Sunday Fulham Stuff (24/02/19)...

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Claudio Ranieri admits Fulham need a miracle to avoid Premier League relegation

Claudio Ranieri says Fulham need a miracle to avoid playing Championship football next season after their Premier League relegation woes increased with the 3-1 defeat at West Ham.

Ryan Babel scored a third-minute goal amid an early period of dominance for the visitors at the London Stadium but their momentum was halted by a controversial Javier Hernandez equaliser, before further goals from Issa Diop and Michail Antonio.

Hernandez scored from close range with his hand, unseen by the referee, before Diop headed his first Premier League goal from a corner and Antonio's last-minute finish left Fulham eight points adrift of safety.

Fulham's rivals in the battle to avoid the drop could also stretch the gap further over the weekend and Ranieri admits he is concerned by the club's form, with the 4-2 home victory against Brighton last month their only win in eight matches.

"The level of confidence increases when you win and now that's a long time ago," Ranieri said.

"But they train well and this means they believe.

"It will be a miracle, but we must fight together. If you fight you have one chance, if you don't you won't."

Hardly any Fulham players appealed for the handball against Hernandez in the first half and Ranieri only saw the infringement when it was replayed on the big screen - to the dismay of the travelling contingent.

"It was a big pity with the goal, the referee was covered," the Italian added.

"I hope with the VAR next season it will be better.

"I didn't see but I watched it on the screen. Maybe also the other players didn't see it and maybe of the West Ham players only Chicharito (Hernandez) knew the truth."



https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/11645476/claudio-ranieri-admits-fulham-need-a-miracle-to-avoid-premier-league-relegation

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham Supporters Are Calling For An Immediate Change In The Hope A Miracle Can Happen

The realisation that another defeat, this time at the hands of West Ham United at the London Stadium, has pushed Fulham Football Club closer to a return to the Championship, is starting to grow.

It has, to be brutally honest, been a miserable season and one which has turned sour despite everyone having such high hopes back in August.

No doubt, when the relegation trap-door opens and Fulham's latest tenure in the Premier League ends after just one season, there will be an inquest.

But, following the latest defeat, those who frequent the social media sites are under no illusion as to what the first step should be.

It appears that the Fulham faithful have had enough of the likeable Italian currently managing the side and want him replaced, as the posts below clearly illustrate:



https://fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/fulham-supporters-are-calling-for-an-immediate-change-in-the-hope-a-miracle-can-happen/

[WhiteJC]

 
Hernandez' handball & Cairney's message - Fulham talking points vs West Ham

Fulham were beaten 3-1 by West Ham and the London Stadium on Friday night

Ryan Sessegnon and Tom Cairney both starting

After Claudio Ranieri's comments in his pre-West Ham press conference, it seemed that the manager had finally had a change of heart in regards to Ryan Sessegnon.

Indeed, that proved to be true as the Italian selected both the wonderkid and Tom Cairney in his starting XI, with Sessegnon playing on the left of a front three and Cairney in a midfield three.

It's what the fans had wanted for weeks, and while Cairney was still on the right of midfield, it represented a significant change for Ranieri who had previously been stubborn in not using either of the players.

It had its rewards for the first 20 minutes - Sessegnon got his sixth assist of the season to get Fulham underway while Cairney was instrumental in the second half.

Javier Hernandez' handball goal

When luck is against you, it's really against you.

So that proved for Fulham last night who, for the first 20 minutes of the game, looked comfortable and were the better side, but Javier Hernandez got West Ham level when he essentially palmed the ball into the back of the net.

Such things change the course of matches, and so it proved at the London Stadium as the side capitulated before eventually losing once more.

It was a piece of blatant cheating from Hernandez, simple as that.

While Fulham's defending from the corner was Sunday League at best and that can't be ignored, but we'll never know how the game might have gone should that goal never have stood.

Half time subs by Ranieri

Ranieri decided to change things at half time, bringing on Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa for Jean-Michael Seri and taking off Sessegnon for Lazar Markovic.

It was a strange one - Seri had done well in his first 45 minutes and looked much improved, while Sessegnon had struggled for the most part in the game.

However, his substitutions didn't really have too much of an impact.

Markovic didn't really get up to speed with the game while Anguissa didn't protect the back four and break up play like Seri was doing.

