Saturday Fulham Stuff - 14/12/19...

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Charlton	2-2	Hull

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3 Fulham youngsters that should ask for a loan exit in January

Fulham have always had a good reputation for bringing through talented youngsters, with Ryan Sessegnon being the most recent example to make it to the top level.

The club have category one academy status – the highest level attainable, with Fulham's under-18 side currently competing in the top-tier Premier League competition for that age group.

That has seen many players progress through the system into the club's first-team squad as a result. Marek Rodak and Steven Sessegnon are two players that have come through the ranks at the club to have made league appearances for Fulham this season.

However, with the abundance of quality that Scott Parker's side has in the first-team at Craven Cottage, it has proved harder for the younger players to gain first-team experience at the club.

Here we look at three youngsters currently on Fulham's books that would benefit from a loan spell this January...

Luca De La Torre
The 21-year-old joined Fulham in 2013 from Californian youth side San Diego Surf. He then spent a total of three years in the Cottagers' youth setup.

Despite making his professional debut for the club back in 2016, the USA international has found it difficult to break into the Fulham's first-team, making just 12 senior appearances in three seasons.

Although the attacking midfielder came off the bench against Preston on Tuesday night, a loan spell may be in his best interests to improve his development.

Magnus Norman
The 22-year-old has been at the West London club since the age of nine, and spent time on loan at League One side Rochdale during the first half of the 2018-19 season.

The goalkeeper has yet to make his first-team debut for the club, and is currently behind Marek Rodak and Marcus Bettinelli in the pecking order.

Norman should use Marek Rodak as an inspiration, as the Slovakian spent time on loan at five different clubs before eventually getting his chance as Fulham's first-choice goalkeeper this season.

Tayo Edun
The 21-year-old wide midfielder has made seven appearances in total for Fulham during his career, and was part of England's successful under-19 side at the European Championships in 2017.

He also spent time on loan at Ipswich Town last season, making seven further appearances for the Tractorboys in the Championship.

Edun is a talented player, and would benefit from another loan spell either in the Championship or in League One. He is currently featuring for Fulham's under-23 side in the Premier League 2 second division competition.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/3-fulham-youngsters-that-should-ask-for-a-loan-exit-in-january/

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David Prutton shares his prediction for Brentford's clash with Fulham

David Prutton has predicted Brentford to beat Fulham in the West London derby on Saturday afternoon.

Both sides are competing for the top prize in the Championship and that's to be promoted to the Premier League. Brentford are giving themselves a good opportunity of getting in the play-offs and seem to have improved defensively from last season.

Fulham, on the other hand, have a lot of talent at their disposal but Scott Parker seems to come under pressure every time they lose. They're now 11 points off the top two and have lost their last two games, so this could prove to be a tricky tie for the Cottagers.

Prutton has predicted the Bees to come out on top by a scoreline of 2-1 when they host Parker's Fulham side.

The Verdict

It should be a really entertaining game between these two sides as both like to get their foot on the ball and attempt to play expansive football.

The home side are looking good at the minute, and it wouldn't be a surprise at all to see them come out on top in this fixture although they must be wary of Fulham's attacking prowess in terms of quality.

It is a big game for Parker and his future, as if he loses three in a row it could spark the end of the board's faith in his ability to get them out of the division and back in the Premier League.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/david-prutton-shares-his-prediction-for-brentfords-clash-with-fulham/

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Hot Off The Press: Fulham

Will Oakley of Fulham Focus previews The Whites

It's fair to say that Fulham's return to the Premier League last season didn't quite go to plan, as they finished second-bottom of the pile with just 26 points from 38 games. With that in mind, have you been surprised at how they've reacted to life back in the Championship?

Obviously staying in the Premier League was what all Fulham fans wanted at the start of the season, but a few games in they got a real feel of what the Premier League was like and we could all tell that they needed to go back down and restart. They came down with a strong squad and the new additions that were brought in have helped a lot, as well as managing to keep Aleksandar Mitrovic and Tom Cairney. The squad, on paper, should be fighting for top spot, so in that case you could say it's not that alarming. However with the slow starts Fulham usually have, they are doing very well at the moment and are in top top form.

