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Saturday Fulham Stuff - 15/02/20...

Started by WhiteJC, February 14, 2020, 11:29:58 AM

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WhiteJC

Results


Friday
Hull
4-4
Swansea

WhiteJC

The fight to join the Premier League heavyweights is wildest in years. We break down the Championship contenders


Who will lead their side to promotion?

Landscapes can change quickly in football and none change faster than the English Championship. The 46-game season - plus playoffs for those that qualify - makes for a gruelling season with games coming thick and fast. The evenness of the competition means that teams can lose 25 per cent of their season games and still never really be out of the race for promotion.

By the end of the 2018-19 season, Sheffield United and Middlesbrough both conceded fewer goals than any other side in the Championship. The former gained automatic promotion, the latter narrowly missed playoffs. Leeds United, who were anchored in the top two for most the season lost on the final day of the season to Ipswich Town who finished bottom and were relegated to League 1 while Stoke City finished their season with 22 draws and Brentford, despite scoring a whopping 72 goals, could only manage eleventh.

As it stands with the final third of the current 2019-20 season left to play out, only nine points separate the top seven teams in a fight for automatic promotion. For the four that miss the top two, the theatre and sudden death of playoffs make for gripping, edge-of-your-seat viewing for neutral fans, but for diehards - whose teams are vying for the third promotion spot - the unpredictability strikes fear and loathing into supporters; the league's unpredictability is a nervy time for fans.

The narrative as the league entered the all-important Christmas period had West Brom and Leeds United locked away in the top two, all but seemingly bound for automatic promotion come the first week of May, respectively sitting 11 and 10 points clear of the playoff pack on Christmas Day. As is often considered, the teams who occupy the top two positions on Christmas Day are ultimately the duo who win promotion and as 2019 rolled into 2020, true to form, the unpredictability of the league caused a chaotic start to the new year.

For Leeds, perhaps they took the festive period a little too literally. Marco Bielsa's side have mustered just nine points from the 30 on offer from their last 10 games. To say their fans would be experiencing a bout of Deja Vu would be an understatement for the Whites who sensationally blew their promotion hopes this time last season. They've faced a gruelling schedule over the last month, but their recent match-up against fellow promotion hopefuls Brentford has Leeds fans feeling confident their form slump might be behind them.

Above them, West Brom fell ill after the festival period as well, joining Leeds on shaky ground for a while. Slaven Bilic's men have rallied hard to win their last three matches, putting six points between themselves and second-placed Leeds and Fulham. Having now re-established their momentum, it's in stark contrast to the form they found themselves in by the end of January. From their opening seven games to the new year, Albion were winless in all of them. The Baggies had let slip an 11-point buffer on the league, but have since turned their fortunes around with ruthless defence and class upfront to earn some breathing spacing for now.

Below West Brom and Leeds, there has been consistency from the likes of Fulham, Brentford, Nottingham Forest, Preston and Bristol. It's one thing for the table-toppers to start dropping games, but it's another for the group below them to capitalise on wins to close the gap in a bid to push for the enviable first and second positions and that's exactly what they've done.

The aforementioned five have been consistent and put themselves in the contest for the top two, but the next set of fixtures are going to be pivotal to each club's chances of returning to the top flight.

With the Premier League season all but wrapped up by Boxing Day with Liverpool streaking away from the rest of the competition and the battle for top four also seemingly done, the Championship race remains wide open with 14 games to come. The fortunes of these eight clubs are far from predictable and the rollercoaster of the Championship will undoubtedly have a few twists and turns left before fans of these seven teams can safely disembark.



https://www.foxsports.com.au/football/premier-league/epl-premier-league-championship-leeds-united-west-brom-fulham-table-promotion-fixtures-results-points-play-offs/news-story/277c181720e94a47db7c2a01027abb60

WhiteJC

 Super 6: Home Comfort for Cottagers?
Leeds vs Bristol City; Fulham vs Barnsley; Birmingham vs Brentford; Middlesbrough vs Luton; Derby vs Huddersfield; Preston vs Millwall

Phil Thompson has made his Super 6 selections for Saturday's Championship games. Predict all six scorelines to win £250,000...

Thommo is expecting Leeds to get back on track and Fulham to cement their promotion charge, but who else is he backing and what are you tipping in the free-to-play game? There's £250,000 for the taking so get your scores in now!

Leeds 2-1 Bristol City (15/2 with Sky Bet)
It was always going to be a tricky one at Brentford. Not only did Leeds get a point, it was a big confidence booster. They had chances to win it, as well as seeing a lot of the ball, but coming through that unscathed will have done them some good. Bristol City are a strange side. They have been on a run as of late but do show some inconsistencies, like the loss at home to Birmingham. It will be a big game, but I am expecting Leeds to kick on. They will be feeling good after the Brentford game.

Bristol City moved within three points of the automatic promotion places, and their opponents on Saturday, with a 3-2 win against Derby on Wednesday. Only seven per cent of Super 6 players are backing Lee Johnson's side to leave Elland Road with three points.