In fact, it only seemed to allow Cairney to get forward and take the game by the scruff of its neck, something he needs to be doing more of as captain.

It's all or nothing on Wednesday night

Wednesday night really is crunch time for Fulham.

Southampton sit seven points above them in the last relegation spot with a game in hand, which would rise to ten should the Saints win at St Mary's.

That number will be a step too far for the side and it will pretty much mean that the side are all but gone - it's do or die time for Fulham.

It will also show whether or not the players have the bottle for the fight - a win could be the basis for the fightbacks of all fightbacks, a loss and it's most likely the Championship next season.



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/hernandez-handball--cairneys-message-15875328

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham fans demand the exit of important man after latest loss

Fulham saw their chances of Premier League survival suffer another blow on Friday night when they went down 3-1 to West Ham United at the London Stadium, and after the contest angry fans demanded the removal of an important man.

The Cottagers headed across the capital eight points adrift of safety, but things looked brighter for them when Ryan Babel fired them in front against the Hammers, just three minutes into the match.

Fulham continued to play some nice stuff in the early stages of the encounter but couldn't find a second goal, and were made to pay for that.

If things were not bad enough for the Cottagers, they got even worse on the half hour when West Ham levelled through a controversial goal when Javier Hernandez scored with his hand, which wasn't seen by the referee.

Claudio Ranieri's men conceded a second as half time approached, and then the game was beyond Fulham when Michail Antonio made it 3-1 just before the final whistle.

The former Chelsea and Leicester City manager only took over in the hot seat at Craven Cottage in November, but the 67-year-old has failed to pull the Cottagers out of trouble, and even though they still have 11 matches left, the writing looks on the wall for them as far as staying up is concerned, and their supporters appear to have had enough.

Ranieri has struggled to win over the Fulham faithful, with his questionable treatment of popular players such as Ryan Sessegnon, and with results not really improving in his tenure in West London, the relationship between the Italian and fans is becoming ever more strained.

Many Cottagers supporters took to social media after the defeat to West Ham to voice their frustrations with the manager, with plenty demanding that he leaves as soon as possible.



https://ninetyminutesonline.com/fulham-fans-demand-the-exit-of-important-man-after-latest-loss/

[WhiteJC]

 
Everton should reignite interest in Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic

Aleksandar Mitrovic may be flirting with relegation for Fulham in the Premier League, but that should not deter Everton moving for him in the summer.

The 24-year-old centre-forward is the outstanding individual at Craven Cottage and could be a different animal at another top-flight club.

Claudio Ranieri's Fulham are currently eight points adrift of safety with only 11 games to play and a drop down to the Championship appears to be on the cards.

Mitrovic has still managed 10 league goals despite his team's struggles and some of his hold up play at striker has been top-class.

According to the Sunday Mirror in its print edition (December 16, Page 65), Everton were keen on signing the Fulham target man ahead of the January transfer window.

The Serbia internatonal has remained in West London for the rest of the campaign, but Everton should be back on his trail at the end of the season and will surely have a good chance of snapping him up if he's relegated.

Mitrovic looks a class above when he lines up for Fulham and is the perfect focal point in attack, but unfortunately hasn't got enough quality around him.

The powerhouse is excellent at holding onto the ball in tight areas and has quick feet, while he's also dominant in the air and lethal in the penalty area.

He's really beginning to mature as a player and a top club should be prepared to take a punt on him.

Everton are crying out for a new number nine to lead their line and Mitrovic would be ideal for next season, as he could certainly thrive alongside the likes of Richarlison and Gylfi Sigurdsson in attack.



https://tbrfootball.com/everton-should-reignite-interest-in-fulham-striker-aleksandar-mitrovic/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham fans trash London Stadium away concourse

Fulham fans left one hell of a mess  behind them on the London Stadium away concourse on Friday evening.  Frustrated away fans got carried away at half time leaving the area in a complete state after what one club insider called a  serious bout of 'beer surfing'. Other reports suggested a few scuffles broke out between away fans at half time in the away bar area among away fans and that continued into the second half with several Fulham fans seen in scuffles with safety stewards  in the Sir Trevor Brooking Lower away section before being forceable removed.