Former club captain Scott Parker took over from Claudio Ranieri in February and is now in his first full season in management. How would you summarise his tenure so far?

They didn't start off that well, losing to Barnsley on the opening day, and, while getting a few wins, struggled to obtain a series of wins in a row. They've looked pretty good attacking, but very shaky at the back, for example the 94th minute equaliser they conceded to Sheffield Wednesday; it seemed as if they needed to score three or more to even win a game because of how the defence was. In the last few games Parker has seemed to have found players that suit his system best, and has managed to start stringing results together, while making the defence a lot more reliable than it was at the start of the season and still playing attractive football. They are currently in a very good position and the majority of fans are very happy with having him manage this side.

After the first 21 games of the 2017/18 season, where Fulham were promoted to the Premier League via the play-offs, Slavisa Jokanovic's side had 29 points on the board. Having already exceeded that at the same point, is there a bigger sense of confidence they can replicate that feat?

The squad seems to be gelling together really nicely at the minute. The team are working very well together and the most important thing is that the players are putting in 100 per cent effort - they want to get promoted. Jokanovic is an amazing manager, and he's held in the highest regard. The unbeaten run he oversaw at the end of the 2017/18 season was sensational but, of course, that is very hard to replicate. At the halfway point with Jokanovic there was very little hope with the league position that we were in, so there is definitely more hope this season so far. We're not halfway through the season yet, however hopes are high, and there is positivity around the club, which is really going to help us push for automatic promotion spots.

Which player has impressed you most this season?

Cairney has had some extraordinary games and has scored a few worldies, as he usually tends to do. However, the two players that really stand out for me are Marek Rodak and Mitrovic. Rodak has made some exceptional stops after replacing Marcus Bettinelli. He commands his box well and shows he is a class keeper at this level and having turned 23 yesterday, he can only get better. Mitrovic is not just the one of the top scorers in the division, but also an exceptional leader. He really shows commitment on and off the pitch and it is honestly unbelievable that Fulham managed to keep him.

How is Parker likely to set up his side?

Parker is most likely to use a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation. The line-up has stayed relatively similar throughout the season, with the only unsure spots being the wingers and occasionally the deep-lying midfielder/midfielders. Aboubakar Kamara is currently playing well, as well as Bobby Reid, but Ivan Cavaleiro and Anthony Knockaert are class as well on the wings.

Brentford won the penultimate meeting between the two sides at Griffin Park in December 2017 - what's your score prediction for the final game?

The boys and I at @Fulham_Focus would love to say 8-0, but we're going to go for a 3-1 win.

Saturday's game is a total sell out. However, Season Ticket Holders who are unable to attend can list their seat on the ticket exchange for supporters to buy.



https://www.brentfordfc.com/news/2019/december/opposition-view-fulham/

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Should West Ham follow former player trend and go for Scott Parker as Manuel Pellegrini replacement?

The future of West Ham United manager Manuel Pellegrini is in serious doubt.

West Ham are on the brink of the relegation zone after just one win from their last 11 games.

Reports claim Pellegrini will pay the price for the club's freefall if West Ham lose to Southampton on Saturday.

That would likely see the Hammers in the relegation zone for Christmas.

A host of managers have been linked as potential replacements from almost all ends of the football spectrum.

Host of managers linked from the full football spectrum

From Rafa Benitez, Eddie Howe and Sean Dyche to David Moyes, Sam Allardyce and Harry Redknapp.

They have all been linked along with plenty of others such as Chris Hughton and Chris Wilder.

But should West Ham instead look to follow the young, hungry former player turned manager trend instead by exploring the possibility of bringing in Scott Parker?

Manchester United have Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Chelsea have Frank Lampard. Even Arsenal currently have Freddie Ljungberg and are said to be considering him and two other former players Mikel Arteta and Patrick Vieira for the job full-time.

Wilder at Sheffield United is a former Blade too.

Great Scott, should West Ham follow new managerial trend?

Looking across the game there are not many young, stand-out candidates for former West Ham players who could take up the managerial reins.

Parker is doing a superb job at Fulham. After steering the Cottagers to safety last season Parker has the West Londoners in third place in the Championship approaching the halfway stage.

As a three-time Hammer of the Year, Parker – despite his brief spell at Spurs – would be universally popular back at West Ham.

