Sunday Fulham Stuff (28/07/19)...

[WhiteJC]

Season Ticket Distribution

Season Tickets for the 2019/20 campaign are now being distributed to supporters, with all packs being shipped to UK addresses due to arrive with fans up to and including Wednesday 31st July 2019.

Supporters are advised that all packs are sent individually so may arrive separately even if being dispatched to the same address.

All Season Ticket Holders will be issued with a new card for 2019/20, activated from the Club's first home league fixture against Blackburn Rovers on Saturday 10th August.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2019/july/27/season-ticket-distribution

[WhiteJC]

Notes from July Meeting with FFC

On Monday 8th July, the Fulham Supporters' Trust met with Fulham FC at Motspur Park.
HEADLINES

    Season ticket renewal rates are high with waiting list of almost 2,000
    Season ticket sales now limited to Putney End
    Putney End unlikely to be available for match by match sales
    Full details of season ticket exchange and upgrade schemes to be announced shortly
    Non-standing away ticket scheme to continue
    Putney End operations will be unchanged (unsegregated) on the concourses
    Demolition of Riverside stand planned for September
    Time lapse camera will be implemented by Riverside contractors
    Academy operation and contracts explained

ATTENDEES

Fulham FC
Alistair Mackintosh (Chief Executive Officer)
David Daly (Non-Executive Director)
Katy Brecht (Head of Ticketing)
Charlie Harris (Communications Assistant)
Huw Jennings (Academy Director)
Rob Paddon (Head of Venue Sales)
Sean Davies (Head of Retail)

Fulham Supporters' Trust
Tom Greatrex
Ian Clarke
Sue Couch
Dan Crawford.
NEW KIT

The Trust thanked the Club for the early launch of the new kit for the forthcoming season and making the Foundation sponsorship option available for junior supporters. SD explained that being in the second year of the Club's existing sponsorship deal with Dafabet gave them more flexibility to launch the kit. He also stated that August 1st is always the deadline for a club to announce their sponsor and still get the graphics put on a shirt by the manufacturer. Due to the industry timelines, SD and DD confirmed that the Club will soon be in discussions about next season's kits.
SEASON TICKET RENEWALS AND NEW SALES

The Trust fed back a generally positive response to the Club's handling of the move of existing season ticket holders in the Riverside Stand to the Putney End and their assistance in dealing with individual cases raised over the summer. The Club said they are very pleased with the current rates of renewal, which are projected between 85-90%. AM confirmed that the waiting list for season tickets numbered just under 2,000. He expects a large number of the Club's home games to sell out this year and recommended that supporters sought either a season ticket or a membership to maximise access to tickets. KB confirmed that the Club are still selling season tickets, but they are now only available in the Putney End.
MATCHDAY SALES

KB and AM confirmed that the Club won't be able to make an estimation of match-by-match ticketing availability until season ticket sales are completed. It is likely that there will be little to no availability in the Putney End for individual match sales. AM and KB added it is probable that only restricted view seats will be available on a match day basis. Match pricing for the whole season will not be announced – the Club have decided to price tickets on a match by match basis as was the case the last time Fulham were in the Championship.
TICKETING SCHEMES

The Trust thanked the Club for the forthcoming implementation of the season ticket exchange and upgrade schemes that we discussed and requested last season. Details of the operation of these schemes will be made available once season ticket sales are complete and matchday pricing plans have been finalised.

KB and AM revealed that the season ticket exchange scheme will become operational when a pre-set percentage of the capacity is reached for a particular match. Refunds will be in the form of a credit against the following season's season ticket. The Club do expect there to be some teething problems as the IT operation is complex and they may decide to operate the season ticket exchange on a stand-by-stand basis.

KB and AM confirmed that supporters will be allowed a maximum of six season ticket upgrades per season (from concession to adult). There will be a flat fee for each upgrade depending on the price of the match ticket.