Later stewards moved in to stop a Fulham banner which read 'Risk Free? John Kahn are you watching?' from being displayed which resulted further unrest as one supporter was allegedly grabbed around the neck by a stadium steward.

Despite the away end troubles Met Police say there were no arrests but they will investigate and follow up inappropriate chanting by individuals in both sets of supporters.



https://www.claretandhugh.info/fulham-fans-trash-london-stadium-away-concourse/

[WhiteJC]

 
Mind the gap: Babel ends 3,000-day goal wait

Fulham winger's eight-year interval between strikes is only seventh longest in Premier League history

With his strike against West Ham United on Friday night, Ryan Babel ended a 3,000-day wait for a Premier League goal, but the Fulham winger does not even make the top five for the longest times between goals in the competition.

Babel's third-minute strike in the 3-1 defeat at London Stadium was his first goal in the Premier League since December 2010, when he scored the second for Liverpool in a 3-0 victory over Aston Villa at Anfield.

However, there were only nine matches between the two matches for the Dutchman after spending time abroad.

That 3,000-day gap is only the seventh longest between goals in Premier League history.

The player who has had the longest wait is Matt Jackson.

His goal for Wigan Athletic against Charlton Athletic in November 2006 came 4,935 days after scoring for Everton against Manchester City in May 1993.

There is a big gap to the next player on the list, Andy Johnson.

The midfielder had 3,563 days between goals for West Bromwich Albion in February 2003 and Norwich City in May 1993, his only strikes in the Premier League.



https://www.premierleague.com/news/1061266

[WhiteJC]

 
Five Thoughts: West Ham United 3-1 Fulham

There's an uprising afoot and we Fulhamish lads want you, yes you, to join our movement. Alright, we're not inciting violence, abuse or nuclear warfare, but we as vehement, impassioned supporters of London's Originals have to take a stand as one irrepressible resistance. This 2018-19 campaign has been an abomination, truly, and after Friday night's deplorable 3-1 defeat against West Ham United, it's time to be heard by the masses and the dismissive powers that be.

The Hammers slammed a rusty nail into the Whites' rickety coffin and now, more than ever, I want answers and I want those accountable for our insipid performances, strategies and policies to be flung to the gallows. Claudio Ranieri adopted a gaggle of strangers devoid of chemistry and identity, but he has persistently rebuffed our fundamental values as a vibrant, expansive club and now his head must roll, metaphorically, obviously, in retaliation.

The 'Tinker Man', though, is nothing more than a puppet. He won't be sat within our technical area next term and the negligent cycle that has seen us wither in the Premier League's basement this season will continue to plague our alluring pocket of SW6 until it is vanquished indefinitely. Astronomical ticket pricing, grossly inept transfer ventures, outsourced tactical 'expertise', there's a cataclysmic array of inadequacies to be observed and addressed and that begins with us. This, Fulham, is our club and that will never be ripped away from our hearts and livelihoods as we are a unified, empowered collective. In defiance and solidarity: #StopTheGreed.

Babel Bursting Bubbles
Local corner shops surrounding the London Stadium must make a serial killing on party bubbles come matchday. Beneath a swarm of floating suds, Fulham pressed the home side into making an almost devastating mistake in the opening moments. Pablo Zabaleta's tame dab in Lukasz Fabianski's direction was hijacked by Ryan Babel and the Dutchman jinked goal bound. Dwelling on the ball, the 32-year-old eyeballed Fabianski but the formidable Poland international was not fooled. Calling Babel's bluff, the former Arsenal stopper planted his feet and earned his keep.

Babel's previous blunder did not stunt Fulham's momentum, however. Functioning as a deputising hit-man on Aleksandar Mitrovic's shoulder, the former Liverpool attacker weaved between Issa Diop and Aaron Cresswell on the fringe of the 6-yard box. Magnetised by Ryan Sessegnon's studied cross, Babel atoned for his early error with a textbook poacher's finish to fire the visitors into the ascendancy in the 3rd minute. Quickfire redemption to the following faithful's unbridled delight.

The Whites' initial exuberance startled the Hammers and Babel was one of our pivotal instigators before and after West Ham's dubious, deflating 29-minute equaliser. Babel's inaugural goal in Fulham colours was instinctive and conventional to elite performers. He's finally off the mark in his second spell in the Premier League, and whilst it wasn't an exceedingly superlative outing under the lights, the travelled flanker fought to lead by example in the final third, even if the game gradually passed him by in the latter stages.

