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Thursday Fulham Stuff - 30/07/20...

Started by WhiteJC, July 29, 2020, 03:30:06 PM

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WhiteJC

Scott Parker bidding to heal Fulham's relegation scars by reaching Wembley

Scott Parker says getting to the play-off final will be a significant step towards healing the scars of relegation and transforming Fulham from the wreck in which he found it.

Parker's side have one foot in next week's Championship play-off final at Wembley against west London rivals Brentford, as they take a 2-0 lead into Thursday night's semi-final, second leg against Cardiff.

Former Fulham midfielder Parker was appointed as the club's third manager of the season last year and his side went on to finish in 19th place with just seven wins, despite spending more than £100million following promotion to the top flight.

The ordeal left the club shattered at the start of this season, with the squad having changed drastically once more and being burdened with the expectation of an instant return to the promised land of the Premier League.

Parker said: "After being serial losers last year we went into this season expected to win the league by however many points and regain promotion.

"The reality is it doesn't normally happen like that, history tells you that. The players have scars from the Premier League, massive scars, and the mental issues and side of things which are relevant. When you lose a lot of matches there is always going to be a negative spiral around it.

"There were two manager changes [last season], Slav[isa Jokanovic] had been here a long time and then Claudio [Ranieri] came in, two managers with two different philosophies, £100million had been spent on I don't know how many players but a lot of players came in.

"[It brought] a totally different dynamic to everything in such a short space of time.

"The biggest thing is the relegation and the disappointment of that, [the] expectation that was on the team when they went into the Premier League after how much money was spent and the disappointment of then getting quickly relegated.

"You've then got a squad full of players which is then totally different from what it was during the previous season. [There was] a mindset of a group of individuals who had lost most weeks, we only won seven games in the Premier League, a real mindset of losing.

"Quickly you have to try to address that and try to change that, you realise you've got to take some small steps, work out what is important and try to change the mentality. Not just amongst the squad but the football club as well.

"I think we have done that, it does reappear because it will do but with time and with success and winning games it reconfirms to people that this is the right way and this is what we need to do."

Parker was today assessing the fitness of Golden Boot winner Aleksandar Mitrovic after he returned to training yesterday following a slight hamstring problem.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/scott-parker-fulham-cardiff-championship-play-off-premier-league-a4512271.html

WhiteJC

Parker Nominated

Scott Parker has been nominated for the Sky Bet Championship Manager of the Month award for July.

Fulham have remained unbeaten throughout the month – a run which hopefully continues in our Second Leg with Cardiff City – having won five and drawn two of our seven outings.

We have also collected five clean sheets in that spell, and found the back of the net 12 times.

Parker is up against Marcelo Bielsa, Steve Cooper, Nathan Jones, Michael O'Neill and Gerhard Struber, with the winner announced on Friday.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/july/30/scott-parker-nominated-manager-of-the-month

WhiteJC

Fenerbahce reportedly interested in ex-Portsmouth and Wigan winger - along with Celtic, Millwall, Cardiff, Fulham, Sheffield Wednesday and Huddersfield
Fenerbahce are the latest club to be linked with former Pompey favourite Jamal Lowe.

Reports in Turkey suggest the winger is a target for the 19-time Super Lig champions following Wigan's relegation from the Championship.

The Latics dropped from 13th to 23rd after being hit by a 12-point deduction for entering administration, subject to an appeal tomorrow.

Wigan have already started selling off assets, with youngster Jensen Weir joining Brighton for an undisclosed fee.

It is reported the administrators have accepted a bid from QPR for striker Keiffer Moore, while the likes of Antonee Robinson and Joe Gelhart have been linked with moves away.

Lowe has also supposedly attracted interest – only a year after leaving Pompey for a fee of £2.5m following a protracted transfer saga.

The former Hampton & Richmond man recorded six goals and five assists during his maiden campaign at the Latics.

