Sunday Fulham Stuff - 17/05/20...

[WhiteJC]

'Great news', 'Get in' – Plenty of Fulham fans are delighted with club's recent announcement

Fulham have recently announced that Marek Rodák has signed a new deal with the club until the summer of 2024.

The shot-stopper has been a key member of Scott Parker's side this season, and has made 27 appearances in total for the Cottagers this term.

Rodák has kept ten clean sheets in all competitions this season for Fulham, who are in a strong position to make a swift return to the Premier League.

Parker's side are currently sat third in the Championship table, and are six points adrift of the automatic promotion places, heading into the final nine matches of this year's campaign.

However, recent off-the-field events have called a halt to fixtures across the UK at the moment, with no scheduled return date being set in place as of yet.

Plenty of Fulham supporters took to social media to issue their thoughts on Rodák's new deal with the club.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/great-news-get-in-plenty-of-fulham-fans-are-delighted-with-clubs-recent-announcement/

[WhiteJC]

The hunt for Bryan Ruiz's lost goal

I am certain this happened.

Bryan Ruiz is lurking in the box, donning the white shirt of Fulham. Nonchalant air, flowing locks, every inch the man capable of going from disinterested to deadly in the blink of an eye. A deft touch, an ingenious flick; the ball arcs, almost as if wedged, over a helpless goalkeeper, stranded despite being barely off his line. Conjured from nothing, one of the most outrageous Premier League goals of all time.

Except it's nowhere to be found.

This was a formative goal for me, one that embodied everything an attacking midfielder should do at a time when these opinions on the game were first taking shape. Of course, its significance was not apparent there and then. Its importance and its quality has been slowly swelling, building up like water behind a dam, since the moment I first decided to go back and watch it again – and found no evidence of its existence.

The obvious starting point was YouTube. "Bryan Ruiz chip", no problem, I'll be reliving the goal again in no time. But a flick through all of the top results did not yield what I was looking for. Some truly remarkable goals, yes, even some chips, but not the one.

The resultant Ruiz rabbit hole did nothing to expedite the search. I found myself reliving moments I had not even lived in the first place, nostalgic for memories that were not mine. I watched through the eyes of Costa Rica fans and FC Twente supporters as their hero blazed a trail.

Plucked from Alajuelense by Gent in 2006, Ruiz quickly made a name for himself. He ended the 2007/08 season as top scorer and captain, earning him a move to Dutch club FC Twente. Watching clips from this era, it is not difficult to see why he caught the eye of Fulham scouts. In a compilation of Ruiz' top ten goals (still no sign of that chip), he is seen rolling the ball delightfully around the ADO Den Haag goalkeeper following a series of stepovers before turning it into an empty net. He had netted a Panenka earlier in the same game. These were just two of 44 goals he notched in 96 appearances between 2009 and 2011.

By this time, he was established on the international scene. An impressive run of six goals in the qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup was not enough to book Costa Rica a place, but it embedded Ruiz as a key part of the national side.

Over time, he developed into a national icon. His deft flick and emphatic left-footed half-volley in a 2-1 win over Mexico in qualifying for the next World Cup kick-started his influential role in Costa Rica's Brazilian adventure.

Notching three goals in qualifying, he then captained the side in the tournament proper as they advanced deeper into the World Cup than ever before. He scored the only goal in the unlikely group stage triumph over Italy, booking a place in the knockouts with a game to spare. He was again the sole scorer for his side in the round of 16 against Greece, delightfully rolling the ball into the net from outside the box while leaving the keeper standing.  He also converted his spot kick in the resultant shootout, helping to propel Costa Rica to the quarter-finals for the first time.

The eventual penalty shootout defeat at the hands of The Netherlands, with Ruiz missing his spot kick, tore me away from this journey and back to the search at hand. I turned to Cottagers supporters for help. Kevin O'Sullivan, former editor of the Irish Times and self-described 'defiant Fulham fan', had me doubting my sanity. "Don't recall the goal" – had I made this up? Did I just have a vivid dream about Bryan Ruiz scoring a wondergoal?

