Saturday Fulham Stuff - 16/11/19...

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Fulham fans will be full of concern for QPR game with player blow in mind

Fulham resume their Championship campaign against QPR next week, but they'll be without their star man and the league's top-scorer, Aleksandar Mitrovic.

The Serb gave his side a 1-0 win at Birmingham City last time out with his 12th Championship goal of the season, but having picked up a fifth yellow card of the season before half-time, will now be suspended for the next.

Scott Parker will be aggrieved by Mitrovic's suspension for the upcoming London derby against QPR. His side have only just returned to winning ways after a difficult start to the month and would've wanted to carry his form over the international break.

Mitrovic is a big part of Fulham's good form, and the team won't be half as dangerous without him in it, and the fans will know that. Everyone knows how good Mitrovic is at this level, and QPR manager Mark Warburton will delighted to know that his defence won't have to contend with the striker when the teams meet.

Parker will either have to change his set-up or failing that, play either Bobby Reid or Aboubakar Kamara in the middle of the front-three.

Neither have scored this season and Reid especially will be low on confidence after his poor start to his loan-spell at Craven Cottage. There's goals elsewhere in the team though from the likes of Tom Cairney and Ivan Cavaleiro, but Fulham fans know they're a lot less prolific without Mitrovic.

They've managed to get themselves into a good position before the break – a win last time out puts them in 7th with a two-point buffer between them and Bristol City in 6th, as the Championship table begins to spread out after being so congested for the opening stages.

With several teams including QPR waiting for Fulham to slip up, Whites fans will be angered if they do so against an out-of-form R's side.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-fans-will-be-full-of-concern-for-qpr-game-with-player-blow-in-mind/

[WhiteJC]

Matchday Hospitality QPR

Matchday Hospitality is available for our next home fixture against Queens Park Rangers next weekend, and there'll be a special appearance from Bobby Zamora!

Fulham take on QPR on Friday 22nd November, kick-off 7:45pm, and former Fulham striker Bobby Zamora will be in attendance at Fulham Palace to take part in a pre-match Q&A, sharing stories from his time at Craven Cottage.

Bobby, who played for both clubs, made 135 appearances and scored 35 goals during his three and a half year stint at Craven Cottage, and was part of the Fulham side which reached the UEFA Europa League Final in 2010.

A range of packages are available, with supporters able to choose from our Buffet option at the special price of £140+VAT or our A La Carte option at £170+VAT. More information on these packages can be found here.

To enquire or to secure your space please email [email protected] or call 020 8336 7555.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2019/november/15/matchday-hospitality-qpr

[WhiteJC]

Fulham man will be hoping for first-team breakthrough after latest accolade

Fulham over recent years have garnered a reputation of helping to nurture young talents in their academy, and there is now another player who is catching the eye of the fans.

Fulham's under-18's currently sit on top of the Premier League U-18 south table, winning four of their last five matches. That in part is down to the form of young striker, Jay Stansfield.

The 16-year-old came through the highly rated Exeter City academy, and made the switch from Devon to South West London in the summer, where he joined the Cottagers as a scholar.

Since then, Stansfield has been in unplayable form for his age group, finding the net fourteen times this season to put him six clear at the top of the goal scoring charts in the Premier League U-18 South group.

His form for at Motspur Park has been rewarded with a call-up to England's Under-18's squad, where he will link up with head coach, Ian Foster. It is his first England call up for any age group, which will be an incredibly proud moment for Stansfield and his family, as well as Fulham fans keen to see their young talent impress.

Stansfield has a natural eye for goal, and is fearsome poacher in the six-yard box; a similarity shared with none other than Aleksandar Mitrovic.

He will thinking that the move from Exeter to Fulham has been vindicated within a matter of months, as the attention brought to scouts of players with potential in the Under-18 league is significantly higher than it is in the Youth Alliance League. However, the down side to that for Fulham fans is the attention Stansfield may now be receiving from clubs such as Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool.

With the likes of Ryan and Steven Sessegnon getting a chance in the first team at a young age, Stansfield's form is likely to grab the attention of Scott Parker.

