nouha Dicko.



The Cottagers were completely bewildered by the high pressing game that Hull confronted them with.

The ex-Watford boss was unhappy with how his side dealt with the adversity and wouldn't accept fatigue as an excuse

He said: "We didn't find energy, people say we can be tired. I use same team like last game when we played against Cardiff where I made only one change.

"If we are tired, why are we tired at the beginning if we are not tired at the end. If we played five more minutes we would have won the game.

"It's simple we didn't find enough energy, we didn't feel comfortable on the pitch because we didn't control enough ball, we played so slowly and the ball is bouncing. I

we made I don't know how many unnecessary fouls in the first forty five.

"We find this situation with penalty early, it's simple: try and score one goal, then try and score a second. Step by step, stay with eleven players on the field and everything is possible. This is important for us how my players react in a complicated situation in the second half. We played well but we started late."



Fulham have blown hot and cold of late - giving Sunderland their first home win in a year but then beating Cardiff 4-2 on Boxing Day.

Jokanovic is keeping his focus simple in combatting this, with a primary focus on recovery for Tuesday's game against Ipswich.
He said: "There's so many games in front of us, Ipswich will be a complicated game for us, it's many challenges, we know how Mick McCarthy organises his team.

"We will definitely need energy for this game, we must be solid. I expect we will find space or gap to refresh our body to be available for Tuesday's game against Ipswich."




http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/slavisa-jokanovic-frustrated-fulhams-first-14096367

[WhiteJC]

'I tried to shock Fulham with early substitutions,' says Jokanovic
by Dan on December 30, 2017

Slavisa Jokanovic said Fulham's atrocious start at Hull City yesterday forced him to take drastic action – and he made two substitutions after forty minutes to try and provoke a reaction from his underperforming side.

The Fulham head coach hauled off Sheyi Ojo and Floyd Ayite with five minutes remaining of the first half shortly after Fulham had conceded two goals in four minutes at the KCOM Stadium. He told his post match press conference that the team's first half performance was unacceptable:

    We didn't start the game well. I made the substitutions to provide a shock reaction. It wasn't a question of whether Sheyi Ojo was playing a bad game or the same for Floyd Ayite. Both players played very well in the previous two games. But the new people on the pitch gave the side new energy and in the end Aboubakar Kamara scored two important goals. A big credit to him.

The Serbian was critical of Fulham's laboured start which contrasted sharply with how the Whites attacked Cardiff from the off on Boxing Day.

    We didn't have a lot of energy at the start of the game. I used the same eleven as I had used against Cardiff. We didn't have control of the ball enough and we were moving slowly in the first 45 minutes. It was urgent for us to change things and we did.

    With these changes it gave Tom Cairney, Stefan Johansen, Ryan Sessegnon and Ryan Fredericks more space and they had more energy. Thankfully for us the changes provided a little bit of a shock and we came away with one point. But if we want to be chasing the targets we want to reach, we cannot show such an up and down performance like we did today.

The Fulham boss praised his players for the spirit that underpinned their second half fightback.

    We found the situation with the penalty early in the second half. We scored the goal and then we tried to take it step by step. It wasn't an easy situation and I give a lot of credit to my players. They reacted well in a complicated situation in the second half.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/12/i-tried-to-shock-fulham-with-early-substitutions-says-jokanovic/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham's Striker Wishlist for January Transfer Window


Dwight Gayle Lead Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images

The January transfer window is days from opening up. Fulham are currently sitting 12th in the table, but only six-points back from a playoff spot in the Championship division.

It is no secret that Fulham have been missing quality up front. The Whites have one of the lowest shot conversions in the Championship and are in desperate need of a clinical, proven striker. With manager Slavisa Jokanovic eyeing to bring in three different players in this transfer window, a striker will most likely be one of the first positions to be addressed.