Mail Online previously reported that Scottish Premiership champions Celtic are keen, along with Championship duo Millwall and Cardiff.

Millwall had bids for the 25-year-old turn down last summer when Neil Harris was in charge. He's since taken the reigns at the south Wales outfit.

But now Fenerbahce are also supposedly weighing up a move for Lowe.

The Istanbul-based outfit finished seventh in the Super Lig last season.

Turkish-based reporter Zeki Uzundurukan claims Fulham, Sheffield Wednesday and Huddersfield are admirers, too.

Pompey have a sell-on clause installed in Jamal Lowe's DW Stadium contract, but he would need to depart Wigan for more than what they paid for him

The Blues have gained financial windfalls from Adam Webster's switch from Ipswich to Bristol City and Conor Chaplin's move from Coventry to Barnsley in recent years.



https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/sport/football/portsmouth-fc/fenerbahce-reportedly-interested-ex-portsmouth-and-wigan-winger-along-celtic-millwall-cardiff-fulham-sheffield-wednesday-and-huddersfield-2928238


WhiteJC

Bristol City locked in transfer tussle with Fulham in pursuit of winger

Bristol City and Fulham are interested in signing Fiorentina winger Christian Koffi, according to French website Mercato.

Fulham still have aspirations of reaching the Premier League via the play-offs this season, whilst Bristol City will be looking to strengthen as they prepare to ignite another promotion push next term.

A player who has reportedly emerged on their radar is Koffi, whose future at Fiorentina is up in the air after catching the eye this season.

The 19-year-old has endured a positive season for Fiorentina's youth side, scoring five goals and chipping in with four assists in 23 appearances this term.

But despite his contract set to run until 2023, the winger is "likely" to leave Italy this summer, with both Championship sides believed to be monitoring his progress.

City may look to add depth out wide, with Niclas Eliasson attracting interest from Celtic, and Marley Watkins and Hakeeb Adelakun's futures in doubt.

The Verdict

Koffi does look to be an exciting talent and it would be interesting to see how he gets on if he makes the move to England.

He's only young but he has seemingly caught the eye after contributing to a decent number of goals for Fiorentina's youth team.

He could be a great long-term option for either Fulham or Bristol City, particularly for the latter, though, as they do lack depth in that area of the pitch.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/bristol-city-locked-in-transfer-tussle-with-fulham-in-pursuit-of-winger/

WhiteJC

Fulham vs Cardiff live stream: How to watch Championship play-off semi-final online and on TV

The two sides meet at Craven Cottage

Fulham host Cardiff City in the Championship play-off semi-final second-leg tonight.

Scott Parker's side were victorious in the first-leg with Josh Onomah and Neeskens Kebano giving them what could be a priceless advantage.

Neil Harris will hope for a better performance and result tonight after being comfortably second best last time out.

The winner will face Brentford in the final for a place in the Premier League on Tuesday.

Here's everything you need to know:

When is the game?

The game is on Thursday 30 July and kicks off at 7.45pm at Craven Cottage.
What TV channel is it on?

The match is being broadcast on Sky Sports Football, Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Ultra HD.

If you're not a Sky customer you can grab a NOWTV Day Pass here to watch without a subscription.
Can I stream it?

The game is available to stream online to Sky subscribers via the Sky Go app.
What's the team news?

Aleksandar Mitrovic is the main selection decision for Parker with the Serbian touch and go to return. If he does then Bobby Reid is likely to drop down to the bench in the only change.

Josh Murphy could come in for the visitors after missing the first leg with Greg Cunningham also a possible change at left-back.

Predicted line-ups

Fulham: Rodak, Christie, Ream, Hector, Bryan, Reed, Cairney, Onomah, Knockaert, Mitrovic, Kebano

Cardiff: Smithies, Bacuna, Morrison, Nelson, Bennett, Ralls, Pack, Tomlin, Murphy, Glatzel, Hoilett
What are the odds?

