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Wednesday Fulham Stuff - 02/10/19...

Started by WhiteJC, September 28, 2019, 09:03:52 AM

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WhiteJC

Results


Tuesday
Blackburn
1-1
Nottm Forest
Hull
1-0
Sheff Wed
Leeds
1-0
West Brom
Middlesborough
1-1
Preston NE
Wigan
1-0
Birmingham City
Reading
1-4
Fulham
Stoke
0-1
Huddersfield

WhiteJC

Reading 1-4 Fulham


Tom Cairney opens the scoring to lay the foundations for Fulham's stroll to victory against Reading

Aleksandar Mitrovic and Tom Cairney both struck twice as Fulham cruised to victory against 10-man Reading to go fourth in the Championship.

Cairney curled in the opener before John Swift was sent off for two bookings after just 20 minutes.

Mitrovic struck twice before the half-hour mark and Cairney grabbed his second with a fine lob.

Reading's Yakou Meite curled in a 25-yard effort with a minute left, but it was little consolation for the well-beaten Royals, who drop a place to 21st.

The hosts had not lost in six league and play-off games at home to the west Londoners - a run stretching back to when both clubs were in the Premier League in 2008.

But the Whites took control at the Madejski early on when midfielder Cairney grabbed his third goal in three games.

Things quickly got worse for the hosts as Swift, already booked for a foul on Bobby Reid, made a rash challenge on Denis Odoi and was dismissed.

Fulham's top scorer Mitrovic then helped himself to his sixth and seventh goals of the campaign, with two close-range finishes in three minutes well before the break.

Cairney added his second in fine style, lifting the ball over goalkeeper Rafael Cabral from 35 yards to put Fulham 4-0 up with more than 20 minutes left.

Meite's fine late strike denied the visitors a clean sheet, but the win extended their unbeaten run to five games.

Reading boss Jose Gomes told BBC Radio Berkshire: "It was a very tough night for us.

"We planned the game well and I thought we could get a good result

"We knew we faced a Premier League squad, with a lot of good players.

"After one mistake we conceded a goal and with one player less it was very difficult to turn the result, considering the quality Fulham has."

Fulham boss Scott Parker told BBC Radio London: "I'm pleased to come away from tonight with an outstanding performance.

"I felt we were first-class from the minute it started until the end, against a resilient side. We moved the ball and were clinical in attack.

"Tom and Aleksandar are going to be key for us, alongside everyone.

"Defensively as well, we worked together as a unit and we are strong in that sense. Confidence is high and the lads are in a good place."



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49805860

WhiteJC

Head Coach press conference

Scott Parker is pleased that results are beginning to match the efforts posted by his Fulham side.

After three draws in a row, it's two wins from two now for the Whites following the dominant 4-1 win at Reading on Tuesday evening.

"I'm delighted with the performance first and foremost," Parker said. "But I've been sat in this position probably over the last four or five weeks delighted with the performance.

"It's just the result that's been missing a little bit, in the sense of a sucker punch at Sheffield Wednesday, and West Brom as well where we dominated large parts.


"But the last two matches the result has been there. I understand that that's what everyone ultimately looks at, but tonight I thought we were first class from start to finish.

"First 30 minutes we were devastating, I thought. They had a man sent off but even prior to that I felt we really stamped our authority on the game and showed that quality."

A reporter put to Parker that even before the red card it looked like being a long night for the Royals, and the Fulham Head Coach couldn't disagree.

"I think when we play like we did first 30 minutes, we're a team that's going to be very hard to deal with," he explained. "Even when they had 11 men it was difficult for them.

"We moved the ball very quickly, we moved it with an intensity, and we were clinical in the final third.

"We've worked a lot over the last few weeks on getting that cutting edge, and the efforts the boys have been putting in paid off tonight."

Aleksandar Mitrović's first half brace put him at the top of the scoring charts in the Championship, and when asked if expects our number nine to still be there come May, Parker replied: "He's got a chance.

