Wednesday Fulham Stuff (02/05/18)...

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Shahid Khan confirms he wants England to play at Wembley - and claims sale would boost World Cup hopes

Fulham owner Khan has made an offer to buy Wembley from the FA in a deal reportedly worth up to £1billion

Potential new owner of Wembley Shahid Khan has confirmed he wants England to play at the national stadium - and believes its sale would boost the Three Lions' hopes of winning the World Cup.

Fulham owner Khan has made an offer to buy Wembley from the FA in a deal reportedly worth up to £1billion.

The Jacksonville Jaguars supremo insists he is keen to maintain the identity of the stadium, including snubbing a lucrative name change, and keeping England games under the arch.

"Wembley is the essence, the cradle of English football," Khan told the BBC. "We would very much like for England matches and cup finals to be played at Wembley, that is the DNA.


Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shahid Khan is trying to buy Wembley (Image: PA)


The FA are considering a bid for the sale of Wembley (Image: Getty Images)

"(The FA) will have a pool of money of about 600 million pounds that can be invested into the core mission of the FA, which is English football and their ultimate goal of winning a World Cup."

Wembley reopened in 2007 at a cost of £757million on the site of the old venue where England famously won the World Cup in 1966.

And Khan, who admitted he would look at the possibility of installing a roof, plans to host a clutch of big events at the stadium, including being open to Chelsea using it while Stamford Bridge is being redeveloped.


Shahid Khan greets Fulham fans (Image: Getty Images)

"Wembley is a great stadium and you want to get it configured to hold Super Bowl and World Cup finals," he added.

"Personally, I have not spoken to Chelsea, but the CEO of Fulham has spoken to his counterpart at Chelsea.

"It was never an issue to us. Chelsea has been a great club and those relationships go back a long time."



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/shahid-khan-confirms-wants-england-12458386

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John Terry and Diogo Jota out, Ryan Sessegnon and Ruben Neves in: David Prutton picks his Sky Bet Championship Team of the Season

We challenged David Prutton to pick his Sky Bet Championship team of the season, with the EFL expert finding no room for John Terry or Diogo Jota.

Here's who has gone for...


David Prutton's Sky Bet Championship Team of the Season

I've gone for John Ruddy in goal even though I could have gone for Neil Etheridge of Cardiff, but I think the Wolves stopper has been a really necessary foundation for what they've built.

John Terry has been wonderfully consistent and reliable but I just think Conor Coady deserves it, he's reverted to that position for Wolves and played very well and it shows he's elevated himself to a different level.

The same can be said of Sol Bamba as part of a team very much better than the sum of its parts. I've seen him play in defence and in midfield and I think he's found a level which has surprised quite a lot of people at Cardiff.

You can't ignore Ryan Sessegnon, who has the world at his feet at 17 and has progressed very well up the left-side of the pitch for Fulham, while the same can be said of his team-mate Ryan Fredericks, who has brought the energy with a Kyle Walker approach to playing full-back in the Sky Bet Championship.


Ryan Sessegnon has enjoyed a stunning season for Fulham

Kevin McDonald for me allows Fulham to go and express themselves. Tom Cairney has to be mentioned because he's an exceptionally talented player but McDonald has been the mark of consistency and brings balance to my super side alongside Wolves superstar Ruben Neves.

Albert Adomah has pulled up trees for Villa when their top goalscoring men have either being out of form or unfit and with Robert Snodgrass on the other side of the pitch they've got a real creative armoury to them.

James Maddison is another young player with a lot of potential and has scored some very good goals in a Norwich team that has underachieved.

As we know scoring goals is the hardest thing to do in football and Leon Clarke deserves mentioning because of the level he's found, but Matej Vydra has been consistent again, while a change of position in pre-season has brought the best out of Bobby Reid.



http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11688/11346259/john-terry-and-diogo-jota-out-ryan-sessegnon-and-ruben-neves-in-david-prutton-picks-his-sky-bet-championship-team-of-the-season

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Will Cardiff or Fulham join Wolves, and will Derby join Villa and Middlesbrough?

    This will be my final dodgy numbers post of the season. (If you haven't seen the previous ones you can follow the link above, and/or those below). There is still a game to go, and two questions remain unanswered, but we can now look at the league table and judge how well our start of season pundits did. Their choices for the top six spots, in order of popularity were: Middlesbrough, Aston Villa, Fulham, Leeds, Sheffield Wednesday and Sunderland.

    Three out of six, and wrong about the top two. Is that a "not bad" verdict or something worse?

All hail Wolves, Championship champions and worthy winners at that.

But who will go up with them?

When I last wrote about the promotion battle (March 23) my dodgy numbers were saying it would be Cardiff, with Villa and Fulham occupying two of the play-off spots.

