Wednesday Fulham Stuff - 04/03/20...

[WhiteJC]

No livestream for Fulham test

Supporters are advised that Saturday's match against Fulham will be unavailable to Robins TV subscribers (March 7th, 12.30pm KO).

The Sky Bet Championship fixture has been selected for broadcast by Sky Sports and due to EFL and FA broadcasting regulations, the game will not be shown on Robins TV to supporters who are inside the UK and Ireland or overseas.

Over 22,000 tickets have already been sold for the match - which will see the club mark it's 125-year anniversary - with tickets remaining on general sale.

To help register this landmark in the Robins' history - founded in 1894 - there will be discounted entry, including a special £12.50 Mates Rates offer for friends and family members of Bristol City season card holders.

The City players will also wear a limited edition commemorative shirt and the game will also feature a special souvenir programme.



https://www.bcfc.co.uk/news/no-livestream-for-fulham-test/

[WhiteJC]

Feature: Promotion isn't the 'be-all and end-all' for Fulham for this season

Scott Parker has been no stranger to criticism this season, but is it harsh? And will another season in the Championship warrant the end of his reign?

At this stage of the season in Fulham's 2017/18 promotion winning campaign, Slavisa Jokanovic had mustered 65 points from 36 games – only two points more than what Parker's Fulham have managed this time round.

The ex-England midfielder went into this season with more pressure and expectation than any manager in the Championship. Parker started the season with what many deemed to be the best squad of players in the league. The likes of Aleksandar Mitrovic and Tom Cairney, and the signings made in Ivan Cavaleiro, Bobby Reid and Anthony Knockaert had made Fulham a clear favourite for promotion.

But with ten games of the season left, and West Brom and Leeds United looking like they'll run away with it, it's made Fulham 'the best of the rest' as they look to settle for a play-off place, and emulate their play-off success of two years ago.

Promotion this season seems to be the bare minimum expected of Fulham – anything else hasn't even been considered. Parker's side were strewn 11-points behind Leeds United at one point over Christmas, and after their 2-1 win over Marcelo Bielsa's side in the last game before Christmas, went on to win five of their next nine, and go level on points with Leeds.

Though a 3-0 defeat at home to Barnsley last month, Fulham's second defeat by that deficit at Craven Cottage this season, allowed Leeds to reopen the gap, and has Fulham fans ruing an automatic return to the Premier League, and contemplating Parker.

As ever when a manager is subject to online criticism, it's a small, but growing minority who want rid – he's been deemed a 'PE teacher' who's simply inherited a good Premier League team, subsequently keeping him in the job. Darren Moore 2.0 as some have compared.

In fairness, with a player like Mitrovic alone, Fulham should be in the top-two. But ultimately, they're five points off of that goal, with 30 left to play for and their targets, Leeds and West Brom with every chance of slipping up.

Promotion isn't out of Fulham's reach yet and should Parker achieve it, then it'll go down as one of the finest managerial achievements in the second-tier, let alone for a manager in his first full-season in the dugout.

But even so, if Fulham miss out on promotion, it's not the end of the club, and it shouldn't be the end of Parker either. He's long been a student of the game, a quiet midfield player who got better with age, and expect his managerial career to follow suit.

His 'Parker-ball' approach has long been criticised this season. A game focused heavily on possession and passing teams to death has thrown him under the bus in games where 20 or so shots convert into the odd goal, but he's stuck with it, and Fulham have at times this season been the best team to watch in the league.

Whether or not his star players will leave in the summer depends largely on their promotion status, but aside from Mitrovic, there's few players that can realistically leave for a better team.

Relegation from the Premier League, whether it be after one or ten years in the top-flight, always brings about a rebuilding phase. Clubs and chairmen who spent mounds of money on Premier League relegation often expect an immediate return, mainly to prevent a financial backlash later down the line, but it's always a greater task than people think.