The Club's membership scheme was launched on the day of the meeting (Monday 8th July). The cost will be £40, with members qualifying for a £5 discount on all fixtures (last season this only applied to category B matches) and priority for match tickets, but the number of tickets they will be able to buy will vary depending on the match in question. AM confirmed that there would be no cap on the number of memberships sold. He views membership as a way of allowing supporters who are unable to purchase a season ticket to have a bond with the Club. It is likely that supporters will need at least a membership in order to get a match ticket next season.
AWAY TICKETING

KB and AM highlighted that the rules regarding away ticketing are different in the Championship. The EFL is less strict on block by block release so it is easier to sell individual tickets. The Club are currently waiting on Barnsley to release tickets for the opening fixture of the season and they hope that ticketing details will be available for supporters shortly (these are now on sale to members and season ticket holders).

The Club feel that the non-standing scheme trialled last season proved a success and are intending to continue with it this season, as long as home clubs give their approval.
CUP TICKETING

KB confirmed that there is supposed to be a 15% of capacity allocation for away fans at FA Cup fixtures. This may impact upon Putney End season ticket holders, but there is the possibility of applying for an exemption down to 10% of capacity in extenuating circumstances. The Club confirmed that they will be looking to apply for this.
PUTNEY END MATCH OPERATIONS

The Trust raised the concerns of some correspondents that there could be problems in the Putney End this season due to the larger number of home supporters alongside away fans. AM reiterated that away and home fans will be segregated on the stand side and that the general Putney End operations will remain as they have been, with no segregation below the stand, the same turnstile block entrances for home and visiting supporters and shared catering facilities.

AM stated that the Club did not expect that there would be any issues. There will be a changed demographic in the Putney End due to the relocation of Riverside Stand season ticket holders and there will also be fewer away fans than in previous seasons. He felt there was no immediate need for higher-visibility stewarding, which can cause more problems than it fixes. The local Safety Advisory Group will monitor any issues at the ground and take action if necessary.
CATERING

The Club do not plan to make any changes to the catering offerings this season.  In response to a number of requests for more unique Fulham catering, AM confirmed that this was being considered as part of the plans for the new Riverside Stand.
CUP MATCHES

The Trust reminded the meeting of issues last season with lack of turnstiles and catering facilities at early round Cup matches.  AM recognised this and agreed to ensure that similar issues don't occur this season.
RIVERSIDE STAND

AM revealed that, whilst work was progressing to timescale, the actual demolition of the old Riverside Stand is due to begin in September, so the season is likely to start with an empty stand still in place. The Club are planning to put a hoarding in place before demolition. The Club are working with their contractors to implement a time-lapse camera, as per the suggestions from many supporters.

The George Cohen statue is to remain in its current position – it does not need to be relocated due to the building works. The Hammersmith End 'mound' will remain unless the contractors experience problems during the building works. AM said that Craven Cottage's exact capacity will vary throughout the season due to the progress of the building works.
HISTORY AND HERITAGE

The Trust referred to the importance of preserving and promoting Fulham's history and heritage within the new stand. AM said that there will be a big non-matchday element to the new stand, which is currently being discussed, whilst some will be for matchday only. Both AM and DD envisaged that history and heritage should be strongly featured in the matchday areas.

The Stevenage Road press room is considered a place where history and heritage can be strongly featured as well and this is thought to be a good fit, given the historic nature of the stand. The press room is going to used for directors' hospitality during the transitional period, starting with the home friendly against West Ham, but then will become a space that supporters could use. Over the next two years, the Club would like to see how it can also be utilised on non-matchdays. AM also raised the possibility of more fan-centric history and heritage appearing within and at the back of the Hammersmith End.
ACADEMY

HJ spoke about the changes to the Club's academy set-up during the close season. Steve Wigley, previously the Club's Head of Academy Coaching, had expressed a preference to work more closely with young players and has been installed as Head of Player Development andUnder 18s Head Coach. This created a vacancy for the Head of Academy Coaching, which was filled by Ben Bartlett, who had links with Fulham through his previous role with the Football Association. Colin Omogbehin has stepped up from his U18 role to become joint Head Coach of the Under 23 side with Mark Pembridge, which was a job-share that both coaches requested. Ali Melloul has stepped up from hisrole as Youth Development Phase Manager to work alongside Steve Wigley.

HJ admitted the Club was disappointed with the teams' performances last year, although he stressed that the individual improvement of players was paramount.The U23 side always targets reaching the play-offs and, whilst there isn't a specific target for the U18 team, the Club wants them to be competitive against the best academies in the country.

