Thursday Fulham Stuff - 19/03/20...

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Noel Whelan suggests Aleksandar Mitrovic would be a good signing for Leeds United

Former Leeds United player turned popular football pundit Noel Whelan has suggested that Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic would be a good addition for the Whites.

Leeds will be looking to bolster their striker department in the summer, but whether they can capture Mitrovic will entirely depend on where they finish at the end of the season.

If they secure promotion to the Premier League, and likewise Fulham fail to do so, then they will have a better chance of signing the 55 times capped Serbian international.

While Patrick Bamford is a tireless-worker and brings a lot to the table, the former Chelsea striker is not a prolific goalscorer by any means. Leeds do have an obligation to sign Jean-Kevin Augustin in the summer for a fee in the region of £17 million if they go up, but he has hardly played under Marcelo Bielsa.

Whelan feels Mitrovic is a proven goalscorer and would be a 'good capture' for Leeds. He suggests that the Fulham striker is the one whom Leeds should be looking at this summer.

"Do we want more tried and tested? Do we want a different style of player?," Whelan told Football Insider.

"I would be looking at Mitrovic. He has got the fight and the scoring ability and capability of being a difference. Someone who is a handful, someone a bit bigger and stronger. He is better from wide areas and that is where the majority of our play comes from. I think Mitrovic would be one that Leeds will be looking at.

"They paid £27million for him and for £35million it would be a good capture. He is a proven goalscorer, can hold the ball up and he would love the number of crosses we put in the box."

Mitrovic has been in superb form this season for the Cottagers, scoring 23 goals in 34 games in the league.

Fulham paid a massive £27 million fee for his services when they signed him permanently from Newcastle United. Also, he signed a new five-year deal at Craven Cottage last summer that will keep him at the club till 2024.

Therefore, Fulham, who are third in the Championship, are in no rush to sell him. And in case they do, they will demand a massive transfer fee for him.



https://sportslens.com/noel-whelan-suggests-aleksandar-mitrovic-would-be-a-good-signing-for-leeds-united/290403/

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What happened next? Hodgson's Fulham team that beat Juventus en route to the Europa League final

It might seem like a lifetime ago now, but it's only been 10 years since Roy Hodgson guided Fulham all the way to the Europa League final.

They were heartbreakingly defeated in extra-time by Atletico Madrid but what a journey they undertook nevertheless.

On the road to that match, Fulham had to get past one of Europe's greats in Juventus, and it seemed it wouldn't happen after a 3-1 defeat in the first leg in Turin.

But, despite going further behind in the opening two minutes at Craven Cottage, Fulham fought back and claimed a 4-1 result that astonishingly sent them through at the expense of the Old Lady.

But what has happened to those players since?

Fulham
Goalkeeper: Mark Schwarzer

Age: 47

Fulham appearances: 220

Current Club: Retired

Many thought the experienced shot-stopper was closing in on the end of his career after helping Fulham to the Europa League final, but Schwarzer would play for another six years.

The Australian was released by Fulham in 2013 and joined up with Chelsea as their new back-up, playing 12 times across two seasons. The goalkeeper spent a year with Leicester, sitting on the bench as they won the league before his release in 2016, and quietly retired soon after.
Right-back: Stephen Kelly

Age: 36

Fulham appearances: 71

Current Club: Retired

Kelly was Fulham's first signing in the season they took on the Europa League and the right-back was on their books for four years. He was eventually permitted to leave in 2013, joining Reading.

A lack of regular football saw Kelly turn down a new deal with the Royals and the Irishman linked up with Rotherham, making 35 appearances across two seasons before leaving the club at the end of the 2016/17 campaign.
Centre-back: Brede Hangeland

Age: 38

Fulham appearances: 270

Current Club: Retired

Hangeland's form with Fulham often saw the imposing centre-back linked with big money moves to the likes of Arsenal, but the Norwegian spent seven years with the Cottagers.

It all ended sadly for Hangeland at Fulham amid reports of a bizarre relationship with Felix Magath and his statement that indicated the club had released him via email. A two-year stint with Crystal Palace followed before he opted to retire, after being released.
Centre-back: Aaron Hughes

Age: 40

Fulham appearances: 250

Current Club: Retired

After seven years on the books with Fulham, Hughes eventually left the club in January 2014 for QPR. He was released just six months later however, and signed for Brighton.

Only a season later and another move took Hughes to Melbourne City, before he was announced as Indian side Kerala Blasters's marquee signing. Hughes joined Hearts in January 2017, spending 18 months in Scotland before retiring.
Left-back: Paul Konchesky

Age: 38

Fulham appearances: 122

Current Club: Retired

Konchesky did well during his time at Fulham but there's still some raised eyebrows at the fact that he got a move to Liverpool in 2010, following Roy Hodgson to the Merseyside club.

