Wednesday Fulham Stuff - 08/01/20...

[WhiteJC]

'Has to be us' – These Fulham fans can't believe their misfortune over recent news

Fulham have been drawn to face Manchester City in the fourth round of the FA Cup and will travel to the Etihad in late January.

They will face the Champions of England in their own backyard where they will go up against some of the best players in the world as they look to progress to the 5th round.

The Cottagers managed to beat Premier League side Aston Villa in the 3rd round, whilst Manchester City smashed Port Vale.

The tie does offer an opportunity for Scott Parker's side to try and add themselves to a long list of giant killings that have occurred over the years. Pitting his wits against Pep Guardiola will be a challenge to relish as he hopes to find confidence and take Fulham back to the Premier League.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/has-to-be-us-these-fulham-fans-cant-believe-their-misfortune-over-recent-news/

[WhiteJC]

in memoriam

Ahead of this weekend' Sky Bet Championship home fixture with Fulham, we will be taking a moment to reflect and remember all those members of the Hull City family that we have sadly lost over the last 12 months.

As has become customary before our first home league fixture of a new year, a minute's applause will be held ahead of kick-off as we remember fans, former players, friends and loved ones that are no longer with us.

We're inviting supporters to send in the names of people that they would like to be remembered to feature on our Big Screens during the minute's applause. Having had such an overwhelming response in previous years, please note that, due to capacity, we are unable to display images on this occasion.

If you would like the name of a loved one of friend to be included, please email it through to [email protected] by no later than 5pm on Thursday 9th January.

On behalf of everybody at Hull City, we pass on our sincere condolences for your loss.



https://www.hullcitytigers.com/remember-lost-loved-ones-friends-at-home-fixture-vs-fulham-2/

[WhiteJC]

2 transfer mistakes that Fulham must avoid this month

Fulham will have entered the January transfer window knowing that it might well prove decisivie in where they end up in the Championship come May.

As things stand, with just over half the league's matches now played, the Whites sit in fifth place but a whopping ten points off the automatic promotion places, and just two clear in the play-offs.

It has been a mixed season so far with the star-studded first-team blowing hot and cold in frustrating patches.

But with the window now open, the opportunity is there to address those issues.

Here, though, we take a look at TWO mistakes Scott Parker and co must avoid making this month...

Consider big-name offers
There have been whispers leading into this window that Premier League side Aston Villa may try and poach star-striker Aleksandar Mitrovic from them.

Even considering these offers would be a huge mistake. Whilst Villa would have to pay a huge amount to take him in January anyway, making yourself open to approaches sends the wrong message straight away.

With the Serbian, promotion remains a possibility. Without him, they might as well give up now.

It was an understandable tactic in the summer, bring in the likes of Knockaert, Decordova-Reid and Cavaleiro in the hope of making an immediate and comfortable return to the Premier League.

But the club now have to be smart, and accept that may not be the outcome. Therefore bringing in more loan players in January will only harm them next season.

Now is the time to be clever and sign players permanently who could play a part throughout next season in the Championship.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/2-transfer-mistakes-that-fulham-must-avoid-this-month/

[WhiteJC]

Bettinelli considering Fulham exit after Parker's FA Cup snub

Long-time Fulham goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli will seek a move away from his boyhood club after manager Scott Parker snubbed the stopper in their high-profile FA Cup clash with Aston Villa, according to a report.

The 27-year-old has spent his entire professional career on the books of the Craven Cottage club, but has had to remain patient in the quest to become the number one between the sticks.

The stopper began the season as first-choice with the gloves, but manager Scott Parker began to favour Slovakian Marek Rodák in the Championship as their promotion push hit a crucial period.

The 23-year-old's extended run of starts in the league led to speculation Bettinelli would be recalled in the usual vein of goalkeeper rotation for the domestic cups, but a recall was not forthcoming.

