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Wednesday Fulham Stuff - 15/05/19...

Started by WhiteJC, May 15, 2019, 08:00:32 AM

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WhiteJC

Tottenham face Ryan Sessegnon competition from Man Utd, PSG and RB Leipzig

Ryan Sessegnon will leave Fulham this summer after they were relegated from the Premier League Credit: reuters

Tottenham Hotspur will have to fight off interest from a string of Europe's leading clubs if they are to secure the signing of Fulham teenager Ryan Sessegnon.

Sessegnon will be leaving Fulham this summer following their relegation from the Premier League. The club had hoped to keep their best players ahead of the new campaign but Sessegnon's contract expires at the end of next season so they risk losing him for free if they do not sell him now.

Tottenham are leading the race for Sessegnon, whose preference is to work under Mauricio Pochettino provided an agreement can be reached between the two clubs. Telegraph Sport understands there is also interest from Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and German side Red Bull Leipzig.

The interest from elsewhere could lead to a bidding war over the 18-year-old, who can play as a left-back or a winger.

Fulham's struggles in the Premier League this season have prevented Sessegnon from maintaining his remarkable goalscoring momentum from the Championship, but he is still expected to cost around £30 million.

Sessegnon has scored two goals and made six assists this season, when he was consistently sidelined by former manager Claudio Ranieri to the fury of the Fulham fans.

If Tottenham can agree a deal for Sessegnon, the teenager would become their first signing since Lucas Moura joined from PSG in January 2018.

Pochettino is trying to refresh the squad this summer and Tottenham's homegrown quota will be helped by the signing of an English player. Sessegnon has long been a target for Tottenham, who have had bids rejected for him in the past.

RB Leipzig have also been long-term admirers of Sessegnon's talent. They will hope that he might be tempted to follow in the footsteps of Jadon Sancho, another prodigious English talent who has excelled in Germany with Borussia Dortmund.

The German side have been keeping a close eye on the English market, signing Arsenal's Emile Smith Rowe on loan in January, but Sessegnon's preference is to remain in the Premier League.



https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2019/05/14/tottenham-face-ryan-sessegnon-competition-man-utd-psg-rb-leipzig/

WhiteJC

Ryan Sessegnon wants to work with Mauricio Pochettino as Manchester United enter transfer race

Ryan Sessegnon wants to play under Mauricio Pochettino at Tottenham despite Manchester United reportedly entering the race to sign the Fulham star.

The 18-year-old is set to leave Fulham this summer after their relegation from the top flight and is being chased by a host of top clubs.

Spurs have retained an interest in Sessegnon since he broke into the Fulham team as a 16-year-old and the Cottagers are ready to cash in on their prized asset.

Sessegnon's contract expires next season and the Telegraph claim Spurs will face competition from United, as well as French champions Paris Saint-Germain and German side Red Bull Leipzig.

The player though wants to be mentored by Pochettino and his first choice club this summer is Tottenham, as Spurs have an excellent recent history of nurturing young talent.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is in charge at United and although he is determined to build a young British side, Fulham will demand up to £50million for Sessegnon.

Despite Sessegnon's preference, a bidding war could erupt for the full-back, which may mean he would go to the highest bidder.

Sessegnon can play either side of defence or attack, having regularly been deployed as a left-sided midfielder and a right winger this season.

Fulham were thrashed 4-0 by Newcastle on the final day of their Premier League season and must now restructure their team ahead of a return to the Championship.

Sessegnon provided six assists, scoring twice, in 38 appearances for Fulham this campaign and has already played 120 times for the London side despite his age.




https://metro.co.uk/2019/05/14/ryan-sessegnon-wants-work-mauricio-pochettino-manchester-united-enter-transfer-race-9529171/

WhiteJC

Manchester United plotting to hijack Tottenham's move for £30m-rated Premier League starlet

Manchester United are interested in signing Fulham winger Ryan Sessegnon, who has been a long-term target for Premier League rivals Spurs.

The 18-year-old enjoyed a superb breakout year as the Cottagers gained promotion to the top flight from the Championship in 2017-18, contributing 16 goals and 18 assists to the cause.

