Thursday Fulham Stuff - 06/08/20...

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Narratives undone by one special shot as Joe Bryan fires Fulham past Brentford and into Premier League

Defender's quick thinking set his side up to deny Brentford the most special of victories at Wembley


Joe Bryan opened the scoring with a smart free-kick before adding a second goal in the closing moments ( Getty Images )

There was a lot to admire about Joe Bryan's divine strike in the play-off final, but part of its beauty was that it also illustrated one of the remaining beauties of football – to a point.

We can lyricise about all sorts of club models, come up with the most sophisticated tactics and talk about the dominant approaches of the modern game, but the reality is that any one match – no matter the context, no matter the scale – can be decided by one speculative shot.

Fulham, in that regard, might feel a little more pride this morning.

There is no escaping the fact that Brentford had been the dominant story in the build-up to Tuesday's play-off final. It had even been put to Scott Parker in his pre-match conference. Brentford's narrative was just much more compelling. Had they gone up, they would have been the smallest club to ever get promoted to the Premier League. They had gotten to the brink of the big time thanks to a brilliantly intelligent approach, from recruitment to the way they play. There just looked to be more about them than Fulham.

And yet all that intelligence and long-term planning was undone by a piece of instinctive, quick thinking by Bryan. One game, one shot, and the loss of a promotion that would have meant so much for Brentford.

That's football – but, again, only to a point.

It's also football in another way. The idea of teams being undone by one piece of magic is usually said in reference to the biggest clubs, and how the game still has the capacity to unexpectedly topple the mightiest of structures. Brentford were manifestly not that.

Fulham usually aren't that, but they were here. They were the much bigger club, the much wealthier club, with much more Premier League experience – and much more quality. Their squad was multiple times more expensive than Brentford's.

That's another way of looking at Bryan's goal. It wasn't just one shot, but the greater quality that comes from just having more money. That's the difference.

That might feel a little churlish towards Fulham, but it's a reality that's increasingly impossible to escape.

Everyone might have waxed about Brentford's intelligence, only for that to be beaten, but it was that very intelligence that ensured they were greatly overachieving by even being in the top half – let alone the play-off final – in the first place. They have over-performed. Fulham feel they're just back where they belong.

Amid so much maths, the human element shouldn't be discounted either. Parker, who has faced some criticism this season, did come up with a tactical plan to stifle Brentford. That was especially true in midfield.

His admirable stoicism amid scenes of raucous celebration also betrayed his own pride. This was special to him.

It's just, when you add everything up, it would have been so much more special to Brentford.

Thomas Frank was naturally philosophical after the game, putting things into an appropriate perspective.

"The sun will rise again tomorrow. It's not the end of the world. I'll be sad tonight, disappointed, but in football – like life – you need to be strong. You need to show resilience and bounce back. We're coming back even stronger next season."

The best Fulham can do is actually take the lesson of their rivals, especially in recruitment. They shouldn't make the same mistakes in overspending as the last time they came up. They shouldn't make it such a punt.

Leave that to Bryan's free-kicks.



https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/fulham-brentford-result-championship-playoff-final-joe-bryan-goals-premier-league-a9654571.html

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Scott Parker: Fulham will learn from past mistakes after earning Premier League promotion

Scott Parker has vowed that Fulham will learn from the mistakes that saw them drop out of the Premier League after returning at the first time of asking following last night's stunning play-off final win over Brentford.

Full-back Joe Bryan was the unlikeliest of heroes at Wembley, as his 40-yard free-kick caught goalkeeper David Raya off his line in the 105th minute to break the deadlock.

Three minutes from the end of extra-time, Bryan was at it again as he charged through the Brentford defence to score his second, doubling his goalscoring tally for Fulham on one of the biggest nights of his career and ensuring that Henrik Dalsgaard's late header was nothing but a consolation for the Bees.

Following their play-off triumph in 2018, Fulham spent more £100million on players including Jean Michael Seri, Alfie Mawson and Maxime Le Marchand, while Andre Schurrle and Luciano Vietto were eye-catching but ineffective loan arrivals.

In the club's defence, £22m was spent to secure the future of Aleksandar Mitrovic, who despite not being able to feature heavily last night has played a bigger role than most in their return to the top flight.

The spending spree last time out, with 12 new signings coming in ahead of the new season, saw those who had helped the club win promotion cast aside in favour of the new faces, breaking up the team that had enjoyed so much success under Slavisa Jokanovic. This time around, Parker will give his players a chance to impress in the top flight.

Parker said: "One hundred per cent [we have to do things differently]. Some clear errors were made last time and we will learn from that, we have to learn from that.

"We are going into the best league in the world. The best players and best teams, it is a brutal league. I know the challenge ahead, I don't really want to think about it at the moment because I want to enjoy what we've done so far.

"But we will learn from those mistakes. What we are trying to build here are core foundations and those core foundations get you far in life.

"You can have as much talent as you want but if you're not building your club on concrete and instead are building it on sand, in the end it will be the roller-coaster ride.

"I hope we can grow gradually, it will be tough, but if we can't we'll have those core foundations that we always fall back on. We'll do that.

"You can't build teams with drastic changes, drastic swings of players. You can't do that. This team and myself have been around for the best part of 15 months now and they have improved, improved, improved.

"[There is] a lot more improvement to be done for sure but I am happy with where we are. Of course we are going to need additions but no drastic changes and we'll go from there."

Parker has rebuilt the squad over the past year and has delivered promotion with a team playing in his image. He has also changed the mentality of his players.

