Sunday Fulham Stuff - 19/04/20...

[WhiteJC]

The decline of Dickson Etuhu - from Preston North End favourite to Rovers boo-boy and football ban

Former Manchester City midfield has been banned from football in Sweden for five years


Dickson Etuhu

Dickson Etuhu can only be considered a costly mistake at Blackburn Rovers.

A move synonymous with the frivilous approach to transfers following relegation to the Premier League when Rovers, under the recruitment guidance of the hapless Steve Kean and Shebby Singh, splashed the cash on a hatfull of players in the summer of 2012.

While Jordan Rhodes was the headline signing, his £8million fee was at least re-paid with a goals aplenty while he was sold on to Middlesbrough at a profit.

Rhodes aside that summer was arguably the worst Rovers' recruitment window in recent history as Etuhu, signed for £1.5million from Fulham, arrived alongside Danny Murphy and Leon Best with all three on extended contracts and big salaries.

All three were failures at Ewood with Etuhu, who had plenty of Championship experience, playing his part in a malaise of a season where he never looked fit enough to produce.

He made 21 appearances in his first year but barely featured afterwards and his contract, reportedly £36,000 a week, was paid up with two years remaining.

A costly mistake, among plenty, which Rovers paid for over the coming years as they slipped into an embargo.

Etuhu, who arrived at Rovers on a scarcely believable four year deal aged 30, had come through the ranks at Manchester City and joined Preston North End for £300,000 in 2002.

He made more than 150 appearances for the Lilywhites and Rovers fans would not recognise the player on show at Deepdale.

The midfielder was imposing and powerful presence in Craig Brown's team and featured in the 2005 play-off final defeat to West Ham under Billy Davies before slipping down the pecking order and departing for Norwich City, initially on loan.


Dickson Etuhu in action for Preston against Leicester

Indeed he played against North End for the Canaries and broke Adam Nowland's leg in 2006, a tackle the PNE man desribed as 'reckless at best', before Etuhu joined the Canaries permanently, later moving on to Sunderland and Fulham.

His time in Sweden at AIK Solna saw him arrested after an alleged brawl before the match fixing scandal ended his career.

The now 37-year-old was accused of attempting to fix the match between IFK Gothenburg and AIK in 2017, with the match subsequently cancelled after authorities were alerted to reports of unusual activity prior to the game.

As a result of the investigation, Etuhu and former Trelleborg striker Alban Jusufi will not be able to participate in any football activities in the Scandinavian country for the next five years.



https://www.lancs.live/sport/football/football-news/etuhu-match-fixing-blackburn-preston-18111748

[WhiteJC]

Notes from April meeting with FFC

On Tuesday 14th April at 12:30, the Fulham Supporters' Trust met with Fulham FC via video conference.

The Club was represented by:

    Alistair Mackintosh (CEO)
    Darren Preston (COO)
    David Daly (Non-Executive Director)
    Carmelo Mifsud (Communications Director)
    Katy Brecht (Head of Ticketing)
    Nicola Walworth (Supporter Relations Manager)
    Charlie Harris (Communications Assistant)

The FST was represented by board members:

    Tom Greatrex (Chair)
    Ian Clarke (Vice Chair)
    Gerry Pimm (Secretary)
    Owen Smith (Treasurer)

HOW IT WORKS

The meeting focused almost entirely on the impact of the coronavirus outbreak on football in general and Fulham in particular and included a range of questions asked by members. If any member has raised an issue that it was not possible to discuss in the time available then please do contact us again in good time before the next meeting.

TOPICS DISCUSSED

The following topics were raised and discussed:

    Impact of coronavirus
    Concluding the season
    Season ticket policy
    New Riverside stand
    AOB

IMPACT OF CORONAVIRUS
Day to day operations

The meeting opened with the good news that all present were fit and healthy. Everyone has adjusted to the new way of working.

The Club confirmed that the players have all been given individual training plans and equipment and are keeping as fit as possible in the circumstances.

Financial impact

A discussion took place regarding the financial impact of the current situation. The Club confirmed that they are in regular contact with the other 23 Championship clubs. Whilst the finances of all clubs are confidential, it is generally accepted that the financial impacts are significant, and obviously will increase for all clubs the longer there is no football.

The Club highlighted the unwavering support being provided by the Khan family to ensure financial security and the ongoing operations of the Club. The owners are in regular contact with the Club and provide backing and support while allowing the business to be run independently.