It's not a clear-cut as that, with only a point separating Cardiff and Fulham, who have the better goal difference, and I'm not going to make predictions for the final game because I don't want to jinx either club. Indeed, were I to use my graph to make a prediction I'd have to choose both of them because they both are, and will remain, in the clear space reserved for automatic promotion:

I was right about Villa, although that prediction didn't require much mathematical ability, but what of the final two places? Back in March my dodgy numbers were predicting

• Two of Middlesbrough, Bristol and Sheffield United to make the playoffs.
• Derby to just miss out

Look at the graph now, or at least the part showing the last 20 games:

points achieved v games played, EFL Championship, 2018

You can see how consistently good Wolves have been.

Cardiff were doing great then stumbled.  They had a losing streak and that allowed Fulham, who had a winning streak while Cardiff were losing, to catch up.

Aston Villa have been much less consistent, hovering on the promotion/playoff  border but dipping when they needed to do better.

Middlesbrough put a decent run in, which lifted them to fifth spot, where they are safe, while Bristol and Sheffield United, who play each other next week, couldn't hold it together and will finish with a top half place but not much more.

'Boro look like they'll have Derby for company. Derby appear to have recovered from a slump that saw them move from the top of the playoff zone to the bottom. They have their destiny in their own hands, and only need a draw to prevent Preston from overtaking them in sixth place. I did mention Preston in March, more or less in passing, and someone with the username "Boro Fan" pointed out that they had the easiest run-in and that he or she expected them to sneak in. It is still possible but with both clubs in decent form and at home against bottom clubs the odds are against it and I think there must be little likelihood of change.

As for the others, Leeds started well but drifted down, Sheffield Wednesday were out of contention early, and the less said about Sunderland the better.

There are a couple more clubs that popped up, and if Millwall beat Villa 10-0 and both Derby and Preston lose they could take sixth spot but I expect them and Brentford to finish below Derby, although both of these clubs could finish above Bristol City and Sheffield United, and even Preston. Will Villa be resting their best players prior to the playoffs? Will Hull City be on the beach? Not everything is certain as we approach the last game of the season.

What is certain is that it's a well done to Wolves, who no-one saw coming, and it's goodbye to the Championship for them, and for us as we sail in opposite directions. But with our hull plugged and a new crew on board who knows? We've been here before and it ended well. Which begs the question:

Should I run a new "promotion watch" next season?



http://salutsunderland.com/2018/05/will-cardiff-or-fulham-join-wolves-and-will-derby-join-villa-and-middlesbrough/

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Important trio could be set to leave this summer if Fulham fail to win promotion



Fulham could lose Tom Cairney, Ryan Fredericks and Ryan Sessegnon this summer if they do not win promotion to the Premier League, according to the print edition of the Daily Mirror via Sky Sports News Paper Talk.

With one game left to play in the Championship, Fulham trail Cardiff City by one point in the race for second place.

If Fulham do not beat the Bluebirds to the last remaining automatic promotion spot, then they will have to attempt to win promotion via the lottery of the play-offs, with Aston Villa, Middlesbrough and either Derby County, Preston North End or Millwall also competing.

Should Fulham fail to win promotion back to the top flight, they are at risk of losing a number of key players.

This has been echoed by The Mirror's report, which confirms that the futures of Cairney, Fredericks and Sessegnon at Craven Cottage are uncertain if the West London outfit stays down.

Cairney, 27, is rated as one of the best players outside of the Premier League and he will not be short of suitors in the top flight.

West Ham are among the clubs to have scouted the Scotland international this season.

Fredericks will become available on a free transfer this summer with West Ham, Crystal Palace and Arsenal monitoring the right-back's situation.

While Sessegnon, 17, is considered to be among the best young players in the world and the Premier League big boys, as well as a number of top European clubs, are all ready to spend big money on the left-back-turned-left-winger.

The Verdict

This should come as no surprise to Fulham fans and a rebuild could be necessary if they fail to win promotion. Fredericks almost certainly won't sign a new deal and any hope that the Cottagers have of keeping Sessegnon is entirely reliant on their promotion and his loyalty to the club who have raised him. Cairney has been phenomenal again this year and he deserves a crack at Premier League football.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/important-trio-could-be-set-to-leave-this-summer-if-fulham-fail-to-win-promotion/

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How likely are Birmingham City to do Cardiff City a massive favour on the final day by denying Fulham?

Former Swansea City manager Garry Monk can do Cardiff City a favor on Sunday when they face-off against third-placed Fulham on the final day of Sky Bet Championship football.

The Blues will play the Cottagers at St. Andrews on Sunday lunchtime – and if they can get a result, it will work in Cardiff's favor.

Birmingham still aren't safe themselves. They're currently just two points off the relegation zone and that will give Monk's men a real incentive to get a result against Fulham, who have been in scintillating form in the second-half of the season.

Slavisa Jokanovic's side are on a 23-game unbeaten run, and they will be keen to put the Bluebirds under as much pressure as possible by making that 24 in the Midlands on Sunday.

However, Birmingham have been much improved under the influence of Monk and that will give Cardiff fans a lot of confidence heading into the final game of the season.

