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Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 04/08/20...

Started by WhiteJC, August 04, 2020, 08:35:37 AM

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WhiteJC

Brentford and Fulham FC fans prepare for massive West London showdown

We spoke to one of Brentford's longest-serving supporters to find out what it means for the club

Rarely has there been a bigger game in the history of West London football.

This evening at 7.45pm, Brentford FC and Fulham FC will face off in a massive play-off final match at Wembley Stadium.

At stake is a place on football's top-flight, the Premier League.

But for these two clubs separated geographically by just four miles, it's much more than playing for Premier League prize money.

Ahead of the massive game, we spoke to Mel Collins who has supported Brentford FC for a stonking 67 years to find out what it means for fans.

Brentford FC fans said goodbye to Griffin Park stadium on a high after 116 years of history at the home ground last week, but it was still a bitter-sweet moment as crowds were unable to take their seats in the stalls for one last time.

The Bees played their last match at the historic ground, beating Swansea 3-1 earning a spot in the Championship Play-Off final on Tuesday (August 4), where the team will face Fulham for a place in the Premier League.

But sadly for fans such as Mel Collins, he had to listen to the game on the radio in his garden rather than feel the atmosphere in the stadium, due to the continued coronavirus restrictions on sports matches.

Mel has been supporting Brentford FC from the sidelines for 67 years from the first ever match he attended aged eight.

Sitting in his garden - a nifty seven-minute walk from Griffin Park - with the radio on, Mel was able to listen out to Brentford fans also gathered in the pubs to hear reaction to the game.

"There were plenty of folk around, it was one of the reasons I went in the garden to... listen to the oohs and aahs," he said.

"I shouted when it was a goal about 10 seconds before the folk down the road at the pub. There is no alternative to the real thing I would argue til the cows come home."

Mel, who serves as a Brentford councillor, is registered blind and began watching local games from February 4, 1953, when pitch-side commentary for people with visual impairments was in its early years of introduction.

Councillor Collins said the added accessibility at Brentford was the first London club to do so "by a long way", although it was first instigated by Plymouth Argyle F.C.

Mel remembers going to the game with his dad, where Aston Villa lost 2-1, learning about the game and what was going on on the pitch.

"I was so into it in the first game and the rest is history," Mel said.

"What I remember was the vast crowd."

Over the years Mel's memories of the team range from attending Christmas matches at Griffin Park to travelling to Anfield to play Liverpool in the 1989 quarter final, losing 4-0.

"But the lasting memory of that is also going to be the sad one, the winners went on to play the semi-final in the Hillsborough disaster," Mel reflected.

"It was always sad to look back on that cup run."

In later years Mel's "biggest thrill" was leading the team out onto the pitch at the Braemer Road ground for his 60th anniversary of being a Bees fan.

He added: "So many wonderful memories of Griffin Park and Brentford, home and away, I have been all over the country with the Bees including the Millennium and Wembley."

The club is now looking forward to taking up its residency at the Brentford Community Stadium which is expected to host the club's next competitive game on home soil.

The 2020/21 Premier League and English Football League seasons have been announced to start on September 12.

The construction of the nearly 17,500-capacity ground was set back by coronavirus in April with club bosses confirming work was being paused due to the pandemic, and the completion date was not possible to "reliably forecast".

It had previously been expected to have the move completed in July 2020.

The new Lionel Road-based stadium, which will also be the home of London Irish rugby club, will sit near Kew Bridge Station and is part of a wider project to regenerate the area with nearly 1,000 new homes and plans for new cafes, restaurants and public spaces.

The joint venture is being delivered with Brentford FC and property developers Willmott Dixon and EcoWorld.

The club has also described the move as one of the most "significant and exciting developments in the history of Brentford Football Club," in being able to create a sustainable future for the club.

The ground will also be Premier League-compliant as the club sets its sights for promotion to the top tier in English football. It is also designed to be at UEFA-level as it will host matches including the quarter final of the UEFA Women's Euro 2021.

The grounds will also become the new home for Brentford FC Community Sports Trust.

On the move and redevelopment, Mel added: "I think for the area it can't do anything else other than be a good thing."

But first the Bees have got their eyes fixed on tonight's game, which is the closest they have ever been to reaching the Premier League.

Reflecting on the final victory at Griffin Park last week, Brentford FC manager Thomas Frank said: "We really wanted to make a final magical moment here at Griffin Park. I know the fans were not with us here, but they were with us out there, and we can hear some of them now. I guess they will go crazy tonight and in a way they were still here, they were still in the final game at Griffin Park and we made it magical, and we're now in the final and now we're going to win it."

Hounslow Council leader and Bees fan Steve Curran wished the team luck for their big moment.

"Brentford has already shown they were one of the best teams in the Championship and fully deserve to be promoted. Come on you Bees - you can do it," he said.

You can read a full preview of the game at our sister site https://www.football.london



https://www.mylondon.news/news/west-london-news/brentford-fulham-fc-fans-prepare-18711616

WhiteJC

I'm backing Scott Parker and Mooro tonight

They call it the 'Richest Game In Football' – the Championship play-off final – the gateway to the Premier League.

This is the big opportunity  for the winners to lay claim to a share of the millions even now washing around the richest league in the world.

What's the interest then for West Ham fans in a game that features London rivals Fulham and Brentford? Fulham manager Scott Parker for starters, who was a fantastic player for us in a four year spell between 2007 and 2011 – no better illustrated by the fact during that time Scottie won the West Ham Player of the Year award in three times.

There were clearly few Hammers' fans who didn't appreciate the blood, sweat and eventual tears Parker shed in a claret and blue shirt.

A bargain £7m buy from Newcastle United, no-one gave more in the West Ham cause than Scott Parker. As captain he led from the front.