HJ stressed that the development of young players has to be handled on an individual basis. The Club is keen to loan out some of their young talent, but players and clubs have to be matched very carefully. He considered Marek Rodak's loan spell at Rotherham as one of the highlights of the 2018/2019 season, but conceded that there were disappointing loans too.

HJ has held meetings with National League clubs to discuss potential loan moves and that a number of League One and League Two clubs are interested in taking Fulham players on loan. He stressed the importance of balancing any temporary exits with Scott Parker's plans as a number of young players are currently training with the first team. He felt that having academy players as the nineteenth or twentieth man in a first team squad doesn't help them develop and regular football was always beneficial.

HJ recognised supporters' disappointment in the loss of young Academy players, giving Mattias Käit and Jón Dagur Thorsteinsson as recent examples. The decisions surrounding individual players as to whether they will be playing and when they will be leaving are always made by football professionals. He stressed that the Club's category one academy status is massively important and is recognised by the owners.

Productivity points gained by players playing first-team football help the Club to retain their category one status. For instance, the Club made a decision to allow Stephen Humphreys to join Southend in January and his performances for Southend, where he scored the goal that kept them in the Football League, have helped to accrue productivity points for Fulham.

HJ also clarified some of the rules regarding academy players. Academy players are not allowed to have an agent until the calendar year of their sixteenth birthday. He did reveal that agents often interfere at earlier ages and the Club reports them to the football authorities when they identify this behaviour. Many more agents are being banned now for these offences than previously.

Clubs can initially sign young players on academy player contracts, previously known as 'schoolboy' terms, until a player leaves school. They would then progress to a scholarship agreement, which is an education and training contract linked to the Government national apprenticeship scheme, which can last for two years or be extended to three. A young player cannot sign a professional contract until their seventeenth birthday and the maximum length of this contract is three years. HJ felt that the academy is well supported by both the Club and the wider fanbase and thanked the fans for their on-going support.

The meeting closed at 1.54pm



https://www.fulhamsupporterstrust.com/news/2019/07/notes-from-july-meeting-with-ffc/

[WhiteJC]

Manchester United make contact with Fulham as they look to reach agreement for 19-year-old

Premier League giants Manchester United have made contact with Fulham as they look to complete a move for winger Ryan Sessegnon.

Reported by the Manchester Evening News with quotes taken from Duncan Castles on the Transfer Window podcast, United are among a host of top European clubs to enter dialogue with Fulham over the potential signing of their young star.

United have been active in the transfer window already, and have already raided the Championship for Swansea City winger Daniel James as they look to get back into title contention next season.

Fulham teenager Sessegnon has long been lauded as someone who will eventually go on to have a career at the very top of the game, and despite a few struggles last season as Fulham were relegated from the Premier League, the England under-21 man still showed he has enough in the locker to succeed in the top flight.

Cottagers manager Scott Parker will be well aware he is facing a losing battle in terms of keeping hold of Sessegnon, but will no doubt look at the likes of Leeds – who sold Jack Clarke to Spurs but managed to keep hold of him for the coming season as part of the deal – as inspiration.

Sessegnon broke into the Fulham team as a 16-year-old and played a key role as the club were promoted from the Championship two seasons ago.

The Verdict

United a massive club and under a bit of a rebuild under Ole Solskjaer, so it would not be a surprise at all to see them land Sessegnon.

He has so much ability that for someone so young, it really is quite frigthening, and Solskjaer might just be the man to nurture his talents properly.

Fulham can't keep hold of him, that is a fact, but if they can somehow get him back for a year, then it won't be the end of the world whatsoever.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/manchester-united-make-contact-with-fulham-as-they-look-to-reach-agreement-for-19-year-old/

[WhiteJC]

U23s Report: Nottingham Forest 0-0 Fulham

Fulham Under-23s played out a pre-season stalemate in Nottingham as a string of saves from Toni Stahl meant it ended honours even on Saturday afternoon.

Fulham started brightly in the opening stages with Timmy Abraham looking to latch onto any errors. His sharp awareness alongside Jayden Harris presented Sonny Hilton with a good chance but for an excellent last-ditch tackle.

Forest hit back moments later as a pocket of space opened between the midfield and defence. Stahl was down smartly to avert any danger in his first real test.