Ryan Sessegnon made his first-team debut for Fulham at just 16, featuring in an EFL Cup first round game against Leyton Orient at Brisbane Road. From that alone, it is possible that Stansfield could get a look-in in the near future if his deadly form in front of goal continues for the Under-18's.

The only worry for Stansfield is that men's football could be a step too far, too soon at such a young age. That could mean a loan move may be a more sensible option for himself and Fulham.

Receiving the call up to represent England will be a huge boost to the youngster, and may give him the confidence to impress further, as he could have international experience under his belt if he manages to get on the pitch for the games against Norway and Czech Republic.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-man-will-be-hoping-for-first-team-breakthrough-after-latest-accolade/

[WhiteJC]

Star Fulham man must keep focused with potentially big decision looming

This article is part of Football League World's 'Player View' series, this content strand is where we put ourselves in the shoes of a given player, and offer an opinion-based outlook on the perspective on the situation at hand...

Fulham have had a rather inconsistent start to the season for their liking, and in recent weeks have suffered heavy defeats against both Stoke and Hull.

Scott Parker's side will be aiming for an instant return to the Premier League, especially when looking at the quality on show in their starting XI.

One man who is crucial to any possibility of the Cottagers making a return to the top flight is striker Aleksandar Mitrovic. The Serbian forward is arguably one of the best in the Championship and has been in lethal form as he looks to push the club up the table.

Mitrovic has now scored 12 goals in the division, yet has played just 16 games, showing the fantastic strike record he currently has at the club.

He's the league's top goalscorer and has undoubted ability that can still get better seeing as he's just 25-years-old. However, the problem for Fulham is that his brilliant form has seen other sides take notice, with reports from Italy stating that Serie A side Genoa are set to attempt to bring him to the club in January.

The departure of Mitrovic would be a massive blow for the club, and he has to have a serious think about what he wants to do in the near future and for his long-term career.

He'll probably not read into too many rumours, as he's quite a bold and defiant character but if he's heard about potential interest then any person tends to want to know a bit more about it.

His key focus has to be on Fulham at the moment, and he's always made sure that he's done that. His goals are so vital to this side, and without him they'd struggle to convert a lot of chances that their creative midfielders are creating.

He has to make sure that his head is in the right place, and if he can keep scoring until January then Fulham might be in a better position to achieve promotion which will surely help in keeping the Serbian at the club.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/star-fulham-man-must-keep-focused-with-potentially-big-decision-looming/

[WhiteJC]

Riverside Works Update

The phased demolition of the Riverside Stand reached its final stages on Friday afternoon.

The final piece of the roof was removed at 14:40 this afternoon, quickly followed by the last pieces of the shell of the stand, demolished at 15:00. 

The process was aided by water dust suppression, which captures any dust particles released during the demolition.

All that remained as the night closed in was the roof support truss, which will be removed on Saturday the 16th November.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2019/november/15/riverside-works-update

[WhiteJC]

Exclusive: Scott Minto discusses the challenge Scott Parker must overcome to get Fulham promoted

Scott Minto believes that one of Scott Parker's biggest challenges at Fulham is managing the egos of the players.

The West London side have made a strong start to the Championship season and sit in seventh place – two points off the play-offs and five points adrift of the the top two.

Parker arguably boasts one of the strongest squads in the league on paper after adding some excellent summer signings to a squad which was competing in the Premier League last term.

But while the quality of the players is clearly evident, it's another task altogether to get the squad working as a team and understanding the methods that Scott Parker is trying to instil.

The Sky Sports EFL presenter was discussing the Fulham squad in an exclusive chat with Football League World, and said that it's going to take time for Parker's playing squad to gel.

Minto said: "You've got to look at the names in the squad. People say that 'they should be brilliant', but I know what it's like in a football dressing room.

"Each of these stars probably has their own ego and wants to be the main man.

"You can't have four or five main men in a team. There can only be one main man, if you're going to have a main man – that's why it's called a main man.

"So Scott Parker is having to blend these great talents, but also their egos into a team ethic. That's going to take time.

"You only have to look at Fulham a couple of seasons ago when they weren't doing as well as this.