Sessegnon's Shady Spirit
Hallelujah. Ranieri took stock of our burning concerns and reinstated Ryan Sessegnon into the starting XI. Slammed for being lightweight and naive by the eccentric Italian in recent weeks, the Young Lion's confidence would have presumably taken a brutal thrashing whilst languishing on the bench, and though his impact was instantly felt on the left channel in Stratford, Sess' is scraping the bottom of the barrel in search of spirit, morale and self-belief.

Supplying Babel for the encounter's opener, Sess' seemingly had the beating of Zabaleta on the parameter of the Irons' penalty box, but his combining passes with Jean-Micheal Seri and co. were faint and miscued. Scuffing at elemental instances, the 18-year-old's disinclined demeanour dissipated the Cottagers' controlled spells in possession, which subsequently allowed the east-Londoners to reestablish a slight foothold, which soon caught unrelenting traction.

Accustomed to defensive duties, Sess' naturally provides cover and support whilst retreating, but Joe Bryan was forced to track both Michael Antonio and Zabaleta, alone, far too regularly. In truth, Sess' was a passenger and rarely charged out of a gentle stride to oppose the Hammers' marauding duo within our own half, which is distinctly out of character. As Manuel Pellegrini's men surged, the dejected teenager shuffled idly in their wake. Detached and disinterested, Sess' was duly hauled off at the interval for Lazar Markovic. Dented, dispassionate but impressionable, it's crucial that Sess' converts his hardships to his advantage, as he is ultimately the only master of his own personal destiny. He has to conquer adversity before it tarnishes his reputation and future.

Shoddy, Sacrificial Set-Pieces
We were inexcusably atrocious at set-pieces. Whether it was an in-swinging corner or a lofted free-kick, West Ham found deep joy and fruition on virtually every occasion where the ball sailed ominously into our 18-yard box. For contextual purposes, the Hammers amassed 12 corners compared to Fulham's zero. Whenever the Hammers grouped in our 18-yard box, a goal – or at the very least a siege on the target – appeared imminent.

Diop, in the 8th minute, rose above Mitrovic following a corner and his header, angled across goal, skipped wide of the post by a matter of inches. Handball or not, Javier Hernandez was in acres of space at the back post for his palm-greeting leveller, but Sergio Rico was undoubtedly at fault. Misjudging his punch, the Spaniard's limp attempt to clear danger skewed into orbit and Fulham's abortive onlookers failed to react appropriately. Sensing vulnerability, the Hammers swiftly capitalised.

For West Ham's second, order and organisation was non-existent. Each member lost contact with their direct marker and a melee ensued. Unable to conduct and dictate his area, Rico was stranded as Diop glanced Robert Snodgrass' teasing cross into the back of the net. At his near post in the 43rd minute, Antonio connected to another Snodgrass corner, unmarked, but our Sevilla FC loanee was poised to foil the staunch winger's destined effort. Tim Ream periodically baulked in aerial duels, marking from dead balls was a complete mismatch and Rico, who's usually such a dependable stopper, refused to clasp the ball with his jazzy adidas gloves. Back to the drawing board, because we're consistently fluffing our lines with the basics.

Cairney, Captain, Catalyst
I'm not one for hyperbole, but a torrent of tears were shed when I saw Tom Cairney's name emblazoned on the team sheet before kick-off, even if it was on the right of a flat midfield four. Like Sessegnon, we've been pining for Cairney's inclusion in the starting line up because they're vastly significant components. Appreciative of TC's presence, everything that was mildly progressive in our offensive phases against West Ham sparked from the Scotsman's unparalleled ingenuity.

As the tie developed, Cairney drifted into familiar compartments within the midfield region and orchestrated behind Mitro' and Babel. Knitting sequences and moderating tempo, the 28-year-old craftsman was an inspiration with the ball on the deck and was undeterred in his willingness to glide through various opponents on the break. Cairney cares about our status in the top-flight and was an incessant nuisance. His defensive capabilities are always likely to be scrutinised, but he was a predominant catalyst and visionary from start to finish.

