Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 30/07/19...

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Cardiff City interested in Harry Arter return but face Fulham, Sheffield United and Stoke City competition - reports

Cardiff City have credited with an interest in the Bournemouth midfielder


Harry Arter has been linked with a return to Cardiff City (Image: PA Wire)

Cardiff City are interested in bringing Harry Arter back to the club.

That's according to The Sun , who claim City are one of several clubs to hold an interest in moving for the 29-year-old.

Fulham, Stoke City and Sheffield United are all believed to be keen, with Bournemouth believed to prefer a permanent move of around £8million.

Arter spent last season on loan with the Bluebirds, and became a firm favourite with fans during a difficult return to the Premier League.

The strength of Cardiff's interest this time around isn't yet known, but the Bluebirds are open to strengthening their midfield options, after their pursuit of Bordeaux's Younousse Sankhare recently stalled.

The Irishman looks increasingly likely to move on, particularly in light of the arrival Philip Billing from Huddersfield in a deal worth up to £15million.

Fulham could well be favourites to make a move given that Arter's brother-in-law Scott Parker is in the Craven Cottage dugout, but reports have claimed that the Cottagers are so far only able to offer a loan move.



https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/cardiff-city-interested-harry-arter-16661023

[WhiteJC]

It's Three Different Clubs In Three Seasons For Fulham Misfit

Back in the heady days of last summer when anticipation levels, relating to our return to top-flight football were sky-high, Fulham signed the German forward, Andre Schurrle, on a two-year loan deal.

Schurrle arrived at Craven Cottage having already sampled life in English football with our near-neighbours Chelsea.

It was hoped that the player could provide both an injection of pace and a clinical finishing trait to our ranks.

Unfortunately, that didn't prove to be the case.

Schurrle fell into that category of players that, on his day, could do some wonderful things but, for the majority of the time, looked like a boy lost in the middle of the park.

With those early season anticipation levels crushed under a wave of poor results that ended up in our fine club being relegated, the decision was taken to end Schurrle's loan spell a year early and he duly returned to Borussia Dortmund.

But, according to the German media vehicle, Bild, the player has hardly had time to unpack his suitcase before being moved on again.

Seemingly, Schurrle is set to sign for the Russian side, Spartak Moscow.

I wonder if his career will be able to be kick-started in his new environment!

It may, or may not, be something we'll keep an eye on.



https://fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/its-three-different-clubs-in-three-seasons-for-fulham-misfit/

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Fulham's Record Breaker Decides Anfield Is The Place For Him But Is It?

At just 16 years and 30 days of age, Harvey Elliott became not only became the youngest player to play for Fulham in the Premier League but also the youngest ever player to perform in the top-flight of English football.

At the time we all wondered just what lies ahead for this teenager and how far he could go in the game.

But, as we've come to acknowledge, exceptional young talent is something the big boys of the Premier League latch on to and when Liverpool showed interest in Elliott, it looked as if fulham-get-the-rough-end-of-a-poor-deal by losing the player for peanuts.

Yesterday the deal, as confirmed by The BBC was sealed with Elliott joining Liverpool even though he cannot sign professional terms until he is seventeen-years-of-age.

Naturally, here at Vital Fulham, we've got a suspicion that Elliott's head was turned, after all the club he's joined are the current holders of the Champions League trophy whilst the club he's left, well you know the score.

But it seems that despite his young age, Liverpool do not intend to consign the midfielder to their academy ranks with The Liverpool Echo confirming the club plan to integrate the player into their first-team squad this season.

If that is the case then it's good news for the youngster but only time will tell whether, for him, this was the right move.

Will Harvey Elliott become a star of the Liverpool side in the coming years or will he be swamped by the enormous expectation levels playing for Liverpool brings?

Only time will tell!



https://fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/fulhams-record-breaker-decides-anfield-is-the-place-for-him-but-is-it/

[WhiteJC]

 Championship 2019/20 season preview: Promotion, play-offs, relegation, players to watch
Watch season-opener - Luton vs Middlesbrough - live on Sky Sports Football on Friday August 2 from 7pm; Kick-off at 7.45pm

The new Sky Bet Championship season kicks off this weekend but who will be the teams and players to watch in 2019/20?

From promotion hopefuls and potential top scorers to dark horses and likely strugglers, get the lowdown ahead of the new term with our comprehensive guide...

Title challengers

They stuttered in the automatic promotion race and were left shattered by their play-off semi-final defeat, but after revitalising Leeds last season, boss Marcelo Bielsa is widely expected to mastermind a successful challenge this term. The maverick Argentine, whose side are 9/2 title favourites with the bookmakers, has opted to stay at Elland Road "to complete unfinished business" and the signing of Helder Costa from Wolves, as well as the return of Jack Clarke on loan and Jack Harrison on a permanent deal, has raised supporters' optimism again.