A loan spell to Nottingham Forest followed and then Konchesky moved to Leicester City. He failed to feature too often and went on loan to QPR in 2015, before leaving the Foxes for League One Gillingham.

Konchesky had a brief spell playing for Billericay in the Isthmian League, whilst also running his East-End cafe, Konch's Kafe. He's since hanged up his boots.
Right-midfielder: Damien Duff

Age: 41

Fulham appearances: 173

Current Club: Retired

Having moved to Fulham in 2009, Duff was later part of the contingent allowed to leave when the club were relegated in 2014. The winger spent one season in Australia with Melbourne City.

Duff would then move to Shamrock Rovers and donated all his wages to charity while at the club, before retiring from football in December 2015.

He's since transitioned into coaching, working for Celtic, and following Neil Lennon's appointment as their full-time manager Duff would be part of his backroom staff.
Central midfielder: Chris Baird

Age: 38

Fulham appearances: 172

Current Club: None

Like Hangeland, Baird spent his best years at Fulham and was with the club for six seasons, and a regular for them in all of those campaigns.

The defender was released in 2013 and opted to move to Reading, but only spent six months at the club before moving to Burnley. The Clarets were eager to retain him but Baird then got a move to West Brom in the summer of 2014.

A year later and the Baggies released Baird to Derby County, although the player did return to Fulham for a brief loan spell, eventually retiring in 2019.
Central midfielder: Dickson Etuhu

Age: 37

Fulham appearances: 127

Current Club: IFK Rössjöholm

Dickson Etuhu spent four years on the books at Fulham but was permitted to leave in 2012 to join Blackburn Rovers. The midfielder spent just two seasons with the Championship club though with his time there plagued by injuries.

Etuhu would get a move to Swedish side AIK before moving to IFK Rössjöholm, where he remains.
Left-midfielder: Simon Davies

Age: 40

Fulham appearances: 168

Current Club: Retired

Davies was a part of the 12-man cull by Fulham in 2013 with the experienced midfielder sort of falling off the map when the Cottagers let him go.

The Welshman, instead of remaining in professional football, returned home to Solva and has reportedly played for the team.
Attacking midfielder: Zoltán Gera

Age: 40

Fulham appearances: 120

Current Club: Retired

Fulham's two-goal hero from the match with Juventus, Gera was allowed to leave in 2011 and was reunited with Roy Hodgson back at former club West Brom.

After leaving the Baggies in 2014 Gera went back to Ferencváros and helped the club to win the Hungarian league in 2016. Two years later the 97-time capped international called time on his playing career.
Striker: Bobby Zamora

Age: 39

Fulham appearances: 134

Current Club: Retired

Twice capped by England, both of Zamora's national side outings came while on the books at Fulham but the striker eventually left for QPR in 2012. He scored the vital goal to return them to the Premier League in 2014 but was released in 2015.

Zamora returned to former club Brighton for a season but was allowed to go in 2016, and retired from football in December that year.

Substitutes:

Bjørn Helge Riise

Age: 34

Fulham appearances: 19

Current Club: Retired

John Arne Riise's little brother was in his first season with Fulham when they defeated Juventus, but that was about the peak of his spell as loans with Sheffield United and Portsmouth followed.

Riise moved to Lillestrøm in 2012 and then was transferred again in 2015, and played for Aalesund before moving to Sogndal IL until retiring.

Clint Dempsey

Age: 37

Fulham appearances: 232

Current Club: Retired

Clint Dempsey's excellent form for Fulham saw the American earn a big money move to Tottenham in 2012, but the forward only lasted one season at White Hart Lane.

The attacker was sold to MLS side Seattle a year later, but he did return to Fulham for a brief loan spell before the start of the 2014 American season.

Dempsey retired in 2018.

Juventus
Goalkeeper: Antonio Chimenti

Age: 47

Juventus appearances: 18

Current Club: Retired

Juventus' third choice goalkeeper, Chimenti retired from football at the end of 2010 after 22 years as a professional player.
Right-back: Hasan Salihamidžić

Age: 43

Juventus appearances: 73

Current Club: Bayern Munich (Sporting Director)

Salihamidžić was allowed to leave Juventus in 2011 and the Bosnian switched back to Germany with Wolfsburg. A broken arm saw him last just one season though, and Salihamidžić retired not long after his release in 2012.