Since his arrival, the Blues have improved massively and they have shown tremendous fight, which wasn't the case when Steve Cotterill was in charge previously.

Monk's first match at the Birmingham City helm was incidentally when they played Cardiff in the Welsh Capital, and despite going 3-0 down, they showed grit and desire to get back into the game, as they battled back to lose 3-2.


Stats on likely winner between Birmingham City Vs Fulham, by: Betegy

And their form under Monk has continued since that narrow lose. The former Swansea boss has a win percentage of 40% in his Birmingham City tenure so far and he has overseen four wins in the 10 games he has taken charge of.

Monk has some brilliant managerial attributes, and he will no doubt get his side organised for what is set to be a monumental game at St. Andrews on Saturday.

They're capable of causing an upset, make no mistake about that. But they must keep close tabs of Fulham, who have been blistering in attack this season.

They will be slick in possession and they will look to put the game to bed early on in the Midlands, but if Birmingham can get on the front-foot early on, then Fulham may well hit panic mode.

Birmingham have experienced final day drama before, too, securing Championship safety on the final day twice in the last four years.

The Blues will also be backed by a sell-out crowd, which will no doubt work in their favour and Monk's side could have a massive say on whether the Bluebirds seal automatic promotion on what will be a defining day of Sky Bet Championship action.



http://www.insidewalessport.co.uk/birmingham-city-cardiff-city-favour/

[WhiteJC]

 
Arsenal, Palace or West Ham.. Where next for this EFL talent?



Fulham face Birmingham City this weekend at St Andrew's in what will be a crucial game at both ends of the table.

The Cottagers will be hoping to beat the Blues to give them a chance of leapfrogging Cardiff City into the one remaining automatic promotion spot, while at the same time leaving Birmingham fans frantically checking other results in the battle against the drop.

It has been a remarkable season for Fulham who recovered from a slow start to really light up the Championship.

They have a number of star players, including Ryan Fredericks, who has excelled at the back for the Cottagers.

Inevitably, the attack-minded right-back has attracted interest from the top flight after being named in both the EFL and the PFA Championship Team of the Year.

One club taking an interest in Fredericks is Arsenal, who are weighing up a swoop for the Fulham star.

Here, FLW shines a spotlight on his season so far and considers whether he would be a good addition for Arsenal.

Fredericks' attacking brand of football allows Slavisa Jokanovic to implement his style of play as the 25-year-old doubles up as a wing-back.

With Fulham attacking a lot in matches, Fredericks is given license to charge up the wing and help out with attacks.

This has been evidenced by some of his attacking statistics – he goes on an average of 1.6 dribbles per game and he has provided nine assists for team mates this season.

With an impressive pass completion rate of 76.4% as well, the former England under-19 international is a potent threat moving forward.

But Fredericks is more than capable of doing his defensive duties too as shown by his average of 1.7 tackles per match and 2.6 clearances per game.

The next logical step for Fredericks is to play Premier League football and he will be able to do so even if Fulham do not win promotion because he will become a free agent at the end of the season.

What Arsenal would be getting is a very fast and relatively young English defender who would add strength in depth to their squad and fit their attacking style of play.

However, the former Tottenham Hotspur man needs to think about his game time ahead of any summer move.

While the attraction of Arsenal is undeniable, Fredericks is likely to play second fiddle to Hector Bellerin at The Emirates as the Spaniard has nailed down that role.

If he is going to be a back-up choice, Fredericks might instead consider choosing West Ham or Crystal Palace, where he is likely to be given a starring role.

At West Ham, he could learn from one of the best in the game in Pablo Zabaleta while Joel Ward is set to leave Palace, opening up a vacancy there.

Fredericks' best hope is to remain at Fulham in the Premier League but should they fail to win promotion, then he needs to choose between warming the bench at Arsenal or making a sensible move at a vital stage in his career.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/arsenal-palace-or-west-ham-where-next-for-this-efl-talent/

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Where will Fulham's Ryan Fredericks end up in the summer?

Fulham right-back Ryan Fredericks is a man in demand at the moment with his contract expiring in the summer. Where will he be playing his football next season?

Stay at Fulham- If the Cottagers do get promoted to the Premier League then you would expect him to stay at Craven Cottage next season. Slavisa Jokanovic's side could be promoted next Sunday with a win over Birmingham City and Cardiff dropping points. If not, then they will have to battle it out in the Play-Offs again like last season.

Wolves- The Championship champions are the latest club to be linked with a move for the highly-rated full-back, as per a report by the Birmingham Mail. Nuno Espirito Santo sees him as someone who can bolster their defensive options ahead of next season in the Premier League.

Crystal Palace- The Sun have reported that Palace are interested in a summer move for Fredericks. Roy Hodgson's side have sealed their place in the Premier League next season and will be looking for players to bolster their squad ahead of another season in the top flight.

Arsenal- The Sun also reported in the above article that the Gunners are showing a shock interest in Fredericks. However, his first-team chances at the Emirates Stadium would be limited due to their vast amount of options in defence.

West Ham United- The Hammers are another Premier League side who have been linked with a move for Fredericks. It appears very likely that he will be playing in the top flight next season. West Ham boss David Moyes has been spotted at Craven Cottage this season, potentially watching Fredericks in action.



http://the72.co.uk/101381/will-fulhams-ryan-fredericks-end-summer/

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Screening Sold Out

Tickets for the screening of Birmingham City versus Fulham in the Hospitality Lounges at Craven Cottage have now sold out.

For fans who are attending, all tickets will need to be collected on the day from the Main Reception on Stevenage Road. The match kicks off at 12.30pm but doors open at Craven Cottage at 11am, with a cash bar available.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/may/01/birmingham-city-screening

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Mitrovic, Targett, Christie and the key Fulham men behind their summer transfer window policy

We take a look at the men who will be key to Fulham's recruitment policy in the upcoming transfer window

Preparations are already underway for Fulham's summer, with plans being made for both the Premier League and the Championship.

After a successful January Transfer Window, the club's recruitment department will be keen to continue that into the summer in what is, arguably, an even more important window as the club looks to build on a successful 2017/18.

The signing of Cyrus Christie showed the long-term thinking in January, while Aleksandar Mitrovic's and Matt Targett's acquisitions benefited the club in the short-term, with both players plugging gaps and adding strength to a side chasing promotion.

The summer's strategy will be dependant on what happens in the next month, but Tony Khan and the recruitment side are prepping for both promotion to the Premier League and another season in the Championship.

But who is in charge of recruitment and how do they find new players? We take a look at Fulham's once-controversial recruitment strategy and how January's success will impact the summer.

Tony Khan - Vice Chairman and Director of Football Operations

As is fairly common knowledge, Khan plays a crucial role in the acquisition of new players at Craven Cottage and heads up the side's recruitment department.

It's down to Khan and his team to find new players and sign them for the side, with input from James Lovell on the date side of things and Brian Talbot with the traditional scouting method.


New team: Slavisa Jokanovic with Tony Khan (Image: Fulham FC)

Khan was appointed to the role in February 2017 but had been advising the club on the football operations, with analytics and research featuring predominantly in his work and helped build the side that lost in the play-offs last season.

The son of owner, Shahid Khan, Khan Jnr will play a crucial role in the identifying and signing of players at Fulham this summer.

He works directly with Lovell, Talbot and Slavisa Jokanovic in the recruiting of players.

James Lovell - Data Analyst

Lovell was appointed to the role that was previously held by controversial character, Craig Kline, after the club relieved the American of his duties.

A former first team performance analyst at Fulham, Lovell's impact on the January transfer window was huge,with the club focusing on players with English experience, including the signings of Targett and Christie.

Lovell has been involved in the development and use of data in the club's scouting process in the past to help identify players of interest and influence the scouting process at the club, which is now his main role.

He'll be responsible for the date side of signings in the summer Transfer Window, working alongside Khan, Talbot and Jokanovic in order to find signings and recruit them for the coming season.

Brian Talbot - Assistant Director of Football Operations and Chief Scout

Talbot was appointed to his role in February 2017 when Khan was named as Director of Football operations and have previously served as the club's European Scout from 2011.

He is responsible for the traditional scouting method that the club implements on new signings to compliment the data models that Lovell and Khan use, in order to ensure that both bases are covered.


Assistant Director of Football Operations: Brian Talbot (Image: Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)

Talbot makes sure that potential signings have been watched by the club's scouting department, reports that are then combined with their statistical model before a decision is made on whether the club proceeds with signing them or not.

His scouting department will have already been watching potential signings this season with a view to bringing them to Craven Cottage for the next campaign.

Alistair Mackintosh - Chief Executive

Fulham's chief executive will work alongside Khan and the recruitment team when negotiating with clubs and trying to strike a deal for new players.

An accountant by profession, Mackintosh joined the club in 2008 from Manchester City and has played a key role at the club since, overseeing a European final as well as the side's highest ever finish in the Premier League.

Recently, he's helped the club gain planning permission for the redevelopment of the Riverside Stand and will play a key role once again in the acquisition of signings.


CEO: Alistair Mackintosh (right) and Shahid Khan at Craven Cottage (Image: Paul Burgman)

Slavisa Jokanovic - Head Coach

There still seems to be confusion on what Jokanovic's role in transfers at Fulham is since the departure of Kline.

The head coach is still not responsible for the buying or selling of players, but an increase in communication between Jokanovic and the recruitment department sees him have more of an input in the process.

That was clear in the Mitrovic transfer, where the forward and the head coach spoke on WhatsApp before Jokanovic went to the recruitment department with the suggestion of signing the Newcastle striker.


(Image: Nick Potts/PA Wire)

But that deal was only done after the recruitment department had run their statistical model on the 23-year-old - eventually paving the way for a deal.