Of all the teams to be relegated into the Championship since 2010, only four have made an immediate return – West Ham in 2011, QPR in 2014 (although they breached FFP regulations in doing so), Burnley in 2015 and Newcastle in 2016.

If Fulham were to join that list then fair play to Parker – it'd be no less a feat than if Slaven Bilic's West Brom won the Championship with five games to go, or if Bielsa finally took Leeds up.

But even if Fulham are subject to two or three more years in the Championship under Parker, then at least their next eventual promotion will be a more sustainable one that their last. Promotion shouldn't be the endgame for Fulham this season, but continuing their steady rebuild should.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/feature-promotion-isnt-the-be-all-and-end-all-for-fulham-for-this-season/

[WhiteJC]

QPR Allocation Increased

Having sold out our original allocation, the Club has acquired a further number of seats for our away match at Queens Park Rangers.

Current sales in the away end are at 2,565, but our total allocation has now been extended to 2,935.

Thank you for your fantastic support already in buying tickets for this fixture, and we look forward to seeing a full away end at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium on Saturday 21st March!

(Please note the additional seats now available to purchase are restricted view).



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/march/03/qpr-allocation-increased

[WhiteJC]

'Easy transfer' – Club could turn their attention to Fulham man

Fotomac report Besiktas could turn to their attention to their former goalkeeper Fabri, who's currently on loan at Mallorca from Fulham.

It looks increasingly likely that Liverpool loanee Loris Karius will return to Merseyside at the end of the season when his loan spell at Besiktas comes to an end, and Fotomac claim Besiktas manager Sergen Yalcin has already started looking at replacements for next season.

According to the Turkish newspaper, either Volkan Babacan or Fabri will be brought in to replace Karius for next season, and the Spanish goalkeeper looks like an 'easy' transfer for Besiktas, given he's not wanted at Fulham.

The Black Eagles sold Fabri to Fulham for €6m in 2018, however, the former Deportivo player made only two Premier League appearances at Craven Cottage during his debut season.

In the summer he was sent out on loan to La Liga club Mallorca, but the 32 year old hasn't been getting regular game time.

Fabri's contract with Fulham will expire at the end of June 2021. He was a fan favourite at Besiktas, playing an important role during the club's two title seasons.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/easy-transfer-club-turn-attention-fulham-man/

[WhiteJC]

Getting to the Gate: Fulham

City's 125-year anniversary season will be marked with a day of celebration this weekend as the Robins host Fulham in the Sky Bet Championship (March 7th, 12.30pm).

Here's the key travel information ahead of the fixture.

    The M32 J2 northbound slip-road is closed meaning a large quantity of diverted traffic will be added to the M32 southbound. Long delays are expected and fans encouraged to allow extra time for their journey or use alternative routes
    The M48 Severn Bridge is closed westbound post-match. Diversions via M4 Prince of Wales Bridge
    Free parking is available with official matchday shuttle buses. Full information including route maps, timetables and fare information can be found at www.bcfc.co.uk/travel

    Fans are encouraged to save money and reduce their impact on the environment by using the new Liftshare icon on www.bcfc.co.uk/travel 
    A full matchday bus service is in operation offering free car parking. Full information including route maps, timetables and fare information can be found at www.bcfc.co.uk/travel

For full information about how to get to and from home games, please click on our travel page below.

https://www.bcfc.co.uk/travel/



https://www.bcfc.co.uk/news/getting-to-the-gate-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

'Can't see us losing', 'We can do this' – These Fulham fans are optimistic about club's upcoming fixtures

Fulham have managed to get their automatic-promotion bid back on track over the past week following back-to-back victories over Swansea and Preston at Craven Cottage.

Scott Parker's side suffered slight blip prior to this as they collected just two points from their previous three matches, but the Cottagers now remain five points adrift of second-placed Leeds having managed to keep up with the pace this week.

Fulham now have 10 matches remaining this term as they attempt to catch up with Leeds and West Brom who are in the top-two spots at present as Parker's men face key clashes against Bristol City, Brentford and Leeds over the coming weeks.