"Mitro needs to understand what his base is and what his platform is. His platform is a hard work ethic for the team.

"Out of possession he's the one who sets it about, and I think if that's his go-to every single game then I've no doubt opportunities will come and he'll score goals.

"That's a big challenge for Mitro. He's a top forward who we're absolutely buzzing to have at this football club, and he'll be pivotal to what we do this year."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2019/october/01/scott-parker-reading-press-conference


WhiteJC

Reading's 10 men fall to Fulham defeat

Cottagers cruise to victory in RG2

A difficult night, to say the least. 10-man Reading fell to a 4-1 defeat against Fulham on home turf on Tuesday evening.

After a fine opening strike by Tom Cairney, it was destined to be an uphill struggle after John Swift's two bookings in the first 20 minutes reduced the Royals to 10 men. A brace by Aleksandar Mitrovic had the visitors in the box seat at the break.

The Royals battled valiantly but Cairney's second, midway through the second period, ended any faint hope of salvaging any reward from the game.

Yakou Méïté's stunning strike in the 89th minute gave the Royals supporters something to shout about in the final few minutes, but the points went back with the Whites to West London.

Following on from our draw at Swansea City on Saturday, there were three changes to the starting XI as Omar Richards, Josh Barrett and Méïté all started.

And Méïté, who had signed a contract extension earlier in the afternoon, could have opened the scoring within the opening exchanges. Barrett slipped in a delicate ball which the Ivorian blasted against the outstretched legs of Marcus Bettinelli.

But the visitors were looking lively in attack too. Bobby Decordova-Reid had fired narrowly over early on, and then Aleksandar Mitrovic's drilled shot deflected marginally wide after the Cottagers had stolen possession upfield.

And in the 13th minute, the visitors led. Full-back Joe Bryan was released down the left and found Stefan Johansen in space in the middle – with the Royals defence rushing back into the area, he cut back for Cairney; he took one touch to control, and another to stroke into the top corner from the edge of the area. Rafael, at full stretch, was beaten.

With less than 20 minutes played, Reading were reduced to 10 men. Swift had been booked early on for a sliding tackle, and then was narrowly beaten to the ball in a 50-50 duel. The referee showed no mercy in the wet conditions and deemed the challenge worthy of a second yellow.

Fulham's numerical advantage made their task easier and allowed them to hold possession well. They converted that into two quick goals before the half-hour.

First, Anthony Knockaert worked room for himself on the right flank and sent in a low, inswinging delivery which Mitrovic stabbed in from close range as he stole a march through the middle.

And then, minutes later, it was a delivery from the other side which opened the door as Bryan joined in the attack and teed up Mitrovic to prod in his second, Fulham's third.

José Gomes' side were determined not to go down with a whimper. George Pușcaș hassled and harried Tim Ream and won the ball high upfield; driving into the area, his shot appeared to strike the arm of Alfie Mawson but the referee was deaf to the appeals.

And then Ovie Ejaria was unable to cut the deficit before the break – he collected a loose ball and glided into a central area, before slicing wide on his left foot.

Half-time: Reading 0-3 Fulham

Lucas Boyé replaced Barrett at the break; fresh legs to do some hard running after the interval. The Whites were first to threaten after the restart, as Mitrovic burst down the left and found Knockaert in the centre; Rafael rushed off his line and pawed away bravely.

The second half was all about standing up, showing guts. Reading's ten men look determined to do just that; Andy Rinomhota picked off a loose Harry Arter pass and offloaded quickly to Pușcaș, who steamed downfield from his own half and into the Fulham box, before striking a matter of inches over the crossbar.

Rafael made another fine stop before the hour-mark - Knockaert's corner was only half dealt-with, and Mawson's piledriver was kept at bay by a outstretched hand in the bottom corner.

The Whites' lead was further extended at the midpoint of the second period as Cairney grabbed his second. Rafael had to rush out to an underhit back-pass, but his clearance was blocked; with bodies from both teams scrambling to win possession, the midfielder had the presence of mind to lob the ball into the empty net.

