Tuesday Fulham Stuff (08/05/18)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Birmingham City 3-1 Fulham PLAYER RATINGS: Whites miss out on automatic promotion

A disappointing afternoon in the midlands saw Fulham lose 3-1 to Birmingham on the final day of the season

Fulham missed out on automatic promotion and lost their unbeaten run as they were beaten 3-1 by Birmingham City in an uninspiring performance at St Andrews.

It was an anxious start from Fulham and it become even more anxious when Birmingham took the lead through Jutkiewicz after 18 minutes.

And that got even worse when Harlee Dean popped up at the back stick in the 40th minute to nod past Bettinelli and double the Birmingham lead.

The Whites had a strong opening to the second half but took themselves until the 81st minute to score, when Tom Cairney nodded past the keeper, but a third for Birmingham minutes later ended all hope.

Fulham lacked that cutting edge in the final third and suffered a deserved defeat, the first in 24 games, to mean it's the play-offs for the side.

Bettinelli 6: Didn't really have too much to do, other than pick the ball out of his net twice. Made a couple of decent stops.

Fredericks 5: Got into good positions throughout the game, but he couldn't deliver on his final ball.

eam 6: Started the game well and looked solid. A bit of a lack of communication for the first goal.

Odoi 5: Lack of communication in the first goal but otherwise a decent display. Poor for the third goal.

Targett 5: Didn't look fully fit after his injury last Friday against Sunderland. Was replaced at half time for Kamara.

McDonald 5: Sat in front of the midfield and tried to shield, but struggled when the game become stretched.

Johansen 5: Didn't get into the game in the first 45. Saw more of the ball in the second but couldn't do anything with it.

Cairney 5: Struggled to have any impact on the game in the first half and was the same in the second. A few nice touches and gave the side hope, but too late.

Sessegnon 5: Terrible first 45 - couldn't stay on his feet and kept slipping. Moved to left back in the second and didn't get involved as much in proceedings.

Mitrovic 5: Near anonymous in the first period. Did better to hold up play in the second half but didn't test Birmingham.

Piazon 4: Another poor game from the loanee - he struggled to have any impact in what became a physical contest.

Subs -
Kamara 6: Impacted the game, but like many of the Fulham side, his final touch and ball wasn't up to scratch today.

Ayite 4: Didn't really have any impact on proceedings today.

Christie 5: Tried to exploit the right but was unable to put any meaningful balls into the box/



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/birmingham-city-3-1-fulham-14622227

[WhiteJC]

 
Play-Offs Tickets On Sale

Fulham will take on Derby County in the Sky Bet Championship Play-Offs Semi-Final, with tickets for both the home and away legs now on sale.

Away Leg - Pride Park: Friday 11th May, 7:45pm
Given the high demand expected for this fixture, tickets will be sold on a Loyalty Points basis. The Club has taken the full allocation of 3,100 tickets available and tickets are limited to one per person. The full selling schedule can be found below:

    10am, Monday 7th May: Season Ticket Holders with 670 or more Loyalty Points
    10am, Tuesday 8th May: Season Ticket Holders & Members with 630 or more Loyalty Points
    10am, Wednesday 9th May: Season Ticket Holders & Members with 400 or more Loyalty Points
    10am, Thursday 10th May: All Season Ticket Holders & Members

Tickets are priced at £25 for adults, £15 for over 65s, £10 for under 18s and £5 for under 12s.

Official Coach Travel is also be available to purchase, with prices starting from £17 for adults and £10 for juniors.

Fans can buy online at fulhamfc.com/tickets, by phone on 0203 871 0810 (opt. 1) or in person from the Fulham Ticket Office.

Owing to the tight turnaround of this fixture, we advise supporters that physical tickets still need to be printed by the home host club and dispatched to the Fulham Ticket Office.

To allow supporters to purchase as early as possible, tickets will go on sale from Monday 7th May, however we will not expect to receive the physical tickets until Tuesday lunchtime. Supporters who purchase before this time will have their tickets dispatched via First Class post.

Fans can view how many Loyalty Points they currently hold by logging into their online ticketing account.

Second Leg – Craven Cottage: Monday 14th May, 7:45pm

Tickets for Fulham's Play-Off Semi-Final home leg are now on sale to Season Ticket Holders, Members and supporters with a Booking History.

2017/18 Season Ticket Holders' existing seats will be held until 10am on Wednesday 9th May, after which time all seats will be released. Fans are advised that blocks P1-P4 in the Putney End will be sold to home fans only at this match, with the Mixed Area not available.

Prices are £19 for adults, £9 for concessions and £5 for under 18s, with fans invited to donate £1 on every ticket to the Club's charitable arm, Fulham FC Foundation.

Fulham Football Club Foundation is a leading community charity, using the power of sport to provide meaningful education, employability, health, inclusion, environmental, and sport programmes.