This trio of clashes could come to dictate Fulham's ambitions for the remainder of the campaign, with the Cottagers surely eyeing their trip to Elland Road as a key opportunity to make serious ground in their race for an automatic-promotion spot.

Fulham have now taken to Twitter to ask supporters how many points they think Parker's side will claim during the coming month, and many have reacted by delivering mixed opinions on how the Cottagers will fare over their next run of matches.




https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/cant-see-us-losing-we-can-do-this-these-fulham-fans-are-optimistic-about-clubs-upcoming-fixtures/

[WhiteJC]

FourFourDrew: Standing in the hall of fame

Drew Heatley says the "Forever Fulham" award should be looked at for what it is – celebrating what makes our club special.

George Cohen. Bobby Zamora. Ken Coton.

What do these three names have in common? They're all recipients of the "Forever Fulham" award.

I picked these guys because it shows the eclectic mix of inductees to our growing hall of fame. No one can have any argument about Cohen's inclusion; a one-club man, he won the damned World Cup while a Fulham player. Next to Johnny Haynes, he's untouchable.

Zamora? Decent during the Europa League season, but enduring a fractious relationship (to say the least) with Fulham fans during his four-year stay – and you'd probably call him forever West Ham before anything else.

Ken Coton wasn't even a Fulham player – but his camera lens has captured the most important moments in our history, and for that you'd be hard-pushed to criticise his inclusion.

I bring all this up because of the reaction to the decision to award Paul Trollope at our latest home game, against Preston. "Trollope was a hard-working pro whilst at Fulham, but to call him a forever Fulham player is a bit of a farce", says one fan. "It's made all the more bizarre having gone from Lee Clark and Brian McBride to Paul Trollope three days later", tweeted another.

Pauly two-titles
It raises an interesting question: what makes someone "deserving" to enter a hall of fame? For me, Trollope's worthy of inclusion on face value alone. He won two titles in his five-year stint in SW6. There aren't many players who can boast that on their Fulham CV. Bit-part player? Yes, but he contributed to the cause.

He played 20 times in the league as we won the Division Two title, and while he was limited to just 10 league appearances as we romped to the top flight under Jean Tigana, he played a mentoring role off the pitch – something he took seriously, as he told me in an interview for the club programme in 2018.

"Sometimes when you're in it, you can be a bit frustrated that you're not starting games or getting the time you wan", he said. "But as I got a little bit older and was looking towards the next stage of my career, that stage [under Tigana] played a big role. I think a lot of players would say the same."

Entry into the club
So, what makes a player "forever Fulham" in the eyes of the club? I spoke to Non-Executive Director, David Daly, who heads up the initiative and hands out the awards on the pitch at half-time.

"Any player who has played 100 games or more is eligible to receive a Forever Fulham award. Since becoming a Director I've committed to finding contact details for all players who are still living that have played 100 games or more for the Club. It's not easy, but we're making progress", he tells me.

Daly also shed some light on Trollope's inclusion. "Because of the promotion that Kevin Keegan's team achieved in 1999, we've tried to get some players from that team to come back as it's about 20 years (now 21) since that success.  That's how we chose Paul. We haven't been able to invite him before now as he was working as assistant to Chris Hughton at Brighton and therefore not available on match days."

The future
It seems simple – and logical – enough, then. As for the end game? It seems like some (really fitting) plans are afoot.

"We are discussing several options for how we honour our former players in the future and also how we can maintain a good and ongoing relationship with them, if this is something that they would like to have", Daly says. "Nothing is decided, but it is likely that something will happen in conjunction with the opening of the new Riverside Stand."

If and when we see a formalisation of the Forever Fulham half of fame (for lack of a different name), it seems sensible that late players like Jimmy Hill, Bobby Robson and Haynes will be included. And that's great. But I don't think the concept is any less legitimate as it stands now.