Fulham 3-0 Barnsley (11/1 with Sky Bet)
I watched the Fulham game against Blackburn. It was not great, they do not look as though they will score a bag of goals, despite having one of the most prolific strikers in the EFL Championship in Aleksandar Mitrovic. That being said, it will be a comfortable win. I also think they will score a fair amount in this one against a struggling Barnsley side.

A staggering 40.4 per cent of Super 6 players have backed a 2-0 Fulham win in Saturday's round, while 93 per cent are expecting the hosts to pick up three points. What score will take your fancy, with £250k at stake?

Birmingham 1-1 Brentford (5/1 with Sky Bet)
Birmingham are doing well at the minute. It is a tough one for Brentford as the hosts are on a fine run. It can be a difficult place to go, especially if they are full of confidence. Brentford, after the draw with Leeds, may have lost some of their confidence. They went in flying and expecting to win, but came away with a 1-1 draw, which was a struggle in itself. I think this will be the same outcome here.

A quarter of Super 6 players have agreed with Thommo and are predicting a 1-1 draw at St Andrew's, but could high-flying Brentford turn it on and claim the victory? A healthy 48 per cent of entrants think so.

Middlesbrough 1-0 Luton (6/1 with Sky Bet)
I still think there is something about Middlesbrough. I feel that Jonathan Woodgate is slowly turning them into a decent team. With the home advantage, it will be too tough for Luton. They earned a great result against Sheffield Wednesday but their form has been horrendous, reflected in their league position.

An impressive win against Sheffield Wednesday left Luton seven points adrift of safety. A mere four per cent of Super 6 competitors are backing them to make it two on the spin at Middlesbrough. Will you too go against the grain, with £250k up for grabs?

Derby 3-0 Huddersfield (18/1 with Sky Bet)
Both teams need a win to boost the morale, and desperately so. I do not know what to make of Derby at the moment. Their results have fluctuated, with the 3-2 win at Swansea followed by a 3-2 loss at Bristol City. You do not know what you will get with them. Huddersfield are so hit-and-miss, showing little consistency which has made up the story of their campaign. Derby should be looking at this to get back on track.

Derby suffered a blow to Bristol City on Wednesday, yet 83 per cent of Super 6 players are hoping that they compound more misery on Huddersfield, who hang just five points above the relegation zone.

Preston 2-0 Millwall (8/1 with Sky Bet)
I think Preston are playing superbly at the minute. They would give anyone a game the way they have been performing. They went to Wigan and got the result, followed by a fine display at Stoke, two places where it is difficult to pick up results. Millwall will always cause trouble and this will be a stern test, but Preston are flying and will do the job again here.



https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/11933095/super-6-home-comfort-for-cottagers


WhiteJC

The likely Fulham XI Parker is set to field v Barnsley this weekend

Fulham host Barnsley in the Championship tomorrow.

The league's bottom-club will head to Craven Cottage to face the league's 3rd-place club, who'll be hoping to move into the top-two with a win tomorrow.

After a week of away trips, Scott Parker will be gunning for a routine home win against Gerhard Struber's side, who are winless in five in the league and looking set for an immediate return to League One.

With midweek games behind them, Parker may well have a few changes to make to the side that drew 1-1 at Millwall. Here we take a look at the likely starting line-up that Parker will field tomorrow:


Marek Rodak will no doubt keep his spot in-goal, and with Joe Bryan at left-back, and Tim Ream alongside Michael Hector in the middle.

Steven Sessegnon could come in at right-back for Dennis Odoi – the 19-year-old has featured on the bench for the last three games, but could well be given his chance against a struggling Barnsley side.

In what'll likely be a 4-3-3 formation for Fulham, expect Kevin McDonald to return in the middle of that three with Josh Onomah to his right, and Tom Cairney to his left.

Fulham's attacking-three will be looking for a rampant afternoon at the Cottage tomorrow – expect Ivan Cavaleiro to start on the left and Bobby Reid on the right, with Aleksandar Mitrovic in the middle.

The Serb scored his 21st Championship goal of the season against Millwall, and his 32nd for club and country since the start of August.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/the-likely-fulham-xi-parker-is-set-to-field-v-barnsley-this-weekend/

WhiteJC

Fulham v Barnsley
SAT 15 Feb 2020  Championship
Venue: Craven Cottage



Fulham's Aleksandar Mitrovic is the Championship's leading scorer this season with 21 goals

Winger Anthony Knockaert could feature for Fulham against Barnsley at Craven Cottage after missing Wednesday's draw at Millwall because of illness.

Defender Terence Kongolo is out for the rest of the season with a foot problem.

Fulham start level on points with second-placed Leeds, while Barnsley are bottom of the Championship after Luton's win on Wednesday.

Defender Mads Andersen is likely to be rested by boss Gerhard Struber, while goalkeeper Samuel Radlinger is injured.

Barnsley beat Fulham on the opening day of the season at Oakwell, but have won only four of their subsequent 31 Championship matches.

