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

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham's supersonic forward might be their secret weapon if it is to be play-offs

Aboubakar Kamara's introduction against Sunderland changed the tie - and he can be the secret weapon if Fulham do have to go through the play-offs

Aboubakar Kamara has had to be patient in his first season at Fulham after signing from Amiens in July 2017.

At just 23-years-old, Kamara found himself flung into the physical world of English Championship football as the side struggled to find a goal scorer in the early stages of the season, with the Frenchman and Rui Fonte both struggling to find the back of the net.

But fast forward to May, and Kamara has started to adapt well to England.

He's scored seven goals now and looks to have improved immeasurably from the man who managed to slice a goalward effort so badly it went off for a throw-in on the other side of the pitch, behind where he kicked it.

His introduction in Friday night's win over Sunderland was electric - Fulham looked lethargic at 1-0 down, but the introduction of the forward out on the wing frightened the Black Cats defence and excited the home fans.

It wasn't what you'd call conventional though.

Kamara's sheer pace is enough to make even the most experienced full backs worry, and it's his ability to leather the ball into space and catch up to it, exploiting space where other players wouldn't even be able to reach, which can be a secret weapon for Fulham if it is to be play offs.

The forward's introduction changed the game, but it wasn't because he had an exceptional game or because he produced a cutting edge up front.

It was the fact that he offered something so vastly different to what Fulham have done all season, and Sunderland had no answer to it.

When you think of Slavisa Jokanovic's side, you think of fluid, attacking, passing football, and it's that mantra that has seen Fulham earn plaudits galore this season.


(Image: Nick Potts/PA Wire)

But Kamara added a new weapon to the Fulham arsenal (insert your AK47 jokes here) and it could prove to be a vital asset if the side have to navigate the play-offs this season.

No one outside the club really knows what Kamara can do - he's somewhat of an unknown quantity and it's the ability to produce something like that in the final stages of the season which could help the club get to Wembley and the Premier League.

It's unlikely that Jokanovic will change the team much, why would you when you've gone half a season unbeaten?

But the ability to introduce a player like Kamara, who is fresh having not featured regularly this season and who has pace galore, could be the difference if the a side try and cancel Fulham out like Reading did last season.

I think you could describe Kamara as a FIFA player - those players people pack their teams full of on Ultimate Team in order to exploit the games' slow pace.

He certainly seemed to have that impact on Friday.

For me, I don't think I see Kamara's future as a striker, I think he would be better suited out on the wing where he can use his speed to exploit full backs and cause general chaos on the break.

It'll be interesting to see how Kamara progresses at the club - he's got one of the longest deals and is still only 23-years-old.

He's got a lot of learning left, but there's no reason why Kamara can't be Fulham's secret weapon if they are to compete in the end of season play-offs.



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/fulhams-supersonic-forward-might-secret-14600755

[bill taylors apprentice]

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.

Mmmmmm!
I can't say I keep up to date with what goes on in the world of refereeing but this guy has a history of making wrong and game changing decisions.

[WhiteJC]

 
Road Closures

Fulham fans attending Sunday's match at St Andrew's are advised to allow ample time getting to the ground, due to the Great Birmingham 10K taking place in the city centre.

Part of the run intersects the route you would normally take from New Street Station to St Andrew's, so please allow additional time to get there for the 12.30pm kick-off.

For full details of the roads due to close, and timings, please follow this link.

http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/may/01/road-closures

[WhiteJC]

 
What Fulham really think about Neil Warnock, Cardiff City and who deserves to win the promotion race

It's safe to say Fulham supporters don't like Neil Warnock as a general rule

Cardiff City are just one win away from earning a place in the Premier League and the build-up to what is a crucial final day in the Championship is already well underway.

The sell-out crowd at the Cardiff City Stadium will be very confident that their side can do the business against struggling Reading, who arrive in the Welsh capital desperate for points themselves as they look to preserve their Championship status for another year.

However, should City slip up, they will open the door for Fulham, who travel to Birmingham, another side looking for points in their own bid to beat the drop.