However, he has been unable to have the same impact this season, as Fulham slipped to relegation after only managing to amass 26 points from 38 games in the Premier League.

According to the Telegraph, Sessegnon will leave Craven Cottage this summer and Tottenham are leading the race for his signature, but Manchester United are plotting to hijack any move for the £30 million-rated teenage starlet.

It is understood that the English midfielder is keen on linking up with Mauricio Pochettino at Spurs, but his head could yet be turned in another direction now that United have shown their hand.

Sessegnon, who is capable of playing as an orthodox left winger or as a full-back, is still expected to reach the very top of the game, despite a disappointing campaign with Fulham.

He was restricted to a bit-part role during Claudio Ranieri's brief tenure at the club but was then restored to the line-up under Scott Parker and in the end, he managed to rack up 38 appearances across all competitions.

The mercurial attacker's arrival at a bigger club will come sooner than initially expected after Fulham's relegation, but he could develop quickly at Tottenham Hotspur stadium given Pochettino's faith in talented young players.

That being said, he might also be granted plenty of opportunities at Old Trafford, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer set to completely revamp his current squad when the market reopens.

Sessegnon has a big decision to make this summer and the Red Devils will be aiming to prove they still have the power to attract the best players in the country, even ahead of a Spurs side currently enjoying a significant rise to elite level.



https://www.caughtoffside.com/2019/05/14/manchester-united-plotting-to-hijack-tottenhams-move-for-30m-rated-premier-league-starlet/


WhiteJC

FC Battersea Partnership

FC Battersea is a new football club based around excellence and family that will have a partnership with Fulham Football Club in order to find the next generation of talent.

The club acts as a bridge between grass roots and academies as it offers gifted South London players the chance to train twice a week as well as coaching on finance, social media, psychology, community and nutrition.

This is a 'non for profit' organisation with excellent funding and backing, as the club aims to grow from an Under-12 team right through to senior level.

The side was established by Battersea parent Jon De Maria, alongside experienced UEFA qualified coaches with the core value of family. De Maria commented ahead of the first trials: "We are looking for tomorrow's stars. To be inspired by their talent. Are the local kids up for the challenge? Sign up for the trials and find out."

FC Battersea will be holding trials at Battersea Park on Saturday 29th June from 11:30am. They are seeking U12 boys who are passionate about the game. For more information visit www.fcbattersea.com.




http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2019/may/14/fc-battersea-partnership

WhiteJC

Chris Hughton sacking deepens feeling of pessimism for aspiring black managers

Chris Hughton's sacking at Brighton was not because of the colour of his skin - but his exit leaves us with just two black managers in 92 clubs

Fortunately, Chris Hughton can console himself with the knowledge that when they bring in a trophy for being a good bloke, he'll win it every season.

In the meantime he'll have to settle for a visit to his travel agent and a trawl through Tripadvisor for a summer holiday he hadn't planned.

Why? Because he didn't keep Brighton in the Premier League with enough style and flair. Now, even survival is not enough. Now you need to achieve marks for artistic impression, no matter how limited your squad.

For the avoidance of any doubt: This is solely a football issue. Nobody is accusing Brighton of sacking Hughton because of the colour of his skin. Nor are the Seagulls responsible for the lack of black managers in the game.

No more culpable, for example, than West Brom when they sacked Darren Moore or Birmingham when they replaced Gary Rowett with Gianfranco Zola and nosedived.

That doesn't mean other aspiring black bosses don't have a right to feel dispirited.

Hughton's exit leaves this sport with just two black managers in its 92 clubs. When black players coming to the end of their careers decide not to take their badges because of a lack of opportunities, they are looking at the numbers - not the clubs - and deciding it is not worth the effort.

It is remarkable that we continue to work in an industry where in 2019 so few black people hold positions of leadership. Nobody be cowed into staying silent on the issue because it makes people angry or uncomfortable.

We can kid ourselves otherwise but it is a truth that when someone as respected as Hughton is sacked it deepens the feeling of pessimism.