Lucas João and Michael Olise were introduced into the fray to try and add fresh attacking intent. Fulham's sub Aboubakar Kamara had a meek shout for a penalty as he tumbled in the area with Liam Moore close by. Nothing doing.

Méïté provided a moment of magic to give Reading supporters something to cheer. Olise swiped the ball wide right to the Ivorian; he cut inside onto his left boot and thrashed beyond Bettinelli's reach. A good moment in an otherwise forgettable evening for the Royals.

Full-time: Reading 1-4 Fulham

Reading: Rafael, Yiadom, Richards, Moore (c), Morrison, Rinomhota, Swift, Ejaria (Olise 79), Barrett (Boyé HT), Méïté, Pușcaș (João 70).
Unused subs: Walker, Miazga, McIntyre, Pelé.
Goal: Méïté (89)
Yellow: Swift, Moore.
Red: Swift.

Fulham: Bettinelli, Odoi, Bryan (Le Marchand 75), Mawson, Ream, Johansen, Arter, Cairney (c) (Kamara 72), Decordova-Reid, Knockaert (Onomah 69), Mitrovic.
Unused subs: Rodak, Cavaleiro, Reed, Sessegnon.
Goals: Cairney (13, 67), Mitrovic (26, 29).

Attendance: 13,809 (1,929 away).

Referee: Mr A Woolmer



https://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/2019/october/report--reading-vs-fulham/

WhiteJC

Single goal enough for MK Dons to see off Fulham U21s

Kieran Agard scored the only goal as MK Dons beat the Fulham U21s 1-0 in the Leasing.com Trophy.

In a lively game with a decent range of chances played in cold conditions in Milton Keynes, Agard got the only goal as the League One side made it 2 wins from 2 in the tournament.

The Dons' first Leasing.com Trophy home tie saw Paul Tisdale's team host the Fulham juniors, following on from a win over Stevenage in early September.

Among the team selections was a first appearance since January for defender Jordan Moore-Taylor and a first team debut for Matthew Sorinola.

It was the youthful West Londoners with a few early chances for Luca De La Torre, who saw one effort wide and another blocked.

MK Dons then came closer. Agard first glanced a header wide, before Alex Gilbey hit a post after intercepting a poor goalkeeping clearance.

Agard would see one deflected wide as the Dons stepped up their intensity, before Brennan Dickenson lashed a free-kick against the base of the post.

Dylan Asonganyi and Agard had shots deflected wide as the hosts continued to look likelier to score, although Fulham nearly broke through when Martell Taylor-Crossdale had a shot saved at his near post by Stuart Moore.

For the bulk of the first half, the Dons had the ball but struggled to get shots away. However, a few moments into the second half, they would find the opener.

Just after Fulham saw a shot go over after MK Dons failed to clear a corner, a move involving Conor McGrandles set Dickenson down the flank. The Dons' player crossed it in from the left for Agard, who lashed in.

This was the cue for the Fulham juniors to press more, with the visitors seeing a few half-chances come close to fruition.

Taylor-Crossdale and Jaydn Mundle-Smith then saw some chances come close as the game ticked towards its latter stages. Moore in the Dons goal would then be called on to deny Cody Drameh after a good run.

Moore would also be called upon to produce a good stop to deny away sub Sonny Hilton, with the stop coming just after the away keeper Luca Ashby-Hammond had thwarted Agard. The away custodian would also deny Alex Gilbey.

The visitors had some chances late on, with the best seeing De La Torre narrowly fail to divert a cross into the back of the net shortly into injury time. Taylor-Crossdale would then wallop one over with the last chance, as the Dons picked up the win.