I tried Adrian Hinchliffe, editor of South African trade magazine Brainstorm: 'one of a handful of Fulham fans in South Africa', his Twitter bio declares. "I don't remember the specific goal you were talking about." I'm going mad.

O'Sullivan did at least affirm my convictions about the type of player I remembered Ruiz to be. His description tallied with the one in my head: "Stylish, confident in possession, great distributor of the ball, skilful and clinical when there was a chance of a goal." This, if nothing else, was something to cling on to. Forget the goal, there was at least evidence that my memory of Ruiz was not a complete fabrication.

But I could not forget the goal. I could carry on with my daily life, go about things as though all were normal, but it was always there, playing on a reel in the recesses of my mind. It was just a shame that it didn't seem to be playing anywhere else – gradually, I made my peace with the fact I may not see it again. I had even half-convinced myself I must be remembering his goal against Bolton. This, too, was a delicious chip: not quite the one in my head, but at least there was proof it existed.

Then, one day, with all hope lost, there it was. A message from a friend – we share football videos a lot, nothing particularly out of the ordinary. "This is the Bryan Ruiz goal I love", said the message. It'll be the Bolton one. I press play while trying not to get my hopes up.

There it was.

Everton – that was it! Tim Howard, who seems to have an unfortunate knack of playing the part of helplessly stranded goalkeeper in a number of these videos from a certain era, watches as the ball is scooped outrageously over his head. As creative, as something-from-nothing, as typically Bryan Ruiz as I remembered it.

The clip, the gold dust, was filmed off the TV: a BT Sport re-run of some of the best goals from the 2011/12 season. I still hardly dared to believe it, seeking further assurance: a primary source. Eventually I thought I had found one, in the shape of Fulham fan and commentator Barry Swain. "I was at the Everton match – happy to help." Perfect – not only someone who remembers it, but an actual witness to this near-mythical moment of genius!

But it wasn't to be. Swain began his recollection by saying he was right behind the free-kick: I let out a groan. Unfortunately, Ruiz has scored more than once against Everton. The set piece was indeed another great goal, curling away from the keeper and into the top corner from some distance, but still a witness to the goal proved elusive. The footage, the precious footage, appeared to be the only record that the goal was ever scored.

Goals are no more than how we remember them, just as players can be wildly different in the heads of different people. To me, Bryan Ruiz is the archetypal number 10, the Platonic form of a long-locked, smooth-operating playmaker. It doesn't matter if in reality he wasn't all that good – even if he wasn't truly a number 10 most of the time. He is written into my personal history of the game as I remember him, and nothing sums up that version of Bryan Ruiz like his chip against Everton.



https://footyanalyst.com/the-hunt-for-bryan-ruizs-lost-goal/

[WhiteJC]

Notes from May meeting with FFC

On Monday 11th May at 13:00, the Fulham Supporters' Trust met with Fulham FC via video conference.

The Club was represented by:

    Alistair Mackintosh (CEO)
    David Daly (Non-Executive Director)
    Carmelo Mifsud (Communications Director)
    Rob Paddon (Venue Sales Director)
    Aimee MacKenzie (Operations and Venue Director)
    Katy Brecht (Head of Ticketing)
    Ally Spicer (Head of Ticketing Operations – maternity cover)
    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 largely followed up on the topics discussed at the April meeting to find out if there were any updates. 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.
INTRODUCTIONS

The Club introduced Ally Spicer to the meeting. Ally will provide maternity cover for Katy Brecht in the Head of Ticketing role.
TOPICS DISCUSSED

The following topics were raised and discussed:

    Resuming the season
    TV broadcast plans
    Ticketing policy
    New Riverside stand
    AOB

It should be noted that for the large part, there are no substantive updates in these areas since the April meeting. Members are referred to the April meeting notes for further details.
RESUMING THE SEASON
Process for deciding on resumption

The Trust asked for any updates the Club may have from the EFL or other regulatory bodies regarding a possible resumption of the Championship season or a plan to get to a resumption. The Trust asked questions on various aspects of a resumption (or cancellation) of the season, including

    cut-off dates for decisions
    neutral venues
    training schedules
    medical protocols
    weighted points per game league tables
    promotion and relegation decisions in the event of no football
    play-offs in the event of no further league football (two legged or one)

The Club said that it could only confirm its own position which is a desire to resume the season and win promotion playing football on a home and away basis, but that no further tangible information or instructions were currently available from the EFL on any of the topics raised.