Sol Campbell and Keith Curle are the only black managers in the Football League (Image: Getty Images)

Yet Brighton are guilty of bad, harsh decision making, nothing more. At the very least Hughton deserved the chance to have been put on notice that the team needed to be more attacking ahead of next season. Maybe ten games at least to see whether he could deliver, working on the foundations he'd laid.

He'd picked up a club one place above the Championship drop zone in 2014 and was fired less then a day after keeping them in the Premier League for a second successive season.

He succeeded. Regardless of the style of play, the lack of goals and the bus parked so regularly at the Amex Stadium, a third year enjoying the riches of the top division is down to the tactics now being so widely traduced as people pat him on the head and praise him for being a gentleman.

He'd been in the top flight before with Newcastle previously, having taken them up only to be sacked for no discernible reason in favour of Alan Pardew.

Hughton had done the job. Had Neil Warnock kept Cardiff in the Premier League he'd have been a candidate for Manager of the Season.

If Brighton fans aspire to a better style of football, fair enough. With their financial as well as emotional investment, they have the right to want more bang for their buck on a week to week basis.

A regular, depressing fact of life for promoted clubs however, is that a consistent club in the second tier can often, brutally, be found wanting in the Premier League.

Critics say Hughton laboured to just three wins of his final 23 league games and none in his last nine.

Does that mean Burnley should have sacked Sean Dyche after just three wins in 26 between last July and the end of December?

Some argue that on the basis of the second half of this season they could go down next season. I wonder whether those people saw Liverpool coming from 25 points off the pace to challenge Manchester City this season? Or homeless, signing-less Spurs finishing beating Manchester United - last season's runners-up - to a top-four place?

With the right summer investment, who is to say that Brighton would struggle again or not play better stuff next season?

As for the £58million Hughton spent in the transfer market last summer, people forget Hughton had to gamble and rummage around in the bargain basement - a fact of life when players these days have so many better options higher up the table.

Yes, Alireza Jahanbakhsh cost £17million but he was at the World Cup with Iran. The only other player in double figures was £15million Yves Bissouma who looks as though he will go on to become a decent performer.

Fulham spent £100million and are heading back down. Cardiff and Huddersfield took the handbrake off and are joining them.

Yes, some fans would actually prefer to be winning every week than watching the same, monotonous drudgery on a week to week basis.

Brighton maybe could have attempted that with a squad of higher-calibre players. But with 35-year-old Glenn Murray up front and a largely pedestrian squad, Hughton had no option but to keep it tight and scrap for their lives.

So talk about style of play with the likes of Everton and Wolves. Better squads with better players higher up the table. Not Brighton.

Ultimately, Hughton will be back. He is too good a manager not to be. The fear is that he is being framed as a Championship manager. One capable only of taking sides into the Premier League when the truth he has not had the quality to make more of a top flight impact.



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/chris-hughton-sacking-deepens-feeling-15773560

WhiteJC

Tottenham transfer news: Spurs close in on deal for Fulham's Ryan Sessegnon as club aim to match Mauricio Pochettino's ambitions

Spurs have not made a signing since January 2018 and Mauricio Pochettino said he wants a clear plan to be able to compete

Tottenham are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign Fulham teenager Ryan Sessegnon with the club hoping they can convince Mauricio Pochettino they are willing to match his ambitions.

Fulham, who were relegated after just one season back in the Premier League, value Sessegnon, 18, at £40million – but Tottenham want to pay closer to £25million.

Spurs have not made a signing in the two transfer windows since January 2018 but are keen to bring in Sessegnon, the Daily Mail report.

It is claimed a middle ground regarding the fee will be reached soon, despite reported interest in the teenager from Paris Saint-Germain.



https://talksport.com/football/542760/tottenham-transfer-news-spurs-deal-ryan-sessegnon/


WhiteJC

How Scottish coach Steve Kean helped Edwin van der Sar and Steve Finnan reach the top

The former Blackburn Rovers boss explains how it's not just young players that need coaching


Steve Kean (Image: PA)

Former Blackburn Rovers boss Steve Kean says elite players still need coaching.

The Scot was a guest on the Scottish Football Coaching Podcast and opened up on his time as a manager, explaining how it's not just young players that need direction.

