Friday Fulham Stuff (15/03/19)...

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Fulham: Attitude of players to blame for imminent Premier League relegation

It has been a horrendous return to the Premier League after four years away, hasn't it Fulham fans?

The Cottagers played a superb brand of football to achieve promotion via the Championship play-offs last season yet the club's inability to adapt to the pace and physicality of England's top flight division has seen them pay a hefty price for their failures.

Slavisa Jokanovic's outrageous spending in the summer transfer window saw the big money arrivals of Aleksander Mitrovic, Andre Zambo Anguissa, Alfie Mawson and Jean-Michael Seri who have all failed to perform consistently in the Premier League.

Furthermore, the loan signing of Andre Schurrle from Borussia Dortmund has not had the desired the impact on the squad as his form has been sporadic at best with the German scoring six goals in 22 appearances this season.

Whereas many supporters would point towards an alteration in tactics by both Jokanovic, who was sacked in November, and Claudio Ranieri, who was also dismissed by the club last month, the blame ultimately has to be placed upon the players.

No matter what the system, to concede 68 goals in just 30 games demonstrates that there is a fundamental problem in the heart of defence as the club have only managed to keep two clean sheets this season.

By discarding the nucleus of the squad who achieved promotion last season for imports from across Europe who hadn't experienced English football before, Fulham were taking a huge risk which ultimately hasn't paid off at all. It could be argued that if they had started this year with the exact same team as the one that featured in the play-off final against Aston Villa, they may have found themselves in a better position than they are in now.

The attitude displayed recently by the players in dismal defeats against the likes of Southampton and Crystal Palace has been very despondent as they seem to lose confidence whenever they go behind no matter what the situation is.

With the club now thirteen points from safety and needing a miracle to stay up, new boss Scott Parker should consider picking the players who will definitely feature in the Championship next season as it is almost guaranteed that some of their arrivals last season will be looking to move on in the summer.

If the Cottagers do experience a slightly better end to this year's campaign it could stand them in good stead for the 2019/20 campaign and by doing so, give the supporters something to cheer about after a miserable campaign.



https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/premier-league/fulham/fulham-attitude-of-players-to-blame-for-imminent-premier-league-relegation/

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Fulham should look to get Kalas back to offer much-needed defensive stability
Fulham have badly lacked defensive solidity in the Premier League but Tomas Kalas offered it during his Craven Cottage loan spell.

(Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

A hotly-contested race is forming for Chelsea defender Tomas Kalas ahead of the summer transfer window, according to the Sun.

They report that Kalas's impressive performances for Bristol City this season have caught the attention of many clubs, including both Celtic and Rangers.

But Lee Johnson's high-flying Robins are reportedly keen to retain the services of a defender Chelsea value at £5m in the summer market.

One side who are not named in the report but who could badly do with Kalas is Fulham, for whom the Czech played for during the 2016/17 season, when they just fell short of promotion in the play-offs, and 2017/18, when they were promoted to the top flight.

But having not got Kalas back in for either a third loan or a permanent deal, they have struggled so badly for defensive solidity in the Premier League as a ragtag defence has not developed any familiarity.

But having not got Kalas back in for either a third loan or a permanent deal, they have struggled so badly for defensive solidity in the Premier League as a ragtag defence has not developed any familiarity.



https://tbrfootball.com/fulham-should-look-to-get-kalas-back-to-offer-much-needed-defensive-stability/

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Introducing: Peter Stoger, Fulham's next long-term manager

Fulham are on their third manager of the season now in a desperate attempt to save Premier League status, but we doubt it will be enough – leaving the boardroom with another big decision to make this summer.

Former Premier League winner Claudio Ranieri, who has since got a job at Roma (somehow), was the latest man to try and fail at Fulham – spending just four months at the club before being sacked in February.

Before him, it was Slavisa Jokanovic, the very man who achieved what they will undoubtedly be back doing this time next year: Premier League promotion.

In a sense, it is unsurprising that Fulham's boardroom has been so trigger happy with their p45s. Owner Shahid Khan has funnelled a huge amount of money into the club this season in hopes of consolidating his clubs position in the top flight but has seen very little return on his investments.

And now it seems he will be looking for another manager to take his team forwards again next year, unless Scott Parker pulls off the impossible, of course.

But who?

It may be worth taking a punt on Peter Stoger.