"Arguably they didn't have the same quality of squad, but in the second half of the season they clicked."

Next up for Fulham is a crucial West London derby against Queens Park Rangers on Friday 22nd November.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/exclusive-scott-minto-discusses-the-challenge-scott-parker-must-overcome-to-get-fulham-promoted/

[WhiteJC]

He wore the white shirt - Tony Warner: Player Record

Goalkeeper Tony Warner experienced a real roller-coaster ride during his time at Elland Road in 2006 and would very briefly 'return' in 2010.

Warner, who started his career with his hometown club Liverpool, arrived in West Yorkshire on the eve of the disastrous campaign of 2006-07 in a loan deal from his parent club Fulham:

"Kevin Blackwell, who I had known, from a trial spell at Bury earlier in my career, brought me to Leeds as cover for Neil Sullivan who had suffered an injury in pre-season. The move was initially for one month but it would be eventually extended until the end of the calendar year."

"I wasn't first choice at Fulham, I realised that I had a big opportunity at Elland Road and whilst I knew that I was joining a massive club, I had no real idea of the mess they were in off the field."

Leeds were about to embark on their third season outside the Premier League and having lost in the previous seasons Play Off Final, they were many peoples favourites to go one better and return to the top flight:

"I met the lads on the Friday, trained and made my debut the following day at home to Norwich City. It was an enjoyable game and we came away with a 1-0 win courtesy of David Healy but I was kept busy that afternoon, particularly by the visiting centre-forward Rob Earnshaw."

It was the start that Leeds had hoped for and nobody inside Elland Road that afternoon could have imagined what was to unfold over the next nine months:

"We travelled to Queens Park Rangers a few days later and looked like we would come away with all three points but in the last minute they equalised. I should have dealt with the situation better and prevented the goal. I was man enough to hold my hands up and accept responsibility and after a conversation with the manager we all moved on to the next game."

Leeds decent start of four points out of a possible six soon turned sour as a common theme started to develop:

"We lost at Selhurst Park to a last minute goal after playing much of the game with ten men. Cardiff then beat us at Elland Road with a late goal and following a win at Sheffield Wednesday, we lost to a last minute goal at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers.

"There was a good squad at the club and some real good lads but I guess the jitters began to set in at certain points during games and we paid the price on a few occasions."

Ultimately, it was Kevin Blackwell who paid the price and following a crushing 3-0 home defeat by Sunderland, he was relieved of his duties with John Carver being placed in temporary charge:

"I was disappointed for the manager. He had shown faith in me and brought me in. I had a good relationship with him and although he was known to ruffle a few feathers, he never really got on my case. After he had guided Leeds to the Play Off Final the previous season, I thought he would be given more time but the club decided that a change was required."

Carver's temporary reign lasted for half a dozen games and following a 5-1 defeat at Luton, any slim chance he had of landing the job on permanent basis had completely disappeared:

"We were struggling and although everybody connected with the playing side of things were giving their all on the training ground, we could not get it right on match days and there were some tough times."

Following the rout at Kenilworth Road, Chairman Ken Bates moved to get his man. Former Chelsea and England midfielder, Dennis Wise was brought in and Warner was more than happy with the appointment:

"I knew 'Wisey' from my time with him at Millwall, we got on extremely well and I was looking forward to working with him again. Unfortunately, I didn't have the best of games in a League Cup defeat at home to Southend United and the new manager was watching from the stands.

"The next day, I turned up for training and Graham Stack walked in. I knew 'Stacky' but I was surprised to see him to say the least. Dennis called me in and explained that I hadn't covered myself in glory the previous night and he thought Graham would be a better option.

"I was far from happy but I was professional and acted in the right manner. I had no problem with Graham and rather than make a song and dance and ask to go back to Fulham, I worked hard on the training ground and concentrated on winning back my place in the team."

The change in manager didn't change the clubs fortunes on the pitch and Leeds United was deep in trouble at the wrong end of the table:

"Results hadn't improved and I knocked on 'Wisey's' door and told him that I deserved another run in the team. He informed me that he was keeping faith with Graham and I had to accept the situation.

