Friday Fulham Stuff - 20/03/20...

[WhiteJC]

The 2 worst moments of Fulham's 2019/2020 season

Despite a poor run of recent results, Fulham remain heavily involved in the Championship promotion picture.

A 1-0 victory at Blackburn at the beginning of February saw Scott Parker's men move level on points with second-placed Leeds United – with only goal difference keeping them below Marcelo Biesla's side.

However, just two wins since then has seen the Cottagers slip seven points behind the Yorkshire outfit, leaving the play-offs their likely best route back into the Premier League.

We look at TWO moments that Fulham fans will want to forget this season.....

Humbled by Hull City
Fulham don't lose often in the Championship, but when they do, they make them mighty forgetful, and this was would be no different.

Like the majority of their games, the Whites were fancied to return to winning ways after a disappointing goalless draw at Middlesbrough the previous week, but Parker's side were humbled by the impressive Jared Bowen, who scored once and assisted another as the Tigers came away from Craven Cottage with a shock 3-0 victory.

Humiliation against Barnsley
Fulham went into their February meeting with Barnsley as overwhelming favourites and looked set to continue their six-match unbeaten run, but the Tykes ripped up the form book by producing one of the standout displays of the Championship campaign.

The visitors had only tasted victory once on the road in the league, but turned on the style and came away from west London with a 3-0 success. To make matters worse, ex-Whites striker Cauley Woodrow was at the forefront of the win, netting twice, either side of a Jacob Brown strike.

It was an afternoon to forget for goalkeeper Marek Rodak, who won't look back on any of Barnsley's goals with a great deal of pleasure.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/the-2-worst-moments-of-fulhams-2019-2020-season/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham player's continuity 'very difficult' – Transfer ruled out even if Cottagers offer discount

André-Frank Zambo Anguissa arrived at Fulham from Marseille in 2018.

After the Cottagers were relegated from the Premier League in the previous campaign, the midfielder joined Villarreal on a season-long loan deal last summer. The La Liga side have an option to make the Cameroon international's transfer permanent for €25m.

AS claims the 24-year-old was the Yellow Submarine's 'big bet' to strengthen their midfield as they battled for several months to acquire his services.

Anguissa has made 25 appearances in the league for Villarreal, which includes 18 starts, and five of seven substitute appearances came during their last five league matches.

Villarreal manager Javier Calleja preferred other players in the same position.

It's claimed Villarreal have decided against making the Fulham owned player's transfer permanent, at least for the agreed conditions of €25m.

Even if Fulham reduce the asking price for a transfer, it will not be possible for Anguissa to continue at the Spanish club as a substitute.

Therefore, the player's continuity at Villarreal is 'very difficult' beyond this season.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-players-continuity-club-difficult-transfer-ruled-even-cottagers-offer-discount/

[WhiteJC]

3 Fulham players that will return with a vengeance once season resumes

Fulham are one club who will be desperate to see the current season completed as they push for an immediate return to the Premier League.

With nine matches remaining the Whites sit in third place, six points behind the automatic promotion places, but with matches against both of the current top two still to come – Leeds and West Brom.

When they do return there will likely be players in Scott Parker's set-up who will feel they have a point to prove.

So, here we look at THREE players that will return with a vengeance once the season resumes...

Anthony Knockaert
Arguably the most underwhelming member of Fulham's squad so far this season.

The Frenchman looked like a serious coup back in the summer, having proven himself to be a class above the Championship with Brighton, but he has managed just three goals and five assists so far for The Whites.

He knows he has the ability to fire Scott Parker and his side to promotion with nine games remaining and will surely be eager to smash it upon his return.

Aboubakar Kamara
He is a player who has profited somewhat from Knockaert's poor form.

The winger has been frequently used as an impact sub this season but pressure has grown on Parker to use him from the start. With the likes of Knockaert and Cavaleiro providing competiton, however, he will know that he must keep his form up.

When the season resumes expect Kamara to be going all out to impress his boss and nail down that starting spot.

Harrison Reed
The Southampton loanee had become a regular in Parker's side prior to two calf injuries which kept him out of action for a combined 16 matches.

But he was pictured in Fulham training prior to the suspension and is expected to be back to match fitness soon, if not already, and he will be desperate to re-establish himself when football does return.