Match facts

    Fulham have won their last three home league games against Barnsley, most recently winning 2-1 in December 2017.
    Barnsley are looking to complete a league double over Fulham for the first time since the 1999-2000 season.
    Fulham have won five of their last six home games in all competitions (L1), winning the last three in a row. They last won four consecutively in March 2018 under Slavisa Jokanovic.
    Barnsley have won one of their last 22 away Championship matches (W1 D4 L17), a 2-1 victory at Millwall in December.
    Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic has scored 10 goals in last 14 home league appearances for the Cottagers.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51423629

WhiteJC

Mike Bähre on Cottagers clash

Midfielder Mike Bähre believes it is only a matter of time before Barnsley start reaping the rewards for their battling displays.

The Reds have been unfortunate in recent weeks and have slumped to the foot of the Sky Bet Championship, but the 24-year-old insists his side have confidence in their own ability to finish outside the bottom three come May.

We didn't have our best game [against Birmingham City]; we weren't worse than the opponent but we didn't get away with our performance," admitted Bähre. "Even the match before [against Sheffield Wednesday], we had a good game but just got the point and it's kind of frustrating – even if we have good matches, we don't get three points.

"I think that, most of the time, we are better than the opponent but, in the end, football is about results – we haven't got results recently, but I'm still confident that our performances are getting better and results will come."


Up next for Barnsley is a tough trip to the capital where high-flying Fulham await, looking to climb into the automatic promotion spots in their bid to make an immediate return to the Premier League.

However, the Reds pulled a rabbit out of the hat on the opening day with a 1-0 victory over Scott Parker's side at Oakwell, and performances against the Championship's better sides have been encouraging this campaign.

"Even before the first match against Fulham, everyone was thinking they were favourites for promotion, but we showed that we can beat them," continued the German. "If you look back on that day, it was a fantastic match and I think that we deserved to win. That showed us that we're good enough to beat Fulham and I think we're able to win on Saturday.

"We're at the bottom of the league; it doesn't look good for us at the moment. But we've proven so many times that we can win games and we're good enough to win games. I know not many people believe in us to stay in the league, but we know we're good enough to play in the Championship and we will fight until the last match."




https://www.barnsleyfc.co.uk/news/2020/february/bahre-pre-fulham/


WhiteJC

3 changes: The Barnsley XI Struber should select against Fulham

Barnsley travel to Fulham on Saturday looking to get back on track following their 1-0 defeat at home to Birmingham City in midweek, which leaves the Tykes nine points adrift of safety in the Championship.

Gerhard Struber's side had managed to end a three-match losing run by holding Sheffield Wednesday to a 1-1 draw last weekend, which had given the Tykes some hope of managing to improve their form and pick up some much-needed results, but they were unable to build on that against Birmingham in midweek.

The defeat means the Tykes have now suffered four defeats in their last five Championship matches, which has seen them lose ground on the teams above them and drop back down to the bottom of the Championship table.

That means that Struber's side will be in real need of ending four-match winless run on their travels against Fulham, as they look to pick up all three points which could potentially see them move off the bottom of the table and close the gap on the teams above, if other results go their way.

Barnsley, though, continue to be frustrated in their attempts to bring in a new defender, with Struber confirming that the Tykes are not close to bringing in a new centre-back.

Considering that Fulham have managed to move themselves on level points with second placed Leeds United after winning four of their last six league matches, it will be a real challenge for the Tykes to come away from Craven Cottage with any sort of positive result, but they did beat Scott Parker's side on the opening day of the campaign.

Here then, we take a look at the starting XI that Struber could select against Fulham on Saturday...


Struber is likely to stick with the same 4-3-1-2 formation that he has used over the last few weeks, and the Barnsley manager could have to make a couple of changes to the side that suffered a defeat against Birmingham, as he looks to freshen up the side to give them more energy on Saturday.

Brad Collins will remain in goal for the Tykes, with Sami Radlinger continuing to be absent through injury alongside midfielder Marcel Ritzmaier, and the keeper will be hoping to build on the two solid performances he has put in in their last two games against Sheffield Wednesday and Birmingham.

Jordan Williams is likely to keep his place down the right-hand side of Barnsley's defence for the trip to Fulham, but Struber could be forced to make a change at left-back with Clarke Oduor having come off the field in the 27th minute of their defeat against Birmingham in midweek, which could mean his replacement in that game Kilian Ludewig could come into the side.

At the heart of Barnsley's defence Struber is likely to stick with Michael Sollbauer, although he could be set to make a change to his partner, with Mads Andersen set to be rested for the game against Fulham, which could mean Aapo Halme comes into the defence.

In the midfield three, Struber could look to start all three of Alex Mowatt, Elliott Simoes and Luke Thomas, with the trio having all started and delivered encouraging performances in the 1-1 draw against Sheffield Wednesday last weekend, although Barnsley did leave out Thomas for Callum Styles against Birmingham.

Playing just behind the front two should be Cauley Woodrow, who continues to be a leading light for the Tykes, having taken his tally of goals up to 11 in the Championship by netting in the 1-1 draw against Sheffield Wednesday, and although he was not on target against Birmingham he should still pose a real threat against his former club on Saturday.

The front two should once again be Jacob Brown and Conor Chaplin, and Barnsley will be needing those two to work hard from the front on the press to try and prevent Fulham from getting into their usual passing rhythm, while they also be hoping to get enough service to make an impact in the final third.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/3-changes-the-barnsley-xi-struber-should-select-against-fulham/

WhiteJC

'He must play' – Plenty of Fulham fans want to see this selection change v Barnsley

Fulham drew 1-1 with Millwall in the Championship on Wednesday night.