Kean worked as coach for Fulham, Real Sociedad and Coventry City, assistant to Chris Coleman, before taking the reins at Blackburn.

He said: "Seniors players need coached. The higher you go up, as in age groups, some people think in the first team there is no coaching.

"Players need coaching, people think it's just a generic session and you are meant to know everything. You don't know everything."

Kean says former Manchester United keeper Edwin van der Sar, who he coached at Fulham, was a player who constantly asked questions and says it's no surprise he reached the top.

He added: "Even the older players and I find it's the top players who ask the most questions. Edwin van der Sar would ask questions every day.

"It always seems to be the top ones that ask the most questions and want the most knowledge. So then the ones who are down a level, maybe they are embarrassed to ask the questions. They need help as well.

"They need encouraged and if you're embarrassed out on the pitch, come and knock on the door and we'll sit for half an hour.

Kean said ex-Liverpool defender Steve Finnan was very reserved when he was at Craven Cottage but, with a little help, was able to come out of his shell and become a huge success at Anfield.

He said: "Everybody needs help. We had some great defender like Steve Finnan before he went to Liverpool. He was quite a timid guy, an introvert, who wouldn't say too much. He turned into a top defender when he went to Liverpool.

"He was one who wouldn't ask a question but needed help. But as soon as you show him, you only need to show him once.

"Not everybody puts their hand up, not everyone is as confident as the next guy.

"You know they need help but they're not going to stick their head up.

"They still need help because your job is still to improve them."



https://www.footballscotland.co.uk/spfl/scottish-premiership/steve-kean-van-der-sar-16273793

WhiteJC

The truth about parachute payments and how Fulham could benefit over the next two seasons

The Cottagers may be returning to the Championship this summer, but they'll be handed a welcome financial boost.

It's a desperate time for any football fan – and not a particularly happy one for the club involved either.

Relegation from the Premier League means a huge step down in terms of broadcasting revenues, while commercial and match-day income usually takes a hit also.

This is always going to be problematic, as Premier League football translates to an enormous hike in wages – even for the most diligent of clubs.


General view outside the stadium as fans arrive ahead of the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Arsenal FC at Craven Cottage on October 7, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)

Fortunately, relegated clubs have a ready-made safety net from the Premier League to ensure that the worst of the financial damage is mitigated. That's the idea anyway.

In 2006, the Premier League introduced parachute payments to the three clubs relegated at the end of the season.

Under the scheme, a proportion of certain revenues offered to Premier League clubs is given to relegated clubs for a set period of time.

The Premier League pays out in multiple streams, including an equal split for all teams, known as the basic award fund; an amount depending on how many times a team is shown on TV; and a merit payment system depending on where a club finishes in the league (the higher the finish the higher payout, unsurprisingly).

Clubs also take an equal share of international broadcasting revenues, from contracts signed with overseas broadcasters, as well as central commercial revenues.

A club relegated this season will receive 55% of both the Premier League's basic award fund and international broadcasting revenues.

This was worth around £41.5million for 2018/19, based on these streams being worth approximately £75.6million to Premier League clubs.In the second season after relegation, the parachute payment drops to 45% of the two streams – worth around £34million.

And in the third its 20% – or approximately £15million.

However, a club that only plays one season of Premier League immediately before relegation is not entitled to the third season payout, like Cardiff City and Fulham in the most recent season.

Naturally, parachute payments cease if a relegated club is promoted back to the Premier League while still eligible to receive them.

Parachute payments have undergone changes throughout the last 13 years, most recently in 2016 when the number of seasons they were spread out over was reduced from four to three.



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/truth-parachute-payments-how-fulham-16274230

WhiteJC

Sky Sports provide update on four Fulham players after relegation

Fulham have agreed terms on one year contract extensions for four members of their squad, according to Sky Sports.

It was thought that we could be entering a period of instability at Craven Cottage, after the Cottagers were officially relegated from the Premier League on Sunday afternoon, but club officials have moved quickly to avoid that being the case.

Scott Parker was confirmed last week as the man to lead Fulham in the Championship next term, and now at least four of their playing squad will be joining him on the journey.

