Saturday Fulham Stuff - 04/04/20...

[WhiteJC]

Two years since Heckingbottom's Leeds were totally outclassed by Fulham

Leeds and Fulham were closely competing for promotion.

The enforced break from football denied spectators the top of the Championship table clash between Leeds United and Fulham which was scheduled for March 18.

It was a chance for Fulham to try and haul Leeds back in, and for the Whites to pull away and make automatic promotion a near certainty.

It could have been a very different match to the one between the two teams exactly two years ago today.

On April 3 2018, Leeds visited Craven Cottage and were totally outclassed by Slavisa Jokanovic's Fulham.

Fulham were on their way to promotion, while Leeds were meandering to a miserable mid-table finish under Paul Heckingbottom.

This match as much as any showed that Leeds needed to change, and they did the following summer, axing Heckingbottom and appointing Marcelo Bielsa.

The game itself was a 2-0 win for Fulham with Kevin McDonald and Aleksandr Mitrovic scoring the goals.

Leeds' central defensive partnership of Matthew Pennington and Pontus Jansson looked strictly average, while Eunan O'Kane and Ronaldo Vieira were overrun in midfield as Leeds managed just 39 per cent possession.

Up front Caleb Ekuban led the line supported by Samu Saiz, and the Ghanaian striker missed a sitter. It may have been the final straw for him, and the moment even his biggest fans may have begun to lose faith.

Substitutes Jay-Roy Grot, Kalvin Phillips and Pierre-Michel Lasogga failed to turn the tide.

A lot has changed. Leeds have gone from also-rans to promotion favourites.

Fulham have been through the wringer too, winning promotion, being instantly relegated, and now bouncing back into contention.

It was a shame to be denied another tilt between the two teams, but perhaps eventually, the match will be played. Although we have no idea when.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2020/04/03/two-years-since-heckingbottoms-leeds-were-totally-outclassed-by/

[WhiteJC]

Michael Hector shares views on Sunderland as documentary causes a stir

Sunderland have certainly grabbed a few headlines this week, even if there is a global pandemic still going on at full tilt right now.

The second series of 'Sunderland 'Til I Die' has been released on Netflix and many have been using their periods of self-isolation to take every episode in and then discuss it on social media.

It follows the club's run to the Sky Bet League One play-off final and, along the way, there are naturally plenty of moments that make for compelling viewing.

It's also given fellow footballers the chance to look at the inner workings of one of the biggest clubs in the EFL, and Fulham defender Michael Hector has been among them, with him posting this on his Instagram story:

It's certainly generated plenty of conversation this week and it's been a welcome distraction from a lot of the news that has been incessant in recent weeks.

However, if you're a Sunderland fan, there might be a case to argue that certain aspects of the club would have been better off not being on full display, naming no names...



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/michael-hector-shares-views-on-sunderland-as-documentary-causes-a-stir/

[WhiteJC]

Club will look to sign Fulham player if club fail with PL promotion hopes

Fotomac claim Jean Michael Seri's future will depend on which league Fulham will be playing in next season.

The west London club loaned Seri to Galatasaray at the start of the season and the Ivorian midfielder has impressed with his performances, especially in the second half of the campaign so far.

According to Fotomac, Galatasaray would like to keep Seri at the club for another season, but this is likely to depend on Fulham's promotion push to the Premier League.

Fulham are currently sitting in third place in the Championship, six points behind second-placed West Brom. The Turkish newspaper report that if they remain in the second tier then Gala will look to loan Seri once again.

Seri joined Fulham from Nice for €30m but following Fulham's relegation he moved to Galatasaray.

He's made 29 appearances in all competitions for the Super Lig side, scoring one goal.

His contract at Craven Cottage will expire at the end of June 2022.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/players-craven-cottage-career-will-depend-fulhams-promotion/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham: Fans discuss former goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly

Fulham recently wished their former goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly a happy birthday via their Twitter account.