Many pundits had the Bees, who had beaten Fulham twice during the season without conceding, as favourites to win last night, while midfielder Emiliano Marcondes said Fulham would be scared of his side — and those words came back to haunt him.

Fulham captain Tom Cairney said: "Those words that the guy [Emiliano] said before the game gave us that extra bit of motivation.

Goalscoring hero Bryan added: "We've been written off five, six, seven, eight, nine times. I read somewhere we were supposed to be scared of them."



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-scott-parker-premier-league-promotion-a4516891.html

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'Baller' – Plenty of Leeds United fans want club to make move for 17-goal ace ahead of 2020/21 season

Brentford's season ended in disappointment as they missed out on promotion into the Premier League after a defeat to Fulham in the Championship Play-Off Final.

A brace from Joe Bryan saw the Cottagers have much-needed breathing space in extra-time, before Henrik Dalsgaard scored a late consolation for the Bees.

But defeat at Wembley condemns Thomas Frank's side to another season in the second tier, and they could be set for a nervy transfer window ahead of them.

One player that is certain to be attracting significant interest in the summer is Said Benrahma, who has caught the eye with a number of impressive performances this term.

The Algerian winger scored 17 goals and was on hand to provide ten assists in 46 appearances for Brentford this season, and will be keen to have his future resolved at the earliest of opportunities.

Leeds United will be preparing for life back in the top-flight, after they won promotion by finishing top of the Championship table in the 2019/20 season.

Plenty of the Elland Road faithful took to social media to express their eagerness for their side to make a move for Benrahma after Brentford missed out on promotion.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/baller-plenty-of-leeds-united-fans-want-club-to-make-move-for-17-goal-winger-ahead-of-2020-21-season/

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Fulham line-up Tottenham swoop in wake of promotion

Fulham are considering a move to re-sign Ryan Sessegnon from Tottenham following their promotion back to the Premier League last night.

Scott Parker's side beat Brentford 2-1 after extra time at Wembley, with a brace from Joe Bryan doing the damage for the Cottagers.

Now, with a Premier League return on the horizon, attention has turned to the transfer window, with the Telegraph reporting how Fulham are focusing on a loan deal for Sessegnon at Spurs.

Of course, Fulham oversaw the sale of Sessegnon 12 months ago, with the left-sided flyer joining Spurs in a £25m deal.

The 20-year-old managed only 12 appearances across all competitions in his debut season for Spurs, with just four starts coming in the Premier League and a change of manager seeing Jose Mourinho replace Mauricio Pochettino.

During his time with Fulham, Sessegnon excelled at both left-back and on the left of the attack in a 4-3-3.

In 2017/18 as Fulham won promotion to the Premier League, Sessegnon scored 16 goals and registered eight assists.

His season in the Premier League with the Cottagers brought only two goals, though.

Currently, Fulham have Bryan as first choice at left-back, with Ivan Cavaleiro, Aboubakar Kamara and Neeskens Kebano regular features on the left-wing.

The Verdict

Fulham are fairly well stocked in terms of the left-side of their team, but Sessegnon would be a good signing.

He's still only 20 and learning his trade in the Premier League, but when you consider what he's done for Fulham in the past, they'd be stupid to turn down any chance of reuniting.

Spurs might not be completely open to his loan if he's not going to play regularly, but then again, they need to offer him some sort of full season in 2020/21.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-ryan-sessegnon-tottenham/

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Report: Fulham to rival Southampton for Tottenham star Kyle Walker-Peters

The Evening Standard have claimed that Scott Parker and Fulham have joined Southampton in a bid to sign Tottenham Hotspur full-back Kyle Walker-Peters this summer, with the Saints closing in on a permanent move.

Walker-Peters, 23, played 10 times for Southampton on loan during the second half of the 2019-20 campaign. It has been widely reported this week that he is set to agree a £12million move to the Saints, on a permanent basis.

The deal has been kept separate from Tottenham's £15million pursuit of Danish midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in order not to confuse things. Indeed, Fulham's potential swoop will mean a deal for Hojbjerg is unaffected.

Fulham gained promotion to the Premier League and a move to sign Walker-Peters would see the Spurs ace remain in London, and work under an ex-Spurs man in Parker. It remains to be seen if Fulham are willing to pay £12million.

It comes after Spurs were linked with a loan move to re-sign Ryan Sessegnon by the Telegraph, earlier this week.

TBR's view – Fulham or Southampton for Walker-Peters?

Southampton are an exciting side with plenty of potential and Walker-Peters has shown that he is a good fit in a side that are being guided towards the top half of the table, under an excellent boss in Ralph Hasenhuttl.

But the chance to remain in London with a club closely connected to Tottenham due to Parker and former Spurs man Josh Onomah could be something that tempts Walker-Peters. Either move would benefit the defender.



https://tbrfootball.com/report-fulham-to-rival-southampton-for-tottenham-star-kyle-walker-peters/

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REPORT: FULHAM SET TO SIGN THREE-TIME PREMIER LEAGUE WINNER AFTER WEMBLEY VICTORY

Fulham are set to beat Everton to the signing of Branislav Ivanovic after sealing their return to the Premier League on Tuesday night, according to B92.

You would imagine that the Cottagers learned plenty of lessons from their last spell in the top flight.

Back in the summer of 2018, Fulham wasted over £100 million on Jean-Michel Seri, Andre Franck Zambo Anguissa, Maxime le Marchand and more en route to finishing 19th in the table.

