Friday Fulham Stuff - 10/04/20...

[WhiteJC]

Leeds United urged to sign two forwards with 50 goals between them this season

Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan has urged the Whites to sign both Celtic forward Odsonne Edouard and Fulham hitman Aleksander Mitrovic if they receive fresh investment and are promoted to the Premier League this season.

The Whites are top of the Championship as things stand and have a seven-point cushion above the play-offs with just nine games remaining.

Leeds promotion push has been put on hold for the time being as all EFL fixtures have been suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

With the season paused, the Whites will likely be looking ahead to the upcoming transfer window and assessing whether improvements need to be made.

Their forward line is an area they may look to add to as Patrick Bamford has scored just 13 goals this season and the jury remains out on Jean-Kevin Augustin.

With Andrea Radrizzani addressing potential investment from QSI last week, Whelan has urged his former club to go on something of a striker spending spree in the summer and suggested they target both Edouard and Mitrovic.

Speaking to Football Insider, he said: "You would hope we get new investment and the money from the Premier League.

"Then it is a case of spending money in the right areas and a goalscorer is one you are going to have to part a lot of money with, unfortunately. We need to give ourselves every opportunity.

"We need players that will make a difference. I would be looking at the Celtic striker – Edouard if we are going up. Is he available and if he is, let's bring him in. For £30million that would be a great buy and I can see it.

"Someone like him or Mitrovic or both! But maybe that is greedy!"

Edouard has been fantastic for the Scottish club this season, grabbing 27 goals in 45 appearances for the Hoops, while Mitrovic is the Championship's top scorer with 23 goals in 34 games.

The Verdict

Even with the QSI money, signing both Mitrovic and Edouard seems a little unrealistic but it would certainly give them an exciting forward line.

You feel that may create similar issues to those created earlier in the season due to Marcelo Bielsa's reluctance to play Eddie Nketiah and Bamford together.

However, if he could get it working, the Whites would have a truly ferocious strike partnership on their hands.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/leeds-united-urged-to-sign-two-forwards-with-50-goals-between-them-this-season/

[WhiteJC]

Win Scott's Tracksuit!

The first virtual edition of the Fulham Flutter took place on Saturday, in lieu of what would have been the matchday raffle at Fulham v Birmingham.

Ever focused on supporting the local community, Fulham fans helped raise £764 for Hammersmith and Fulham Foodbank. This donation will support the foodbank in their vital work, including operating a delivery-only service to those most in need.

The Fulham Flutter will continue to operate virtually for the remaining two home fixtures, with proceeds going to Fulham FC Foundation as normal. The Foundation continue to support a vast range of participants through its befriending telephone service and digital offering.

The next draw will take place on the 14th April, with the following prizes up for grabs:

•          Multiple cash prizes

•          Scott Parker's tracksuit, worn and donated by the Head Coach himself

•          Signed Match-worn Dennis Odoi shirt

Buy your online ticket for the next draw from £2.

Winners will be notified via email.

Please gamble responsibly. Be Gamble Aware.

T+C's Apply 16+



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/april/09/fulham-flutter

[WhiteJC]

Former Sheffield Wednesday star Michael Hector reveals his future career plans

The centre-back has started working on his coaching badges


Former Sheffield Wednesday loanee Michael Hector. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Football is a short career - and Michael Hector already has one eye on the future.

The towering centre-half, who starred while on loan at Sheffield Wednesday last season, has started taking his coaching badges.

Hector, now at Championship high-fliers Fulham, has used the break from football due to the coronavirus crisis to his advantage, completing all the practical work for his UEFA B coaching badge.

"Doing my coaching badge is taking my mind off what is going on," he told The Times. "These are tough times, especially lower down the football pyramid.

"Some coaches might lose their jobs and in some ways it's crazy to do your badges now but I am in it for the long haul."

Fulham are Hector's 18th club of his career.

He added: "I've played under a lot of managers and tried to take bits from each manager and tried to make it my own philosophy, how you want a football club to be run."

Hector was a pillar of strength in defence for the Owls as they secured a mid-table finish in the 2018/19 season. He made 37 league appearances, scoring twice.

Wednesday expressed an interest in signing Hector last August from Chelsea but were priced out of a deal.

