News:

Use a VPN to stream games Safely and Securely 🔒
A Virtual Private Network can also allow you to
watch games Not being broadcast in the UK For
more Information and how to Sign Up go to
https://go.nordvpn.net/SH4FE

Main Menu


Friday Fulham Stuff (05/01/18)...

Started by WhiteJC, January 05, 2018, 06:08:26 AM

Previous topic - Next topic

WhiteJC

 
Fulham and Manchester United jet off to Germany to take part in Sparkasse & VGH Cup

The Young Whites will take on teams like Hertha Berlin and Eintracht Braunschweig in the tournament which starts on Thursday

Fulham U19s have jetted off to Germany to take part in the Sparkasse & VGH Cup - a five-a-side indoor tournament.

It's the eighth time the young Cottagers have taken part in the tournament, which was won last year by Manchester United's Young Devils.

The competition is spread over eight days and Fulham will face JFV West, JFV Eichsfeld, JSG Auetal-Altes Amt, JSG Uslar/Solling, Hertha BSC and Eintr. Braunschweig in the group stages.

Other teams include Austria Wien, FC Kopenhagen, FC Brugge, FSV Mainz 05, Eintracht Frankfurt, FC Shalke 04, Hamburger SV, Hannover 96 and Manchester United - all of whom Fulham could come up against if they make it through to the group.

Each match is 13 minutes long and cards result in two-minute sin bins, with the games from the quarter final stages going to penalties if the tie is a draw.

The tournament starts on Thursday (January 4) and Fulham's squad for this year's competition is:

Luca Ashby-Hammond, Julian Schwarzer, Djed Spence, Joe Felix, Sonny Hilton, Jaydn Mundle-Smith, Jose Garrido, Chris Kelly, Tyrese Francois, Reece York, Jayden Harris, Nicolas Santos-Clase, Dan Martin and Ryan De Havilland.




http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-manchester-united-jet-germany-14111154

WhiteJC

 
Stat Pack: Fulham vs Saints

Check out the key pre-match facts and statistics ahead of Southampton's trip to Fulham in the Emirates FA Cup third round.

- Fulham will be hosting Southampton in the FA Cup for the first time since a third round replay in January 1999, when Barry Hayles scored an 85th minute winner at Craven Cottage.

- The Cottagers have lost three of their last four FA Cup games at home against opposition from a higher division (W1), although they picked up a 4-1 win against Hull City in the fourth round last season.

- Southampton have progressed past lower league opponents in 17 of their last 18 FA Cup ties, although the last two occasions have seen Saints taken to a replay.

- Each of Southampton's last six FA Cup third round matches (excl. replays) have seen both teams score, with 25 goals scored in total (4.2 goals per game).

- Southampton have progressed beyond the FA Cup third round in six of the last eight seasons, and ten of the last 13.

- Fulham have suffered just one defeat in their last 11 home matches, winning their last four.

- Southampton are unbeaten in their last five meetings with the Londoners, a sequence stretching back to September 2004.



https://southamptonfc.com/news/2018-01-04/stat-pack-fulham-vs-saints-fa-cup-1718

WhiteJC

 
Top Premier League referee set to officiate Fulham's FA Cup tie with Southampton

Fulham take on Southampton in the FA Cup third round and the country's top referee will be in charge of the game

Highly-rated Premier League referee Michael Oliver will be the man in the middle as Fulham take on Southampton in the FA Cup third round on Saturday.

Oliver, who usually officiates in the top flight of English football, was selected to be part of UEFA Elite Group of Referees this year and has officiated Champions League matches, as well as the U17 World Cup final in 2015.

He was in charge of the Manchester Derby on December 10, where he booked Ander Herrera for diving - something which Jose Mourinho called a 'clear penalty'.

In 22 appearances in all competitions this season, Oliver has handed out 85 yellow cards, five reds and has awarded seven penalties.

Meanwhile, the linesmen will be Daniel Robathan and Nick Hopton, while Gavin Ward will be the fourth official.



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/top-premier-league-referee-set-14111339


WhiteJC

 
Tottenham's race for Sessegnon gets a little clearer

Ryan Sessegnon remains a top Tottenham target

Tottenham have made no secret of their desire to sign Fulham starlet Ryan Sessegnon this January. Fortunately for Spurs, one Premier League club is ready to cede the race to Mauricio Pochettino and company.

Reports from England claim that Southampton are not planning to pursue the left-footed English starlet. Instead, officials at the South Coast are satisfied with their current options at left back.