His half-time team talk when West Ham were 3-0 at the Hawthorns and looking to be heading for a real thrashing was inspirational, and is now legendary as a prelude to a memorable second half recovery that saw us eventually draw that game 3-3.

It was also his goal in a 3-2 victory over Wigan Athletic that ultimately kept us in the Premier League in 2010. Even when he left us the following season, after we finally dropped into the Championship, there were few who begrudged him the opportunity of continuing his career in the Premier League with Tottenham Hotspur. Everyone is allowed to make one mistake in their life.

Parker has done fantastically well in his first full season as Fulham manager. He has put the disappointment of relegation in 2019 behind him, a fate he inherited after taking over from Claudio Ranieri as caretaker manager during that season, with the club's eventual destiny already a foregone conclusion.

Now he  has guided the Cottagers to the brink of an instant return. Some suggest Parker is cutting his managerial teeth in West London as a prelude to becoming a future West Ham manager. Only time will tell on that one. For now promotion to the top flight will the only thing on his mind.

If the Cottagers were to beat Brentford tonight it would be brilliant for Scott Parker, one of our former players, but it would also be a tremendous achievement for Fulham, a club for which I have always had a soft spot for since they offered a new home to the legendary Bobby Moore, when his footballing days were winding down.

They gave the great man the opportunity to end his magnificent playing career with the dignity he deserved. For that we should all be eternally grateful. Good luck tonight Scottie – Bob will be looking down on you I'm sure!



https://www.claretandhugh.info/im-backing-scott-parker-and-mooro-tonight/

WhiteJC

Brentford legend Lloyd Owusu fires warning to Fulham ahead of play-off final

EXCLUSIVE - Brentford take on Fulham in the Championship play-off final at Wembley tonight with the Bees looking to make it to the Premier League for the first time

Brentford can end their play-off hoodoo and bag a place in the Premier League, says club legend Lloyd Owusu.

Since the 1990/91 season the west Londoners' have failed in all eight of their play-off campaigns.

Owusu is adamant that his former club won't fall at the final hurdle against Fulham, though.

"I honestly believe they'll do it," he said. "Brentford have had so many unfortunate times over the years. You could say they've bottled it before, in a way.

"But I think with everything that's going on at the club - with the new stadium and all the quality youngsters - it's time for them to be in the promised land."

Brentford have already beaten Fulham twice this season.

However, Thomas Frank's side missed out on automatic promotion after successive defeats in their last two matches of the regular season.

Owusu - who scored 64 goals in 163 games for the club - has warned defeat at Wembley would be a hammer blow to the club.

"If they don't go up, rival teams could come in and the team gets dismantled," he added.

"But the way the club is run, there might be gems that step in to replace them.

"I look back to my era, we were pushing to go from League One to the Championship in 2002, I think there were 10 players out of contract.

"It was always going to be the case that clubs would want players who had done so well."

Ollie Watkins has been a standout performer for Brentford.

Having signed from Exeter in 2017, he's notched 49 goals - including 25 in the Championship this term. Owusu reckons the 24-year-old is the real deal.

"He's come from the lower leagues and is hungry and humble," he said. "He's ready to be the best he can be, but the great thing is how he listens.

"When I was in England I'd talk to him about being striker, as before he'd often play more on the wing. He's banged in the goals and has turned himself into a real No.9.

"What gives Watkins that x-factor is how he can play in numerous positions. He is a special type of player."



https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/brentford-fulham-play-off-final-22466368


WhiteJC

Brentford and Fulham share pressing issue in Championship play-off final as rivals try to silence potent attacks

For Brentford, it's been a 73-year exodus, while Fulham have spent a mere 450 days outside the top-flight - but on Tuesday evening both clubs will ask their players to grab a more gilded future when they battle for a place in next season's Premier League.

Wembley is a place where the best rise to the occasion - behind closed doors or not - and in players such as Aleksandar Mitrovic and Ollie Watkins, both teams have talents ready-made for the biggest stage.

It seems likely that the chaos of the Championship will be settled at the sharp end tonight.

It was goals alone which separated the west London rivals in the final Championship standings, the Bees tighter at the back and, as a collective, more potent on the front foot, scoring 80 across 46 games, 16 more than Fulham.

With two wins and two clean sheets, Thomas Frank's side also held the upper hand against Fulham across the season.

But a play-off final is not as simple as that. Fulham have know-how on their side, having been promoted via Wembley two years ago with a significant number of Parker's current squad.

Brentford have not won at Wembley in five attempts and have failed in all eight of their play-off campaigns.

Their entire squad's collective Premier League experience amounts to a single, nine-minute substitute appearance by Sergi Canos more than four years ago.

While Brentford's 'BMW' front line of Said Benrahma, Bryan Mbeumo and Watkins would strike fear into a number of Premier League defences, Fulham's returning talisman topped the scoring charts - his 26 put him one ahead of Watkins - and is tested at the highest level.

With Mitrovic back, Neeksens Kebano fit and on a run of five goals in four games, Scott Parker - whose side are at their best when dictating and flowing forward - is not cowering at the thought of facing the Bees' strike force, but plotting to press home their own plan and style.

"We'll prepare and plan for the threats they bring, but even more we will plan for how we assert ourselves on the match and how we can go about our business to win the game," said the Fulham manager.

"Of course, [they are] a team who have done remarkably well and the front three have been fluid in what they have done and scored a lot of goals.

"But they are also a team that sit on the same amount of points as us, separated by goals, so I am sure Thomas is sitting there knowing the problems we can cause, like I know them. It has got the dynamics of a good battle."

Frank will on Tuesday be pondering whether or not Parker will throw Mitrovic straight back into the starting XI after a hamstring injury forced the Championship Golden Boot winner to sit out the two semi-final legs against Cardiff.