Flash forward two years however and, after outplaying and outscoring Brentford in the play-off final, the West London outfit appear to have changed their tack.

Instead of once again spending huge sums on players without a scrap of English football experience, Fulham look set to sign a three-time Premier League champion on a free transfer.

B92 in Serbia reports that Carlo Ancelotti is interested in reuniting with his former Chelsea defender Ivanovic at Everton but, after winning at Wembley, Fulham are now the front-runners for the 36-year-old's signature.

A powerful centre-half rather than a rampaging right-back these days, Ivanovic's vast experience should prove very useful on and off the pitch at Craven Cottage.

He might be a long way past his best but, as recently as July, Ivanovic captained Zenit St Petersburg to the Russian Premier League title before his contract expired. 

"I will probably continue my career at Everton. I received a good offer from them. I will see how things will turn out," Ivanovic told Republika recently.

It seems, however, that Fulham have now muscled their way into pole position.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2020/08/05/report-fulham-set-to-sign-three-time-premier-league-winner-after-wembley-victory/

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Brighton, Fulham and Leeds United emerge as contenders to sign £18m-rated 25-goal prolific striker
Brighton & Hove Albion have emerged as contenders to sign an £18m-rated striker from the Championship.

The Seagulls have already brought in three fresh recruits this summer; Dutch defender Joel Veltman, Wigan Atheltic teenager Jensen Weir and England international Adam Lallana.

And the bookmakers are offering odds on Graham Potter strengthening his squad further, with outlets tipping Brighton as contenders to sign ex-Barcelona, AC Milan and Everton forward Gerard Deulofeu, alongside Bournemouth pair Josh King and Aaron Ramsdale.

However, a new name has now entered into the betting. Ollie Watkins – a striker with second-tier Brentford – has been installed at 12/1 with SkyBet to join Potter's ranks.

The prolific forward – who netted 25 times in the Championship last season – is rumoured to have a release clause of £18 million in his contract.

And The Bees suffering an extra-time loss to Fulham in the play-off last night has caused speculation to swirl around the 24-year-old's future next season.

As well as Brighton, SkyBet offering odds on the Englishman joining Aston Villa (4/1), Leeds United (4/1), West Ham (5/1), West Brom (9/1) and Fulham (10/1).

However, it is unclear if Potter is in the market for a striker. "If I pinpoint the areas that we need, that highlights all the targets and all the agents," he said back in July.

"So they think, 'Fantastic! Brighton are in the market for this player or that player'. That does not make any sense."

All odds correct at the time of writing. Over 18s only. Please gamble responsibly and Be Gamble Aware. www.begambleaware.org.



https://www.brightonandhoveindependent.co.uk/sport/football/brighton-and-hove-albion/brighton-fulham-and-leeds-united-emerge-contenders-sign-ps18m-rated-25-goal-prolific-striker-2933414

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Reed tastes Wembley glory

On-loan Southampton midfielder Harrison Reed was a Wembley winner last night, as Fulham defeated west London rivals Brentford in the Championship play-off final.

A typically tense encounter went into extra time after a goalless 90 minutes, with nothing to separate two sides who finished level on points in the regular season.

But left-back Joe Bryan was the unlikely hero as Fulham won "the richest game in football" for the second time in three seasons.

The former Bristol City defender scored a stunning long-range free-kick to break the deadlock, before sealing victory three minutes from time.

Henrik Dalsgaard pulled a goal back for Brentford with only seconds remaining, but the Bees were nullified by a well-drilled Fulham side and could not find their usual sting.

Reed completed the full 120 minutes with characteristic tenacity at the heart of the engine room, whilst impressing with his usual calmness in possession as the starting point for many Fulham attacks.

The 25-year-old midfielder made a total of 27 appearances over the course of the season, playing a starring role since the lockdown.

Fulham finished the regular season seven matches unbeaten, before overcoming Cardiff over two legs in the play-off semi-final to set up last night's local showdown.



https://www.southamptonfc.com/news/2020-08-05/loan-watch-harrison-reed-promotion-southampton-football-club-5-august-2020

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Premier League New Boys Keen On Tottenham Star, Barcelona Hold Interest

Fulham are looking to land Ryan Sessegnon on loan from Tottenham Hotspur, while there has also been interest in the left-back from Barcelona, according to the Daily Telegraph.

Scott Parker's Cottagers secured promotion to the Premier League through the playoffs on Wednesday night and are now planning their top flight campaign.

They want to sign Sessegnon, who they sold to Tottenham last summer, and a loan deal could be on the cards for the defender.

It is claimed that Tottenham are reluctant to let the 20-year-old leave, but are aware that he is desperate to play first team football next season.

Sessegnon would be open to returning to Fulham, where he established himself as a top talent and progressed through the youth academy.

In a nod to how highly the 20-year-old is rated, there has also been interest from Barcelona.

The Catalan giants are claimed to believe Sessegnon has huge potential, but they may not be in a position to swoop for him this summer.

It remains to be seen if Jose Mourinho will opt to allow Sessegnon to leave at some point during the ongoing transfer window.

Fulham edged out Brentford 2-1 in the Championship playoff final at Wembley to confirm their spot in the Premier League next season.



http://www.insidefutbol.com/2020/08/05/premier-league-new-boys-keen-on-tottenham-star-barcelona-hold-interest/464177/

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Arter did not start enough games to trigger Fulham's obligation to buy

HARRY ARTER could once again play for Cherries – with a clause in his loan agreement meaning Fulham do not have buy him.

