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Saturday Fulham Stuff - 14/09/19...

Started by WhiteJC, September 13, 2019, 06:10:13 PM

Previous topic - Next topic

WhiteJC

Anthony Knockaert delivers three-word preview as Fulham prepare for West Brom clash

Fulham winger Anthony Knockaert has posted an update on social media ahead of the Championship clash against West Bromwich Albion tomorrow.

The 27-year-old joined Fulham on a loan-to-buy deal from Brighton in the summer transfer window and has been a key player for the Whites so far this term.

The Frenchman has been involved in all six Championship matches so far and scored his first goal for the club in the win over Millwall last month.

Fulham are currently sixth in the Championship table after taking ten points form their opening six league games, but are without a win in their last three matches in all competitions.

Scott Parker's side will be hoping to return to winning ways this weekend, but they face a tough game against West Brom – who are unbeaten in the Championship this season under head coach Slaven Bilic.

Ahead of the clash at Craven Cottage tomorrow, Knockaert has posted an update on his personal Instagram account, describing it as a big game.

The Verdict

I know we're only a few games into the season, but it's a big game for Fulham tomorrow. They're without a win in their last two league games, but a win against a potential promotion rival in West Brom would give the players a huge confidence boost.

Fulham are only two points behind West Brom in the table, so a victory would see them move above their opponents and that would give the whole team a lift after a few games without a win.

Knockaert is a quality player and he could have a big role to play for Fulham this season. He's a very talented footballer and he'll be firmly focused on helping the team pick up three points tomorrow.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/anthony-knockaert-delivers-three-word-preview-as-fulham-prepare-for-west-brom-clash/

WhiteJC

How should Fulham react as Tottenham circle for player? 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 has already had to face up to losing one Sessegnon to Tottenham Hotspur, when Ryan made the move to north London in the summer, but he may have to prepare for the loss of another in the form of twin-brother Steven, with Spurs keen on signing the 19-year-old, according to a report in The Sun.


Sessegnon has already made four appearances in his break-through season at Craven Cottage, with the player who has played for England from U16 to U21 level, already the subject of a bid from Spurs in the summer, that was roundly rejected by the Craven Cottage hierarchy.

So should Fulham be looking to hold onto Sessegnon amid this interest?

We discuss..........

Alfie Burns

"They should look to hold out for the right price, that's my view.

"Yes, Sessegnon is a good young player and an important part of what Scott Parker is trying to do at Craven Cottage. But, everyone has their price.

"He's not in the same league as his brother, Ryan, in terms of quality, but his links to him might drive the price up if Spurs come knocking.

"If something around £10m came up, you'd be snapping Tottenham's hand off."

Dean Cooke

"Surely not the whole Sessegnon to Spurs saga again. We all know Tottenham like to buy young players and the impressive Sessegnon could well join his brother in North London.

"I think Fulham should look to keep hold of him, but if they get a good offer than in the short-term it could really benefit the Whites after last season's massive failure surely costing them.

"Sessegnon is yet to prove himself at Championship level, but if he carries on having a good season and achieves promotion, then who knows where his future might lie."

Ned Holmes

"Yes, through until the summer at the very least.

"Fulham have made a solid start to the season and with the quality of their squad are among the favourites for promotion this season.

"Sessegnon has been an important player for them during the early stages of the 2019/20 campaign, so losing him in January could be a big blow.

"Looking long-term, of course they'd love to keep him but once a big club like Spurs show a serious interest it could be very tough to keep Sessegnon at the club."



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/how-should-fulham-react-as-tottenham-circle-for-player-the-verdict/

WhiteJC

Notes from Sept meeting with FFC

On Monday 9th Sept the Fulham Supporters' Trust met with Fulham FC at Motspur Park.

The Club was represented by:

Alistair Mackintosh (CEO)
Darren Preston (COO)
David Daly (Non Executive Director)
Nicola Walworth (Supporter Relations Manager)
Carmelo Mifsud (Media Relations Manager)
Charlie Harris (Communications Assistant)
Rob Paddon (Head of Matchday Sales)

The FST was represented by board members:

Ian Clarke
Hayley Davinson
Les O'Gorman
HOW IT WORKS

Each topic below is raised by the FST in an attempt to discuss issues raised primarily by a number of our members. Individual questions from members are sent to the Club outside the meeting, and we encourage members first to raise these directly with the Club via [email protected]

If any member has raised an issue that it has not been possible to discuss in the time available then please do contact us again in good time before the next meeting.