Ryan Bertrand is covered by youngsters Sam McQueen and Matt Targett. Neither youngster is considered to be an elite prospect by everyone in the Premier League, but Southampton are never afraid to trust their own scouts over conventional wisdom.



In truth, Southampton never seemed to be a real threat to win the race for Sessegnon. The club don't have the financial resources to outbid Tottenham. Furthermore, it's believed that Sessegnon wants to continue living in London. Southampton certainly can't provide that.

Even so, Tottenham officials will be glad to see them out of the race. The more clubs that throw their hat in the ring to sign Sessegnon, the more Fulham can drag out negotiations. The longer this transfer saga goes on, the worse it is for Pochettino's club.

Manchester United continue to be the biggest threat for Spurs. Jose Mourinho clearly wants a new left back and if he can't get Spurs star Danny Rose, the Red Devils may turn their attention to Sessegnon. There are, however, real questions about whether or not Sessegnon would want to trust his development to a manager who isn't exactly renowned for bringing youth through to the first team.

Pochettino, on the other hand, has a stellar reputation for developing young English talent. The pipeline he's developed between North London and the England national team could tip the scales in Tottenham's favour.

The race for Ryan Sessegnon will continue, but Southampton have removed themselves from consideration. That's a slight boost for Tottenham, but it doesn't drastically change what should be a very interesting transfer race.



https://playingfor90.com/2018/01/04/tottenhams-race-sessegnon-gets-little-clearer/

WhiteJC

 
'Here's to a storming 2018' – Fulham fans react to their influential man's message


Fulham continued on their impressive run of form on Tuesday night, as they breezed past Mick McCarthy's Ipswich Town with a 4-1 win at Craven Cottage.

Slavisa Jokanovic's side have been superb over the course of the festive period, after taking 10 points from the month of December that's seen them climb their way up to 10th position.

The win over Ipswich saw them resume their winning ways, albeit in the form of a comeback after Joe Garner put the away side 1-0 up on the stroke of half-time. Before 4 goals in 7 minutes saw the cottagers take the spoils, thanks to goals from Ryan Sessegnon (2) and Aboubakar Kamara (2).

Slavisa Jokanovic is now into his third-season at Craven Cottage, and has provided some valuable memories for the club as they continue to improve under the Yugoslavian.

Indeed, in being a manager that wears his heart on his sleeve for the club, his passion shone through as he took to his personal Twitter account (@Jokanovic) to display his gratitude towards fans and his delight after starting 2018 with a win.




https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/heres-to-a-storming-2018-fulham-fans-react-to-their-influential-mans-message/

WhiteJC

 
Support Fulham FC needed for Riverside stand

Fulham Football Club submitted a Planning Application on 1st December to the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham (LBHF) for the Riverside Stand development at Craven Cottage.


New Riverside Stand

If you've not already done it please follow this THIS LINK and add your support for the new stand



http://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=90


WhiteJC

 
Premier League Team Make Offer For Fulham Fullback


Ryan Fredericks Photo by Kieran Galvin/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Ed Aarons of Guardian Sport has reported that Stoke City have offered three millions pounds for Fulham's fullback Ryan Fredericks.

Fredericks has been on the radar of many teams radar, as his contract will be running out this upcoming summer. However, this is the first official bid that has been put in for the 25-year-old defender.

The defender has made strides this season, whose blazing pace has been a challenge for most oppositions on the right side of the pitch. He signed from Bristol City back in August of 2015, and been a regular member of the starting XI the entirety of his stay thus far.

He has made a total of 73 appearances for the Whites.



https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2018/1/4/16849272/premier-make-offer-for-fulham-fullback

WhiteJC

 
Celtic should line up Fredericks swoop


OPINION

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has previously expressed a desire to improve his right-back position in January and he should line up a move for Fulham defender Ryan Fredericks to solve that area.


Rodgers previously revealed in November that the summer's World Cup could have a knock on effect on the Bhoys and that an absence of players could leave his side short for the early Champions League qualifiers next season.

Mikael Lustig and Cristian Gamboa are the two senior options as the right-sided full-back at Parkhead, but both could be in Russia at the World Cup with their nations.

Celtic should consider hijacking strong interest in right-sided flyer Fredericks from English Championship side Fulham, who could be a real success at Parkhead.

Guardian journalist Ed Aarons has reported on his personal Twitter account that Premier League outfit Stoke have submitted £3million for the 25-year-old.

The Englishman will see his contract expire at Craven Cottage in the summer and now would be a great time for Rodgers to enter the running for him.

Fredericks is an attack-minded defender that has been a mainstay in the Fulham team this season, supplying five assists in 25 appearances.