Our great club is made up of contributions big and small from thousands of people on and off the Cottage pitch. And that's what makes this club so great. I see a half of fame as a sort of patchwork quilt that faithfully represents the body it's been made for. So, for me, it's a case of so far, so good. Now, let's start a campaign to get Dom Betts in there...



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2020-03-03-fourfourdrew-standing-in-the-hall-of-fame/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham and Leeds United send officials to same club yesterday – Similar transfer window-shopping

Championship sides continue doing scouting jobs in Portugal. Last night, it was time for two clubs to watch the clash between Benfica and Moreirense.

As reported by local newspaper A Bola, Fulham and Leeds United both had emissaries at the Estádio da Luz, where they saw a 1-1 draw.

The result has been a big blow for Benfica, who were top of the table, but ended the night in second place, since Porto won their game against Santa Clara.

The Eagles first had the chance to open the scoring with a penalty, but were stopped by Moreirense goalkeeper Mateus Pasinato, who was the away side's best player.

Fábio Abreu opened the scoring for Moreirense in the second half, and, only in extra time, Benfica won another penalty, which was taken and scored by Pizzi in his second chance.

Fulham and Leeds haven't been linked to any Benfica or Moreirense players lately. We've recently pointed out that the Elland Road side are apparently intensifying their scouting job in Portugal, so perhaps they'll be making some attempts when the summer window comes.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-leeds-united-send-officials-club-yesterday-similar-transfer-window-shopping/

[WhiteJC]

Leeds United's run-in compared to West Brom's, Fulham's and eight other Championship promotion hopefuls
LEEDS UNITED are potentially ten games away from a long-awaited return to the Premier League.

Marcelo Bielsa's second-placed Whites have a five-point cushion in the Championship's automatic promotion spots - but how does their run-in compare to that of the other teams in the top half?

With a three-point gap after 11th-placed Cardiff City, we worked out the average league placing of each of the top 11's remaining opponents ranked, on paper, from hardest to easiest.

1. Fulham - 11th (hardest run-in)

Position: 3rd. Points: 63. Points behind Leeds: 5. Average position of remaining opponents: 9th (hardest run in of top 11).

2. Swansea City - 11th

Position: 9th. Points: 52. Points behind Leeds: 16. Average position of remaining opponents: 11th (11.3).

3. West Brom - 11th

Position: 1st. Points: 69. Points ahead of Leeds: 1. Average position of remaining opponents: 11th (11.4).

4. Bristol City - 11th

Position: 7th. Points: 54. Points behind Leeds: 14. Average position of remaining opponents: 11th (11.4).

5. Nottingham Forest - 12th

Position: 4th. Points: 60. Points behind Leeds: 8. Average position of remaining opponents: 12th (12.1).

6. Preston North End - 12th

Position: 6th. Points: 56. Points behind Leeds: 12. Average position of remaining opponents: 12th (12.2).

7. Cardiff City - 12th

Position: 11th. Points: 51. Points behind Leeds: 17. Average position of remaining opponents: 12th (12.3)

8. Blackburn Rovers - 13th

Position: 8th. Points: 53. Points behind Leeds: 15. Average position of remaining opponents: 13th (12.6).

9. Brentford - 13th

Position: 5th. Points: 57. Points behind Leeds: 11. Average position of remaining opponents: 13th (13.4).

10. Millwall - 15th

Position: 10th. Points: 51. Points behind Leeds: 17. Average position of remaining opponents: 15th (14.8).

11. Leeds United - 15th (easiest run-in)

Position: 2nd. Points: 68. Average position of remaining opponents: 15th (14.9).



https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/leeds-uniteds-run-compared-west-broms-fulhams-and-eight-other-championship-promotion-hopefuls-2047877

[WhiteJC]

'I would not cope!' – Plenty of Fulham fans discuss possible play-off scenario involving Brentford

Fulham have managed to get their Championship promotion bid back on track over the last week following back-to-back victories over Swansea and Preston at Craven Cottage.