Denis Odoi is the first of the quartet to put pen to paper on a new deal. He was a regular in the Cottagers' last promotion campaign, and will hope to play a key role in getting them back into the Premier League at the first opportunity.

Floyd Ayite found game time hard to come by this term, although that did improve when Parker took up the Fulham reins, and he is another who has had a year added to his contract.

The other two men to be retained by the Cottagers came as something of a surprise. Stefan Johansen was one of them, but he has spent the second half of the campaign on loan at West Bromwich Albion, who he is hoping to guide to Wembley on Tuesday night when they take on Aston Villa in the Championship play-offs.

Neeskens Kebano is the other man being kept on by Fulham. He only made nine appearances this term, the last of which was from the bench against Newcastle United on Sunday afternoon.

Parker is expected to undergo a serious reshaping of his squad during the upcoming transfer window, as he looks to mastermind an immediate promotion for the Cottagers, but his task has been made a little easier by the four men extending their deals to cover the season to come.



https://ninetyminutesonline.com/sky-sports-provide-update-on-four-fulham-players-after-relegation/


WhiteJC

Forever In My Heart

Calum Chambers has expressed his gratitude to the Fulham faithful for sticking with him during his loan spell.

The 24-year-old began the campaign in defence before having to endure a stint on the sidelines, only to return as a player reborn when he was shifted into midfield.

Chambers went on to become a pillar of consistency for the Whites in the middle of the park, but he nevertheless returns to Arsenal frustrated at how the season played out.

"First and foremost, I'm obviously disappointed and gutted that we weren't able to keep Fulham in the Premier League," he explained. "I think this Club deserves to be, and belongs, in the Premier League, so I'm very disappointed. As a group we all are, disappointed that we weren't able to achieve that, especially with the quality of squad we had.

"For me, personally, it was a bit of a tough start. I started the first two games but then didn't really play and was out of the team for quite a while. It was quite a tough start to the season for me, and luckily I had Scotty who kept me working hard. He made sure my head was staying in the right place, made sure I kept working hard and kept myself going to get back in the team.

"Then when we played Liverpool away I got put in midfield and that was sort of the turning point in the season for me. Since then I've taken every game as it's come and really enjoyed playing at this Club.

"I think the thing that will stick with me the most is the fans. From the start I had, the reaction they've given me since then, since I started playing midfield, has been pretty amazing to be honest. The support I've seen them give me has been fantastic and I'll forever be grateful for that."

Despite his status as a loan player, it's clear Chambers is still hurting from relegation.

"I wanted to commit fully when I came here and give it absolutely everything," he stated. "I fully committed myself to the Club for the season, and I think that's the only way players should do it, because then you really do give everything and the best comes out of you. I would definitely say that's what I've done here, given everything on the pitch.

"Obviously I'm gutted that we got relegated, and I think every player should be. A club like this belongs in the Premier League. That's what I wanted to achieve and unfortunately we didn't do that.

"This Club will forever have a place in my heart. As I said, what the fans have shown me, and the support they've given me, has been incredible."

While the Fulham faithful are sad to see Chambers return to his parent club, spare a thought for Joe Bryan.

The pair have been inseparable since signing for the Club within two days of each other in the summer, carpooling together to Motspur Park on a daily basis, and when asked if he's worried about his good pal, Chambers replied: "Extremely, yeah!

"I don't know what he's going to do! He's got no car school anymore so he's going to have to drive in on his own. It will be interesting to see what happens, see if he manages to cope or not!"



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2019/may/14/calum-chambers-forever-in-my-heart

WhiteJC

West Ham trying to find out if Mitrovic's contract contains release clause

West Ham United are exploring the possibility of signing Aleksandar Mitrovic from Fulham this summer, sources have told Football FanCast.

Manuel Pellegrini is keen to revamp his striking options this summer as the Hammers prepare for something of a squad overhaul.

And the Serbia international has emerged as a major target, with the summer transfer window due to open later this week.

Fulham endured a difficult season in the Premier League and were relegated to the Championship in April.

The 24-year-old, though, scored 11 goals in the top-flight and has experience in the league, having previously played for Newcastle United.