The right-back has decent pace and delivery, something which gives him an edge over competition at Celtic.

The Bhoys already have Kieran Tierney bombing down the left flank and Fredericks could fill a similar role on the opposite side.



https://thisisfutbol.com/2018/01/views/celtic-should-line-up-fredericks-swoop/

WhiteJC

 
Wigley: Sparkasse & VGH Cup 2018

A Fulham Under-19 squad is currently in Göttingen, Germany, preparing to compete in the Sparkasse-VGH Cup which kicks off on Thursday. We caught up with Head of Academy Coaching Steve Wigley to find out more about the competition.


What can you tell us about the Sparkasse-VGH Cup, Steve?

It's a great competition, it has had some fantastic people playing in it over the years. The likes of Neuer, Ozil, Kluivert. We've been here quite a lot over the years, it's a tough tournament to try and win because the foreign teams are really good at it. They tend to do this during the winter break. What it is also good for is you find out something else about your players, especially the decision making front.
What's the format of the tournament?

It's five-a-side tournament, and all our fans can watch it on the live stream from Friday. Where it is different to every other tournament is you'll see that teams play with a rush-goalie. You take your goalie off and put one of your outfield players on. Play the ones best on the ball and try and outnumber people, and you pray you don't lose the ball! Then you have a quick switch over.


That is where it is unique to all the other competitions in Germany because the goalkeeper can bring the ball up to the half way line. It's one of the reasons that the German national team are fantastic at winning penalty shootouts, because their kids from the age of nine year of age play in these competitions. invariably in the knock out stage they have to win a penalty shootout to try and get through. There will be 3000 people here, it will be sold out every single day from Thursday through till Sunday, it's just a totally different atmosphere. Some players will surprise you, i'm just looking forward to it.

It must be good for the boys to come and learn to play a different way?

If you look back home, there are more people playing in goal centres than there are on a Sunday now, it is just totally different. You have to forget your 11-a-side game and you have to come here and take them at something they do regularly and we will have to be at our very best to progress in the tournament.


You mentioned a few of the famous names that have played here, we've had a few ourselves like Sess and Betts.

We've come with all the boys, Marcello Trotta came one year and he was leading goal scorer of the tournament, Betts won keeper of the tournament, Pat Roberts, Moussa Dembélé. Over the years everyone has been here and we still haven't won it yet! It is part of their education and I think everyone should do it. The Premier League could take one on and I would imagine if there were a round in London and one in Manchester, you would get a massive turnout of supporters just like here. Tonight you will see a band, supporters can have a beer, it will be totally different to anything you see back home. It is a fantastic venue and a fantastic tournament.

Fulham's squad is:

L. Ashby-Hammond, Schwarzer, Spence, Felix, Hilton, Mundle-Smith, Garrido, Kelly, Francois, York, Harris, Santos-Clase, Martin and De Havilland.

All matches from Friday will be live streamed for free on fulhamfctv, and here is the group schedule (All times in GMT):

Thursday 4th January: 7pm v JFV West, 8pm v JFV Eichsfeld.

Friday 5th January: 4.15pm v JSG Auetal-Altes Amt, 5.45pm v JSG Uslar/Solling

Saturday 6th January: 2pm v Hertha BSC, 4.45pm v Eintr. Braunschweig.

Sunday 7th January:  TBC



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/january/04/wigley-sparkasse-cup-preview


WhiteJC

 
Exclusive: Slavisa Jokanovic tells Fulham to back him or sack him amid furious transfer row

The head coach launched a furious tirade during his pre-Southampton press conference about the strength of his side and the transfer window

A furious Slavisa Jokanovic has claimed it could be a "good option" to sack him, in an extraordinary tirade after a disagreement regarding the strength of the Fulham squad.

The head coach wanted three new signings to bolster his side as they hunt for a play-off place, but revealed in his press conference ahead of the side's FA Cup tie against Southampton that the recruitment team think the team is strong enough to achieve that goal.

He went on to express his disappointment at the club's stance on transfers this January with the Whites having no clear targets in the transfer window, with Fulham's view on things being that they have no intention to sell any of their players, including Ryan Sessegnon, and will look to improve the squad if the right options becomes available to them.

Despite hoping the recruitment department will change their opinion on the strength of the squad, Jokanovic issued an explosive solution to the problem - sacking the coach.

Speaking to getwestlondon, he said: "No, this January I am really disappointed with the information around us.

"We don't have any clear targets and for the direction of the club, I have some information that we are strong enough to fight for the important targets.

"I don't believe this - at the end there are so many assistants and so many things, I am really disappointed with our situation and I expect the club will change their opinion.