Here are three options that Fulham should be looking at to bring in when the transfer window opens:


Dwight Gayle Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images

Dwight Gayle- After missing out on Gayle in the summer transfer window, the 27-year-old Newcastle striker would be the perfect attribute to help Fulham push for the playoffs. In the Championship last season, he was able to total 23 goals in 32 appearances. He was clinical in every sense of the term and was a main reason for Newcastle being promoted to the Premier League. One kink in this move is that Gayle has been playing more regular football for the Magpies this season, so Newcastle would most likely have to bring in an additional player if they were to let Gayle go. If they were to let him go, however, this could be the move that is the difference between making the playoffs, and not making the playoffs.


Leonardo Ulloa Photo by Harry Hubbard/Getty Images

Leonardo Ulloa- The 31-year-old Argentine has been successful almost everywhere he's gone. However, he has fallen out of the fold at Leicester City and he will likely be allowed to leave this upcoming transfer window. This is a striker who has scored 111 goals since 2008 and done it at every level. In the 2015-16 season, Ulloa came off the bench for Okazaki and Vardy. Leicester then signed Islam Slimani, and he was completely out of the picture. He is the perfect piece for a team looking for a clinical striker up top. He is powerful and has Championship experience playing for Brighton & Hove Albion, helping them reach the playoffs both the 2013 & 2014 seasons.


Scott Hogan Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images

Scott Hogan- The Aston Villa striker has not found his form for his new side. Having signed last January, the Irishman has only found one goal in 23 appearances. It appears the Villains are giving up on the 25-year-old quickly, as they plan to bring in a striker on loan this window. This would be the perfect opportunity to go in for a striker that has all the tools of a successful goal-scorer at this level. With the size, strength, and ability to put the ball in the back of the net, he could be the perfect attribute to a side begging for a regular goal-scorer. Before Villa, Hogan was able to net 38 goals in 66 appearances. If Aston Villa are willing to give up on Hogan, Fulham should take the opportunity to jump on this proven forward.




https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2017/12/31/16834406/fulhams-striker-wishlist-transfer-window

[WhiteJC]

Bettinelli praises Fulham's 'passion'
by Dan on December 31, 2017

Marcus Bettinelli praised Fulham's character and passion after they fought back from 2-0 down to claim an unlikely point at Hull City yesterday.

The Fulham goalkeeper admitted that the side's first half display at the KCOM Stadium was unacceptable, but was delighted with the response of his team-mates after the break. He told FulhamFCTV after the final whistle:

    We went into half time bitterly disappointed. We knew that was nowhere near the level we played against Cardiff. We didn't turn up [in the first half]. We all took responsibility for that. Second half we were a different side. We played with real aggression and passion at times and, considering how the first half went, I think we're happy to take a point away.

Bettinelli was full of superlatives for the impact Aboubakar Kamara made after being introduced as a 40th minute substitute. The much maligned French striker won the penalty that gave Fulham hope, converted it himself and then scored a sensational second to steal a point with five minutes left.

    I think Abou's had his ups at the club so far, but to come on and win the penalty, take a great penalty and then the second goal is different class! I've only seen it from where I was stood, but it looked like a great finish. Absolutely unbelievable from Abou and [Neeskens] Kebano as well. They both changed the game for us and that's what being a good team is all about.

Bettinelli also made a fine second half stop from Jarrod Bowen that kept Fulham in the contest, but he was typically modest about his own contribution to the comeback.

    At 2-1 we were hanging in there and I knew we had to stay in it right until the end. It fell to his feet and thankfully I made a save. I made a save up at Sunderland and that didn't come to anything, but thankfully the save today leads to us going and scoring and we leave here with a great point.

Bettinelli hailed Fulham's fighting spirit to salvage a draw from a game that looked beyond them and hopes the Whites can take that momentum into January.

    It was a totally different game to Cardiff. Against Cardiff we were at it from the start and it always looked like our game whereas today, in the first half, it only looked like only one team was going to win and that was them. We turned that around. We showed great passion and commitment. We said at half time, 'whatever happens we go out and win this half and we turn up' – and that's what we did. To be two goals down and draw 2-2 away from home, we'll take the positives and go from there.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/12/bettinelli-praises-fulhams-passion/

[WhiteJC]

 
Tottenham Fan View: Sessegnon saga takes new twist

Let's talk about Sess

It feels like Ryan Sessegnon has been on Spurs' radar for decades now — possibly even before radar was invented.