Since then he's been named sporting director of his former club Bayern Munich.
Centre-back: Jonathan Zebina

Age: 41

Juventus appearances: 116

Current Club: Retired

Zebina left Juventus in 2010 after he was released from the club and signed for Brescia the same day. Spells with Brest, Toulouse and Arles-Avignon would follow before his retirement in 2014.
Centre-back: Fabio Cannavaro

Age: 46

Juventus appearances: 127

Current Club: Guangzhou Evergrande (Manager)

One of the finest defenders of the 2000s, Cannavaro came to the end of his second spell with Juventus in 2010, after being shown a red card vs Fulham. He spent a year with Al-Ahli Dubai before retiring and moving into management. He now works in the Chinese Super League.
Left-back: Fabio Grosso

Age: 42

Juventus appearances: 47

Current Club: Retired

Grosso only moved to Juventus in 2009 but the left-back opted to retire from football at the expiration of his contract in 2012.

In 2013 he was offered a coaching role with the club and in 2014 he became the Juventus Under-20s manager.

Since leaving the Old Lady he's coached Bari, Hellas Verona and Brescia.
Defensive midfielder: Felipe Melo

Age: 36

Juventus appearances: 78

Current Club: Palmeiras

One of the few Juventus players still playing, Melo spent two years at the Old Lady before going to Galatasaray, initially on loan. A permanent deal followed before a transfer back to Italy with Inter Milan in 2015.

Melo went on loan to Brazilian side Palmeiras in January 2017, before joining them permanently that summer.
Defensive midfielder: Mohamed Sissoko

Age: 35

Juventus appearances: 100

Current Club: Retired

Sissoko joined Juventus from Liverpool but left in 2013 for PSG. The midfielder has bounced from club to club since then, falling down the footballing pyramid.

In January 2020 Sissoko ended his 18-year playing career after most recently turning out for FC Sochaux.
Right-midfielder: Mauro Camoranesi

Age: 43

Juventus appearances: 285

Current Club: Tabor Sezana (Manager)

2010 signalled the end of an eight-year spell with Juventus for Camoranesi with the Italian moving to Stuttgart. A year later he transferred to Lanus before ending his career at Racing Club.

Camoranesi would subsequently move into management, starting at Mexican side Coras de Nayarit, before joining Argentine club Club Atlético Tigre before returning to Mexico with Cafetaleros de Chiapas until joining Slovenian team NK Tabor Sezana in January 2020.
Attacking midfielder: Diego

Age: 35

Juventus appearances: 47

Current Club: Flamengo

Once one of Brazil's most highly rated talents, Diego failed to really get going at Juventus and moved to Wolfsburg in 2010. The playmaker then was loaned to Atletico Madrid, before joining them permanently a couple of years later.

A two year stint with Fenerbahce followed before Diego finally moved to Flamengo, returning to Brazilian football, and in 2019 he'd lift the Copa Libertadores.
Left-midfielder: Antonio Candreva

Age: 31

Juventus appearances: 20

Current Club: Internazionale

Candreva spent the 2009/10 season on loan at Juventus and the winger has turned into a crucial part of the Italian set up since then.

The 33-year-old can currently be found at Inter Milan, having moved to the club in the summer of 2016 after a lengthy spell with Lazio.
Striker: David Trezeguet

Age: 42

Juventus appearances: 318

Current Club: Retired

One of the finest strikers this century, the 2009-2010 season turned out to be Trezeguet's last at Juventus which ended a ten year association with the Italian club.

Trezeguet played for Hércules, Baniyas, River Plate, Newell's Old Boys and Pune City before retiring in January 2015 and going home to Juventus as a coach.

Substitutes:

Zdeněk Grygera

Age: 39

Juventus appearances: 87

Current Club: Retired

Grygera left Juventus for their conquerors Fulham in 2011, but only played a handful of games before retiring due to fitness issues in December 2012.

Paolo De Ceglie

Age: 33

Juventus appearances: 124

Current Club: None

After spending a number of spells away on loan, De Ceglie finally left Juventus at the end of the 2016/17 season. He joined Swiss second-tier side Servette FC in January 2018 before leaving two years later.

Alessandro Del Piero

Age: 45

Juventus appearances: 705

Current Club: Retired

The Juventus legend himself. De Piero didn't start this match and finally left the club of his dreams in 2012. Brief spells with Sydney FC and Delhi Dynamos followed before his retirement in 2014.

https://www.squawka.com/en/what-happened-next-fulham-juventus-europa-league-2010/

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 Coronavirus: EFL board set for crunch meeting on how to proceed with season
All 24 Championship clubs held a video conference on Tuesday and unanimously backed completing the season if possible.

The English Football League Board will have talks on Wednesday morning via a conference call to discuss how to proceed with the rest of the 2019/20 season in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.