"I don't know, if we don't have the money or don't want to spend the money, but we are not competitive enough for this period what is in front of us.

"Solution? I don't know, but probably if the coach doesn't trust that we are strong enough (but they feel we are), then probably an option that the club must be thinking about is sacking the coach and this can be a good option for the club."



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/exclusive-slavisa-jokanovic-tells-fulham-14113734

WhiteJC

 
Another transfer window, another outburst - this has to stop, for the sake of Fulham

Slavisa Jokanovic launched an explosive tirade in today's press conference - but the manager vs recruitment debate must stop for the sake of Fulham

Another transfer window, another Slavisa Jokanovic press conference where the Fulham head coach reveals he isn't happy with the way things are done recruitment-wise.

After the sacking of Craig Kline, the notorious assistant director of football operations, there was an air of hope around the Cottage that these outbursts, which have been all too common in the past, would stay there.

But today's press conference proved differently, as Jokanovic launched a furious tirade regarding transfers at the club, issuing a 'back me or sack me' ultimatum over his view that the Fulham side isn't strong enough to achieve their targets.

It was unexpected to say the least - just last week the 49-year-old said that he wanted to add three new players to the squad, with no inkling that anything was amiss behind the scenes once again.

Today's press conference seemed no different, with Jokanovic in good form over Aboubakar Kamara's recent goal glut, for which he said there is no magic button to switch on and off for form, while also answering questions over Ryan Sessegnon and whether he would be rested for the Southampton tie.

But at the mention of the magic words 'transfer window' the press conference turned on it's head, with Jokanovic's talk of "sacking me could be a good option for the club" putting the room into a state of shocked silence.

We know that he has a tendency to use us, the press, to vent his frustrations about the club's recruitment policy - he did it in his first summer and he did it at the beginning of this season with Sone Aluko, but you would've hoped after the Kline sacking and the introduction of James Lovell into the recruitment department that it would've stopped.

But it seems that this window could well be the same as every other Fulham fans have had to endure since Jokanovic and Tony Khan's recruitment department stopped seeing eye-to-eye (if they ever did in the first place).

Another transfer window, another Slavisa Jokanovic press conference where the Fulham head coach reveals he isn't happy with the way things are done recruitment-wise.

After the sacking of Craig Kline, the notorious assistant director of football operations, there was an air of hope around the Cottage that these outbursts, which have been all too common in the past, would stay there.

But today's press conference proved differently, as Jokanovic launched a furious tirade regarding transfers at the club, issuing a 'back me or sack me' ultimatum over his view that the Fulham side isn't strong enough to achieve their targets.

It was unexpected to say the least - just last week the 49-year-old said that he wanted to add three new players to the squad, with no inkling that anything was amiss behind the scenes once again.

Today's press conference seemed no different, with Jokanovic in good form over Aboubakar Kamara's recent goal glut, for which he said there is no magic button to switch on and off for form, while also answering questions over Ryan Sessegnon and whether he would be rested for the Southampton tie.

But at the mention of the magic words 'transfer window' the press conference turned on it's head, with Jokanovic's talk of "sacking me could be a good option for the club" putting the room into a state of shocked silence.

We know that he has a tendency to use us, the press, to vent his frustrations about the club's recruitment policy - he did it in his first summer and he did it at the beginning of this season with Sone Aluko, but you would've hoped after the Kline sacking and the introduction of James Lovell into the recruitment department that it would've stopped.

But it seems that this window could well be the same as every other Fulham fans have had to endure since Jokanovic and Tony Khan's recruitment department stopped seeing eye-to-eye (if they ever did in the first place).


Not seeing eye-to-eye: Slavisa Jokanovic with Tony Khan (Image: Fulham FC)

However, the club invested heavily in the summer on players, adding 11 new faces, and don't want to sign players for the sake of signing someone.

It's disgraceful that this has been allowed to play out again during a transfer window.

Whether it's a lack of communication from both sides, or just a disagreement, this is becoming the norm in the transfer window and is creating an image that Fulham are a club in crisis behind the scenes.

Someone, whether that be Jokanovic or Tony Khan, needs to take the initiative here and stop the wheel as it were - having this kind of stuff come up in every transfer window is not good for the image of the club.

It shouldn't be that hard to do - other football clubs seem to be able to find the balance between keeping the manager happy and using a recruitment team, so why are Fulham finding it so difficult?



