Friday Fulham Stuff - 30/08/19...

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England Call For Sess

Steven Sessegnon's excellent start to the season has seen him rewarded with a first call-up to the England Under-21 squad.

Sessegnon was named Man of the Match on his league debut for Fulham, and came third in the voting for our win over Millwall a few days later.

He will now, following our meeting with Cardiff City, join up with Aidy Boothroyd's group for their European Championship Qualifiers against Turkey in Izmit, and Kosovo in Hull.

It's the next step in Sessegnon's progression up the international ladder, having already represented the Young Lions from Under-16 to Under-19 level.

In other news, Bobby Decordova-Reid could be in line for an international debut after being called up by Jamaica for their CONCACAF Nations League matches versus Antigua & Barbuda and Guyana.

Marek Rodák will also be hoping for a first cap for the Slovakian senior side, while usual suspects Tim Ream and Aleksandar Mitrović have also received a call-up for their respective countries.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2019/august/30/steven-sessegnon-england-under-21-call-up

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Cardiff City vs. Fulham: Matchday Guide

Ahead of City's match under the floodlights at CCS against the Cottagers on Friday night, this handy guide will give you the lowdown on how to get the most out of your matchday experience!

Secure your seat by buying your tickets online today!

Can't make it to CCS?

Cardiff City TV has you covered...

UK subscribers can listen to live audio commentary of Friday night's match!

Click here for Cardiff City TV's live match packages!
Getting to CCS

As usual, there are many different ways of getting to CCS on Friday evening, whether you're travelling by car, public transport, or on foot. The location of CCS is ideal for arrival by train, as the ground is within walking distance of both Ninian Park and Grangetown station.

Ninian Park station is a stone's throw away from the stadium, while Grangetown is easy enough to find at the end of Sloper Road!

Returning to CCS for the 2019/20 Sky Bet Championship season is shared transportation service Zeelo!

Zeelo offer direct travel in an executive coach straight to CCS, with 35 pick-ups and 5 routes across South Wales.

Book your direct return travel for City vs. Fulham here!

If you're travelling from the centre of Cardiff, Cardiff Bus is also running their usual matchday service for Friday night's fixture, with a shuttle bus being available from the city centre to CCS from 5:30pm.

You can head to Cardiff Bus' website for more information, and check their social media channels for updates on the day.

Arrival

With Wednesday's match against Fulham kicking off at 7:45pm, the gates for CCS will be opening an hour and a half before at 6:15pm, giving you plenty of time to get settled in and find your seats!

The TV Network will begin its schedule of programmes from then. The First Team, Development side, Academy and Women's Team are all covered on matchdays thanks to Cardiff City TV.

You can enjoy all of our matchday programming in every stand on our 110" RICOH projector screens.

On Friday night at CCS there will be a bucket collection around the ground in aid of Jeff Stelling's March for Men campaign. Having already completed 25 walking marathons which raised nearly £800,000 for Prostate Cancer UK, Jeff Stelling is back for another life-saving journey this September.

On September 7th, Jeff will take part in his walking marathon in South Wales, travelling from Newport County's Rodney Parade to CCS and then finishing at the Principality Stadium. For more information, click here.

Once you get to the ground, regardless of which stand you're sitting in you will find that there is plenty to do.

In the Family Stand, Cardiff City FC Foundation will be keeping all of the Junior Bluebirds entertained ahead of kick-off with their usual fun blend of games and activities. Keep an eye out for a visit to the Family Stand by a First Team player also, as they'll be available for photo's and autographs beforehand ahead of kick-off!

This season's third issue of Cardiff City FC's official matchday programme, The Bluebird, is out ahead of the match, with featuring an exclusive feature interview with City 'keeper Alex Smithies! The Bluebird is available around CCS ahead of kick-off, so why not pick up your copy ahead of heading into the ground for only £3!

Meanwhile in the USW Stand, we have pre-match entertainment coming to City supporters in the form of live music! Friday night's live music act is acoustic duo Bowen & Moore! The duo, who were a very popular addition to the stage during last season, will take to the stage at 7pm to get the crowds going before heading into the stands.

If you're in the USW Stand ahead ahead of kick-off on Wednesday evening, you'd better not miss this pre-match warm-up!