As Slaviša Jokanović's side seek to earn a trip to Wembley, get behind the Whites and help get Craven Cottage rocking for this crucial tie – with supporters able to purchase up to four tickets each, bring your friends and family to SW6!

Alternatively, why not take in the Play-Off action in style, with Matchday Hospitality also available to purchase from 10am on Monday, with a host of packages available and priced from £109 per person (+VAT).

Tickets and Matchday Hospitality will be available to purchase online at fulhamfc.com/tickets, by phone on 0203 871 0810 (opt. 2) or in person from the Fulham Ticket Office.

Supporters are advised the Home Cup Tie scheme is not in operation for this match, and as such all fans must purchase a ticket. Fans will receive a paper ticket for this fixture.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/may/07/play-offs-semi-final-tickets

[WhiteJC]

 
Vote For Mitrović

Aleksandar Mitrović has been nominated for the PFA Championship Player of the Month award for April.

The 23-year-old Serbian was in fantastic form last month, scoring a total of five goals in six games for the Whites.

He faces competition from Sean Morrison, Adama Traore, Matt Smith, Curtis Davies and Harry Wilson for the accolade, which is voted for by fans.

Show your support for Mitrović by voting for him below – the ballot closes at 8am on Wednesday 9th May.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/may/07/mitrovic-up-for-pfa-championship-player-of-the-month

[WhiteJC]

 
PSG to miss out on Ryan Sessegnon

Fledgling media outlet Paris United reported last night that Tottenham Hotspur have reached an agreement in principle to sign Ryan Sessegnon from Fulham, in a deal that depends on whether or not the Championship side wins promotion via the play-offs or not in the coming weeks.

If the deal does not come off, the outlet claims that it will be because Fulham have won Premier League status for next season.

The outlet that broke Neymar & Mbappé to PSG first claims that Fulham's possible promotion to the Premier League will only delay the deal by 12 months.



http://www.getfootballnewsfrance.com/2018/psg-to-miss-out-on-ryan-sessegnon/

[WhiteJC]

 
'We s**t the bed' - Tim Ream's frank assessment for Fulham missing out on automatics

Defeat at St Andrews meant that it would be the play-offs for Fulham, and the American centre back wasn't looking for excuses after the game

Tim Ream offered a frank assessment for Fulham's no-show at St Andrews on Saturday: "We s**t the bed."

The Whites were beaten 3-1 by Birmingham City in the midlands, bringing an end to their 23-game unbeaten run on a day where a victory could have seen them promoted to the Premier League.

And with Cardiff City drawing to Reading, three points at St Andrew would've been enough for Fulham to gain automatic promotion, but instead it's the play-offs once more and a trip to Derby County on Friday night.

There is no hiding it was a poor performance from the west London outfit - over-hit passes, no rhythm and a difficulty in doing anything of note in the final third that all contributed to Fulham's worst display in half a season of football.

Was it the heat, the pitch or the tempo that Birmingham played that made the Whites perform so badly?

Not according to Ream, who had a different view of what went wrong.

"It's all excuses," he said.

"It was down to us, it was there for us, we got the result we needed in the Cardiff game and, pardon my French, but we s**t the bed."

Last season, Fulham succumbed to the pressure of the play-offs, losing 2-1 on aggregate to Reading in the semi-finals after failing to show up on the big occasion.


We s**t the bed: Tim Ream (Image: Birmingham Mail)

This was another high pressure game for the side with promotion on the line, but the centre back, who was one of the better performers in a white shirt, doesn't think the p-word had any effect on his side.

He added: "No, I don't think so.

"To be honest, there was no real pressure on us, win, lose or draw we knew we had to better Cardiff's result and it just wasn't there for us.

"We knew, no matter what happened, if we didn't get promoted today then we'd have the play-offs to go through and we just weren't at it.

"There was no added pressure, we just approached this game the same way we have the last 23 games and just didn't do the business."

After last season's play-offs and this season's final day drama, the 2018 play-offs will be Fulham's third chance in two seasons to get back into the top flight.

Ream is confident Fulham won't change their approach and will carry on doing what they do, and after relying on a Cardiff slip up for most of the season, the American is glad it's on them now.

"We've had three chances now to be promoted in two seasons, it's pretty incredible to have that opportunity so myself, the team and everybody associated with the club have to grab it with two hands and take it.

"We won't change our approach just because it's the play-offs.

"It's three more games and we take the first game as it is, we look at the second game but we can't look past this first game in the playoffs.

"What we do is up to us, it's not up to anyone else and we don't rely on anyone else."

The old saying is third time lucky, and when asked that Ream looks us straight in the eye, nods and repeats: "Third time lucky."