The Austrian hauled Borussia Dortmund away from a disastrous period of form under Peter Bosz and helped them towards a third consecutive season in the Champions League – an achievement barely thought possible given their bottom half position in December.

And this follows an impressive four-year project at Cologne including a Bundesliga 2 title, and the club's first European competition in 25-years.

Indeed, there are few things that could steady the ship at Craven Cottage at the moment, but the renowned stability of Peter Stoger is one of them. His tactical know-how should go some way towards solving the shocking Fulham defensive record, and as a product of German football, which is commonly considered most compatible with the English game, this would not come at the cost of style and entertainment.



https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/introducing/introducing-peter-stoger-fulhams-next-long-term-manager/

[WhiteJC]

 
West Brom yet to make contact with Jokanovic

West Brom are yet to make contact with former Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic over the vacant managerial position at The Hawthorns.

The Baggies sacked Darren Moore last weekend following a 1-1 draw at home to bottom of the league Ipswich.

That result came after back-to-back defeats to Sheffield United and Leeds, two of the three teams above them in the table, and meant that Moore lost his job.

Jokanovic has been linked with the role, but The Mirror report that the club have not held any formal talks with two-time Championship promotion winning boss.

The report does claim, however, that Jokanovic is open to an offer from West Brom and is keen to return to English football after he was sacked by Premier League side Fulham earlier this season.

Jokanovic took Fulham up via the play-offs last term, and gained automatic promotion with Watford in the 2014/15 season – experience that may prove useful to West Brom.

Potential alternatives to Jokanovic
Alex Neil

Doing a superb job with Preston, but it may be difficult to lure him away before the end of the season.

David Moyes

Currently out of a job, Moyes has been linked with the role.

Lee Johnson

Heavily praised for his work at Bristol City in recent seasons. May relish the chance to work at West Brom with a larger budget.

Paul Warne

Doing a great job with Rotherham, exceeding exceptions and could be ready for the chance at a big Championship job.



https://readwestbrom.com/2019/03/14/west-brom-yet-to-make-contact-with-jokanovic/

[WhiteJC]

 
Club will look to make loan offer for Fulham player this summer

Yesterday we covered reports from the Turkish media that Besiktas will look to sign Fulham goalkeeper Fabri in the summer transfer window.

With Loris Karius expected to cut short his loan deal with the Super Lig club, Fabri looks to be their number one choice despite only joining Fulham last summer.

It was reported Besiktas will make an offer for the Spanish keeper and Fanatik today claim they will look to loan the player from the Premier League club.

During the last transfer window there were claims the Istanbul club wanted to loan Fabri on an 18 month deal but due to Karius remaining at the club a transfer never materialised.

Fabri will have a decision to make on his future at the end of the season after being frozen out at Fulham.

The 31 year old has made just two Premier League appearances for the London club since his arrival last summer, with Sergio Rico remaining No.1 under Scott Parker.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/club-will-look-make-loan-offer-fulham-player-summer/

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Liverpool team news: Injury, suspension list vs. Fulham

No sooner has the dust settled on Liverpool's famous 3-1 win over Bayern Munich in Bavaria that they must refocus to their ongoing domestic chase for silverware.

Just one point still separates the Reds from Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table, but Jurgen Klopp's side would replace them at the summit with a win over Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday.

With Manchester City in FA Cup action, Liverpool have the chance to land a psychological blow by leapfrogging Pep Guardiola's champions despite the destination of the title still ultimately remaining in City's hands regardless of what happens in West London.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up the latest injury and suspension news ahead of the Premier League showdown.

LIVERPOOL'S INJURY LIST

Jordan Henderson
Status: Major doubt
Type of injury: Ankle
Possible return date: Unknown

The Liverpool skipper lasted only 13 minutes of Wednesday's win over Bayern after rolling his ankle early in the game. Klopp is hopeful that it is nothing too serious, but it was enough to force Henderson off and he is a doubt for this weekend.

Baby Keita
Status: Slight doubt
Type of injury: Muscle
Possible return date: March 17

Keita missed the trip to Munich after picking up a minor muscle injury in training and now faces a race against time to be fit for Sunday's encounter.