The following topics were raised and discussed:

    Ticketing
    Stewarding and match operations
    FFCtv
    Catering
    Riverside Stand
    AOB

TICKETING
Ticket Exchange

With the announcement on the morning of the meeting that the Ticket Exchange system was now ready to go, the FST started by thanking the club for this welcome introduction which we had requested and discussed at a number of previous meetings over the last year.

RP explained that starting from today, once an upcoming home fixture reaches a certain threshold capacity, season ticket holders who are unable to attend said fixture will be able to log in to their online ticketing account and list their seat for sale for that game. If the ticket is then re-sold via the club, the season ticket holder will receive a credit on their account, which can be used towards the renewal of their season ticket for the following season.  The credit amount is £15 (adult), £10 (concession) and £3 (junior).

Some clarification was asked by the FST on certain processes within the system, which the club answered as follows:

    The system will be managed by Ticketmaster and is accessible via the same e-ticketing platform currently in use.

    Until the club announce that an upcoming fixture is 'open' for Ticket Exchange, it is not currently possible to advise the club in advance if the season ticket holder will be unable to attend.

    The threshold for when the Ticket Exchange will be switched on will be assessed on a game-by-game basis.

    The credit value is the same for all seats in the ground, regardless of season ticket price.  Asked why the credit amount was not based on season ticket price, RP explained that this was the simplest model for the initial version of the Ticket Exchange and was based on average season ticket prices.

    The credit can only be used against a future season ticket renewal.

    If a season ticket is listed on the exchange, and then a change in circumstances means that the holder is now able to attend the fixture, as long as the ticket has not been sold, it is possible to de-list the ticket.

    The credit will only be given should the ticket then be re-sold.

Season ticket seat move policy

During August Katy Brecht (Head of Ticketing, not present) explained in response to a question from the Trust on behalf of members that season ticket holders are only able to request a seat move when purchasing additional tickets for a game and that a price increase may apply if moving to a more expensive area.  It has never been the policy to allow season ticket moves for individual games without the purchase of additional tickets.  The Trust agreed to add this to the meeting notes to allow everyone to understand the policy.
Matchday ticket pricing categories

The Trust observed that three different price categories have been used for matches so far (Hammersmith End adult prices of £25, £30 and £35) and that members continue to request advance notice of the categories for the remainder of the season.  RP and AM replied that the match ticket price category in which each match will be placed will be reviewed by the Club throughout the season based on a number of factors. Although Sky selection of a match is one of the factors when considering these prices, it is one of many. The Club could not confirm that the full range of match ticket pricing has already been seen by the fans.
Sky TV match selection

In response to queries from Trust members regarding the movement of games due to television commitments, AM confirmed that the Club has no power in these decisions, it is entirely controlled by the broadcasting companies.
Putney End ticketing for cup games

Asked about away ticket allocations for cup games at Craven Cottage, DP explained that for the League Cup tie against Southampton, the allocation for away fans meant that those with a season ticket within block P4 were unable to purchase those seats. This affected only a small number of season ticket holders.  DP confirmed that future cup ties at Craven Cottage are likely to require a 15% allocation for away fans and similar arrangements.

back to topic list
STEWARDING AND MATCH OPERATIONS
Cardiff away

The Trust relayed the positive feedback from members, including board members, regarding the stewarding that was received by fans that made the trip to the Caridff City Stadium on the last Friday in August. DP said they had previously been given this information regarding Cardiff's approach to persistent standing and the Club's Safety Officer had spoken to the stewarding team to take any possible learnings from this. DP added that the Club had received similar positive feedback from away fans in the Putney End, and had been commended for their care of disabled fans visiting Craven Cottage, in particular attempts to make sure that fans remained seated in front of this area.
Putney End operation

The Trust relayed the generally positive feedback from members regarding the operation of the Putney End, despite initial reservations.  Members have commented that the atmosphere so far has not been too problematic and that the levels of stewarding have been sufficient for the task.

Some supporters have however complained about a number of away supporters moving into block P4.  DP said the Club had not had this reported and would monitor going forward, but was aware of some ticket holders in P4 moving across to block P3.

DP explained that the Council have had a representative at each game this season to monitor the Putney End and that they are satisfied so far with the mixed entry and concourse for home and away fans.  There has been little incident of note in the home games prior to the first international break.