MK Dons: Moore – Poole, Martin, Moore-Taylor (McGrandles 45), Lewington – Sorinola (Brittain 73), Gilbey, Boateng, Dickenson – Agard, Asonganyi

Subs not used: Nicholls, Nombe, Leach, Freeman, Brennande

Goal: Agard (50)

Booked: Sorniola

Fulham U21: Ashby-Hammond – Drameh, Asare, McAvoy, Mundle-Smith – Davis (Hilton 70), Francois – De La Torre, Harris (Jasper 86), Santos-Clase (Carvalho 59) – Taylor-Crossdale

Subs not used: Wickens, Tricker, Abraham, De Havilland



https://citiblog.co.uk/2019/10/01/single-goal-enough-for-mk-dons-to-see-off-fulham-u21s/

WhiteJC

Reading 1-4 Fulham: Visitors run rampant as Tom Cairney and Aleksandar Mitrovic strike twice against 10-man Royals

    Fulham recorded a stunning victory at Reading in their Championship clash
    Captain Tom Cairney opened the scoring with a fine long-range strike early on
    Aleksandar Mitrovic then scored twice in three first-half minutes to seal win
    Royals' midfielder John Swift was shown a second yellow card after 20 minutes
    Cairney grabbed a second before Yako Meite's late consolation at the Madejski
    Fulham  unbeaten in five and fourth in Championship table with Royals in 21st

ulham can be ruthless enough with their myriad of attacking talents without needing a helping hand.

Reading's John Swift did precisely that here and the inevitable result was the hammering Scott Parker's side have been threatening for a while.

Two moments of madness from midfielder Swift - rash challenges on Bobby Decordova-Reid and then Denis Odoi 15 minutes apart - left Reading to contend with Fulham's slick passing game with 10 men for 70 minutes.


Fulham midfielder Tom Cairney opened the scoring early on with a fine long-range strike


Reading saw midfielder John Swift sent off for a second yellow card after 20 minutes


With 25 minutes played, Aleksandar Mitrovic steered home his side's second of the night


And so it became the perfect evening for the Londoners: Two classy goals from captain Tom Cairney, talisman Aleksandar Mitrovic emphatically ending his goal drought and elevation into the play-off places.

Slowly but surely Fulham are beginning to look like the promotion challenging team we expected following an inconsistent start to the season.

To think the evening could have started so differently. It was Reading who saw the game's first decent chance with Yakou Meite bulldozing his way into the Fulham box to test Marcus Bettinelli with an angled shot.

Fulham had completed 4,900 successful passes in their nine Championship fixture prior to this one - some way ahead of the 4,127 completed by Marcelo Bielsa's Leeds in second - and they soon clicked into their usual rhythm.


The Fulham captain is congratulated by his team-mates for his early long-range effort


The Serbian target man celebrates his second of the night to help Fulham to victory


Defender Tim Ream attempts to escape the attentions of Reading attacker George Puscas


Swift tried to disrupt it with a late tackle on Bobby Decordova-Reid close to the two technical areas that left all of a Fulham persuasion incensed. Referee Andy Woolmer brandished just the yellow card.

The onus was on Reading to remain disciplined but few defences can legislate for Cairney when he conjures a moment of brilliance as he did on 13 minutes.

Having scored with a top corner strike to seal the 2-0 win over Wigan on Friday night, Fulham's captain was at it again, stylishly rounding off a sweeping move down the left that resulted in Stefan Johansen teeing him up.

Swift then made Reading's task infinitely tougher with his second moment of madness, a rash challenge on Denis Odoi that was easily a yellow card and potentially a red in its own right.

Fulham looked in a ruthless mood anyway but the numerical advantage only made finding gaps behind the Reading back line simpler.

Anthony Knockaert crossed from the right for Mitrovic to double the lead on 26 minutes, the Serbian applying a close range finish to what was the ideal delivery.

It had been 341 minutes since Mitrovic last found the net for Fulham - in their 1-1 draw at Cardiff - which constitutes a major drought for someone so prolific at this level.

Drought out, Mitrovic put the game to bed three minutes later. Again it was all about his superior positioning in the box, finding a pocket six yards out to prod Joe Bryan's cross past Rafael Cabral in goal.

We weren't even at the half-hour mark and the travelling fans were amusing themselves with the 'Oles' for each of the many, many passes. 'You don't touch the ball,' they sang.