That latest snub is seemingly the last straw for for the former England under-21 international, with online publication FootballLeagueWorld reporting the stopper is now looking for a way out of the club.

The report states 'a source close to the player has confirmed to the Football League World Chief Editor' of his desire to leave.

The article continues: 'Scott Parker now has a decision on whether he keeps the shot stopper around to sit on the bench or whether he allows him to depart and be a regular at another club elsewhere.'

Despite his inconsistent game-time throughout the majority of his career, at 27 years of age, there is expected to be strong interest in the keeper from a number of EFL clubs.



https://www.teamtalk.com/news/bettinelli-considering-fulham-exit-after-parkers-fa-cup-snub

[WhiteJC]

Ligue 1 Giants Show Interest In On-Loan Fulham Midfielder

On-loan Fulham midfielder Jean Michael Seri has emerged as a potential target for Ligue 1 giants Lyon in the winter transfer window.

Seri joined Turkish giants Galatasaray last summer on loan from Fulham, with the club reserving an option to make the move permanent at the end of the season. 

The 28-year-old has struggled to settle down at Galatasaray this season and has made just six starts in the league for the club thus far.

The midfielder is believed to be keen on leaving the Turkish giants this month and according to French sports daily L'Equipe, Lyon are interested in signing the player in the coming weeks.

The Ligue 1 giants are planning to add to their midfield in January and Seri has emerged as a potential option for the club.

The former Nice midfielder's experience in the French top tier is a major reason behind the club's interest in him.

Fulham are prepared to let him go and he could join Lyon if they offer a fee of around €18m.

But Galatasaray are not in the mood to let him leave and want to hold on to him until the end of the season.



Read more: http://www.insidefutbol.com/2020/01/07/ligue-1-giants-show-interest-in-on-loan-fulham-midfielder/447724/#ixzz6AQVOnaJb

[WhiteJC]

Newcastle United linked with SHOCK move for former Liverpool & Fulham forward
Newcastle United are reportedly in talks to sign Netherlands international forward Ryan Babel this month.

According to Eurosport, United and Dutch giants Ajax are in discussions with current club Galatasaray as the Turkish outfit look to slash Babel's wages off their books in January.

Babel spent the back end of last season at Fulham, where he scored five in 13.

The winger was previously a Rafa Benitez signing at Liverpool, and was linked with a move for Babel prior to his Craven Cottage arrival.



https://www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/football/newcastle-united/newcastle-united-linked-shock-move-former-liverpool-fulham-forward-1357388

[WhiteJC]

Ipswich Town's Flynn Downes reacts when asked about transfer interest as Fulham circle

Ipswich Town midfielder Flynn Downes has suggested that he is concentrating on helping the Tractor Boys get back on track and secure promotion this season, but that he has ambitions of playing at the highest level amid transfer speculation.

Downes has established himself as a vital part of Paul Lambert's starting line-up so far this campaign, with the 20-year-old making 18 appearances in League One so far in which he has scored one goal and provided one assist – and the midfielder's quality in possession has helped Ipswich dictate the tempo of matches.

The midfielder was instrumental in helping Ipswich get off to a strong start to the season, with the Tractor Boys winning ten of their opening 15 games in the league, but Lambert's side are now suffering a real dip in from having gone eight League One games without a win.

Downes' form has seen him linked with a potential move to Championship side Fulham, and although Ipswich will be eager to hold onto him this month, they may be forced to sell him on were they to be offered a sizeable fee this month.

Speaking to Ipswich's official club website, Downes has suggested that he is fully focused on helping the club re-find their form, but that he is also aiming to make it to the Premier League in the future, saying: "I've heard the stuff that's been mentioned but I don't really take any notice of it.

"Speculation is all part of the game and while it's nice to hear and gives the confidence a bit of a boost, I don't take much interest in it.

"One day I'd love to play in the Premier League but every player will tell you that. It's been my dream since I was a kid but I'm not getting ahead of myself.