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/fulham-tim-ream-automatic-promotion-14625347

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham boss insists his team can hit back against Derby County in the play-offs

Slavisa Jokanovic's side lost 3-1 at Birmingham on the final day to finish third

Slavisa Jokanovic has backed his Fulham team to recover after they missed out on automatic promotion.

Fulham lost 3-1 to Birmingham City in their final league game yesterday to finish third, two points behind Cardiff City.

It means Fulham will now face Derby County in the play offs with the first leg at Pride Park Stadium on Friday night.

The defeat was Fulham's first since December and Jokanovic insists they can hit back when they tackle Derby.

"I always believe we are going to win the next game, because we lost one game I am not going to change my mind," he said.

"We showed quality many times, the character we showed many times - and we are going to be ready for the next game.

"We're disappointed not because we're in the play-offs, we're disappointed because we lost a great chance to win the game.

"It's part of football and we must be ready for the challenge. We cannot be satisfied, it's simple, we didn't play well enough."

Fulham were beaten by Reading in last season's play offs.



https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-boss-insists-team-can-1540278

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham buckling under pressure, Targett's fitness - talking points from St Andrews

It will be the play-offs for Fulham - but what did we take away from defeat at Birmingham City?

Buckling under the pressure once again?

Fulham knew they needed to do their job at St Andrews, regardless of what happened in the game at Cardiff.

If the side won, the pressure would've been on the Welsh side to return to favour and get a result, and if they had then there could be no complaints from west London.

But the fact that Reading held Cardiff to a draw and the Whites couldn't produce the goods when they needed it more is the frustrating part, and the performance echoes back to last season's play-offs.

They didn't turn up then and looked nothing like the side that hauled themselves into the play-offs, and in Birmingham on Saturday they didn't look like a team on a 23-game unbeaten run.

It's a worry going into the play-offs on Friday that Fulham seemed to not handle the pressure, and after last season, it's a tag they'll want to throw away with a dominant display at Pride Park on Friday night.

Was Targett ready to play?

After limping off against Sunderland in the penultimate game of the season and leaving Craven Cottage in a protective boot, the fact Matt Targett was ready to face Birmingham was a surprise.

But for me, it was clear he wasn't fit enough as he struggled against Jota on the left and couldn't deliver going forward, like we've seen him do so many times since he joined on loan.

He came off at half time and Slavisa Jokanovic said he took a decision to try and change it with the side 2-0 down, but I think the big part of it was it was obvious Targett wasn't fit.


Dejection: Fulham players at the final whistle (Image: Nigel French/PA Wire)

You see the difference he makes to the side - without him the team is unbalanced, like it was before January with no proper left back, and that contributed to the poor performance.

If Fulham are without a fully fit Targett for Friday, they could be in a spot of trouble.

Third time lucky?

This is now the third chance in the past two seasons that Fulham have to get promoted to the Premier League.

Last season, they lost in the play-off semi finals and this season they missed out on automatic promotion on the final day - now they go to Derby County with the aim of winning their first ever play-off game.

For everything this side have been called this season - the best footballing side, the Manchester City of the Championship, if they don't go out of the play-offs at the semi final stage they'll get another, less desirable, name.

This group of players are one of the best in the division, they now need to believe in themselves on Friday and Monday and get the job done, then enjoy a final at Wembley.

Cairney not in form at St Andrews

He's Fulham's talisman and his goal gave the side a brief spark of hope that the comeback was briefly on, but apart from that, Tom Cairney was near-anonymous at Birmingham.

Cairney has had another wonderful season, despite missing a large chunk with injury, but now is the time for a player of his magnitude to show just why he should be considered a Premier League player.

Everyone has bad games and Cairney had his at St Andrews, but the skipper has to make sure he leaves that performance in the past and focus on Derby County and make sure he doesn't repeat it on Friday night.


Not on song: Tom Cairney (Image: Nigel French/PA Wire)

Christie's Fulham future is bright

We've seen bits of Cyrus Christie, and every time we have he's impressed me.

While he might only come on for ten or 15 minutes as a sub here and there this season, his impact on games cannot go unnoticed and I think he'll be a massive player for Fulham next season.

He fits the Fulham mould perfectly - attacking, confident on the ball and lightening fast.


Positive future: Cyrus Christie (Image: Steve Bardens/Getty Images)

His final ball, like the assist at Bristol City for Aleksandar Mitrovic for instance, is top quality and the way he's settled into life at Craven Cottage, for me anyways, means the risk of losing Ryan Fredericks might not be so great.

If there was at least one positive we could take from the Birmingham defeat, it was that Christie is probably already more than good enough to start in this Fulham side.



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/fulham-pressure-brimingham-play-offs-14624528

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham have a part of history on their side as they embark on the play-offs - for once

Despite never winning a play-off game, there is one bit of history that is on Fulham's side heading into the play-offs

Fulham have never won a play-off game.