It all means that Sunday will be a nervy, tense, roller coaster of emotions.

So, what's the feeling down in West London? Are they still dreaming of pipping Cardiff to second, or have they settled for a place in the play-offs?

We tried to find out.

How's everyone feeling this week? Nervous?

Ryan O'Donovan, Fulham writer at Football.London :

"The mood in the camp is pretty much as it has been for the last few months. Everyone's quite happy with how things have gone on with that 23-match unbeaten run. They're a bit miffed that Cardiff City keep grinding out results, but it's still quite a positive feeling.

"If they don't get it [automatic promotion] I don't think there will be too much disappointment considering where they've come from - being 17th in November before going on this crazy run. But I think it will be a bit of an annoyance that Cardiff seem to keep grinding out results and getting late goals.

"I think whatever happens, they'll be more disappointed with how they started the season rather than how they finished it. Despite the crazy run, there was October where they didn't actually win a game.

"You have to give credit to Warnock with what he's done, although the style is certainly a little different."

What's the honest view of Warnock?

Jack Collins of fan podcast Fulhamish :

"There's a lot of vitriol towards Warnock, far more so than Cardiff themselves, but it's easy to see why. His antics towards Fulham the year that Sheffield United were relegated from the Premiership hardly endeared him to the Fulham faithful in the first place, and neither did his spells at Loftus Road.

"This season though, it's the comments about lacking class that have really turned him into a figure of fun at the Cottage, especially in relation to the amount of 'class' he's shown in the past in various roles and situations. That said, he deserves plenty of credit for the side he's built at Cardiff and for keeping the squad going and together when issues have threatened to derail it.

"We've obviously been hoping Cardiff lose for the last month or so, but aside from that there's only the differing styles of football to comment on, and whilst Fulham fans take great pride in Jokanovic's passing football, there's more than one way to get promoted, as the Bluebirds are showing."

Do Fulham feel their brand of football makes the more deserving of promotion?

JC: "Fulham had a slow start and a great finish, but that's no reason to suggest that they deserve to go up more than Cardiff - if the Bluebirds win on Sunday then they've been the team to do enough to get there - Fulham will look back at that slow start with regrets, I'm sure!

"Obviously we hope that it'll be the Whites in second at the end of the race and if it is, this run of form will have been enough to get us promoted, and deservedly so. If not, it'll be the play-offs again, but we can go in knowing that we've been nigh on unplayable on our day and that when we're on song, we can beat anyone in this league. The proof, as they say, will be in the pudding."

RO'D: "Fulham have played very nicely at times, but that doesn't matter if you can't get the results.

"Some will say that Fulham deserve to go up more than Cardiff, but the league table doesn't lie."

What are the club saying?

Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic:

"I don't know if they are under pressure or not under pressure. It's not under my control. The situation is still in Cardiff's control. If they win, we cannot do anything.



What are the club saying?

Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic:

"I don't know if they are under pressure or not under pressure. It's not under my control. The situation is still in Cardiff's control. If they win, we cannot do anything.

"We have to try and win the last game against Birmingham and if that's not enough, we have to be ready for the next steps and be ready for the play-offs.

"If we can't finish it in the short way, we have to be ready to finish in the long way."

On-loan striker Aleksander Mitrovic:

"I think we've shown that we deserve to be in the first two places for sure. I say this, but this is a really tough league so you never know what is going to happen, that's why this league is the hardest.

"To not lose 23 games in a row is a big thing and you have to show character, to show strong mentality, to have a good squad and have a good relationship between the players on the pitch and outside the pitch as well, so I think it's a really big thing."



https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/what-fulham-really-think-neil-14601199

[WhiteJC]

 
Talks on Fulham transfer have 'progressed well', promotion could complicate everything

Earlier on Tuesday, we covered a claim from France Football that Monaco had made a move to sign Ryan Sessegnon from Fulham.

What that move was wasn't explained, as it could range from a mere enquiry to a bid, but, if true, it certainly shows there's some desire to sign the youngster in Europe.