Midfield has been a bit of a conundrum throughout the season for Parker and perhaps it is Reed who holds the key.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/3-fulham-players-that-will-return-with-a-vengeance-once-season-resumes/

[WhiteJC]

FLW Six Pointer

It has been a mixed bag of a season for Fulham upon their return to the Championship.

They sit in third place with nine matches left to play but there is still a sense that they should be in a stronger position given the players at their disposal.

However, the future of their campaign is now out of their hands. Football has been suspended until early April because of ongoing worldwide events and Fulham fans are now left wondering how their season will end, and if it will.

In today's Six Pointer we take a closer look at the questions surrounding the Whites...

What will the overriding feeling about the break be at Fulham?
"There will be serious frustration at the club.

"Sitting in third place with matches against both Leeds and West Brom still to come they will have felt that they still had a real chance of squeezing into the automatic promotion places.

"They will now need to hit the ground when the season resumes which there is no guarantee off."

What will this mean for the players' training?
"As one of the more well-moneyed clubs in the division, Fulham will have plans in place.

"Training in its typical form will have been cancelled, as with all club's in England but players will have been given training regimes that can be carried out in isolation to ensure they are fully fit upon their return."

What about those players coming to the end of their deals?
"This is where real uncertainty lies regarding the aim to finish the current season.

"A lot of contracts and loan deals will expire at the end of May or June and it seems that this crisis could well be going on much longer than that. So what happens with those players?

"As things stand, the Whites could be without Kongolo, Archer, Norman, Odoi, Reed, Arter, Kebano and Knockaert. Not something that many Fulham fans will want to see."

What would be the ideal situation for The Whites?
"The season restarting ASAP.

"They may currently be six points behind the automatic promotion places, but with the likes of Aleksandar Mitrovic, Knockaert and Ivan Cavaleiro at their disposal in attack, a strong run of form is always a possibility.

"Expectations were to win promotion straight back to the Premier League and they will be desperate to do that."

What is actually going to happen?
"The EFL seem fully intent on finishing the season, having announced financial backing for those lower down the pyramid to ensure that can happen.

"This will be good news for The Whites.

"However, the current situation is far bigger than football and if the situation continues to develop and worse, then it may will be out of their hands again."

What can the fans be reassured by?
"Others are in the exact same situation.

"Leeds and West Brom will be sweating even worse than the Whites whilst Coventry in League One will also be desperate to see the campaign finish.

"It may not be a lot to hold onto, but the fact that this crisis is at least affecting every other team in the country should bring a shred of comfort."



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/there-will-be-serious-frustration-fulhams-situation-and-future-as-footballs-suspension-continues/

[WhiteJC]

 Coronavirus: English football extends suspension to April 30
The deadline for returning to action has also been extended indefinitely as part of an agreement with the FA.

English football will not return until April 30 "at the earliest", it has been decided at an emergency meeting between Premier League clubs, but the 2019/20 season will be extended indefinitely.

Officials from all 20 English top-flight clubs spoke over a conference call on Thursday morning to co-ordinate a strategy for completing the fixture list in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic which has led to the suspension of almost all sport.

It has been decided that the Premier League, the EFL and women's football will continue to be suspended until April 30 "at the earliest".

The deadline for returning to action has also been extended indefinitely as part of an agreement with the FA.

It is understood the discussions centred very much on the here and now, although clubs were shown modelling of how the schedule could look using a variety of possible resumption dates.

Crucially, it is understood no clubs present raised the possibility of the 2019-20 season being declared null and void. West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady had suggested that was one solution in the event that games could not be played.

No discussions were held around the possibility of the Premier League providing funding for the EFL at this meeting, it is understood.

A statement after the meeting, published by the Premier League said: "The FA, Premier League, EFL and women's professional game, together with the PFA and LMA, understand we are in unprecedented times and our thoughts are with everyone affected by COVID-19.

"We are united in our commitment to finding ways of resuming the 2019/20 football season and ensuring all domestic and European club league and cup matches are played as soon as it is safe and possible to do so.

"We have collectively supported UEFA in postponing EURO 2020 to create space in the calendar to ensure domestic and European club league and cup matches have an increased opportunity to be played and, in doing so, maintain the integrity of each competition.