Six times the Whites have tried, and six times they've failed, with Bristol Rovers in 1989, Grimsby Town in 1998 and Reading 2017 all progressing past Fulham in play-off semi finals.

Next up is Derby County, but this time, one part of history might actually be on Slavisa Jokanovic's side.

Nine teams out of 25 have gone up through the play-offs in the Premier League era after finishing third in the Championship, including the likes of West Ham in 2011/12, Swansea in 2010/11 and Bolton in 1994/95.

That's more than twice as many as those that have finished in sixth, like the club did last season when Reading beat them 2-1 on aggregate to reach the finals, before losing to fifth placed Huddersfield.

If the stats in history are anything to go by, Middlesbrough and Fulham have the best chances of going up based on their final positions, with eight teams having gone up when finishing fifth.

By contrast, only four teams to finish in sixth have ever made it to the top flight - Crystal Palace in 1996/97 and 2003/04, West Ham in 2004/05 and Blackpool in 2009/10 - as have just four who finished fourth - Leicester in 1993/94, Charlton in 1997/98, QPR in 2013/14 and Hull in 2015/16.

Finishing league position | Playoff winners

3rd | 9

4th | 4

5th | 8

6th | 4

What are the odds for the play-offs?

Fulham are favourites to win the play-offs with SkyBet, while Aston Villa and Middlesbrough are joint-second favourites to go up at Wembley.

Derby, who the Whites face on Friday at Pride Park, are the least favourites with the bookies to go up, with Sky Bet giving them odds of 9/2.

If you fancy Fulham, they're 13/8 while Boro and Vill are both priced at 11/4.

When are the play-offs?

Fulham take on Derby on Friday night at Pride Park, with kick off at 7.45pm, while Boro host Aston Villa in the other semi final at the Riverside in a 7.45pm kick off on Saturday.

The return legs take place on Monday, May 14 at Craven Cottage, kick off 7.45pm, and at Villa Park on Tuesday May 15.

The final will take place at Wembley on May 26 in a 5pm kick off.



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/fulham-part-history-side-embark-14625878

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham training ground expansion: Latest updates on the former BBC sports ground

Here's why Fulham are re-developing the former BBC sports ground opposite Motspur Park and what the plans are

Fulham have been granted planning permission to start work on the former BBC sports ground opposite their Motspur Park training ground.

The club bought the land last June as they looked to expand their training facilities, although owner Shahid Khan said in a statement at the time that Fulham were unsure of how exactly they would use the property.

However, Kingston Council have granted planning permission for Fulham to start work on the grounds, with Fulham aiming to build a 'satellite training ground' for their U23 and U18 teams for the time being.

The planning permission will allow them to install pitches and temporary buildings while the club comes up with a longer term plan for the site.

Here's everything we know so far about the plans.

What do the current plans consist of?

For the time being, Fulham have only been granted planning permission for part of the site, but plan on installing the following:

    Two full size grass pitches
    A goalkeeper training area
    Two areas for specialist exercise and fast feet work
    Under pitch heating pipework to selected areas
    Fencing and ball netting
    Three small portable storage sheds for training equipment
    Three temporary single storey buildings containing toilets, staff areas and storage
    Refurbishment of existing buildings for groundsman and maintenance facilities
    Temporary security building, refurbishment of main access gate and access road and CCTV cameras
    Refurbishment of existing car park area to provide for temporary car parking
    Ducting for services and future floodlighting


The future of Fulham's Academy: Could the new ground develop more Sessegnons?

What will take place at the satellite training ground?

Fulham are envisioning that the U23 and U18 players will use the new ground, as well as continuing to use the facilities that are already in place at Motspur Park, meaning it will only be used for outdoor training.

When will work start?

ASAP - the club want the new ground ready in time for the start of the 2018/19 season.

What are the future plans for the site?

Fulham are anticipating that they won't be in a position to come forward with a planning application for its long term plans for another 12-18 months.

However, they are currently reviewing its training operation and facilities with a view to brining it in line with other top tier professional football clubs and meet all Academy requirements in one location.

The club envision future pitch improvement works will happen in 2019 for the 2019/20 season, with further, long term proposals coming after that.

Why are Fulham concentrating on the Academy at the new satellite ground?

As a result of the club's Category One Academy status, Fulham need to meet a number of facility requirements, while the current training facilities are constrained by the size of the site and the age of the current buildings.

For example, Motspur Park hasn't got a hydrotherapy pool and spa or underwater treadmills, which is common at other top level professional football training grounds, while the sports science facilities are limited.