Harris was fresh from first team involvement and looked a threat from wide areas - he and Hilton combined to force another block.

Both sides were exchanging blows on the chance count as Stahl was on hand to make a stunning one handed save from a free kick that was heading for the top corner.

Hilton was primed to strike to give the visitors the lead, but Harris slipped on the greasy turf to interfere with proceedings.

Stahl was busy in the Fulham goal early into the second half making an equally impressive save as the one in the first – this time from a deflected drive that forced the German to change direction of foot.

Cameron Thompson injected some pace and directness into the game upon his introduction. His mazy run and strike ended with a low parry behind by the Forest 'keeper.

The closing stages saw the torrential rain take effect as passes slid out of play more frequently. The pre-season tie was a good chance for Mark Pembridge and Colin Omogbehin to experiment with different roles as the formerly Under-18 duo Ryan De Havilland and Ben Davis took the reins in the middle.

Fulham continue a busy pre-season schedule as they travel to Bournemouth on Tuesday.

Fulham: Stahl, Drameh, Tricker, Mundle-Smith, Trialist (Asare 55'); De Havilland, Davis, Harris, Hilton (Thompson 61'), Santos-Clase; Abraham.

Subs: Wickens, Asare, Walters, Thompson.


On the neighbouring pitch, the Under-18s also took on Nottingham Forest. Two missed penalties cost Steve Wigley's side as Forest secured a 2-0 win.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2019/july/27/u23s-report-nottingham-forest

[WhiteJC]

Fulham's midfield would become rock-solid if they beat West Brom to land this talented PL starlet

Fulham opinion: Why the Cottagers should go all out for Trevoh Chalobah

According to a report from The Sun, Chelsea are considering selling youngster Trevoh Chalobah this summer instead of sending him out on loan again.

Having just spent the campaign on loan with Ipswich Town in the Championship, where he made 44 appearances, Trevoh Chalobah is now back at Stamford Bridge.

The defensive midfielder is highly-rated at Chelsea, but his current deal is expiring in less than two years. Thus, the Blues are considering letting the youngster go on a permanent basis this summer.

Fulham, West Brom and Huddersfield Town are all interested in a move for Chalobah, who has represented and captained England at youth levels.

The 20-year-old did very well last season in the second-tier considering the circumstances he was playing in – an underwhelming Ipswich side. There's no doubting his talent and he would be a good fit for the aforementioned clubs. However, Fulham should win the race for the Chelsea youngster's signature.

The Cottagers are targeting an immediate return to the Premier League and have given their fans plenty of reasons to be optimistic. Scott Parker has managed to keep hold of star striker Aleksandr Mitrovic, whilst bolstering the forward department with the additions of Ivan Cavaleiro and Anthony Knockaert.

The west London club must add a couple of new faces further before the transfer window closes in less than two weeks' time. With Jean Michael-Seri joining Galatasaray, Fulham could do with a new option in the midfield and Chalobah would be an ideal fit.

Chalobah really stood out in the Ipswich team last season, scoring two goals in 44 games. He is a versatile player who is equally adept playing at right-back, centre-back and defensive midfield.

Ipswich boss Paul Lambert used the 20-year-old's versatility to great effect and Parker could also get the best out of him next season.

The England youth international has already got some experience at this level and he will be determined to prove that he can succeed in the Championship.

He's a big, strong physical presence who is commendable in the air and makes good use of his strength to win back possession. Despite boasting a tall frame, Chalobah is quick on the ground and has the tendency to drive forward with the ball.

All in all, Chalobah would add some much-needed strength in depth and competition to Fulham's current crop of midfielders.

Verdict

The 20-year-old needs regular game time to unlock his true potential. Therefore, Chalobah could be tempted to join Fulham, as he might be keen to play with a team that will be challenging for promotion to the Premier League.



https://soccersouls.com/fulhams-midfield-would-become-rock-solid-if-they-beat-west-brom-to-land-this-talented-pl-starlet/

[WhiteJC]

West Ham's fearsome midfield four gives tantalising glimpse into Pellegrini's future

The Hammers manager named all his big guns from the start against Fulham at Craven Cottage

West Ham's midfield in the first half of their friendly win at Fulham offered a tantalising glimpse in what's to come for Manuel Pellegrini's team.