"The FA's rules and regulations state that "the season shall terminate not later than the 1 June" and "each competition shall, within the limit laid down by The FA, determine the length of its own playing season".

"However, The FA's Board has agreed for this limit to be extended indefinitely for the 2019/20 season in relation to Professional Football.

"Additionally, we have collectively agreed that the professional game in England will be further postponed until no earlier than 30 April."

Analysis: Football gives itself more time
Bryan Swanson, Chief Reporter:

The further suspension of English football is no surprise. The game cannot continue as the coronavirus pandemic spreads.

The significance of today is the decision of the FA board, and their agreement to "extend indefinitely" the time limit to the end of the season.

Under the FA's rules and regulations "the season shall terminate not later than 1 June". Officials have agreed not to enforce this date.

In summary, football has given itself time, in extraordinary circumstances.

There is a clear determination to finish the season before considering the start of next season.

"The progress of COVID-19 remains unclear" said a joint statement, but the English game is attempting to bring a degree of clarity in a hugely volatile and unpredictable landscape.

A revised resumption at the end of April remains ambitious and, in all likelihood, it will change again in a few weeks.

European football has committed to finish their competitions, including the Premier League, by 30 June.

But that date remains flexible, particularly if a FIFA working group agrees to relax the rules on player contracts and registrations.

This remains a fluid environment, with plenty of opinions and ideas. Clubs will continue talks next week but football remains second to public health.

In their words, the English game would like to "re-emphasise our thoughts are with everyone affected by COVID-19.

'Collective desire to finish'

Paul Gilmour, Sky Sports News reporter, from the Premier League's headquarters:

The key line is resuming the season 'when it is safe and possible to do so'. It is very much a case of into the unknown.

They're taking these measures to buy more time so they can continue to monitor the situation. But it was a significant first step today - the first get-together of clubs since the postponement of Euro 2020, which has provided a window.

There is a collective desire to finish the season - clubs will continue to work towards that and talk about that as the situation progresses.



https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/11960068/coronavirus-english-football-extends-suspension-to-april-30

[WhiteJC]

Statement by Football Authorities

The FA, Premier League, EFL and women's professional game, together with the PFA and LMA understand we are in unprecedented times and our thoughts are with everyone affected by COVID-19.

We are united in our commitment to finding ways of resuming the football season and ensuring all domestic and European club league and cup matches are played as soon as it is safe and possible to do so.

We have collectively supported UEFA in postponing EURO 2020 to create space in the calendar to ensure domestic and European club league and cup matches have an increased opportunity to be played and, in doing so, maintain the integrity of each competition.

The FA's Rules and Regulations state that "the season shall terminate not later than the 1 June" and "each competition shall, within the limit laid down by The FA, determine the length of its own playing season." However, The FA's Board has agreed for this limit to be extended indefinitely for the 2019/20 season in relation to Professional Football. Additionally, we have collectively agreed that the professional game in England will be further postponed until no earlier than 30 April.

The progress of COVID-19 remains unclear and we can reassure everyone the health and welfare of players, staff and supporters are our priority. We will continue to follow Government advice and work collaboratively to keep the situation under review and explore all options available to find ways of resuming the season when the conditions allow.

We would all like to re-emphasise that our thoughts are with everyone affected by COVID-19.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/march/19/statement-by-football-authorities

[WhiteJC]

Matches suspended until at least 30 April

Premier League and English Football League matches have been halted until at least 30 April because of the coronavirus outbreak.

Both governing bodies initially decided that matches will be postponed until 3 April.

The suspension has been extended and a joint statement issued by the FA, Premier League and EFL expressed "a commitment to finding ways of resuming the 2019-20 season" and completing all domestic and European matches "as soon as it is safe and possible to do so".

The FA Women's Super League has also been suspended until the same date.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/chelsea/football-was-chelsea-qpr-fulham-brentford-matches-off-190320

[WhiteJC]

'I was singing my heart out' – Current Fulham man talks about his personal experience of Juventus game

Fulham goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli has recalled the moment that he was sat in the stands and "became an absolute hooligan" during their famous Europa League last 16 victory over Italian giants Juventus at Craven Cottage.