Aleksandar Mitrovic looked to have set Fulham on their way to their second away victory in five days when he netted his 21st Championship goal of the season after just three-minutes, but Jon Dadi Bodvarsson scored the equalising goal soon after.

It was a good point at a tough venue in The Den, but Fulham fans felt the game was there for the taking, and one man who succumbed to some online criticism afterwards was Harry Arter.

The Bournemouth man is on a season-long loan at Fulham and has made 15 Championship appearances for Scott Parker's side.

We asked Fulham fans of the Facebook group 'Fulham Die Hard Fan Group' whether they think Arter should be dropped for the game against Barnsley this weekend, and here's what they had to say:

Roger Burbridge: Yes because Kevin Mac has to play.

Adam Steel: Yes not for the way he played, big Kev has made a different for us. He must play.

Maureen Grimwood: Kev's captain abilities are superb.

Donna Paterson: Yes, Kevin Mac in.

Alf Russell: Yes too much of a hot head. K Mac every time.

John Mason: K Mac for me. He and Hector have brought some stability into the defence.

Stephen Murray: Arter at his best is a boss. Unfortunately he isn't so K Mac and Knockaert instead of Onomah please.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/he-must-play-plenty-of-fulham-fans-want-to-see-this-selection-change-v-barnsley/

WhiteJC

PREVIEW: Fulham Vs Barnsley

The inside track on the Reds' latest trip south


Gerhard Struber needs to lift his side and hope for capital gains this weekend as Barnsley head to Fulham - here's your preview.

After a miserable midweek defeat at Oakwell last time out, Barnsley need to shake themselves off and get ready for another long away trip.

Tuesday evening's bitter pill - a 1-0 reverse at the hands of in-form Birmingham City - married with the positive results of those in and around them in the relegation places has left the Reds a mountain to climb in their pursuit of Sky Bet Championship safety.

A late Scott Hogan goal - the former Reds trialist on hand to tuck home the winner following another defensive howler - condemned Barnsley to their fifth defeat in their last six games, with just one league victory to their name since 2020 was ushered in some six weeks ago.

Upon the arrival of Gerhard Struber, the Reds had begun to show promise and hinted at a survival fight. But a few weeks down the line and performances have deserted the Austrian Head Coach and the Blues loss looked like a real punch to the gut for his players on a night when stormy weather was matched by the reactions of the Oakwell faithful.

But there remains 14 matches to play, some 42 points to play for and despite being nine points adrift now of safety, Struber and his squad must react, and quickly with Craven Cottage and Fulham this Saturday's desitnation.

Ahead of the trip to London, the Head Coach and midfielder Mike Bähre spoke in midweek with the assembled media to preview the clash with the high-flying Cottagers and iFollow Barnsley subscribers can watch both of those pre-match press conference interviews by clicking on the linked videos below.

Our hosts at the weekend are enjoying their best run of form of the 2019/20 campaign to date. Unbeaten in six since their New Year's Day humbling on home soil by Reading.

They were held 1-1 by Millwall in the week but remain third (on goal difference) in the Sky Bet Championship table, on 56 points, six points behind leaders West Brom.

Led by former Cottagers midfielder and England stalwart Scott Parker, Fulham struggled to find their feet this season in the opening stages. No more obvious was the opening day loss at Oakwell, as Luke Thomas' first half goal saw Barnsley to a surprise win back in August.

But the star-studded Whites' squad slowly found form and with talismanic striker Aleksanaer Mitrovic scoring 20 goals this term already, and the likes of Bobby Reid, Anthony Knockaert, Ivan Cavaleiro and Stefan Johansen pulling the strings around him, Fulham were most pundits' pick for automatic promotion, and finding their groove right now might well be seen as perfect timing.

Scotland international midfielder Tom Cairney is still the man to watch at Craven Cottage. The 29-year-old playmaker has been one of the division's standout performers over the last decade and shows no signs of slowing down.

August's victory over Fulham was the Reds' first success in the last 20 years, back when Barnsley did the double over the London outfit.

In the Craven Cottage tussle, back in November of 1999, the Reds ran out 3-1 winners on their way to Wembley and the playoff final that campaign.

But in recent years it's been a struggle for Barnsley. Four consecutive defeats preceded the 1-0 win at Oakwell earlier this season.

Historically speaking however, the Reds do hold the advantage when it comes to the head-to-head record. There have been 32 Barnsley victories to Fulham's 26, with 23 draws in a fixture that was pretty regularly played out in the first 50 years of both club's founding.



https://www.barnsleyfc.co.uk/news/2020/february/fulham-away-preview/


WhiteJC

Gerhard Struber issues confident verdict ahead of Barnsley's trip to Fulham

Barnsley manager Gerhard Struber has issued a confident verdict ahead of his side's trip to Craven Cottage at the weekend, believing they could play into his hands.