"We were preparing to play Hull City at home and were training on the astro turf at Thorp Arch when 'Stacky' turned his ankle and was immediately ruled out for the weekend game.

"Dennis joked that I had cursed Graham but his misfortune presented me with my place in the side as we kept a rare clean sheet in a 0-0 draw."

Tony Warner kept his place for the next two games, Leeds would lose both and following a mix up between Ugo Ehiogu and the 'keeper, which led to a goal, away at Stoke City, he found himself back on the bench for the New Years Day win over Coventry City. The end of the game signalled the end of the loan spell and after making 14 appearances and being an unused sub 14 times; Tony Warner headed south, back to Fulham:

"In the main, I did enjoy my time at Leeds. I had a decent relationship with the fans but there was lots going on behind the scenes and the results didn't happen on the pitch. The lads had received their fair share of criticism but that was to be expected due to the fact that the club was in a real struggle.

"Dennis did things his way; he brought in a lot of players and made Kevin Nicholls his captain. The truth was that Kevin regretted the move north from Luton Town and his heart wasn't in it. I heard a story (after I had left), that the manager had called a meeting with the squad and asked anybody that didn't want to be there to put their hand up. Nicholls did and Wise couldn't believe it.

"I got on well with Kevin to be honest, as I did with lads like Robbie Blake and Hayden Foxe. Robbie was a great character and a superb footballer. When he was 'on it' he was electric.

"The first day I joined, all the lads introduced themselves to me and used their first names. Matthew Kilgallon walked up, shook my hand and said, "I'm Killa." I laughed due to the fact that in Liverpool that can be a derogatory term.

"Kilgallon was a good young player, who had come through the ranks. He drove a Range Rover Sport with blacked out windows which was his pride and joy. It was all he used to talk about and he bored the lads senseless until one day after training 'Stacky' and I went in his pockets and got the keys to the motor.

"Following a long period of torrential rain there was a puddle, which resembled a mini lake, on a large grassy area not far from the prison gates, in the vicinity of the training ground.

"We drove the car into the middle of this puddle and had to run 30 yards to get out of the water, before going home for the day.

"When we arrived the next morning, the staff at Thorp Arch were far from happy due to the fact that security at the prison had been alerted to the car parked near the gates and thought it was there ready to drive some prisoners away following a break out. The place had been crawling with Police and Kilgallon was not best pleased.

"Another laugh we had was at the expense of the goalkeeping coach Andy Beasley who had arrived with Dennis and Gus Poyet.

"I know Sean Dyche very well and he had worked with Beasley when he was at Chesterfield. Beasley suffered with alapesha and 90% of his head was bald but he would have these little patches of white, fluffy hair. As a result, the lads at Chesterfield used to call him "the baby eagle" and I soon informed the squad at Leeds who maximised the piss taking by squawking at him on a regular basis."

After returning to Fulham, Warner had spells on loan at Norwich City and Barnsley before joining Hull City and then Charlton Athletic, following another loan spell, this time at Leicester City:

"After leaving Charlton, I was training at Liverpool's academy in an attempt to keep fit. Whilst there, I got the call to return to Leeds United.

"Kasper Schmeichel and Shane Higgs were both injured and Jason Brown, who was there on loan, was the only senior 'keeper at the club.

"I had been informed by the manager, Simon Grayson that I would be coming in as cover and he would give me a three month deal, to which I was happy and he would have the terms documented for me to sign.

"I had signed non-contract forms initially and played in a reserve game at Elland Road against Scunthorpe United and was with the lads preparing for the weekend game away at Middlesbrough.

"After driving home to Liverpool, my agent contacted me to tell me that Grayson was offering me the minimum wage for the course of the three month deal, which was £90 per week. I was staggered and far from happy."

Warner drove back to Thorp Arch the following day and in no uncertain terms, told the Leeds manager where he could stick his contract offer:

"I couldn't call Grayson, I had to confront him. I drove back to the training complex, from Liverpool and entered his office. I told him that the contract offer was a loving disgrace. He looked at me and admitted that he assumed I was going to sign it. He then explained that he would have to look for another goalkeeper, as though that was my fault. I grabbed my boots, handed my 'trackie' in and drove out of there absolutely fuming."