Speaking in August, Lee Bullen said: "I think Michael was always one that was on our radar. But I think it's important that we work within guidelines. And unfortunately, it wasn't one we were able to do."



https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/football/news/former-sheffield-wednesday-star-michael-18065688

[WhiteJC]

Ivan Cavaleiro offers training update as Fulham man waits for season resume

Fulham will be among the clubs wanting the season to resume as soon as possible as they'll feel as though they can reel in the likes of Leeds United and West Bromwich Albion before the campaign comes to an end.

With them just six points off of second place, there is plenty of time for the Lilywhites to get into the top two and return to the Premier League, so they'll be eager to get playing as soon as possible.

For them to make an impact if things resume, though, the players need to be as fit as possible and Ivan Cavaleiro will be eager to play his part in an attacking sense.

Taking to Instagram, he's offered this insight into his training session at home in isolation:

Replicating training sessions and matches is going to be tough for all involved but the players are working hard to be in as good a condition as they can be for the season to resume.

At Fulham, it's crucial they hit the ground running so they can start reeling in the likes of Leeds and West Brom.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/ivan-cavaleiro-offers-training-update-as-fulham-man-waits-for-season-resume/

[WhiteJC]

EFL's email to clubs details radical plans to finish season in just 56 days

The EFL has written to its clubs to detail a 56-day plan to complete the season which would include the playoffs and see games played behind closed doors

The EFL have emailed clubs laying out a radical plan to complete the season in a 56-day period between June and August.

Clubs in the Championship plus Leagues One and Two have been told not to resume training before May 16 at the earliest by EFL chief Rick Parry.

And then all games - including the playoffs - would theoretically be played over eight weeks to decide which clubs are promoted and relegated.

Matches are expected to be played behind closed doors initially with the UK currently still in lockdown amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

In an email to clubs, Parry wrote: "We currently estimate that the League will require approximately 56 days to complete the outstanding matches in the season (including Play-Offs) and we are committed to ensuring that clubs are provided an appropriate notice period to ensure you are able to prepare operationally given the scale and impact of the postponement in place.


Leeds currently sit top of the Championship (Image: Malcolm Bryce/ProSports/Shutterstock)

"The EFL Board is currently working on the basis that end-of-season play-offs will take place across all three divisions as normal with two-legged Semi-Finals and a Final, although no decision has been taken on the likely venue as it will depend on the circumstances at play at the time.

"It is our working assumption at this stage that matches will be played behind closed doors when we eventually return and as part of our contingency planning we are absolutely mindful of the need to try and mitigate the cost of this to Clubs as best we can.

"Clubs should be advised not to recommence any training activity with players until 16 May at the earliest.

"How and when we return (including training) is clearly subject to change and any decisions will be taken in conjunction with the Government and relevant health authorities."

Clubs in the Championship each have nine games remaining in the regular season, but some sides in League One have up to 12 left to play.



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/efls-email-clubs-details-radical-21839805

[WhiteJC]

Report: Leeds and Fulham big losers in the Championship as Coronavirus crisis bites

Leeds United and Fulham are the two biggest losers in the Championship, according to transfer experts Transfermarkt, as squad values plummet because of the Coronavirus outbreak.

Transfermarkt have posted squad values in the Championship, with Fulham and Leeds holding the top two spots.

The Leeds squad was said to be worth a total of £93.38m but that has now dropped almost 20% to £75.69m.

Fulham have taken an even bigger hit with their squad value dropping from £127.58m to £102.24m.

QPR is the side that's taken the smallest hit but even they've suffered a 15.9% downswing.

The Coronavirus is having a big effect on every aspect of the game and this shows why many clubs are very worried about finances going forward.

Leeds moved quickly to agree wage deferrals as soon as football was suspended in the UK, and they posted major losses in their 18/19 accounts.

Transfermarkt founder Matthias Seidel said, as quoted by Leeds Live, "The stock market prices collapsed, many clubs could be threatened by insolvency und transfer plans came to a standstill for most clubs because of the many uncertainties.

"At the moment, it is difficult to imagine that transfer fees will continue to rise as they have in previous years in the foreseeable future."

The only good thing for Leeds is that if they do secure promotion, they will be a buying club and looking to sign bigger players. And getting 20% off a £30m player is better than losing 20% selling a £5m player.