The meeting will be chaired by EFL chairman Rick Parry and will include three representatives from the Championship, two from League One and one from League Two. There are also two independent executives on the EFL Board.

The EFL announced on Friday that all fixtures have been postponed until April 3 at the earliest following an emergency meeting.

All 24 Championship clubs held a video conference on Tuesday and unanimously backed completing the season if possible.

On Tuesday, UEFA announced its decision to postpone Euro 2020 for 12 months in order to give clubs time to complete their fixture lists.

UEFA wants all domestic and European competitions completed by June 30 "should the situation improve and resuming playing be appropriate and prudent enough".

Officials from all 20 Premier League clubs will hold an emergency meeting on Thursday to establish plans for the remainder of the season, though those talks could stretch into next week.

Leeds United currently lead the Championship table by a point from West Bromwich Albion with nine games remaining.

Leeds chief executive Angus Kinnear says it is vital for the EFL and Premier League seasons to be played to their conclusion in order to maintain "the integrity of the football pyramid".

"From our perspective, we think it is vital that it is completed," Kinnear told Sky Sports News. "I think there is a growing sense across the football family that that is the right thing to do.

"It is difficult to speculate on timelines and now is the time for patience and cool heads. I think for the integrity of the football pyramid and the financial security of the clubs, finishing the league is the right thing to do."

Kinnear also acknowledged the financial repercussions from not finishing the season could be severe, particularly for clubs lower down the leagues who are more reliant on gate receipts than television revenue as their primary source of income.

"Obviously from a financial perspective, it is going to make a huge difference to the clubs, particularly lower down the pyramid to receive that income which is their lifeblood," Kinnear added.

The British government has pledged £330billion to help small British businesses deal with the crisis, support clubs in the lower divisions of English football are eligible for.

That possible relief came too late for Barnet Football Club, where 60 people were left on the brink of unemployment after the National League side placed all non-playing staff on immediate notice of redundancy.

Premier League should help smaller clubs
Sky Sports football analyst Jamie Redknapp has called on the Premier League to help those lower down the football pyramid deal with the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

"When the world is better and we can all reset, it's vitally important the Premier League and other clubs help and do whatever they can to keep clubs going," Redknapp told The Debate.

"So many smaller clubs could go out of business from this, they are going to need a bit of help. It wouldn't harm the Premier League clubs, given all the money the league creates, to agree to do something."

"We must come together in crisis"
Former England manager Steve McClaren also stressed the importance of ensuring clubs lower down the leagues are supported financially through the current health crisis.

"I think this is a perfect opportunity of where in crisis everybody comes together. The community, football, everybody," McClaren told Sky Sports News.

"There is enough money in the game to be spread around and especially in crisis. We don't want the lower clubs going out of business.

"Football is, for some people, a massive priority. It's community, it's social, it's what blends and puts people together so we cannot lose our football clubs especially at the lower end.

"They are in danger. There's enough money from Government, from FIFA, from UEFA, from the Premier League, from the EFL. There's enough to go around and we have to pull together and help each other through this crisis.

"Out of adversity comes opportunity, and this is an opportunity for people to bond and get through this crisis together.

"What we've got to make sure is that at the end of it, we haven't lost any of the football clubs that we already have."



https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/11959465/coronavirus-efl-board-set-for-crunch-meeting-on-how-to-proceed-with-season

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We simulated Leeds United vs Fulham to see what could have happened in Championship fixture

Leeds United were due to host Fulham in the Championship on Wednesday evening, but would the score have been? We used FIFA to get a unique prediction for this week's postponed game.

The coronavirus outbreak has seen football matches suspended all around the world, including in the EFL Championship, as Leeds United were due to take on Fulham on Wednesday evening in what promised to be an exciting matchup.

But there's no reason why this game can't be played on the virtual pitch, to see what could have happened on Wednesday evening, so we did exactly that using FIFA 20.

So, what starting lineup would Marcelo Bielsa have gone with against Fulham?

And, what would the score have been?

We used FIFA 20 to give us a unique score prediction for Leeds United vs Fulham, to see what could have happened.

This is what the game predicted.

Leeds United vs Fulham score predicted by FIFA 20

To set up this simulation, we used kick-off mode on FIFA 20 but didn't select a team to control; we then selected the teams and watched the match play out by itself, to give us a unique prediction.

The AI difficulty was set to legendary, with the lineup updated with the latest injuries and suspensions, to make sure it was as realistic as possible.

We predicted that Leeds United could set up in a 4-1-4-1 formation, with the lineup as follows: Meslier, Ayling, White, Cooper, Dallas; Phillips; Costa, Klich, Hernandez, Harrison; Bamford.