Salary deferrals

The Club explained that senior staff, including the Chief Executive, senior management and the Head Coach have agreed to take salary deferrals.

Regarding player salaries, the initial intent had been for a collective (league wide) agreement to be struck. However, it now seems likely that agreements will be made on a club by club basis. Discussions are ongoing but the Club does not expect to make an announcement soon.

Following the meeting, the EFL issued a joint statement with the PFA.

Staff furlough

The Club further confirmed that they took an early decision to furlough some directly employed matchday staff, initially until the end of April, in order to protect jobs that are not required when there is no football. This was done at the request of the staff members in some cases and uses the Government scheme to provide 80% of wages with the Club topping up the remainder. Similarly, some seasonal and casual coaches in the Fulham Foundation have also been furloughed although others remain working on a number of initiatives.

Most of the business, including the Academy and the new Riverside stand development, has continued to operate even in the absence of football.

Asked about matchday staff not directly contracted to Fulham, for example caterers, the Club confirmed that responsibility for any furlough or other decisions will be taken by their employers.

Operation of Academy

Asked to explain how the Academy could continue to operate, the Club described a range of support being provided remotely by Academy staff to the large number of young players in the areas of physical fitness and mental wellbeing. This is particularly important as players come from a wide variety of backgrounds and will have quite specific needs during this time of uncertainty. In addition, some first team players are remotely assisting the younger players, for example with goalkeeping coaching. It was highlighted that other clubs have ramped down their academy staff and are not able to provide this level of support to their young players.

Profit and sustainability (FFP)

The Trust asked about the implications of the crisis for profit and sustainability / financial fair play regulations across football. The Club said that they anticipated that this would be addressed by the EFL as it would impact many clubs, but as yet there has been no official guidance on any relaxation or temporary changes to the regulations.

The Club confirmed that their forward financial projection document for the current season, combined with last season's financial results (recently published) shows no breach of P&S rules. The Trust commented that it was pleased that the Club published the 2018-19 accounts and didn't take advantage of the additional time allowed by the FCA during the pandemic. We will discuss the accounts in more detail at a future meeting.
Sponsorship contracts for 2020-21 season

The Trust asked about the impact of the season delay on negotiations for a potential new shirt sponsor (the two-year contract with Dafabet expires at the end of this season). The Club said that as the timing and shape of the 2020-21 season is unknown and so the ability to conclude sponsorship arrangements is impacted, one of the positive aspects of many people working from home has been the ability to get more 'face time' with potential sponsors. The Fulham Pier / Riverside proposition is considered to be a good discussion point for potential new partners.

CONCLUDING THE SEASON
EFL letter to clubs

A letter from Rick Parry of the EFL to clubs was recently widely reported in the mainstream media. The Trust asked for a view on the suggestions included in the letter that

    the League will require approximately 56 days to complete the outstanding matches in the season (including Play-offs)
    matches will most likely be played behind closed doors.

The Club explained that they believe 56 days is well within their capability to complete the outstanding fixtures, assuming a period of pre-resumption training of approximately three weeks, as the squads are big enough to cope with this demand and players would always prefer matches to training.
Games behind closed doors

The Club's view (and the Trust's) is that any resumption of this season is highly likely to be behind closed doors. Discussions are ongoing on a variety of issues, including where the games would take place. It is clear that this is not a simple proposition as there would need to be carefully controlled access to the grounds / training facilities hosting the matches. The Trust suggested that there is an opportunity to learn from other sports e.g. cricket, where bio-secure venues are being discussed.

FFCtv

The Club confirmed that they are working with the FFCtv provider Stream to ensure that technical capacity and support capability would be available for significantly higher numbers of users should the remaining games be behind closed doors. This is not considered by Stream to be a problem as they do provide services for a number of very large events. A training and education plan will also be put in place to help new FFCtv users. The Trust offered to assist in developing and communicating this plan.

It was also noted that UEFA have relaxed the 3pm Saturday blackout restrictions and that there is a likelihood that TV rights holders may wish to broadcast a large number of the remaining matches. If the season is completed with behind closed doors fixtures, the Trust's understanding is that the Premier League have indicated they will seek to avoid their remaining fixtures being played at 3pm on Saturdays, so the relaxation of restrictions will most benefit EFL clubs via streaming services.