Joe Gomez
Status: Out
Type of injury: Ankle
Possible return date: March 31

Gomez is back running at "100%" as he closes in on his return from an ankle injury which has kept him sidelined since December. This weekend will come too soon for him, but he could be ready after the international break.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Status: Out
Type of injury: Hamstring
Possible return date: Unknown

Oxlade-Chamberlain returned to action for the first time in 11 months during an Under-23s game last Friday, but he was withdrawn as a precaution over a muscle problem. The knee injury which has kept him out since last April appears to have healed, though, and the latest setback is not thought to be serious.

LIVERPOOL'S SUSPENSION LIST

Liverpool have no suspensions for this game.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/liverpool/title-race/feature/liverpool-injury-suspension-list-vs-fulham_353366.html

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Soccer: Liverpool aiming to steal a march on title rivals City

LONDON (Reuters) - Riding the crest of a wave after their superb victory over Bayern Munich, Liverpool have the perfect opportunity to edge back in front in a titanic Premier League title race at struggling Fulham on Sunday.

With leaders Manchester City continuing their audacious pursuit of a quadruple the previous day in the FA Cup quarter-final, Liverpool have the chance to sneak two points clear of Pep Guardiola's side with victory at Craven Cottage.

While City would then have a game in hand, points in the bag at this stage of a title run-in, especially with big Champions League clashes looming on the horizon, can be a huge advantage.

Liverpool boss Juergen Klopp said before Wednesday's Champions League last-16 clash in Munich that victory could "change the world" for his team — rather than hinder their domestic title bid.

And the way they controlled the Bundesliga giants for a 3-1 victory will give them a massive surge of confidence.

"It is a fantastic sign that we again set a mark for LFC, for this wonderful club, that we really are back on the landscape on international, top-class football," Klopp said.

The only slight concern was an ankle injury sustained by skipper Jordan Henderson that means the midfielder will miss the trip to Craven Cottage.

Yet even without him it is hard to see a relegation-bound Fulham side beaten in nine of their last 10 Premier League matches causing too many problems.

In the two games they have played under caretaker boss Scott Parker, their third manager of the season, they showed signs of life in defeats by Chelsea and Leicester City.

They are, however, 13 points away from the Premier League safety zone with eight games left and, along with bottom club Huddersfield Town who travel to West Ham United on Saturday, are now simply playing for pride.

That leaves one from Cardiff City, Burnley, Southampton, Brighton and Hove Albion, Crystal Palace and Newcastle United to join them through the relegation trap door.

Of those only Burnley and Newcastle are in action this weekend with Burnley, one place and two points above the bottom three, at home to mid-table Leicester City.

After going eight league matches without defeat, Burnley have lost three in a row and can ill-afford a slip-up at home.

When Newcastle United trailed 2-0 against Everton last week they looked like being sucked deep into the relegation mire, but a remarkable turnaround saw them claim a 3-2 win that kept them six points clear of 18th-placed Cardiff.

Rafa Benitez's side go to Bournemouth on Saturday knowing victory will put them within sight of safety.

Of the four clubs scrapping for third and fourth place, only sixth-placed Chelsea are in league action this weekend as they travel to Goodison Park on Sunday to face Everton.

Victory for Chelsea would lift them level on points with fourth-placed Arsenal.



https://in.reuters.com/article/soccer-england-preview/soccer-liverpool-aiming-to-steal-a-march-on-title-rivals-city-idINKCN1QV1HQ?rpc=401&;

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Ryan Sessegnon Gets In Depth With Stevo The Madman On His Career So Far
Stevo The Madman tried to grab a cinema date with one of the most exciting young players in the world...

Ryan Sessegnon caught-up with Stevo The Madman for his TalkingTekkers series in which the Snapchat star gets to the nitty-gritty of how some of Britain's best young football stars get the point of their first team breakthroughs and tests their tekkers under pressure.

Fulham's Ryan Sessegnon got into his youth career, making his breakthrough into the first team, going to the cinema with Stevo and more.



http://rwdmag.com/ryan-sessegnon-gets-in-depth-with-stevo-the-madman-on-his-career-so-far/

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Cyrus Christie among the casualties as Mick McCarthy finalises Ireland squad for Euro 2020 qualifiers

Mick McCarthy has confirmed his 23-man Ireland squad for the upcoming Euro 2020 qualifiers against Gibraltar and Georgia.

Luton Town striker James Collins has kept his place after initially being named in the provisional squad, while Aston Villa midfielder Glenn Whelan is also included after earning a surprise recall from McCarthy.