We predict that Fulham could set up in a 4-3-3 formation, with their lineup as follows: Rodak; Odoi, Hector, Ream, Bryan; Reed, Cairney, Arter; Cavaleiro, Mitrovic, Knockaert.



FIFA 20 predicts that this game would have been a weird one to watch for Leeds United fans, as Fulham dominated possession for the majority of the game, but one player in particular proved decisive for United on the day.

Fulham were dominating the ball for large periods of the first-half, with Cairney, Arter and Reed controlling the tempo of the game from midfield, which forced Leeds to alter their gameplan.

Despite the Cottagers possession, Bielsa's side weren't being carved open, as the home side remained resolute in defence.

For the first 35 minutes, the Leeds fans were getting restless, until Pablo Hernandez opened the scoring against the run of play by producing a moment of magic.

After being awarded a free-kick just outside the penalty area, the Spaniard bent the ball over the Fulham wall and into the top corner of Rodak's goal, to open the scoring for Leeds.

A magical goal that Hernandez celebrated with gusto.

The away side continued to dominate the ball, but Leeds were always dangerous when they had spells of possession, with Harrison, Costa and Bamford looking lively.

In the second-half, another moment of magic gave Leeds a 2-0 lead just before the hour mark, with Hernandez again showing his class.

The midfielder received the ball on the edge of the area, took a touch and blasted the ball into the far corner, with Rodak having no chance.

Despite dominating possession, Fulham came away with absolutely nothing, in a game that belonged to Hernandez.

Full-time score: Leeds United 2-0 Fulham



Here are the full-time match stats.

As you can see, Fulham had the majority of possession, but were very clinical with their chances.

No guesses for who was named Man of the Match, with Hernandez proving decisive in the fixture.

So there you have it, FIFA 20 predicted that Leeds would have taken a step closer to promotion to the Premier League on Wednesday night, with a vital victory over Fulham at Elland Road.

The game also predicted a Pablo Hernandez masterclass, with the Leeds faithful treated to two long-range strikes.

What do you make of the FIFA 20 prediction?

Obviously, the health of everyone is of utmost importance right now, but it's interesting to see what FIFA 20 says would have happened, on the virtual pitch at least.



https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/leeds-united-fulham-fifa-simulation-17938946

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All To Play For

Bobby Zamora, Simon Davies, Mark Schwarzer and Chris Baird remain confident of causing an upset when we welcome Juventus to Craven Cottage.

Bobby Zamora

"At home we're a very good team so I see no reason why [we can't progress]. We've beaten the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool at home this season.

"We're confident we can beat them in normal time. We're going to go out and give it our all. There's no reason why we can't do it against Juventus. It's a massive game for me, the players and the Club.

"It'll have to be a good performance but we're capable of that and we believe it as well. We've got be clever with the quality of players they have. If we can get an early goal then the tie is all to fight for.

"It's purely about getting through to the next round – if I don't score but set someone up or drag the centre half away and we score those two vital goals then I'll be chuffed.

"For the Club there is so much riding on it and we're desperate to go out there and perform. It's been a good two years for myself and the Club – it's been brilliant. We're so close to the finish line now we've got to dig in and give it our all."

Simon Davies

"[Juventus away] was a frustrating night all round but we've got another chance now and it's by no means above us to score two goals at home. We're all looking forward to it and we'll try and make it a memorable occasion.

"This is a game where it's all to play for and, if we lose, we've had a great run in the cup and we can look back and be proud of our achievements. If we win it takes us to the next level and we'll be on the verge of something really special.

"We've got nothing to lose and we can concentrate on putting on a good performance. When the crowd is on song at the Cottage, they really get us going and any team will find it tough. We've managed to win a few games against the big boys at home over the past few years.

"Getting to the Quarter-Finals would be massive, from being nearly dead and buried in the league two years ago to being one game away from the Quarter-Finals of the Europa League is unbelievable."

Mark Schwarzer

"The game is there to be won. There's a lot to play for in the second leg. We know Juventus are a very good side and we'll have to be on top form if we're going to go through.

"It's all about having the self-belief that you can go and win the game. We're more than capable of doing that. The style of play and the type of pressure that we can apply at home is something that can work very much in our favour.

"It's our job now to make life very difficult for them and, who knows, if we put them under enough pressure and perform well on the night, there's every chance that we can cause an upset."

Chris Baird

"The first match was a very tough game for us, we knew about the quality they had and they showed it in the first leg. But I still think we've got a great chance bringing them back to our place. We'll be up for the game and we're confident that we can get a result and keep going in this competition.