The Club and Trust are aware that there are ongoing meetings involving the Premier League, EFL, PFA, FA and Government scheduled in the next few days, but the situation remains that while different options have been raised and speculated upon, there is yet to be a proposal put to clubs to decide.

At the time of these notes (Monday 11th) a Premier League meeting was taking place regarding "Project Restart" with a further session scheduled for later in the week, and EFL divisional meetings taking place on Friday. It is public knowledge that key discussion topics include the use of neutral venues and also a medical protocol agreed upon by Club doctors. The Club explained that it expected decisions and protocols in the Championship to largely flow from and mirror those made by the Premier League.

The Club is waiting to hear the outcome of these discussions but expects that minimum requirements for progress will be Government clarity, agreed testing and medical protocols and player (PFA) support before leagues can move on to the other issues.

Any substantive competition changes, such as neutral venues or alternate promotion methods, would need to be agreed by the EFL board before being discussed with EFL member clubs.

It was noted that UEFA has publicly stated a deadline of 25th May for European leagues to notify them of restart plans.
SAG

The Trust asked whether Safety Advisory Groups (SAGs) would be expected to have input into the suitability of grounds to safely resume with behind closed doors football. The Club confirmed that it would expect to talk to the local council safety team before any behind closed doors matches were approved, but that this is normal process, especially due to the current building works at Craven Cottage.
Mental health

The Trust asked whether consideration was being given to mental health awareness for Club staff during the pandemic. The Club confirmed that mental health support, including mindfulness, was part of wider support being provided for both playing and non-playing staff.
Goal line technology

In response to a member's question, the Club explained that goal line technology is non-trivial to set up should it be required at a neutral venue not currently hosting Premier League or Championship football.
Salary deferrals

Asked about progress on player salary deferrals, the Club explained that at present it preferred to focus on a resumption of playing. The Club also explained that it had participated in a Deloitte study of EFL finances which would be likely to feed into further discussions with the PFA representing players.

back to topic list
TV BROADCAST PLANS
Broadcast of behind closed doors fixtures

The Trust asked whether the Club has been given any indication as to how future behind closed doors games will be broadcast and, in particular, whether they would be all made available to supporters via the FFCtv platform.

The Club said that there has been no direct contact up until now from the TV broadcasters but that the current assumption is that they may wish to broadcast more fixtures.

The Trust noted that before the season suspension, weekend matches could only be made available on clubs' own TV platforms if they were not selected for domestic or international broadcast. Although the restriction on broadcast or streaming of games played on Saturday afternoons has been temporarily lifted, the Club said that it anticipated that the limitation on streaming fixtures selected for domestic broadcast may remain in place should the season resume behind closed doors, and that this would therefore limit the number of games available through FFCtv.

The Club and the Trust await further guidance from the EFL and broadcasters on behind closed doors games.
FFCtv capability

Assuming some matches are made available to FFCtv, the Trust asked for any updates regarding the capacity both to stream to a much bigger audience of Fulham supporters and also to provide real-time technical support to a large number of first time FFCtv users. The Club confirmed that it is still in close contact with the outsourced streaming partner for FFCtv and was confident that it could meet the challenges of significantly higher usage.

back to topic list
TICKETING POLICY
Single match tickets

The Trust asked for an update on the refund process for single match tickets for postponed games. Four matches fall into this category

    Brentford and Birmingham at home
    QPR and Leeds away.

No other matches were on sale. The Club explained that refunds are still available for these matches as per the announcement on the official web site. Supporters requesting a refund for the home matches do not need to return the tickets but those requiring a refund for the away fixtures do need to provide the tickets. This is because, technically, the matches are still currently only postponed and the host clubs may wish to use the tickets in the future. It was noted that Fulham are not making similar requests of Brentford and Birmingham.