Similarly, though, those in the Brentford ranks are more focused on getting on the front foot rather than concerning themselves with merely shackling Mitrovic.

"We don't care," said Bees full-back Henrik Dalsgaard. "That's none of our concern, we worry about ourselves. If Mitrovic is not playing, then they have another good player to play instead.

"Obviously, he's a threat, but we don't worry about that. We focus on ourselves and, if we do our things right, I'm sure we'll be alright."

Whoever reaches the Premier League tonight, you can bet they will do so with their foot firmly on the accelerator.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/brentford-fulham-pressing-issue-championship-play-off-final-silence-potent-attacks-a4516151.html

KilianG

Fulham puts a poem/song in the wall why others call themselves super bees and super Brentford, and they are already looking forward from all the money they will make in 3 season, 3 SEASOSN in premier League, who they think they are? They act like they are going to be the next Liverpool hahahaha

WhiteJC

Brentford vs Fulham: 5 talking points ahead of Championship play-off final

Brentford and Fulham face off at Wembley, with promotion to the Premier League worth up to £160million over three years in additional revenue

Brentford and Fulham will contest the Sky Bet Championship play-off final on Tuesday as the London rivals fight it out for a place in the Premier League.

The Bees (third) and the Cottagers (fourth) reached the Wembley showdown after strong, consistent campaigns, both overcoming Welsh competition in Swansea and Cardiff respectively in the semi-finals.

Thomas Frank's Brentford side have become one of, if not the most entertaining sides to watch outside the top flight, while Scott Parker's Fulham team are attempting to make an immediate return to the Premier League at the first time of asking following their relegation last season.

Here, Mirror Sport takes a look at some of the talking points ahead of the match.

Brentford back to their best

Questions were asked of Brentford after back-to-back defeats to Stoke and Barnsley in the final week of the season saw them blow their chances of automatic promotion.

Concerns grew after they were then beaten by Swansea in the first leg of the play-off semi finals.

However, the Bees were back to their old selves in the second leg, overturning the deficit and signing off the last game at Griffin Park in style.

Frank was confident his side would do it and his side responded with a performance that will see them make the short trip to Wembley brimming with confidence.

"BMW" reaching top speed

Brentford's forward line rediscovered their scoring form in the second leg against Swansea, after going three matches without a goal.

Said Benrahma, Bryan Mbeumo and Ollie Watkins have scored 59 Championship goals between them this season after Watkins and Mbeumo found the back of the net at Griffin Park.

Benrahma's eye-catching ability on the ball has brought him to the attention of Premier League clubs while Watkins, who played out on the wing last season, has demonstrated he is a top-flight forward in the making this season.

Centurion Mitrovic could emulate Saha

Fulham have their own goal machine in the shape of Aleksandar Mitrovic, who finished the campaign as the Championship's leading scorer.

With 26 goals the Serb became the first Fulham player to win the golden boot since Louis Saha in 2001.

Saha fired the Cottagers to the Premier League that year with 27 goals but Mitrovic has that target in his sights as he prepares to make his 100th appearance for the club at Wembley on Tuesday night.

It remains to be seen whether the 25-year-old will be fit enough to start given that he missed both semi-final games against Cardiff with a hamstring problem, although Fulham boss Scott Parker remains hopeful that he will recover in time.

Bees at the double

Brentford got the upper hand over their west London neighbours during the regular season by winning both matches.

Mbeumo scored the only goal of the game in a 1-0 win at Griffin Park in December while, most recently, late goals from Benrahma and Emiliano Marcondes saw the Bees do the double with a 2-0 victory at Craven Cottage following the restart in June.

Recent history also favours Brentford, with Fulham having won only one of the last 10 league meetings between the club going back to 2014. The Bees have six victories during that time.

Wembley experience

Fulham have been there and done it.

Nine members of the squad that beat Aston Villa in the same game two years ago are still at the club.

That includes Tom Cairney, who scored the winner as the Cottagers sealed their spot in the Premier League.



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/brentford-vs-fulham-5-talking-22465658


WhiteJC

Match Preview: Brentford vs Fulham

The lowdown on tonight's Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Final at Wembley


The stage is set perfectly for tonight's Sky Bet Championship Play-Off final as we take on Fulham at Wembley for a place in the top tier of English football. Below you will find all the details ahead of the biggest of West London derbies.

THE OPPOSITION
Level on points at the end of the 46 game season, both then progressing through 3-2 on aggregate in the Play-Off Semi-Finals, there's not been much to separate us and our West London rivals this campaign.

The Whites looked to have the job done against Cardiff City after their 2-0 first leg victory in South Wales but Neil Harris' side gave Fulham more than their fair share of nervy moments at Craven Cottage last Thursday. As it turned out, Neeskens Kebano's first-half goal did the trick as, despite a 2-1 defeat on home soil, Scott Parker's side booked their spot at Wembley.

The Whites have previous under the Wembley arch, beating Aston Villa 1-0 in the 2017/18 Play-Off final to book their spot back in the top flight.

THE MANAGER
Fulham Chairman Shahid Khan named Scott Parker Caretaker Manager in February 2019, and Parker impressed sufficiently in the role to be named permanent Head Coach prior to the final game of the Premier League season. After replacing Claudio Ranieri in what was initially an interim capacity, Parker oversaw an upturn in form which included three consecutive clean sheets and wins in April, which saw him nominated for Manager of the Month.

As a player, Parker began his career at Charlton Athletic, making 145 appearances before moving to Chelsea. After a two-year stay at Stamford Bridge, Parker took in spells with Newcastle United, West Ham United, and Tottenham Hotspur before spending the final four years of his career at Craven Cottage. That career also saw the midfielder pick up 18 caps for England.