Fulham are well adrift of Championship frontrunners Leeds and West Brom. So prising him away would not be too difficult.

West Ham have hired the tried and tested Premier League bosses like Allardyce and Moyes. They have also gone for an elite name in Pellegrini.

But the end results have not been too different.

So perhaps it is time West Ham try something a bit different.

Inspirational Parker could be just what Hammers need

In many ways Parker has already had practice of managing West Ham.

During the disastrous spell under Avram Grant, Parker famously gave an impassioned half-time teamtalk with the side trailing 3-0 to West Brom.

West Ham came back to draw 3-3 in the second half and were unlucky not to win.

After the game Carlton Cole made sure Parker got the credit for the result.

"We were diabolical but at half-time Scott was inspirational," Cole told BBC Sport at the time.

"Scott was in the zone – I've never seen him like that. If you were there you would have had a tear in your eye.

"Scott Parker showed a lot of passion in the changing room and it spurred us on. I know you could say that if you are a professional footballer then you should have that in you anyway, but sometimes you need your captain to step up like that."

Maybe Parker could provide similar inspiration from the dugout eight years on?



https://www.hammers.news/columnist/should-west-ham-follow-former-player-trend-and-go-for-scott-parker-as-manuel-pellegrini-replacement/

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Fulham struck by sickness bug before Championship derby against Brentford


Scott Parker is hopeful Fulham captain Tom Cairney will be fit to face Brentford ( Getty Images )

Fulham have been hit by a ­sickness bug ahead of Saturday's west London derby against rivals Brentford.

Captain Tom Cairney and defender Steven Sessegnon are among several players who have been struck down this week.

Fulham travel to Griffin Park with their hopes of automatic promotion to the Premier League fading after back-to-back defeats at the hands of top-six rivals Bristol City and Preston left them 11 points off the top two.

Manager Scott Parker said: "We had a bit of sickness bug which some of the players got. Tom Cairney and Steven Sessegnon trained today lightly, so they've come out the back of it.

"Hopefully, fingers crossed, they'll be okay for the weekend.

"Other than that, we are where we are with the injuries that we've picked up over the last few weeks.

"It's disappointing and leaves us a little bit stretched, but at the same time with people coming in it gives them the chance to show what they can do."

Brentford are one point outside the play-off places and a run of seven wins in their last 10 matches has moved them into promotion contention.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-struck-sickness-bug-championship-derby-brentford-a4313071.html

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Brentford v Fulham
SAT 14 Dec 2019  Championship
Venue: Griffin Park

Brentford forward Ollie Watkins (left) has netted 13 league goals this season, and is three strikes behind Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic in the Championship goalscoring chart

Brentford boss Thomas Frank has no new injury worries after Wednesday's 2-1 home win against Cardiff City.

Joel Valencia (shoulder) and long-term absentees Sergi Canos and Nikos Karelis (both knee) are all sidelined.

Fulham defender Denis Odoi begins a three-match ban after his sending-off in the midweek defeat at Preston.

Steven Sessegnon and Tom Cairney are back in training after illness, while Harry Arter, Bobby Decordova-Reid and Harrison Reed will all be assessed.

Brentford go into the game one point off the play-off places, while Fulham are third, 10 points away from the automatic promotion spots.

The Whites travel to Griffin Park having lost their past two matches in the Championship, while Brentford have won two of their last three.

Match facts

    Brentford have lost only one of their past eight league matches against Fulham (W4 D3 L1), a 2-0 defeat in November 2016.
    Fulham have lost three of their past four league visits to Brentford (W1), losing most recently in December 2017 under Slavisa Jokanovic.
    Brentford have won three consecutive home league games by an aggregate scoreline of 10-1 - the Bee's last won four on the bounce at Griffin Park between January-March (a run of five).
    Fulham will be aiming to avoid a run of three consecutive defeats, which last happened in the Championship back in January 2015.
    Aleksandar Mitrovic has scored 48.5% of Fulham's Championship goals this campaign (16/33) - the highest percentage of a team's goals scored by a player in the division.
    Of players to have scored at least three Championship goals this season, Brentford's Josh Dasilva has the highest shot conversion rate (35%), netting six of his 17 total shots.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50696222

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Fulham target on-loan Leeds winger as Spurs recall looms

Jack Clarke looks set to return to Spurs in January, and Fulham are said to be lining up a move to bring him straight back to the Championship.