The Tykes are looking to claw their way back from the abyss in the relegation zone when they make the trip to automatic promotion hopefuls Fulham. Barnsley haven't been in great form recently, and have seen their once narrow gap to safety extended to nine points after their disappointing midweek defeat to Birmingham City.

The games don't get easier as they face the side currently only outside the automatic promotion places on goal difference.

However, Gerhard Struber is confident that there might be an upset on the cards as the bottom side face third. Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Struber believes that the possession-based style that Scott Parker's Cottagers have adopted could play into his team's hands. He stated (as quoted by the Barnsley Chronicle): "I like Fulham very much. On the ball they have a clear plan and they build up with good possession.

"As a coach, it is very interesting to look at Fulham games. It is an opponent who play more into my cards than other opponents with only long balls. Maybe it is a good opponent for us to face.

"We have, in my pressing style, I hope, good chances to win balls very high and maybe this is a good chance for us. It is a very difficult game but I hope for the best for my boys.

Fulham is a massive opponent and they are playing well right now. They are the big favourite in this game but we will play with a good attitude and energy."

The Tykes will be boosted heading into this game knowing how the opening day of the season panned out when these two last faced each other.

A solitary Luke Thomas goal settled proceedings at Oakwell, giving Barnsley the perfect start to life in the Championship following their promotion last season.

Fortunes have been massively contrasting since then for the two sides, with their current league positions a huge indicator.

The verdict

It's good to see that Struber is looking ahead to this game with confidence that his side can get a positive result against the high-flyers, and not rolling over.

Barnsley have a serious task on their hands to halt a very strong Fulham side but they have already shown this season that they're capable of doing it.

Times have since changed with the Cottagers finding their feet under Parker and Barnsley changing managers, but there's always the chance of a shock result.

Barnsley need wins and fast to avoid relegation, and a positive result at Craven Cottage would be a massive confidence booster for that.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/gerhard-struber-issues-confident-verdict-ahead-of-barnsleys-trip-to-fulham/

WhiteJC

David Prutton predicts the outcome of Fulham's clash with Barnsley

Sky Sports pundit David Prutton has predicted the outcome of this weekend's clash between Fulham and Barnsley at Craven Cottage.

Both teams will be desperate for a win with both having plenty to play for, despite being at opposite ends of the table, and it is set to be an intriguing clash in South West London.

Scott Parker and his Fulham side currently sit in third place but pulled level on points with Leeds United during midweek thanks to a 1-1 draw with Millwall at The Den.

Barnsley on the other hand prop up the second-tier, sat rock-bottom of the Championship with 32 matches now played, most recently losing 1-0 to Birmingham on Tuesday night.

However, The Tykes do at least bost the 1v1 bragging rights with Fulham, for this season at least.

The opening day of the season saw them upset the odds to beat the Whites 1-0 at Oakwell, with Luke Thomas firing home the only goal of the game inside 13 minutes.

Prutton does not see anything similar happening this time around, however, predicting a comfortable 2-0 win for Parker's side.

The verdict

I think this is a sensible prediction from Prutton.

Only Wigan and Middlesbrough have scored fewer goals than Barnsley this season and with Fulham's new found defensive solidity, largely down to Michael Hector, it hard to see the Tykes causing much trouble.

On the flip side, it is very hard to see Fulham not troubling their visitors in their final third with Aleksandar Mitrovic continuing his fine scoring form on Wednesday night.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/david-prutton-predicts-the-outcome-of-fulhams-clash-with-barnsley/

WhiteJC

Derby Flag Screening

Get together with fellow Fulham fans in The Flag to watch live coverage of our Sky Bet Championship fixture away to Derby County on Friday 21st February (kick-off 7:45pm).

A fan-inspired bar which pays homage to the 140 year history of London's original football club and located in the Johnny Haynes Stand, in The Flag you'll take in the Club's long and rich journey with memorabilia and moments from some of Fulham's greatest matches adorning the walls and bar areas.

With doors open from 6pm, a limited number of spaces are available to purchase today for just £10, which includes a complimentary drink and hot food item.

Fans can purchase their space online, by phone on 0203 841 9053 or in person from the Fulham Ticket Office. Please note this event is for over 18s only.

The perfect space for Fulham fans to meet, The Flag also makes for a special venue to be hired for birthdays, meetings and private events. For further information on how you can experience The Flag, please call 0203 841 9053 or email [email protected].



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/february/14/derby-flag-screening


WhiteJC

Mind Matchday


Fulham will host a special charity match day at Craven Cottage for the mental health charity Mind this Saturday 15th February.

Mind is joining with Fulham for the fixture to help raise awareness among fans about mental health and the support the charity provides. Alongside this they hope to raise vital funds to tackle mental health problems. The match day comes as part of Mind's charity partnership with the EFL, which will see the charity work with all EFL clubs to help bring a lasting legacy around mental health in football.

The charity match day will include:

•        A bucket collection before the match to support vital local mental health services provided by the club's local Mind branch – Hammersmith & Fulham Mind

•        Information about mental health and Mind throughout the ground and in the match day programme alongside

•        An awareness-raising video being played on the big screen

•        Announcements about the day over the tannoy

This builds on the club's support of Mind's Have Your Mate's Back campaign which saw several of the team turn their shirts back to front to highlight the Mind squiggle on the backs of their shirts. Denis Odoi, Cyrus Christie, Marcus Bettinelli, Tom Cairney, Steven Sessegnon and Stefan Johansen all feature in the campaign to encourage fans to show they are here for their mate through life's ups and downs.