The 44-year-old was well known for wearing baggy tracksuit bottoms rather than shorts when he played and the club referenced them as pyjamas in their tweet.



https://thisisfutbol.com/2020/04/twitter/fulham-fans-discuss-former-goalkeeper-gabor-kiraly/

[WhiteJC]

EFL Statement: Coronavirus Update

As a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the EFL, Premier League, FA and Barclays FA Women's Super League and FA Women's Championship has today collectively agreed to postpone its football competitions until it is safe to resume.

Football is committed in supporting the Government's efforts in tackling the COVID-19 outbreak and the staging of football matches in this country. It is clearly something that simply cannot happen at this time. The thoughts of everyone associated with the EFL and its member Clubs are with anyone currently affected by the Coronavirus.

The situation will be kept under constant review with matches only returning at an appropriate point and based on the latest guidance provided by the relevant Government departments and health authorities.

The EFL also notes and appreciates the decision taken today by the Premier League in respect of the short term financial relief it is to provide EFL Clubs through the advancement of solidarity payments, parachute payments and Academy Grants. These actions will have a positive impact on individual Clubs across our three divisions at a difficult and uncertain time.




http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/april/03/efl-statement-coronavirus-update

[WhiteJC]

EFL confirm decision over 2019/20 season following Premier League announcement

No professional football is currently being played in England due to the coronavirus pandemic, and the EFL have released a statement following on from the Premier League


Football League games will not be played for several weeks (Image: Kevin Barnes - CameraSport via Getty Images)

The EFL has confirmed that the suspension of the season will be extended indefinitely due to the coronavirus outbreak.

An original suspension was due to expire at the end of April but, with the rise in cases and deaths in the UK continuing to grow, an extension was expected and has now been officially confirmed.

No football in the EFL will be played for the foreseeable future and a statement released today following a meeting of Premier League stakeholders confirms there is currently no date for a resumption.

In a statement, regarding the suspension, the EFL said: "As a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic the EFL, Premier League, FA and Barclays FA Women's Super League and FA Women's Championship has today collectively agreed to postpone its football competitions until it is safe to resume.

"Football is committed in supporting the Government's efforts in tackling the COVID-19 outbreak and the staging of football matches in this country. It is clearly something that simply cannot happen at this time. The thoughts of everyone associated with the EFL and its member Clubs are with anyone currently affected by the coronavirus.

"The situation will be kept under constant review with matches only returning at an appropriate point and based on the latest guidance provided by the relevant Government departments and health authorities."

The EFL, along with the National League, has also received advance funding of £125m from the Premier League to help clubs cope with the financial impact of the COVID-19 outbreak.



https://www.football.london/championship/efl-confirm-decision-over-201920-18039733

[WhiteJC]

Coming Soon: The Sunday Night Fulham Quiz

With football postponed, we're all missing our beloved Fulham FC. That's why we've put together a 40-question quiz to bring the fanbase together on Sunday.

The quiz will be hosted live on YouTube and FFCtv by matchday announcer Ivan Berry, and we want as many supporters as possible to tune in and play along simultaneously. The link will be live in advance, so just make sure you've got a pen and paper ready for the 7pm kick-off.

Ivan will deliver four rounds of 10 questions before a short break, and will then return to give you those all important answers.

Make sure you head to Twitter afterwards to let us know how you got on!



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/april/03/coming-soon-the-sunday-night-fulham-quiz

[WhiteJC]

Potential Fulham player exit depends one one condition



Any potential transfer for Jean Michel Seri to Galatasaray will depend on whether Fulham get promoted to the Premier League or not, as per Turkish newspaper Fotomac.

The 28-year-old has spent this season out on loan at the Turkish giants, after being offloaded on loan by the west London club after their relegation to the Championship.

Seri has made 29 appearances for the Turkish club so far this season, with the Super Lig club keen to strike a a new deal with the player, though this ultimately depends on what league Scott Parker's side find themselves in next season.