The Fulham teenager was always presumed to be the heir apparent to Danny Rose, ever since Rose announced his desire to move back up to his ancestral North. The location, coincidentally, of the richest club in Europe.

With José Mourinho's latest money-related tantrum likely to be rewarded with the funds to go all-out for the England fullback in January, Sessegnon appeared to be the best available option for Spurs.

Not exactly a ready-made replacement — he's not 18 until next May — but someone who could understudy for Ben Davies until he came of age.

So far, so logical.

Well, perhaps not.

Waddling into frame, pockets heavy with recently acquired loot, a new suitor: Southampton.

Van Dijk deal done outfit

You may've heard. The Saints have just taken delivery of £75 million; another sizeable investment from their parent club Liverpool, in exchange for Virgil van Dijk. The former Celtic centre-back becomes the most expensive defender in history, while Southampton have an enormous windfall to reinvest.

And high on their wanted list, according to The Telegraph: Ryan Sessegnon.

They could present a compelling pitch, too. Despite recent struggles under Mauricio Pellegrino, the south coasters have a history of nurturing young talent. I'm sure they'd loathe to consider themselves a stepping stone or a feeder club, but it can't be denied that Southampton have been crucial plot points in the careers of some of this country's brightest stars.

Gareth Bale, Luke Shaw, most of the Liverpool squad.

Before their famous academy was established in its current guise, both Alan Shearer and Matt Le Tissier came through the Southampton youth team. Spurs legend Martin Chivers comes from prime Saints stock, too.

Ryan Sessegnon, you feel, would be in safe hands.

Lack of opportunities?

In usual circumstances, another advantage Southampton might have over Tottenham, is the offer of first-team football. Unfortunately for Sessegnon, there is one position where Southampton aren't in desperate need of a rethink. Ryan Bertrand is among the finest left-backs in the League and is unlikely to be dislodged any time soon. Would Sessegnon risk a key stage in his development to sit on the bench for a floundering top flight team? Are Southampton in a position to take a gamble on a highly-rated teenager?

If Rose were to leave, the route to the Spurs first team doesn't look quite so fenced off. Davies is a reliable Premier League fullback but Pochettino has never shied away from trusting academy players if they proved the better option. Even in the biggest games. Harry Winks started against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu and Kyle Walkers-Peters played the first game of the season away at Newcastle. Sessegnon certainly has the potential to break through.

Spurs need to act fast and get him signed.



https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/sessegnon-saga-takes-new-twist-134441301.html

[WhiteJC]

Hull City 2-2 Fulham: Player ratings
by Dan on December 31, 2017

Man-to-man marking on Fulham's spirited comeback to claim a point at the KCOM Stadium yesterday ...

Marcus Bettinelli: Stood no chance with either of the first half goals that seemed certain to doom Fulham to a demoralising defeat so soon after the high of beating Cardiff on Boxing Day. In common with most of his team-mates, struggled to get going early on but made a couple of smart saves before Jarrod Bowen and Nouha Dicko appeared to give Hull an unassailable lead. Made a crucial stop in the second half from Bowen with his feet that kept Fulham in the game at 2-1 – and, as it turned out, proved absolutely pivotal to the Whites grabbing a point. 7

Ryan Fredericks: An iffy first 45 minutes saw him get forward to good effect on a couple of occasions, but he was one of Fulham's most potent threats in the second period. Covered an awful lot of ground as he surged forward from right full-back. Threw himself in front of Bowen to reduce his shooting angle for that vital Bettinelli save and pushed forward in the final ten minutes regularly, eventually starting the move of one-touch passes that led to Kamara's equaliser. 7

Tomas Kalas: A tough afternoon for the Czech centre half who appeared unsettled by the physicality of Nouha Dicko as well as Bowen's willing running. Played the Welsh youngster onside from a barely cleared corner for Hull's first and was too easily brushed aside by Dicko four minutes later when the striker raced away to bury Jon Toral's forward pass. Largely untroubled in the second period. 5