At the moment, the club's U16s games are played at the London School of Economics pitches, and for Fulham to have all the Academy One requirements on site, Motspur Park would need:



    Pitches - Two 55m by 37m

    One 73m by 46m

    Two 83m by 55m

    One 91m by 55m

    Two 101m by 64m

    Goalkeeping practice area

    Buildings: 2 changing rooms per pitch

    Sufficient (segregated) adult changing rooms for home & away staff (male and female) and referees (male and female)

    Family lounge for 50 persons

    Ancillary facilities

The size of Motspur Park means that isn't possible, with the acquisition of the BBC sports ground being viewed to provide additional pitch and training capacity.



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/fulham-training-ground-expansion-latest-14626560

[WhiteJC]

 
Report: Tottenham Agrees Deal to Sign Ryan Sessegnon

Fulham star Ryan Sessegnon has reportedly agreed to a deal that will see the 17-year-old join Tottenham once the transfer window opens, regardless of the Cottagers' success in the Championship playoffs this season.

Sessegnon has been attracting interest from all across Europe throughout the season, with Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain among those reported to be interested in signing the French-speaking youngster to replace Layvin Kurzawa.

But a report from PSG insiders Paris United claims that the versatile winger is on his way to north London this summer, claiming that Tottenham "have already agreed a deal" with Sessegnon.

It has also been suggested that the England U21 international could return to Craven Cottage next season to further his development on a season-long loan.

Sessegnon has emerged as one of the county's brightest talents this season, and many expect the London-born star to be part of a new 'golden generation' with the England national team.

Originally breaking through into Fulham's first team as a full back, the 17-year-old has slowly been moved further forward and now often occupies a place at left midfield - much like how ex-Spurs star Gareth Bale first rose to prominence.



https://www.si.com/soccer/2018/05/07/tottenham-agree-deal-sign-ryan-sessegnon-psg-transfer

[WhiteJC]

 
Five players Fulham could lose if they don't get promoted

The future of some of Fulham's stars depends on whether they are promoted or not. The Cottagers will play Derby County in the Championship Play-Offs. Here are five players they could lose if they don't go up-

Tom Cairney- He has been their key man for the past few seasons and has stayed loyal to them despite plenty of Premier League interest. There is no doubt that if they fail to make the step into the top flight over the coming month then he would leave in the summer. He is seen as one of the best midfielders in the Championship and he will want to test himself at the highest level.

Ryan Sessegnon- The 17-year-old is being tipped for a big future in the game and has a host of Premier League clubs after him, including Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United. Fulham value him highly but his future there could be in doubt if they fail to go up. He has scored 15 goals this season.

Ryan Fredericks- He is out of contract in the summer and is likely to leave Fulham if they remain in the Championship. He has been linked recently with West Ham United and he will be itching to play at the highest level now. If Fulham do win the Play-Offs, you would imagine he would sign a new deal but the Cottagers do have a ready replacement for him in Cyrus Christie

Aleksander Mitrovic- He is set to return to Newcastle United at the end of the season when his loan expires and Fulham will be keen to sign him on a permanent deal. However, their chances of doing this obviously depend on whether they are in the Premier League or now.

Marcus Bettinelli- He has been in fine form this season in goal and has proven that he is a top goalkeeper in the Championship. The former England Under-21 international will have some Premier League clubs on his tail if Fulham don't go up.



http://the72.co.uk/102011/five-players-fulham-lose-dont-get-promoted/

[WhiteJC]

 
Signing Mitrovic, keeping hold of Sessegnon - All Fulham's priorities for the Transfer Window

We've taken a look at the priorities for Fulham this summer - regardless of whether it's Premier League or Championship football next season

Fulham are preparing for the second crack at promotion this season on the pitch, but plans will already be getting mapped out for the Summer Transfer Window.

It's a difficult one for the recruitment team at Fulham, led by Director of Football Operations, Tony Khan, to prepare for with the uncertainty of what division the side will be playing in.

Everyone hopes it will be the Premier League, and if it is, potential new signings that can help Fulham make an impact on the top flight will have already been sounded out, watched by the scouting department and had analysis ran on them by the other side of the recruitment team.

And if it is set to be another season in the Championship, players that can help the side make it third time lucky and get promotion next season will also have been watched, with lists made on who the side want.

But in between both of those sets of outcomes, there will be certain things that will be priorities in both eventualities, and we take a look at what we think would be high on the agenda when the window opens next month.

Signing Aleksandar Mitrovic

I think this will be high on the to-do list, regardless of what division Fulham find themselves playing in next season.

His loan signing was, potentially, one of the best deals of the season in a business sense and helped fire the side to going 23 unbeaten and challenging for the automatics.

12 goals in 17 appearances since the start of February is frightening form, and if he had been signed in the summer he'd probably be ending the season as the Championship's top scorer.


(Image: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

He's perfect for Fulham and Fulham is perfect for him - under Slavisa Jokanovic, Mitrovic has thrived and most importantly, he's happy at the club.

Fulham haven't had a striker like the 23-year-old in a while, and if they were to sign him on a permanent, they'd continue to get the best out of him, whether that be in the Championship or in the Premier League.