Ways of concluding season

There was some discussion on various suggestions that have been made on how to conclude the season, including the idea that the current top two Championship clubs be promoted to form a 22 team Premier League with no relegation, with five Clubs relegated the following season. It was noted that all Championship Clubs have supported playing the remaining fixtures (including play-offs) to conclude the season, and that is also the case for Premier League clubs; the focus of current discussions is on finding the most practicable way of enabling that to happen in accordance with public health advice from the Government.

Player contract extensions

The Trust asked about how players' contracts would be treated in the event that the season continues past 30th June. The Club's understanding is that FIFA will dictate current contract extensions across the whole of football during this period, and that this will include loan players.

SEASON TICKET POLICY
2019-20 season

Given the increasing likelihood that any resumption of the 2019-20 season will be behind closed doors, the Trust asked the Club's views on compensating season ticket holders for the remaining four home games. No decision has been made but all of the options suggested by Trust members are possible, including refunds, free access to streaming of fixtures with a credit against next season, and a charity contribution option.

The Trust underlined that, given the wider economic impact of the current situation, there will be fans who will find they are less able to afford a season ticket than anticipated, and that should also be factored into any policy regarding refunds or credits. The Trust offered to be a sounding board during any discussions in this area, as circumstances become clearer.
2020-21 season

In discussion on the 2020-21 season, the Trust noted that whilst other clubs had previously put season tickets on sale, Fulham had decided to wait until the outcome of this season was known. There is now additional complexity regarding the shape (number of games) of the 2020-21 season and the duration of the close season.

The Club stated that although lack of season ticket sales was not ideal from a cash flow point of view, there is little point in making decisions in this area now until much more is known about the 2020-21 season structure.

The Club also explained that when 2020-21 season tickets do go on sale, renewal packs will be distributed digitally. Their view is that moving to a digital renewal brochure will encourage more supporters to renew online, which helps make the Club more sustainable. While there will not be a posted renewal pack, supporters' details and information will be made available via a personal season ticket site.

The Club are contacting those supporters who do not currently have an email address registered with the Ticket Office to help facilitate this and will help support those season ticket holders who usually prefer to renew by other means, with supporters continuing to have the option to buy their season ticket in person at the Ticket Office or over the phone.

The Trust offered to assist in formulation and communication of season ticket policy at the appropriate time.

NEW RIVERSIDE STAND
Timeline

The Trust asked about the impact of the coronavirus on the new Riverside stand construction project, including any delays and possible advantages of no matches being played. The Club confirmed that building works have continued but that workers must observe Government guidelines on distancing. This is less of a problem at the current stage of the project than it would be in, say, the final fit phase. A shorter close season is not considered to be an issue and the overall impact is considered to be "net slightly negative" as a result of the pandemic.

Progress

Asked about progress since the last home match, the Club explained that concrete for the new Riverside walk has been poured and that the site now looks flatter than it did at the last home match (Preston). The Trust asked for a photographic update to be published on the Club website, which, since the meeting, has been done.

In response to questions about the current suitability of the ground to meet Premier League regulations for hosting football in 2020-21, the Club confirmed that they have two plans in place related to the additional requirements (mostly related to broadcasters) and that there would be no significant impact on overall ground capacity as a result.

Commercials

Regarding the commercial side of the new Riverside stand (and the associated Fulham Pier development), the Club explained that although many of the businesses likely to be tenants are not able to operate normally at present, it has still been possible to have significant discussions with interested companies who will be looking for opportunities to grow again once the crisis is over.

The Club agreed to share the findings of the Riverside stand survey undertaken last summer with the Trust at a future meeting.

AOB
Supporting the NHS

Asked about the Mayor of London's request for London football clubs to provide assistance to the NHS, the Club said that they are in direct contact with the Gold Commanders of their two local NHS CCGs (Clinical Commissioning Groups) and that a number of the Club's medical staff are already engaged with the NHS, including the Club doctor working with the homeless in Hammersmith.

The Club further explained that they have offered use of their estate if necessary.

Potentially vulnerable fans

In discussions about any other activities being undertaken during the current pandemic, the Club described a telephone exercise led by the ticketing team whereby staff contacted 650 Fulham supporters considered most likely to need some assistance or contact. Of these, 78 asked for more regular contact, 12 were referred for further help and three received direct support from the Club.

There are now plans to extend this exercise to a total of 1,400 supporters. The Trust offered our thanks on behalf of all Fulham supporters for this initiative.