Tim Ream: The American struggled with his early distribution from the back but wasn't helped by the lack of movement from Fulham's forward runners. Didn't do enough to show Dicko wide when he burst through to double Hull's advantage before the break, but stood firm in the second half and carried the ball forward confidently to begin plenty of promising moves from the back. 6

Denis Odoi: Seemed reluctant to go forward from left back and struggled to impose himself defensively with the back four looking all over the place having been unnerved by Hull's enterprising start. Made just one tackle and a single interception in a quiet display and was eventually withdrawn in favour of Lucas Piazon with seventeen minutes to go as Jokanovic went in search of an equaliser. 5

Kevin McDonald: The Scot struggled to shore up the Fulham defence as he so often does with Hull's early attacking intent and the movement of their forwards really posing problems in front of the back four. McDonald was one of a number of Fulham players who failed to clear the corner from which Bowen eventually put Hull ahead and he wasn't in a deep enough position to affect the run of Dicko for the second goal. Showed his leadership credentials by driving Fulham forward time and time again in the second half and was booked for crudely preventing a Hull break from developing into something dangeorus with Fulham understaffed at the back. 6

Stefan Johansen: Recovered from a poor first half to become more of an influence on proceedings. Johansen might have done more to prevent Toral from getting in the position to release Dicko for the Tigers' second goal, but it looked as if he'd been affected by a long talking to from David Webb only moments earlier that appeared to promise a booking should he commit another foul. Drove over from a short corner in one of Fulham's only real moves of the first half and eventually got his passing going after the break. Made one chance for Sessegnon and then played a key part in Kamara's equaliser. 6

Tom Cairney: Fulham's shining light for much of the contest on his return to the club that gave him his break after being released by Leeds as a youngster. Was far too deep to influence proceedings for much of the first half, but shone in the second period when he looked to make things happen. Delivered a lovely lofted ball for Kamara that led to the penalty and then was involved in the flawless move that created the French forward's second. Still looks troubled by his knee injury at times, but is getting back to his best. 7

Sheyi Ojo: Hauled off after a disappointing forty minutes, but he paid the penalty that could have been handed out to several other players. Worked hard but didn't deliver much when he got into promising positions, overhitting one cross and spooning a shot from the edge of the area high over the bar. Not his day but Ojo has demonstrated real ability over the last few weeks so should soon have a chance to put this poor afternoon behind him. 4

Ryan Sessegnon: Looked the most likely to spark Fulham into life during a fairly listless first half. Was eager to run at the Hull defence throughout and proved a potent threat as the visitors went on the offensive after getting a foothold in the contest. Had the beating of his man constantly and made a couple of good chances for Kebano and Kamara. Lively and used his pace excellently to help his defenders on a couple of occasions. 7

Floyd Ayite: Largely anonymous up front, failing to hold the ball up and bring his team-mates into play, although in fairness he was largely starved of service. Found it difficult against the taller Michael Dawson and Michael Hector who dealt with his threat well and was replaced off 40 minutes as Jokanovic sought to try something different with the game slipping away. 4

Substitutes:

Neeskens Kebano (replaced Sheyi Ojo, 40): A livewire almost from the moment he came on. Could have halved the arrears when he soared magnificently to propel a header fractions wide of the far post towards the end of the first half and was a constant threat in the second period. Went close on a couple of occasions – berating himself for missing a good chance served up by Sessegnon – but went looking for the ball and posed real problems for the Hull defence. Drove a shot straight at McGregor from the right angle of the six-yard box and also whipped in a number of dangerous balls. 7

Aboubakar Kamara (replaced Floyd Ayite, 40): Undoubtedly his finest showing in a Fulham shirt. Won the penalty all by himself, making a clever run to be reached by Cairney's forward pass, bringing it down superb and, although isolated, driving into the box before enticing a senseless challenge from Michael Hector. Motioned that he wanted to take the penalty and produced a brilliant finish from twelve yards, before bullying the Hull centre backs for the remainder of the afternoon. Missed a glorious chance after McGregor saved at the feet of Sessegnon but didn't dwell on that – instead stroking home superbly from Piazon's precise lay-off. Superb. 9