The Trust informed the Club that they had received feedback from a few members about issues at the Southampton League Cup game. The Club said they were unaware of any problems at the match and if there were any issues to contact the Club directly.
Persistent standing

In discussions on ground safety, DP explained that a key area of concern for the SGSA (Sports Grounds Safety Authority) is persistent standing of both home and away fans and that the Club has a responsibility to meet SGSA requirements.  The Club is aware of the areas of the ground, principally at the back of blocks H4 and H5, where some supporters stand but has been able to take a pragmatic stewarding approach in these areas.  The Club and the Trust agreed that it is important for all supporters to show respect for those around them in the ground.

The Club have far less control over the experience at Fulham away games, as they are rarely allowed to have club stewards in the away end.
Incident at Barnsley

CM confirmed that the allegation of racist abuse of Cyrus Christie's sister at the away game at Barnsley is still being investigated by South Yorkshire Police. The Club reiterated the message for any fan who has any information regarding the incident to inform the police using the crime reference number 14/118274/19.
Fan behaviour at Craven Cottage

During the course of the month the Trust was made aware of dialogue between individual fans and the Club due to behaviour deemed to be outside of the Club's agreed standard. The Trust asked for clarification on how such matters are handled. DP explained that he hears any appeals relating to warnings and stadium bans and that there is a Charter on which the Club base decisions upon the course of action taken. CH agreed to send the Charter to the Trust, to have an understanding of action undertaken by the club in any future areas of dispute.
Southampton League Cup match

Following long queues for the Cup matches last season due to a reduced number of operational turnstiles, the Trust had previously requested that a full complement of turnstiles be opened for this season's Cup games.  The Trust thanked the Club for listening and acting on this.

DP explained that there was a particular issue for the Exeter City match last season with approximately 1,500 "walk-up" supporters causing additional congestion at the turnstiles. For the Southampton match the number of walk-ups was approximately 250 which is more normal for this type of match.

back to topic list
FFCtv

The Trust provided feedback from some members that the level of support provided for the new FFCtv service could be improved.  CM explained that the Club receive detailed reports from the new service provider and regularly monitor support activity.  The average number of queries raised on a matchday is 75, most of which have been local internet or browser version issues.  CM also explained that

    The FAQs on the Club web site do resolve many of the common issues found by users and they will be made more prominent

    Users are asked to log any errors or issues via the online support team immediately (email: [email protected])

    On non-matchdays queries should be responded to within 48 hrs. On match days, additional dedicated support is available with all email enquiries answered asap

    A number of issues have been solved by installing browser updates (latest version of Chrome, Internet Explorer, Safari)

    Accessing FFCtv via Google Chrome is the recommended browser.

The FFCtv app that has been discussed in previous meetings is close to completion, with internal testing complete. It is undertaking final external tests with Apple and Google prior to planned release soon.  The app will allow customers to stream matches using a tablet as well as a phone.

The Trust re-iterated our suggestion that the recent interview with Tony Khan on the transfer window should be made free to view now that a number of weeks have elapsed.  AM said that on balance he is not in favour of this as premium content is required to provide value to FFCtv subscribers.

back to topic list
CATERING
Reusable cups

The Trust asked for an update on the use of reusable pint glasses that appeared towards the end of last season.  AM and DP replied that this was a trial and that there were no immediate plans to reintroduce them.
Speed of service

The Trust raised concerns from some members that the general speed and level of customer service on matchday, particularly during half-time, could be improved. AM reiterated that due to the size of the stadium and the shortness of time to serve people during this period, there will always be difficulties to serve enough drinks at sufficient speed. The Club stated that they regularly review new ways to improve this, and will feedback to the catering services team with regards to the customer service given.
Cash free catering

DP stated that one scheme planned to be introduced will be to make catering services at Craven Cottage cash free from the beginning of the 2020/21 season. This will help improve speed of service.  The Club plan to reduce cash stalls during the course of this season and would like feedback from members regarding this plan via the Trust.

DP further explained that catering is already 85%-90% cashless and that a move to full cashless operation would also free up the space currently used as a cash office to be a sensory room.
The Flag

Asked for an update on the planned use of The Flag, AM explained that the Club were pleased with the success of the Cardiff match screening in August and will announce further information when they are able to confirm any future games to be hosted there.

back to topic list
RIVERSIDE STAND

The Trust thanked the club for the recent updates regarding the redevelopment of the Riverside Stand which have been well received by members, and look forward to the future time-lapse videos that will be released in due course.