Mind's own research shows that over half of people (56 per cent) feel that football fans find it easier to show their emotions at football matches than at any other time. Despite this the charity also knows that many fans, particularly men, are likely to be struggling in silence for fear of opening up about their mental health. Mind hopes mental health-themed match days like this will begin to open up the conversation among football fans about their mental health as well as raising awareness about the support Mind offers.

Mind's Partnership with the EFL launched at the start of the 2018/19 season and runs for two years. It aims to:

o   raise awareness about mental health with fans, clubs and staff

o   raise funds to deliver life-changing support

o   help improve the approach to mental health in football working with other partners in the game.

Paul Farmer, Chief Executive of Mind, said: "Every year, one in four of us will experience a mental health problem. That could be one person in every family, hundreds of football players and many thousands of football fans. Our research suggests that while football fans, particularly men, are comfortable showing their emotions at football matches, many feel unable to reach out for support when they need it. We are proud to be working in partnership with Rovers and all 71 clubs in the EFL, to be real game-changers in the way football tackles mental health. We hope that events like our match day with Fulham will reach out to fans and let them know that whoever you support, Mind supports you."

Help support Mind's vital mental health services by texting FOOTBALL to 70660 to donate £3. Full T&Cs. bit.ly/2H0fTVf

For more information about Mind's partnership with the EFL and wider rel="noopener noreferrer" work in football visit mind.org.uk/football



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/february/14/mind-matchday

WhiteJC

Former Fulham winger Jimmy Conway dies aged 73

Some very sad news to report this afternoon. Fulham legend Jimmy Conway has passed away aged 73 having fought a brave battle against dementia in recent years.

A classy midfielder or winger, Conway was born in Dublin in August 1946. He began his footballing education with Drumcondra junior side Stella Maris before moving on to Bohemians in 1964. He made the move to London to join Fulham as a 20 year-old two years later for £12,000 and quickly became a regular in an entertaining side, establishing himself as a firm fans' favourite at Craven Cottage.

He scored on his first-team debut against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the League Cup and, after two seasons in the top flight, stayed with the Londoners when the Whites were relegated. Conway scored 20 goals in 1969/70 as Fulham missed on promotion, but netted eight times in 29 games during the following campaign to help his side return to the First Division as they finished second in the league, only a point behind Preston.

Conway spent a decade with the Whites, scoring 76 goals in 360  games and was never cautioned or sent off, a record which makes him the twentieth highest appearance maker in the club's history. The Irish international, who played with his brother John during his time at Fulham, was also part of the side that famously went all the way to Wembley before losing the 1975 FA Cup final to West Ham. A scorer of sensational goals, including one from an outrageously acute angle at Gillingham in 1971, Conway was immortalised in the famous 'We've got Jimmy, Jimmy, Jimmy Conway on the wing' song that can still be heard today. He eventually moved to Manchester City for £30,000 in 1976 and, although never a regular at Maine Road, was part of the side that finished runners up to Liverpool in 1977.

Conway, who won twenty caps for the Republic of Ireland, then spent two years with the Portland Timbers in the United States, where he made more than 60 appearances. He spent the majority of his time in America after ending his playing career, enjoying a two-year stint as assistant manager at the Timbers and then a six-year spell as manager of Pacific University. He was in charge of the Oregon State Beavers for eight years before returning to Portland, where he served as assistant coach for a further nine seasons.

Conway's love of football was passed on to his son Paul, who also played for Portland, and Carlisle United during the 1990s.

We send our best wishes and condolences to Jimmy's family.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2020/02/former-fulham-winger-jimmy-conway-dies-aged-73/

WhiteJC

Fulham v Barnsley - We will fight to the end, says Gerhard Struber

THE emotions ahead of Barnsley's latest meeting with Fulham are at the polar opposite to the feelings of just 196 days ago.

Then, there was a modicum of new-season hope that you associate with many supporters of a promoted club, with ebullient co-chairman Paul Conway attempting to capture the mood in his eve-of-season declaration that Barnsley could look back on their 'best transfer window ever'.

It referenced the acquisition of a plethora of young talents wholly unproven at second-tier level in a Championship which has a reputation for being unforgiving.

Youthful vigour and exuberance may have prevailed on that intoxicating opening day against the Cottagers, but it proved the falsest of dawns.

The realists who doubted the validity of Conway's comments have been emphatically proved right since.

His words possess a hollow and discredited feel and look like providing a sad epitaph to a season which has been blighted by defensive deficiencies and naive decisions on the pitch and off it.

Barnsley are not yet consigned to a return to League One, but the bookies are likely to be paying out shortly.

After some early optimism under Gerhard Struber, incorporating a five-match unbeaten home sequence at the start of his tenure, Barnsley are haemorrhaging defeats and belief fast.

As befits a listing side, the footballing fates are not kind.

Today, they visit a promotion-chasing Fulham side who will be intent on a spot of revenge.