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/another-transfer-window-another-outburst-14114159

WhiteJC


Another Progress Check
by Lydia on January 4, 2018

What a start to 2018 by Fulham on Tuesday night! With results going our way on New Year's Day, you just knew that it was essential for Fulham to make up some ground on the teams around us against Ipswich, who we had previously blown away at their place earlier on in the season, and we did, thanks to a remarkable 7-minute spell midway through the second half.

We are now well past the mid-point in the season with 26 games played, so I thought that it was a good time to have another check on our progress in comparison to last season in terms of results against the same teams and not just the same stage. Obviously six of the teams that we face this season will be different to last year because of relegations and promotions from other leagues so below is the system that I have used to deal with those situations-

Premier League to Championship

    First placed Newcastle compared with Hull who finished 18th in the PL.
    Second placed Brighton compared with Middlesbrough who finished 19th in the PL
    Play-off winners Huddersfield compared with Sunderland who finished 20th in the PL

League One to Championship-

    First placed Sheffield United compared to Blackburn who finished 22nd in Championship
    Second placed Bolton Wanderers compared to Wigan who finished 23rd in the Championship
    Play-off winners Millwall compared to Rotherham United who finished 24th in the Championship

I must warn you, the points tally at the end of this assessment doesn't make for great reading because of some poor results against the likes of Sunderland but it just means that in the second half of the season we really can't afford many more slip-ups.


On the face on it, it doesn't look great as against the same teams we have picked up six less points because of two more defeats. We have lost points on last year's tally on eight separate occasions, the worst being the loss at Sunderland in comparison to last year's 4-1 win over Huddersfield or the losses to Brentford and Burton Albion. However, we have gained points, turning three draws into victories, alongside turning last year's disappointing loss at home to Birmingham into a victory. It's really a mixed bag but it is crucial that in the second half of the season we avoid as many slip ups.

The table this year is even tighter than it was last year, and we are now only 4pts off the last play-off spot and 10pts off Derby County in 2nd. It would take a massive fall from grace from Wolves to not finish top but I think that every team from Ipswich in 12th and Derby in 2nd will be eyeing up a play-off spot at least.

Only one thing is certain; it's going to be another dramatic race for the play-offs, but hopefully it ends in glory rather than heartbreak for us this time around.

#COYW



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/01/another-progress-check/


WhiteJC

 
Slavisa Jokanovic urges Fulham board to back him or sack him after furious transfer row: 'I don't know if we don't have the money or don't want to spend... but we are not strong enough'

    Slavisa Jokanovic has told Fulham to back him in the transfer window or sack him
    The Fulham manager is eager to bolster his squad during the January window
    Jokanovic is targeting a top-six finish but feels his side are not 'strong enough'
    However, the recruitment team have disagreed that they need to make signings
    The Serbian said it could be a 'good option' to sack him if funds are not provided

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic has told the board it could be a 'good option' to sack him if they are unwilling to fund his transfer plans in the January window.

Jokanovic is keen to bolster his squad with three new signings as Fulham continue to hunt for a Championship play-off place after their 4-1 drubbing of Ipswich in midweek.

However, the 49-year-old revealed in an extraordinary tirade ahead of his side's FA Cup tie against Southampton, that the recruitment team have refused to give in to his demands, insisting the current crop of players at his disposal are already capable of a play-off tilt.


Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic has told the board to back or sack him after transfer row

The Fulham boss expressed his disappointment at the club's stance on transfers this January during a fiery press conference and took aim at the recruitment team for failing to identify any clear targets.

While Jokanovic remains hopeful funds will be made available to aid his spending spree, he is not afraid to lose his job over the matter and urged the board to back him or sack him.

Speaking to GetWestLondon, the Serbian manager said: 'No, this January I am really disappointed with the information around us.


Jokanovic wants to add to his Fulham squad as they continue to push for a play-off place

'We don't have any clear targets and for the direction of the club, I have some information that we are strong enough to fight for the important targets.

'I don't believe this - at the end there are so many assistants and so many things, I am really disappointed with our situation and I expect the club will change their opinion.

'I don't know if we don't have the money or don't want to spend the money, but we are not competitive enough for this period what is in front of us.

'Solution? I don't know, but probably if the coach doesn't trust that we are strong enough (but they feel we are), then probably an option that the club must be thinking about is sacking the coach and this can be a good option for the club.'


But the recruitment team have disagreed with him over making signings in the January window



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-5236143/Fulhma-boss-says-sack-transfer-row.html#ixzz53I1PFzct
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

WhiteJC

 
Slavisa Jokanovic and transfer outbursts: We look back at previous transfer windows

After Thursday's press conference we look back at past windows and what has been said by the Fulham boss

Slavisa Jokanovic is no stranger to outbursts in the transfer window since his arrival at Fulham - it seems one can't pass without the head coach saying something about them.