AM explained that the "deconstruction" of the existing stand is now scheduled for October/November this year. A larger hoarding than currently in place will be used.

With regards to the members that have requested further information regarding their return to the new stand upon completion, the Club are not currently able to provide any more details. AM did confirm that relocated Riversiders wishing to return to the new stand will be given the "first opportunity" when the seats become available.

back to topic list
AOB

    The Trust informed the Club of the upcoming FST elections, and the timetable for this.

    The Trust relayed some of the positive feedback received recently regarding the PA system, particularly in the Johnny Haynes Stand. However it was also noted that some were still struggling in other areas of the ground. DP explained that during last season the Club had a third party company undertake tests of the sound for speech, and that no major issue had been found.  Other than routine maintenance there has been no major upgrade work since the start of the season.

    RP confirmed that Cottage tours are due to start again at the beginning of October. There will be a slightly altered route due to the works on the Riverside Stand, however they will otherwise continue to operate as they had previously.

back to topic list

The meeting opened at 12:30 and closed at 13.56.



https://www.fulhamsupporterstrust.com/news/2019/09/notes-from-september-meeting-with-ffc/


WhiteJC

Manchester United U23s 1-0 Fulham RECAP Dylan Levitt scores but Brandon Williams sent off

Man Utd U23s take on Fulham in a Premier League 2 Division 2 clash at Leigh Sports Village on Friday night.

Following the international break the Premier League 2 is back and Manchester United U23s will be hoping to continue their fine start to the season.

United have started the season strongly under the stewardship of Neil Wood and Quinton Fortune, despite regularly being without Mason Greenwood, Tahith Chong and Angel Gomes due to their first-team duties.

United had won each of their opening three league games of the season against West Brom, Reading and Newcastle, with midfielder James Garner in particularly brilliant form.

However, United's 100 per cent record was ended last month when West Ham, who themselves went into the game with a perfect record, earned a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford.

United are currently top of the table on goal difference but will be hoping to extent their lead when they take on Fulham at Leigh Sports Village, with kick-off coming at 7pm.



https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/manchester-united-fulham-u23s-highlights-16917326

WhiteJC


Cottage Talk: View Of The Opposition - West Brom

Take a listen to a podcast that focuses on Fulham Football Club.

This episode was an interview with Andy Caulton who is a West Brom supporter. He was on the show to share his view on West Brom ahead of this match against Fulham.


You can also listen to the show by following this link...
https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2019/9/13/20864927/cottage-talk-view-of-the-opposition-west-brom

WhiteJC

Pereira, Zohore, Furlong: The West Brom problems Slaven Bilic must solve at Fulham

Competition is keeping the group on their toes, clearly, but some will ultimately be disappointed when they're sat on the bench at 12:30pm on Saturday, as opposed to taking to the turf

"Positive headaches" was how Slaven Bilic put it.

Thankfully the West Brom boss hasn't had to contend with any unwanted knocks and niggles from his globetrotting internationals, who have all returned in fine fettle for the trip to Fulham.

Kieran Gibbs, who missed the Blackburn win, could feature, while Ahmed Hegazi is making excellent progress and will return before the next dreaded international break, in October.

Everything is positive on the team news front, as Bilic raps his knuckles against the table for luck at his press conference, but with a near clean bill of health comes the 'nice problems' - the selection dilemmas Bilic must contend with.

Competition is keeping his group on their toes, clearly, but some will ultimately be disappointed when they're sat on the bench at 12:30pm on Saturday, as opposed to taking to the turf.

Where are the big battles within the squad?

The big battles

Matheus Pereira v Filip Krovinovic

"Filip was on the bench against Blackburn because he got a strong knock or kick on his knee against Derby," Bilic revealed. "He didn't train for a few days, but it's all about the competition."

Pereira might've been given his chance because of the misfortune of one of his teammates, but he delivered a display that has made him almost undroppable.

His two assists might've been married with a couple of goals on another day against Blackburn, but all in all it was a performance that makes it extremely difficult for Bilic to justify dropping him.

Equally, Krovinovic as an option from the bench in the second half, when the game becomes stretched, is an attractive proposition.