"It was a shame that things didn't work out for me because I hold the club and its supporters in high regard and it was a genuine pleasure to play for Leeds United. I met some good people and was grateful for the chance back in 2006."

Thank you to Tony Warner for giving me his time and the opportunity to write this article.



https://www.sheridan-dictates.com/he-wore-the-white-shirt-tony-warner.php

[WhiteJC]

Fulham man showing signs of improvement after tough 18/19 campaign

Fulham centre-back Alfie Mawson has featured in all 16 games this season and finished on the pitch in 15 of those games during the Cottagers' Championship season so far, however last season was a different story.

The 25-year-old only featured 15 times for Fulham last season as they were relegated from the Premier League, struggling to adapt at Craven Cottage following his 2018 summer move from Swansea City, however he has now been able to change his career around down by the Thames.

The physical defender, who is also capable of playing out from the back, has become a central figure in Scott Parker's side and has been a difficult opponent for opposing teams to get past, his all-round defensive game having made him one of the better defenders in the Championship as the Cottagers push for an immediate Premier League return.

Mawson has been a safe defender for Fulham this campaign with his performances at the back, striking up a reliable partnership with American centre-back Tim Ream alongside him.

The 25-year-old has provided a defensive base for Parker to work around this season, knowing that the midfield and attack can be allowed the freedom to go and play with the ever-present Mawson being able to sweep up at the back and distribute the ball well as he looks for a team-mate.

Mawson will be delighted with how he has managed to change his Cottagers career around however, at first appearing like he might not be given a chance to play under Parker this season however during his first season in management after being appointed permanently in the summer, Parker has given Mawson the chance that he deserves.

In the peak of his career, the 25-year-old has shown that he has pedigree and is consistently getting better after spells with Maidenhead United, Luton Town, Welling United, Wycombe Wanderers and Barnsley as well as really rising to prominence after joining Swansea in 2016.

Mawson has slowly built up his profile and despite a dip in form last season, he appears to now have his confidence back and his ability hasn't dropped, having recovered the consistency he had at Swansea which persuaded Fulham to bring him back to London last year.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-man-showing-signs-of-improvement-after-tough-18-19-campaign/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham man may fancy chances start v QPR after player blow

Fulham go into their next game against QPR with a problem on their hands in the striking department, as Aleksandar Mitrovic faces a one-game suspension for accumulating 5 yellow cards.

Although it is a major blow for Fulham, as the Serbian has notched up 12 goals in the league for the Cottagers so far, it could be the chance Bobby Reid has been waiting for to have a shot at playing the No.9 role in Mitrovic's absence.

Reid has featured 14 times for Scott Parker's side this season, usually slotting in at central midfield when he has started games for Fulham.

However, he is versatile, and can also play on the left side of midfield, either side of the striker, or upfront.

That has been demonstrated already this season, as according to WhoScored, the 26-year-old has played in six different positions for Fulham so far this season.

Although Reid sees himself as a forward player rather than a midfielder, Parker has played him in the middle of the park as Fulham's front three of Mitrovic, Cavaleiro and Knockaert have been performing well so far, leaving no opportunities.

But, this will be the chance for the Jamaican international to stake his claim, as on his day, Reid can be a goalscorer. That was demonstrated at his time at Bristol City, where he notched up 19 Championship goals in 46 appearances for the Robins in his final season in BS3.

Reid has yet to score this season in the league, but has provided two assists for Fulham from midfield. He will undoubtedly be frustrated at the lack of chance he has been given to play further up the pitch, as he may feel he could have contributed more to the team that way. It has has not helped his cause that Mitrovic cannot be dropped at this moment in time.

Hence, this chance for the on-loan Cardiff man being one he has to take. Parker has a decision on his hands as to whether he starts Reid or Kamara as the main striker for their next game.

The fact that this is not any other game also comes into play, as the Cottagers face QPR in the West London derby – so bragging rights are at stake.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-man-may-fancy-chances-start-v-qpr-after-player-blow/