Seeking the opportunity to boost their goal difference, Fulham were straight onto the attack when the second-half started. Mitrovic raced down the left and found Knockaert with the freedom of Berkshire in the box. Rafael made a fine save to deny him Fulham's fourth.

The Brazilian stopper then made a brilliant reaction save to keep out Alfie Mawson's powerful strike from no more than 10 yards out.

But Fulham were relentless and remorseless. Their fourth had an element of slapstick to it, with Cairney chipping into a totally empty net after Rafael's attempted clearance struck Mitrovic and fell to Johansen.

Cairney might have fancied a hat-trick but Parker subbed him off shortly afterwards tor receive the ovation he deserved.

Perhaps the best goal of the night, however, was Reading's last minute consolation as Yakou Meite curled home a stunner from 30 yards.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-7526447/Reading-1-4-Fulham-Aleksandar-Mitrovic-Tom-Cairney-strike-twice-victory-10-man-Royals.html


WhiteJC

 Reading 1-4 Fulham: Tom Cairney at the double in comfortable win over 10-man Royals
Report and highlights from the Sky Bet Championship clash at the Madejski Stadium

Fulham extended their unbeaten Sky Bet Championship run to five matches with a comfortable 4-1 victory over 10-man Reading.

Captain Tom Cairney gave Fulham an early lead before Reading lost midfielder John Swift to a red card after 20 minutes.

Top marksman Aleksandar Mitrovic stretched the Fulham advantage to 3-0 before the half-hour mark. He pounced twice from close range to take his tally for the season to seven.

Cairney added his second goal, his fifth of the term, in the 67th minute after an error by home goalkeeper Rafael.

Yakou Meite thumped home a 20-yard shot for Reading one minute from time but Fulham won at a canter.

Cairney added his second goal, his fifth of the term, in the 67th minute after an error by home goalkeeper Rafael.

Yakou Meite thumped home a 20-yard shot for Reading one minute from time but Fulham won at a canter.



https://www.skysports.com/football/reading-vs-fulham/report/409460

WhiteJC

Flawless Fulham hit Reading for four

Fulham banished the bitter memories of their play-off heartache at Madjeski Stadium with a commanding victory over ten-man Reading in the Berkshire drizzle this evening. Scott Parker's side were in control even before John Swift received his marching orders for a second vicious foul inside twenty minutes, with captain Tom Cairney curling home a majestic opener and Aleksandar Mitrovic's quickfire brace effectively ending the contest before the half-hour mark.

Parker freshened up his side following Friday night's win over Wigan Athletic, introducing Denis Odoi at right back, recalling Harry Arter into the heart of the Fulham midfield and handing Bobby Decordova-Reid a surprise start on the left wing. Reading boss Jose Gomes made the bold decision to try and match the visitiors' 4-3-3 formation, but the hosts were just unable to cope with Fulham's fluid football and intelligent movement. Gomes' tactical gamble could have disastrous consequences as the Portuguese coach will now be feeling the heat after six games without a win.

In truth this looked like a mismatch from the off. Decordova-Reid served early notice of Fulham's intentions by cutting in from the left and firing over the crossbar, but it was the athleticism of Joe Bryan from full back that prised open the home defence throughout the first period. Fresh from his first league goal for the Whites, Bryan burst along the flank and slipped a clever ball into the feet of Stefan Johansen, who squared it for his skipper and Cairney found the top corner effortlessly from the edge of the box.

Swift, who could have walked for an industrious tackle on Decordova-Reid, was shown a second yellow card when he went through the back of Odoi – and with the former Chelsea midfielder went any hope of the Royals' getting anything from the game. Fulham quickly exploited their numerical advantage with Mitrovic demonstrating his poacher's instincts twice in three minutes. He deftly diverted home a teasing cross from Anthony Knockaert to double Fulham's lead and then slotted home his second after another surging Bryan run.