"Coming to places like Craven Cottage is intimidating for teams like Juve. We're looking forward to the game. We know the threat they're going to pose to us but it's another great game to play in and hopefully we'll get the right result for Fulham."




http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/march/18/all-to-play-for

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'What a night and now we're losing away to Barnsley' – These Fulham fans react to memorable game on this day in 2010

Fulham currently find themselves in the thick of the Championship promotion race, but on this day ten years ago the Whites were looking to upset the odds and reach the Europa League quarter-finals for the first time in their history.

Having already knocked out Ukrainian champions Shakhtar Donetsk in the previous round, Roy Hodgson's men were massively up against it once again after a 3-1 defeat in Turin a week earlier left them with a mountain to climb in west London.

David Trezeguet's early strike left Fulham needing to score four times in the final 88 minutes or their European adventure would be over.

Bobby Zamora replied soon after before two goals from Zoltan Gera either side of the break left the home fans dreaming of a memorable comeback. And eight minutes from time, the comeback was completed when Clint Dempsey produced the most exquisite chip to send Craven Cottage into raptures and complete a 4-1 victory.

As a mark of tens years to the exact day, Fulham's official Twitter account are pretending that it's 2010 again and will be showing a rerun of the game shown live on their social channels this evening.

This understandably left Fulham fans excited at being given the opportunity to re-watch one of the greatest nights in the club's history.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/what-a-night-and-now-were-losing-away-to-barnsley-these-fulham-fans-react-to-memorable-game-on-this-day-in-2010/

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The 4 Fulham players that may be affected by the latest UEFA decision

We are living in a football-free world at the moment, which is something that many of us will have never experienced before, thanks to recent events.

The EFL have confirmed that no action will take place until the start of April and, as a result of these matches being pushed back, governing bodies have had to take larger actions.

One of which has been to postpone the Euros for another year, with UEFA hoping that it will allow clubs to catch-up during the summer months ahead of next season.

Here, we take a look at the Fulham players whose summer plans will have now switched from potential international stardom back to club matters...

Aleksandar Mitrovic
He is a talisman for Fulham but Mitrovic is also a central figure in the Serbian set-up.

In 55 appearances he has netted 34 times and would have been central to their side, had they qualified via the play-offs which would have been taking place imminently.

You would not have put it past him scoring a few at the tournament itself either.

Harry Arter
Arter may not have been a regular in Scott Parker's side this season but there may have still been a chance of him making the squad for the Republic of Ireland in the summer.

He has made a total of 16 appearances for the national side, predominantly during Martin O'Neill's tenure.

Under Mick McCarthy, he has not been so lucky, but you would not have ruled out him being brought back into the fold.

Stefan Johansen
A Norwegian regular, Johansen has made over 50 appearances for his national side since debuting in 2013.

He has scored six times and even wore the captain's armband throughout 2018 and 2019, although he fell slightly out of favour in recent months.

Nevertheless, were Norway to qualify via the play-offs he is someone you would have expected to be part of the tournament set-up.

Marek Rodak
Fulham's latest international star, Rodak has found himself involved in Slovakia's last three squads, although he is yet to force his way past Martin Dubravka and into the starting line-up.

Still, he has become the country's obvious second choice now and would have been a shoe-in on the bench for their qualifying matches and the tournament squad.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/the-4-fulham-players-that-may-be-affected-by-the-latest-uefa-decision/

[WhiteJC]

 EFL says 'primary objective' is to play 2019/20 season to a conclusion
EFL also approves £50m fund to help clubs with impact of coronavirus pandemic while fixtures are postponed; EFL Trophy final on April 5 postponed

The EFL says its main priority is to finish this season to "protect the integrity" of the competition and has put in place a £50m fund to help with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on clubs.

"The primary objective, in order to protect competition integrity, is to deliver a successful conclusion to the 2019/20 season, subject to the over-riding priority around health and well-being," said the EFL, which represents 72 clubs, in a statement on Wednesday.

There have been a number of ideas floated for shortening or voiding the season but the EFL says it remains committed to getting the season completed, although it was not able to offer a date for resumption.

"The EFL is continuing regular dialogue with the government and relevant health authorities and, as and when more information is known regarding the scale and extent of the coronavirus outbreak in this country, a decision will be taken on the resumption of the Leagues fixtures," the league said.

It added that league officials were in touch with the Football Association and the Premier League and other stakeholders to ensure a "joined-up and collaborative approach".

The EFL also says it is launching a £50m fund to help deal with some of the impact of the stoppage.

"Measures are to be put in place to immediately assist with cash flow via a £50m short-term relief package," it said.

"This fund consists of the remaining Basic Award payments being advanced to clubs immediately, with the remainder made up through interest-free loan facility available to clubs, calculated in line with the EFLs Article of Associations.