Lucas Piazon (replaced Denis Odoi, 73): Offered a more substantial forward threat as Fulham went for broke in the final quarter of the contest. Looked eager to get involved and his clever movement found pockets of space between the Hull defence and midfield. Given his desire to get back playing sooner than expected after another horrid injury setback, it was fitting that Kamara placed home his pass to put Fulham back on level terms. Another encouraging cameo from the bench. 7



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/12/hull-city-2-2-fulham-player-ratings/

[WhiteJC]

My 2017 best Fulham moments
by Sarah Woolmer on December 31, 2017

The temptation as reflect on the Fulham year that has gone past would be to linger too long on how close 2017 was to be a truly great twelve months for the Whites. But, despite the gut-wrenching defeat at Reading that ruined our dreams of a Premier League return and the indifferent start to the season that followed, the last twelve years served up some great moments and there's no doubt – in my mind at least – that Slavisa Jokanovic is the right man at the helm.

Here are my selections in various categories as I reviewed Fulham's 2017. Feel free to tell me what I've got wrong or who I've overlooked in the comments.

Player of the Year

It was nice to have to consider this for some period of time as Slavisa Jokanovic's side had plenty of players who were worthy of the title. Tom Cairney's talismanic displays as the Whites roared into the top six were sensational, Stefan Johansen made a huge difference when he joined from Celtic and the excellent displays of Tim Ream when he returned to the heart of defence should certainly be mentioned, but – for his consistent commanding performances in a previous problem position – the award goes to Kevin McDonald. Describing him as purely a defensive midfielder actually understates his importance to the side and without him as a ballast in front of the box, the likes of Cairney and Johansen wouldn't have had the platform upon which to shine.

Young Player of the Year

The meteoric rise of Ryan Sessegnon from promising member of the Fulham next generation to one of the first names on the senior side's team sheet still takes some getting used to. Such was the quality of his performances around the turn of the year as the Whites began to sweep some of the best sides in the division aside that Jokanovic couldn't leave him out of the side. Sessegnon's ability to make the right decisions in the final third added an extra dimension to Fulham's attacks and his versatility made Scott Malone's summer departure much easier to bear. The teenager's commitment to the club, underlined by his decision to rebuff countless suitors and sign a three-year deal in the summer, only makes his magnificent progress even more special. There were plenty of contenders here as well and we shouldn't overlook the development of England youth internationals Tayo Edun, Steven Sessegnon, Matt O'Riley as well as the emergence of American playmaker Luca de la Torre and Estonian midfielder Mattias Käit.

Most improved player

Several players have really taken strides forward under Slavisa Jokanovic's watchful eye. The most recent example of that has been Aboubakar Kamara, whose brilliant brace at Hull yesterday, rather made a mockery of those who have suggested he just isn't suitable for this level. But, as I mentioned earlier, Tim Ream's emergence as a dependable centre half has to be commended. The American had a tricky start to his career at Fulham and looked as if he would be on his way out when Michael Madl formed a strong understanding with Tomas Kalas at the start of last season. Ream went to see the head coach, learned what would be needed from a centre back in Jokanovic's system and worked hard on the training ground. He took his opportunity when it came and his confidence on the ball completely compliments the way in which Fulham like to play possession football and work the ball forward from the back. Ream's resurgence has been one of the stories of the year – and he's even added goals to his game too!

Goal of the Year

Plenty of contenders in this category. Ryan Sessegnon's couple of strikes at Newcastle followed by at least two of his finishes this season at Sheffield United, Tom Cairney's thunderbolt also at St. James' Park, any one of Stefan Johansen's fine free-kicks or even Kamara's composed finish at Hull could have taken the prize. But, both for the quality of strike and what it went on to mean, Cairney's curler at Craven Cottage in the last few seconds against Leeds, has to be the winner. The strike was superb – arcing into the top corner – and was the least Fulham deserved after pummelling their play-off rivals throughout. The celebrations, with the skipper and Ryan Fredericks fist pumping wildly in the first few rows of the Hammersmith End, will live long in the memory and Leeds' legendary collapse that followed showed just how important Cairney's moment of magic was.