Reading were reduced to damage limitation long before the half-time whistle. Both George Puscas and Yakou Meite, who spurned a glorious chance after being sent through on goal by Josh Barrett, had threatened the Fulham goal before the visitors' onslaught but the closest they came to an opening after that was an optimistic shout for handball against Tim Ream, which referee Andy Woolmer waved away.

Any suggestion that Fulham might ease off after the break with an eye on Saturday's London derby against Charlton was swiftly dispelled with their first foray of the second half. A barnstorming run down the left from Mitrovic fashioned an opening for Knockaert but Rafael did well to dash from his line and narrow the angle before making an excellent reaction save. Puscas briefly roused the home fans from their seats with a defiant run down the right that drew a save from Marcus Bettinelli at his near post.

At the other end, Rafael then produced another fine stop this time pushing away a venomous strike from Alfie Mawson at a Fulham corner before Knockaert drove wide following a quick counter led by Cairney. Fulham's fourth arrived courtesy of a calamity in the Reading defence, with Liam Moore's lame backpass selling Rafael short. The keeper's clearance was charged down by Mitrovic and Johansen laid it off Cairney, whose impudent chip from 30 yards rubbed more salt in Reading's wounds.

It might have been even worse for Reading. Mitrovic, a potent threat all night, almost laid on a fifth for Decordova-Reid at the back post, but instead the home side claimed a consolation in the final minute when Meite found a yard of space outside the area to curl a beauty into the top corner. There was no closing the enormous gulf between these two sides, however, as Fulham recorded their first win at Reading in eleven years and climbed to fourth in the Championship table.

READING (4-3-3): Rafael; Yiadom, Richardson, Morrison; Moore; Rinomhota, Swift, Ejaria (Olise 79); Meite, Barrett (Boye 45), Puscas (Joao 70). Subs (not used): Walker, Miazga, McIntyre, Pele.

BOOKED: Swift, Moore.

SENT OFF: Swift (20).

GOAL: Meite (89).

FULHAM (4-3-3): Bettinelli; Odoi, Bryan (Le Marchand 75), Mawson, Ream; Arter, Johansen, Cairney (Kamara 72); Knockaert (Onamoh 69), Decordova-Reid, Mitrovic. Subs (not used): Rodak, S. Sessegnon, Reed, Cavaleiro.

GOALS: Cairney (13, 68), Mitrovic (26, 29).

REFEREE: Andy Woolmer (Northamptonshire).

ATTENDANCE: 13,809



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2019/10/flawless-fulham-hit-reading-for-four/

WhiteJC


Cottage Talk Full Time: Initial Reaction To Fulham's Dominant 4-1 Victory Against Reading

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

This episode is our initial reaction to Fulham's 4-1 away victory against Reading. Co-host Mike Gregg was at the match, and we talked soon after it ended. Mike shared his view on this match which included who he thought was Man Of The Match.


Lastly, you can listen to this show by following this link...
https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2019/10/1/20894178/cottage-talk-full-time-initial-reaction-to-fulhams-dominant-4-1-victory-against-reading


WhiteJC

Fulham leave Parker purring

Scott Parker was left purring at Fulham's quality after the Whites put ten man Reading to the sword at the Madjeski Stadium tonight.

Parker's side moved to fourth in the table following their comprehensive win over the Royals, which was sealed by three goals in seventeen first half minutes. The Fulham boss was particularly pleased that the Whites managed to follow up Friday night's win over Wigan Athletic with arguably a much more complete display.

He told his post-match press conference:

    I'm delighted with the performance first and foremost. But I've been sat in this position probably over the last four or five weeks delighted with the performance. It's just the result that's been missing a little bit, in the sense of a sucker punch at Sheffield Wednesday, and West Brom as well where we dominated large parts.

    But the last two matches the result has been there. I understand that that's what everyone ultimately looks at, but tonight I thought we were first class from start to finish. First 30 minutes we were devastating, I thought. They had a man sent off but even prior to that I felt we really stamped our authority on the game and showed that quality.