It had been understood the Cottagers had an obligation to purchase the midfielder on certain performance-based criteria, including whether they sealed promotion to the Premier League.

But the Daily Echo now understands the Republic of Ireland international had to start a certain number of games for the obligation also to be triggered – which he did not.

Arter was not included in the Cottagers' squad for their 2-1 extra-time Championship play-off final victory over Brentford on Tuesday.

He also missed both semi-finals against Cardiff through injury.

The Sidcup-born ace, who made 21 Championship starts in total, is under contract at Cherries until 2021.



https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/sport/18629454.arter-not-start-enough-games-trigger-fulhams-obligation-buy/

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Parker leads Fulham to the promised land

Many a modern manager would have interpretation last night's glorious victory as a personal vindication, but Scott Parker's first words to the television cameras last night were about his backroom staff and his family. It is difficult to overstate just how completely he has turned Fulham's fortunes around in little more than a year. Handed a poisoned chalice for his first chance in manager, Parker inherited a broken, rubble bereft of spirit and quality, who were dropping like a stone out of the Premier League. To return his charges, with renewed energy and desire, at the first time of asking is a magnificent achievement.

Parker has taken far more than his fair share of criticism over the course of a long and challenging season. When the setbacks came – and there were plenty, from that opening defeat at Barnsley to home reverses against the same opposition, Hull and Reading – there were a throng of critics, assailing a lack of tactical acumen, the apparent absence of a Plan B and concluding he was too passive to make changes. All along the way was the drumbeat that an expensively assembled squad should have been seriously in the automatic promotion equation – even though Fulham were in the shake up right up until the final ten minutes of the season.

There were those who felt Parker would be found out in the play-offs, especially against Brentford, who have helped the upper hand in that most curious of rivalries for the best part of a decade. The Griffin Park grapevine gurgled with confidence as Emiliano Marcondes' ill-advised assertion that Fulham were 'scared' in the run-up to Wembley – on the back of two derby defeats in the regular season – looking more than a little foolish now. But Parker kept a laser like focus on the finish line and delivered a tactical masterclass when it mattered most.

Not many of the talking heads felt Fulham were fit to surprise Brentford on the biggest stage, with the in-vogue Thomas Frank portrayed as a touchline innovator in spite of the Bees' Devon Loch-like collapse when automatic promotion was in front. But reputations count for little in one-off encounters and Parker's players delivered a performance full of commitment and composure, sticking to a meticulously-devised tactical plan that nullified Brentford's crisp and inventive football, restricting their lauded front three to a single shot on target before what turned out to be a late consolation.

All of Parker's key decisions paid off handsomely. There was some debate towards the end of the season about Joe Bryan's position in the side. He was dropped after Fulham's collapse at Elland Road seemed to end any hope of catching the drop two, but his restoration to the starting can't be questioned now. The moment of magic that caught David Raya unaware at his near post might have come from Fulham's eagle-eyed analysts, but the execution of an audacious plan from fully 35 yards out in a deadlocked promotion decider at Wembley was magnificent. Bryan's second showed all of his attacking qualities, a desire to get forward, break beyond the last line of defence and – after a delicious one-two with Aleksandar Mitrovic, on whose fitness Parker gambled for extra two – a finisher's instinct not often found in left backs.

On the other flank, three right backs have been tried during a long season. You sense Steven Sessegnon's time should come eventually, but Cyrus Christie has put in a terrific shift over the past few weeks – and did again last night when he came off the bench. You felt for the Irish international when he was left out, but the more defensively-minded Denis Odoi was the perfect choice to nullify Said Benrahma, who only once eluded the Belgian's clutches in a mature performance. Indeed, it was Odoi who popped up in the final third regularly – emphasising just how conclusively he had won that individual battle. Of course, Denis ended up on the crossbar afterwards – paying homage to that glorious victory against Aston Villa two summers' ago.

In midfield, there was a slight tactical tweak that seemed to really flummox Brentford. Tom Cairney, so often the orchestrator of Fulham's fluid football, played in a much deeper role and played his part to perfection, winning tackles, distributing possession and covering every blade of grass to keep the Whites on top. He was still adventurous enough to feed the vital pass through to Bryan that gave the full-back a chance to break into the Brentford box with three minutes to go, but his match awareness was magnificent.

Harrison Reid wasn't as pivotal as he has been during the run-in but his combativeness alongside Cairney created two distinct advantages: there was amble protection for the magnificent Michael Hector and Tim Ream, but it is also freed up Josh Onomah to operate in the sort of advanced role that allowed him to display all of the characteristics that flickered so brightly in his early Tottenham days. You can sense the confidence surging through Onomah now after that brilliant goal at Cardiff, but his purposeful running, both with and without the ball, clearly unsettled Brentford as he pressed high up the pitch from the outset.

In the absence of Mitrovic, Parker made a big call in playing the unpredictable Aboubakar Kamara as a lone forward, with Bobby Decordova-Reid out wide. It was the right decision, as with Neeskens Kebano recovering to operate on the other flank, Fulham's front three were interchangeable and their movement gave the Brentford defence plenty of problems that wouldn't have encountered against a more direct striker. Kamara's individual performance, crammed full of ceaseless running and a selfless work ethic, is worth extra praise. His development since he arrived at Craven Cottage a couple of years ago has been incredible.