Clarke burst onto the scene at Leeds United last season with his impressive displays for the U23's earning him a call-up to the senior side to work under Marcelo Bielsa.

He would net his first goal for the side against Aston Villa, setting up a dramatic comeback win for the Whites, but this season his career has derailed slightly.

The 19-year-old was sold to Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur in the summer for a fee of around £10 million, but instantly loaned back to Leeds for the 2019/20 campaign.

Since then though he has made just one Championship appearance, while his minutes in the Carabao Cup against Salford and Stoke did little to put him back into Bielsa's plans.

But Football Insider report that the England U20 international may get the chance to prove himself again at Fulham.

Spurs are expected to activate a mid-season recall clause before sending Clarke back out on loan, and Fulham are apparently heading a host of clubs in pursuit of the Brit.

Leeds currently lead the Championship level on 46 points with West Brom, while Fulham sit 3rd eleven points shy of the pair.



https://www.teamtalk.com/news/fulham-target-on-loan-leeds-winger-as-spurs-recall-looms

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Match Preview: Fulham

The info ahead of tomorrow's all West London affair

We have a chance to move into the top six and make it four straight home Sky Bet Championship wins when Fulham make the trip to Griffin Park on Saturday. All the info you need ahead of tomorrow's sold out derby encounter can be found below.

MATCH FACTS

    We have lost only one of our past eight league matches against Fulham (W4 D3 L1), a 2-0 defeat in November 2016.
    Fulham have lost three of their past four league visits here (W1), losing most recently in December 2017 under Slavisa Jokanovic.
    We have won three consecutive home league games by an aggregate scoreline of 10-1 - we last won four on the bounce at Griffin Park between January-March (a run of five)
    Fulham will be aiming to avoid a run of three consecutive defeats, which last happened in the Championship back in January 2015.
    Aleksandar Mitrovic has scored 48.5% of Fulham's Championship goals this campaign (16/33) - the highest percentage of a team's goals scored by a player in the division.
    Of players to have scored at least three Championship goals this season, Brentford's Josh Dasilva has the highest shot conversion rate (35%), netting six of his 17 total shots.

THE OPPOSITION
Fulham make the five-mile journey down the A4 on Saturday looking to re-discover some consistency as they aim for an instant return to the Premier League.

That campaign in the top flight was an unmitigated disaster and left The Whites with a bloated squad. That was trimmed with the departures of Ryan Sessegnon, Lazar Markovic, and Jean Seri, among others, over the summer as Fulham prepared for life back in the second tier under Scott Parker.

Parker's tenure so far has been characterised by consistent inconsistency. Three straight wins, five without a win, back-to-back wins, one win in five, four straight wins, and two straight defeats, is how The Whites campaign has gone so far.

As with their campaign two years ago, Fulham have been the team to watch for goals. The Whites 21 league outings have produced 56 goals with Aleksandar Mitrovic top of the Championship goals charts with 16 goals in 20 outings.

THE MANAGER
Fulham Chairman Shahid Khan named Scott Parker Caretaker Manager in February 2019, and Parker impressed sufficiently in the role to be named permanent Head Coach prior to the final game of the Premier League season. After replacing Claudio Ranieri in what was initially an interim capacity, Parker oversaw an upturn in form which included three consecutive clean sheets and wins in April, which saw him nominated for Manager of the Month.

As a player, Parker began his career at Charlton Athletic, making 145 appearances before moving to Chelsea. After a two-year stay at Stamford Bridge, Parker took in spells with Newcastle United, West Ham United, and Tottenham Hotspur before spending the final four years of his career at Craven Cottage. That career also saw the midfielder pick up 18 caps for England.

TEAM NEWS
It's as you were with Joel Valencia, Josh Clarke, Sergi Canos, and Nikos Karelis on the treatment table.

For Fulham, Denis Odoi begins a three-match ban after his sending-off in the midweek defeat at Preston.