    I think when we play like we did first 30 minutes, we're a team that's going to be very hard to deal with. Even when they had 11 men it was difficult for them. We moved the ball very quickly, we moved it with an intensity, and we were clinical in the final third. We've worked a lot over the last few weeks on getting that cutting edge, and the efforts the boys have been putting in paid off tonight.

Parker was full of praise for striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, who grabbed a first-half brace to put the game well beyond Reading, and he believes the Serbian striker should be targeting the Championship golden boot.

    He's got a chance. Mitro needs to understand what his base is and what his platform is. His platform is a hard work ethic for the team. Out of possession he's the one who sets it about, and I think if that's his go-to every single game then I've no doubt opportunities will come and he'll score goals. That's a big challenge for Mitro. He's a top forward who we're absolutely buzzing to have at this football club, and he'll be pivotal to what we do this year.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2019/10/fulham-leave-parker-purring/

WhiteJC

Fulham teenager Ben Davis stuns Singapore by choosing Thailand after dispute over his attempts to defer mandatory national service

    Observer says a 'breakdown in communication' allowed the situation over national service to spin out of control
    The 18-year-old was last week named in Thailand's provisional squad for the SEA Games in the Philippines

A "breakdown in communication" over mandatory national service has resulted in Singapore's great football hope Ben Davis walking away from the country of his upbringing – where he was threatened with jail time – and opting to play for Thailand at this year's Southeast (SEA) Games.

Singapore netizens have largely rallied around Davis, who plays for Fulham in the English Championship, even after he was called up to the Thai squad after having his application to defer military service rejected by Singapore's Ministry of Defence (Mindef).

The ministry was quoted in local media as saying the 18-year-old Thailand-born Davis "defaulted from his National Service obligation" and was liable for a fine of up to S$10,000 (US$7,200) and a maximum of three years in prison.

Shamir Osman, a former journalist and close observer of Singapore football, said an earlier tit-for-tat between Davis' father, Harvey, and the Mindef exacerbated the situation, with the youngster eventually choosing Thailand – his mother's home country.

"The national service issue was the critical factor here," said Osman. "For me it was the breakdown in communication. The authorities in Singapore have a bit of an iron fist and his dad is English, he didn't quite grasp the way things are done.

"What caused the problems was when [Davis' father] made the comment that if the boy had to relinquish his citizenship that was something they would consider.

"That pushed things over the edge, with Mindef saying the father couldn't give a definite timeline for his son's return, which in a way was a fair comment. What they needed to do was sit down and draw up milestones and KPIs and if he hits them then he can carry on. It's a shame that it has come to this."

Davis is a product of the Singapore Sports School development programme and became the first player from the Southeast Asian country to sign for an English club when he joined Fulham in 2017 on a two-year scholarship.

He made his first-team debut on August 27, coming on as an 89th-minute substitute in their 1-0 loss to Southampton in the League Cup.

Singaporeans felt a sense of pride that one of their own had made it in English football, which is the most popular sport in the country.

But it now appears as if his future lies with the Thai national team after he was named in their provisional squad for the SEA Games, which are being held in the Philippines in November and December. The Football Association of Singapore had yet to respond to a request for comment from the SCMP.

Although social media comments mostly sided with Davis, some observers say the deferment application should never have been entertained in the first place because Davis failed to meet the criteria.

Because he was playing for a club – Fulham – and not involved in national duties, he may not have been eligible military service exemption.

Swimmer Joseph Schooling, who won a gold for Singapore at the 2016 Rio Olympics, had received a deferment to help him train for the Games.

Harvey Davis said in a Facebook post on Tuesday he was delighted his son would play for Thailand.

"Another fantastic achievement. Proud for Ben and for being called up to the Thai National set up," he wrote.

Online users mostly supported Davis, saying he had been "defamed" by being called a NS defaulter – a serious accusation in Singapore that may have repercussions in term of further studies and employment.

Wrote one user: "why defame..... he is a kid pursuing his dreams. Well done and they have no rights to stop him from achieving his dreams and his future."