Transfermarkt has claimed that English clubs have lost a combined €2bn in value.



https://motleedsnews.com/news/report-leeds-united-and-fulham-big-losers-in-the-championship-as-coronavirus-crisis-bites/

[WhiteJC]

EFL chairman reveals when clubs can return to training and gives timescale on ending the season

The EFL campaign could resume by June and be completed over a 56-day period


EFL clubs have been told that their players are not to resume training until mid-May. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)

Clubs across the Championship, League One and League Two have been told not to resume training until May 16 "at the earliest" with the aim of completing the 2019/20 campaign in 56 days once football resumes, a report from The Telegraph has revealed.

It is claimed that football hopes to return again by June and finish the season in August.

Championship, League One and League Two clubs have also been told to advise their players to take their holidays now as there will be no time between the end of this season and the beginning of the next campaign.

In a letter seen by The Telegraph, Rick Parry, the EFL chairman, has added that it is still the intention to have the two-legged semi-finals and a final of the play-offs "although no decision has been taken on the likely venue as it will depend on the circumstances at play at the time." That, therefore, means that the play-offs may not be staged at Wembley.

Parry has told the EFL's 71 clubs to expect games to be played behind closed doors, with the possibility of social distancing restrictions still in operation.

In the letter, Parry added: "It is our working assumption at this stage. We are absolutely mindful of the need to try and mitigate the cost of this to clubs as best as we can."

The letter is the first detailed timescale that has been circulated as to when football can return.

Parry wrote: "As confirmed last Friday [April 3], EFL matches are currently postponed indefinitely as the EFL Board today [Wednesday April 8] determined that, to provide a level of certainty, clubs should be advised not to recommence any training activity with players until 16 May at the earliest.

"Whenever the decision is taken that is safe to resume, we currently estimate that the league will require approximately 56 days to complete the outstanding matches in the season (including play-offs) and we are committed to ensuring that clubs are provided an appropriate notice period to ensure you are able to prepare operationally given the scale and impact of the postponements in place.

"How and when we return [including training] is clearly subject to change and any decisions will be taken in conjunction with the Government and relevant health authorities. Clearly, we are in a position whereby the 2019-20 campaign will be extended, but still remain hopeful of a conclusion in the summer months.

"The EFL Board is currently working on the basis that the end-of-season play-offs will take place across all three divisions as normal with two-legged semi-finals and a final, although no decision has been taken on the likely venue as it will depend on the circumstances at play at the time."

Parry has outlined the importance of clubs considering the possibility of giving players their holiday time now, which many clubs may consider as impractical and may not be approved.

On that matter, Parry added: "Clubs should consider their obligations to players in respect of annual leave and suggest those not currently furloughed be instructed to take time off, if they haven't as yet done so.

"A further communication will be issued on this subject, alongside a summary on current player registration and contract matters by the close of play on Thursday."



https://www.football.london/championship/efl-chairman-championship-training-may-18068581

[WhiteJC]

'Absolute unit', 'Too good' – Plenty of Fulham fans are impressed by emerging footage of 27-y/o



It's safe to say that Michael Hector was worth the wait for Fulham supporters, after he completed his move to Craven Cottage from Chelsea in the January transfer window. 

The Berkshire-born defender has gone on to make 13 senior appearances for Scott Parker's side this season, as they battle to win promotion into the Premier League.

The Cottagers are currently sat third in the Championship table, and are six points adrift of the automatic promotion places heading into the final nine games of this year's league campaign.

Hector will be hoping that he can continue to impress when the season gets back underway, after recent events brought an abrupt halt to fixtures across the UK.

Fulham recently took to Twitter to post highlights of Hector's time with the club so far, and he's certainly made a positive impact since arriving at Craven Cottage.

Plenty of Fulham supporters were quick to respond to this footage of Hector, as they issued their thoughts on his performances so far this term.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/absolute-unit-too-good-plenty-of-fulham-fans-are-impressed-by-emerging-footage-of-27-y-o/

[WhiteJC]

Last Chance 3for2

There are just a few days remaining to take advantage of our 3 for 2 retail offer!