The players left out after initially being selected in the extended squad are goalkeepers Kieran O'Hara and Caoimhin Kelleher, defenders Cyrus Christie, Kevin Long, Jimmy Dunne, Stephen Ward and Derrick Williams, midfielders Aiden McGeady, James McCarthy, David Meyler, and Daryl Horgan, as well as forwards Padraig Amond, Scott Hogan and Aiden O'Brien.

Ireland travel to Gibraltar for the opening game of their qualification campaign on March 23 and then host Georgia at the Aviva Stadium on March 26.

Republic of Ireland Squad

Goalkeepers: Darren Randolph (Middlesbrough), Keiren Westwood (Sheffield Wednesday), Mark Travers (Bournemouth)

Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Matt Doherty (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Richard Keogh (Derby County), John Egan (Sheffield United), Shane Duffy (Brighton & Hove Albion), Enda Stevens (Sheffield United)

Midfielders: Alan Judge (Ipswich Town), Jeff Hendrick (Burnley), Conor Hourihane (Aston Villa), Alan Browne (Preston North End), Harry Arter (Cardiff City*), Glenn Whelan (Aston Villa), Robbie Brady (Burnley), Callum O'Dowda (Bristol City), James McClean (Stoke City)

Forwards: Shane Long (Southampton), Sean Maguire (Preston North End), Ronan Curtis (Portsmouth), David McGoldrick (Sheffield United), James Collins (Luton Town)



https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/international-soccer/cyrus-christie-among-the-casualties-as-mick-mccarthy-finalises-ireland-squad-for-euro-2020-qualifiers-37913817.html

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Fulham: Selling Aleksandar Mitrovic in summer could be a club-defining mistake

When looking for positives in Fulham's first season back in the Premier League after four years away, it can be comparable to finding a needle in a haystack.

Since their 2-0 defeat on the opening weekend of the 2018/19 campaign it has been one disaster after another which has culminated in the Cottagers being cut adrift from the rest of the league, with only Huddersfield Town to keep them company.

Fulham have won just four games in the top flight this season which is the second worst-record in the entire division whilst defensively they have been shambolic, conceding a total of 68 goals in 30 games.

Yet despite all the doom and gloom that has surrounded Craven Cottage in recent months, there has been at least one glimmer of hope in the form of Aleksandar Mitrovic.

The Serbian forward was signed by his fellow compatriot Slavisa Jokanovic in the summer for £27m from Newcastle United and has been a shining light in an otherwise dim season for Fulham. Mitrovic has enjoyed his best Premier League campaign to date since moving to England in 2015, scoring 10 goals in 30 Premier League games.

By reaching double figures, the 24-year-old has demonstrated an improvement in his role as a target man for the club and could be a force to be reckoned with if, as expected, the Cottagers are relegated to the Championship.

Therefore, it is imperative that Scott Parker, who took over as caretaker manager after Claudio Ranieri was sacked in February, does everything that he can to convince Mitrovic to stay at the club for the 2019/20 campaign.

If they let the forward leave, they could be risking their future at Championship level with sides such as Aston Villa, Hull City and Stoke City all demonstrating how hard it is to bounce back after being relegated. Furthermore, it is not improbable that the Cottagers could face another relegation battle if they sell Mitrovic and do not bring in the necessary replacements.

It is reasonable to say that without the domineering presence of the forward during his initial loan spell last season, Fulham would still be plying their trade in the second division. Mitrovic scored 12 goals in 20 appearances for the club who lost just twice with the Serbian leading the line.

Undeniably talented, the former Anderlecht star became an instant fan favourite as he fired his side to play-off glory alongside the likes of Tom Cairney and Ryan Sessegnon as the London-based side achieved promotion with a 1-0 victory over Aston Villa at Wembley Stadium.

Given his previous success with Fulham in the Championship, the decision to keep Mitrovic and sell some of the club's under performing big money stars should be made a priority by owner Shahid Khan.

When you consider how competitive the second tier has been over the past decade, the Cottagers will need to be resilient and without the leadership of their Serbian forward, they could face an uncertain future.



https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/premier-league/fulham/fulham-selling-aleksandar-mitrovic-in-summer-could-be-a-club-defining-mistake/

[WhiteJC]

 
Should Fulham Be Begging Jokanovic To Return For Another Championship Promotion Push?

I must admit, in hindsight, I was one of those that felt it was the right decision when Mr Khan the club's owner sacked Jokanovic and replaced him with Ranieri in November.