"The only thing that I'm concerned about now is getting back to winning ways here and helping the boys get promoted."

The Verdict

Downes undoubtedly has the potential to perform at a much higher level than League One, and he is starting to show signs of developing the majority needed alongside his technical qualities to play in the Championship and Premier League.

Lambert has managed the midfielder well so far this campaign, giving him a rest at times for games in the cup competitions and giving him the freedom to show his ability on the ball in midfield, and he has rewarded that by delivering strong performances consistently so far this term.

Given Ipswich's recent dip in form has made their prospects of securing promotion a little less likely than they were two months ago, the club could be tempted to sell Downes this month if they were to be offered a large transfer fee for the midfielder, but these latest comments suggest he certainly is not trying to force a move.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/ipswich-towns-flynn-downes-reacts-when-asked-about-transfer-interest-as-fulham-circle/

[WhiteJC]

A blunt edge for Fulham: What is Kostas Mitroglou up to these days?

Kostas Mitroglou is a name that will resonate with Fulham fans, but for all the wrong reasons.

Craven Cottage's original 'Mitro' signed for Fulham in January 2014.

Then-boss Rene Muelensteen fought hard to bring the big Greek forward in from Olympiacos, where he'd scored 81 goals in 183 games, won six domestic titles in seven seasons and been named Greek Footballer of the Year for the 2011/12 season.

Expectations were high for Fulham's most expensive player of the time, but things really didn't work out for Mitroglou in England.

He was tasked with keeping Fulham in the Premier League but the £12 million man made only three appearances for the club and with no goals, as Fulham were relegated to the Championship – that's £4 million per appearance.

Fitness and injuries blighted his spell in Fulham, and he joined Benfica on-loan the next season in the hope that Fulham would be promoted straight back to the Premier League.

They were not, and Mitroglou signed permanently for Benfica – in two seasons at the Portuguese club, he scored 52 goals and won four domestic titles.

In August 2017 he moved to France, where Marseille signed him for around £15 million. He posted a return of 13 in 30 games in all competitions in his first season, but was sent out on-loan midway through his second, arriving at Galatasaray.

That was last season and having been unimpressive in Turkey, the now 31-year-old joined PSV on-loan for the entirety of this season.

He's scored three goals for the Dutch side so far but has again fallen fate to injuries – a hugely decorated, and respected striker in Europe, but there'll only ever be one 'Mitro' in Fulham.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/a-blunt-edge-for-fulham-what-is-kostas-mitroglou-up-to-these-days/

[WhiteJC]

Marcus Bettinelli Deserves More From Parker At Fulham As He Gets Overlooked In FA Cup Tie Against Villa

Soccer managers bang on these days about the lack of loyalty shown by professional players.

Here at Fulham FC, we have a shining example of loyalty to one club. Marcus Bettinelli came through the ranks at Craven Cottage starting as a youth player. He has only been with Fulham, and now at the age of 27, must feel his chances of first-team football at his club virtually zero, unless the club's new number one Rodak suffers an injury.

Most bosses would have given their second keeper a game in the FA Cup, but Fulham manager Scott Parker must have been worried about yet another defeat and chose to stick with Rodak.

Admittedly the young Rodak has done extremely well when given his chance, and for now, will be the club's number one. Bettinelli on the other hand, a former England U21 International, is a good keeper. His shot-stopping is superb, but with Parker's insistence on possession, sometimes his passing abilities have let him down. Yet, if players sit too many games keeping the bench warm, there comes a time when they believe that there must be other clubs that would need their services.

I personally hope that Bettinelli gets another chance to prove himself at Fulham, as goalkeepers of his quality are hard to find, especially those that are so loyal to one club. Hopefully, as with Kamara and McDonald, Tony Khan admirably awarded them both new contracts, he does the same with Marcus, to prove the club still wants him. He thoroughly deserves that at the least.



https://fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/marcus-bettinelli-deserves-more-from-parker-at-fulham-as-he-gets-overlooked-in-fa-cup-tie-against-villa/

[WhiteJC]

Cavaleiro Made Permanent

The Club is pleased to confirm that the permanent registration of Ivan Cavaleiro as a Fulham player has been completed.