TEAM NEWS
Thomas Frank has a full squad to pick from for tonight's Play-Off final with everybody coming through Wednesday's Second Leg win over Swansea City.

Scott Parker declared yesterday that Fulham had a fully-fit group meaning top scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic has recovered from the hamstring issue that kept him out of both legs against Cardiff City. Neeskens Kebano went off injured on Thursday night but is now expected to be available.



https://www.brentfordfc.com/news/2020/august/fulham-match-preview/

WhiteJC

'This wouldn't surprise me' – Club set to make enquiry for key Fulham figure: The verdict

This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

AFC Bournemouth are set to enquire about Scott Parker's services if Fulham are unable to win promotion to the Premier League tonight, according to The Sun's Tom Barclay.


The Cherries are on the lookout for a new manager following the departure of Eddie Howe, who has recently left the club after their relegation from the Premier League.

It is now claimed, though, that Bournemouth are set to enquire about Fulham boss Scott Parker, should the Cottagers fail to beat Brentford in the Championship play-off final tonight.

Parker has guided Fulham to within touching distance of the Premier League following their relegation last term, and at 39, he looks to have a promising future in management ahead of him.

Can we see him leaving Craven Cottage for Bournemouth should the opportunity arise? Here, the FLW team have their say...

Sam Rourke

I've got a feeling Fulham may change direction in-terms of management if they don't go up tonight, thus meaning this wouldn't surprise me.

Parker has done a good job at Craven Cottage and has got the side playing some neat and tidy football, whilst getting them firmly in the mix for promotion.

Naturally, this fully depends on tonight's result and Parker may be tempted by a fresh challenge on the south coast with Bournemouth if he was relieved of his duties at Fulham.

There is a lot to work with in-terms of playing personnel at the Cherries though Parker would need assurances on finances for transfers as the current global situation combined with relegation from the Premier League will not have been healthy for Bournemouth's purse-strings.

It's an interesting link, and one I can see logic behind.

Ned Holmes

I'm not sure he'd jump ship to join a fellow Championship side, particularly one that has just come down.

We've seen how difficult it can be for the newly relegated sides to bounce straight back in the past and leaving Fulham where he has begun to shape a squad and impose his ideology would be a strange move for me.

Particularly as you don't yet know which of their top players will be leaving the club before the start of the 2020/21 Championship season.

If they miss out and a Premier League job were to come up, I could certainly see him leaving to take it but I don't think that's going to happen for him just yet.

George Dagless

I don't think so.

If Fulham do stay down, Parker may well feel he's got unfinished business – it's his first season in the job still and he'll have learned so much.

Obviously, it depends on what he can do in the transfer window and Bournemouth might try and offer him a bigger budget but I think the Fulham project is one you'd only walk away from if a Premier League club came calling right now.

For me, he'd be better off staying at Craven Cottage regardless of result tonight – providing the club still wants him of course.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/this-wouldnt-surprise-me-club-set-to-make-enquiry-for-key-fulham-figure-the-verdict/

WhiteJC

Head Coach press conference

Scott Parker is counting down the moments until he can lead his Fulham side out at Wembley Stadium.

The Championship Play-Off Final will mark the end of his first season in management, when the Whites do battle with local rivals Brentford for a place in the Premier League.

It's often coined "the richest game in football," but Parker insists his team will not be focusing on that when they step out under the arch.

"In terms of the money behind the game and what that brings, it's something that we can't control," he said. "What we can control is how we go out there tomorrow night and perform.


"We'll go about our business in a professional way, play our way and really put a stamp on the game, and give yourself an opportunity to win the match. That's what we'll be doing.

"We're extremely excited about tomorrow night's game. I'm certainly excited, I'm looking forward to it, and I'm very, very proud as well.

"I spent a long time here as a player, since I've been here there's been a lot of downs, probably more than there have been ups, so in terms of that I'm very proud to lead the team. It's been a long, hard fought season to get to where we have, to take it to the final game.

"The one disappointing factor is that the fans cannot share this moment with us. When you get to a Final at Wembley, if there's one time the fans deserve to support us then it's at these moments.

"I'm disappointed for them, but that's the current world we live in. But the players see their support through social media, and that's much needed."

There is plenty of pre-match media activity ahead of such a big fixture, with one Brentford player suggesting that Fulham will go into the tie "afraid" having lost both our meetings this season.

It's a notion that Parker quashed completely.

"No, I don't believe that at all," he stated. "It's a Play-Off Final, and the dynamics of a Play-Off Final, the dynamics of the stadium, what's at stake, I think everything gets eradicated from previous games.


"That's exactly how I see it. This game is about a lot more than past experiences and previous performances.

"Of course we realise the challenge ahead of us, and that challenge is we're playing against a very good team, a team that finished on the same amount of points as us this season and were divided [from Fulham] by goal difference.

"They're a good side, we understand that, but at the same time I fully believe in what we're doing, I fully believe in my squad, I fully believe in the occasion and where we're going to have to go in terms of the game to get a result.

"I firmly believe my players can do that, so that's exactly how I see the dynamics of this football match panning out.

"This game has been our focus throughout the whole of this year. This is not a game that all of a sudden has just sprung up on us.

"Our aim was to get promoted. We realise that you can get promoted from this division via the top two, if not then we'll go via Wembley if we can.

"We always knew that goal and that journey and where that journey was going to bring us. We were very clear and had a laser focus about us."

Parker also revealed in his press conference that he will have a full squad of players to choose from going into the game, which will be music to the Fuham faithful's ears after Aleksandar Mitrović missed both legs of the Semi-Final.

"We're full strength," he confirmed. "Everyone's fit for tomorrow night.