FFCtv match re-runs

The Trust passed on the thanks of many members for the re-runs of key matches being made available. The Club said they are pleased with the feedback and viewing figures, particularly for the Juventus and Manchester City matches. Future plans include Hamburg and Tottenham at Loftus Road from 2002-3, with other content marking the tenth anniversary of the Europa League final appearance. Supporters are encouraged to suggest other fixtures, noting however that 2002-3 is about as early as footage is likely to be available.

Fulham Flutter

The Trust passed on the support of our members for the online Fulham Flutter, especially with its contributions to local charities including the Hammersmith and Fulham Foodbank.

The meeting closed at 13:40.



https://www.fulhamsupporterstrust.com/news/2020/04/notes-from-april-meeting-with-ffc-2/

[WhiteJC]

Charlie Cooper Appointed Virtual Fulham Manager

The Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Charlie Cooper as our first ever Virtual Manager.

In partnership with Mind, SI Games have launched a knockout competition – the EFL Football Manager Cup – featuring sides from the Championship, League One and League Two.

Using the latest version of the popular management simulation game, FM20, teams will be drawn against each other and the Virtual Managers of the respective sides will go head-to-head in a tactical battle.

Charlie, creator and star of the BBC's award winning comedy This Country, is a Season Ticket Holder at the Cottage, alongside his dad Paul, and is looking forward to the challenge that awaits him: "I'm truly and deeply humbled to be the new Virtual Manager of Fulham Football Club. It's a job I've dreamt of since...yesterday.

"For those wondering what sort of footballing philosophy I'll be taking into the tournament, I'm very much from the school of medieval football. 4-4-2, big man Mitro up top, looking to hit it long at any opportunity. I want big Kevin McDonald in the middle, with Stefan Johansen flitting around snapping people in half."

The draw for the First Round of the EFL Football Manager Cup will be made on Sunday. Keep an eye on our Twitter account to see if Charlie can lead Fulham to silverware!

http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/april/18/charlie-cooper-appointed-virtual-fulham-manager

[WhiteJC]

Knockaert to face Andone in last four!

Albion midfielder will take on Romanian striker for place in the final.

Anthony Knockaert's spectacular goal in the 2-1 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park in March 2019 has earned him a place in the semi-finals of Albion's World Cup of Goals.

The Frenchman's memorable strike earned 72% of your vote, with Jose Izquierdo's equally exquisite effort against West Ham United on home soil back in February 2018 behind in second place on 18%.

David Lopez's free-kick against Crystal Palace at the Amex was in third place with 10%.

Supporters will be able to decide who'll make the final of the tournament when the semi-finals take place between Sebastien Pocognoli and Leonardo Ulloa, as well as Knockaert and Andone, on Wednesday and Thursday next week.



https://www.brightonandhovealbion.com/news/1657808/knockaert-to-face-andone-in-last-four

[WhiteJC]

Ex-Chelsea Star Faces An Uncertain Future At Borussia Dortmund: Is He Of Any Good For The PL Clubs?


WATFORD, ENGLAND - APRIL 02: Andre Schurrle of Fulham arrives prior to the Premier League match between Watford FC and Fulham FC at Vicarage Road on April 02, 2019 in Watford, United Kingdom. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)

As reported by SportBild, Andre Schurrle will return to Borussia Dortmund this summer as Spartak Moscow have chosen not to exercise his buyout clause worth €7 million. The club's sporting director Thomas Zorn said in a statement, "It is correct. We have agreed with Andre not to use the contractually agreed purchase option. But Andre is an outstanding footballer who has enriched our young team with his experience."

Schurrle's struggles at Spartak Moscow

Schurrle joined Spartak Moscow last summer, in a season-long loan deal from Borussia Dortmund. It was a bizarre yet an expected move given the player's chronic downfall following his initial transfer to Dortmund in 2016. In fact, the ex-Chelsea star also joined Fulham on loan during the 2018/19 campaign.

While Schurrle enjoyed a mixed time at the Craven Cottage, one might have expected the German to impress in the Russian Premier Liga. But that didn't turn out to be the case as the attacker struggled with a lack of productivity throughout the 2019/20 campaign. As a matter of fact, he has last scored in the league back in August of last year, in a 3-1 win over Akhmat Grozny.

In a total of 13 league matches, Schurrle has scored just one goal and registered two assists. His lack of end product hasn't helped Spartak who are currently dawdling in mid-table.

Does Schurrle have any future at Borussia Dortmund?