The Hammers, who last summer signed Lukasz Fabianski from Swansea City after their relegation, are now attempting to find out if Mitrovic's contract, which runs until 2023, contains a release clause.

Of course, if it does, the Hammers would be able to trigger it and enter into negotiations with the striker, who appeared for Serbia at last summer's World Cup.

West Ham also remain interested in Celta Vigo's Maxi Gomez, who first emerged as a target when Marko Arnautovic appeared set to leave for China in January.

He has scored 13 goals this term and his contract does contain a release clause, of £45million, though that drops to £22.5m if Celta are relegated.With one game of the Liga season to go, they are three points clear of the drop zone with a far superior goal difference to 18th-placed Girona.

It remains to be seen if the club would countenance the prospect of making Gomez their record signing this summer if, as appears likely, the Spanish side retain their top-flight status.

Elsewhere, sources have confirmed that Lucas Perez and Andy Carroll remain likely to leave the club this summer, while Javier Hernandez will also be allowed to depart if an acceptable bid is tabled.

The Mexico international scored seven goals in the Premier League in 2018-19 but completed the full 90 minutes just once. He was on the bench for the final three games of the campaign, against Tottenham Hotspur, Southampton and Watford; West Ham won every game.

He is valued at £10m and it is unclear if any interested parties have registered an interest in signing him.



https://www.footballfancast.com/premier-league/west-ham/exclusive-west-ham-trying-to-find-out-if-mitrovics-contract-contains-release-clause

WhiteJC

3 Fulham players Sheffield United could consider after promotion

Sheffield United and Fulham will effectively be swapping positions this summer after their respective promotion and relegation.

The Cottagers' stay back in the top flight lasted just one season, going down with 26 points. United, meanwhile, have returned to the Premier League for the first time in 12 years.

So which players currently plying their trade in West London might the Blades consider?

Defensive rock – Calum Chambers
OK, so Chambers is technically an Arsenal player. However, the defender spent the past campaign on loan at Craven Cottage from the Gunners.

Although Fulham had the worst defensive record in the top tier in 2018/19, Chambers was a fine performer. The 24-year-old has the ability to play in central defence, right-back, or in midfield.

This versatility could prove appealing to manager Chris Wilder and a loan deal could prove both likely and relatively inexpensive.

Chambers' experience as a full-back means he could fit in well as one of Wilder's overlapping central defenders in his 3-5-2 system.

Experienced head – Ryan Babel
When Babel returned to English football in January, the main reaction was surprise that the former Liverpool forward was still playing.

Actually still only 32-years-old, the forward has spent time in Germany, Netherlands, Turkey, UAE and Spain since leaving Anfield in 2011.

Yet Babel proved to be something of a success with the Whites, scoring five goals and providing three assists. The Dutchman is now out of contract and may find staying in the division an appealing option.

Long shot – Tom Cairney
Cairney is about to enter his fifth year with the West Londoners and clearly loves the club having signed a new contract to keep him there until 2024.

That is why convincing the midfielder to leave for Bramall Lane could prove tricky. Especially as Cairney has described Craven Cottage as "home" and has discussed his ambition to get them promoted again.

Yet things change in football and remaining in the Premier League must surely be attractive.



https://www.sheffieldunited.news/opinion/3-fulham-players-sheffield-united-could-consider-after-promotion/


Steeeeeeeeeed

Thanks, some very interesting stuff there

ScalleysDad

Quote from: Steeeeeeeeeed on May 15, 2019, 08:54:38 AM
Thanks, some very interesting stuff there


Indeed. Hughton got a standing ovation at the managers award evening a couple of nights ago so within the industry there seems to be plenty of support and indeed respect. On the Chambers front it would seem to confirm that Parker was continuing to support the players, and was respected for it, even though the regime they were in at the time was hapless, hopeless, doomed, frail, iffey, not working etc. For those sensitive to 'regime' take management style, empire, guidance of, tutorage of or disaster under.

Andy S

West Ham had Fredricks on a free last year and now they want Mitro but only as long as he has a release Claus in his contract. Ther3 @ bunch of cheap skates


..FOF..

I hope Fulham's computers can detect future players who like to ask questions.