Parker also had the confidence to address what Fulham's summer should look like in his post-match remarks, insisting that there will be no repeat of the post-Wembley largesse that disrupted the harmony within a close-knit squad as Slavisa Jokanovic prepared for the top flight. He will know what he needs to try and mount a survival mission – no easy feat in the modern game – with defensive reinforcements clearly the priority, but Parker should also take some time to savour the enormity of an outstanding success.

For many years, people within football have whispered encouragingly about his football intelligence and he was widely regarded as one of the young coaches to watch when he completed his coaching badges whilst still on Fulham's playing staff. Last night, on the biggest stage of all, we saw those coaching credentials come to the fore. Another English young manager in the top flight can only be good for the game and, after all the debate about his methods and inexperience, you can only conclude that Fulham's future is in good hands.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2020/08/parker-leads-fulham-to-the-promised-land/

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The remarkable record Southampton's Harrison Reed has helped Fulham extend as he faces decision

Southampton midfielder Harrison Reed has played 27 times for Fulham during a loan spell to help Scott Parker's men secure a place back in the Premier League next season

It was the perfect ending to the season for Harrison Reed and Fulham last night as Scott Parker's men sealed their return to the Premier League at the first attempt.

Fulham defeated Brentford 2-1 after extra time at Wembley in the Championship play-off final, with left-back Joe Bryan netting both goals as the Craven Cottage side defeated their west London rivals.

Southampton midfielder Harrison Reed played his part too, completing the full 120 minutes at Wembley as he finished his season-long loan spell with Fulham on a high.

The 25-year-old has been a key man for Parker in recent weeks, forging a successful partnership in midfield with Fulham captain Tom Cairney, and impressing as the west London side sealed their place back in the top flight.

But he is not the first Southampton loanee to enjoy promotion with Fulham in recent years.

When Fulham were last promoted to the Premier League in 2017/18, former Saints full-back Matt Targett was on loan at the club, with the left-back featuring at Wembley in the 1-0 win against Aston Villa, who he coincidentally now plays for.

There was also a player on loan at Fulham from Southampton when they were promoted to the Premier League for the first time in 2001.

In the 2000/01 season, Luis Boa Morte was on loan at the club, scoring 18 goals in 39 appearances as Jean Tigana's side ran away with the Championship, securing promotion with 101 points.

Boa Morte then signed for Fulham on a permanent basis, spending the next six-and-a-half seasons with the club.

Following their promotion in 2018, Fulham did not sign Targett from Southampton on a permanent basis, but they have been strongly linked with signing Reed now after securing their place back in the Premier League.

And it is clear that the Fulham fans want to see Reed join on a permanent basis, having played 27 times for Parker's side during his loan spell, including in each of the play-off semi-final legs with Cardiff and the final against Brentford.

Reed recently spoke about his future, but insisted that his only focus was on helping Fulham get back to the Premier League.

They have now done that and the time will soon come for a decision over his future, with Hasenhuttl recently stating that Reed - like all other Southampton players out on loan - was being looked at and that each player's situation would be considered.

With Southampton facing the prospect of losing midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg this summer amid transfer interest from Tottenham and other clubs, Reed could yet have a future role to play back with the Saints.

But Reed has spoken of how much he has enjoyed his time at Fulham, and after playing such an important role for them, he is set to have a decision to make himself.



https://www.hampshirelive.news/sport/football/football-news/remarkable-record-southampton-reed-fulham-4396035

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ONE GREAT SEASON CROWNED / MITROVIĆ WITH FULHAM IN PREMIER LEAGUE!

Our national team player, Aleksandar Mitrović crowned a great season with Fulham with qualification in the Premier League! After 26 scores, the highest number in the first five leagues of English football, and due to a muscle injury, Mitrović could not play in the play-off semifinals with Cardiff, and because of the same reason entered the pitch in the final match with Brentford only in 90+1 min. "Mitro-goal" still managed to assist the double scorer Bryan in the extra time (117') with the second goal, and complete a great victory of west London team – 2:1 and their comeback in the Premier League.

Breaking moment was in 105' when Brentford goalkeeper David Raya made a terrible mistake. Fulham's left-back was left an empty space by Raya, so he sent the ball with a free-kick from 35 m right in the near post corner and brought great joy to his club. An interesting moment happened right after the final whistle, when all Fulham players were celebrating. Aleksandar Mitrović approached the Spanish goalkeeper with the idea to comfort him because of the mistake that practically decided this match worth EUR 200 million. It was certainly a nice gesture.





https://fss.rs/en/one-great-season-crowned-mitrovic-with-fulham-in-premier-league/

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Fulham ready to activate £8m Reed option

Fulham are poised to activate the clause in Harrison Reed's loan deal that will allow them to make the Southampton midfielder their first Premier League signing for £8m.

Reed, who admitted in the run-up to the play-off final that he was interested in making a permanent move to Craven Cottage having spent the last three seasons away from St. Mary's on loan in the Championship, has been a key figure in Scott Parker's midfield since the resumption of the season following the coronavirus lockdown. The 25 year-old made 27 appearances as the Whites bounced back to the top flight at the first attempt, adding steal and defensive solidity in front of the back four.

The tigerish midfielder, who came through the youth ranks at Southampton, made his senior debut as a substitute in the League Cup at Barnsley in 2013. He followed that with a Premier League bow against Manchester City in December, but has found first team opportunities tough to come by with Saints in recent years, playing just thirty senior games in total. He has spent time on loan at Norwich, Blackburn and Fulham in successive seasons – and may look favourably on the prospect of finding a new home.