Scott Parker certainly needed a big week from his Cottagers side following a string of underwhelming results which saw them collect two points from three games, and Fulham bounced back as they saw off two play-off contenders in west London.

However, Fulham still find themselves sitting five points adrift of the automatic-promotion spots following the impressive recent form of second-placed Leeds, with Parker's men now having just 10 matches to close this gap during the league's final run-in.

Leeds' strong four-game winning run means that a play-off spot seems the most likely outcome for the Cottagers at present, and Parker would be hoping his side can cling on to third spot in the table in order to face the sixth-placed side in the semi-final.

There are sure to be many more twists and turns in the play-off race before the end of the campaign, but if the table remained the same between now and the end of the season, Fulham would face Preston in the semi-final while the other clash would see Nottingham Forest take on Brentford.

This possible scenario could then lead to Fulham taking on west London rivals Brentford in the Championship play-off final if both sides come through their semi-final ties, with this being a potentially mouthwatering tie to decide who reaches the top flight.

One Fulham fan has taken to the Fulham Football Club Facebook page to suggest this potential outcome, and many Cottagers fans have responded with mixed reactions to the possibility of facing the Bees at Wembley come the end of the season.

Here are some of the responses...

Chris Baugh: Apart from the fact I think they would beat us 😭😭 Can you imagine anything worse?

Thomas Young: Have a feeling they would beat us though.

Miriam Busani: Don't go there. I would not cope!

Scott Trotman: Would much rather knock them out at Griffin Park...give them a leaving present that can't be taken away.

Peter Thomas: Let's not jump ahead, still a way to go yet.

Jimmy Towner: Current form would suggest they will drop short.

Samuel Attard: Last ever game at Griffin Park and we beat them in the play off semi-final would be a dream.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/i-would-not-cope-plenty-of-fulham-fans-discuss-possible-play-off-scenario-involving-brentford/

[WhiteJC]

'Ease Mawson back into the side' – These Fulham fans assess Scott Parker's options for final run-in

Fulham still find themselves in the mix for a Championship automatic-promotion spot this term following two precious victories over Swansea and Preston at Craven Cottage over the last week.

These back-to-back wins have seen Scott Parker's side bounce back from a three-game winless run which threatened to derail their top-two bid, but Fulham now remain five points adrift of second-placed Leeds following their exploits in the last seven days.

The successes over Swansea and Preston will have been particularly pleasing for Parker given his side managed to keep two clean sheets during these clashes, with centre-back Michael Hector having made an enormous impact since his arrival in the side.

Fulham have managed to keep six clean sheets during Hector's 10 appearances for the club since his January debut, with the 27-year-old having formed a solid partnership with Tim Ream in the absence of the injured Alfie Mawson over the last month or so.

Mawson was the Cottagers' regular centre-back during the first half of the season, but their defensive record has improved during the 26-year-old's absence and this could put his spot in the side under threat if he returns to action before the end of the season.

One Fulham fan has taken to the Fulham FanZone Facebook page to ask whether Mawson deserves to reclaim his place in the starting line-up when he makes his comeback, with the centre-back now looking set to contend with Ream for a starting spot.

Here are some of the responses...

Alan Birch: Yep, we aren't conceding lately so keep it as it is.

Andy Newland: Leave it as is, if it ain't broke don't fix it. 💪

Wood Brendan: A few 3 games in 8 days spells coming up so we will need all 3.

Josh Tubridy: Ease Mawson back into the side.

Vivian Wharfe: Good options for Scotty to have. 🙂

Liam Mills: Be alright if he could stay fit but we've never really had what we paid for from him. I honestly thought he'd be great for us in The Championship...Stick with Ream & Hector.

Ben Lawrence: Why not play all three then have wing backs? As our wingers are not creating or delivering at the minute as I think they have been found out a bit now. Not saying for every match but an option.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/ease-mawson-back-into-the-side-these-fulham-fans-assess-scott-parkers-options-for-final-run-in/

[WhiteJC]

3 Fulham issues Parker must sort to ensure March is a success

March is set to be a make or break month for Fulham as they push for automatic promotion to the Premier League following their recent relegation.