Cavaleiro will remain at Craven Cottage until the summer of 2024, with a Club option to extend the deal by a further year.

The winger has been an integral part of Scott Parker's side in the first half of the season.

Tony Khan commented:

'Since joining us in the summer Ivan has shown real quality and I know there's much more to come. He is an extremely gifted player, already registering five goals and six assists, he's been outstanding for us so far. He has the ability to make a difference in a game so I am excited that he's a Fulham player until at least 2024. I worked hard to get him here and I know Ivan has a big part to play in the journey ahead to get us back to where we want to be, in the Premier League. Come on Fulham!'



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/january/07/ivan-cavaleiro-made-permanent

[WhiteJC]

Cavaleiro joins Fulham permanently

Fulham have signed Ivan Cavaleiro permanently for an undisclosed fee.

The Portuguese international has spent the first half of the campaign on loan with the Cottagers, who have now triggered their option in the deal.

In his three seasons at Molineux, Cavaleiro scored 19 times in 106 appearances, and helped the club to promotion to the Premier League in 2018.

Everyone at Wolves would like to wish Ivan the best of luck for the future.




https://www.wolves.co.uk/news/first-team/20200107-cavaleiro-joins-fulham-permanently/

[WhiteJC]

Ivan Cavaleiro: Fulham sign Portuguese winger from Wolves following loan spell

Ivan Cavaleiro most recently played for Fulham in their 2-1 FA Cup win against Premier League side Aston Villa on Saturday

Fulham have signed winger Ivan Cavaleiro from Premier League side Wolves on a four-and-a-half-year deal.

The club brought in the Portuguese 26-year-old last summer on a season-long loan, with an option to buy at the end of the campaign.

However, after five goals in 26 appearances, Cavaleiro has now made a permanent move for an undisclosed fee.

Vice-chairman Tony Khan said: "Since joining us, Ivan has shown real quality and I know there's much more to come."

He continued: "He's been outstanding for us so far. He has the ability to make a difference in a game so I am excited that he's a Fulham player until at least 2024.

"I worked hard to get him here and I know Ivan has a big part to play in the journey ahead to get us back to where we want to be, in the Premier League."

Cavaleiro was a member of the Wolves squad which won promotion to the Premier League in the same season as Fulham in 2017-18, and helped Wanderers to a seventh-placed finish in the top flight last term.

Fulham now also hold the option to extend the Portugal international's contract, which will run until the summer of 2024, by a further year.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51023401

[WhiteJC]

Ivan Cavaleiro: Fulham sign Wolves winger on permanent deal after successful loan

Fulham have exercised their option to buy winger Ivan Cavaleiro and he has signed a deal running until the summer of 2024.

The Wolves loanee has been an integral part of Scott Parker's squad this season, scoring five goals in his 26 appearances since coming to the club over the summer.

Fulham's vice chairman Tony Khan said: "Since joining us in the summer Ivan has shown real quality and I know there's much more to come.

"He is an extremely gifted player, already registering five goals and six assists, he's been outstanding for us so far. He has the ability to make a difference in a game so I am excited that he's a Fulham player until at least 2024.

"I worked hard to get him here and I know Ivan has a big part to play in the journey ahead to get us back to where we want to be, in the Premier League."



https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/11903196/ivan-cavaleiro-fulham-sign-wolves-winger-on-permanent-deal-after-successful-loan

[WhiteJC]

Fulham confirm permanent signing of Cavaleiro from Wolves

Fulham have confirmed the permanent signing of Ivan Cavaleiro from Wolves.

The winger moved to Craven Cottage in the summer on loan with a view to a permanent move and Fulham have taken up their option to sign him.