As ticket office staff are working from home there will be a short delay in receiving any returned tickets as post is being collected weekly. Refunds can be made direct to the credit card used for purchase in the case of online or telephone transactions but tickets bought in the ticket office, either by cash or credit card, will need to be refunded via bank transfer.
2019-20 season tickets

The Trust asked if the Club has made any further decisions regarding refunds for the remaining four games of the current season, given that they are highly likely to either not be played or be played behind closed doors. The Club confirmed that the options discussed at the April meeting were still being considered but that no final decision would be made until the shape of the remainder of the season is confirmed.

The Trust reiterated that due to the impact on the wider economy of the coronavirus there will be some season ticket holders with an unexpected and quite significant reduction in disposable income, and credits towards future season tickets may not be usable.
2020-21 season tickets

The Club re-iterated its position that without any idea of the shape, timing or attendance possibilities of the 2020-21 season, there are no plans to make any season ticket announcements, although the waiting list for season tickets has been opened for those who are not currently season ticket holders to express their interest.

back to topic list
NEW RIVERSIDE STAND
Progress

The Trust asked for a brief update on progress, especially as one or two rumours had circulated on social media regarding changes to the construction of the basement. The Club clarified that these rumours were untrue and that there are no substantive changes to the plans. Most of the marine work has now finished which is why the barges have been removed and work continues on site within social distancing guidelines. The first visible signs of a new stand emerging will be over the summer when the steelwork is moved into place.
Commercial and naming

The Trust asked if any consideration had yet been given to the naming of the new Riverside Stand, particularly as the recent sad passing of Bill Muddyman had led to social media discussion of the naming of stands. The Club said that it had a clear policy to be as commercial as possible given the investment made to build the stand, but that it was too early to hold naming discussions either for parts or the whole of the stand, particularly as very few businesses are able to make big commitments in the current pandemic.

back to topic list
AOB
Bill Muddyman

The Trust explained that it has been in touch with the Muddyman family with a view to organising and leading a memorial for Bill Muddyman when the restrictions on public gatherings are relaxed. The Club said it would be happy to provide support as required at the appropriate time.
Club shop discounts

The Trust raised members' questions on whether the Club Shop discount available to season ticket holders could be extended to online purchases. The Club explained, as it has done in previous meetings, that the IT systems are not integrated and so season ticket discounts can not be offered for online purchases. However, the Club said that substantial discounts were being offered for online purchases and were proving popular.
Contacting vulnerable supporters

The Trust asked for an update on the Club's initiative to make contact with potentially vulnerable supporters. The Club explained that they had now completed the exercise to talk to all those they considered may be in the category and were now focusing on those supporters who had requested continuing contact. In the last month various members of Club staff from all departments have spent over 170 hours making 1,038 calls.

back to topic list

The meeting closed at 14:10.



https://www.fulhamsupporterstrust.com/news/2020/05/notes-from-may-meeting-with-ffc/

[WhiteJC]

Where Are They Now? Fulham's Class of 2018/19 Who Cost More Than £100m - And Were Relegated

A tight win over Aston Villa in the Championship play-off final in 2018 saw Fulham return to the Premier League for the first time since the 2013/14 season.


Playing some of the most attacking and free-flowing football in the Championship during the 2017/18 season, many tipped the west London club to thrive in England's top flight. But while they were a constant threat going forward, they did have major defensive frailties. In fact, despite gaining promotion, they conceded 46 goals in the league that season.


Reinforcements were required if the Cottagers were to make the necessary step up to the top flight, but no one quite expected Fulham to bring in as many players as they did.


FBL-ENG-ASTON VILLA-FULHAM

Fulham spent over £100m that summer alone, but it's fair to say they didn't quite have the impact the club's hierarchy were hoping for. The 2018/19 season saw them finish second bottom of the Premier League, with just 26 points to their name. Not only that, the main area that needed reinforcement - the defence - was brutally exposed that campaign. The Whites conceded a remarkable 81 goals in just 38 games.