Fulham had just been beaten by Liverpool at the Cottage 2-0 which was the 7th consecutive defeat. His team had only one victory in the Premier League over his total 12 games in charge. It was the constant changing of his defence and tactics with Fulham that seemed to be the reason for the club to be shipping goals by the bucket load.

During his last game however against Liverpool, although suffering another loss, it did seem that he may have last found his chosen players and tactical strategy as it looked a much improved performance.

Should Fulham have stuck with him until at least Christmas?

All Fulham fans know he had a poor first half of the season during the previous two campaigns in the Championship. The second, helping the club to promotion following a Play-Off Final victory against Aston Villa at Wembley. Would he have turned it around with a win against Southampton (as Ranieri managed in his first match as manager?).

With the appointment of Ranieri, an Italian with a reputation of firm defensive tactics, it seemed like the right decision at the right time. It proved that whichever players he selected, and whatever tactical formation he set out, there was no easy solution to strengthen this weak defence. On 'Match of the Day' recently, it was stated by one of the pundits that even Pep Guardiola wouldn't be able to turn this team around.

So with relegation now almost a certainty, poor Scott Parker has been given the unenviable task in his first managerial role, of manning a sinking ship. Whatever choices he makes will not bring the points needed to stay up, or the pride back into this great football club, as demonstrated against a rather poor Leicester City team last weekend.

Jokanovic had little chance of Fulham avoiding relegation due to the terrible signings last Summer. Ranieri too with the feeble signings so desperately needed in January.

What way does the club turn now?

Give Scott Parker and his coaching team a chance to prove themselves next season in the Championship?

Try to lure Jokanovic away from West Brom with a big offer, an apology and a say in which players come and go? (It has just happened with Zidane at Real Madrid).

Go for a tried and tested manager who has Championship and Premier League managerial experience? (Yes, a fourth change in a year).

It is a hard decision to make. Whoever is chosen will be expected to bring the Cottagers straight back to the Premier League, or at least a top six
finish.

So, not too much to ask is it?



https://fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/should-fulham-be-begging-jokanovic-to-return-for-another-championship-promotion-push/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham Flutter

The Fulham Flutter returns this Sunday and fans can win one of three prizes at half-time. The online raffle also gives back to the community, with proceeds from every ticket sold going to the Club's official charity, Fulham FC Foundation.

So far in just three draws, nine Fulham supporters are lucky to call themselves Fulham Flutter winners, walking away with great FFC prizes at half-time.

This weekend there are three prizes up for grabs, which include:

    Signed Championship Play-Off Final Programme: Signed by Fulham legends such as George Cohen, Ray Lewington and Les Strong.
    Cash Jackpot: 30% of the total pot to one lucky winner
    Signed Marcus Bettinelli shirt: Goalkeeper shirt with Fulham FC Foundation logo

Buy your online ticket from £2 for Fulham v Liverpool

Purchase your tickets and help us in our aim of building better lives through sport. Fulham Football Club Foundation is the award-winning charitable arm of Fulham FC, and home to FFC Women. As the Official Charity Partner of the Club, we build better lives through sport by delivering education, health, inclusion and sports participation programmes, and in doing so engage more than 12,000 people each season. Read more about the Foundation's programmes here.

Please gamble responsibly. Be Gamble Aware.

T+C's Apply 16+



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2019/march/14/fulham-flutter

[WhiteJC]

 
Report claims Brexit's fuelling rise in racist abuse and hate crimes at football

Racists are using today's polarised political climate to 'cover their own prejudice', claim anti-discrimination body Fare

The abuse suffered by Mohamed Salah at West Ham was one of eight incidents in February reported to anti-discrimination group Fare network.

The UK-based body believe fans are now using the divisive political landscape to "cover their own racism and prejudice."

West Ham handed over all of their evidence to the police after completing a "thorough and immediate" investigation into the abuse shouted at Salah during their 1-1 draw with Liverpool.

Other incidents reported to Fare include allegations of racist abuse aimed at Brighton left-back Gaetan Bong by West Ham supporters, sectarian abuse aimed at Kilmarnock boss Steve Clarke in a game against Rangers, video footage of a Leeds fan taunting QPR supporters and abuse aimed at two Charlton players by AFC Wimbledon fans.

It comes after Kick It Out reported that, in 2017-2018, racist or hate-crime incidents rose by 22%.