Currently sat in third place, five points separates them from a place in the top two and with matches against Bristol City, Brentford and second-placed Leeds United to come in the next few weeks, it is now or never.

Frustrations still remain around Craven Cottage, however, with many feeling that with the squad at their disposal they are still underachieving.

So, here we take a look at THREE issues Scott Parker must sort to ensure that March is a success for his side...

The Joe Bryan gap
The left-back has been one of the club's most important attacking outlets this season, notching one goal and seven assists so far, but is set for a spell on the sidelines after limping off early on against Preston North End on Saturday.

Cyrus Christie came on in his place on Saturday and, although he put in a brilliant display, he is unlikely to replace the attacking attributes possessed by Bryan.

With his preffered use of inverted wingers, Parker may be forced into a style change in the next weeks in order to ensure that those dangers from outwide remain.

Slow starts
In their last five matches, Fulham has scored just once in the opening half, leaving them often hanging on for some late magic.

A David Nugent own goal helped them on the hour mark on Saturday before a quick break in injury time sealed the win.

Prior to that, Aleksandar Mitrovic had to score a 90th minute header to beat Swansea City whilst he also struck in the second-half against Derby.

You get the feeling that against the more dangerous sides they are set to face, they will not be allowed such luxuries and will need to find a way to fly out of the traps much faster.

Aboubakar Kamara
The winger has given Parker a really big headache in recent weeks, but a positive one nontheless.

Kamara's powerful presence from the bench has always been a weapon for Fulham but he has taken it to another level in recent weeks, providing the pinpoint cross for the winner against Swansea before cooly finishing the second against Preston.

Nobody is more deserving of a start. But the question will remain in Parker's over whether he keeps him as an impact sub or chooses to swap out one of Cavaleiro or Knockaert.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/3-fulham-issues-parker-must-sort-to-ensure-march-is-a-success/

[WhiteJC]

Scott Parker must make fundamental change to Fulham attack to give promotion chances the boost they need: comment

Fulham are readying themselves for what looks like it could well be a make or break period in their push for promotion back to the Premier League.

After being emphatically dumped from the top-flight at the first time of asking last season, Scott Parker was tasked with getting them straight back to where they think they belong. Nothing less will do.

With ten Championship matches remaining in the 2019/20 campaign, Fulham find themselves sat in third place with five points separating them from Leeds United – the team holding down the final automatic promotion spot.

However, in their next three games they face three sides also chasing down a spot in the top-flight. First-up is Bristol City, then Brentford and then what could prove to be a huge clash with Leeds at Elland Road on March 18.

It would be easy to look in from the outside and say: 'Well, they're in third. That's pretty good! I can't imagine there is much to complain about.'

However, a real sense of frustration remains around Craven Cottage. With an attacking unit boasting the likes of Aleksandar Mitrovic, Anthony Knockaert, Ivan Cavaleiro and Bobby Reid – arguably four players who have in the past proven themselves to be too good for the Championship – there is a feeling that they are still underachieving.

A large part of this comes down to how Parker sets out his attack.

Typically, it is made up of Mitrovic in the middle and Knockaert on the left and Cavaleiro on the right, so that both wingers can cut inside on their favoured foot.

However, with someone like Mitrovic leading the attack, you could argue that they have not been playing to his strengths by using inverted wingers in this style.

The Serbian thrives off early balls into the penalty area. Sure, he is an accomplished finisher when 1v1 with the goalkeeper as well but it is winning headers and finding the right place to finish in the box where he is at his best.

Playing the right-footer on the left and vice versa has badly limted the number of these balls coming in – or has at least given the rival goalkeeper a much better chance of claiming their predictable, inswinging deliveries.