Another wrote: "Good boy, do what you love. Follow your own dreams. Over the horizon the pastures is greener. The face of Singapore looks beautiful but there is no soul in it."
Source URL: https://scmp.com/sport/football/article/3031154/fulham-teenager-ben-davis-stuns-singapore-choosing-thailand-after



https://www.scmp.com/print/sport/football/article/3031154/fulham-teenager-ben-davis-stuns-singapore-choosing-thailand-after

WhiteJC

District Line Closure

Fans attending Saturday's meeting with Charlton Athletic are advised of disruptions on the District Line due to planned engineering works.

There will be no service all weekend between Wimbledon, Hammersmith, High Street Kensington, and South Kensington. Therefore, Putney Bridge will not be accessible by tube.

Bus replacement services will be in operation, but fans may want to look at getting a train to Putney, or an alternate (Piccadilly, Circle or Hammersmith & City line) tube to Hammersmith.

The match kicks off at 12.30pm, so please plan your route accordingly.

Closed routes highlighted.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2019/october/02/district-line-closure


WhiteJC

Jamie O'Hara hails Fulham after beating Reading

Jamie O'Hara praised Fulham after they dispatched Reading 4-1 away on Tuesday night in the Championship.

The Whites produced an excellent performance on the road to earn three points and are beginning to find their top form.

They are fourth in the league table as it stands with 18 points from 10 games and face Charlton Athletic on Saturday before the international break.

Scott Parker's side have netted 18 goals already this campaign and that is the joint-best in the division alongside Preston North End.

Fulham have a whole host of dangerous attacking players, with midfield captain Tom Cairney someone in great form this season.

He scored two in the game away to Reading, while striker Aleksandar Mitrovic also netted a brace.

O'Hara, who had a brief spell at Craven Cottage as a player, hailed his former side on social media following their midweek performance against Reading.

He picked out left-footed playmaker Cairney for his display, as he once again showed his threat from outside of the box with two long-range goals.

"Great to see it coming together for Fulham. Scott Parker has them playing some unreal football, my guy Tom Cairney is scoring worldies every game. Hope to see them back in the Prem," O'Hara wrote on his personal Twitter account.

TBR's View:

Cairney is a player that is deadly at Championship level and it wouldn't be a surprise to see him reach double figures for both goals and assists this season in the league.

He is a major goal threat in an attacking midfield role and appears to be thriving at Craven Cottage right now.

Parker has his team playing some exciting football and it seems a no-brainer with the players at his disposal.

They have arguably the fiercest forward line in the entire division with Mitrovic, Cairney, Anthony Knockaert and Ivan Cavaleiro.



https://tbrfootball.com/jamie-ohara-hails-fulham-after-beating-reading/

WhiteJC

An Impressive Victory Sees Fulham Jump Into Fourth Place In The Championship

Two wins in quick succession has given the Fulham support hope that the club, guided by Scott Parker, can make an instant return to the Premier League.

After beating Wigan, 2-0 at Craven Cottage on Saturday, Fulham made the short trip down the M4 to take on Reading last night.

After weathering a spell of early pressure, from our hosts, Parker saw his side produce an emphatic performance that saw them run out 4-1 winners.

The storm-gates were opened when Tom Cairney opened the scoring and then Aleksander Mitrovic getting back on the goal-trail with a brace inside three minutes.

Leading 3-0 at half-time, Fulham eased into a 4-0 lead courtesy of a second goal from Cairney before, late on, Yakou Meite put the only dampener on Fulham's night by getting a consolation goal thereby depriving the Cottagers of a clean sheet.

The victory moves Fulham up to fourth place in the table two points adrift of Leeds United with ten games played.

The next three Championship fixtures see Fulham take on Charlton Athletic and Luton Town at Craven Cottage with a trip to beleaguered Stoke City in between those two games.

Suddenly, things are looking bright again for Fulham Football Club.

COYW's



https://fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/an-impressive-victory-sees-fulham-jump-into-fourth-place-in-the-championship/