Game of the Year

Fulham have been involved in several absolute thrillers over the course of the past twelve months. The performances that saw the Whites absolutely dominate the two promoted sides on their own grounds were very special and some of the home displays during the run-in were superb as well. The Boxing Day demolition of Cardiff in South Wales is worthy of a mention, too, but the winner has to be the breathless nine-goal encounter at Sheffield United in November. It included a superb hat-trick from Ryan Sessegnon that seemed to come from nowhere as well as a late Fulham collapse that introduced the traditional note of panic in what could have been a far more comfortable victory. Beating one of the Championship pacesetters at a time when Fulham had hardly hit their stride was vital to the belief and confidence of the everyone involved with the club.

Moment of the Year

Probably the seconds after Floyd Ayite's smartly taken third goal at Carrow Road when Fulham's ten man recorded a vital win over Norwich City. That victory showed new depths of character amongst Slavisa Jokanovic's squad, weathering the seismic blow of seeing Chris Martin being dismissed just before half-time. Fulham showed real ambition in not wanting to merely hold on their slender lead after the break with Tom Cairney displaying plenty of mettle to step forward a penalty after his own woes from the spot and, after Cameron Jerome had halved the Canaries' arrears, a cool finish from Ayite sent the travelling fans into ecstasy. From a personal point of view, it was the moment I was convinced the Whites could make the top six.




http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/12/my-2017-best-fulham-moments/

[WhiteJC]

Kamara 'very happy' with Hull brace
by Dan on December 31, 2017

A beaming Aboubakar Kamara told of his delight with his sensational impact off the substitutes bench to grab a point after Fulham went 2-0 down to Hull City yesterday.

The French forward was introduced as a 40th minute substitute after Slavisa Jokanovic became frustrated with the abject nature of Fulham's first half performance. The former Amiens striker repaid his manager's faith superbly in the second half, winning and converting an early penalty and scoring a superb equaliser with five minutes to play.

Kamara told Fulham's official website that he was so pleased to help turn the game around:

    I'm happy. I'm very happy. It's my first two goals, a brace is how you say it in English? It's good for me and for the team.

    It's important for us a group. I play for myself and for the team as well, and for the team as well, and it's good when you can have an impact like that a substitute! Step by step I am getting better, and I hope that now I can continue to keep scoring more goals.

    The way the game had been panning out, we can be happy with the result. To come back to make it 2-2 when we were 2-0 down makes it a very good point. We always have to keep our confidence high, and if we do that on Tuesday then we can do things on the field against Ipswich.




http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/12/kamara-very-happy-with-hull-brace/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham star pays tribute to the hero of Hull Aboubakar Kamara

The west Londoners were woeful in the first half and Joarrod Bowen and Nouha Dicko had put the Tigers into what appeared to be a comfortable lead

Marcus Bettinelli hailed Fulham's hero at Hull Aboubakar Kamara after he inspired the Whites to turn around a 2-0 deficit at the KCOM Stadium.

The west Londoners were woeful in the first half and Joarrod Bowen and Nouha Dicko had put the Tigers into what appeared to be a comfortable lead.

Slavisa Jokanovic acted before half-time, hauling off Floyd Ayite and Sheyi Ojo, with Kamara and Neeskens Kebano replacing the pair.

And Kamara pulled a goal back from the spot soon after half-time, before levelling the scores in the final five minutes.

Bettinelli hailed the hero, saying: "I think Abou's had his ups and downs at the club so far but to come on and win the penalty, take the pen, and it's a great penalty and then the second goal is different class


(Image: Ker Robertson/Getty Images)

"I've only seen it from where I was stood but I'd love to see the replay because it looked like a great finish, it's absolutely unbelievable from Abou.

"Kebano as well they both changed the game for us and that's what being a good team is all about."

Bettinelli also paid tribute to the character of this Fulham side having shown fighting spirit in difficult circumstances.

He added: "The way we've played the last few games, after the Sunderland game, we've shown real commitment to each other as a team, man to man.


(Image: Ben Hoskins/Getty Images)

"First half we didn't show that but second half we came out and showed a serious fighting spirit. We didn't give up, we didn't cower in and not want to be there.