VERDICT : Pereira stays in

Charlie Austin v Kenneth Zohore

Austin arrived at Albion to much fanfare and expectation. His goal within minutes of his debut beginning only enhanced such expectations, but since he's struggled in front of goal.

The striker snatched at a couple of chances against Blackburn, and eventually made way for Zohore, who made a real nuisance of himself.

I've no doubts Austin will come good; each week that passes is another where he has more minutes under his belt and the chances will come.

Particularly away from home, though, and against a team who will be expected to play on the front foot, reintroducing target man Zohore seems logical.

VERDICT : Zohore to come back in from the off

Nathan Ferguson v Darnell Furlong

Much of this battle will depend on the fitness of Kieran Gibbs, of course - the battle itself will be null and void if Gibbs doesn't make it, as young Ferguson will take up the place on the left in the same way he has done for the last match and a half.

Should Gibbs make it, though, Bilic must decide on who gets the nod on the right. You wait years for a decent right-back, and then...

Ferguson has been away with England during the international break and generally speaking his condition will need to be handled carefully, being at such a tender age. Furlong didn't put a foot wrong last time out.

VERDICT : Furlong to get the chance to stake a claim

What Slaven Bilic said

"Tomorrow, we have a positive headache. They're all on paper fit, one or two are missing training and internationals and all that.

"At the moment I'm quite happy that Filip is back in full form, that Pereira gelled really well. Grady also, Charlie also.

"If you add Matt, Kenneth, Kyle, then in that department going forward, you have more players than you can only put on the pitch together.

"I treat them all as regular players. We have 22 regular players, but you have 15-16 [core players]. If you have that, you have a good chance to not only make changes from the bench, but to keep the level or raise the level of intensity in games."

BirminghamLive Albion XI

Johnstone; Furlong, Ajayi, Bartley, Gibbs; Sawyers, Livermore, Phillips, Diangana, Pereira; Zohore

Subs (from): Bond, Ferguson, O'Shea, Brunt, Harper, Edwards, Krovinovic, Austin, Robson-Kanu, Willock



https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/pereira-zohore-furlong-west-brom-16916798


WhiteJC

"I cannot tell" – Pochettino unsure of where to field star summer signing

Mauricio Pochettino unsure of where to play Ryan Sessegnon

Tottenham signed Ryan Sessegnon from Fulham and the Englishman is one of the best young talents in the country.

The 19-year-old was one of the best players for Fulham before leaving the Cottagers, but could not save them from getting relegated.

Sessegnon is capable of playing in several positions on either flank, and Mauricio Pochettino wasn't sure where he would play him in the Tottenham team.

The 19-year-old hasn't played for us since making the switch in the summer due to an injury but Football.london reports that the English youngster is back in training.

Pochettino claimed he wanted to see Sessegnon in action before taking a decision, and added that his versatility would be useful to the team (h/t Football.london):

    "We had six or seven players training in the last week and still I cannot tell if he's going to play in one or another position. We're going to assess him and see how he adapts to the new club and new level of football.

    "From the Championship with Fulham to Tottenham in the Champions League is going to be completely different. The good thing is that he has the capacity to play in different positions. That's an interesting quality and maybe he can play in different positions for us. It will be very helpful."


Spurs need Sessegnon quickly

Tottenham have had several players out with injuries this season and we need all of them back as quickly as possible.

Sessegnon can play as a full-back or a winger, and it will be interesting to see how Pochettino deploys him once the Englishman is fit.

The 19-year-old would provide competition to the likes of Danny Rose and Ben Davies, while he can be an option out wide too.

Tottenham have snapped up a quality player and hopefully, we get to see the best of the youngster this season.



http://tothelaneandback.com/2019/09/14/mauricio-pochettino-unsure-of-where-to-play-ryan-sessegnon/

WhiteJC

Slaven Bilic makes Filip Krovinovic admission as West Brom prepare for Fulham

A round up of all things Albion from BirminghamLive as they prepare to tackle Fulham at Craven Cottage

Report card

As the first chapter of the Championship season comes to a close, another begins.

West Bromwich Albion can be quite happy with their points return after the first half a dozen games, which they've negotiated without too much woe up till now.

Some players have really caught the eye; existing stars have stepped up, while a new crop of fan favourites are beginning to emerge from the club's summer transfer business.

On the eve of the Baggies' second stint of the Championship campaign, we take stock of the first.