"I've got a full squad to pick from so now it's down to me to work out the best dynamics to try and win the football match.

"But in terms of injuries, and where the squad is, everyone's fit, everyone's trained over the last few days, so we're all good."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/august/03/head-coach-press conference


WhiteJC

'It's going to be so close' – Pressure mounts as Fulham and Brentford get ready to clash: The verdict

This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

It's the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Final this evening as Brentford face off against Fulham at Wembley.


Both teams have enjoyed excellent 2019/20 campaigns and 90 minutes now stands between one of them securing a lucrative spot in the Premier League.

Both teams have no major injury doubts and look to be at full strength so it's all set to be an enthralling clash between the west London rivals.

So, who is going up tonight then?

The team here at FLW have their say.....

George Harbey

I think Brentford will go up.

The Bees have an abundance of quality in every area of the pitch, but I just think that that big Wembley field will suit their energy, their passing and their skill on the ball.

The movement of the front-three, Said Benrahma, Ollie Watkins and Bryan Mbuemo could be key for Brentford tonight, and the vision and guile of Josh Dasilva and Mathias Jensen could also prove to be massive in their most important game of the campaign.

Fulham, for me, are not the greatest defensively and they conceded two sloppy goals in the play-off semi-finals against Cardiff, and despite Aleksandar Mitrovic set to return to the side from his spell on the sidelines through injury, I think Brentford's quality will edge this one.

Fulham do have a lot of experience in that team, though, and the likes of Tom Cairney and Kevin McDonald have been there and done it before, but Brentford are on fire and will be full of confidence after coming from behind to beat Swansea City.

George Dagless

It's going to be so close.

You've got both sides boasting top attacking talent, great midfields and solid defensive units, I think we're looking at a game decided by the finest of margins.

For me, it could just be the added level of experience that Fulham have got that wins it on the night.

Many of the squad from the last play-off final are still about whilst in Aleksandar Mitrovic they have the ultimate big-game player.

I'm sure we'll see Brentford's key men rise to the occasion this evening, too, but I just feel in the most crucial moments of the match, Fulham will get it right.

I'll back the Lilywhites after extra time.

Ned Holmes

It looks to me like we're going to see Brentford win and secure promotion to the Premier League.

They've got all the momentum coming off their 3-1 win against Swansea City and I think they've got the quality to get the job done at Wembley this evening.

Add to that the fact that they've beaten their west London rivals twice already this year and I think you have to have the Bees as heavy favourites.

If Mitrovic is back, I think there is a chance that the Serbian striker could help inspire the Cottagers to victory but you'd imagine they'll need very strong displays from Rodak, Hector et al. if that is going to happen.

For me, Brentford are going to have too much quality for Fulham and will come away with another 3-1 victory.

Alfie Burns

I've backed Fulham from the start, so I'll stick with them, They've been in terrific form post-postponement.

Look, I can't deny that Brentford are a fantastic side and their front-three are going to give Fulham so many issues, but I just feel experience will pull Scott Parker's side through.

Tom Cairney, Harrison Reed and Josh Onomah were particularly impressive in the two legs against Cardiff, so if they can have another big evening at Wembley, it should result in another Fulham win.

Add Aleksandar Mitrovic's reported return, with Anthony Knockaert, Neeskens Kebano and co, there's firepower to match Brentford too.

It's going to be close, but Fulham, in my eyes, will just edge it 2-1.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/its-going-to-be-so-close-pressure-mounts-as-fulham-and-brentford-get-ready-to-clash-the-verdict/

WhiteJC

The Sean Davis Column

I went to the Golden Lion on Thursday to watch the Second Leg with all the proper, hardcore Fulham fans, who were very welcoming with me. I didn't actually have a reservation, but they managed to squeeze me in, so big up to the Golden Lion! (They'll be buzzing to be in the column.) That game, I always thought it was a case of just getting the job done whichever way we have to. We had to grind it out a bit, but the lads have shown character all season. The Championship is a tough, tough, tough league, and the boys have been in the promotion fight until the end. This Fulham team ain't no pushovers. I know we play good, controlled, possession football, but when the going gets tough we can dig in, we've shown that. Hopefully that, plus the experience of having been there and done it all before, will get us over the line at Wembley.


For me it was always going to be a Fulham-Brentford Final. Being a local derby, it makes it the best Final ever if we win, but the worst if... (I'm not actually going to say the words!) Brentford seem to be the media darlings at the moment, but it's definitely going to be a 50/50 game. We finished on the same number of points, we both won our Semi-Finals 3-2 on aggregate. They do have players who, on their day, can hurt any team. But so have we. Plus I do think having that experience of the pressure of a Play-Off Final could be a key factor in the game. Brentford have had a fantastic season and would have gone up automatically if they hadn't lost their last two, but – and I know I'm completely biased - I do just think we've got enough to come out on top.


The atmosphere at Wembley two years ago was insane, so you do feel so sorry for the fans that they can't be there this time. Especially as it's a local derby in the Final, it would have been an electric atmosphere. It's such a shame as we would have packed our entire end out. That said, I think fans would be hurting more now had we not made it to Wembley in 2018. Hopefully the fact that most of them have been there and done it recently will mean that they're not missing it quite as much as they would've done. For Brentford it will be a real kick in the teeth that they're not there.

The form Josh Onomah has been in of late, I think he could be integral on Tuesday night. I remember seeing him when he was a young lad at Spurs and you could tell he was a special talent. He's had a good run in the team now and he looks fitter, he looks sharper, and Fulham are reaping the benefits. The talent was always there, but now we're starting to really see what he's capable of. (His goal in the First Leg was a great example.) Scott Parker has so much belief in Josh, which makes the world of difference, it gives you a lot of confidence as a player. It was the same with myself and Jean Tigana, as soon as he came in he played me and had that trust in me. He played in a similar position so he was always on me with ways I could improve, and I'm sure Scott is the same with Josh.