Barnsley may have surprised leaders West Brom by registering two draws against them this term, but avoiding defeat at Craven Cottage today – given the current low ebb that the Reds find themselves in – would surpass those two results.

For Struber, the situation goes down to two choices for Barnsley, propping up the table and effectively 10 points adrift of safety – fight or flight.

The Austrian head coach, who will hand a breather to under-fire defender Mads Andersen today, said: "We have two choices.

"We believe in the next time and that in 14 games, there are 42 points and we can win.

"Or we give up – and I never give up. We believe in our team and our chance. We will give all that we can in our remaining games, this is our only chance.

"We need a run and I hope and believe we can start it."

In Barnsley's predicament, talk remains cheap and only the currency of victories will arouse the enthusiasm of an ever-growing section of the club's fanbase, who are growing disaffected and dispirited by events at the club, on and off the pitch, by every passing defeat.

Offering a players' perspective on a grave situation, midfielder Mike Bahre acknowledged: "We are at the bottom of the league; it does not look good for us at the moment.

"But we have proven so many times that we can win games and we are good enough to win games. I know not many people believe in us to stay in the league, but we know we are good enough to play in the Championship and we will fight until the last match."



https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/barnsley-fc/fulham-v-barnsley-we-will-fight-to-the-end-says-gerhard-struber-1-10257648


WhiteJC

Jimmy Conway: 1946-2020

Everyone at Fulham was saddened to learn of Jimmy Conway's passing at the age of 73.

The Whites legend had been battling dementia for more than a decade, and passed away in Oregon earlier today.

The eldest of 12 children, Jimmy was born in Dublin and made his professional debut for Bohemians before joining Fulham as a 19-year-old in May 1966 for a fee of £12,000.


A versatile player, he made his debut as half-back in a League Cup meeting with Wolverhampton Wanderers, and capped it with a fine goal in a 5-0 victory at Craven Cottage.

He would go on to spend 10 years in South-West London, playing alongside the likes of George Cohen, Bobby Robson, Steve Earle, Graham Leggat, Les Barrett, Alan Mullery, Les Strong and Johnny Haynes, to name a few.

Jimmy's first two seasons with Fulham were spent in the top flight, but the Club suffered successive relegations after that. He stuck with the Club, though, and scored eight times in 29 appearances during our 1970/71 promotion campaign.

His most prolific spell came in 1969/70 when he was shifted to the right wing, ending up as top scorer with 23 goals in all competitions, while he also got the chance to play alongside his brother John, who joined the Whites in 1971.

In 1975, Jimmy featured in 10 of our record-breaking 12 FA Cup matches, including the Final at Wembley.

His last match was a goalless draw with Plymouth Argyle at the Cottage, and he departed having scored 76 goals in 360 games.

Due to his decade-long spell in SW6, Jimmy was offered a testimonial, but turned it down as he felt that the Fulham supporters had given up enough of their money keeping him in a job over the years.

Jimmy moved to Manchester City for £40,000 and was part of the side that missed out on the Division One title by a point.

After a brief stay at Maine Road, an opportunity presented itself to join the Portland Timbers, the club where Jimmy ended his career – one which also saw him win 19 caps for the Republic of Ireland.

Jimmy enjoyed the United States so much that he never moved back to the UK or Ireland.

Our thoughts are with Jimmy's wife Noeleen, children Paul, Laura and Mark, and his considerable family and friends at this tragic time.


Jimmy (right) and his brother John on a visit to the Cottage for a match back in January 2011.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/february/14/jimmy-conway-obituary-1946-2020

WhiteJC

Fulham vs Barnsley Championship Preview

Unbeaten in seven, Fulham will be looking to extend their run against relegation contenders Barnsley in the Sky Bet Championship this Saturday.

Fulham are seeking revenge. Their first game of their Championship season back in August ended in a 1-0 defeat to the hands of Barnsley. Since then, the Cottagers have been in fine form, especially recently, propelling them up into third. They are vying for automatic promotion, tailgating Leeds only on goal difference.

Gerhard Struber's Barnsley, meanwhile, are lodged at the bottom of the table having only accrued five wins all season. The Tykes narrowly lost their last game to Birmingham 0-1, leaving them nine points from safety. They look favourites to plummet right back into League 1 unless their form improves over the next 14 games.

The Yorkshire club are looking to complete a league double over Fulham for the first time in two decades. It won't be an easy feat, especially having to contain deadly striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, who is the Championship's top scorer right now with 21 goals. The Serbian netted in Fulham's last win against Blackburn, and will be hungry for the Golden Boot.

Forwards Cauley Woodrow and Conor Chaplin will be essential for Barnsley, not only tomorrow, but for the rest of the season, in their mission to remain in the Championship. The pair have 23 league goals between them.

Fulham boss, Scott Parker, is far from complacent stating that 'there are no easy games in this division."

Struber maintains belief in his team. "We can pick up points in the next game...a very important thing for us is that we only focus on us and our performance, not the table."

Barnsley midfielder Mike Bahre emanates this confidence stating: "even before the first match against Fulham, everyone was thinking they were favourites for promotion, but we showed we can beat them."