We only saw it in full flow for 45 minutes but it was a fun 45 minutes at that as Pablo Fornals, Manuel Lanzini, Jack Wilshere and Felipe Anderson rain Fulham ragged at times.

The four constantly switched positions, Wilshere was the most disciplined of all but we saw the other three take it in turns at number ten, left wing and right wing.

The only goal of the game came from the Hammers left as Aaron Cresswell's cross was turned away but only as far as Lanzini, who curled home a beauty past the stranded Marcus Bettinelli in the Lillywhites goal.

Anderson started on the right side and made three surging runs past Joe Bryan while Fornals buzzed around in the middle in support of fellow newboy Sebastien Haller. The two linked up within 30 seconds of kick off as the Frenchman laid off expertly for the Spaniard though his pass to Anderson was overhit.

A lot of the play came through Wilshere, who would receive the ball from his defenders, turn and face up the Fulham midfield with Anderson running one way, Lanzini another way and Fornals another. It was never congested despite the amount of talent in there.


Jack Wilshere excelled once again in pre-season (Image: Arfa Griffiths/West Ham United via Getty Images)

Wilshere has seemingly been told to play a bit deeper than number ten this season and to be honest, it's his wheelhouse. It allows others to drag defenders out of position and opens up gaps for Wilshere to keep things ticking over. With his midfield compadres occupying defenders, that then allows the full backs to bomb on which they did at will in the first half.

Just a quick diversion to the full backs briefly, Ben Johnson is seriously pushing for a starting berth this season. Ryan Fredericks missed out against Fulham and Johnson continued to press his claims in others absence.

But back to midfield - if the service to Haller up front had been a bit better than the Hammers would have been out of sight by half time. As it was, only a couple of half chances fell to the Frenchman in the first 45 though he should have buried one of his two quick chances not long after the break.

If that service improves from his dynamic and fluid midfielders, he'll bag an absolute hatful next season.

It was a brief display of what might be coming in the new season for West Ham and they have two more games to get it right, plus a brief training camp in Austria between next Monday and Friday which also includes the match against Hertha Berlin in Ritzing.

Excitement was palpable before kick off at Craven Cottage on Saturday afternoon and it can only get better. It was one of the most exciting West Ham teams we have seen in a long time and they have the perfect manager at the helm to pull this off.



https://www.football.london/west-ham-united-fc/players/west-hams-fearsome-midfield-four-16657350

[WhiteJC]

Parker hopeful over Johansen but Mawson has new injury worry

Scott Parker expects Stefan Johansen to recover in time for Fulham's Championship opener next Saturday after the midfielder limped off towards the end of their pre-season defeat at home to West Ham.

But Alfie Mawson, who missed the majority of last season through a knee injury sustained while putting on his boots, also had to be helped off the pitch with a knee complaint early in the second half, and Parker is unsure of its severity.

"I'm not really sure as it's still a bit early," Parker said shortly after the match. "I've not spoken to the medical team yet.

"I think Stefan was okay. Again, I haven't spoken to the medical team, but I had a brief chat with him after the game and it seemed it was just a bit of a knock."

Parker added: "They'll be assessed tomorrow and we'll go from there."

Injury setbacks aside, the former Fulham and West Ham captain is happy with the way his squad battled back in the final pre-season match ahead of their trip to Barnsley in a week's time.

"It was a very good run-out against a very good side," he said. "I felt like we were very passive in the first half, didn't really get to them and struggled a little bit. I'd probably put that down to the quality of their side and the players they have in their team.

"I think they showed their quality in the first half and put us on the back foot, but we grew into the game in the second half and I was pleased with the way we finished. We certainly created a few chances, which was pleasing."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-injury-worries-scott-parker-270719

[WhiteJC]

Fulham boss Scott Parker wants to bring in Harry Arter on loan... who just happens to be his brother-in-law

    Fulham boss Scott Parker wants to bring brother-in-law Harry Arter in on loan
    Bournemouth want to sell for £8million, but The Cottagers don't have the funds
    With Eddie Howe bringing in Philip Billing he may be willing to accept the deal

Fulham boss Scott Parker reportedly wants to bring in Bournemouth's Harry Arter on loan, according to The Sun.