Purchase any three retail items at the Fulham online store for the price of two before 11.59pm on Easter Monday, 13th April.

With a fantastic range of discounts already applied on this season's kit and trainingwear, be sure to fill your basket to take advantage of this unique offer.

Everything you can find online including this year's exclusive COPA range, our 19/20 home and away kits and much more are all available in our 3 for 2 offer!

Shop online today!


T+C's

Cheapest item free
Excludes personalised products
Excludes gift card purchases
While stocks last
Offer ends 11.59pm Monday 13th April



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/april/08/last-chance-3for2

[WhiteJC]

"That's where I flourished the most" – Ex-forward recalls Fulham spell fondly despite injury issues

Over the course of his 16 years or so as a professional footballer, Diomansy Kamara played for a lot of clubs, kicking a ball in Italy, England, Scotland, Turkey and even for a year and a bit in India.

However, out of all the clubs he was contracted to, there's one that will always make him smile, and that's Fulham.

The forward spent four years with the Cottagers, signing in 2007 for a hefty fee of £8m, during which he featured 68 times, scoring 18 goals and assisted another five.

Not only did he get to play in the Premier League, but he also contributed to the club's best run in European football, as they reached the final of the then called UEFA Cup under Roy Hodgson.

Speaking to Afrique Football Media, relayed by Africa Top Sports, the 39-year-old was asked to pick one club out of the many he played for during his career.

He said: "If I have to choose a club, it's Fulham. It was the Premier League. We were playing among the best. I stayed there four years, it's the club where I flourished the most. With a final in the Europa League lost against Atlético Madrid".

It wasn't all sunshine and roses at Craven Cottage for the former Senegal international, however, as he reminded everyone that's also where he suffered 'two of the worst injuries' of his career: cruciate ligament ones.

As well as Fulham, the winger played for Portsmouth, West Brom and Leicester City in England, as well as spending five months in Scotland at Celtic.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/thats-i-flourished-ex-forward-recalls-fulham-spell-fondly-despite-injury-issues/

[WhiteJC]

Club eyeing up Fulham player ahead of summer window

Besiktas are doing everything they can to sign a new goalkeeper before preseason starts, with Fulham's Fabri said to be one of their options.

The Turkish club will part ways with Liverpool loanee Loris Karius at the end of the season and they are already in the market to find a replacement for the German.

Takvim claim Turkish international Sinan Bolat and Fulham's Fabri are the two main options for the Black Eagles, but it's stated that the Spanish goalkeeper is an alternative to Bolat.

Besiktas sold Fabri to Fulham for €6m in 2018, however, the 32 year old hasn't had the best of spells at Fulham.

After making just two appearances last season, Fabri was loaned out to La Liga side Mallorca and has only made one league appearance so far in this campaign.

A return to Besiktas could be on the cards for the former Deportivo goalkeeper, whose contract with Fulham will expire at the end of June 2021.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/club-eyeing-fulham-player-ahead-summer-window/

[WhiteJC]

EFL to appeal against Birmingham City misconduct decision

Birmingham had nine points deducted by the EFL last season for breaching profit and sustainability rules

The English Football League will appeal against the decision of an independent disciplinary commission to clear Birmingham City of a misconduct charge.

The charge, which was in relation to an alleged breach of an agreed business plan, was brought against the club in January but dismissed last month.

However, the EFL has exercised its right to an appeal.

Birmingham were deducted nine points last season for breaching the EFL's profitability and sustainability rules.

The Championship club denied the charge and, after being cleared on 6 March, said they had been working "closely and amicably" with the EFL on the matter since May last year.

A new commission is set to be appointed to hear the EFL's appeal against the decision.

"The decision was made by an independent and experienced tribunal. We are therefore very disappointed that the EFL has refused to accept the commission's decision and decided to appeal," a club statement said.

"The club's position has not changed and we will now turn to defending the appeal."

Blues were deducted nine points in March 2019 after incurring losses of nearly £48.8m between 2015 and 2018, almost £10m more than the accepted adjusted losses of £39m over a three-year period under EFL rules.

Birmingham are 16th in the Championship table, eight points above the relegation zone with nine games of the campaign remaining.

However, the 2019-20 season has been suspended indefinitely because of the coronavirus pandemic.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52205178