Steven Sessegnon and Tom Cairney are back in training after illness, while Harry Arter, Bobby Decordova-Reid and Harrison Reed will all be assessed.



https://www.brentfordfc.com/news/2019/december/match-preview-fulham/

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27-y/o in? The expected Fulham XI Parker is likely to play this weekend

Fulham face Brentford this weekend, as Scott Parker looks for his side's first win of December.

Two games and two 2-1 losses for Fulham this month. Last weekend at home to Bristol City and then away at Preston North End in the week, Fulham though have managed to cling onto 3rd-place the whole time.

Only a point separates the teams in the play-off places now and the weekend could cause a real mix-up in the standings, but Fulham will hope to prevent a third-straight loss in the Championship and cement their top-six spot.

Here we take a look at the expected Fulham line-up to face Brentford tomorrow:

Marek Rodak will no doubt make his 9th Championship appearance in-goal for Fulham tomorrow but there'll be changes in his defence with Dennis Odoi suspended.

The Belgian was shown a straight red card against Preston and stepping in at right-back should be Cyrus Christie for only his second league start of the season.

Joe Bryan will come back into the squad at left-back after being left on the bench at Preston, with the familiar pairing of Alfie Mawson and Tim Ream at centre-back.

Fulham missed Tom Cairney through illness in the week but the Scot is expected back for tomorrow, and his presence alongside Stefan Johansen in-front of the defence will be a huge boost to Parker's side.

Ivan Cavaleiro will no doubt start on the right of what'll likely be a 4-2-3-1 set-up for Fulham, with Aboubakar Kamara continuing his run in the team behind the striker.

There's growing pressure on Parker to drop Anthony Knockaert – the Frenchman has struggled this season and in the last two games, Neeskens Kebano has come on and made a real impact. We could well see the Congolese get his first league start of the season.

Up-front there's no debating who will start for Fulham, Aleksandar Mitrovic, who goes into the game as the Championship's top-scorer with 16.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/27-y-o-in-the-expected-fulham-xi-parker-is-likely-to-play-this-weekend/

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'This seems a little bit pointless' – Fulham along with Leeds eye midfielder: The verdict

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

Fulham manager Scott Parker is making plans for the future and is considering a move for Hamilton Academical midfielder Reegan Mimnaugh, according to a report in Herald Scotland.

Parker though will not get things his own way, with Tottenham Hotspur and Leeds United all interested in the 17-year-old, who made his debut for the Accies back in January.

So would Mimnaugh be a good addition at Craven Cottage?

We discuss........

Louie Chandler

"This seems a little bit pointless to me if I am totally honest.

"Whilst the Whites have been far from perfect in the middle of the park, with the likes of Tom Cairney, Stefan Johansen, Harrison Reed and Josh Onomah to choose from, it remains one of their stronger areas.

"This is a window where Parker needs to focus on characters more than individual talent I believe.

"A big problem has been a lack of leadership and whilst Michael Hector will certainly bring some of that, they will need more throughout the pitch."

Chris Gallagher

"It's not one to get excited about for the here and now but he could be a good long-term addition.

"Hamilton have a very good reputation for producing players, with James McCarthy and James McArthur the two that spring to mind but several more have come through the ranks in recent years as well.

"So, Mimnaugh would join from a good club and he is clearly highly-rated. Obviously, he has a long way to go before he would be capable of breaking into the first-team of a good Championship side but the potential is there to see.

"This would be a smart addition for Fulham who are right to be planning ahead."

Chris Thorpe

"This would certainly be a case of one for the future for Fulham, with the player only being at the age of 17 at the time of writing, so I don't think we would see Mimnaugh slot straight into the first team.

"He has developed a strong reputation for being one of Scottish football's brightest prospects and with first team appearances to his name already it seems he could be destined for great things.

"He has a good level of versatility too, with the 17-year-old being equally comfortable at playing in the centre of a back four, meaning that he would fit the bill at Craven Cottage.

"With several clubs said to be interested in acquiring the Hamilton youngster, I feel Fulham will have to move quick if they are to acquire his services in January or indeed the summer."



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/this-seems-a-little-bit-pointless-fulham-along-with-leeds-eye-midfielder-the-verdict/

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3 Brentford weaknesses Fulham must exploit this weekend

Fulham travel to Brentford tomorrow, as Scott Parker's side look to rectify two-straight defeats in the Championship.