He has signed a contract until the summer of 2024 with the option of a permanent deal.

"Since joining us in the summer Ivan has shown real quality and I know there's much more to come," said Fulham chairman Tony Khan.

"He is an extremely gifted player, already registering five goals and six assists. He's been outstanding for us so far."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-confirm-permanent-signing-of-cavaleiro-from-wolves

[WhiteJC]

Fulham sign winger Ivan Cavaleiro from Premier League side Wolves on a four-and-a-half-year deal

    He was part of the Wolves squad which won promotion to the Premier League
    Fulham brought in the 26-year-old winger last summer on a season-long loan
    Cavaleiro has now made a permanent move to Fulham for an undisclosed fee

Fulham have completed the permanent signing of winger Ivan Cavaleiro from Wolves.

Cavaleiro, 26, who joined Fulham on a season-long loan in July, has agreed a four-and-a-half-year contract with the Londoners.

The Cottagers said on their official website: 'The club is pleased to confirm that the permanent registration of Ivan Cavaleiro as a Fulham player has been completed.


Fulham have signed winger Ivan Cavaleiro from Wolves on a four-and-a-half-year deal

'Cavaleiro will remain at Craven Cottage until the summer of 2024, with a club option to extend the deal by a further year.'

The Portuguese has scored five goals and registered six assists in 23 Sky Bet Championship appearances for Scott Parker's side this season.

Cavaleiro joined Wolves from Monaco for £7million, then a club record, in 2016.


Cavaleiro has joined Fulham for an undisclosed fee after scoring five goals in 26 appearances



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-7861633/Fulham-sign-winger-Ivan-Cavaleiro-Premier-League-Wolves-four-half-year-deal.html

[WhiteJC]

Close That Gap – Fulham Legend Wants Leeds United and West Brom Reeling In

Fulham legend Tony Gale has urged the Cottagers to close the gap on the Championship's top two Leeds United and West Brom, not letting the pair pull further away to nail down the automatic promotion spots.

Scott Parker's men have had a decent Championship campaign so far as they sit fifth in the table and inside the playoff spots.   

While Fulham great Gale is confident that Parker's side will finish in the top six and participate in the playoffs, he has urged them to set their eyes on reeling in the top two and earning automatic promotion to the Premier League.

The 60-year-old wants the Cottagers to close the gap on Leeds and West Brom, who currently occupy the top two spots and are ten points above them.

With automatic promotion in mind, Gale believes Fulham will have to string a good run together and play with more intensity to achieve their goals this term.

"We need to close that gap", Gale wrote in his column on Fulham's official site.

"I don't like forecasting but I think we're certainties for at least the playoffs.

"But we've got to aim for the stars and try and go up automatically.

"We've put impressive runs together in the past and that's what we've got to do again now in these second half of the season.

"After Christmas is when we tend to play with a little bit more intensity, and that is what we're going to need in our play if we are to reach our ambitions."

Fulham will face Leeds in March and West Brom in April and the two games could prove to be crucial for the Cottagers.



Read more: http://www.insidefutbol.com/2020/01/07/close-that-gap-fulham-legend-wants-leeds-united-and-west-brom-reeling-in/447791/#ixzz6AQYf1aga

[WhiteJC]

Fulham confirm permanent deal for reported summer Derby County target Ivan Cavaleiro

Fulham have confirmed on their official website they have signed reported Derby County summer target Ivan Cavaleiro on a permanent deal from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Cavaleiro joins the Cottagers on deal until 2024 with the option of another year.

The winger has bags of ability, and Fulham reportedly faced competition for his signature.

According to Wolves Bite, Derby tried to sign him in the summer with Wolves happy to let the £7 million rated winger leave after falling out of favour with the Premier League club.

Cavaleiro helped Wolves to promotion in 2017-18 but struggled for game-time last season.

Derby were on the lookout for a new wide player to replace Harry Wilson last summer. Wilson, who joined the Rams on loan from Liverpool, scored 18 goals last term.