Kick-Off

Cardiff City kick-off their match against Fulham at 7:45pm! Don't miss a second of the action by ensuring that you're in your seat ahead of the starting whistle.

See you at CCS!

#CityAsOne



https://www.cardiffcityfc.co.uk/news/cardiff-city-vs-fulham-matchday-guide

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Charlton Fixture Televised

Fulham's meeting with Charlton Athletic at Craven Cottage has been chosen for live television coverage on Sky Sports.

The fixture will still take place on Saturday 5th October, but will now kick-off at the earlier time of 12.30pm.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2019/august/30/charlton-fixture-televised

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Bury FC: 27th minute show of solidarity

The Football Supporters' Association, whose vice-Chair Tom Greatrex is also FST Chair, has issued this request for solidarity with Bury fans this weekend ...

    FSA urges supporters to participate in minute's applause this weekend

    Football supporters everywhere were shocked and saddened when on the 27th August Bury FC were expelled from the EFL. A 134 year old institution gone. Generations of fans left without the cornerstone of their community that so many of us take for granted.

    The FSA is lobbying hard to protect our clubs from unscrupulous or incompetent owners – conflicts of interest have to be removed as owners have shown they cannot regulate themselves.

    We'll need your support for that campaign in the weeks and months ahead, but for this weekend, let's start by showing supporter solidarity with Bury fans on the 27th minute.

    Football Supporters' Association



https://www.fulhamsupporterstrust.com/news/2019/08/bury-fc-27th-minute-show-of-solidarity/

[WhiteJC]

Six decades of Cardiff City v Fulham matches.

Normal format – six questions on our next opponents going back to the sixties with the answers to be posted on here tomorrow.

60s. Northern leader on tan horse turns up by the Thames.

70s. Before he became a player, he watched his football at Aldershot, after he finished with the game he could sometimes be found at Wandsworth or Spring Hill. An international for his country and a medal winner with the club he spent the vast majority of his career with, his relationship with them had broken down irretrievably when he arrived at Fulham and although he did not stay long there, it could be said that the object of the exercise when he signed had been achieved – retirement saw him enter into a relationship with a Jolly Farmer and that was when his troubles really began, but who am I describing?

80s. The players at third and fourth left in the back row and first and second left and first right in the front row all played in at least one of our games with Fulham during the season this photo was taken, can you identify them?

90s. Can you identify this man who played for us against Fulham during this decade from this list of teams he played for besides us;-

Queens Park, Motherwell, St Mirren, Scarborough, Exeter, Stirling Albion, Arbroath and Shettleston.

00s. The man in this picture made his debut for Fulham against Everton in the Premier League in 2003 and, apparently, played twice more for them in the same competition, yet I'd never heard of him before today, so an absolute useless bonus point, as well as my admiration, will go to whoever tells me his name first!

10s. Why was the City goal being celebrated against Fulham in this picture a historic one and what almost prevented the game from going ahead?



http://mauveandyellowarmy.net/six-decades-of-cardiff-city-v-fulham-matches-10/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham's Harry Returns To Take On Bluebirds Pals

Harry Arter faces his Bluebirds pals, including Josh Murphy and Sean Morrison, when he plays for Fulham in their Championship visit to Cardiff City Stadium this evening (7.45pm).

AFC Bournemouth midfield player Arter spent last season on loan at Cardiff and now he is at the heart of Fulham's bid to regain Premier League status.

"I speak to a few of the lads at Cardiff," Arter told Fulham FC's media team.

"Josh Murphy and Sean Morrison are the main two really. We have Bobby [Decordova-Reid] at Fulham now which is a great capture for us.

"I know a lot of the Cardiff lads and fans were disappointed to see him go. He has settled in really well here and it's a shame he can't play on Friday.

"It will be a tough game physically in Cardiff. They play a direct sort of football.

"There is no right or wrong way to play football, it's what the manager feels is the strongest philosophy for the group of players he has.

"It was highly effective at times in the Premier League and I've no doubt it'll be the same this year.

"The Cardiff lads will be really up for the game. The two clubs were rivals a couple of years ago with Fulham pushing for that automatic promotion spot, so the rivalry will be there for that alone. It will be a good game."

A clause in Decordova-Reid's loan agreement means he cannot be involved against City, but Arter will play in midfield for a Fulham team who have earned three wins from their opening five SkyBet Championship fixtures.