I saw those quotes from the Brentford lad saying how Fulham would be afraid of them going into the Final. My message to our boys would be to eat those comments up, pin them up in the dressing room. I love stuff like that. Be the favourites if you want, the pressure's all on you then, you've got to win the game now mate. I just feel it's all talk really, it's what some players do. I think we're more a side who does their talking on the pitch.


There's a massive incentive for all the boys going into this game; you score the goal that wins Fulham the Play-Off Final against Brentford, and you become a legend. No matter what you do for the rest of your life, the fans are going to forever recognise you and love you. You'd never have to pay for a drink in Fulham again!

I want to sign off with a word on the job Scott Parker has done. Scott knows the game inside out, and it's not always the case that a great player will make a great manager, but I think he's on course to be very successful. He's played under some top managers where he will have learnt a lot and picked up stuff he can use himself. But for me the key thing is having the respect of the players and for them to buy into what you're trying to do. You don't get to the Play-Off Final if the players aren't buying into the manager and what he's doing. Not a lot of managers could have done what he's done this season, and this is his first season in management, so I take my hat off to him. Again, I'm biased, because I like Scott, he's a good guy and I've always got on with him. I just wish him nothing but success on Tuesday night and in the future with Fulham.

Fulham is our team. Let's finish the job.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/august/04/the-sean-davis-column

Sting of the North

Quote from: KilianG on August 04, 2020, 12:22:29 PM
Fulham puts a poem/song in the wall why others call themselves super bees and super Brentford, and they are already looking forward from all the money they will make in 3 season, 3 SEASOSN in premier League, who they think they are? They act like they are going to be the next Liverpool hahahaha

Wasn't that referring to the money that they will receive because of potential promotion? In the minimum sum, 2 seasons of parachute payments are included, hence the 3 season thing refers to a situation in which they are relegated at the first try. Just like our current situation in which we have one more season of parachute payments left should we not be promoted.


KilianG

Quote from: Sting of the North on August 04, 2020, 02:43:10 PM
Quote from: KilianG on August 04, 2020, 12:22:29 PM
Fulham puts a poem/song in the wall why others call themselves super bees and super Brentford, and they are already looking forward from all the money they will make in 3 season, 3 SEASOSN in premier League, who they think they are? They act like they are going to be the next Liverpool hahahaha

Wasn't that referring to the money that they will receive because of potential promotion? In the minimum sum, 2 seasons of parachute payments are included, hence the 3 season thing refers to a situation in which they are relegated at the first try. Just like our current situation in which we have one more season of parachute payments left should we not be promoted.
Maybe it was that, the article said at least, so probably they are counting on the parachute, but they are still thinking they are super bees and getting promoted today, Fulham approach is much humble

WhiteJC

Brentford and Fulham line up for winner-takes-all £135m shoot-out

August 4 – Tonight Brentford and Fulham will play in the most valuable match in world football, in fact any match in world sport, as they bid for the third promotion spot to next season's Premier League.

If Fulham win the Championship Play-Off final they will benefit by about £135 million. If Brentford win they will benefit by about £160 million across the next three seasons, according to

analysis from Deloitte's Sports Business Group.

The additional revenue could rise to about £265 million over a five-year period if they avoid relegation in their first season in the Premier League.

Dan Jones, partner and head of the Sports Business Group at Deloitte, commented: "This season's Championship has been temporarily interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, however as the season comes to a close, all eyes will be on Wembley in what still remains world footballs biggest financial, winner-takes-all, prize match.

Fulham are looking to bounce straight back into the Premier League having been relegated at the end of the 2018/19 season. Brentford have not played in the top flight for 73 years.

Brentford would benefit more significantly from the win as unlike Fulham they do not currently receive parachute payments, and would forgo any future payments upon promotion to the Premier League.

Tim Bridge, director in Deloitte's Sports Business Group, added: "The financial prize for Brentford or Fulham, as well as Leeds United and West Bromwich Albion, is likely to be in excess of £265 millioj if they survive their first season in the Premier League. Furthermore, given the recent impact of COVID-19, it is likely that the financial impact of promotion will be better received than ever before. The increased revenue provides these clubs with the platform from which they can develop on and off the pitch."

Bridge added: "Promotion to the Premier League provides clubs with the financial resources to make strategic investments. While this typically includes increased expenditure in on-pitch playing talent, it still remains important that promoted clubs are committed to their longer-term financial responsibility."



http://www.insideworldfootball.com/2020/08/04/brentford-fulham-line-winner-takes-135m-shoot/

WhiteJC

Marcondes: Fulham fear us ahead of 'magic' Wembley night

Emiliano Marcondes says Fulham fear Brentford and he wants to cast a spell over Scott Parker's side on a magic Wembley night.

Thomas Frank's side meet Fulham in the Championship play-off final with a near £170million prize pot up for grabs, as Brentford target clinching a historic place in the top flight for the first time in 73 years.

Marcondes sparkled the last time the two teams met and reckons the Bees' rivals are running scared ahead of the richest game in football.

"I think Fulham fear us because we have won twice against them and they haven't scored so I think it's going to be a magic night," Marcondes, one of seven Danish players in the Brentford squad, said. 

"I don't feel pressure but I think we are the favourites - they are a bigger club but we have played very well against them. 

"I'm very confident because I know we are the better team.

"I think most of Denmark will watch it! I heard it's the first Danish team going to the Premier League.

"I've watched the Premier League since I was a little boy. I think it's the best league in the world and it would put us on a seat with some of the best teams in the world."

Marcondes, 25, came off the bench when the two sides met at Craven Cottage in June to score late on and help clinch a 2-0 win.