Things don't get any easier to Fulham this weekend. Losses against Bristol City and Preston North End have scuppered Fulham's form and now they face a Brentford side looking to break into the top-six with a win tomorrow.

The Bees have won their last three at home – conceding one and scoring 10. A win for them tomorrow would see them leapfrog 3rd-place Fulham, who could drop out of the top-six this weekend if results don't go their way.

Here we take a look at three Brentford weaknesses that Fulham must exploit this weekend:

Defending set-pieces
Finding three weakness of Brentford is difficult at the moment but in their 2-1 win over Cardiff midweek, the best chances that Neil Harris' side had were from set-plays.

Brentford haven't been particularly good or bad at defending them this season but Cardiff showed a weakness in Brentford's game when they had free-kicks and corners, which the Bees failed to clear in a number of occasions.

Fulham have some big players in their side and of course, the Championship's leading goal-scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic – expect to see him on the end of a few corners tomorrow.

High-balls into the box
Leading on from the last point, another area for Fulham to dominate tomorrow is in the air. Cardiff won most every header as they chased an equaliser in the second-half, with crosses, throw-ins and set-plays into the box.

They've some tall players Brentford but few of them could see to win a header on Wednesday night and that'll entice the likes of Mitrovic, Aboubakar Kamara and Tom Cairney who can all score headers.

Attack may be Fulham's best form of defence tomorrow and if they can pepper the Bees box with enough crosses, Mitrovic is bound to put away at least one.

Reliance on key players
Brentford are a quality side but their two stand-out performers this season have been Ollie Watkins and Said Benrahma. Watkins carried that team through the rough patch that started their season and has himself 13 goals in the Championship this season, whilst Benrahma has been in some fine form himself.

The Algerian started slowly but quickly got back to his best and showed against Cardiff that he's capable of beating anyone with the ball, and of causing real danger to opposition defenders.

But if Fulham can keep the two quiet (easier said than done), then Brentford don't really have a Plan B – man-marking should a talking point for Parker tomorrow, as he tries to avoid a third-straight defeat.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/3-brentford-weaknesses-fulham-must-exploit-this-weekend/

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Fulham beating Leeds to sign this 17-year-old Scottish ace would be a solid statement of intent

Why Fulham should beat Leeds United to sign Reegan Mimnaugh

According to the Glasgow Evening Times, Fulham are among a host of clubs tracking Scottish starlet Reegan Mimnaugh, who currently plies his trade with Hamilton Academical in the Scottish Premiership.

EFL Championship promotion rivals Leeds United, as well as Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur, are also hot on trail of the 17-year-old, who enjoyed a senior breakthrough at the Fountain of Youth Stadium in the previous campaign (h/t Glasgow Evening Times).

Mimnaugh, who made his Accies debut in the defeat to Celtic earlier in the year back in January, also featured against Hibernian before being handed his first league start against Rangers at home.

The highly-rated academy graduate went on to make a further five appearances for Hamilton Academical in the Scottish Premiership last term, finishing the 2018-19 campaign with eight first-team appearances.

However, he has struggled to break into manager Brice Rice's plans for the ongoing campaign, with his only first-team involvement coming in a League Cup tie against Kilmarnock. Mimnaugh, though, has continued to impress for Hamilton's reserve side, recently scoring in the Accies' 6-1 victory over Dunfermline on Tuesday afternoon.

Mimnaugh, who is primarily a central midfielder by trade, is yet to make his mark for Scotland across the age-group levels but the 17-year-old continues to be regarded as a bright emerging prospect at the Fountain of Youth Stadium.

To put things into perspective, Reegan Mimnaugh is still very much in the formative years of his career as a professional footballer but his talent and potential have been there for everybody to see.

With Leeds United and Tottenham also vying for the teenager's signature, Fulham are at risk of being blown out of the water in their pursuit of the Scottish sensation. However, his burgeoning reputation as a highly-rated prospect north of the border means that Mimnaugh could be a real coup for the Cottagers.

That he is already rubbing shoulders with the big boys at the age of 17 is indicative of a level of maturity that belies his tender years as a professional.