"Everyone was brilliant second half. That's what it's going to take for us to get up the table and get into the play-offs and get us promoted this year.

"Hopefully we look back in a few months' time and think how important that point was. It's a long season and to come here and to take a point after being two nil down is brilliant from the boys."




http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-star-pays-tribute-hero-14098418

[WhiteJC]

 
Cathcart, Grabban to sign for Fulham, Cairney sold: Jokanovic's ideal transfer window explored

Ideal January Transfer Window For Fulham

Fulham are my biggest Championship frustration as regular readers will know.  Great to watch; open, attacking and playing attractive passing football but with their manager having inexplicably changed his favoured formation from last season, they simply haven't looked like the same force.

In last year's 4-2-3-1, especially in the second half of the season, the balance was superb. Johansen scored bonus goals from his preferred position deep in the centre of midfield, Aluko played in his favoured right wing position and cut in on to his left foot while youngster Ryan Sessegnon was allowed to go forward on the left of the three to devastating effect.

Tom Cairney played in the centre of the three behind the striker and at one stage attracted bids of around £20million from Newcastle United but now, with him asked to play wide of centre in a 4-3-3, Sessegnon playing at left-back and Johansen pushed forward they look all out of whack.

Given the typical stubbornness of football managers, I can't think the 4-3-3 is going anywhere for a while so I wouldn't be against the club selling Tom Cairney, perhaps to Newcastle, as his career is stalling somewhat although he would play in his preferred central role at St. James' Park and would bring huge funds into Fulham.

As long as Ryan Sessegnon is concerned, if Jokanovic is willing to play him in the forward line and let him do his thing then they should resist the temptation of big money offers from the likes of Tottenham, as another 6-12 months here could help both the player and the club.

This means that the arrival of any decent left-back would let Sessegnon go forward. Their main striking position is still a sticking point which brings them into play with the much sought after Lewis Grabban, currently on loan at Sunderland.

The Bournemouth striker has been excellent for the Black Cats this term and can be recalled in January before being sold off. Ben Marshall of Wolves has also been linked and he is one who can sit left of the centre and provide quality passes to the front line while defender Craig Cathcart remains a target and one who may add some much needed defensive solidity to the side.

Best outcome:

In: Craig Cathcart (Watford), Ben Marshall (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Lewis Grabban (Bournemouth), any left-back.

Out: Tom Cairney

Keep: Ryan Sessegnon



http://soccersouls.com/2018/01/01/cathcart-grabban-to-sign-for-fulham-cairney-sold-jokanovics-ideal-transfer-window-explored/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham Want Newcastle United First Team Frontman: Should Rafa Sanction The Move?

As per one of the latest reports by Get West London, Fulham are targeting Newcastle United's striker, Dwight Gayle, and are desirous to lure him to Craven Cottage in the upcoming January transfer window. Slavisa Jokanovic's side might not have had a great first half in the ongoing campaign in the Championship, but with a few additions in January, they might emerge as one of the candidates likely to pave their way into the Promised Land of Premier League.

The Cottagers signed Rui Fonte and Aboubakar Kamara during the summer transfer window but Jokanovic is willing to add players who have plenty of experience of Championship football under his belt and no wonder they have put Gayle on their radar. Last season, the Magpies clinched a promotion to Premier League by finishing at the top of English second division table and one of the players who played a pivotal role was Gayle, who led the striking force more often than not.

However, Gayle hasn't been at his best so far this season in the Premier League and has scored just 3 goals in 18 appearances for Newcastle United. His stature under the tutelage of Rafael Benitez is on the decline, but other English clubs are well aware of his potential and what he could offer them. With the apparent interest from Fulham, Gayle's exit from St. James' Park might be a subject of discussion, but it would be better if Benitez remains patient with him, at least until the end of this season.

The 28-year-old has plenty of experience of English football, having emerged through the youth ranks of Arsenal and plied his trade with the likes of Peterborough United, Crystal Palace, apart from Newcastle United of course.

He is a very energetic player, who, despite not having a daunting figure, knows how to position himself in the final third and do the damage to the opposition. Besides, he is quite clinical as well and can hold the ball well.