Reed has flourished alongside Tom Cairney of late in a reshaped Fulham midfield, with Josh Onomah operating in an advanced midfield role, and completing a deal for his services would be a real coup for the newly promoted club as they strive to assemble a squad good enough to compete at the highest level.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2020/08/fulham-ready-to-trigger-8m-reed-option/

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Player stance on transfer involving Fulham and Southampton becomes clearer

Harrison Reed is seemingly set to consider making his loan move to Fulham permanent this summer, with the Telegraph reporting that the Whites have an option to sign the midfielder for £8 million.

Reed has been a key member of Scott Parker's side this term and put in yet another all-action display for the Whites yesterday night as they beat West London rivals Brentford in the Championship play-off final to secure their return to the Premier League after just one season away.

It has now become apparent that the Craven Cottage outfit could be keen to secure the 25-year-old on a more permanent basis, particularly with the player having just one year remaining on his current contract with the Saints at present.

After appearing for the club on 28 occasions in the league this term, this move would surely appeal to Reed, who has been longing for a club to put faith in his abilities to be a regular starter.

Since graduating from Southampton's famed academy, Reed has since spent time out on loan at Fulham, Blackburn and Norwich City in search of more regular game time.

The Verdict

This would surely be a move that greatly appeals to Reed, with the player having finally settled at a club which has shown such great faith in his abilities this term.

Fulham would be securing a player who is just entering his prime and will surely be keen to secure the services of the box-to-box midfielder.

At £8 million the Whites will be completing a transfer which represents such great value in what is an already inflated current market.

It would be fair to assume that this move will be a forgone conclusion with the Saints having so far failed to have put forward the offer of a new contract to Reed thus far.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/player-stance-on-transfer-involving-fulham-and-southampton-becomes-clearer/

[WhiteJC]

Bournemouth man wants Premier League lifeline with Fulham move

AFC Bournemouth midfielder Harry Arter is keen on a permanent move to Fulham, as per a report by talkSPORT.

He has spent the past season on loan with the Cottagers and has helped Scott Parker's side make an immediate return to the Premier League.

Fulham had agreed to make his move to Craven Cottage permanent for £4 million, however, he has not played enough games for that deal to be acted upon so has now returned to Bournemouth.

Arter, who is 30 years old, made 29 appearances in all competitions for Fulham this past campaign, scoring three goals and chipping in with a single assist.

The London club face a decision to make on whether he has a long-term future there and will be preparing for life back in the top flight over the coming weeks.

Arter still has a year left on his contract at Bournemouth but  has fallen down the pecking order with the Cherries over the past couple of years and was also loaned out to Cardiff City in the 2018/19 season.

The ex-Charlton Athletic man signed for Bournemouth from Woking in 2010 and has since played 255 games, helping them get from League One to the Premier League during his 10 years there.

However, Arter's lengthy association with the Cherries could come to an end soon if Fulham decide to sign him.

Two goals from Joe Bryan last night at Wembley mean Fulham are back in the big time next season.



https://the72.co.uk/184727/bournemouth-man-wants-premier-league-lifeline-with-fulham-move/

[WhiteJC]

Reed Hints His Future Lies With Fulham

Harrison Reed has hinted that he sees his future at Craven Cottage next season with Fulham likely to activate a right to buy transfer fee clause in his loan deal.

Congratulations to Harrison Reed who has helped Fulham to promotion, but it seems he sees his future with Fulham rather than Southampton if we look at his post match comments after the Cottagers beat Brentford in a tense Play Off Final at Wembley last night, media reports also suggest that Fulham have a clause in their loan deal to buy him for £8 million.

In the post match euphoria Reed had this to say.

"We need to get back - we're celebrating again today," Reed stated early on Wednesday morning.

"Last night was amazing - the feeling after the game I can't describe, it's just something you dream of. Up bright and early this morning, get home, get changed and get back out."

"No, [it hasn't sunk in] just quite yet. I was speaking to my girlfriend just then and she asked 'how are you feeling' and I said I don't think it's sunk in just yet. I think it'll take a little while to do so. But what a feeling - it's an amazing experience.

"The manager spoke before the game of his experiences at Wembley, and about how you need to be calm and execute our game plan and I think we did that down to a man. The free-kick - like you said - it's something we identified and Joe Bryan picked the moment to do it.

"Yeah, exactly that [time off now]. It's been a long season. An amazing season, but now it's time to recover and rest, clear the minds and be ready for the Premier League."

This seems to indicate that Reed wants to be at Fulham next month when they play their first game back in the Premier League.

Some Saints fans have been suggesting that he will be restored to the Saints first team squad after a three year absence out on loan and indeed a five year period that has seen him barely play at all aside from that.

They point to the improvements he has made under the coaching of Scott Parker and that he is ready to challenge for a place at St Mary's.

But it does not seem that Reed wishes to follow this path and quite bluntly why would he want to do so, if Parker has been the influence that some are saying then conversely Ralph Hasenhuttl has not had any at all on him only working briefly together during last summer's pre season before he joined Fulham a year ago this coming weekend.

So I would suggest that as much as anything Reed would want to go to Fulham where he is appreciated more than he would wish to stay at St Mary's.

Having said this if the transfer clause is set at £8 million I would say this would be a good piece of business for Saints, it would bring in a fair chunk of money that could be used in building the squad up in areas that are more desperate than the centre of midfield where we are already well served by a number of players who have kept Reed out of the team for the past 4- 5 years.