With Tom Cairney, Stefan Johansen and Kevin McDonald all accomplished names in the Championship and Harrison Reed and Harry Arter currently on loan from Southampton and Bournemouth respectively, Mimnaugh is unlikely to get a look in from manager Scott Parker at the moment.

However, the 17-year-old certainly ticks the boxes to come through the door as a young and developing player to increase competition in the U23 ranks.

Fulham boast of some exciting up and coming midfielders like Luca De La Torre, Ben Davis, Fabio Carvalho, Tayo Edun, Sonny Hilton and Matt O'Riley coming through the Premier League 2 level. Reegan Mimnaugh would be a handy addition to that group.

Verdict

Hamilton Academical have an excellent track record of blooding quality young talent in their academy, with James McCarthy and James McArthur amongst those to have come through the Accies' ranks in recent times before making their mark in the Premier League.

All in all, Fulham winning the race for Reegan Mimnaugh would be a massive boost to their long-term plans moving forward.



https://www.mediareferee.com/2019/12/14/fulham-beating-leeds-to-sign-this-17-year-old-scottish-ace-would-be-a-solid-statement-of-intent/

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You can shove your clackers where the sun don't shine.

This is it. Show me somebody that says Brentford v Fulham is an irrelevance and I'll show you somebody who is pointless. I absolutely LOVE this fixture. Forget the fact that a Bees win will see us overtake the currently third placed Cottagers, there is no bigger priority than victory and local bragging rights. Again. Yes, I'd love the chance to make ground on the teams in the play-off pack and even at the top, where Leeds United are yet to start their customary collapse and West Bromwich Albion are matching them point for point. But, for once, they are very much second place in the importance stakes. A supplementary bonus that will come should we make it another three points at Griffin Park.

Jota in the last minute. Neal Maupay getting that late, late equaliser at the Cottage. Stuart Dallas scoring my favourite ever goal. The one that came just before our third and fourth in the absolute hammering administered in our neighbours' back yard. The reaction to all those goals in the face of such sterile awfulness making them all the sweeter. The rivalry with QPR one based on their sheer awfulness, With Fulham, it's as much pity. A club more toe-curling than a pair of Ali Bongo's slippers yet one which, whilst it feels like we're a cat toying with a spider, I take no greater pleasure in beating.

Take you gin bar. Your statute. Your neutral stand. Your foam fingers. Your clackers. Your run out music for the warm up. If you want irrelevance then there it is. That's not football. That's nonsense. Anodyne happy-clappy crud from a club with pretensions of grandeur yet, despite only having three sides of their stadium available, are currently having to advertise on local radio in a bid to entice supporters to their Christmas futures. For the record, Griffin Park is sold out.

That's the tub-thumping and chest beating done. The simple facts of this game are that Brentford are on fire. Scoring goals for fun and looking rock solid at the back. Thomas Frank has the team more than up for it. Ollie Watkins is breathing down the neck of Aleksander Mitrovic at the top of the Championship goal scorers chart. Pontus, Pinnock and Jeanvier (not a law firm) proving on Wednesday night that, sometimes, three into two does go. A late switch in the defence sufficient to lock out the waves of Cardiff pressure as Brentford climbed to 7th in the table.

One does have to take notice of the position Fulham are in. Third doesn't happen by accident and, despite their absolute car-crash of a campaign last season, they have started to score goals and pick up the points one more. Or, should that be, had started to pick up the points once more. Back to back defeats have seen them wobble, allowing Leeds and West Brom to break clear whilst the chasing pack have caught right up. Breathing down the victor's neck to a position where only four points separate them from QPR in 12th. No pressure, eh?

Logic and common sense go out of the window at this stage. Whilst we'd normally take a common sense and considered opinion on these pages, it's a West London derby. A mere five and a half miles separate our two clubs if you were to drive. That's less as the crow flies but involves swimming. Only Loftus Road is closer to Griffin Park and you can be sure that the Fulham fans will be here en-masse. Perhaps we'll even hear them. Stranger things have happened.

Thomas Frank. If you are reading (you aren't) get Peter Gilham in there changing room pre kick-off. Let him give your team talk. Let's do this. I can't wait. See you there.....



https://nickbruzonslastword.wordpress.com/2019/12/14/you-can-shove-your-clackers-where-the-sun-dont-shine/

[WhiteJC]

Leeds must pray that Jack Clarke doesn't end up at Fulham

This article is part of Football FanCast's Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news...