Team News:

Fulham


Fulham have stated a number of first team players will miss this one, including January signing Terence Kongolo.

On their site, it was revealed "Terence Kongolo, Alfie Mawson, Anthony Knockaert, Maxime Le Marchand, Harrison Reed" are all doubtful.

Barnsley

Central defender Bambo Diaby is suspended until further notice, whilst Samuel Radlinger and Marcel Ritzmaier are still out.



https://www.lovesportradio.com/news/love-sport-exclusives/fulham-vs-barnsley-preview/

WhiteJC

#17
Fulham: Fans react to injury news regarding Terence Kongolo

Fulham boss Scott Parker has revealed that Terence Kongolo will not feature again this season (via the club's official website). The central defender, who is currently on loan from Huddersfield Town suffered a foot injury at Blackburn Rovers last week, just moments after coming off the substitutes' bench.

Here is how some of the supporters have reacted to the news they will be without their 6ft 1in Dutchman.

What do we think?

Kongolo had played just nine minutes in the Championship for Fulham before picking up this devastating injury. Huddersfield Town brought the 26-year-old to the United Kingdom back in 2018 when they paid £18m to secure his services permanently after a loan spell in Yorkshire.

The Cottagers signed the defender on loan in January until the end of the season but less than a month on, they are back to square one regarding their central defensive options.



https://thisisfutbol.com/2020/02/twitter/fulham-fans-react-to-injury-news-regarding-terence-kongolo/


WhiteJC

Barnsley midfielder issues defiant message on survival chances ahead of Fulham clash

Barnsley will be hoping they can bounce back from a disappointing defeat to Birmingham City in midweek, when they return to action on Saturday.

They Tykes were beaten 1-0 by the Blues at Oakwell on Tuesday, which means they're now without a win in their last six games in all competitions this season.

Barnsley are now sat bottom of the second-tier standings, and are nine points adrift of safety, which will make for concerning for the club's supporters.

It doesn't get any easier for Gerhard Struber's side though, as they prepare to travel to Craven Cottage to take on promotion-chasing Fulham.

Speaking in a pre-match press conference ahead of their game against the Cottagers, midfielder Mike-Steven Bähre admitted that he feels as though his side are good enough to pull themselves out of the relegation zone.

"We're at the bottom of the league; it doesn't look good for us at the moment. But we've proven so many times that we can win games and we're good enough to win games.

"I know not many people believe in us to stay in the league, but we know we're good enough to play in the Championship and we will fight until the last match."

The Verdict:

It's good to hear that they'll still confident of retaining their Championship status this season.

Barnsley have struggled for consistency in their results this season, but it's important that they don't let their heads drop at such a crucial stage of this year's league campaign.

If they do that, then they can forget about surviving in the second-tier this term. It's certainly going to be a tough test to pick up anything against Fulham this weekend, but they'll be keen to shock the Cottagers.

Their home form is going to be key to any chance they'll have of staying up in the Championship, but it's certainly going to be a tough ask for the Tykes to survive this term.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/barnsley-midfielder-issues-defiant-message-on-survival-chances-ahead-of-fulham-clash/

WhiteJC

Exclusive: Andy Couzens reveals where the advantage lays as Leeds United, Nott'm Forest and Fulham gear up for run-in

Andy Couzens has backed his former side Leeds United to win automatic promotion this season, standing by the fact that they are the best footballing side in the Championship despite their recent blip in form.

Leeds sat 11 points clear of the chasing back in mid-December, but a poor run of form that's seen them win just twice since December 10th, has seen them surrender that advantage to just goal difference.

Fulham now sit level on points with Leeds in the table, whilst the likes of Brentford, Nottingham Forest, Bristol City and Preston North End are in hot pursuit.

However, Leeds put in a convincing performance to take a point off Brentford on Tuesday evening, which Couzens believes has restored a lot of faith.

Speaking to Football League World's Chief Editor Sam Rourke this week, he backed Leeds for automatic promotion: "You look at the results this week; everybody can beat everybody.

"Fulham drew this week, West Brom have won, but they've been through a bit of a sticky patch as well.

"We played well at Brentford, who have been through a bit of a sticky patch at times and they've got some hard games."

The likes of West Brom and Nottingham Forest face each other this weekend, whilst Leeds entertain Bristol City at Elland Road. However, that meeting with the Robins is the penultimate time Leeds will face one of the current top seven, with only Fulham left on the agenda.

To Couzens, that's a big advantage for Leeds at this moment in time.

"Leeds only play two of the top seven now in the run-in and I think everyone else has got to play at least three or four of them," he continued.

"We've got to be confident, I think we are the best footballing team. We've got our problems in-front of goal and defending set-pieces, but the belief is still there and after the performance against Brentford the other night, the belief came back with a lot of fans." 

Millwall held Fulham last night, whilst Forest were beaten by Charlton Athletic on Tuesday evening. That's left Leeds clinging onto second place heading into this weekend, but defeat to Bristol City on Saturday will see the Robins move level on points with the Whites in the Championship table.




https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/exclusive-andy-couzens-highlights-where-leeds-united-have-an-advantage-in-the-automatic-promotion-race/