Yesterday marked exactly 10 years to the day since Roy Hodgson's men, against all odds, overturned a 3-1 deficit from their first leg defeat in Turin to send the Italian giants crashing out of the competition to reach their first and only European quarter-final in the club's history.

The Whites famously made it all the way to the final before they were cruelly beaten in the dying moments off extra-time by Atletico Madrid thanks to Diego Forlan's last-gasp goal.

Bettinelli, who has gone on to play more than 100 times for Fulham's first-team, was in their youth team at the time, and opened up on his memories of that night and revealed the words of advice that Australian goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer told him prior to the game.

Speaking to Fulham's official website, the former England-Under 21 goalkeeper said: "I can't remember how it came about, but for some reason we were shaking the flag in the middle of the pitch before the game. I'm not sure how it came about, but I remember being there and I remember Schwarzey [Mark Schwarzer] running past me and saying 'when you go off, have a word with the ballboy and tell him to chuck the ball back fast if it goes out.

"Because obviously we were chasing a defeat. It's one of those things that's always stuck in my mind. And after that we went and sat in the stand and I remember literally singing my heart out to be honest. It was an incredible game and you kind of get chucked into that situation where you're sitting there with the fans and you end up becoming an absolute mad hooligan.

"It was unreal, and I remember it really, really well."

The Verdict

The Juventus victory is certainly a game that no Fulham supporter will forget in a hurry. And having heard so many different stories from that night, it's refreshing to hear an experience from a player that's in the current Whites side.

Despite being at the club from a very young age, it's unclear whether Bettinelli is actually a Fulham fan himself, but he definitely was for that memorable night at Craven Cottage.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/i-was-singing-my-heart-out-current-fulham-man-talks-about-his-personal-experience-of-juventus-game/

[WhiteJC]

Anthony Knockaert delivers three-word warning to fans as Fulham ace trains from home

Fulham winger Anthony Knockaert has offered a look into his training regime and sent a message to the public as players across the country are continuing to work from home following the EFL's suspension.

The governing body initially suspended action until April 3 but announced on Thursday that no action would be played again until April 30, although they did emphasise their intentions to finish the current campaign, rather than voiding it as some have suggested.

For now, anyway, players appear to be continuing their individual regimes and Knockaert offered a snapshot into his as he trained on a treadmill inside his house.

Writing alongside the series of videos on his Instagram story, he said simply: "Stay at home".

It has been a bit of a disappointing season for the Frenchman so far, given his proven brilliance in the Championship with Leicester City and Brighton in the past.

In 33 appearances he has found the net just three times and laid on five more assists for his teammates as Fulham push for an immediate return to the Premier League under Scott Parker.

When play was suspended they were sat third in the Championship with nine games remaining, six points behind the top-two, but with matches against both West Brom and Leeds still to come.

The verdict

Knockaert will surely be eager to bounce back to his best when the season does finally resume.

It has not been a great term for him so far but there is still time for him to become a Craven Cottage hero, but that will require a significant shift in fortunes for him.

Aleksandar Mitrovic has been relied on far too much and it is about time the likes of Knockaert step up.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/anthony-knockaert-delivers-three-word-warning-to-fans-as-fulham-ace-trains-from-home/

[WhiteJC]

Club sending midfielder back to Fulham in the summer, not using buying option

Cameroonian midfielder André Zambo Aguissa should be returning to Fulham at the end of the season, according to claims from Spain today.

The 24-year-old has been spending a loan spell at Villarreal, where he's made 28 appearances so far.

The La Liga side have an option to buy the player for a fixed amount in the summer, but as reported by the Spanish press, this isn't happening.

Super Deporte says Villarreal have already taken a decision and are really sending him back to London at the end of the spell.

Anguissa has a decent number of appearances this season, but the problem is said to be the lack of impact.

The 24-year-old had been a starter at the beginning of the season, but slowly lost his place in the team and now is no longer in the manager's plans.

Back at Fulham, Anguissa has a contract with the Craven Cottage side until 2023.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/club-sending-midfielder-back-fulham-summer-not-using-buying-option/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham's record goalscorer still confident his former side can finish in the top two

Fulham FC legend Gordon Davies is still optimistic about his former side's chances of going up to the Premier League via the automatic positions.