"The cash injection is included as part of a series of measures, that includes potential government support to help clubs and their associated businesses through this period of uncertainty."

Meanwhile, the EFL Trophy final, which was due to see Portsmouth and Salford City clash at Wembley on April 5, has been postponed.

'A positive step'
Former Premier League striker John Hartson said the news will come as a boost for clubs at a testing time for the economy.

"The EFL had to do something and act accordingly," he told The Debate.

"It's not just about the big boys, it's about supporting all the clubs. What we don't want to see is clubs running out of money and struggling - we've seen it with Bury.

"This is very positive news. It could be months and months before we start playing football again. It's good to see some positivity."



https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/11959889/efl-says-primary-objective-is-to-play-201920-season-to-a-conclusion

[WhiteJC]

Fulham: Fans discuss famous night and club's decision to relive Juventus game

On 18th March 2010, Fulham pulled off a famous victory over Italian giants Juventus at Craven Cottage. The Londoners trailed 3-1 from the first leg in Turin and looked as though they were heading out of the UEFA Europa League.

When David Trezeguet opened the scoring for the visitors inside two minutes, things looked bleak for the hosts – but goals from Bobby Zamora, Zoltan Gera and Clint Dempsey turned the tie on its head and saw Roy Hodgson's side progress to the quarter-finals.

The club have announced they will be airing the game for free via their official website for all supporters to enjoy and relive that famous night in the absence of Championship football, with the Twitter account joining in with 'live' updates throughout the evening.



https://thisisfutbol.com/2020/03/twitter/fulham-fans-discuss-famous-night-and-clubs-decision-to-replay-the-full-game/

[WhiteJC]

Exclusive: Ex-Bristol City man Jordan Wynter makes claim about Ashton Gate exits of Fulham duo Joe Bryan and Bobby Reid

Ex-Bristol City midfielder Jordan Wynter has claimed that it was no surprise to him that former teammates Joe Bryan and Bobby Reid secured Premier League moves when they left Ashton Gate in 2018, in an exclusive interview with Football League World.

At the age of 19, Wynter turned down a new contract at Arsenal in 2013 and opted to join the Robins instead, signing a two-year deal with the club.

He joined Bryan and Reid as three of a number of young players in the City squad at the time, with the South West club having just been relegated to League One.

Things didn't work out for the 26-year-old at Ashton Gate but he has kept tabs on the duo's careers.

The pair both came through the Robins academy before leaving the club to join Premier League sides in the summer of 2018 – Bryan signing with Fulham and Reid joining Cardiff City.

In an exclusive interview with Football League World, Wynter discussed Bryan and Reid, revealing that he isn't surprised to have seen them join top-flight clubs.

He said: "Looking back, I would say that they had the right attitude and discipline towards the game.

"You could tell that both of them had bags of ability but at the time I never thought they would make it to the Premier League.

"At the time, we were just all looking to break into the Bristol City first team and not thinking much further ahead than that.

"Looking back, they put a lot of work in both in and out of training. Then, when they got those opportunities they took it with both hands and they took it from there really and stayed consistent.

"It doesn't surprise me that they've been picked up by the clubs that they have been."

After both Fulham and Cardiff were relegated in the summer, Reid linked up with Bryan once again at Craven Cottage.

Wynter, who left Ashton Gate in 2015, currently plays for National League South side Dartford.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/exclusive-ex-bristol-city-man-jordan-wynter-makes-claim-about-ashton-gate-exits-of-fulham-duo-joe-bryan-and-bobby-reid/

[WhiteJC]

Roy's Juventus Reaction

Roy Hodgson was understandably delighted with Fulham's powers of recovery against Juventus.

An early David Trezeguet strike meant the Whites trailed 4-1 on aggregate, but goals from Bobby Zamora, Zoltan Gera (2) and Clint Dempsey booked our place in the Europa League Quarter-Finals.

"We should just do a Rocky Marciano and retire now because it's not going to get any better than this," Hodgson said. "This must come close to the greatest night of the Club's history. On a personal note, I am not sure I can recall such a recovery. I am on top of the world.

"The atmosphere was electric. We could not have had a worse start and an uphill task became even more uphill. But I was fully aware that there were 89 minutes to go. By half-time, I thought we were looking good to win.

"People say they had players missing but you look on the bench and they had [Alessandro] Del Piero, [Vincenzo] Iaquinta and [Christian] Poulsen, so we were still playing a very strong Juventus team."

He continued: "To get to the Quarter-Final of this competition is extremely good because we played our first match at the end of July and we will still be playing in this competition next month.

"When I reached the Final [with Inter Milan], our European campaign was nowhere near as long as this one has been. I think it encompassed 12 games, including a two-legged Final.