And, if Le10 Sport are to be believed, they aren't the only ones in France to hold an interest, since Paris Saint-Germain are very keen on him too.

This isn't the first time we've covered this, with L'Equipe bringing it to the fore back in early March, and things have changed a bit since.

According to the French magazine, the talks between all parties have 'progressed well', and Paris Saint-Germain would really like to add him to their squad, but a lot rests on Fulham.

Should the Cottagers get promoted back up to the Premier League, then 'it could become a lot more complex', suggesting Slavisa Jokanovic's side could end up asking for a lot more.

That makes sense, after all, since keeping the winger would certainly be a big bonus to the Championship side's chance of maintaining their top-tier status next season should they go up.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/psg-talks-fulhams-sessegnon-progressed-well-promotion-complicate-everything/

[WhiteJC]

 
Wembley sale: Questions over the FA's valuation and need to sell, says its former commercial director

As has been widely reported, the Football Association has received an offer from the American billionaire Shahid Khan to buy Wembley Stadium.

Khan already owns an NFL franchise and Fulham FC, and is no stranger to football or London and the UK.

Permission for the FA executive to develop the proposal has been granted by the board and this means the offer is now being seriously considered by the FA and its wider constituency.

This process will include wider consultation with not only the "football family", but government and fan groups. We must wait to see if this will include commercial partners.

It will also involve a significant due diligence process and, one hopes, a fuller analysis of the proposal, the value of the deal on offer and a clear understanding of the ramifications.

The FA are being advised by Rothschild's bank, among others. If nothing else this process will take some considerable time and we expect that any sale, if it was to happen, will take months rather than weeks.

Wembley and the FA

Prior to its demolition and reconstruction between 2001 and 2007, Wembley was acquired from Wembley plc by the FA in 1999.

Wembley plc agreed to sell for £120m and that money was supplied by the government via lottery funding earmarked for the construction of a new national stadium.

The original cost projections of £350m were massively exceeded and the final costs have been put at between £700 and £800m. This cost and the servicing of the debt, quite apart from the running costs, have fallen on the FA.

Significantly, the banks that lent the money to the FA found that the stadium was only viable with the guarantee of the FA's events. This presumably will continue to be the case, and therefore the staging agreement for the FA's events will be pivotal in any deal.

The original debt repayments were scheduled over 20 years but rising broadcast and commercial revenues have allowed the FA to reschedule the debt to its banks, and the stadium will be debt free by 2021.

A good return?

The foregoing analysis raises the issue: if the FA has ploughed close to £1bn into the project, is the current offer a good return?

Khan is said to have proposed around £600m cash, which seems to undervalue the stadium, and is probably not even reflective of the brand value of the Wembley name.

It may also be asked whether, having spent almost 20 years paying off the mortgage, the FA wouldn't be better advised to enjoy the fruits of its labour for a few debt free years?

Moreover, the FA have been talking a great deal about how the money would be used to build grass-roots facilities, but the current situation is that grass-roots football has more funding than it can spend.

Via the Football Foundation, a "gusher" in the shape primarily of Premier League funding of £180m per year makes football in England enviably well-funded. It is a fact that the Foundation cannot find enough worthy projects to spend its money on.

What are we to expect from the Wembley sale: gold taps at the Hackney Marshes changing rooms?

Implications for commercial partners of the FA

The first thing to be assured of is that this process will not be done in a hurry. The second thing is that, whatever Khan's vision may entail, the FA's portfolio of events will be pivotal for the continued success of the stadium.

Finally, it is assumed that the FA will ensure that in any future staging agreement with a new owner of the stadium, the staging agreement will fully protect the rights of existing partners during the lifetime of their existing contracts.

If the FA learns the lessons of history, it will also construct staging agreements with the new owners of Wembley which set up highly prescriptive terms in respect of clean stadia and bowl, which allows them greater scope for selling advertising at its events.

European football's governing body Uefa has such agreements in place for the Champions League and Europa League, so a template and best practice already exists.

In relation to deals which are exclusively predicated on Wembley Stadium, such as pourage and supply, it is expected that the FA will be contacting partners sooner rather than later to engage in discussions concerning any potential change of ownership.

The new owners may expect to renegotiate these arrangements but it is hoped that the FA will insist at the very least that current contracts are honoured.

Other considerations and assessment of probability

There are certainly question marks against the value of the deal and its utility to the FA.

There are also a number of stakeholders who will be sceptical, perhaps including the Premier League, and still others, Chelsea for example, who will be alarmed by developments. Chelsea hope to rent Wembley as a home for three seasons from 2021 while Stamford Bridge is redeveloped.

The FA's current assessment is better than 50/50 that it will happen and the Press campaign already in flow indicates that at executive level they are deeply wedded to it happening. Experience would suggest otherwise and the backlash has not yet begun.

City A.M.'s opinion pages are a place for thought-provoking views and debate. These views are not necessarily shared by City A.M.



http://www.cityam.com/285078/wembley-sale-questions-over-fas-valuation-and-need-sell

[WhiteJC]

 
Putting Fulham back together: Three players to re-sign in the Premier League

If Fulham win promotion they should consider moves for Tottenham, Celtic and Manchester City men.

Fulham are hoping to clinch a return to the Premier League later this month.

They need a Cardiff City slip up this weekend to win automatic promotion, and if not they must negotiate the play-offs.

The terrific form of the West London side should make them confident of success, and a return to the top flight could be incredible for their future.

Winning promotion will enable Fulham to keep star player Ryan Sessegnon, sign loanee Aleksandar Mitrovic, and resist interest in manager Slavisa Jokanovic.

It will also enable them to make big moves to re-sign three of their former players who find themselves at critical junctures of their careers. Without top flight status, these transfers will not be possible. With it, Fulham can dream big...

Moussa Dembele
Fulham lost Dembele to Celtic in 2016 for a pittance after a superb season in the Championship where he scored 15 goals.

He has netted almost 50 times for Celtic in two seasons and is expected to move on this summer.

The problem is so far big moves to Chelsea or Manchester United have not materialised, with Brighton the big bidders in January.

Dembele might see a return to Fulham as preferable and be excited about a potential link up with Mitrovic.

Mousa Dembele
This would be quite an impressive move, and as unlikely as it sounds, Premier League status could make it possible for Fulham.

Dembele is on the brink of a Spurs exit, with The Mail reporting he is available for £20 million.

This would really turn the tables on Tottenham, who want Ryan Sessegnon. Dembele, 30, still has plenty to offer and would be a real statement signing by moneybags owner Shahid Khan.

Patrick Roberts
Manchester City have struggled to find space in their squad for Patrick Roberts since signing him and his prospects next season do not look great.

His third loan spell at Celtic has been struck by injuries and he needs a fresh start, but he is unlikely to get regular football at City next season.

Fulham might have the power to re-sign him permanently but if not then a loan deal could be agreeable for the two clubs.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/05/01/putting-fulham-back-together-premier-league-signing/

[General]

Putting Fulham back together: Three players to re-sign in the Premier League

If Fulham win promotion they should consider moves for Tottenham, Celtic and Manchester City men.

Fulham are hoping to clinch a return to the Premier League later this month.

They need a Cardiff City slip up this weekend to win automatic promotion, and if not they must negotiate the play-offs.

The terrific form of the West London side should make them confident of success, and a return to the top flight could be incredible for their future.

Winning promotion will enable Fulham to keep star player Ryan Sessegnon, sign loanee Aleksandar Mitrovic, and resist interest in manager Slavisa Jokanovic.

It will also enable them to make big moves to re-sign three of their former players who find themselves at critical junctures of their careers. Without top flight status, these transfers will not be possible. With it, Fulham can dream big...

Moussa Dembele
Fulham lost Dembele to Celtic in 2016 for a pittance after a superb season in the Championship where he scored 15 goals.

He has netted almost 50 times for Celtic in two seasons and is expected to move on this summer.