Cavaleiro would have been a decent replacement. However, the Portuguese wide man instead opted to join Fulham originally on loan, linking up with Aleksandar Mitrovic, Anthony Knockaert and Bobby Reid in what many regard as the Championship's most feared attack.

The 26-year-old has posted five goals and six assists for Fulham so far. He showed Derby exactly what they are missing with a fine assist in the 3-0 win over the Rams in November.

Missing out on Cavaleiro summed up Derby's summer recruitment.

Derby left it late following the arrival of manager Phillip Cocu, and only managed to bring in Jamie Paterson on loan from Bristol City to bolster their wide options.

Paterson, however, has since returned to City after making just five starts for Derby.

Fulham will hope Cavaleiro can continue his fine form. While the top two look out of reach, the West London club still have everything to play for and would be favourites in the playoffs.



https://www.derbycounty.news/transfers/fulham-confirm-permanent-deal-for-reported-summer-derby-county-target-ivan-cavaleiro/

[WhiteJC]

Wolves bank club record £15m fee for the sale of Cavaleiro to Fulham

Wolves have banked a club record sale of £15m after Fulham decided to turn Ivan Cavaleiro's loan into a permanent move.

Cavaleiro was due to be at the Championship club all season with a view to a permanent move in the summer, but the West London outfit have decided to trigger the option six months early.

The 26-year-old Portugal international has now agreed a four-and-a-half year contract to 2024, with the Cottagers having a further 12-month option in their favour.

Cavaleiro has been an integral part of the Fulham team in the first half of the season, scoring five goals and providing six assists in 25 League appearances, missing just one game, to help Scott Parker's side to fifth in the table.

The deal appears to represent excellent business for Wolves, who have more than doubled their money on the forward, who arrived as a then club record signing for £7m from Monaco in August 2016.

The fee from Fulham eclipses the previous record of an initial £12m rising to £14m from Sunderland for Steven Fletcher in August 2012, and matches the £15m agreed with Leeds for the sale of Helder Costa next summer.

In three seasons at Molineux, Cavaleiro scored 19 times in 106 games, and helped Wolves win the Championship title in 2017-18.

Wolves said in a statement on their official website: "Everyone at Wolves would like to wish Ivan the best of luck for the future."

Fulham co-owner and sporting director Tony Khan said: "Since joining us in the summer Ivan has shown real quality and I know there's much more to come.

"He is an extremely gifted player, already registering five goals and six assists, so he's been outstanding for us so far.

"He has the ability to make a difference in a game so I am excited he's a Fulham player until at least 2024.

"I worked hard to get him here and I know Ivan has a big part to play in the journey ahead to get us back to where we want to be, in the Premier League."

Khan also tweeted: "I'm thrilled Ivan will be at FFC for years to come; he's been great for us since he arrived!

"I hung around Wolves boardroom for hours after our loss trying to put together a deal for Ivan & now I believe we'll see much more from @ivancavaleiro17 in a Fulham shirt!"



https://www.wolvesbite.com/2020/01/wolves-bank-club-record-15m-fee-for-the-sale-of-cavaleiro-to-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

Are Fulham fans are better off in the Championship?

Many football supporters have directed their ire at the EFL in recent times. After the plight of clubs like Bury and Bolton, it's perhaps understandable. They have been let down by an organization which should work to support them. However, where I'm are concerned, life in the Championship trumps the Premier League every time.

In his debut article for Fulhamish, Marco De Novelis compares life in the Premier League against life in the Championship.

It's another cold away day up north. The Euston forecourt hums with the murmuring of a hundred or so Fulham fans. Boarding the train, there are the young VK drinkers, the tweeters, the sniffers, the away day sleepers, and some idiot in fancy dress.

This is Fulham away in the Championship. Fulham at Barnsley; Burton; Sheffield; Stoke. Trips to small industrial towns, cheap pubs, and watered-down lager. This is the romance that the Premier League has left behind.