Yes he has grown in stature as a player, but I still don't think he would displace either James Ward Prowse or Oriol Romeu from the centre of midfield and with other option in that spot including the emerging Will Smallbone, we may find ourselves if we did keep him, in a situation as we have had with Sofiane Boufal this season, where there was hope he would come good, but ultimately didn't.

So it looks like being a happy ending for both Saints and Harrison Reed, the club will have some much needed money in plus getting a fair chunk of wages off the books whilst Harry himself can get a good long term contract and finally get a regular game in the Premier League.

Perhaps it will be something we regret at a later date, but I feel that overall if the fee is £8 million as claimed in the media it is good all round business for all concerned.



https://www.fansnetwork.co.uk/football/southampton/news/52724/

[WhiteJC]

Ollie Watkins 'can leave Brentford for £18million this summer' after the Bees failed to earn promotion... alerting the likes of Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and West Brom

    Ollie Watkins has been in red-hot form for Brentford in the Championship
    The striker scored 26 goals for the Bees, who reached the play-off final
    But Tuesday's 2-1 defeat to Fulham means Brentford stay in the second-tier
    A £18million buyout clause has been activated in Watkins contract as a result

Brentford striker Ollie Watkins can leave the west London club for £18million this summer, according to reports.

The 24-year-old striker has been in red-hot form for the Bees this season, scoring 26 goals and finishing just behind Fulham's Aleksandar Mitrovic in the Championship Golden Boot race.

Watkins played 120 minutes in Brentford's 2-1 extra-time defeat by Fulham on Tuesday night, meaning Thomas Frank's side will be staying in the second tier for the 2020-21 season.

And according to the BBC, a transfer clause has been activated in Watkins' contract meaning he can leave Brentford for a fixed £18million price over the coming months.

The report says that Crystal Palace are very interested in signing the young English striker, with Roy Hodgson's side close to signing Watkins last season when his buyout clause was £10million.

Sportsmail also understands Aston Villa and newly-promoted West Brom are looking at the possibility of bringing the forward to the Midlands.

A move to Villa would see Watkins link up with Dean Smith, who was the Brentford manager when the Englishman moved to Griffin Park in 2017.

The 24-year-old, who was born in Devon, came through the ranks at Exeter City but also had a loan spell at Weston-super-mare in the Conference South.

In his final season at Exeter, Watkins won the EFL Young Player of the Year award for the 2016-17 season, just months before his move to Brentford.

The west London's club failure to achieve promotion at Wembley means a number of Brentford's first-team stars could be poached by top-flight clubs after their promising season.

Another attacking player on the radar of Premier League sides is Said Benrahma, who has been linked with a move to Chelsea, Arsenal, Leeds United and West Ham.

The Bees were beaten 2-1 by west London rivals Fulham at Wembley after Whites defender Joe Bryan scored two goals in extra-time. 



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-8595753/Ollie-Watkins-leave-Brentford-18million-summer-Bees-failed-promoted.html

[WhiteJC]

Parker's emotional rollercoaster

Fulham manager Scott Parker came close to tears as he spoke to the media after guiding his side to Play-Off Final victory over West London rivals Brentford on Tuesday night.

Two goals from full-back Joe Bryan saw the Whites become one of only two teams to secure promotion to the Premier League via the Play-Offs in three seasons, and Parker says his emotion comes from the difficulty they have had to endure this season.

"This is my proudest moment by a long way," said Parker with the gold winners medal around his neck.

"I said to the guys why I am so proud of them because I have seen them grow during a journey which has been tough this year.

"I am emotional and proud of the players because of how difficult and tough it has been, but when you are in amongst it and it is going at 100 miles per hour you lose sight of other things, and I have probably done that with my family and everything else.

"But I could not do what I do over the last year or so without that support network of people around me that make me feel strong when I am at my weakest, and I think that is why I am emotional."

Bryan's tremendous free-kick saw him beat Bees goalkeeper David Raya from 40-yards out to give the Whites the lead in extra-time. Scoring from that far out can sometimes be a fluke, but for Parker and Bryan, that was always the plan.

"We did our work on the goalkeeper, he has a very high aggressive starting position from wide free-kicks. We looked at it and brought it up in a set-piece meeting and spoke to Joe {Bryan} and Harrison Reed who would have been the opposite side," he explained.

"I called Joe {Bryan} over as we brought Mitro on {Aleksandar Mitrovic} because I thought he was just going to cross it in with obviously with one of Mitrovic's assists being his heading.

"So I called him over without trying to let onto Brentford's bench and Brentford's players - so tried to bluff it a bit - and I told him to really go for it and see what happens and thankfully it went in."

Fulham only managed a single season the last time they were promoted to the Premier League, something Scott Parker has highlighted has to changed under his stewardship.

"There were some clear errors made and we will learn from that. We will have to learn from that. We are going into the best league in the world with the best players in the world. It is a brutal league and I realise the challenge ahead," he admitted.

"I don't want to think about too much at the moment, because I want to enjoy what we have achieved so far but I think we all understand that we have to learn from previous mistakes, there are no doubts about that.

"We are trying to build here - not just with the players, but the whole club by putting in some core foundations and sometimes them foundations get you far in life. You can have as much talent as you like but if you build your football club on sand it be a rollercoaster ride."



https://www.efl.com/news/2020/august/parkers-emotional-rollercoaster/

[WhiteJC]

The new boys: What to expect from Leeds, West Brom and Fulham

Last night's play-off result confirmed the third and final team to secure Premier League football for 2020/21, as Fulham overcame Brentford 2-1 in extra time to ensure their return to top-flight action.