Keeping hold of Ryan Sessegnon

It won't be a transfer window without endless speculation about the future of Fulham's wonderkid, Ryan Sessegnon.

In fact, I don't think the gossip has stopped since he broke through into the first team at Craven Cottage.

Nonetheless, holding onto him in January was a big statement of intent from Khan and Fulham and doing the same in the summer will give Fulham a big boost heading into the season.

At 17, there is no rush for Sessegnon to move on from Fulham and I think himself, the people around him and those at Fulham know that.


(Image: Stephen Pond/Getty Images)

If he stays at the club, he will play pretty much every game, and that is far more important at his age than playing for one of the so-called big clubs like Tottenham Hotspur or Manchester United.

He could have played over 100 games in the second tier of English football at the age of 18 - just think about that for a second.

It's a staggering accomplishment, and he's only going to get better and better.

Keeping hold of him in the summer will not only aid the squad's targets for coming season, but his price tag for when he does eventually move on will just keep getting higher and higher.

Solving the left back issue

We've seen how big a problem the left back role has been for Fulham this season.

Rafa Soares' signing was a poor one and it took until January for a suitable replacement for Scott Malone to be signed in Matt Targett.

But we saw what happens the side when he got injured, with the team looking unbalanced once more and forcing Sessegnon to play at left back to cover, when he is more use to the side further forward.

Solving the problem is key.

Firstly, signing Targett on a permanent would be one of the best bits of business the side can do, and with Southampton not having watched him when I spoke to him after the Sheffield Wednesday victory and their potential to be relegated, the possibility is there.

They also need to sign a back-up left back to add depth to that department - it's one where Fulham are very light and one where strength will need to be added.

A new goalkeeper

I think a new keeper will be a priority for Fulham in the summer - not because Marcus Bettinelli isn't good enough, but because I'm not too sure David Button has a future at the Cottage.

He lost his place at the end of last season and he lost his place this season - at 29-years-old he needs to be playing regularly.

I still like Button, it's no secret to anyone who has read my stuff for the past two seasons that I think he's a very good keeper and can do a job in the Championship, I just don't think he'll be replacing Bettinelli any time soon after the development the keeper has shown this campaign.


Watch out: David Button is dispossessed by Mario Gomez (Image: Harry Murphy/Getty Images)

A new keeper will keep the pressure on Bettinelli to perform like he is performing, while also providing the depth needed if the side are in the Premier League.

More game time for their bright youth prospects

Obviously, if the side are promoted to the Premier League it's unlikely that any of their bright youth prospects will get playing time at the club, which is vital.

The likes of Matt O'Riley, Steven Sessegnon and Tayo Edun all need regular game time in order for them to meet their potential, and if they won't be getting that at Fulham then time away for them is vital.


Matt O'Riley in possession of the ball, pressured by Oliver Norwood (Image: Darren Pepe)

O'Riley has been with the senior squad for quite some time now but hasn't made the breakthrough yet, while Sessegnon has made the bench and Edun making his senior debut against Derby.

If it's to be the Championship, I think we'll see more of these youngsters next season but if Fulham do get promoted, finding them the right club to develop their careers for the season is vital.



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/signing-mitrovic-keeping-hold-sessegnon-14625483

[WhiteJC]

 
Big blow for Derby County with key man set to miss playoff tie

Marcus Olsson is unlikely to feature in the play-off semi-final first leg against Fulham.

The Swedish left-back went off injured against Barnsley in the 38th minute. This was only his third league appearance since returning from a back injury. He has only made 15 league appearances all season.

Derby do have other options in the left-back/left wing-back role, but neither Chris Baird or Craig Forsyth will fill Gary Rowett with confidence after mixed performances in that role. Olsson was starting to gradually return to the team, and the left wing-back role in the 3-4-3 formation, which Rowett has started to utilise, suits him perfectly.

This is what Rowett had to say when he was asked about the injury post-match as quoted by the Derby Telegraph: "I don't know what he has done, at this point."

"He had an injury early in the game, I think it was his knee, so whether or not he felt that again I'm not quite sure."

"He has left on crutches, but we are hoping it is not as serious as that."

The Verdict

Olsson leaving on crutches isn't a good sign and suggests that he will miss the first leg at the very least because that is under a week away.

Rowett switched to a 4-2-3-1 when Olsson went off because he brought on Matej Vydra, so it will be interesting to see whether this injury will alter how he sets up for the matches against Fulham.

The 3-4-3 has been working well, but without attack-minded wing-backs on both sides it could limit them offensively when trying to break down an opponent. Although that is likely to be more of an issue against Aston Villa or Middlesbrough if they are able to get past the Cottagers.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/big-blow-for-derby-county-with-key-man-set-to-miss-playoff-tie/

[WhiteJC]

 
Rowett issues confident message ahead of playoff campaign

Gary Rowett believes his side are in good shape ahead of their play-off clash against Fulham.