15.09.2018
On September 15th 2018, I turned my back on the Premier League. It was Manchester City away. The weather was typically dreary. The locals were typically dreary. The ground wasn't anywhere near the train station.

We arrived at the garish plastic structure for kick off. We passed by the airport-style security and the half-and-half scarves. Two minutes in we were one-nil down. Sané goal; Fernandinho got the assist.

For 88 minutes (plus stoppage time), we watched City's 28 shots, 736 passes, and 65% possession. We watched City fans wavin their plastic flags, whilst watching the game through their mobiles phones. At half time, I had a Carlsberg in a plastic cup.

In the 2018-19 Premier League season, our £100 million team mustered seven wins, five draws, and 26 losses. We conceded 81 goals. André Schürrle played 27 times.

We were relegated, disgraced, and humiliated, but—for myself and a few others I'm sure—returning to the Championship was a welcome consolation.

Championship > Premiership
In the Championship, there's a connection between football club and fan that you just don't get in the Premier League. The club needs us more; they can't rely on a passing tourist trade.

There are more players we can identify with. Home-grown Fulham youth players—Bettinelli, Sessegnon, and Rodák—get their chance. Gone are the days of the travelling journeymen: Simon Elliot; Derek Boateng; William Kvist.

There's not the same level of media coverage in the Championship. Avoiding Gary Lineker's sneering gaze on Match of the Day means the embarrassment of a loss is contained. You go again midweek.

Every season, you get six new teams to play; six new grounds to travel to. Who can forget those away wins at Newcastle in 2016-17 or Millwall in 2017-18; or Fofana scoring a last minute goal at Huddersfield; or Popworld in Swansea.

I have had more enjoyment as an away supporter in the Championship—even under Kit Symons—than in the 14 years we've played in the Prem.

No Ambition?
Yes, as a Premier League club, we got to the Europa League final. Yes, we beat Chelsea; we stayed up at Portsmouth in the sun; we bested in Basel in the snow. Papa Bouba Diop danced a little jig in front of the cottage and there was a massive ruck at Juve. There were good times, for sure.

However, there's a counterargument here. What if Mitro leaves? What if the money goes? Who's going to fill the new Riverside stand? Where's my ambition, Mark Hughes?

But take a step back. Think about your life as a Premier League Fulham supporter; striving for that impossible dream; destined never to win it; knowing sixth is the best you can hope for; but eternally struggling to compete while all around you things change...

Tourists take over the Hammersmith; there are home fans in Fulham away ends. Tony Khan hosts Thursday night wrestling at the Cottage; Shahid sips espresso martini's in the Riverside's rooftop bar.

Think about West Ham in the London Stadium. Think about Arsenal Fan TV.

Why not go for something we as fans enjoy; where you can go on a 23-game unbeaten run; where you can visit towns with historic stadiums and working men's clubs and friendly Yorkshiremen. "Fulham?" they say. "Ah, we like Fulham."

Why not settle for a league which is home to Marcelo Bielsa, Wayne Rooney, and AK47. Why not settle for a league system that's still less polluted by TV money and half-and-half scarves.

Leicester City is not going to happen again. So, don't hate the Championship. Love it, savour it, because it's probably the best we'll ever have.

The trick for Fulham this year is to do just well enough to ensure an entertaining season and just badly enough to avoid promotion. In Scott Parker, I think we've found the perfect man.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2020-01-08-are-fulham-fans-are-better-off-in-the-championship/

[hovewhite]

Are Fulham fans are better off in the Championship?

Many football supporters have directed their ire at the EFL in recent times. After the plight of clubs like Bury and Bolton, it's perhaps understandable. They have been let down by an organization which should work to support them. However, where I'm are concerned, life in the Championship trumps the Premier League every time.

In his debut article for Fulhamish, Marco De Novelis compares life in the Premier League against life in the Championship.