The problem is so far big moves to Chelsea or Manchester United have not materialised, with Brighton the big bidders in January.

Dembele might see a return to Fulham as preferable and be excited about a potential link up with Mitrovic.

Mousa Dembele
This would be quite an impressive move, and as unlikely as it sounds, Premier League status could make it possible for Fulham.

Dembele is on the brink of a Spurs exit, with The Mail reporting he is available for £20 million.

This would really turn the tables on Tottenham, who want Ryan Sessegnon. Dembele, 30, still has plenty to offer and would be a real statement signing by moneybags owner Shahid Khan.

Patrick Roberts
Manchester City have struggled to find space in their squad for Patrick Roberts since signing him and his prospects next season do not look great.

His third loan spell at Celtic has been struck by injuries and he needs a fresh start, but he is unlikely to get regular football at City next season.

Fulham might have the power to re-sign him permanently but if not then a loan deal could be agreeable for the two clubs.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/05/01/putting-fulham-back-together-premier-league-signing/

As much as I think this is finger in the air nonsense I would quite like to see how mitrovic and the younger Dembele would do in the same squad, especially if complimented by Kamara and fonte. Whilst it's not the strongest premiership front line. There's a consistency to the quality and dynamism and they're all relatively young too which could give them the drive needed to push on. For me that's quite an exciting prospect. Not fussed about Roberts tbh.. he hasn't really kicked on much at Celtic.

[Milo]

Putting Fulham back together: Three players to re-sign in the Premier League

If Fulham win promotion they should consider moves for Tottenham, Celtic and Manchester City men.

Fulham are hoping to clinch a return to the Premier League later this month.

They need a Cardiff City slip up this weekend to win automatic promotion, and if not they must negotiate the play-offs.

The terrific form of the West London side should make them confident of success, and a return to the top flight could be incredible for their future.

Winning promotion will enable Fulham to keep star player Ryan Sessegnon, sign loanee Aleksandar Mitrovic, and resist interest in manager Slavisa Jokanovic.

It will also enable them to make big moves to re-sign three of their former players who find themselves at critical junctures of their careers. Without top flight status, these transfers will not be possible. With it, Fulham can dream big...

Moussa Dembele
Fulham lost Dembele to Celtic in 2016 for a pittance after a superb season in the Championship where he scored 15 goals.

He has netted almost 50 times for Celtic in two seasons and is expected to move on this summer.

The problem is so far big moves to Chelsea or Manchester United have not materialised, with Brighton the big bidders in January.

Dembele might see a return to Fulham as preferable and be excited about a potential link up with Mitrovic.

Mousa Dembele
This would be quite an impressive move, and as unlikely as it sounds, Premier League status could make it possible for Fulham.

Dembele is on the brink of a Spurs exit, with The Mail reporting he is available for £20 million.

This would really turn the tables on Tottenham, who want Ryan Sessegnon. Dembele, 30, still has plenty to offer and would be a real statement signing by moneybags owner Shahid Khan.

Patrick Roberts
Manchester City have struggled to find space in their squad for Patrick Roberts since signing him and his prospects next season do not look great.

His third loan spell at Celtic has been struck by injuries and he needs a fresh start, but he is unlikely to get regular football at City next season.

Fulham might have the power to re-sign him permanently but if not then a loan deal could be agreeable for the two clubs.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/05/01/putting-fulham-back-together-premier-league-signing/

As much as I think this is finger in the air nonsense I would quite like to see how mitrovic and the younger Dembele would do in the same squad, especially if complimented by Kamara and fonte. Whilst it's not the strongest premiership front line. There's a consistency to the quality and dynamism and they're all relatively young too which could give them the drive needed to push on. For me that's quite an exciting prospect. Not fussed about Roberts tbh.. he hasn't really kicked on much at Celtic.

I'd fancy MK1 Moussa to return! Think £20m is nonsense though at 30. No chance.

I would sign for ~£12m if available.

[Bill2]

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.

They will get the bare minimum for an evening game at the Cottage.