One of the good aspects about Gayle is the manner he ticks with his passes and precision whilst doing the same and showcases a lot of industry up front. He is a threat to the opposition with the set-pieces too. Losing him would mean losing a player with a significant calibre and pedigree and thus, despite his indecent run of form, he should be one of the players which the Toon should hold onto.



http://the4thofficial.net/2017/12/fulham-want-newcastle-united-first-team-frontman-rafa-sanction-move/

[WhiteJC]

 
Officials - Fulham v Ipswich (2/1/17)

The Football League have now announced the Match Day officials that will take charge of the game between Fulham and Ipswich Town this Tuesday.

Fulham host Ipswich Town on Tuesday January 2 for the game at Craven Cottage and the match carries a 7.45pm kick off.

Referee: Keith Stroud
Assistant Refs: Matt Foley and John Flynn
Fourth Official: Lee Swabey

Match Day referee Stroud has officiated 15 games in 2017/18, showing 70 yellow cards and five red cards all ready.

He took in 39 games in 2016/17, showing a whopping 171 yellow cards and 12 red cards.

That year his highest card count was eight yellows and two reds in the game between Nottingham Forest and Queens Park Rangers in November.

He took charge of 45 matches last season and in those games, across all competitions and football divisions, he handed out a massive total of 191 yellow cards and eleven red cards.

He was most card happy in the match between Derby County and Queens Park Rangers with a total of eight yellow cards being shown, along with one red card. He also showed nine yellow cards in the game between West Bromwich Albion and Port Vale in the Capital One Cup and seven yellows with two reds in the Leeds v Rotherham match.

In fact seven seems a favourite number the amount of times it came up.

Stroud is a vastly experienced referee at this level. His career has seen him become an international FIFA assistant referee, and his highlights include running the line in the 2003 FA Cup Final between Arsenal and Southampton. Stroud also served as a Premier League referee for two seasons before returning to the EFL in 2009/10.

Source - EFL.

Let`s hope it`s not another repeat and more of the players edge closer to automatic bans.



Read more: http://www.ipswich.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=516347#ixzz52v9ve53s

[bobby01]

Fulham star pays tribute to the hero of Hull Aboubakar Kamara

The west Londoners were woeful in the first half and Joarrod Bowen and Nouha Dicko had put the Tigers into what appeared to be a comfortable lead

Marcus Bettinelli hailed Fulham's hero at Hull Aboubakar Kamara after he inspired the Whites to turn around a 2-0 deficit at the KCOM Stadium.

The west Londoners were woeful in the first half and Joarrod Bowen and Nouha Dicko had put the Tigers into what appeared to be a comfortable lead.

Slavisa Jokanovic acted before half-time, hauling off Floyd Ayite and Sheyi Ojo, with Kamara and Neeskens Kebano replacing the pair.

And Kamara pulled a goal back from the spot soon after half-time, before levelling the scores in the final five minutes.

Bettinelli hailed the hero, saying: "I think Abou's had his ups and downs at the club so far but to come on and win the penalty, take the pen, and it's a great penalty and then the second goal is different class


(Image: Ker Robertson/Getty Images)

"I've only seen it from where I was stood but I'd love to see the replay because it looked like a great finish, it's absolutely unbelievable from Abou.

"Kebano as well they both changed the game for us and that's what being a good team is all about."

Bettinelli also paid tribute to the character of this Fulham side having shown fighting spirit in difficult circumstances.

He added: "The way we've played the last few games, after the Sunderland game, we've shown real commitment to each other as a team, man to man.


(Image: Ben Hoskins/Getty Images)

"First half we didn't show that but second half we came out and showed a serious fighting spirit. We didn't give up, we didn't cower in and not want to be there.

"Everyone was brilliant second half. That's what it's going to take for us to get up the table and get into the play-offs and get us promoted this year.

"Hopefully we look back in a few months' time and think how important that point was. It's a long season and to come here and to take a point after being two nil down is brilliant from the boys."




http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-star-pays-tribute-hero-14098418

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God I hate lazy journalism, Oji and Norwood weren't on the pitch and that is definitely not Hull.