It's another cold away day up north. The Euston forecourt hums with the murmuring of a hundred or so Fulham fans. Boarding the train, there are the young VK drinkers, the tweeters, the sniffers, the away day sleepers, and some idiot in fancy dress.

This is Fulham away in the Championship. Fulham at Barnsley; Burton; Sheffield; Stoke. Trips to small industrial towns, cheap pubs, and watered-down lager. This is the romance that the Premier League has left behind.

15.09.2018
On September 15th 2018, I turned my back on the Premier League. It was Manchester City away. The weather was typically dreary. The locals were typically dreary. The ground wasn't anywhere near the train station.

We arrived at the garish plastic structure for kick off. We passed by the airport-style security and the half-and-half scarves. Two minutes in we were one-nil down. Sané goal; Fernandinho got the assist.

For 88 minutes (plus stoppage time), we watched City's 28 shots, 736 passes, and 65% possession. We watched City fans wavin their plastic flags, whilst watching the game through their mobiles phones. At half time, I had a Carlsberg in a plastic cup.

In the 2018-19 Premier League season, our £100 million team mustered seven wins, five draws, and 26 losses. We conceded 81 goals. André Schürrle played 27 times.

We were relegated, disgraced, and humiliated, but—for myself and a few others I'm sure—returning to the Championship was a welcome consolation.

Championship > Premiership
In the Championship, there's a connection between football club and fan that you just don't get in the Premier League. The club needs us more; they can't rely on a passing tourist trade.

There are more players we can identify with. Home-grown Fulham youth players—Bettinelli, Sessegnon, and Rodák—get their chance. Gone are the days of the travelling journeymen: Simon Elliot; Derek Boateng; William Kvist.

There's not the same level of media coverage in the Championship. Avoiding Gary Lineker's sneering gaze on Match of the Day means the embarrassment of a loss is contained. You go again midweek.

Every season, you get six new teams to play; six new grounds to travel to. Who can forget those away wins at Newcastle in 2016-17 or Millwall in 2017-18; or Fofana scoring a last minute goal at Huddersfield; or Popworld in Swansea.

I have had more enjoyment as an away supporter in the Championship—even under Kit Symons—than in the 14 years we've played in the Prem.

No Ambition?
Yes, as a Premier League club, we got to the Europa League final. Yes, we beat Chelsea; we stayed up at Portsmouth in the sun; we bested in Basel in the snow. Papa Bouba Diop danced a little jig in front of the cottage and there was a massive ruck at Juve. There were good times, for sure.

However, there's a counterargument here. What if Mitro leaves? What if the money goes? Who's going to fill the new Riverside stand? Where's my ambition, Mark Hughes?

But take a step back. Think about your life as a Premier League Fulham supporter; striving for that impossible dream; destined never to win it; knowing sixth is the best you can hope for; but eternally struggling to compete while all around you things change...

Tourists take over the Hammersmith; there are home fans in Fulham away ends. Tony Khan hosts Thursday night wrestling at the Cottage; Shahid sips espresso martini's in the Riverside's rooftop bar.

Think about West Ham in the London Stadium. Think about Arsenal Fan TV.

Why not go for something we as fans enjoy; where you can go on a 23-game unbeaten run; where you can visit towns with historic stadiums and working men's clubs and friendly Yorkshiremen. "Fulham?" they say. "Ah, we like Fulham."

Why not settle for a league which is home to Marcelo Bielsa, Wayne Rooney, and AK47. Why not settle for a league system that's still less polluted by TV money and half-and-half scarves.

Leicester City is not going to happen again. So, don't hate the Championship. Love it, savour it, because it's probably the best we'll ever have.

The trick for Fulham this year is to do just well enough to ensure an entertaining season and just badly enough to avoid promotion. In Scott Parker, I think we've found the perfect man.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2020-01-08-are-fulham-fans-are-better-off-in-the-championship/

great article,agree 100%