Harry Arter, who has fallen out of first team plans at Bournemouth, just happens to be Scott Parker's brother-in-law.

Bournemouth want £8million for the midfielder, however Fulham would have to sell someone in order to raise funds, so may opt for a loan deal instead.


Fulham boss Scott Parker is looking to bring in his brother-in-law Harry Arter on loan


The Bournemouth midfielder has fallen out of first team plans at Bournemouth in recent times

Arter has played 254 games for the Cherries, but was on loan at Cardiff City for the majority of last season, where he played 25 games.

The Sun reports that Fulham may also offer a large bonus if they get promoted to the Premier League next season.

Bournemouth recently signed midfielder Philip Billing from Huddersfield for £15million, so may now be more willing to let another midfielder go.

West Ham managed to edge past Fulham in a pre-season game on Saturday, while Bournemouth beat Brentford 3-1 with a goal from new signing Dominic Solanke.

Fulham have also been keeping tabs on Kosovo international Elbasan Rashani, who could be available for £500,000.

Meanwhile, Tottenham have been locked in talks with the club over a potential move for £25million teenager Ryan Sessegnon.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-7293493/Transfer-news-Fulham-boss-Scott-Parker-wants-bring-Harry-Arter-loan.html

[WhiteJC]

Midfielder set for Bournemouth departure?

So far during AFC Bournemouth's 2019 pre-season campaign, midfielder Harry Arter has been an apparent key member of the squad.

Following his departure from the south coast 12 months ago, many AFC Bournemouth supporters believed that his Cherries career was over.

With the best explanations coming from himself, in an interview featured by Sky Sports in August 2017 and an interview with The Sun newspaper in October 2018.

The most recent October interview really struck a chord with many AFC Bournemouth supporters.

But despite all of that and the on-field situation of competition from Jefferson Lerma, Lewis Cook, Dan Gosling and Andrew Surman, some supporters were hopeful that his inclusion in pre-season friendlies was a sign that he could be staying.

But then over the weekend, AFC Bournemouth's move for Huddersfield Town midfielder Phillip Billing edged closer.

The 23-year old is reported to have agreed on a five-year deal after the two clubs agreed on a fee of £15million.

He is expected to have a medical on Monday when the transfer is then finalised, that has subsequently seen rumours linking Harry Arter with a move away from Dean Court resurface, with The Sun linking him with a move to Fulham, a link that has been made before.

The link to Fulham is an obvious one, Scott Parker, Harry Arter's brother-in-law returned to Fulham in August 2018 to become the first-team coach and in February 2019 he became the manager at Craven Cottage.

Parker is clearly keen to bring Arter to London following Fulham's relegation to the Championship, but finances are currently preventing the move according to the report.

AFC Bournemouth would prefer to sell the Republic Of Ireland international, for a fee of £8million, however, unless Fulham can sell a player first, they are unable to match that asking price.

The report goes on to suggest that a loan switch could be plausible. The report adds...

"They may also dangle the carrot of a large promotion bonus if they go up."



https://bournemouth.vitalfootball.co.uk/midfielder-set-for-bournemouth-departure/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham plotting loan move for AFC Bournemouth midfielder

Fulham are plotting a move for AFC Bournemouth midfielder Harry Arter.

The Cottagers are ready to bring the 29-year-old to Craven Cottage on a season-long loan deal, according to a report by The Sun.

Arter has fallen down the pecking order in the Premier League with the Cherries. He spent last season on loan in the top flight with Cardiff City and is set them leave again on loan next week.

The Republic of Ireland international has played for Bournemouth since 2010 and has been a key player for them during his time there, playing over 250 games

He started his career at Charlton Athletic but only ever made one appearance for the Addicks as a youngster in the Championship. Instead, Arter had loan spells in non-league at Staines Town and Welling United before leaving Charlton on a permanent basis to join Woking.

Arter impressed as he spent a single season in the Conference South for Woking and was snapped up by Bournemouth in 2010, when they were in League One. He then helped the Cherries get from the third tier to the Premier League and became a fans' favourite there.



https://the72.co.uk/140288/fulham-plotting-loan-move-for-afc-bournemouth-midfielder/

[millsy]

From the FST notes, can any tell me if "the mound" is the piece in front of George's statue?