The Rams won 4-1 against Barnsley on the final day to secure sixth place and, most importantly, a play-off position. This means they will be facing Fulham who lost on the last day to gift Cardiff City second spot.

Fulham's loss to Birmingham ended a 23-game unbeaten streak for the Cottagers which had seen them beat the rest of the sides in the top eight. It was a phenomenal run, but they weren't able to finish the job and secure an automatic spot when it mattered most.

This is what Rowett had to say RamsTV after the victory over Barnsley: "It showed a lot of bravery to play with the control that we did and to attack with such incision."

"The quality of the goals, the awareness of the players involved and the level of the finishing, it shows that our front players are coming into form at the right time."

We spoke about it at the start of the season – top-six was our aim."

We wanted to get into the play-offs and you always want some momentum, and the last four performances have shown that."

The Verdict

Derby are in a good position ahead of the play-off clash because they have momentum behind them, as Rowett said, due to beating Cardiff and drawing with Villa. They were really under pressure after losing to local rivals Burton Albion, but they responded brilliantly which is sure to fill them with confidence.

Fulham's unbeaten run has come to an end at the worst possible time, so they are at risk of letting a great season go to waste if they aren't able to respond to this disappointment. Therefore, Derby are in a great position to take advantage of Fulham's slip-up.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/rowett-issues-confident-message-ahead-of-playoff-campaign/

[WhiteJC]

 
Derby County 'could take some beating' in Championship play-offs

Rams are in a four-team shoot-out for promotion to the Premier League, along with Fulham, Aston Villa and Middlesbrough

Derby County "could take some beating" in the Sky Bet Championship play-offs. That is the view of pundit Michael Gray.

The Rams secured their top-six spot with a 4-1 victory over Barnsley at Pride Park Stadium on Sunday.

That set up a play-off semi-final showdown with Fulham, who were pipped to the second automatic promotion place by Cardiff City on the final day.

Fulham finished third in the table after losing 3-1 at Birmingham City - a result that ended their 23-match unbeaten run in the league.

Derby, meanwhile, go into the play-offs on the back of a three-game unbeaten run - beating Cardiff 3-1, drawing 1-1 at fourth-placed Aston Villa and then beating Barnsley.

The Rams face Fulham at home in Friday night's semi-final first leg, before travelling to Craven Cottage for the second leg on the Monday evening.

Villa face fifth-placed Middlesbrough in the other semi-final.

"They are absolutely great games to look forward to," said Gray, appearing on Channel 5's Championship highlights show.

"Derby have obviously picked up a little bit of form. Fulham, we all know they've had an outstanding season but will that hurt them, not going up in the top two?

"Middlesbrough and Aston Villa have both got experienced managers who have been there and done it before.

"It is so difficult to call.

"I don't think Fulham will want to remember last season (when they were beaten play-off semi-finalists), because they will want to go one better - but it's right to mention that because they've got that experience of being in the play-offs.

"Derby County, under Gary Rowett, it's his first opportunity, so that could be a fantastic game.

Derby had four different scorers against the Tykes - Cameron Jerome, Matej Vydra, David Nugent and Tom Lawrence.

"Cameron Jerome looks like he's not lost any pace," added Gray, the former Sunderland, Blackburn, Wolves, Sheffield Wednesday and England defender. "It was a wonderful goal from him.

"Vydra's was a nice finish. He has 21 goals in the league, he's the top scorer, and these are the players they are going to have to look for when they get into those play-offs.

"Nugent did his best to miss that one if I'm being brutally honest! But the experience he brings is absolutely crucial.

"Tom Lawrence got the fourth goal and they've got a great spine of players.

"And along with that, the experience and the goals they've got in the team, they could take some beating."



https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/derby-fulham-villa-boro-playoffs-1540905

[WhiteJC]

 
Bookies make Derby County's opponents Fulham favourites to win the play offs

London side tipped to secure promotion to the Premier League

Derby County's opponents Fulham are favourites with bookies Sky Bet to win the Championship play offs.

Fulham's odds are 13/8 ahead of their two-legged semi-final against the Rams.

Derby are priced at 9/2.

Fulham finished the league campaign in third place and Derby sixth.

The first leg is a Pride Park Stadium on Friday and the second leg is at Craven Cottage on Monday.

The bookies cannot split Aston Villa and Middlesbrough, who meet in the other semi final.

Both teams are 11/4 to win the play offs.

Middlesbrough play Villa at the Riverside Stadium on Saturday and at Vila Park next Tuesday.

Betfair have Fulham at 7/4, Villa 12/5, Middlesbrough 5/2 and Derby 5/1.