Fare executive director Piara Powar said: "There remains throughout football a rump of people, who in 2019, will see the political atmosphere as a cover for their own racism and prejudice."

He added: "I don't think racism in football is getting worse, there has been a lot of change over the years, but football does have a problem with racism that it cannot shake off.

"The reasons are varied, and some deeply entrenched.

"It is the sport of the majority of the people, and so it reflects what many of the people are thinking.

"We don't see enough hard hitting sanctions for clubs; there has been a failure to diversify and open up leadership roles to minorities; and we don't see enough consistent messaging and resources put into finding solutions.

"Complacency is an issue, approaches need rethinking, the solutions of 10 years ago are not enough."

West Ham forward Michail Antonio believes clubs should be docked points or forced to play behind closed doors if their fans are guilty of racial abuse at games.

He said: "If you start playing games behind closed doors and deducting points, then the problem is inside themselves, they're going to deal with it themselves. If you affect their team, the fans, his friends, are going to turn on him."



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/report-claims-brexits-fuelling-rise-14137000

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How England will honour Gordon Banks at first game since World Cup hero's death

Next Friday's match at Wembley to feature a series of tributes to World Cup winning England keeper Banks

Gordon Banks will be honoured ahead of England's clash with Czech Republic at Wembley.

World Cup winning hero Banks, who died last month aged 81, will be remembered at next Friday's opening Euro 2020 qualifier against the Czechs with the players all wearing black armbands.

The Football Association are planning a number of other gestures to mark the passing of another member of that beloved 1966 side.

His family have been invited to attend as guests in the Royal Box along with representatives from Stoke City, the club where he played from 1967 to 1973. There will be a giant banner depicting his World Cup "1" shirt on it passed around the crowd at the national stadium, and prominent mentions in the programme and on Wembley's giant screens.

The FA will also make a donation to The Gordon Banks in Safe Hands Children's Hospital Fund and Alzheimer's UK charity.

Other surviving members of the 1966 World Cup-winning squad have also been invited along.

Banks' passing united the game in grief and brought tributes from some of football's most famous names all over the globe.

Current England manager Gareth Southgate said: "I am deeply saddened to hear of Gordon's passing. "An all-time great for England, I was privileged enough to be in his company on a number of occasions."

Former Three Lions striker Gary Lineker tweeted: "Oh no. Gordon Banks, an absolute hero of mine, and countless others, has died. England 's World Cup winner was one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, and such a lovely, lovely man. RIPGordon. "

Banks' 1966 team-mate Sir Geoff Hurst added: "Very sad to hear the news that Gordon has died. One of the very greatest. Sad for football, Stoke City and for England fans. Will be very sadly missed."


Banks and his 1966 team-mates have a special place in England fans' hearts (Image: EMPICS Sport)

Brazil legend Pele also paid his respects to the man who famously made a save many feel is the best ever to deny him a goal during the 1970 World Cup finals.

"I have great sadness in my heart today and I send condolences to the family he was so proud of," said Pele in a statement on Facebook. "Rest in peace, my friend. Yes, you were a goalkeeper with magic. But you were also so much more. You were a fine human being."

Banks' funeral earlier this month saw thousands of people on the streets of Stoke to mourn.

Jack Butland, Joe Anyon and Kasper Schmeichel, the current keepers at the three English clubs Banks played for - Stoke, Chesterfield and Leicester – as well as former England No 1 Joe Hart served as pallbearers.



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/how-england-honour-gordon-banks-14137305

[WhiteJC]

 
Liverpool vs Fulham: The perfect game for Mohamed Salah to rediscover form

Liverpool play rudderless Fulham on Sunday in the Premier League and this is the perfect game for Mohamed Salah to rediscover his form.

Salah hasn't hit the back of the net for the past six games, a dry spell that Reds fans haven't seen before and probably don't know how to deal with.

But, Sadio Mane has been in such good form that the Egyptian King's little barren run hasn't really gone noticed. But Salah will have noticed, and you can bet he won't be too happy with it.

The Premier League doesn't serve up too many gifts, but Fulham have been as close to one as you can get this season. They spent loads of money in the summer in an attempt to survive the top flight, and it's all gone tremendously wrong.

Their defence is just so bad that you would consider anything less than a two or three goal haul to be a bad day for the Reds.