Borussia Dortmund, collectively, have improved a lot under Lucien Favre. They now boast the services of genuinely talented individuals, who have helped them compete for the Bundesliga titles in recent years. And even though star player Jadon Sancho has been linked with a move to England, Schurrle is unlikely to be considered in the first-team next season.

The Black and Yellows might even try to offload him as soon as he returns to Signal Iduna Park for multiple reasons. Firstly, there is no place for him in the squad, with the club already boasting the services of players like Raphael Guerreiro, Julian Brandt and Thorgan Hazard.

But more importantly, his contract runs out at the end of next season, meaning this could be an ideal time for Dortmund to cash in as they look to get the financial boost from his potential sale.

Is he still quality enough for the Premier League?

Despite his waning reputation, Schurrle has never actually disappointed in the Premier League. However, history might not repeat himself this time around. The German has already looked off-colour even in the Bundesliga. He has struggled in dealing with the high press and with football constantly evolving; it seems like Schurrle's time has come to an end.



https://the4thofficial.net/2020/04/ex-chelsea-star-faces-an-uncertain-future-at-borussia-dortmund-is-he-of-any-good-for-the-pl-clubs/

[WhiteJC]

From Premier League record breaker to working on a building site... Matthew Briggs tells DANNY MURPHY how anxiety crushed him after his Fulham debut at the age of just 16

    Matthew Briggs became the youngest Premier League debutant back in 2007
    The future looked bright but Briggs lost confidence and fell down the leagues
    Things got so bad, he ended up working on a building site for his uncle's firm
    Briggs is now back playing and has set his sights on a Football League return

Matthew Briggs was the Premier League's youngest player at 16 years and 65 days but slipped down the leagues and on to a building site after anxiety took its grip.

He chats to former Fulham team-mate and Sportsmail columnist DANNY MURPHY about his remarkable rise and fall - and his hopes for a big comeback.


DANNY MURPHY – Aaron Lennon, Jack Wilshere, Wayne Rooney. Some big names have started at 16 but you were the youngest of all when you played against Middlesbrough in 2007. Did you feel a special case coming through the ranks at Fulham?

MATTHEW BRIGGS - I joined at 10. I always played above my age and was in the reserves at 14. Everyone was raving about me. Arsenal and Chelsea were in my ear so Fulham got my mum into a meeting and threw the carrot of a first-team opportunity and I came on for Moritz Volz in the final game of the season. I was thinking my career was going to take off. Instead it turned out to be a negative turning point.


Matthew Briggs (left) and Danny Murphy share a smile before the coronavirus lockdown

DM – Did the hype affect you or were you able to carry on as normal?

MB – I'd always played football freely, suddenly I had all these expectations placed on me. When I wasn't in the first team for the next two seasons, I was like: "Hang on a minute". I didn't understand it and maybe became a bit arrogant to begin with. More likely, I lost my focus.

DM – Wasn't there any help from more senior people at the club to guide you and talk through what was happening?


Briggs broke through at Fulham at 16 and was youngest player to debut in the Premier League

MB – Nobody said a word to be honest and I didn't feel I had the right to knock on the door to ask, being that young. I went into a shell and gradually lost confidence. It wasn't until 2010 I started to play and the gap affected me massively, particularly as I wasn't allowed to go and get games on loan either.

DM – I was Fulham's captain when you returned to the first-team. I could feel anxiety in you as if you felt one mistake and you'd be out the team again. That worry affected your energy levels which was a shame because your power at left back was one of your greatest strengths.

MB – I was nervous and played safe. The advice from Dickson Etuhu and others was was to keep it simple, don't do anything extravagant. I'd be quiet before games, over-thinking. My mindset was: "I don't want to mess up." If I had a bad first touch, it would stick in my brain, sometimes for 90 minutes. If I did something good on the ball, the worry would go.


Briggs suffered with confidence issues and left Fulham in 2014, playing just 29 matches

DM – Even at Liverpool, I'd see guys who were buoyant and chatty in training and not themselves in the dressing-room. Your talent and ability was obvious. To me, you were a certainty for the Premier League. It was a shock to me later on to see your name at Colchester or Chesterfield or Maldon & Tiptree. It was like: "What is Briggsy doing playing for them?"

MB – From that first game, I felt in limbo at Fulham. There was no information given to me. I didn't know where I stood. Even when I came back into the team at 19, I seemed to play one game, and then miss a few. And I always seem to be picked for the hardest games; Arsenal, Chelsea. It wasn't any surprise I wasn't fit enough.