Football in England is currently on pause due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

A season which had so many thrills and dramas left to play out in front of our gazing eyes, the Championship's promotion race had been an enthralling prospect for football fans up and down the land.

With Liverpool looking likely to win their first Premier League title in comfortable fashion, another giant of the English game, Leeds United, were on course to rejoin the nation's elite in the top-tier.

Breathing down their necks in a bid to prevent that from happening, Fulham FC under Scott Parker were just six points off Marcelo Bielsa's side with 9 league games left to play.

With fixtures against Leeds and West Brom, who sit 2nd and 1st in the table respectively, Fulham still had a chance to gatecrash the party for either Leeds or the Baggies.

Many suspect the current top two would have gone on and gained promotion to the top flight but not if you're Gordon Davies.

Davies, Fulham FC's record goalscorer, spoke to the Fulham Fans Show last night and was optimistic that if the season does resume at some point, his former side could still finish in an automatic spot.

"I've been on the positive side of your question from day one. I thought that we could finish in the top two. I've said that all season, I still think that we can finish in the top two. I know i've been slaughtered by some Fulham supporters for saying that and still saying that.

"But it's something that I believe because yes, Leeds went through a dodgy patch- they've come through it- West Brom are now starting to hit a dodgy patch.

"It is difficult when you've got nine games left. We only need one game where we win, West Brom lose and then you're three points behind them and that's then with eight games to go, so that is nothing to catch up over eight games.

"So even if we both win three games on the trot, you're still only that one game behind them and as you say, we've got to play them and it could be, probably, one of the biggest games of the season.

"When you look at the fixtures that are remaining now, the three cancelled fixtures we would have- Brentford, Leeds and QPR- you win games like that and then you've got to play West Brom as well, anything can happen.

"I definitely think we can still catch the second spot.

"I've got a feeling Leeds have had their bumpy period, they are still going for the jugular in every game that they're playing in and they're scoring goals and winning games late on, that is one thing that sometimes we don't do.

"So I still think we can finish second, definitely, but I think the top spot, unless it is a bit of a miracle, is out of our grasp now."



https://www.lovesportradio.com/news/love-sport-exclusives/fulham-can-still-go-up-automatically-claims-club-record-goalscorer/

[WhiteJC]

Jamie Carragher delivers verdict Leeds United and Fulham

Former Liverpool defender turned popular football pundit Jamie Carragher has delivered his verdict on whether Leeds and West Bromwich Albion should be promoted, if the season is not completed.

The Sky Sports pundit has rubbished the suggestion of making a 22 team Premier League as it could result in people getting sued. Many have suggested that there would be no relegation this season and that Leeds and West Brom should be promoted to the Premier League if the season is declared null and void due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

Leeds United are currently top of the Championship table, while West Bromwich Albion are just one point behind them. Basically, Carragher is suggesting that this current football season should finish under any circumstance.

Football in England has been postponed due to global health pandemic and will continue to be halted until the end of the next month.

Carragher has rightly pointed out that if Leeds and West Brom are allowed to go up, it would be really harsh on teams like Fulham who are seven points behind the Yorkshire club with nine games left to play.

He also pointed out that there's no guarantee that Leeds would secure promotion, given how Marcelo Bielsa's side blew up the lead from a similar position last season.

At the same time Carragher feels that it would be really harsh on Leeds and West Brom if the season is declared null and void, as they should be given the chance to finish the season and earn promotion.

"There was talk of the top two in the Championship going into the Premier League and then everyone's happy and there are no relegations," Carragher told The Debate. "Well, how would Fulham feel? I think they are only five or six points behind Leeds and West Brom.

"Leeds blew it last year when they were in the same position. There are so many questions really around if you stop the league now and we all take our positions. I just think the Premier League, the FA, or whoever it maybe there will be owners getting involved. People will be getting sued left, right and centre,

"I just think it's going to be an absolute mess throughout the leagues [if you go with 22 Premier League and no relegations throughout the divisions] – if a league stops it doesn't feel right... If Leeds don't get up this season that could stop them for the next four, five years and maybe they lose their manager. Who knows?"

The Premier League has decided that they will complete the season, no matter what, and it is a great message for the rest of the teams in lower leagues.



https://sportslens.com/jamie-carragher-delivers-verdict-leeds-united-and-fulham/290607/