This increase in communication, as well as a strong working relationship with Lovell, will be an important part of the club's summer plans.



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/mitrovic-targett-christie-key-fulham-14599209

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Referee confirmed for the Fulham game

Select Group referee Stuart Attwell will take charge of Blues' final Sky Bet Championship fixture of the season against Fulham on Sunday at St. Andrew's.

The FIFA qualified official has refereed 28 games so far this season, where he has produced a total of 94 yellow cards and three reds.

The last Blues game he refereed was our Sky Bet Championship away fixture at Blackburn in March 2016.

Blues lost that match 2-0 and a total of five players were cautioned; including Jonathan Grounds for the visitors.

The last Fulham game he took charge of was in August 2017 in their opening Championship game of this season against Sheffield Wednesday at Craven Cottage.

The Cottagers were beaten 1-0 by the Owls and there were two players booked for the hosts - Ryan Fredericks and Kevin McDonald, but no Wednesday players.

Mr Attwell will be assisted on Sunday by Scott Ledger and Andrew Halliday.



https://www.bcfc.com/news/articles/2018/referee-confirmed-for-the-fulham-game/

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EXCLUSIVE: Former Chelsea player on shortlist for new boss

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic is on Chelsea's shortlist to be their next boss, we can exclusively reveal.

Cottagers chief Jokanovic is a former Chelsea player, having spent two seasons at Stamford Bridge up to 2002 –  before embarking on his managerial career.

he 49-year-old has now established himself as a brilliant young coach, with his Fulham outfit widely considered to be the best footballing side in the Championship – and they are very much pushing for promotion.

And Jokanovic's performance at Craven Cottage has not gone unnoticed further up King's Road – with Chelsea now showing a genuine interest.

Whilst Jokanovic is concentrating on Fulham's promotion push, Chelsea know that he would not be able to reject their advances – should they make an approach.

Chelsea's hierarchy are covering their bases as they scour the world looking for Antonio Conte's replacement – with the Italian set to leave in the summer, although some Chelsea fans think it is better that he stays.

But despite the interest in some big names, Jokanovic has a number of fans at the club, including a plenty of his former team-mates – and Marina Granovskaia – who is heading up the new manager search for owner Roman Abramovich, who is understood to be intrigued by the prospect of Jokanovic.

Abramovich never dictates style of play to his coaches, but having Chelsea play with the flair Fulham employ – is believed to appeal to the Russian.



http://www.teamtalk.com/news/exclusive-former-chelsea-player-on-shortlist-for-new-boss

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Who could Middlesbrough face in play-offs?

MIDDLESBROUGH will discover the identity of their play-off opponents when the final round of Championship fixtures is staged on Sunday.

Chief Sports Writer Scott Wilson looks at who they might face, and assesses their strengths and weaknesses


ASTON VILLA
The likeliest scenario by far is that Boro will face Aston Villa in their play-off semi-final. Steve Bruce's side are guaranteed to finish in fourth position no matter what they do in their final game against Millwall, and Boro will finish fifth if they take anything from Ipswich. Even if they lose at Portman Road, they could still finish above Derby.

Villa have had something of a topsy-turvy season, but secured their play-off place largely as a result of a strong run of form at the start of this year.

They were in a state of turmoil when Boro knocked them out of the EFL Cup in September, with fans at Villa Park calling for Bruce's head after a run of just one win from five matches.

October's home win over Fulham helped steady the ship, and after losing at Brentford on Boxing Day, Villa won ten of their next 13 games, a run that propelled them to the fringe of the automatic promotion places.

Strengths: Villa's main asset is their extensive experience. In the likes of John Terry, James Chester, Glenn Whelan and Robert Snodgrass, Bruce can call on a core of players that have played in much bigger games than the ones they will experience later this month.

Lewis Grabban is one of the most effective strikers in the Championship, boasting 20 goals for Villa and Sunderland this season, and former Boro winger Albert Adomah has been in fine attacking form all campaign. Throw in exciting midfield duo Jack Grealish and Conor Hourihane, and you have the makings of a strong attacking unit.

Weaknesses: Villa's defence might boast plenty of experience, but it is short on pace. Terry and Chester have been exposed on occasion this season, and both Adama Traore and Britt Assombalonga will fancy their chances of causing problems.

Villa's away form isn't always the most reliable, and they have lost at Fulham, Bolton and Norwich in the last two-and-a-half months. If they play Boro in the play-offs, the first leg is guaranteed to be at the Riverside. Might Boro be able to forge a healthy lead to take to Villa Park?

FULHAM
If Boro don't end up facing Aston Villa, the likelihood is that they will find themselves up against Fulham in their play-off semi-final. The London club could still clamber above Cardiff to claim an automatic promotion place, but go into the weekend a point behind their rivals for a top-two finish.

For much of the first half of the season, it wasn't guaranteed that Fulham would even claim a play-off place, let alone find themselves battling for automatic promotion.

Slavisa Jokanovic's side only won five of their first 18 Championship matches, and the Serb was battling to hold on to his job as Christmas approached.

Their form has been completely transformed since the turn of the year though, and they have won 16 of their 20 league games in 2018. That still might not be enough to pip Cardiff, but it means they would be extremely dangerous opponents in the play-offs.

Strengths: Fulham's side is full of pace and energy, with Ryan Sessegnon deservedly having claimed the Championship Player of the Year crown. Former Boro full-back Ryan Fredericks is almost as effective on the opposite flank, and the Cottagers are capable of attacking from all areas of the field.

In Newcastle United loanee Aleksandar Mitrovic, they also boast a striker who has been in sensational form in the second half of the season. Mitrovic's winner against Sunderland last Friday was his 12th goal in his last 14 games.

Weaknesses: They are great going forward, but Fulham have a tendency to leak goals. Neither Tim Ream nor Denis Odoi is the most reliable of centre-halves, and with their full-backs desperate to push forward, the Cottagers can leave gaps at the back.

They have spent the last month or so pushing for automatic promotion, so if they were to miss out, how would they deal with the disappointment of finding themselves in the play-offs? The team finishing third in the Championship tends to have a poor play-off record.

CARDIFF CITY
Of the three potential scenarios that could unfold this weekend, a play-off semi-final between Boro and Cardiff is by far the least likely. If Cardiff win their final game at home to Reading, they will finish second and miss the end-of-season shootout. Even if they were to finish third, they would only face Boro if the Teessiders were to drop below Derby.

It is not impossible for both of those things to occur though, and if Boro were to find themselves taking on Cardiff, they would be taking on a well-drilled side that have confounded expectations all season.

Neil Warnock's side started like a house on fire, winning their first five league games, and while most pundits expected them to drop away, they have remained in the automatic promotion mix all term.

They had a slight wobble at the start of last month, failing to win for three games in a row, but displayed impressive resolve to win at Hull last weekend despite Fulham having gone above them 24 hours earlier.

Strengths: Neil Warnock has fashioned a Cardiff team that is much greater than the sum of its parts, with organisation and work rate key factors in the Bluebirds' success. Every player in the Cardiff team knows his role, and they have proved adept at winning tight matches.



http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/football/middlesbrough/16196478.Who_could_Middlesbrough_face_in_play-offs_and_rivals__strengths_and_weaknesses_/

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Report: Fulham right-back Ryan Fredericks tempted by 'lucrative' West Ham deal

Ryan Fredericks looks certain to leave Championship side Fulham if they miss out on the Premier League with West Ham keen.

Ryan Fredericks is out of contract this summer and that fact is known throughout the top tier of English football.

The jet-heeled right-back has set up seven goals for a promotion chasing Fulham side this season and will be offered the chance to play Premier League football in 2018/19, even if Slavisa Jokanovic's side miss out on a return to the promised land.

The Mirror (11.09am, live transfer blog) reported on Monday that Championship winners Wolverhampton Wanderers are keen to take Fredericks to Molineux and give Matt Doherty some competition on the right hand side.

But it seems that West Ham, who were linked as far back as February when Football London claimed that Fredericks was one of David Moyes' top summer targets, are still leading the way.

The Mirror (3.26pm) is now reporting that Fredericks is tempted by a lucrative switch to the London Stadium this summer should Fulham be forced to spend another season in the Championship.

The 25-year-old has spent most of his career in the capital, starting out at Tottenham, enjoying loan spells at Brentford and Millwall and returning in 2015 with Fulham after a stint at Bristol City.

And Fredericks would arguably have a better chance forcing his way into West Ham's starting XI than he would Wolves', given that Pablo Zabaleta is well past his best and Sam Byram remains either injured or out of favour.

But do reports of a 'lucrative' move to West Ham suggest that The Hammers have put a rather substantial wage on the table?



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/05/01/do-report-wolves-target-ryan-fredericks-tempted-by-lucrative-wes/

[WhiteJC]

 
Who are Middlesbrough's ideal play-off opponents? We asked former players, pundits and fans

Who do you want to play? Who do you want to avoid? And does it even matter?

Boro have sealed a play-off spot - but who do you want to go up against next?

Villa have nailed down fourth spot and look the likely opponents in a two-legged shoot-out with a place at Wembley the prize.

But there could still be a last day twist if Boro stumble at Ipswich and Derby win well at home to basement battlers Barnsley.

The revived Rams are only three points and three goals behind and have momentum so it is not out of the question they could overhaul Boro.

If that happens Boro would be dragged back to sixth spot and so would play the third placed team - and that could be either Cardiff or Fulham who are still nip-and-tuck for the second automatic spot.

All three possible opponents present different styles and challenges over two legs. All will be tough. Logic says you'd rather play the lowest placed side - but it doesn't always work out like that.

And football folklore has it that the team who finish third suffer a crisis of confidence at their perceived failure and are vulnerable to the sixth placed side who have nothing to lose. Maybe it would be better to go up against them?

So, would you prefer to face a crest-fallen Cardiff or fractured Fulham rather than steady Eddies Villa?

Does it even matter? We asked a few former players, pundits and punters plus the Gazette's Boro writers for their views.

Bernie Slaven

"I'd like to face Villa next. Mainly because I'd rather avoid the other two. Fulham are on fire right now and Cardiff have Neil Warnock and he is the ruler of this division and knows exactly what it takes to get promoted, by hook or by crook. If possible you would want avoid both of them.

"Villa are a good side. I'm a big fan of Steve Bruce and with Steve Agnew alongside him they've done a good job this term. They have Albert Adomah scoring goals and they play good football - but the other two are better teams and the table shows that."

John Hendrie

"It is difficult to call because all three have very different styles and you can never tell how a game will go. And results over the season don't really tell you much. When I was at Bradford we beat Boro twice over the season and in the first leg of the play-offs but still lost out. It is about who does better on the day.

"If you pushed me I'd say Villa because we've done better in the games against them this season. We beat them in the cup, drew away in the league and it was very tight here in the league when they just nicked it - and Boro are a much better side since then."

Neil Maddison

"It doesn't matter who we have to play. Over two legs I fear no one now with the way Tony Pulis has got the team organised. We're very hard to beat. We're solid. Everyone knows their job. We've got some momentum. We're a good side. Let them all worry about facing Boro.

"If you forced me to choose then I'd pick Villa because I think they are a little bit hit-and-miss, a bit like we are, but really, I fancy us whoever it is. We've learned a lot since Cardiff beat us down there and since Fulham edged it against us up here. We're better now."

Andy Campbell

"I want both of my clubs to go up, Cardiff automatically and Boro through the play-offs - but if Cardiff get second that means Fulham are in the mix and they are a good side.

"Who do we want to play or avoid? I'd look at it the other way. The others won't want to play us. Tony Pulis has got the team well organised and winning games now and I wouldn't bet against Boro over two legs whoever we play.

"Villa look the likeliest and they have just been getting over the line in games, a bit like we were a month ago, so maybe you would want to play them - but first Boro have to go to Ipswich and get a positive result.

"That is an important game. They won well last week and could be buzzing. It won't be easy. Let's get that one out of the way first."

John Donovan, Twe12th Man

"None of the teams who we could face have battered us this season but Fulham have had an amazing run of form since luckily beating us and Warnock's record is good so I hope we get to play Villa over two legs.

"Plus, I'd like to see Colin Calderwood try to barge into Pulis when we win."

Graeme Bandeira, stalwart supporter

"It doesn't matter. I don't fear anybody. We are the team with momentum, and with Adama in our side it will definitely scupper the opposition's attacking intent whoever they are."

Philip Tallentire

"As things stand Boro will play Aston Villa and I'll take that thank you very much.

"Dropping down to sixth would mean a potential meeting with Fulham or Cardiff and either team would be a formidable obstacle. Out of those two clubs, I'd prefer to avoid Fulham simply because they look to be the better footballing side.

"But of the three likely play-off rivals, I think Aston Villa would be the best team to play. They have been hit and miss and are capable of an off day."

Anthony Vickers

"I've got friends who want to play Cardiff as they are the 'worst' footballing side but I think they would be brutal and cynical and spoil the game and tag-team Adama and would suit Boro the least.

"I can see positives in playing Fulham. I'd rather play them over two legs now on the back of a disappointment than in a one off at Wembley after they've got their mo-jo back and if they give Boro 5,000 tickets for the leg at Craven Cottage that would be like a home game.

"But if it is Villa then it probably means we've had a positive result at Ipswich and that is important for momentum. And Boro are at home first, that's not a bad thing. If they can get ahead in the home leg then the pressure on Steve Bruce's team at Villa Park would be intense - especially when the new look Adama is unleashed."



https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/who-middlesbroughs-ideal-play-14599227

[WhiteJC]

 
Brentford man for Cairney at Fulham? Fans might be open to it at least

A very important few weeks are on the way for Fulham at the moment with the men from Craven Cottage continuing to challenge for the Premier League promotion spots.

It's simple, if they better Cardiff's result this weekend, they are the side that will go up straightaway with Wolves but, if they don't, a play-off battle awaits.

As well as that, too, if the club does not go up altogether in the coming weeks the summer window could prove very testing as offers are surely going to come in for the likes of Ryan Sessegnon and Tom Cairney.

With that in mind, then, we asked Fulham fans whether, if the latter left in the window, they'd take one of our four pre-selected options and, if so, which one.

This was the result:

Brentford man Ryan Woods appears to be the man they'd take most of the four we offered them, then.

The Bees' midfielder is more than capable of getting on the ball and dictating play – as Cairney does for the Lilywhites right now – and so might be an almost like for like replacement.

Certainly, though, he'd quickly need to prove himself as capable of taking the reins.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/brentford-man-for-cairney-at-fulham-fans-might-be-open-to-it-at-least/

[WhiteJC]

 
Overseas Broadcast

Fans are advised that Fulham's match at Birmingham City has been chosen for live overseas broadcast, and therefore cannot be streamed live on fulhamfctv.

We apologise for any incovenience this may cause.

Please note that the fixture has not be chosen for live coverage domestically in the UK, however it will be a featured game on Channel 5's highlights show that evening.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/may/01/overseas-broadcast

[WhiteJC]

 
Final Day Permutations

Fulham will finish either second or third in the Sky Bet Championship, depending on how we fare against Birmingham City, and the result of Cardiff City versus Reading on Sunday.

With Cardiff currently occupying the final automatic promotion place, a point above the Whites, we need to better their result on the final day to go up directly.

If the Bluebirds win, there is no possible way of Fulham leapfrogging them. However, should they lose, a point would be enough for second place, courtesy of our superior goal difference.

Were Reading to hold them to a draw, a win at St Andrew's would guarantee a Premier League berth for Slaviša Jokanović and his team.

As we currently sit five points ahead of Aston Villa, the lowest Fulham can finish this season is third, meaning that if we compete in the Play-Offs we will face the side that occupies sixth spot.

It's likely that will be Derby County or Preston North End. Derby are in the driving seat on 72 points, with their superior goal difference meaning a point at home to Barnsley should be sufficient.

Preston need to win against Burton Albion at Deepdale to stand any chance of breaking into the Play-Off places.

Millwall aren't mathematically out of the equation, but they would need an extraordinary set of results to move above both Derby and Preston.

Middlesbrough currently sit fifth but will drop a place if they lose at Ipswich Town and Derby win, although a three-goal swing would also be needed for that to become a reality.

The teams who finish third and fourth play away from home first in the Play-Offs, meaning Fulham would be on the road on Friday 11th (7.45pm) or Saturday 12th May (5.15pm), before hosting the second leg at Craven Cottage on Monday 14th or Tuesday 15th May (both 7.45pm).

http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/may/01/final-day-permutations

[ffcne]

Whats wrong with these cocky Boro fans.
Comment from above from some bloke Vickers .
Fulham will give us 5000 tickets at CC if we play them.

Read the rules boro.

[WhiteJC]

 
Ligue 1 side have 'made an approach' for Fulham's Ryan Sessegnon, club 'aren't favourites' right now

While Monaco's interest in Fulham super starlet Ryan Sessègnon isn't new, the fact they've actually made a move to try and sign him is.

Back in mid-April, a number of articles emerged reporting the Ligue 1 side had watched the 'next Gareth Bale' in action, sending Michael Emenalo, Chelsea's former director of football, along to keep an eye on his performances.

With the likes of Tottenham and Manchester United also in the mix for the Fulham winger, it seemed like hope more than anything else, just in case he didn't want to make the leap to a big club at the age of 17.

Well, France Football claim in their weekly magazine that, as well as scouting him, the principality side have 'made an approach' for the player, although what that means isn't explained

It could just be they checked with his agent if he'd be interested in joining them, or they actually made a bid.

However, the French magazine do make it very clear Monaco 'aren't starting as favourites' in the race to sign Sessegnon from Fulham.

To us, that sounds very much like he will be leaving Craven Cottage for much greener pastures, like Wembley or Old Trafford.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/ligue-1-side-made-approach-fulhams-ryan-sessegnon-club-arent-favourites-right-now/

[WhiteJC]

 
Jaguars owner Shahid Khan wants to host a Super Bowl in London

A Super Bowl in London? Shahid Khan wants to make it a reality.

The Jaguars owner, who has made an offer to buy Wembley Stadium in England's capital, told BBC he'd like to bring the biggest spectacle in North American sport across the pond as well as the World Cup.

"Wembley is a great stadium and you want to get it configured to hold Super Bowl and World Cup finals," Khan told BBC.

Khan, who also owns English soccer club Fulham, did say it's "premature" to discuss the idea of the Super Bowl being played in London.

The billionaire last week bid to purchase Wembley from England's Football Association for about 600 million pounds. The NFL has staged games at Wembley since 2007 and there's long been talk of the league eventually putting a franchise in London. The Jaguars have played a home game at Wembley each of the last five seasons and will play the Super Bowl champion Eagles there this year. The NFL also has a 10-year pact with Tottenham to play games at Tottenham's new stadium.

Khan's bid has fueled speculation that the Jaguars could relocate to London.

"The games the Jaguars play at Wembley are essential to the financial stability of the Jaguars in Jacksonville, which is one of the smallest markets in the NFL," Khan said last week. "If my ownership interests were to include Wembley Stadium, it would protect the Jaguars' position in London at a time when other NFL teams are understandably becoming more interested in this great city. And the stronger the Jaguars are in London, the more stable and promising the Jaguars' future will be in Jacksonville."



http://beta.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jaguars-owner-shahid-khan-host-super-bowl-london-article-1.3965943