His first summer saw him name check Craig Kline when talking about how the club needed a centre back, while January 2017 saw Jokanovic wheel out his infamous 'we are not a train station' line after Chris Martin had gone on strike.

It's fair to say that outbursts and the transfer window go hand-in-hand at Craven Cottage, and although some though the club may have turned a corner after the sacking of Kline, today's outburst regarding the strength of the squad shows it's the same old story at the moment.

We've taken a look back at what Jokanovic has had to say in previous transfer windows.

Summer transfer window, 2016
After a 2-2 draw with Cardiff in August, Jokanovic name checked the now-sacked Kline in his post match press conference as the man responsible for failing to secure a centre back, something the head coach felt was an important addition (and still does).

It was the first time he had mentioned Kline by name and set a scene of what was to come over the next year as Jokanovic and the recruitment department continued to butt heads.

He said at the time: "I don't think we need a striker but the position I want to improve is centre-back but this is not in my hands.

"I am not an important person in terms of recruitment, I have lost many players in the nine months behind me.

"Ask Craig Kline because I do not handle this side of the business, in the end the decision is not in my hands.

"I am not frustrated by I am a little bit surprised.

"He is a very important person in the club but nobody knows him.

"He should come from backstage and explain what we are doing in the football club."

January transfer window, 2017
This window saw Chris Martin refuse to play for Fulham as he tried to get his loan spell at the club cut short so he could return to his parent club Derby.

It led to one of the most famous, or infamous, Jokanovic quotes to date, as he made sure Martin knew that Fulham wasn't a train station and that he would not be returning to his parent club.

Martin eventually started to play for Fulham again but eventually returned to Pride Park in the summer.

Here's what Jokanovic said that time: "We expect Chris Martin to be available to work tomorrow. He is a Fulham player until the end of the season.

"I am not sending Chris Martin back to Derby. He will stay with us and he will respect the contract.

"We are not a train station — you cannot get out where you want. I don't know if he's going to play for Fulham but he's not going to play for Derby.

We need to check this situation but I don't have any intention of making our rivals any stronger.

"He stopped in training but I have information from the medical staff that he is available to play. He decided to take a day off."


Battle: Liam Moore and Chris Martin battle (Image: Scott Heavey/PA Wire)

Summer transfer window, 2017
This time Jokanovic was back hitting out at the recruitment policy after it was revealed that the club was willing to sell Sone Aluko - someone the Fulham boss felt was vital to his team.

Despite his reservations about selling the Nigerian forward, the club went ahead and sold Aluko to Reading in a reported £7.5million deal in August.

The 49-year-old spoke to the press after the pre-season defeat to Wolfsburg, stating it would be a big mistake to sell Aluko, showing once again that the head coach and recruitment department don't see eye to eye on matters.

He said: "I have to fight for Sone Aluko, because around me is some news that we are thinking about selling him.

"If we do this, it will be a big mistake for my team. If we want to be better, we need to bring quality people into our squad."



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/slavisa-jokanovic-transfer-outbursts-look-14114648

WhiteJC


Angry Jokanovic bemoans Fulham's lack of transfer planning
by Dan on January 4, 2018

A livid Slavisa Jokanovic blasted Fulham's apparent lack of interest in adding to their squad during the January transfer window and suggested that the club might be better off sacking him if they were not looking to invest this month in an extraordinary end to his press conference this afternoon.

The Serbian head coach has previously been outspoken about his lack of involvement in Fulham's transfer activity and he has been angered by the club's failure to identify 'clear targets' ahead of the transfer window, which he believes is crucial to further their push for promotion in the second half of the season. It was thought that Jokanovic would have more influence over Fulham's transfer plans following the departure of statistical guru Craig Kline last year – but his angry tirade scotched that hope.

Jokanovic told GetWestLondon's Ryan O'Donovan:

    No, this January I am really disappointed with the information around us. We don't have any clear targets and for the direction of the club, I have some information that we are strong enough to fight for the important targets.

    I don't believe this – at the end there are so many assistants and so many things, I am really disappointed with our situation and I expect the club will change their opinion. I don't know, if we don't have the money or don't want to spend the money, but we are not competitive enough for this period what is in front of us.

The press conference ended in explosive fashion with Jokanovic seeming to suggest that if Fulham didn't agree with his assessment that the squad needed strengthening during January that they getting rid of him might be 'a good option'.