Virtually presented with postcodes to explore, Cairney slalomed into threatening quadrants, splitting and evading Declan Rice, Mark Noble and Snodgrass. Cairney's a provider, an innovator, and if it wasn't for Mitro's laboured first touch in the 84th minute, the Whites could have restored parity after the skipper located the striker on the edge of the penalty area with a deftly-weighted through ball. His right foot often resembles a pitching wedge, but it's imperative to retain his mercurial services next term. Moulding a squad around his prestige, most probably in the Championship, is compulsory. Khans, I hope you are reading scrupulously and intently.

Mitro's Muted Mastery
It was a barren hunting ground for Mitrovic at Britain's Olympic complex, but as he does whenever he takes to the turf, the strapping Serb was a living nightmare for Diop and Angelo Ogbonna. Playing and constructing through Mitro' is exactly like catching a connecting train en route to a desired destination – the train (ball) sidles up to the platform (Mitro's imperial frame) and is dispatched in a timely, pragmatic manner. Unless South West Trains have anything to do with it, that is.

Holding the Hammers' outfought centre-halves at bay, the 24-year-old typically stamped his authority upon his department. Diop and Ogbonna toiled to wrench possession from the brawny striker's custody, but the ex-Newcastle United man repeatedly nullified West Ham's rearguard with ease and serenity. Resorting to propelling long balls to relieve pressure, we knew that Mitro's brute strength and mercurial resilience makes him the most dominant focal point outside of the top six and we trusted him as a viable outlet wherever and whenever it was required, as per. Watching him seize balls out of thin air, unscathed and unshakably, is a genuine privilege.

Mitro' squandered his scarce opportunities, but in relation to the flow and narrative of the encounter, they were indeed few and far between. We rely on Mitro' to bulge the net, he's our most proficient, clinical executioner with the goal at his mercy, although it's what he does off the ball which is also such a benefit to our cause on the counter. He's not a searing athlete, but he never stopped hounding. He's not terribly intricate, but he scuffled under immense constraints to safeguard the ball, in order to keep incisive patterns alive. Yes, it may be another fixture chalked off without tallying a further goal to add to his extensive record, but he's so much more than your average, predictable, run-of-the-mill attacker.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2019-02-23-five-thoughts-west-ham-united-3-1-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

 
Cottage Talk Post Match Show: West Ham vs. Fulham
Take a listen to a podcast that focuses on Fulham Football Club.

This is our post match show of the 3-1 loss for Fulham against West Ham. During the show, co-host Yannis Tjanetis analyzed the key moments of this match.


You can also listen to the show by following this link...
https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2019/2/23/18237524/cottage-talk-post-match-show-west-ham-vs-fulham

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham fans fume at Ranieri's double substitution

The Fulham fans could not quite believe what head coach Claudio Ranieri did during Friday night's Premier League clash with West Ham United.

At the interval of the match, with Fulham 2-1 down, Ranieri decided to bring both Jean Michael Seri and Ryan Sessegnon off, with Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa and Lazar Markovic entering the field.

It would be fair to say that the double change did not go down well with the Fulham supporters, with many taking to social media to blast their head coach.

As it transpired, Fulham suffered a 3-1 defeat at the London Stadium, despite taking the lead in the early stages through Ryan Babel, so it's safe to say the half-time switch-up didn't work out.

Indeed, goals from Javier Hernandez, Issa Diop and Michail Antonio secured the points for the Hammers, leaving Fulham in 19th position in the table, eight points from safety.


https://www.footballfancast.com/premier-league/fulham/fulham-fans-fume-at-ranieris-double-substitution

[WhiteJC]

 
Arsenal: What did Calum Chambers ever do wrong?

Arsenal are supposedly ready to sell Calum Chamber, if a bid is right, but what's the point? What has he ever done wrong to not even deserve a chance?

Arsenal's defense is a bit of a flimsy thing, and as reports come out that they looked into recalling Calum Chambers from loan this January, you can imagine why. He's a defender. It's not like they had any right to be picky. They needed bodies, just as Granit Xhaka.

And on the backs of the "almost recalled him" links come the "will sell if price is right" rumors. According to reports in England, when the summer rolls around, the Gunners will be open to letting Calum Chambers leave the club if a price meets their valuation of him.

I'm just sitting here like, "what the hell?"