It's been speculated for months that Jack Clarke may be recalled by Tottenham in January, but now we're getting reports that he could be headed to another Championship club.

What's the story then?

With Clarke's departure from Elland Road this winter looking inevitable, of course, there were bound to be a number of teams monitoring his situation.

Reports from Football Insider have named three sides that are apparently interested in Clarke's signature. They've stated that Middlesbrough, Derby County and Fulham are all sniffing around the teenager with a view to loaning the wide man once January comes around.

Anyone but Fulham

Clarke's future will entirely be out of Leeds' hands, but they have to hope that he ends up at either Derby or Middlesbrough rather than Fulham.

The London club are Leeds' closest challengers in the race for the automatic promotion spots as they currently sit third in the table.

While Clarke isn't necessarily going to strengthen a squad that has Ivan Cavaleiro and Anthony Knockaert as wide options, his arrival would give Scott Parker's side a bit of added depth that could see them provide a little bit more pressure on Leeds.

Whereas if he went to Boro or Derby those two clubs don't look like they're going to get anywhere near mounting a top-six challenge, nevermind an automatic promotion spot.

It would be Sod's law if Clarke went to Fulham and contributed to halting Leeds' promotion challenge, and United have to pray that the winger doesn't end up at Craven Cottage for that exact reason.

If you factor in how Fulham have a history of finishing the season strong, it only adds another reason as to why Clarke signing for the Cottagers would be bad news for Leeds.



https://www.footballfancast.com/championship/leeds/leeds-must-pray-that-jack-clarke-doesnt-end-up-at-fulham

[WhiteJC]

Goal of the Decade

With 2019 coming to an end, we want your help to determine our best goal from the last 10 years.

From Clint Dempsey's chip in the first year of the decade, to Pajtim Kasami's Puskas Award nomination at Selhurst Park, we've been treated to some absolute stunners.

There are also goals which we're fond of for more sentimental reasons, such as Denis Odoi's header against Derby County, or Simon Davies bagging our first ever goal in a major cup final.

Use the form below to suggest any goals you think should make our shortlist, and we'll then put it to a vote on our social media channels to find Fulham's Goal of the Decade.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2019/december/13/goal-of-the-decade

[WhiteJC]

Exclusive: Darren Bent urges in-demand player to switch Leeds for 'Perfect' rival club in Jan

Darren Bent urged Tottenham-owned Jack Clarke to exchange life at Leeds United for life at Derby County in January.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider correspondent Laura O'Leary, the former England international suggested Clarke may fare better than he has at Leeds this season at Championship rivals Fulham or Derby County.

Football Insider previously revealed that Tottenham were ready to terminate Clarke's loan at Leeds with him struggling for minutes at Elland Road.

It is believed Clarke is already in-demand with Football Insider also revealing Middlesbrough and Derby County have joined Fulham in the race to sign Clarke on loan for the second half of the campaign.

Bent explained that Fulham and Derby would be perfect for Clarke, particularly the Rams as the 19-year-old winger could learn from Wayne Rooney at the club.

When asked if Clarke would fare better at Fulham, Derby or Middlesbrough, Bent told Football Insider: "I think Fulham and Derby would be good shouts, maybe not Boro because they are struggling a bit.

"Fulham or Derby would be perfect, I know Derby really well and Fulham to be fair, Derby more so as he'll get opportunities there.

"The facilities at Derby are brilliant, the training ground, everything they've got going on down there is great.

"Rooney has gone in there now so that will help him, so yeah Derby for me would be a great shout.

"Him staying at Leeds this season hasn't worked out, we expected so much from him considering we saw him step in last season."

Tottenham signed Clarke in the summer from Leeds before instantly loaning him back to Marcelo Bielsa's side, but he has only played three times.

In his 2018/19 campaign, the teenager racked up two goals and two assists in the 25 appearances he made for the Whites.



https://www.footballinsider247.com/exclusive-darren-bent-urges-in-demand-leeds-united-player-to-switch-to-perfect-rival-club-in-january/

[WhiteJC]