I got taken off after 29 minutes against Arsenal – I was blowing. I was battered after the game on social media. "He's crap" and things like that. Of course it hurts you. Two days later I had an operation because my calves would swell up and burn, the fans didn't know that. At least I had a good game the next time we played Arsenal and drew 2-2.

DM – Given your potential, it seems sad you left Fulham in 2014 having played only 29 games. How did it end?


Briggs (far left) in Antigua with Guyana team-mates Neil Danns (front left), Kadell Daniel (rear), Elliot Bonds (second right) and Sam Cox (right)

MB – I'd started to play well under Martin Jol who was my favourite manager. He believed in young players and had time for me. He offered me a three-year contract but then I got injured and he was sacked. Felix Magath came in and wouldn't let me sign until I got fit. In the end, Fulham were relegated and 12 of us left.

I was stuck. Ian Holloway, who'd chased me for years at Blackpoool, gave me a trial at Millwall and then signed me. But the team weren't doing well, the line-up kept changing and I went to Colchester.

It started out well but I had a hip injury and my son was born premature. Everything went downhill. Colchester said I could stay with a wage cut but at the time I wasn't having it.

DM – Football has sliding door moments. If Martin Jol had stayed, things might have been different. His strength was young players. He didn't offer contracts out willy-nilly, the opposite in fact, so he must have believed in you.

He liked players to express themselves, get forward and use their technical capabilities. It would have been ideal. I was lucky to have Gerard Houllier when I did. Otherwise, I'd never have been a regular for Liverpool.


The 29-year-old full-back struggled with injuries and ended up falling down the leagues

MB – I hit rock bottom after Colchester and Chesterfield. In 2018, I wasn't even playing any more. I ended up working on a building site, my uncle's firm. I remember one day carrying a breeze block and thinking: "What has had happened to me. What am I doing?" I was in a bad way. Complete darkness. My missus saved me. She brought me back home. It was a turning point to sort myself out.

DM – Football always kept me sane whatever else was going on and I'm glad you returned to playing. It must have helped.

MB – It's the only thing I know. I signed for Maldon & Tiptree in the Isthmian League. But you know what, I started to enjoy it, the mental block had gone. I was also fortunate to still have international football with Guyana.

I've been to some beautiful places like Jamaica, Antigua, Barbados. I played last summer in the Gold Cup against good teams like USA and Trinidad. At the end of it, I signed for HB Koge in the Danish First Division. I played the best football of my life. Copenhagen and Brondby were watching me.

DM – And now you are back home, in lockdown in Essex.


Briggs was playing international football for Guyana while plying his trade in non-league

MB – There was an understanding in Denmark they were going to bring over my Missus and two young kids but they didn't fulfil the agreement. My agent tried to find me an English club in the January transfer window but Koge were a bit spiteful and didn't release me. After the window shut, I could only sign for non-league teams, so I went to Dartford. It was meant to be for the rest of the season but I only played one game before everything was shut down.

Once this is over, I am looking to resume my Football League career and hopefully progress from there. I'm still only 29, more mature and in the best frame of mind I've ever been. Physically too, I am in top shape. No injuries for goodness knows how long.

DM – Harvey Elliott took your record last May as the Premier League's youngest player. and he's since left Fulham for Liverpool. Was it a relief to lose your record and did he do the right thing going to Anfield?

MB – It was a bittersweet moment seeing the record go. It was nice to have it for 12 years and I wouldn't have minded keeping it longer. At the same time, a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. Less pressure and expectation, people wondering why I'd disappeared. I can play with freedom. I don't have the same scrutiny. Harvey might!


Harvey Elliot broke Briggs' record as youngest Premier League debutant last season at Fulham

I can see why he moved to Liverpool. Jurgen Klopp is a great manager, he's made a few appearances and the club might give him the mindset he needs to improve. But as Fulham were in the Championship I personally might have been tempted to stick it out for another year and get more first-team experience.

DM – There is a delicate balance with young players. Your journey underlines there is a clear need for support. But you have to be careful and not stop players from developing emotional resilience. If everything is given quickly and easily, you create other problems.

MB – I feel everything was handed to me coming through the ranks at Fulham. Everyone loved me. Then you hit the first-team and everything changed. At one point, even my whole football career was under threat.

DM – You didn't fancy rapping instead? You used to enjoy your music.

MB – I'll stick to the day job Murph! Without football, I am completely lost



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-8232651/How-anxiety-crushed-Matthew-Briggs-Fulham-debut-16.html