The result sees Fulham earn promotion for the second time in Palace's latest Premier League spell and means they will join Leeds United and West Bromwich Albion as the season's new boys looking to consolidate their success.

They're each big clubs with top-flight experience, but how much do you know about Palace's newest opposition? We've got everything you need below.

Last season
Leeds: After finishing third in 2018/19 and missing out on promotion through the play-offs, Marcelo Bielsa's Leeds finally secured their top-flight return, seeing them resume their place for the first time since 2003/04.

The Whites finished champions by a clear 10 points, ensuring promotion on 17th July and the league title on the 18th.

They spent much of the season at the top of the table - not once falling out of the top five and spending 19 out of 46 matchweeks in first place.

A blip in results between mid-December and mid-February - two wins from 10 games - threatened Leeds' push, but Bielsa's men responded emphatically before and after the restart, losing just one of 15 league games and winning all of their last six.

West Brom: West Brom finished as runners-up, two points ahead of the play-off places but eventually a way behind Leeds.

After an unbeaten start, the Baggies spent much of the season in first place - with five more matchweeks leading the pack than Leeds had overall.

But Slaven Bilic's side allowed their form to drop off in the crucial final 11 games, winning just three times and collecting only 14 points. It was here that Leeds took advantage and pushed their way to becoming champions. The Baggies' promotion was confirmed after a draw with Queens Park Rangers when Barnsley defeated third-place Brentford.

They too missed out on promotion in 2018/19 in the play-offs, and have now secured a return to the league they've spent 12 seasons in before.

Fulham: Like Palace, Fulham have secured their last two promotions through the play-off final.

The Cottagers overcame Cardiff City and then Brentford after finishing fourth in the league, with Scott Parker's charges securing a return to the top-flight at the first time of asking.

After an inconsistent start to the season, Fulham remained in the play-off places from November onwards. An unbeaten run of seven games to close out the campaign ensured they cemented their fourth-place spot without wavering and saw them enter the play-offs as its most in-form team.

This season: what to expect
Leeds: Determination.

The story of one of England's biggest clubs returning to its assumed natural place after 16 seasons has been well documented. Leeds supporters have long yearned for their re-establishment in the Premier League and have endured a bumpy journey since relegation in 2004.

After cruelly missing out on promotion in 18/19, Bielsa's Leeds showed drive and resolve to maintain their effort for 19/20. They are unlikely to let this slip.

And with a large fanbase and battle-hardened, promotion-obsessed squad, Leeds will have determination and pride willing them to success this season.

West Brom: Fight.

West Brom have to prove themselves after a slow end to the Championship season. Where Leeds finished as clear victors and Fulham burst over the line with momentum, West Brom will have to remind the footballing world what saw them earn such success in 19/20.

Both the club and Bilic will be looking to reinstate their Premier League credentials, with the Baggies slipping from the top-flight in shock fashion three seasons ago and Bilic departing West Ham in 2017.

The Baggies will have to tighten up defensively if they are to succeed in 20/21, conceding 10 and seven more goals than Leeds and Brentford respectively.

Fulham: Consistency.

Fulham will be striving for greater consistency in this Premier League campaign. After spending big without return in 18/19, they are likely to focus on their current core players and aim to build for the long-term with Parker in the dugout.

And with such a short turnaround between seasons, looking to sustain their recent form is not over-ambitious. The Cottagers will seek out a smoother campaign that enables them to gradually cement their Premier League place once more.

Their relatively solid defensive record (fourth best, though behind West Brom) in 19/20 and ability to guard a lead will stand them in good stead.

Key man
Leeds: Marcelo Bielsa

Leeds' key strength comes from the sidelines, with manager Bielsa masterminding an upturn in the club's recent fortunes. Since his appointment, Bielsa has steered Leeds to third-place and first-place finishes after ending up 13th before his arrival.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has described Bielsa as the best coach in the world, and his record speaks for itself, winning multiple individual and club accolades.

If Leeds are to succeed upon their top-flight return, Bielsa will be the man to credit.

West Brom: Matheus Pereira

Baggies supporters' Player of the Season, Brazilian playmaker Pereira enjoyed a stellar campaign across 19/20. Netting eight league goals and 16 assists, the 24-year-old was crucial in West Brom's success. Pereira claimed a hat-trick of assists twice - one in a 5-1 win over Swansea City, a game he also scored in, and one in a 4-2 victory over Hull City in July.

Pereira's career in West Bromwich began on loan from Sporting CP, but, understandably, the Baggies triggered a buyout clause to secure his services in the coming years.

He will undoubtedly be one to watch this season.

Fulham: Aleksandar Mitrovic

Mitrovic's Premier League calibre is well known already, and the Fulham forward proved his quality in the Championship emphatically.

Netting 26 goals, he was Fulham and the league's top goalscorer. Injury restricted his involvement in the play-offs, but Mitrovic's decision to stay with Fulham and help them secure promotion was crucial in their success.

His 21 goals from 77 Premier League appearances prove he has the ability for the top-flight and, playing in the form of his career, Mitrovic will provide a key, worrying threat to teams across the league.



https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/2020/august/what-to-expect-from-promoted-crystal-palace-opponents-leeds-west-brom-and-fulham-in-the-premier-league/