The 5ft 6 midfielder was brought by Fulham in 2018 for a sizeable multi-million pound figure from Nice, and was expected to kick on at Craven Cottage but never seemed to hit the ground running and has found it hard to adapt to life in England.

As it stands, Fulham occupy third place in the Sky Bet Championship having amassed 64 points, and sit six points adrift of second placed West Brom.

The verdict

In all honesty, I can't see Seri becoming a key player for Fulham anytime soon and I think it's best for all parties for him to cut his ties with the west London club.

He came with a big reputation from Nice but has failed to deliver the goods when called upon.

You do feel though, that Fulham will find it hard to re-coup the substantial sum of money they forked out for him.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/potential-fulham-player-exit-depends-one-one-condition/

[Bill2]

Potential Fulham player exit depends one one condition



Any potential transfer for Jean Michel Seri to Galatasaray will depend on whether Fulham get promoted to the Premier League or not, as per Turkish newspaper Fotomac.

The 28-year-old has spent this season out on loan at the Turkish giants, after being offloaded on loan by the west London club after their relegation to the Championship.

Seri has made 29 appearances for the Turkish club so far this season, with the Super Lig club keen to strike a a new deal with the player, though this ultimately depends on what league Scott Parker's side find themselves in next season.

The 5ft 6 midfielder was brought by Fulham in 2018 for a sizeable multi-million pound figure from Nice, and was expected to kick on at Craven Cottage but never seemed to hit the ground running and has found it hard to adapt to life in England.

As it stands, Fulham occupy third place in the Sky Bet Championship having amassed 64 points, and sit six points adrift of second placed West Brom.

The verdict

In all honesty, I can't see Seri becoming a key player for Fulham anytime soon and I think it's best for all parties for him to cut his ties with the west London club.

He came with a big reputation from Nice but has failed to deliver the goods when called upon.

You do feel though, that Fulham will find it hard to re-coup the substantial sum of money they forked out for him.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/potential-fulham-player-exit-depends-one-one-condition/

Does anyone really think that we would want Seri back? He hardly set the game alight in his season with us only scoring a single goal. I do remember that defence splitting pass he made at Man City away, unfortunately it split the Fulham defence and went to the foot of a Man City player, Mane?, who went on and scored, second minute of the game I believe.

[Sgt Fulham]

Potential Fulham player exit depends one one condition



Any potential transfer for Jean Michel Seri to Galatasaray will depend on whether Fulham get promoted to the Premier League or not, as per Turkish newspaper Fotomac.

The 28-year-old has spent this season out on loan at the Turkish giants, after being offloaded on loan by the west London club after their relegation to the Championship.

Seri has made 29 appearances for the Turkish club so far this season, with the Super Lig club keen to strike a a new deal with the player, though this ultimately depends on what league Scott Parker's side find themselves in next season.

The 5ft 6 midfielder was brought by Fulham in 2018 for a sizeable multi-million pound figure from Nice, and was expected to kick on at Craven Cottage but never seemed to hit the ground running and has found it hard to adapt to life in England.

As it stands, Fulham occupy third place in the Sky Bet Championship having amassed 64 points, and sit six points adrift of second placed West Brom.

The verdict

In all honesty, I can't see Seri becoming a key player for Fulham anytime soon and I think it's best for all parties for him to cut his ties with the west London club.

He came with a big reputation from Nice but has failed to deliver the goods when called upon.

You do feel though, that Fulham will find it hard to re-coup the substantial sum of money they forked out for him.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/potential-fulham-player-exit-depends-one-one-condition/

Does anyone really think that we would want Seri back? He hardly set the game alight in his season with us only scoring a single goal. I do remember that defence splitting pass he made at Man City away, unfortunately it split the Fulham defence and went to the foot of a Man City player, Mane?, who went on and scored, second minute of the game I believe.

Agreed, get rid. Didn't want to be with us in the trenches so shouldn't be with us if we reach the promised land. He hasnt the quality for that sort of promotion.