Like a school term, we've rated each member of the Albion squad - who has impressed? Who must do better?

Staking a claim

It might've been the international break, but Slaven Bilic was still keen on taking in his West Brom players in action this past week.

Bilic watched on as Michael Appleton took charge of the Baggies' reserve side, who ran out 4-3 winners against Mansfield Town in their opening Central League fixture at the club's training ground on Monday.

The team included a number of senior players who are currently pushing for a place in Bilic's set-up; Hal Robson-Kanu scored a hat-trick while Kyle Edwards also found the net.

There were run outs, too, for Chris Brunt, Rekeem Harper, Chris Willock and Ali Al-Habsi, as well as minutes for a handful of younger players including Jack Fitzwater and Rayhaan Tulloch.

Selection dilemmas

"Positive headaches" was how Slaven Bilic put it.

Thankfully the West Brom boss hasn't had to contend with any unwanted knocks and niggles from his globetrotting internationals, who have all returned in fine fettle for the trip to Fulham.

Kieran Gibbs, who missed the Blackburn win, could feature, while Ahmed Hegazi is making excellent progress and will return before the next dreaded international break, in October.

Everything is positive on the team news front, as Bilic raps his knuckles against the table for luck at his press conference, but with a near clean bill of health comes the 'nice problems' - the selection dilemmas Bilic must contend with.

Competition is keeping his group on their toes, clearly, but some will ultimately be disappointed when they're sat on the bench at 12:30pm on Saturday, as opposed to taking to the turf.

Where are the big battles within the squad?

Prediction time

Sky Sports pundit David Prutton has predicted a high-scoring start to this weekend's Championship football.

West Bromwich Albion head to Fulham for Saturday's early kick-off to face a side tipped for promotion to the Premier League by the bookies.

Scott Parker's side have had a mixed start to the campaign, but are still just two points behind Slaven Bilic's Baggies in the early season running.

The two sides have scored a combined 20 goals after the opening six rounds of the season and Prutton has predicted the clash to be a hot affair on the bank of the river Thames - but he could not separate them.

Fulham warning

Slaven Bilic has urged caution as West Brom head to Craven Cottage this weekend, a venue where hosts Fulham have been lacking home comforts just recently.

The Cottagers were beaten by Southampton in the Carabao Cup in front of their own fans, and were also turned over by Nottingham Forest in their last league fixture on home soil.

In comparison, the Baggies have won two of their first three away matches of the campaign and head to west London in a good mood after an unbeaten start to the league calendar.

Bilic wants his side to hit the ground running after the international break as they come against one of the most fancied teams in the whole division - but the Croat also plans to warn his players that their hosts for the day will make clear their intentions from the off.

Meet the team

Slaven Bilic has spoken previously of the importance of marrying his own team of staff with those who were already present at West Brom.

There was quite an overhaul in the first-team picture at the end of last season, when Jimmy Shan, Michael Appleton and Steven Reid all left the club.

Appleton, of course, returned to become the club's U23s manager, while Jamie Smith also left to reunite with Darren Moore at Doncaster Rovers.

Bilic brought in three new faces to support him, and might've recruited further, but the Croat has already spoken of how happy he is with fitness coach Nick Davies.

As Albion and Bilic plot a return to the Premier League, we profile the first-team network, individuals tasked with aiding the players in their promotion quest.

Team news

West Brom head to Craven Cottage on Saturday still sweating on their left-back situation, after both Kieran Gibbs and Conor Townsend missed the visit of Blackburn prior to the international break.

Albion boss Slaven Bilic was forced to utilise young right-back Nathan Ferguson on the opposing side of defence, with both natural left siders Gibbs and Townsend unavailable.

Townsend will once again miss out in the capital, though he could resume training before the Baggies welcome Huddersfield Town to The Hawthorns.

Gibbs is set to train before Bilic and his team travel south for the lunch-time kick off, but he will make as late a call as possible on the former Arsenal star's fitness.



https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/slaven-bilic-makes-filip-krovinovic-16918103

General

Just noticed it but what's the story behind football league world? Never clocked them before but in the last year they've gone from not registering to accounting for what feels like half of our sports articles.


hovewhite

Quote from: General on September 14, 2019, 09:21:33 AM
Just noticed it but what's the story behind football league world? Never clocked them before but in the last year they've gone from not registering to accounting for what feels like half of our sports articles.
reflects the upsurge of interest in the EFL in general.