Following their relegation, the club needed to readjust financially, while some players simply didn't see their future in west London any longer. But what has happened to them?


90min has dug out their footballing map to find them...

Permanent Signings


Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa

Fulham's record signing, Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa was Fulham's fifth (FIFTH!) and final arrival on transfer deadline day in the summer of 2018.


The powerful midfielder joined for around £30m and, understandably, there was a lot of pressure placed on him to impress from the off. But Anguissa struggled to settle in to life in England and appeared off the pace early on. Wasteful on the ball and lethargic out of possession, fans were left underwhelmed by his displays.


Anguissa started just 16 Premier League games in 2018/19, and after being relegated, the Cameroon international was sent out on loan to Villarreal for the 2019/20 season. The 24-year-old has featured regularly for the Spanish outfit, although he was limited to mainly substitute appearances before play was halted.


Villarreal have the option to make the move permanent in the summer. A waste of £30m.


Jean Michael Seri

Another player that arrived for big money, but ultimately failed to impress.


Fulham beat the likes of Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea to the signature of Jean Michael Seri, who arrived for around £25m. A midfielder who was expected to add bite in the centre of the park and tenacity, while also showing quality on the ball to ping passes around and fit into the team's attacking style of play.


Seri made 31 Premier League appearances in 2018/19 as Fulham persisted with him, and he was as equally brilliant as he was frustrating. Clever flicks and tricks were also mixed with a lack of hunger and desire in times when they required him to step up most. Now on loan at Galatasaray, he has made 29 appearances in all competitions. Should Galatasaray wish to make the deal permanent, they can for around £15.2m.

A player who should be thriving on the biggest stage, but is now playing his football without much attention paid to him.


Aleksandar Mitrovic

Mitrovic was sensational during his loan spell with Fulham in 2017/18, grabbing 12 goals in just 17 Championship games in the second half of the campaign. His form was key to seeing the club gain promotion and, as a result, few could argue with the Cottagers' decision to make the move permanent.


Joining for around £27m, Mitrovic continued to find the net with great regularity, chipping in with 11 league goals in a tough season in the top flight, where he was presented with very few opportunities. The striker has stayed with the club and is once again leading the fight for promotion. 23 goals in 34 appearances so far in 2019/20 isn't exactly a bad return, is it?


Fabri

What was Fulham's obsession with signing goalkeepers? And was there no one better to waste £5m on? Seriously?


Fabri joined on a three-year deal. The only problem with this deal was...well, they didn't need him (they would also sign another shot-stopper).


Sure enough, the goalkeeper made all of two appearances in 2018/19 - the first two games of the season - before being dropped to the bench, and then from the squad altogether. Fabri eventually joined Mallorca on loan in the summer of 2019, but has still continued to warm the bench. Just the four appearances for the Spaniard.


Why Fulham, why?


Alfie Mawson

Alfie Mawson for £20m?!


Fulham were clearly desperate for a defender if they were willing to fork out that much on the former Swansea City man. Brought in to be the leader at the back, Mawson instead struggled with injuries and managed to start just 13 league games in 2018/19.


The centre-back is still with Fulham and is trying to live up to his price tag, but £20m was just an obscene amount to pay for a Championship-level defender.


Joe Bryan

Bryan has made the left-back spot his own since arriving on deadline day in the summer of 2018 for around £6m. He was a regular during his first season with the club and has been a valuable first team member this campaign, performing his duties at the back and providing support in attack.


At £6m, this was one of Fulham's smaller deals, but has proven to be one of the better pieces of business.


Maxime Le Marchand

Le Marchand was brought in along with Seri, and came with a reputation of being versatile. Unfortunately for Fulham fans, while he was versatile, he was by no means the answer to their problems at the back.


At all.


He's still at the club, but the Frenchman has managed just nine appearances in all competitions due to injury.


Loan Signings


Sergio Rico

Joining on loan, Sergio Rico was brought in to compete for the number one spot. Well, he eventually made it his own and actually produced a number of fine performances to keep his side in games.