And he scored once again as Brentford engineered a brilliant turnaround in their play-off semi-final second leg against Swansea, netting the hosts' second between goals from top scorer Ollie Watkins and the red-hot Bryan Mbeumo.

Fulham beat Cardiff in their semi-final duel and finished level on points with the Bees - with an inferior goal difference - and are now the side standing between Brentford and a first shot at the big time since 1947.

Parker's men have enjoyed recent spells in the Premier League and got relegated last season, having won the play-off final against Aston Villa back in 2018.

Frank piled the pressure on the 'bigger club' and wants his side to channel their 'big dreams' and ambitions on a historic night in the capital.

"They are a bigger club than us. This is not a mind-game, this is a fact," the Dane said.

"They got relegated from the Premier League last year and have the parachute money. They have experience from the final two years ago and they have more experience in their squad to play a game like this than us.

"Yes, we beat them twice [this season] and that can maybe give us a bit of confidence. But the final is another story."

"We have big ambitions and big dreams. We believe in ourselves but need to go to Wembley confident but humble." 



https://www.ealingtimes.co.uk/sport/18627041.marcondes-fulham-fear-us-ahead-magic-wembley-night/


WhiteJC

Club in talks to sign Fulham player – Tonight's result could determine his future

Turkish TV channel A Spor report Fulham have told Galatasaray their aim is to sell Jean Michael Seri this summer.

Seri spent last season on loan with the Turkish club, where he impressed with his performances during the second half of the campaign.

A Spor report Gala are in talks with Fulham to loan the player once again, but the London side have informed them their priority is to sell Seri, especially if they don't achieve promotion to the Premier League tonight.

If they do return to the top flight, A Spor claim they could keep the 29 year old.

Gala need to make a decision regarding the player as they could be priced out of a move for him should other interest show up. Subsequently A Spor say they could now give up on keeping the Ivorian midfielder and start to look at alternatives, which sounds a little rash at this stage.

Seri made 37 appearances for Galatasaray in all competitions last season, scoring two goals, and providing four assists. His contract with Fulham will expire at the end of June 2022.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/club-talks-sign-fulham-player-tonights-result-determine-future/

WhiteJC

PNE fans want Brentford in Premier League with a play-off final win over Fulham

The Premier League awaits for one of the London clubs tonight

Preston North End fans will find out soon which other team they will lock horns with in the Championship next season.

London neighbours Fulham and Brentford meet at Wembley on Tuesday night with a place in the top flight at stake.

It's a 7:45pm kick off as the Cottagers are back in the play-off final, two years after beating Aston Villa 1-0 to earn promotion.

Thomas Franke's Bees saw off Swansea in a thriller of a semi-final and could welcome Premier League football to their new stadium next season.

The victors will join Leeds United and West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League next, following a game which is often termed as the 'richest' in football owing to the riches of the top flight which it brings and has only increased over time due to rising TV and broadcast revenues.

North End beat both sides at home in the regular campaign, but lost to both away.

Who would PNE fans prefer to see go all the way this evening? Here are the thoughts off social media.

Gaz: I think Brentford deserve it more beginning of season they was terrible went on an amazing run, good luck Brentford.

Beckley: Brentford deserve it, but I want to see their new ground next year.

Aidan: In two minds really, both are brilliant away days and I want go to Brentford's new ground, but also really wanna see Brentford in the Premier league. And what a first season it would be for their new ground.

Paul: Brentford they deserve it. Superb form, good players to build on and an amazing stadium to go to.

Sean: Fulham then we get some money out of it as there parachute payment gets divided between the league.

John: Brentford they deserve it. Best team by far.

Philip: Brentford because like Preston they have never been in the Premier League!!! Come on Brentford!!!!

Neil: Fulham, then we have a new ground visit next season.

Rachel: Brentford because I love the PNE ferry tradition at Fulham.

Mark: I want to go to Brentford's new ground next season so Fulham to win.

Rose: Brentford. Nice club good set of fans come on you Bees.

Tom: Brentford because they play attacking football.



https://www.lancs.live/sport/football/football-news/pne-fans-want-brentford-premier-18714996

WhiteJC

Arter keen to figure for Fulham in £100m Championship showdown with Brentford

Fulham manager Scott Parker has confirmed that his leading scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic is fit to take on Brentford in tonight's Championship play-off final showdown at Wembley - a game that is worth upwards of £100m for the victors.

The Serbian striker blasted 26 goals to propel Fulham's promotion challenge, but he missed both legs of their semi-final win against Cardiff with a hamstring problem and Parker has been sweating on his fitness in recent days.

Yet his importance to the Fulham side means he will take to the field against Brentford, even if though he may not be able to play the full 90 minutes.

"Aleksandar is fit so we will make our decision on whether he starts or not," Fulham boss Parker said. "I have a full squad to pick from, so it is now down to me to work out the best dynamics to obviously try and win the football match."

Brentford finished just ahead of Fulham in a tight race for Premier League promotion and Parker is respectful of the side blocking his path to a return to the top flight at the first time of asking.

"Going forward they are a real threat, we have seen that with the front three players scoring a lot of goals so of course we understand that," said Parker.

"Like I've said many times before, we concentrate on ourselves and how we can hurt and try and punish Brentford and their flaws. We are playing against an extremely organised team, who have done extremely well this year and there will be challenges, but I also suspect Brentford will have some challenges and hopefully they will be greater than the challenges they cause us."

Parker's brother-in-law Harry Arter is not fully fit as he recovers from a groin problem, but he is keen to play a part in what could be his final game for Fulham in what has been a successful loan spell from Bournemouth.