There is a reason, afterall, that Joe Bryan boasts the most assists (7) in the Fulham side so far. With Cavaleiro cutting inside onto his right-foot more often than not, Bryan has been given the time and space to bomb down the outside and whip those early crosses into Mitrovic.

On the opposing side, they do not have this. Denis Odoi has proven a solid presence at right-back whilst Cyrus Christie has also impressed in flashes, but without that right-footed presence regularly racing down the wing and providing Mitrovic with his favourite opportunities, Parker will always fall short of getting the very best out of his side.

Bryan is now facing a spell on the sidelines after limping off against Preston on Saturday, leaving the Whites even weaker in attack.

Parker's gameplan has kept them in contention to win promotion and perhaps he deserves credit for that. But his chances of winning promotion automatically will remain slim until he changes this set-up outwide.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/scott-parker-must-make-fundamental-change-to-fulham-attack-to-give-promotion-chances-the-boost-they-need-comment/

[WhiteJC]

'Adds something different' – Time for attacking change at Fulham? Six-pointer

Aboubakar Kamara came off the bench to score the second in Fulham's 2-0 win over promotion rivals Preston North End on Saturday, capping a recent run of good form.

With a goal and two assists in his last three appearances, all of which have been from the bench, the Frenchman has helped Fulham achieve some vital results and with every passing week is making a bigger case for his inclusion from the start.

Kamara has been an important figure at Fulham since his arrival from Amiens in 2017, but one that has also polarised opinion.

Notably, he was sent out on loan last season after an incident involving Aleksandar Mitrovic, after which his career at the club appeared to be over.

However, in just seven starts this season he has managed four goals and four assists and at just 24 years old, he remains an interesting prospect.

In our latest FLW Six Pointer, we look at Kamara's role at Fulham and whether he is ready for a start.

Why is he being considered for a starting place?

"While Fulham's front three of Ivan Cavaleiro, Anthony Knockaert and Mitrovic is the envy of many of their rivals, there remains space for improvement.

"While Mitrovic has been very prolific with 23 league goals so far, Knockaert has just three from 32 league appearances.

"Scott Parker has also been quite reliant on the trio and given his side are in the midst of a tight promotion battle, rotation could be key."

What do supporters think of him?

"Following his bust-up with Mitrovic last season, Kamara was not the most popular and it was a bit of a surprise he didn't leave the club in the summer.

"However, he started mending his reputation with the fans through some promising cameos and has gained more and more support in recent weeks.

"While fans remain somewhat doubtful of his first touch and technique, there is a recognition that he has improved his end product with experience."

Which role suits him best?

"Kamara is a versatile attacker and that certainly plays to his advantage as Parker looks to shuffle his pack with the season coming to a close.

"Probably best through the centre, he can play from either wing but is probably better cutting in from the left onto his right foot.

"However, having a player that can go anywhere in a front three if asked is a huge advantage."

Who should he replace in the lineup?

"Mitrovic has started 33 of Fulham's 36 league games this season and appears to be in from the start when available.

"This is understandable given his output, meaning Kamara is most likely to receive game time out wide, either replacing Cavaleiro or Knockaert.

"Cavaleiro has been the better of those two this season, with more goals and assists, meaning Knockaert's right-wing spot is where he is most likely to come in."

What is his relationship with his teammates like?

"Fulham made the decision this summer to rehabilitate Kamara after the incident with Mitrovic and it appears that there have been few issues since.

"Prior to this decision being taken it is understood senior members of the squad were consulted and Kamara has played an active role this term.

"Whether his relationship with Mitrovic can ever fully recover remains to be seen, but it does not appear to be a limiting factor."

Should he be offered a start in Fulham's next match?

"With the season reaching the sharp end, rotation is key and it is probably time for Kamara to be given a go from the start.

"While Knockaert's form has not been poor, he has not contributed a goal or an assist in his last four and the chance could help freshen things up.

"Kamara is an impact player that adds something different to this Fulham side, which could help when they face promotion rivals Bristol City on Saturday."