    Solution? I don't know, but probably if the coach doesn't trust that we are strong enough (but they feel we are), then probably an option that the club must be thinking about is sacking the coach and this can be a good option for the club



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/01/angry-jokanovic-bemoans-fulhams-lack-of-transfer-planning/


WhiteJC


Stoke make £3m move for Fredericks
by Dan on January 4, 2018

Stoke City have launched a £3m bid for Fulham full-back Ryan Fredericks, according to several sources this afternoon.

The Premier League club are hopeful of tying up a deal for the former Tottenham and Bristol City defender, who is out of contract in the summer, and believe that a substantial offer could be accepted by the Championship club. The Guardian's deputy sports editor, Ed Aarons, revealed that the Potters had submitted a £3m bid for Fredericks earlier this afternoon.

he 25 year-old, whose adventurous nature has made him a key part of Slavisa Jokanovic's plans, has made 73 appearances for the Whites since signing for a nominal fee from the Robins in August 2015 but has yet to agree terms on a new deal, even though negotiations at Motspur Park began during the summer.

It is thought that a number of suitors would be keen on Fredericks, whose fitness has improved greatly since the start of his time at Craven Cottage, and the player himself has ambitions to play at the highest possible level. Jokanovic, who this afternoon issued his employers with an extraordinary ultimatum requesting that they either investment in the squad during the January transfer widow or sack him, would take a dim view of Fulham seeking to cash in on their first choice full back after the Whites failed to replace Scott Malone following the left back's departure during pre-season.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/01/stoke-make-3m-move-for-fredericks/

WhiteJC

 
Slavisa Jokanovic suggests Fulham should sack him if he continues to be overlooked on transfers


Salvisa Jokanovic has been unhappy with Fulham's transfer policy since 2016

Slavisa Jokanovic has again criticised Fulham for inaction in the transfer market and has suggested the club should sack him if they do not value his opinion.

The Serbian has been unhappy at being sidelined on transfer policy since the summer of 2016, having saved the Whites from relegation to League One, and he said again last summer that he was being "completely ignored" despite guiding the team to the Championship play-offs.

Sky Sports News understands Jokanovic is frustrated that he continues to be overlooked, even after the exit of data analyst Craig Kline, with whom he clashed repeatedly and had a major influence over signings.


Rui Fonte has managed to score just one league goal since signing in the summer

Sky Sports News understands the club do not intend to sell any of their players in the January window and are looking to improve the squad should the right opportunity arise, but Jokanovic has accused them of "not having any clear targets".

In his pre-match press conference on Thursday, he said: "This January I am really disappointed with the information around us. We don't have any clear targets and, for the direction of the club, I have some information that we are strong enough to fight for the important targets.

"I don't believe this. I am really disappointed with our situation and I expect the club will change their opinion. I don't know if we don't have the money or don't want to spend the money, but we are not competitive enough for the period in front of us.

"The solution? I don't know, but probably if the coach doesn't trust that we are strong enough then probably an option that the club must be thinking about is sacking the coach, and this can be a good option for the club."


Aboubakar Kamara has six league goals this term, four in the last two games

Jokanovic joined from Maccabi Tel Aviv in December 2015 after the Whites had been relegated from the Premier League, and he steered them to a 20th-place finish, 11 points clear of the Championship relegation places.

Despite losing key strikers Moussa Dembele and Ross McCormack that summer, and signing just one replacement in Chris Martin on loan, Jokanovic oversaw a sixth-place finish before losing over two legs to Reading in the play-off semi-finals.

Fulham signed two new strikers in the summer in Rui Fonte and Aboubakar Kamara but they have struggled to score goals, managing just seven in the league between them as the Whites sit in 10th place from 26 matches, six points behind the play-off places.




http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/11195631/slavisa-jokanovic-suggests-fulham-should-sack-him-if-he-continues-to-be-overlooked-on-transfers

WhiteJC

 
INTERVIEW: The Lowdown On What Fulham Can Expect From Southampton

Fulham are Hosting Southampton in the third-round of the FA Cup. The Premier League side seems to have more downs than ups this season, and they look to turn their poor form around in this cup match.
Aidan Small is the Editor for the Daily Mail's featured page 'Fresh Saints'(@FreshSaints) and gave us the lowdown on what we can expect from Southampton this Saturday..

How has Southampton's season been thus far?

It's been nothing short of an embarrassment. Mauricio Pellegrino was drafted in to bring a 'high intensity' style of football, with a focus on attacking play, but we've seen quite the opposite. He's failed to install an identity, he doesn't know our strongest XI and the results themselves have been horrific. There's no suggestion that the players are willing to work under Pellegrino and if I'm being completely honest, I can't see our fortunes changing until he's relieved of his duties; we've picked up four wins from 24 fixtures this season and have scored just 22 goals along the way.