Ladbrokes are offering 7/4 on Fulham, 5/2 Villa, 13/5 Middlesbrough and 9/2 Derby.



https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/bookies-make-derby-countys-opponents-1540982

[WhiteJC]

 
Shahid Khan's purchase of Wembley put on hold as local MPs plan public consultation to let locals have a say

    Billionaire businessman Shahid Khan has tabled a £1billion bid to buy Wembley
    Khan had initially hoped he would own the national stadium within eight weeks
    But Brent Council confirmed that it would like a meeting with the FA and Khan
    Local MPs are planning a public consultation for residents to express concerns

The potential sale of Wembley could be further delayed, after Brent Council revealed it wants to meet the FA and Shahid Khan to discuss the proposed deal.

Local MPs are also planning a public consultation in order for residents — who are said to have responded to news of the £1billion bid with 'cautious scepticism' — to express their concerns.

The news of yet more meetings will diminish Fulham and Jacksonville Jaguars owner Khan's initial hopes of owning the stadium in eight weeks.


Shahid Khan had hoped to own Wembley within eight weeks but his purchase could be delayed

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport committee announced last week that they will hold a one-off evidence session in July, to which the FA, Sport England and Tracey Crouch MP have been invited.

Now Brent Council has confirmed to Sportsmail that it would like a meeting with the FA and Khan but had been unable to plan this until after last week's local elections.

'Brent Council's main priority will be to ensure that there will no detrimental impact on residents,' a council spokesperson said.

Barry Gardiner, Labour MP for Brent North, said that he would be organising a public consultation on the sale in collaboration with Dawn Butler, MP for Brent Central.

'At the appropriate time we will be holding a public consultation here in Brent for local people to have the opportunity to express all their concerns,' said Mr Gardiner.

'But it would probably be inappropriate to do that before we have got greater detail from the FA. There is a good deal of cautious scepticism (among local residents), not hostility. It would be foolish to adopt a position of outright hostility. There is not just one common view.'



http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/sportsnews/article-5700963/Shahid-Khans-purchase-Wembley-hold-let-locals-say.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Why The Jacksonville Jaguars Jetting To London Makes Sense

The Jacksonville Jaguars are making some noise and it's not in the state of Florida or even in the United States. Reports out of London say owner Shahid Khan recently put in a bid to purchase London's Wembley Stadium from the English Football Association. He also owns the London soccer club Fulham. According to the London Evening Standard, Khan's bid was more than 500 pounds, which is approximately $700 million.

If you're a Jaguars fan you may be wondering why this NFL team out of Florida would have an interest in purchasing a stadium abroad.  Well, as ESPN staff writer Michael DiRocco points out there could be great value going there if you think about the potential earnings of the club playing in London. Khan is interested in keeping a grip on the NFL market in London so it makes sense that he wants to buy Wembley Stadium where those games are played. DiRocco adds that Khan's purchase of Wembley could add a sizeable amount of revenue from food and beverage sales along with suite revenue (Keep in mind there are about 30 non-NFL games or events held at Wembley). That money could keep the Jaguars on a solid financial standing.

In 2007, the NFL first traveled to Wembley Stadium as the New York Giants faced the Miami Dolphins in what is now known as the NFL London Games.  Since that time there has been an NFL game played at Wembley Stadium ever year. Five years later, the Jaguars became the first and only team to make a commitment to play there on a regular basis (Jacksonville signed a multi-year commitment to play there from 2013-2016). The team has since extended that agreement to the year 2020.

The Jaguars take their London Games very seriously and have dedicated a web page and a twitter account to their London interests. As of early May, the account has more than 17.6 thousand followers. The popularity of the Jaguars in London is growing. You can't blame ownership for wanting to cash in on the chance to grow its fan base there. Although there have been whispers of the Jaguars moving to London, the owner denies that idea in his statement on the bid. 

"Today's news changes none of what we envision for the long-term promise for the Jaguars here in Jax, and it changes nothing as to the goals we have for your downtown," Khan explained. "If anything, today's news is the embodiment of the ethos we adopted several years ago of being proud, bold and committed."

The owner also added in a similar statement on the soccer club's website that his interest and investment in that club has not changed.

"No matter what the outcome of our offer may be, I want to emphatically state to you that none of this will have any effect on my commitment to your Club," he said. "To be clear, this venture is 100 percent independent of my investment in and operation of Fulham Football Club, Motspur Park and Craven Cottage. No less attention will be paid to developing and fielding a squad that will win with frequency and always make you proud."

The idea of Khan re-investing his potential earnings from Wembley Stadium into each of his football clubs is something that makes a lot of sense and could greatly benefit both of his teams.



https://www.forbes.com/sites/debbitaylor/2018/05/07/why-the-jacksonville-jaguars-jetting-to-london-makes-sense/#78ddf3964bfe