A good signing?!


But he didn't stay permanently, instead he returned to Sevilla at the end of the season and is now with Paris Saint-Germain, acting as the backup goalkeeper.


Oh.


Andre Schurrle

Schurrle didn't arrive for a massive fee, but fans were thrilled to see a World Cup winner with quality and experience arrive through the doors at Craven Cottage.


The German should be playing in his second season at the club as arranged in the loan agreement, but after the club were relegated, he was sent back to Borussia Dortmund before being shipped out on loan again - this time to Spartak Moscow.


Schurrle's quality is undoubted and he showed that on occasion during his loan spell, but he lacked consistency. Where did it all go wrong for him?


Timothy Fosu-Mensah

Another last minute deal, but this could have proven to be very shrewd business from Fulham. Bringing in Fosu-Mensah on loan, the London club knew they would have a versatile and talented player on their hands if they could keep him fit.


But they couldn't.


Fosu-Mensah struggled to overcome his injury problems to make an impact during his loan spell, and is now back with his parent club Manchester United. But he hasn't been able to compete for a spot in the first team squad this campaign.


Calum Chambers

Fulham needed centre-backs, but instead decided to move Calum Chambers, who joined on loan, into a holding midfield role as the season progressed.


And while it was a peculiar decision considering their need for defenders, he performed well before returning to Arsenal in the summer. He has been involved with the first team this season and was competing for a starting spot before being ruled out through injury.


Luciano Vietto

Another deadline day loan deal, and another that looked promising.


But Vietto was barely offered the chance to play up front alongside Mitrovic, instead being forced to operate out on the wing or behind the striker. As a result, he managed just one goal for the club.


If given the opportunities he required, it could have turned out very different for Vietto. Nonetheless, in the summer of 2019, Vietto completed a move to Sporting CP for just €7.5m. He hasn't been prolific this season for the Portuguese outfit, but he has managed eight goals and five assists in 31 appearances.




https://www.90min.com/posts/where-are-they-now-fulham-s-class-of-2018-19-who-cost-more-than-100m-and-were-relegated-01e8ewr4g4h3?utm_source=RSS

[WhiteJC]

EFL plan for Championship wage cap as chief executive Rick Parry plots "proper reset"

EXCLUSIVE: The financial situation in the Championship has long been seen as problematic, and now the coronavirus crisis has rammed home just how "unsustainable" many clubs spending has become

Championship clubs could be restricted by a salary cap – but not for another 12 months.

The idea is being debated by a working party that is wading through the financial wreckage of the coronavirus pandemic.

A £15-20million limit on first-team squad salaries is high on the group's agenda.

But the short time-frame before next season, and a number of practical problems, have combined to ensure that any restrictions will not take place until at least 2021.

Many Championship clubs will breathe a sigh of relief, as a hasty move towards introducing the pay ceiling would have decimated the transfer market this summer.

Such is the scramble to reach the Premier League that some clubs are spending every penny and more on player wages.

For every £1 of income generated by the clubs, the players are receiving £1.06, which has led EFL chairman Rick Parry to call for "a proper reset, post-Covid".

The average player salary in the second tier is £29,000-per-week, and seen as unsustainable.

There were fears the cap would be introduced whenever the current season draws to a close, generating a mad rush to clear the decks of players on seven-figure salaries.

Some clubs, including West Brom, Leeds United, Sheffield Wednesday and Stoke, carry several players who fall into the £1m-a-year bracket.

Being forced to offload them at very short notice would have led to bargains for the buying clubs, but the selling clubs would have to take huge hits on the price.

One manager said: "I've been offered a former international striker who is earning £25,000-a-week and told I can have him for £15,000-a-week.

"I liked the player and might have taken him, but my chairman asked why I would take him at £15,000 when his price might be £10,000-a-week in a month's time?

"It's hard to argue with that."



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/efl-plan-championship-wage-cap-22039823

[filham]

It really is time that a cap was put on footballers wages. What is so difficult to understand is why clubs are dragging their feet on this issue.