Remember when Unai Emery said this: "I'm delighted Calum has extended his stay with us. He played an important role last season and will be part of my plans this season."

Because I do too. And I really don't like a manager that can't keep his ducks in a row. I like a manager even less when he doesn't utilize the resources that are right in front of his nose. We need young, no-nonsense defenders with a penchant for handling the ball.

That's Calum Chambers.



https://paininthearsenal.com/2019/02/23/arsenal-calum-chambers-wrong/

[WhiteJC]

 
Savage believes Hernandez was wrong

Robbie Savage claimed that West Ham attacker Javier Hernandez was in the wrong to use his hand to score against Fulham on Friday.

The outspoken pundit revealed that it was wrong that the goal stood, and VAR would have ruled it out, but added Hernandez was never going to admit to using his hand to score in the 3-1 victory over Fulham.

Savage shared his opinion after a Fulham fan called Callum rang into BBC Radio 5 Live to question the integrity of the game and said that Hernandez should be banned for the incident.

"If VAR would have in the Premier League now that goal would have been ruled out wouldn't it? That goal will be ruled out next season," said Savage on BBC 606 (Radio 5 Live, February 23rd 18:55).

"I don't think you're going to get any player..Robbie Fowler I remember went over to the referee against Arsenal and admitted he dived, then obviously referee stuck by the decision and they scored from I think the rebound of the penalty, so I don't think y'all get any player admit to it.

"I agree with you Callum that it was a massive turning point in the game, but Hernandez isn't going to put his hands up and say he handball it is he?

"If it was me and we scored to 1-1 and it was me who handball it, if I put my arm up at half-time the rest of my teammates will absolute hammer me, my manager would hammer me, my own fans will say what on earth are you doing?

"If I was Hernandez would I care about Fulham? No. I wouldn't care, I care about my teammates, but it is wrong."

OPINION

Hernandez definitely appeared to score with his hand and turned the game completely in favour of the Hammers. Fulham went 1-0 up through Ryan Babel in their clash with West Ham but were pegged back shortly after by Hernandez using his hand to score. This goal competently shattered Fulham's confidence and Manuel Pellegrini's side took full advantage of the situation in order to storm out 3-1 winners. While the Hammers did up their game to brush Fulham aside, they did capitalise on scoring a goal that never should have stood.  It's understandable why a Fulham fan would want Hernandez banned but it would be harsh to say the least. The attacker did lay on the floor off scoring and seemed to be shocked that the goal stood. While he didn't instantly confess to using his hand, it did seem like an accident on his part to some degree. Hernandez did try to get his head on the ball instead of his hand but that just didn't end up being the case.



https://thisisfutbol.com/2019/02/blogs/premier-league/savage-believes-hernandez-was-wrong/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham fear exodus of talent including Aleksandar Mitrovic and Ryan Sessegnon if they are relegated from the Premier League this season

    Fulham fear they could lose key players if they are relegated from the top flight
    Aleksandar Mitrovic, Ryan Sessegnon and Tom Cairney could depart
    Claudio Ranieri insists he will remain as manager even if Fulham go down

Fulham fear a mass exodus of talent if they cannot escape relegation from the Premier League.

Among the players who could leave the club in the summer include Aleksandar Mitrovic, who has attracted attention this season, and 18-year-old starlet Ryan Sessegnon.

Captain Tom Cairney could also depart, while manager Claudio Ranieri is clinging to his job following their 3-1 Premier League defeat against West Ham on Friday night.


Fulham fear that players such as Aleksandar Mitrovic could leave if they are relegated


18-year-old starlet Ryan Sessegnon is another who could depart if Fulham go down

Ranieri, who is contracted until 2020, insists he would stay if the club drop down to the Championship. Yet he has a job on his hands if he is to avoid the sack.

Fulham face Southampton on Wednesday night next and losing at St Mary's Stadium could spell the end for the former Leicester City manager.

Ranieri took over at Craven Cottage in November but has won just three of his 16 games in charge and lost 10.


Claudio Ranieri insists that he will stay at Fulham even if they are relegated



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-6738065/Fulham-fear-exodus-talent-including-Mitrovic-down.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Andre Schurrle would be a good option for Newcastle if they stay up and Fulham go down

Newcastle would like to think that their recent efforts on the pitch will push them far away from their relegation concerns.