Of the three clubs relegated from the Premier League last season, Fulham (13/2 for the title) appear best placed to bounce straight back. Fans' favourite Scott Parker was appointed permanent manager during the summer and star striker Aleksandar Mitrovic has signed a new long-term deal, while Ivan Cavaleiro and Anthony Knockaert are two arrivals with recent promotion experience.

Continuity could well work in Cardiff's favour. Neil Warnock has decided to remain for another season and towering centre-back Aden Flint looks a shrewd acquisition for a 9/1-rated side whose tough streak, as well as Warnock's second-tier nous, should see them compete at the top end.

Slaven Bilic is expected to steer West Brom (10/1) into the promotion shake-up after last season's play-off disappointment - striker Kenneth Zohore has arrived for £8m and Romaine Sawyers is a snip at £3m but the Baggies have lost the 46-goal partnership of Dwight Gayle and Jay Rodriguez.

Brentford are also among the bookmakers' favourites (14/1) after recruiting heavily. Sweden defender Pontus Jansson is a notable arrival from Leeds but the Bees' chances could rest on retaining key attacking players like Neal Maupay and Said Benrahma.

Play-off hopefuls

After last season's ignominious 16th-placed finish, Stoke look set to be a different proposition under ambitious boss Nathan Jones. The Welshman has dramatically reshaped his squad, prizing Championship credentials, but time will tell whether a new-look side can gel sufficiently for a play-off push - or better.

Huddersfield were demoted alongside Cardiff and Fulham and while Jan Siewert's task seems stiffer than his counterparts - consolidation key under a new owner - a squad boasting the likes of Aaron Mooy, Alex Pritchard and promising forward Karlan Grant should not be underestimated.

Derby, beaten play-off finalists in May, must regroup under new manager Phillip Cocu following Frank Lampard's departure to Chelsea. The Rams pipped Middlesbrough to the last play-off spot last season before losing out to Aston Villa at Wembley, and while their new Dutch boss has acknowledged a top-six target, he has placed greater emphasis on the "bigger picture" of turning academy players into first-team regulars.

Bristol City finished eighth last season and Lee Johnson's progressive side look well placed to go significantly better after the smart permanent recruits of Jay Dasilva and Tomas Kalas from Chelsea, as well as goalkeeper Dan Bentley. Blackburn, too, appear to have traded well and could be dark horses, having lured the likes of Sam Gallagher and Bradley Johnson.

Sheffield Wednesday ended last season strongly under Steve Bruce but are still looking for a new manager as financial problems continue to bite, while Sabri Lamouchi and Jonathan Woodgate are new men in the dugout at Nottingham Forest and Middlesbrough respectively; both traditional heavyweights remain ambitious but are once again in transition.

Potential strugglers

Luton - promoted as League One champions and bolstered by several astute-looking signings - may fancy their chances of a Sheffield United-style bounce but the sides they came up with Barnsley and Charlton (both 9/4) - are the bookies' favourites to go straight back down. Off-field problems persist at the Addicks, whose small squad may be exposed in the second tier, but don't put it past Daniel Stendel's high-pressing Tykes to surprise.

Millwall (3/1 to be relegated) have lost the familiar faces of Lee Gregory and Steve Morison up front, yet the signing of 6 ft 6 striker Matt Smith indicates little change to an approach that had some fans questioning Neil Harris' future at the end of last term.

QPR have lost playmaker Luke Freeman as well as Smith and seem likely to struggle again (7/2), though there will be hopes Jordan Hugill can kickstart his career, while Birmingham (4/1) - under the stewardship of Pep Clotet after Garry Monk's controversial sacking - have lost key players in Che Adams, Jota and former captain Michael Morrison. A tough season seems ahead for Wigan too (7/2), who are shorn of Reece James and Nick Powell.

Top scorer

Aleksandar Mitrovic is Sky Bet's 6/1 pick to be top in the 2019/20 goalscoring stakes. The Serbia striker netted 12 times in 20 appearances on loan to help Fulham to the Premier League in 2017/18 and bagged 11 top-flight goals the following term despite their relegation.


Aleksandar Mitrovic is the favourite to finish top scorer

Neal Maupay netted 25 goals from Brentford in 2018/19, finishing behind only Teemu Pukki and Tammy Abraham, and is a 12/1 shot to lead the way this time - providing he stays at Griffin Park amid Premier League interest.

Leeds duo Kemar Roofe and Patrick Bamford - like Huddersfield's promising young forward Karlan Grant - are 16/1 shots, while Swansea's Oli McBurnie, another with top-flight suitors, is deemed an 18/1 punt.

Britt Assombalonga, a player expected to be afforded more support in Jonathan Woodgate's new Middlesbrough side, is rated 20/1, with Jack Marriott - who impressed in Derby's ultimately disappointing play-off campaign - given the same odds.

Three players to watch

Ivan Caveleiro: Fulham look to have done good business in signing Ivan Cavaleiro from Wolves. The Portugal international was a popular man at Molineux, having been a key figure in the club's promotion-winning campaign, before continuing to play his part in the Premier League too.

With Cavaleiro now 25, Fulham are getting a gifted winger in his prime who is accustomed to life in the Championship. Last time around in the competition, he ranked third for clear-cut chances created and was one of the top dribblers too. Expect him to entertain.

Helder Costa: Leeds supporters are entitled to be excited about the acquisition of Costa given his impact at Wolves. As recently as October, he was scoring his first goal for Portugal and also found the net at Wembley in Wolves' 3-1 win over Tottenham in December. This is a coup.

Costa needs game time having found himself on the bench at Molineux, following a change of formation, but if he can rediscover the form that saw him top score for Wolves during his first season in England, then then this be could be the buy that gets Leeds over the line.

Marcus Tavernier: New Middlesbrough boss Woodgate has given youth a chance in pre-season and one player hoping to profit this term is 20-year-old Marcus Tavernier. The winger - younger brother of Rangers' James - was largely restricted to substitute appearances last season but boasts the technique and turn of pace to play a key role in 2019/20.



https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11688/11768150/championship-201920-season-preview-promotion-play-offs-relegation-players-to-watch

[WhiteJC]

Report: Sheffield United and Fulham want Bournemouth's Harry Arter

Is Harry Arter set to be offered a fresh start in the Premier League with Sheffiled United? Championship duo Fulham and Stoke City are linked too.

Sheffield United are keen to offer Bournemouth midfielder Harry Arter a fresh start in the Premier League, according to the Sun (29 July, page 47), while Championship duo Stoke City and Fulham pursue a deal for the Republic of Ireland international.

Just two years ago, Arter was one of the first names on Bournemouth's team sheet with his probing passing and tenacious style making him a key player under Eddie Howe.

But, thanks in part to the arrival of Jefferson Lerma in a club-record deal, the 29-year-old was forced to leave on loan for Cardiff City last summer and it seems that he is no longer part of Howe's plans on the South Coast – especially now that Phillip Billing is arriving from Huddersfield Town.

And The Sun believes that Sheffield United are interested in signing a player who has made over 50 Premier League appearances for The Cherries.

Fulham boss Scott Parker, who is Arter's brother-in-law, is keen to use his family connections to lure the 15-time international to Craven Cottage while an experienced Stoke City side are interested too.

Though Arter's mix of energy and top-level nous arguably makes him a perfect fit for Chris Wilder at the heart of Sheffield United's midfield. He could dovetail beautifully with John Fleck, providing the dynamism that allows the playmaker to shine.

Bournemouth will reportedly sell for £8 million.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2019/07/29/do-report-sheffield-united-and-fulham-want-bournemouths-harry-ar/

[WhiteJC]

Outspoken journalist tips Leeds United and Fulham for success in the new season.

Leeds United and their fans share a somewhat icy relationship with most reporters/journalists, especially if they are non-Leeds focused, however, last season saw one said journalist remove himself from social media in the wake of negativity towards the West Yorkshire club.

Stan Collymore has had his issues in the past but in the main has enjoyed a fairly successful post football career in the media, social media being his main platform in recent times.

However, in the wake of "Spygate" last season, involving a Marcelo Bielsa employed coach sent to watch Derby County train, from a public area, ahead of a tie between the two clubs, Collymore ended up fighting a losing battle against many Whites fans, blocking many but ultimately ending up with the former Liverpool striker removing himself from social media amidst a barrage of contempt.

Now though, the former player has taken steps to bandage that relationship with the Leeds faithful, claiming that they, along with Fulham will be favourites to occupy the two automatic promotion spots in the upcoming Championship campaign. Here is what he wrote in his column in The Mirror...

    "Fulham and Leeds are my tips for gaining automatic promotion to Prem from the Championship this season.

    "I pick Fulham because of their be squad and Leeds because Marcelo Bielsa will make sure they bounce back from the disappointment they faced the end of the last campaign."

Collymore, who has never been shy to openly speak his mind, which is usually met with agreement and discussion amongst football people, seemed to have poked an angry lion in Leeds fans last season, something I'm sure he and any other journalist will think twice about in the future.



https://the72.co.uk/140423/outspoken-journalist-tips-leeds-united-and-fulham-for-success-in-the-new-season/

[WhiteJC]

Parker predicts more Fulham signings

Scott Parker says Fulham plan to bolster both their defensive and midfield departments before the summer transfer window shuts.

Speaking after Alfie Mawson and Stefan Johansen each sustained an injury in the Whites' final pre-season game against West Ham, and with the likes of Calum Chambers, Jean-Michaël Seri, André-Frank Zambo Anguissa departing, Parker conceded that there is still a shortage of numbers in those ranks.

But the former Fulham captain is confident that the club's ownership can recruit the type of calibre akin to the signings of Ivan Cavaleiro and Anthony Knockaert across the whole pitch.

"I think that I would probably need some more in that area [defence], and probably in midfield as well, where we're a little bit thin," the Whites boss said.

"We all realise that this game is a team sport and you need to rely on your squad, so we certainly need to add a bit more in those areas. I'm sure we will over the coming 10 days.

"I feel like we've done some good business in the front half of the pitch."

Loanees Cavaleiro and Knockaert both started against the Hammers either side of Aleksandar Mitrović, who himself signed a contract extension earlier this month, and Parker anticipates his new offensive weapons to start firing once fully integrated.

He added: "They're very, very good players. I still think they're a little bit short of where we need them to be, in terms of minutes and training days. They've come in late to the football club.

"But, having said that, I'm looking forward to them being a massive part of our squad this year. They're two signings that you know what you're going to get from. We're expecting a big year from them."

Fulham kick off their Championship season on Saturday at Barnsley, seeking a return to the top flight at the first time of asking.

"We've had some tough fixtures in a tough pre-season — we wanted it to be that way and planned it that way," Parker said.

"I'm looking forward to a massive season. We've put a lot of work into this team and these players over the course of six weeks. We're in a good place. I feel like we're ready."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/parker-predicts-more-fulham-signings

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Mitrovic delivers verdict on Ashley

Fulham attacker Aleksandar Mitrovic shared that he had a good relationship with Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley when he was at St James Park.

The Serbian forward was asked by Jim White whether he had a good rapport with the Magpies chief after he shared he got on very well with Fulham's Tony Khan.

Mitrovic responded by saying that while he was aware some people don't like Ashley in Newcastle, the businessman was always good to him.

"Ehhh not like Tony, but Ashley as well he is a good guy," said Mitrovic on talkSPORT (11:37am, Monday, July 29th).
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"I know some people in Newcastle don't like him but I had a good relationship with him, he was good to me, didn't see him a lot but he is a great guy so I had a really good relationship with them."

OPINION

Mitrovic may never have set the world alight at St James Park, he managed just 17 goals in 72 outings for them, but he was always a fan favourite. The 24-year-old attacker always played with passion, sometimes resulting in needlessly red cards, and that was something that was appreciated by the Geordie faithful. However, his remarks about Ashley are likely to go down like a lead balloon, after all Ashley isn't exactly popular amongst Newcastle fans to say the least. Yet Newcastle fans should bear in mind, Mitrovic can only deliver a verdict on the Magpies owner based on his interactions with him. The Fulham attacker probably had only a few moments with Ashley during his time at St James Park as he even openly said he didn't see him much. Then again given that Ashley was the one to sanction Mitrovic's exit from the club, you feel he'd have a more negative view on the businessman. However, maybe he is just so grateful that Ashley let him go to Fulham as he seems happy at Craven Cottage, when you consider he has signed a five-year deal with them despite them being in the Championship (Source: Transfermarkt). After all the forward probably had plenty of offers to leave Fulham after wowing in the Premier League. The 24-year-old scored 11 goals in 37 league outings last season and impressively averaged 3.5 shots per game (Source: WhoScored).



https://nothingbutnewcastle.com/2019/07/blogs/gallowgate-gossip/mitrovic-delivers-verdict-on-ashley/

[WhiteJC]

Ex-Newcastle star Aleksandar Mitrovic dubs Mike Ashley a 'good guy' and expects investment this summer

Mitrovic has spoken about his relationship with the Newcastle owner as well as why he believes the Magpies are among the top six clubs in the country

Former Newcastle forward Aleksandar Mitrovic has labelled Magpies owner Mike Ashley a 'good guy' and believes he will invest money in United's playing squad this summer.

Mitrovic spent three seasons as a Magpies player between 2015 and 2018 before joining Fulham last summer.

The Serbian international forward has just signed a new bumper five-year deal at Craven Cottage and he enjoys a positive relationship with the Khan family, who own the club.

Ashley has been much maligned for his ownership of Newcastle and his recent interview with the Mail Online about his tenure on Tyneside was not well received by Magpies fans.

But when asked about his relationship with Ashley at Newcastle, Mitrovic said he understands fans' frustrations but insisted the United owner was a 'good guy'.

"Not like with Tony (Khan, Fulham owner) but Ashley is a good guy," Mitrovic told TalkSPORT.

"I understand why some people in Newcastle don't like him but I had a really good relationship with him.

"He was good to me and although I didn't see him a lot he is a good guy.

"I think he will invest money now. He buys now a player for £40million from Hoffenheim but I think he is a little bit more careful than the other owners.

"I think he has made some good signings and some good deals for Newcastle and I don't know what will happen but I think if he wants to sell and the fans want him to go...

"Maybe he is happy at the moment, I don't know what to say about this, but he was a good owner while I was there."

Mitrovic also reflected on his time at Newcastle and his rapport with the club's supporters.

The 24-year-old claims to still love the club, suggesting they are as big as Arsenal and Everton and should be in the top six or seven clubs in England.

"I will always love Newcastle," he added.

"I loved my time there and I will always be a Newcastle fan.

"I had a great relationship with everyone in the club, in the city and it was a great time.

"It was a little bit tough because I didn't plays a much as I wanted and for me, that was a problem.

"But it is a great place, a really big club and these fans and that club, I think, deserve more.

"I think in the future they will get more and get where they should be - top six or top seven - because I think Newcastle are as big as Everton, maybe Arsenal.

"They have a big history. Big players played there, big managers worked there and this is a club with loads of big history."



https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/ex-newcastle-star-aleksandar-mitrovic-16663955

[WhiteJC]

 mitro's on fire Aleksandar Mitrovic EXCLUSIVE: Former Newcastle striker defends Mike Ashley and explains why he decided to stay at Fulham

Former Newcastle striker Aleksandar Mitrovic has leapt to the defence of controversial owner Mike Ashley, insisting the Sports Direct tycoon is a 'great guy'.

Mitrovic was a popular figure during his three years on Tyneside before joining Fulham in 2018.

The same cannot be said of Ashley, whose contentious ownership of the Magpies has led to widespread fan protests and thousands of unsold season tickets ahead of the new season.

"Ashley is a good guy, I understand why people at Newcastle don't like him but I had a good relationship with him. He was good to me," Mitrovic told talkSPORT.

"I didn't see him a lot, but he's a great guy.

"I think he will invest, he just bought [Joelinton] for £40million, he is just a little more careful than the other owners.

"He has done some good deals for Newcastle."

And Mitrovic tips the Magpies to return to where they belong and challenge for the European spots again in the near future.

He continued: "I will always love Newcastle and I will always be a Newcastle fan. I had a great time there.

"It's a great place, a really big club and I think the fans deserve more. I think in the future they will get more and be where they should be.

"I think they're as big as Everton and Arsenal, they have a big history."

Mitrovic, who left St James' Park due to a lack of game time, insists that while he will always be a Newcastle fan, he considers Fulham his home.

Many expected the highly-rated Serbia striker to leave Craven Cottage this summer following the Whites' relegation to the Championship.

But he delighted Fulham fans by signing a new five-year contract earlier this month.

"I had a lot [of offers], but it was easy for me," the 24-year-old added.

"I'm really happy here, my family are happy here. I'm not the kind of guy who is in it for money and trophies; I play football because of the passion and I've found my passion in Fulham with the fans. I just enjoy it every time I can play in front of them.

"Every morning I go to the training ground I am happy, there are some things you can't buy with money.

"After the season, there were moments when I was considering what is best for me. I feel at home here. You never leave your parents to go and live with some rich people."



https://talksport.com/football/efl/579511/aleksandar-mitrovic-newcastle-mike-ashley-fulham/

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Harvey Elliott rejected offers from 'pretty much everywhere' to join Liverpool, says Jurgen Klopp

Jurgen Klopp has revealed Liverpool fended off interest from most of Europe's top clubs to sign record-breaking teenager, Harvey Elliott.

The Premier League's youngest ever player was signed from Fulham over the weekend and had been linked with likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and RB Leipzig.

Could Elliott play a first-team role next term? Five things to know...

    The 16-year-old joined Liverpool on Sunday after his schoolboy contract with Fulham expired in June.
    He won't be able to sign a professional contract with the Reds until his 17th birthday next April.
    In September 2018, Elliott became Fulham and the League Cup's youngest ever player at 15 years and 174 days.
    He made his debut against Napoli in a 3-0 pre-season defeat on Sunday.
    Klopp has since stated that Elliott "needs game time", suggesting he could play a first-team role next season.

Having secured the tyro's signature, Klopp had no hesitations handing Elliott his unofficial Liverpool debut against Napoli in Edinburgh at the weekend, introducing the Surrey-born midfielder in the closing stages at Murrayfield.

Speaking after his brief cameo in Scotland, the German has revealed that the Reds beat some of the continent's finest clubs to prise Elliott away from west London.

"I can say many positive things about the boy because we have signed him and he decided to join us when he could have gone pretty much anywhere," Klopp said.

"He wanted to be part of Liverpool because of his talent.

"Now that he is here, let's work with him. He needs game time, we have to see where he will get that.

"He is obviously a fine, fine footballer – that is the reason why we were really interested."



Read more at https://www.squawka.com/en/news/harvey-elliott-liverpool-jurgen-klopp#bdsVBtLuzJSeg7kG.99

[WhiteJC]

A closer look as Fulham eye transfer move for 29-year-old: The verdict

This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Fulham manager Scott Parker is keeping things in the family, with a potential move to bring his brother-in-law Harry Arter to Craven Cottage from Bournemouth, as reported in The Sun.

Arter, 29, has fallen down the pecking order at Dean Court, spending last season on-loan at Cardiff City, with the Cherries preferring to let the player leave on a permanent deal if possible.

So would Arter prove a good signing for Fulham?

We discuss........

Kealan Hughes

"This would be a very astute signing and for a reported £8m he could prove to be a bargain.

"He's exactly the type of battling midfielder Fulham need to toughen up in the middle and he should provide protection to the defence, which it missed for the entirety of last season.

"He will also provide tremendous energy and cover the ground for his likely partner, Tom Cairney, who in turn will be granted greater freedom to go forward and create.

"Arter knows the Championship well and for a time really impressed in the Premier League, so he should serve the club's ambition to get promoted and then consolidate in the top-tier next season."

Ned Holmes

"I think this would be an excellent signing for Fulham, either on loan or permanently.

"Arter is a quality player and has shown that over the past few years in the Premier League for both Bournemouth and Cardiff.

"The Irish international also brings some useful experience from playing in promotion winning sides, having gone from League One to the Premier League with the Cherries.

"With Jean Michael Seri and Andre Zambo Anguissa both leaving, Fulham could do with some reinforcements in centre-midfield and I think Arter could provide exactly that."

Toby Wilding

"I could see this being a good signing Fulham.

"With a number of the clubs midfield options – including the likes of Jean-Michael Seri and Frank Zambo-Anguissa departing the club recently, you can see why Fulham will want to boost their numbers in the centre of the park before the start of the new season.

"In Arter, who has experience both playing in and winning promotion to the top flight, they would be getting a player with just the level of pedigree they would want as they aim for a quick return to the Premier League in the coming campaign.

"The quality of pass forward that Arter could deliver from a deeper role would further improve the supply to Fulham's already dangerous-looking attack for next year, and with Bournemouth apparently looking to sell Arter before the close of the window, this is a move that Fulham could and should be able to pull off."



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/a-closer-look-as-fulham-eye-transfer-move-for-29-year-old-the-verdict/

[WhiteJC]

Scott Parker gives encouraging Fulham transfer update

Fulham manager Scott Parker has said the club are planning to make more signings to reinforce both their defence and midfield before the transfer window closes on the 8th of August.

The London club have made just two signings this summer, with wingers Ivan Cavaleiro and Anthony Knockaert both joining on loan from Premier League sides.

Five players have departed the club since the end of the 2018/19 season, including midfield duo Jean Michaël Seri and André Zambo Anguissa.

Following the injuries to Alfie Mawson and Stefan Johansen in the Whites pre-season game against West Ham United, Parker told West London Sport that he believes more players will arrive this summer.

He said: "I think that I would probably need some more in that area [defence], and probably in midfield as well, where we're a little bit thin.

"We all realise that this game is a team sport and you need to rely on your squad, so we certainly need to add a bit more in those areas. I'm sure we will over the coming 10 days.

"I feel like we've done some good business in the front half of the pitch."

The Fulham boss added that he felt the two loan signings would have a big impact this season.

He said: "They're very, very good players. I still think they're a little bit short of where we need them to be, in terms of minutes and training days. They've come in late to the football club.

"But, having said that, I'm looking forward to them being a massive part of our squad this year.

"They're two signings that you know what you're going to get from. We're expecting a big year from them."

Fulham begin their Championship campaign by traveling to Oakwell to face Barnsley on Saturday.

The Verdict

Despite the departures, Fulham's squad looks strong heading into the new season but I think it is wise to be looking to add one or two more players for depth.

Aleksandar Mitrovic extending his deal and the two new arrivals have left the Fulham frontline looking lethal and it may well be the most dangerous in the Championship.

The London club will be aiming to bounce straight back up to the Premier League this season and they will need good squad depth if they are going to achieve that.

It should be a boost for Fulham fans to hear Parker's confidence that the club are going to address their depth before the window closes.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/scott-parker-gives-encouraging-fulham-transfer-update/

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82.9% pass success rate: Analysing Fulham's latest transfer target

Bournemouth midfielder Harry Arter is a transfer target for Fulham, as they look to build a squad capable of challenging for an immediate return to the Premier League, The Sun have reported.

Arter has made over 250 appearances for the Cherries in all competitions since joining in 2010, helping them win promotion from League One all the way to the Premier League during his time at the club.

Now however, the 29-year-old has fallen down the pecking order at the south coast side, and spent last season out on loan at Cardiff as Neil Warnock's team were relegated from the Premier League.

It is now thought that Fulham could look to recruit Arter following their own relegation from the top flight last season, as they look to make a quick return to the promised land.

So would Arter be a good signing for Fulham?

Here, we've put the spotlight on his performances for Cardiff last season to find out.

Up until now, all of Fulham's summer recruitment has been focused on boosting their attacking options, with wingers Ivan Cavaleiro and Anthony Knockaert, who have joined on loan from Wolves and Derby respectively, the only two incomings at Craven Cottage so far.

A move for Arter however, would signal something a change from that, as can be seen when examining the 29-year-old's performances for Cardiff last season.

With just a single assist and an average of less than one cross per game, it is clear that Arter is not going to be the person who is directly creating the chances from which Fulham will find the goals that could fire them back to the Premier League next season, but that doesn't mean that he wouldn't have a part to play at Craven Cottage.

Having averaged over five passes into the final third of the pitch per game, it appears that Arter does still have the attacking instinct needed to launch attacks that – led by Knockaert, Cavaleiro and Aleksandar Mitrovic – could be so crucial for Fulham next season.

If Arter is able to continue that sort of average next season, then you feel that that trio will have the supply from deeper in the pitch necessary to establish the sort of partnership that so many Championship defences will be worried about heading into the new campaign.

As well as providing the supply for those further up the pitch, Arter's pass success rate of over 80% shows that the midfielder has more than enough ability to control the game for Fulham in the centre of the park – be that getting an attack going or settling the pace of the game down following a particularly nervy spell under pressure.

Speaking of spells under pressure, it does also seem that Arter has the ability to make a contribution defensively, as suggested by his average of more than four interceptions per game, showing that he is both confident and capable of stepping in to break down opposition attacks.

The fact that Arter missed no fewer than 13 league games last season for one reason or another may be a concern, but when he is involved, the stats suggest that the midfielder is more than capable of making things happen from a deeper role on the pitch.

Considering that a move to Fulham would see him playing that role at Championship rather than Premier League level, you feel that Arter could have a significant influence at Craven Cottage next season, meaning this could be a move well worth considering.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/82-9-pass-success-rate-analysing-fulhams-latest-transfer-target/

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Europa Memories: FK Vetra

As it's ten years since Fulham's iconic run to the Europa League final in the 2009/10 season, we've decided to go back down memory lane. Armed with different Fulham fans, we're recounting the 10 incredible away trips that took Fulham fans from Vilnius all the way to Hamburg (twice). Starting off our journey is Jonny Smith, who was present at FK Vetra, where our Europa adventure began...

It's hard to believe that it has been ten years since Fulham embarked on their Europa League adventure with a trip to FK Vetra in Lithuania's capital, Vilnius. Back then I was a fresh-faced 18 year old with an eye on A-Level results hoping to get into the University of Manchester. Fast forward ten years and I'm now waist-deep in a PhD still in Manchester. Not only does time fly, but it works in mysterious ways!

I remember the jubilation at the Cottage on the final day of the 08/09 season as news of Tottenham's loss filtered through the stadium, a result which guaranteed Fulham would finish 7th and most importantly qualify for the Europa League. Following the previous year's final day great escape, finishing this high seemed like the monumental achievement of the season rather than the prospect of the Europa League. Fast forward two months and my Dad had booked us on the chartered Fulham flight to a mysterious Eastern European place called Vilnius. A Europa League qualifier against FK Vetra awaited us.

I remember having little idea what Vilnius would actually be like beyond a faintly ridiculous image of some oppressive Cold War relic defined by monotonous blocks of Brutalist grey concrete. How wrong could I have been? Instead Vilnius' Old Town was a sun-baked delight of Roman-esq splendour, the city characterised by cobbled streets, pleasant piazzas and a sea of terracotta roofs.

The small but committed contingent of Fulham fans who made the journey filtered through the Old Town's al fresco bars, easily recognisable by their gleaming white shirts and soon-to-be household names: Zamora, Pantsil, Murphy, Davies... Bjorn Helge Riise.

It was lovely to mix with the other intrepid Fulham fans enjoying their surroundings. I remember one family had brought a near new-born baby along for the journey. I often still see that family at games, the baby now a strapping young lad with a claim to having seen Fulham play in Europe while still in nappies!

The festivities and mingling of fans carried on long into the evening and night under a constant flow of beers. A hazy memory of an Irish pub drifted into the next morning where my Dad and I woke up fully clothed, shoes and all, with the lights on and curtains wide open in our hotel room. The morning of the game was spent, like a fair few other Fulham fans, nursing a sore head and taking in the harrowing local history of Lithuania's Soviet occupation at the excellent KGB Museum.

Maybe it's the ten year gap, but the match itself seemed remarkably unremarkable. Far from the majesty of the Cottage, Vetra's ground resembled a basic reincarnation of FIFA's generic 'Town Park'. Nestled in the middle of a park, the ground appeared to be rather ramshackle in nature with fans seemingly able to wander freely in and out the ground: one group of enterprising fans watched the game from a grassy knoll in an open corner of the stadium.

The match was an uneventful routine three nil win with Bobby Zamora and Seol Ki-Hyeon scoring either side of Danny Murphy's penalty. In its July timing and strange location the match resembled a pre-season friendly far more than the first step in an unlikely fairy-tale run to the final in Hamburg, some ten months later. It may not have had the drama of Basel, the scale of Roma, nor the novelty of Amkar Perm, but beating FK Vetra was the game that set an unforgettable journey in motion.

The trip was topped off by a surprise appearance from Roy Hodgson on the flight home to thank their fans for their support in Vilnius. It was only a small gesture, but it highlighted just how much of a gentleman Roy was as well as how close the bond was between fans and team in those brilliant years.

Travelling to Vilnius was a wonderful trip and set in motion a belief that there is nothing better than seeing your team play in Europe. The likes of West Ham, Aston Villa and Hull have all faltered recently in the Europa League by treating it as a distraction to league football, they don't know what they are missing out on! Lithuania was followed by trips to Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Ukraine, Poland and Northern Ireland to see Fulham play in the Europa League.

Ten years down the line I've realised those European away days were some of the best times I've ever had supporting Fulham. On the eve of the Championship season beginning this week, the Europa League feels a very long time ago and even further from our future. It's been a joy to reminisce about my trip to Vilnius, but let's hope those days aren't the last time we get the chance to play in Europe and that eventually we'll have the chance to create some new memories on the continent.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2019-07-29-europa-memories-fk-vetra/

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Tottenham target Ryan Sessegnon's transfer message as Harvey Elliot leaves Fulham for Liverpool

The 16-year-old completed his move to European champions Liverpool after breaking into Scott Parker's first team last term.

Ryan Sessegnon had a special message for outgoing Fulham starlet Harvey Elliott.

The 16-year-old completed his move to European champions Liverpool after making an early breakthrough into Scott Parker's first team last term.

Elliott became the youngest player in Premier League history when he made a cameo appearance against Wolverhampton Wanderers in May - the first of two top flight appearances for the Cottagers.

This prompted Jurgen Klopp's side to make a move for the talented midfielder, who will now continue his development with the Reds.

Elliott is the latest prodigy to make his breakthrough at Craven Cottage, and he received a message of supporter from previous boy-wonder Ryan Sessegnon after completing his move.

Replying to Elliott's Instagram post, Sessegnon said: ""Congrats lil bro keep pushing."

Harvey Elliott was naturally delighted after completed his move, and promised to work as hard as he can to represent the famous shirt.

"I am so happy to be able to announce that I have signed for Liverpool

"To have joined the club that I supported as a boy is a dream come true for me and all of my family and it's an incredible feeling to now officially be able to call myself a Red!

"I can't wait to get started and it will be a truly special feeling to pull the famous red jersey on. I'll work as hard as I possibly can for the club and I feel Anfield is the perfect place for me to develop and progress as a player.

"Thank you to everyone at Fulham for the fantastic support over the past four years and for doing so much towards my development as a player to this point in my career.

"It was a huge honour for me to be able to make my Premier League debut for the club last season. I'd like to wish the fans and everyone at the club the very best for the future."



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/ryan-sessegnon-harvey-elliott-liverpool-16666268

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Fulham Partners With Football Index

Fulham Football Club is delighted to announce a new partnership with Football Index as the Club's new Training Kit Partner and Official Football Stockmarket Partner for the 2019/20 season.

As part of the deal, the Football Index logo will feature on all First Team training kit and coaching staff attire. In addition, the Football Index brand will receive prominent visibility at Craven Cottage as well as benefit from the delivery of novel digital and social content throughout the season as the Club attempts to secure promotion back to the Premier League at the first attempt.

As a disrupter to the sports betting industry, Football Index offers customers the opportunity to buy and sell virtual shares in over 3,000 footballers, making money through dividends and the appreciation in their value rather than via more traditional methods such as on the results of matches. It's a revolutionary concept which is growing fast.

The platform replicates the stockmarket, allowing players to acquire shares in footballers and build their portfolios to sell at a profit. The partnership highlights the current excitement around the football club and its marketing clout with ambitious and dynamic brands who are keen to associate themselves with London's Original Football Club.

Fulham Football Club CEO Alistair Mackintosh said: "I'm pleased to welcome Football Index as an official Club partner for this coming 2019/20 campaign. Everyone at the Club is focused on having a successful season and I'm glad that Football Index have made the decision to enjoy this journey with us."

Neil Kelly, Chief Executive Officer of BetIndex Ltd, Football Index's parent company, said: "We're delighted to associate the Football Index brand with such a historic and ambitious club. We're very much looking forward to supporting Fulham FC throughout the upcoming season - a campaign I'm sure will be both exciting and rewarding."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2019/july/30/fulham-partners-with-football-index