What kind of lineup do you expect to see put out?

Our squad's been affected massively by injuries in recent weeks, so naturally were being forced into playing a second rate defensive unit. Cedric Soares, Wesley Hoedt and Jeremy Pied have all been ruled out for this fixture, while Charlie Austin is out with a long term hamstring injury.

But were desperate for a win, so I expect players such as Nathan Redmond and Manolo Gabbiadini to get a good run out in the frontline.

What style of play can we expect from Southampton?

Errr, here's the problem... none of us really know. One week were trying to play possession football, the next were trying to counter, and the next were going route one up to Shane Long. At the same time were also switching formations at a ridiculous rate; 433, 343 and 451 have all been played in the past month. Not a single Southampton fan could answer this question with genuine confidence.

What does Southampton do well?

As a unit we've done few things well this season, but our fullbacks continue to always be involved in all phases of play, and we have fantastic midfield options to fall back on; Mario Lemina, Oriol Romeu, Steven Davis and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg just to name a few.

What do they do poorly?

This season? Just about everything. Our defence has been a shambles, we've struggled to find consistency in front of goal and on the rare occasion that we do actually go ahead, we often choke and throw it away.

Result Prediction?

We're in dire form and in desperate need of a result - we haven't won in our last nine fixtures - but I'm going to be optimistic and say 2-1.

Having said that, Fulham appear to have picked up form in recent weeks and this clash looks like a banana peel. I wouldn't be shocked in the slightest if we get knocked out.



https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2018/1/4/16850812/interview-what-fulham-can-expect-from-southampton


WhiteJC

 
Charlie Nicholas predicts Fulham vs Southampton result; makes claim about Pellegrino's future

Charlie Nicholas believes that Mauricio Pellegrino may be about to take charge of Southampton for the final time.

Charlie Nicholas has told Sky Sports that he is expecting Southampton to be knocked out of the FA Cup when they travel to face Fulham on Saturday, and suggested that he would not be surprised if the tie represented Mauricio Pellegrino's final game in charge of the Saints or if the club then decided that they would welcome Ronald Koeman back.

It has been a fairly miserable start to life on the south coast for Pellegrino. Tuesday's defeat to Crystal Palace leaves Southampton just one place above the bottom three in the Premier League, with only goal difference keeping them above the relegation zone.

They have not won any of their last nine games, and Nicholas believes that losing to the Championship side - which he expects will happen - will mean the end of the line for the Spaniard who only arrived in the summer, and hinted that Koeman may be someone they will consider if they do decide to make a change.

"I think this could be the final game for Mauricio Pellegrino. The only player he's lost is Virgil van Dijk so there are no real excuses for how disappointing Southampton have been," he told Sky Sports while explaining why he is expecting a 2-1 win for Fulham.

"Manolo Gabbiadini doesn't look like he knows what the manager wants from him and I think they'd take Ronald Koeman back in a heartbeat, although I'm not sure the fans would be happy with that."

Fulham may only be on the periphery of the play-off race right now, but they go into the contest off the back of an extremely encouraging run of form in the Championship, that has seen them win three and draw one of their last four games.

And with 12 goals scored in their last four, it seems more than likely that Southampton - who will, of course, be without Virgil van Dijk following his move to Liverpool - will be tested defensively.

And Nicholas fears that they will not pass that test and may well be coming out of the game by beginning the search for a brand new manager as it may the final nail in Pellegrino's coffin.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/01/04/charlie-nicholas-predicts-fulham-vs-southampton-result-makes-cla/

WhiteJC

 
Southampton manager Mauricio Pellegrino ahead of his side's FA Cup game at Fulham

Mauricio Pellegrino has a raft of defensive injury problems, but believes Saints can use the FA Cup to get back to winning way.

Pellegrino will have to do without Cedric Soares, Jeremy Pied and Wesley Hoedt, as well striker Charlie Austin for the third round trip to take on Championship side Fulham at Craven Cottage.

After the demoralising midweek defeat to Crystal Palace, Saints desperately need to try and build some momentum.

Pellegrino said: "We have to think about the first game and obviously it will be a difficult situation because every team is different and every experience you have to live this.

"Fulham is a good team with good principle and good football and on their pitch is really difficult.

"I want to use this game to improve, to move one step forward in all different aspects.

"I will try to use my best 11 to win this game."



http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/saints/news/15808166.Pellegrino_s_injury_problems_for_Fulham/?ref=rss