With Aleksandar Mitrovic and Andre Schurrle in attack, Fulham could hurt teams going forward – but Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk should be able to deal with that threat.

If Salah plays on the right-hand side, as you'd expect but it may not happen, he'll go up against a Premier League newcomer in Maxime Le Marchand or fresh youngster Ryan Sessegnon – who isn't really a defender anymore.

Sessesgnon has had a bit of a baptism of fire this campaign and hasn't found it plain sailing at all.

Le Marchand has probably had a worse time of it still, and will not be looking forward to taking on Salah at his pacey best.

With Manchester City on fire it's important that the Reds keep up with them. Salah has got a big part to play in that, and on Sunday he can get the side and himself firing again.



https://rushthekop.com/2019/03/15/liverpool-vs-fulham-perfect-mohamed-salah-rediscover-form/

[WhiteJC]

 
Spurs keen to sign Mitrovic – report

Tottenham want to sign Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic as understudy to Harry Kane next season, according to the Daily Mail.

The newspaper claim the Serbia international, 24, is on on Spurs' target list as they look to sign five new players this summer as part of a mass overhaul.

The Mail report Mitrovic has been considered be scouts to deputise for Kane, but there is doubt over whether he would move to White Hart Lane "knowing he'll play intermittently".

Good move for Tottenham?

Yes. Mitrovic would be an upgrade on one-dimensional veteran Fernando Llorente, not to mention the hapless Vincent Janssen. Both strikers are set to leave Spurs this summer and a new front man will need to be signed. Mitrovic is an intriguing option after reviving his career since moving to Fulham, initially on loan, in January of last year. He spearheaded the club's promotion after dropping down a division and has held his own back in the Premier League, with 10 goals from 30 matches in the competition this season. Physical, strong and not afraid to ruck with centre-backs, Mitrovic is a powerhouse with a real eye for goal. He is strong in the air, good on the deck and is far less susceptible to daft cautions as he used to be.

This Is Futbol rating 7/10

Likely to happen?

Persuading any forward to sign as back-up to main man Kane is no easy task. With Son Heung-Min and Lucas Moura on the books, would Mitrovic be willing to forsake a nailed-on starting role for a fringe position at an elite club?

This Is Futbol rating 4/10



https://thisisfutbol.com/2019/03/blogs/premier-league/spurs-keen-to-sign-mitrovic-report/

[WhiteJC]

 
Nicholas predicts Fulham v Liverpool clash

Sky Sports pundit Charlie Nicholas has claimed that Liverpool attacker Sadio Mane is 'the man' at the club, not Mohamed Salah or Roberto Firmino.

The Senegal star is in the midst of a stunning run of form, highlighted by his exceptional brace against Bayern Munich on Wednesday. Nicholas believes the 26-year-old will help lead his team to a 3-0 victory at Fulham on Sunday.

"A fantastic result in Munich could come at a cost," he wrote on the Sky Sports website. "Yes, you're in the draw and you deserve to be there, but it wasn't a good performance. Bayern were terrible, Liverpool were just a shade better. Sadio Mane is the man, not Mohamed Salah or Roberto Firmino.

"Virgil van Dijk and Mane are the two getting them through this situation and I'm not convinced with their midfield either but I think Fulham are gone also [with Huddersfield]. I'm expecting Salah to get back on the scoresheet this weekend. I think it will be a fairly comfortable statement [by Liverpool] and it will be a statement of intent to say to Man City 'we're not going away'."

OPINION
It would certainly be a good time for Salah to get back among the goals. He has struggled recently and, even though he impressed against Bayern, he'll want to get back on the scoresheet as quickly as possible. This game gives him a golden opportunity to do just that because Fulham can't defend for their lives. As for Mane, he is certainly the man(e) of the moment for Liverpool. His two goals in mid week were incredibly well-taken and he is absolutely flying at the moment. It's going to be a real struggle for the Cottagers to contain him on Sunday. As Nicholas says, it's him and Van Dijk who have stepped up to lead Liverpool through a rock stage of the season and credit must go to the two of them for doing so. As for not being convinced with the Reds' midfield, that's probably a fair statement, as it's certainly the weakest area of the team right now. However, Jurgen Klopp's side should have more than enough in midfield and everywhere else to brush Fulham aside on Sunday.



https://live4liverpool.com/2019/03/lfc-news/nicholas-predicts-fulham-v-liverpool-clash/