Having faced the very real possibility of Championship football once again, Rafa Benitez will be happy to see the resurgence from his team as they bid to remain in the top flight.

With a few standout players, Newcastle shouldn't be battling relegation but lack of spending has meant Newcastle have failed to kick on.

Whether they want to make improvements next season is solely down to Mike Ashley and if he wants to spend any more money.

If the answer is surprisingly yes, Fulham's Andre Schurrle should be a serious target with the bags of experience he would bring to St James' Park.

Schurrle, (who is valued at £13.5 million on Transfermarkt) has been one of few promising players within Fulham's team this season, who are facing the very real possibility of getting relegated this season.

Newcastle are far from safe themselves but have a much better survival rate than the Cottagers, who could be heading straight back down.

One of their players is far too good for Championship football and that's Andre Schurrle, a star Newcastle must look to sign if they remain in the top flight.

The former German international has scored six times in the Premier League this season and has played everywhere from out wide to attacking midfield.

It could be argued that Newcastle's team is a lot stronger and therefore, Schurrle's goal contribution could increase further with more chances being created.

With relegation a possibility and that fact he would only have one year left on his deal with Fulham, Andre Schurrle could be available at a reduced rate, a deal Newcastle must look to take advantage of.



https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/premier-league/newcastle-united/andre-schurrle-would-be-a-good-option-for-newcastle-if-they-stay-up-and-fulham-go-down/

[WhiteJC]

Cape Town City announce the signing of Dutch attacker Chris David

The Citizens continue to bolster their squad as they look to mount a PSL and Nedbank Cup challenge

Only days after announcing the capture of former Ajax Cape Town captain Travis Graham, Cape Town City have confirmed yet another signing.

Despite the transfer window being closed, City are raiding the free agent market as they look to challenge for Premier Soccer League (PSL) and Nedbank Cup honours.

This has seen them look to a former English Premier League player in Dutchman Chris David.

The 25-year-old has featured for clubs such as Fulham in England as well as Go Ahead Eagles, FC Utrecht and FC Twente in his homeland.

David has also represented the Netherlands at junior level, and Citizens coach Benni McCarthy will hope that the Dutch winger can add some additional bite to his attack especially after Ayanda Patosi recently left the club.

According to the club who announced David's acquisition on Sunday morning, the midfielder has penned a two-and-a-half-year deal at the club.

Nonetheless, expectations will be high of the Amsterdam-born player as City continue to push the limits and challenge the South African status quo.

McCarthy's men currently find themselves in fourth position on the league table after overcoming Maritzburg United 3-2 on Saturday.

This has put City just five points behind log leader Bidvest Wits and has them firmly in a spot to challenge for domestic honours.



https://www.goal.com/en-za/news/cape-town-city-announce-the-signing-of-dutch-attacker-chris/i9dtkw9hb17u10367fk0d5hyh

[WhiteJC]

 
Gary Neville's take-down of Fulham flop Andre Schurrle is spot-on

On Sky Sports' production of West Ham United versus Fulham on Friday night, Manchester United legend Gary Neville tore Andre Schurrle to shreds.

Neville's criticism of the German international's work ethic and commitment to the Fulham cause was spot-on and mirrored the frustration of the Fulham support.

During Neville's rant, he referenced comments Schurrle made to the German press earlier this month, which indicated Schurrle would leave Craven Cottage if the Whites suffered relegation.

Although Schurrle later claimed his comments were taken out of context, questions over his commitment to the Fulham cause are certainly justified. Neville latched on to Schurrle's status as a loan player (albeit a two-year deal) and called out the German for failing to buy into the club.

Neville is spot on with his criticism. The last thing Fulham need in their unlikely battle against the drop is for a player to publicly throw doubt on their future at the club.

In addition, it reveals a larger failing at the club: an over-reliance on loan deals that leaves the Whites exposed once players depart.

Although Gary Neville's outburst on Schurrle was harsh — particularly when he doubted the player missed out because of a virus — it won many plaudits among the Fulham fans.

Andre Schurrle perhaps sums up the team's failed season excellently: something that appeared destined for success, completely flattered to deceive, and then appears resigned to its fate far too early on.



https://tbrfootball.com/gary-nevilles-take-down-of-fulham-flop-andre-schurrle-is-spot-on/