"That's a good start," says Arter. "The Championship is such a tough league. The games are relentless and consistency is always tough to find.

"The first 10 games are not always a true reflection of how the season will pan out, so it's good that we've picked up some wins from really good performances."

Fulham have earned league wins against Blackburn Rovers (home, 2-0) Huddersfield Town (away, 2-1) and Millwall (home 4-0), while they suffered defeats at Barnsley (0-1) and at home against Nottingham Forest (1-2).

Former Spurs, Chelsea and England player Scott Parker is in charge at Fulham, a rookie manager facing promotion expert Neil Warnock.

"Neil's been in it a long, long while," says Parker. "He has vast experience and seen a lot. Then there's me who's dipping my toe, just starting out.

"He's probably a good one to have a little chat with. Last season I had a little bit of communication with him and then again this year during the summer.

"Neil is vastly experienced and has done extremely well, especially in this league."

"Harry Arter will be back, trying his hardest," said Warnock during his pre-match press conference. "He was enthusiastic and really helped me last season.

"But it's opened the doors, particularly with Bobby Reid going as well. Victor Camarasa isn't in the team at Palace. The grass isn't always greener, is it? Who would have thought Lee Tomlin would be back in the reckoning? Nothing surprises you as a manager in football.

"Camarasa was a gem, while we also miss people like Bruno Manga. I could see how Manga played in my sleep.

"Yes, every four or five games he would give a square pass away but that's the way it is. But I can't fault Aden Flint. He hasn't been to blame for what we've conceded, and Sean Morrison has improved the last few games as well.

"Talk about stats, Fulham set a record amount 900-odd passes against Millwall, 84 per cent possession. They are a good side, but nothing to be worried about, nothing to be afraid of.

"They always have more possession than us when we play them. We can give them a good game and be positive. We did ever so well against Huddersfield. What we need to do is take our chances and put more pressure on teams.

"It's alright creating five or six chances, as we did against Luton Town in midweek, but then you lose 3-0. You have to take your opportunities. We've had some really good chances."

Warnock says Leeds United and Fulham are favourites to take the two automatic promotion places in the Championship – and picked out the Cottagers' Aleksandar Mitrovic, saying: "The best signing they made was keeping Mitrovic. He'll be on one hell of a contract, but good luck to him.

"If he's not the best striker then he's one of the best strikers at this level and he shows great commitment.

"Scott Parker has brought other players in – Anthony Knockaert, Ivan Cavaleiro – ands they have some quality players really.

"Our lads have a bit more of a spring in their step at the moment, though.

"There is a lot to come. It was always going to take a bit of time for partnerships to gel and things like that.

"I don't think there's anybody in this league we should worry about. We have to take our opportunities when they come."

Callum Paterson is doubtful for the clash with Fulham, while Nathaniel Mendez-Laing, Marlon Pack, Neil Etheridge, Matt Connolly are all ruled out by injuries.

"Callum has not done anything since the game against Luton," said Warnock. "We had to play him in central midfield because we had nobody else on the night and he had a good work-out.

"He picked up a couple of knocks and hasn't trained.

"Mendez-Laing is a strange one. He said he was 100 per cent fit against Reading, but during last half hour we had to put him out on the wing as a passenger and yet they said there was not much wrong with him.

"We are looking at all the angles, medically. What's caused this or what is it? That's why we are being extra cautious to keep him away, probably not involve him Friday, because then he has got two more weeks over the international break and we can give him two weeks of training and make sure he's right.

"We thought It was a hamstring strain, but the x-ray doesn't show anything. It's a bit of a strange one. He said he was fit but couldn't sprint. So how could he be fit? It doesn't make sense."

Cardiff City 4-4-1-1: Smithies, Peltier, Bennett, Morrison, Flint, Bacuna, Ralls, Tomlin, Whyte, Glatzel, Murphy. Bench : Day (gk), Vaulks, Vassell, Nelson, Paterson, Hoilett, Bogle, Madine.



http://www.dai-sport.com/47872-2/

[WhiteJC]

'I do see things changing' – Andy Hinchcliffe offers verdict on Cardiff's clash with Fulham

Andy Hinchcliffe has stated that he wouldn't be surprised to see Cardiff defeat Fulham, and for it to be the springboard to a good run for Neil Warnock's side.

The Bluebirds host Scott Parker's side in their first meeting since both teams dropped down to the division from the Premier League.

Warnock's Cardiff haven't had the best of starts, they lie in 14th place after some mediocre results. Fulham, on the other hand, have been more impressive having won three of their first five games including thrashing Millwall 4-0.

Former England international, Hinchcliffe, has insisted there's no real pressure on Warnock yet, as his side look to climb up the league table.

Speaking to the EFL Podcast, Hinchcliffe said: "The game itself is a real clash of styles. Fulham love to keep hold of the ball, whilst having some of the most dangerous attackers in the Championship. Cardiff are very effective though, even if it isn't that easy on the eye.

"I do see things changing for Cardiff as the games go by, I wouldn't be surprised if they beat Fulham and went on a decent run from here.

"They'll want to get a result after that really poor showing against Luton in the Carabao Cup. He needs a response from that, but Neil has so much credit in the bank with what he's achieved at Cardiff. There's no real pressure on him yet."

The Verdict

He's right about Warnock not being under pressure. He worked heroics the last time Cardiff were in the Championship and there's no reason why it won't come good again this season.

Fulham are no slouches and have actually enjoyed a fairly good start to the season, despite losing two games. Parker's side will want victory, and he'll believe with the attacking players he has at his disposal that the Cottagers can score goals against this Cardiff side.

It may be a telling game as to where these two may find themselves come the end of the season, with both having targets to get back to where they were last season.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/i-do-see-things-changing-andy-hinchcliffe-offers-verdict-on-cardiffs-clash-with-fulham/

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Fulham have taken a leap in the right direction by offering a new contract to this 28-year-old dynamo

Why Fulham are right in offering new contract to Stefan Johansen

According to a report in BBC, Fulham have agreed on a new deal with midfielder Stefan Johansen, which will keep him at Craven Cottage until the summer of 2022.

Johansen, who arrived at the club from Celtic in the summer of 2016 for an undisclosed fee, has played over 100 games for the Cottagers, despite spending six months on loan at West Brom in the second half of last season.

The Norway international has begun this season well, having featured in each of the five league games. He is a versatile midfield player who is good on the ball.

Before Fulham, the 28-year-old has featured over 100 times for Celtic and been one of the important parts of the squad there.

Here's why the Cottagers have done the right thing by offering him a new deal:

Johansen can help this club achieve possible promotion

Stefan Johansen is a quality international-standard player who prefers to play the box-to-box role in midfield but is capable of operating in defensive midfield or as a number 10.

Having made close to 50 international appearances for Norway and played in two of the big leagues around Europe, the 28-year-old has the talent and experience to mix with some of the best around.

In terms of his attributes, Johansen is an astute user of the ball who can pick out good passes in midfield. He is physically strong on/off the ball, has good turn of pace and is a hard-worker off the ball in midfield to help the team recover position.

Mixing his talent and experience, the 28-year-old seems to be a great package to have for Fulham going forward in this season and beyond.

Conclusion

Thus, we can conclude by saying that the Cottagers are right in securing his future at Craven Cottage. With him in the team, they have a better chance of finishing in the top-six and fight for promotion.



https://soccersouls.com/fulham-have-taken-a-leap-in-the-right-direction-by-offering-a-new-contract-to-this-28-year-old-dynamo/

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Sheffield Wednesday & Reading Tickets

Tickets for Fulham's away league fixtures against Sheffield Wednesday & Reading go on sale on Monday.

Fulham's only away match in September sees them travel to Hillsborough to take on Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday 21st September, kick-off 3pm.

Scott Parker's side then make the short trip to the Madejski Stadium to face Reading on Tuesday 1st October, kick-off 7:45pm.

Tickets for both fixtures go on sale to Season Ticket Holders & Members at 10am on Monday 2nd September (max. 4 tickets per person).

Tickets will then go on General Sale at 10am on Wednesday 4th September (max. 4 tickets per person).



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2019/august/30/sheffield-wednesday-and-reading-tickets

[WhiteJC]

Fulham shelling out £6.5m to sign this Premier League-proven defender would be a solid statement of intent

Why Fulham should sign Daniel Amartey in the January window

According to a report in Leicester Live, Leicester City defender Daniel Amartey has been linked with a £6.5m move to Championship side Fulham during the January transfer window.

The 26-year-old, who has been out of favour at the King Power Stadium, especially after the arrival of Brendan Rodgers, had been linked with Club Brugge, Sheffield United and Fulham in the last few months. (h/t Leicester Live)

Amartey actually broke his ankle while playing a Premier League game for Leicester in October. Since then, he has played pre-season games for them this summer but doesn't look fully match fit.

It might take another month or two for him to fully recover and possibly fight for a place in the Foxes' team or complete his move to Fulham in January.

Here's why this could turn out to be a very good move for the Cottagers:

Amartey's versatility could be helpful

Daniel Amartey is a quality and highly-experienced player who can operate in several positions across the defensive line of the team. Predominantly a defensive midfielder, he can operate as a centre-back on either side or as a right-back.

With around 25 international appearances for Ghana and having played over 60 games for Leicester City, the 26-year-old possesses the talent, experience and versatility to fit into most teams' plans.

In terms of his attributes, Amartey is a physically strong player on/off the ball. He is a decent passer and possesses a good turn of pace while being able to read dangers and defend them.

In addition, he is also a powerhouse in the midfield when it comes to running past people with the ball and opening up spaces.

With all these skillsets and past history, we can clearly say that if Fulham manage to sign him, it would only benefit them from the get-go.

Conclusion

Thus, we can conclude by saying that the Cottagers shouldn't hesitate in completing a January move for Daniel Amartey. His addition, albeit mid-season, would enhance the chances of their promotion a notch higher.



https://soccersouls.com/fulham-shelling-out-6-5m-to-sign-this-premier-league-proven-defender-would-be-a-solid-statement-of-intent/

[WhiteJC]

Former Championship midfielder runs the rule over Fulham's start to the season

Jobi McAnuff has claimed that Fulham manager Scott Parker will be pleased with his side's start to the season, despite suffering back to back defeats ahead of Friday night's trip to Wales to face Cardiff City.

Fulham were relegated from the Premier League at the end of last season, and after starting life back in the Championship with a 1-0 defeat away to newly-promoted Barnsley, the Cottagers had won their next three straight league games.

That, however, has been followed by a difficult week so far for the London based club, with a 2-1 Championship defeat to Nottingham Forest – a game which Fulham dominated – on Saturday proceeded by a 1-0 loss to Southampton in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night.

Even so, McAnuff – who previously played in the second tier for the likes of West Ham, Reading and Cardiff – believes that there is plenty for Parker to be positive about from the start of the campaign.

Speaking to the EFL's Podcast Preview Show about Fulham's early-season showings, the Leyton Orient captain said: "I think he (Scott Parker) will be pretty pleased, to be honest.

"Nine points obviously puts them right up there to start the season, and I think they'll feel a little bit hard done by losing the game against Forest, they were pretty much hugely dominant in all aspects of the game apart from the scoreline which is obviously the most important thing.

"So I really fancy them to have a really good season.

Assessing Fulham's approach to the season so far, and the ability within their side, McAnuff added: "They want to keep the ball and dominate possession so I think they'll be difficult to play against and they just need to find that cutting edge to go with that possession they've got.

"With the likes of Mitrovic and players like that – Tom Cairney, Bobby Reid and Anthony Knockaert, I think they'll have a really good season this year."

With those nine points, Fulham currently sit fifth in the early Championship standings ahead of that trip to Wales on Friday evening, in the final game before the first international break of the season next week.

The Verdict

I do agree with McAnuff to an extent here.

Nine points from their opening five games does at least ensure that Fulham are in the early season running for the top six spots, and given the nature of the Championship, that is not something they would have been wanting to play catch up to.

However, they will surely have looked at that Barnsley defeat on the opening day as an opportunity to pick up three valuable points, and we may have to wait some time yet to find out just how costly that missed opportunity will be.

I also think that what he is saying about the strength of Fulham's attack is correct, with the likes of Knockaert and Ivan Cavaleiro dropping down from separate Premier League clubs following promotion-winning experiences in the past few years, making this an incredibly dangerous-looking attack once it has had time to gel.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/former-championship-midfielder-runs-the-rule-over-fulhams-start-to-the-season/