Fulham Evens

Draw 23/10

Cardiff 11/4
Prediction

The Cottagers were excellent in the first-leg and should have enough to both win again and secure progression to the final. Fulham 2-1 Cardiff



https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/football-league/fulham-vs-cardiff-live-stream-how-watch-online-tv-channel-time-championship-2020-tonight-latest-a9645701.html

WhiteJC

Bamba pre-Fulham | We're relishing the challenge

FULHAM PREVIEW | BAMBA
City defender Sol Bamba spoke with the press ahead of the Play-Off Semi-Final Second Leg against Fulham.

"It's a two goal deficit but nothing is impossible," Sol said on Monday evening. "We've been written off all season. It is going to be hard. Records are there to be broken though.

"We're relishing the challenge ahead. We aren't afraid.

"There is a reason why we finished fifth and made it to the Play-Offs.

"We're going to give everything we've got."

The Bluebirds fought back on a number of occasions across the regular 2019/20 season, including pegging back eventual champions Leeds United from a three-goal lead, and play-off finalists, Brentford from a two-goal advantage.

"We've got a full game to overturn the result this time, whereas at Leeds away we only had 30 minutes.

"We've been very good away from home and defensively. We need to keep tight at the back and see if we can score early.

"It is a tough result to turn around but we're going to go there, play freely and give it our all.

"We back ourselves."

He added: "I've been at different countries around Europe and I'm telling you, this Club should be in the Premier League. Everything is there for it. Unbelievable city; capital city.

"Great fan base and a wonderful stadium. It would mean a lot to us to bounce back."



https://www.cardiffcityfc.co.uk/news/bamba-pre-fulham-were-relishing-challenge


WhiteJC

Matchday Preview

Fulham v Cardiff City - Craven Cottage - Thursday 30th July 2020 - 7.45pm

The opposition

Neil Harris has always gone quite heavy on how the pressure is on Fulham in this tie, and it's a standpoint he continues to adopt going into the Second Leg. Cardiff would make history if they become the first side to ever reach the Championship Play-Off Final having been two goals down from the First Leg, but Scott Parker believes his side's mentality will be spot on as they look to book another Wembley date.
Permutations

There is no away goal rule in the Play-Offs, so if Fulham lose by any two-goal scoreline, the match will go to extra-time and then penalties, if needed. The winner will face Brentford in the Play-Off Final at Wembley on Tuesday 4th August (7.45pm).
Fulham doubts

Ivan Cavaleiro, Aleksandar Mitrović, Harry Arter
Cardiff City doubts

Isaac Vassell, Greg Cunningham
Coverage

Sky Sports have exclusive rights to the Play-Offs, and so we are not permitted to stream it on FFCtv. Subscribers will, though, have access to live commentary from Gentleman Jim and Jamie Reid. (Fans who do not have a Sky Sports subscription could purchase a Now TV day pass for £9.99 or month pass for £33.99.)
Dafabet match odds

Fulham: 21/20

Draw: 23/10

Cardiff: 11/4

To take advantage of Dafabet's various price boosts for this fixture, follow this link.

Odds correct at the time of writing. 18+ only. begambleaware.org
He said

"We have trailed a lot of games and found a way to come back and either win or draw. That gives me a lot of faith in my group - and belief. We can be a dangerous, wounded animal to come back and hurt teams. We have to use that passion, determination and resilience in abundance on Thursday night." – Cardiff manager Neil Harris
Form

Fulham: WDWDW

Cardiff: LWWWL



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/july/30/matchday-preview

WhiteJC

Head Coach press conference

While aware of the advantage his team currently holds, Scott Parker is taking nothing for granted on Thursday.

Fulham currently enjoy a two-goal lead at the midway stage of our Play-Off Semi-Final, but our Head Coach knows there is no room for complacency in the Second Leg.

"We need to take the positives from the other night and how we performed as a team," Parker stated. "The players are in a good place, confidence is very high at the moment coming off a very good run of games.

"Momentum is good, but I'm very conscious that this tie is at half-time. Okay, we've put ourselves in a fantastic position, 2-0 up and we played very, very well, but in saying that we're up against a wounded animal in Cardiff, and we've got a game now which is going to bring a different challenge.


"As always, every game is about us and what we do. There's challenges which we may face, but ultimately it's about how we put our stamp on the game and bring our qualities to the football match, which we try to always do.

"We want to nullify the problems that Cardiff will cause us, and try and get a real control and put our stamp on the game, and try and get a positive result.

"That's our aim and what we're planning to do. But we also understand what a tough game it will be, and we need to respect that."

It was put to Parker that no side has ever overturned a two goal deficit to reach the Championship Play-Off Final, and so does his think his team have one foot at Wembley already?

"I wouldn't say that," he replied. "We understand that this is only half done here. We've still got another massive 90 minutes.

"Cardiff are coming tomorrow night, I don't know how they see it but certainly this game is not over. They realise that and we realise that.

"We need to go about it in a real positive, professional way, with a mentality about us, because that's what got us the result last time.

"If we do that then I have no doubt that we're in a good position and primed to do very well. Momentum's with us, confidence is here, I sense a real buzz around the place coming off the back of a real positive result against Cardiff.

"The players over the last couple of days have had a real buzz about them, but we've had that the last few weeks. You saw that the other night in the way we performed.

"But there's a line between confidence and arrogance and sloppiness, and we have to be the right side of that. We have to be very professional tomorrow night to try and get this job done."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/july/29/head-coach-press conference

WhiteJC

Report: Bristol City and Fulham want Christian Koffi who claims he rejected Anfield move

According to Calciomercato, Bristol City and Fulham are interested in signing one-time Liverpool target Christian Koffi from Italian side Fiorentina.

The French winger has been linked with a move away from Fiorentina this summer.

Aged 19, Koffi has already been in the limelight having come through the ranks at Monaco.

Quoted by the Daily Star, the attacker told reporters how he turned down a move to Liverpool in 2018 in favour of a switch to Serie A side Fiorentina.

"When I was presented with the two contracts and the two sporting aspects, the choice of Fio was the best. Italy was really a championship where I didn't want to go initially, because it was a little bit contrary to my football. But after talking about it with my family, I realised that Italy was going to bring me a lot. And I was not mistaken," Koffi explained.

But despite his promise and comparisons to Liverpool ace Sadio Mane, Koffi has struggled to get game time at Fiorentina and could now leave.

Calciomercato claim Championship duo Bristol City and Fulham are keen.

The Robins are still manager-less following the sacking of Lee Johnson. The club finished in midtable in the Championship after slipping away from the playoff race.

Bristol City dipped into the foreign market last summer, signing Han-Noah Massengo from Monaco while Hungary international Adam Nagy arrived from Bologna.

Fulham's transfer plans this summer will depend on what league they are in.

The Whites are on course for a playoff final date with Brentford as they lead rivals Cardiff City 2-0 following their impressive first-leg victory on Wales.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2020/07/30/report-bristol-city-and-fulham-want-christian-koffi-who-claims-he-rejected-anfield-move/


WhiteJC

LIVE: Fulham vs Cardiff (2-0 agg) -Scott Parker's men look to reach Championship play-off final with home advantage in second leg

    Fulham host Cardiff at Craven Cottage this evening at 7:45pm BST
    Scott Parker's side lead 2-0 after dominating the first leg in Cardiff

Fulham host Cardiff at Craven Cottage in the second leg of the Championship play-offs semi-final as they look to book a spot at Wembley.

Scott Parker's men will be looking to join Brentford in the final for the last place in the Premier League next season following their 2-0 win in the first leg away.

Sportsmail will provide live Championship coverage of Fulham vs Cardiff including score, lineups and build-up.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-8576795/Fulham-vs-Cardiff-Championship-play-offs-semi-final-Live-match-report.html