"We wanted one of those automatic promotion places and got quite close in the end, but the play-offs looked like the best chance we had and now we have to get over the line," said Arter.

"Brentford have been very good this season. They deserved to finish in the top three and might have deserved a top-two finish, from what I've seen of them. They score lots of goals and have beaten us twice this season so we know we are up against a top side."

Ireland's under-21 captain Jayson Molumby played against Fulham and Brentford in the Championship during his loan spell at Millwall and he admits the unpredictability of the league ensures this game on Tuesday is tough to call.

"I have no idea who will win this play-off final," said Molumby. "It will be so close between Fulham and Brentford, like every game is in the Championship.

"It's a crazy league, as we have seen all season. Anyone can beat anyone on their day and when you are playing without a crowd, you don't even have fans to influence the mood of a game.

"It was my first experience of the Championship and I couldn't believe how unpredictable it was. Every game was hard to call and it meant you had to be at your best all the time because teams at the bottom were more than capable of getting points off the top teams."

Brentford are moving to a new stadium next season after waving farewell to their Griffin Park home after the second leg of their play-off semi-final against Swansea, with manager Thomas Frank delighted with his side's efforts in a season when they far exceeded expectations.

"Everybody said before the season Brentford in the top-six would be a fantastic result, but we fought for the top two. Now we have one last chance to get promoted. We have to grab it," he said.



https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/arter-keen-to-figure-for-fulham-in-100m-championship-showdown-with-brentford-39422607.html


WhiteJC

Who should Chelsea fans root for in the Championship Playoff final?

The Championship Playoff final is a few hours away, but which west London club should Chelsea fans be cheering on in the big match?

Fulham and Brentford will meet Tuesday in an all-west London Derby to decide the last promotion spot. The Championship Playoff final winner will join Leeds United and West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League next season. For Chelsea, this means the Blues will play yet another London Derby next season, but who should fans root for in the match?

On the surface, this is a match between Fulham—a perennial yo-yo club—and Brentford, who has yet seldom played in the top flight during its history (two seasons since the Second World War). For those who do not really care about a so-called Cinderella story, or the narratives around either club, the choice of who to cheer for is relatively simple. Chelsea fans want to see Fulham win and the answer why is two-fold.

First and foremost, Brentford's failure to secure promotion will almost certainly lead to Said Benrahma's exit. Benrahma and Ollie Watkins have been the Bees' players of the season thus far. Simply put, they're too good to hang around another year in the second-tier of English football. Both will presumably make the jump to a top tier, be it the Premier League or elsewhere. Chelsea—linked with Watkins last season—has kept an eye on Benrahma for quite awhile. Brentford's stay in the Championship would lower his price as the Blues are looking to secure the services of another winger.

Further, the Blues have dominated the Cottagers in meetings between the two, so the points are always welcome. Fulham hasn't defeated Chelsea since 2006, with the Stamford Bridge club taking 40 points from its west London foes in that span. Chelsea has only lost one of its 36 west London derbies against Fulham in league play in the last 40 years. Of all the in-town opposition, the Blues have enjoyed the most success against its near neighbors, so much so the rivalry is not thought of as such any longer. The rivalries each club has built with other clubs in London—in addition to Chelsea's one-sided success against Fulham—has led to the opposition only fueled solely by location.

On all accounts, Fulham coming up to the Premier League again would benefit Chelsea. The Blues don't have a sour relationship or heated rivalry with either club, so there is not much of a competitive reason to root for either. Regardless, Chelsea will be keeping a close eye on the Championship Playoff final for a few reasons—and probably rooting for Fulham.


https://theprideoflondon.com/2020/08/04/chelsea-fans-root-championship-playoff-final/

WhiteJC

Separated by four-and-a-half miles or a three-day car journey


Aleksandar Mitrovic: big and cuddly. Photograph: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images

Bearing in mind all the excitement that West Ham and Crystal Palace have served up over the years, the Fiver was surprised to learn today that the Premier League is still accepting admissions from London. Thanks Nottingham Forest! Thanks Wales! Owing to victories over Cardiff and Swansea, and Forest's devotion to the sitcom format, Fulham and Brentford will contest the Championship playoff final at Wembley. It's in the calendar, there's no avoiding it.

The west London clubs are local rivals of long standing, separated from each other by just four and a half miles or a three-day car journey. As if the satisfaction of belching fumes of despondence all over their neighbours' optimism is not motivation enough, the Londoners go into Tuesday's clash knowing that victory will earn them in the region of £160m. You don't need to be infatuated with Brentford's number whizzes to know that sort of money could buy at least two semi-detached pads in west London, and you're probably not still employed by Fulham if your first thought is to put that sum towards six André-Frank Zambo Anguisssas.

As for who is going to get their hands on the prize, don't ask the Fiver. The teams finished the regular season level on points and, although Brentford prevailed in their two face-offs so far this term, any prediction that relies even slightly on reasoned modelling of the interaction between Pontus Jansson and Aleksandar Mitrovic simply has too many variables to be considered sound. But it's definitely a good thing for fun lovers that Fulham's top scorer has regained his fitness in time for a hugely tense clash.

"I think Fulham have the experience, they were a Premier League club last year [before they waved goodbye with a 4-0 home defeat by Newcastle], they got the parachute money and have been in the playoff final before" said Brentford manager Thomas Frank. "They have to go to the Premier League as soon as possible. We have been building something over years."

Yes, they have. And Fulham boss Scott Parker thinks that means the pressure is on Brentford. "Brentford are being talked about because of how well they have gone about their work and probably because they had some big opportunities to see the season out," ventured Parker, praising his opponents before politely reminding them of how they bottled previous attempts to secure promotion. This one is coming nicely to the boil.



https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/aug/04/brentford-fulham-championship-playoff-final-the-fiver-football