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/adds-something-different-time-for-attacking-change-at-fulham-six-pointer/

[Bassey the warrior]

Feature: Promotion isn't the 'be-all and end-all' for Fulham for this season

Scott Parker has been no stranger to criticism this season, but is it harsh? And will another season in the Championship warrant the end of his reign?

At this stage of the season in Fulham's 2017/18 promotion winning campaign, Slavisa Jokanovic had mustered 65 points from 36 games – only two points more than what Parker's Fulham have managed this time round.

The ex-England midfielder went into this season with more pressure and expectation than any manager in the Championship. Parker started the season with what many deemed to be the best squad of players in the league. The likes of Aleksandar Mitrovic and Tom Cairney, and the signings made in Ivan Cavaleiro, Bobby Reid and Anthony Knockaert had made Fulham a clear favourite for promotion.

But with ten games of the season left, and West Brom and Leeds United looking like they'll run away with it, it's made Fulham 'the best of the rest' as they look to settle for a play-off place, and emulate their play-off success of two years ago.

Promotion this season seems to be the bare minimum expected of Fulham – anything else hasn't even been considered. Parker's side were strewn 11-points behind Leeds United at one point over Christmas, and after their 2-1 win over Marcelo Bielsa's side in the last game before Christmas, went on to win five of their next nine, and go level on points with Leeds.

Though a 3-0 defeat at home to Barnsley last month, Fulham's second defeat by that deficit at Craven Cottage this season, allowed Leeds to reopen the gap, and has Fulham fans ruing an automatic return to the Premier League, and contemplating Parker.

As ever when a manager is subject to online criticism, it's a small, but growing minority who want rid – he's been deemed a 'PE teacher' who's simply inherited a good Premier League team, subsequently keeping him in the job. Darren Moore 2.0 as some have compared.

In fairness, with a player like Mitrovic alone, Fulham should be in the top-two. But ultimately, they're five points off of that goal, with 30 left to play for and their targets, Leeds and West Brom with every chance of slipping up.

Promotion isn't out of Fulham's reach yet and should Parker achieve it, then it'll go down as one of the finest managerial achievements in the second-tier, let alone for a manager in his first full-season in the dugout.

But even so, if Fulham miss out on promotion, it's not the end of the club, and it shouldn't be the end of Parker either. He's long been a student of the game, a quiet midfield player who got better with age, and expect his managerial career to follow suit.

His 'Parker-ball' approach has long been criticised this season. A game focused heavily on possession and passing teams to death has thrown him under the bus in games where 20 or so shots convert into the odd goal, but he's stuck with it, and Fulham have at times this season been the best team to watch in the league.

Whether or not his star players will leave in the summer depends largely on their promotion status, but aside from Mitrovic, there's few players that can realistically leave for a better team.

Relegation from the Premier League, whether it be after one or ten years in the top-flight, always brings about a rebuilding phase. Clubs and chairmen who spent mounds of money on Premier League relegation often expect an immediate return, mainly to prevent a financial backlash later down the line, but it's always a greater task than people think.

Of all the teams to be relegated into the Championship since 2010, only four have made an immediate return – West Ham in 2011, QPR in 2014 (although they breached FFP regulations in doing so), Burnley in 2015 and Newcastle in 2016.

If Fulham were to join that list then fair play to Parker – it'd be no less a feat than if Slaven Bilic's West Brom won the Championship with five games to go, or if Bielsa finally took Leeds up.

But even if Fulham are subject to two or three more years in the Championship under Parker, then at least their next eventual promotion will be a more sustainable one that their last. Promotion shouldn't be the endgame for Fulham this season, but continuing their steady rebuild should.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/feature-promotion-isnt-the-be-all-and-end-all-for-fulham-for-this-season/

An uncharacteristically measured article from the website. Not much to disagree with, except that we are likely to lose more than Mitro and probably need to sell more to reduce the wages. Still, it could allow the likes of Sess, O'Riley and Stansfield to get more game time.