"By the end of the next match we'll have played 16 games now and I think it is a remarkable achievement that the boys have done so well.

"It was a great night of football, the crowd was fantastic and many of them will remember this night for a long time to come. I know we will."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/march/18/roy-hodgson-juventus-reaction

[WhiteJC]

Report: Fulham 4-1 Juventus

Roy Hodgson's Fulham team wrote themselves into the history books with an unbelievable comeback against Juventus.

3-1 down from the First Leg a week earlier in Turin, things were even worse inside two minutes when David Trezeguet struck at the Hammersmith End.

But the never-say-die spirit of the squad was present in spades, and Bobby Zamora restored parity on the night with some fine centre forward play seven minutes later.

He'd outmuscled Fabio Cannavaro for the equaliser, and the 2006 Ballon D'Or winner's night soon got worse when he was sent off for bringing down Zoltan Gera, who then got himself on the scoresheet with a close range finish.

The same man netted from the penalty spot early in the second half to bring the aggregate score level, before Clint Dempsey stepped off the bench to score one of the most incredible goals the Cottage had ever witnessed to secure a 5-4 victory for the Whites.

Hodgson would have been keen to see his side begin on the front foot considering the task ahead of them, but they made the worst possible start. Trezeguet's attempted overhead kick completely missed Hasan Salihamidzic's cross, but the Frenchman got to his feet quickly enough to place an accurate low strike beyond the reach of Mark Schwarzer after we failed to clear the loose ball.

Lesser teams could have crumbled at this point, but Fulham hit back emphatically soon after. Paul Konchesky pinged a ball in from the left onto the chest of Zamora – who shrugged off Cannavaro as if he wasn't there – who then slammed a right footed effort beyond Juventus goalkeeper Antonio Chimenti.

Cannavaro had been using every single one of his years of experience to try and unsettle the home side with some physical play, but he was found out on 27 minutes when he brought down Gera as he raced through on goal after being put in by Zamora. The visitors argued that Fabio Grosso was deep enough to cover, but the referee was not interested and Italy's World Cup winning captain was off.

Zamora almost took full advantage from the free-kick. His effort was brilliantly struck but a little too close to Chimenti, who parried away.

Craven Cottage was tingling with anticipation now, a feeling which grew when we hit the woodwork twice in a matter of seconds. First when Simon Davies' free-kick thwacked the crossbar before being cleared, and then when Dickson Etuhu headed against the post from Damien Duff's subsequent corner.

But the second goal was imminent. Konchesky and Zamora linked up again, ending with the latter dinking a ball over the top for Davies to run onto. He caught it right at the byline and cut back to Gera, who opened his body up and tucked the ball high into the net.

The message at half-time would have been 'more of the same' from Hodgson, and so he would have been delighted to see Duff win a penalty inside three minutes of the restart. Brazil international Diego the guilty party for handball.

With regular taker Danny Murphy suspended, Gera stepped up and dispatched a brilliant spot-kick. He sent Chimenti the wrong way, but it was struck with such ferocity that it's unlikely the veteran would have reached it anyway.

Things were now level at 4-4 on aggregate, but Hodgson sensed blood. Just after Davies had drawn another save from Chimenti, he sent on attacker Clint Dempsey – recently back from injury – for right-back Stephen Kelly, in a move that saw Davies dropped into defence.

That did little to restrict Davies' attacking instincts, though, with his cross finding the head of Dempsey, but the substitute's effort was saved by Chimenti.

Gera called Chimenti into action again on 80 minutes, but there was absolutely nothing the 39-year-old do after that to deny Dempsey. After collecting a pass from Etuhu, the American advanced a couple of steps towards the corner of the box before chipping a sublime shot over the goalkeeper and just under the angle of post and crossbar on the far side. It seemed to happen in slow motion, and the home crowd needed a second to register what had happened before collectively going bananas.

A second away goal from Juventus would have spoiled the party but their only other contribution was another red card when Jonathan Zebina was given his marching orders for kicking out at Duff.

And so the Whites saw out the remaining moments relatively comfortably to book their place in the UEFA Europa League Quarter-Finals, after possibly the most fantastic match in our history.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/march/18/juventus-match-report

[bog]

Thanks for keeping this page going everyday whitejc.  :54:

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[WhiteJC]

Thanks for keeping this page going everyday whitejc.  :54:

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my pleasure

however I think "news" will be a bit thin on the ground for the next few weeks but anything I find I'll report here  :54:

stay safe
rgds
John(WhiteJC)

[Sting of the North]

Thanks for keeping this page going everyday whitejc.  :54:

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:plus one: