Sunday Fulham Stuff - 30/08/20...

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Exclusive: Big development in Leeds bid to sign English left-back

Fulham are set to offer Joe Bryan a new contract to fend off growing interest from Premier League clubs led by Leeds United, Football Insider understands.

Scott Parker's side have signed a new left-back already this window in Antonee Robinson, who arrived last week in a £2million deal.

A Fulham source has told Football Insider the club want competition for places and their plan is to have Bryan and Robinson pushing one another next season for a starting role.

Bryan has two years remaining on his contract, which also includes the option in the Cottagers' favour of a further 12 months.

But he is in demand following a stellar 2019-20 campaign that ended with his play-off final heroics when he scored twice in extra-time to steer Fulham back to the Premier League at the first attempt.

Leeds, West Brom, Newcastle United and Leicester City are among the top-flight clubs in the market for a proven left-back and Bryan is on their radar.

As revealed by Football Insider, Rangers star Borna Barisic is also on Leeds' radar as well as Brentford's Rico Henry.

Bryan could knock back Fulham's attempts to keep him and push for a transfer despite his memorable efforts at Wembley last month.

Fulham valued Bryan at around £5million earlier this summer after previously setting a £7m asking price for him.

The Englishman has been a mainstay at Fulham since signing in 2018 from Bristol City for around £6million.



https://www.footballinsider247.com/exclusive-big-development-in-leeds-bid-to-sign-english-left-back/

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Millwall striker joined in Fulham's promotion celebrations at Wembley – and reckons play-offs a realistic goal for Lions

Matt Smith has revealed he joined in Fulham's Championship play-off celebrations earlier this month – and is hoping Millwall can crack the top six this season.

The Lions striker saw two of his former teams promoted with Leeds finishing top of the pile while the west London club defeated Brentford at Wembley.

Fulham captain Tom Cairney and goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli will be Smith's best men at his wedding this year.

"I spoke to Tom and Marcus on FaceTime when they were on the pitch [at Wembley]," said Smith. "I was absolutely buzzing for both of them.

"I also congratulated Scott [Parker]. I played with him at Fulham.

"The pressure was really on them to go back up and sometimes when that is the case it is not the easiest thing to do. You don't see a lot of clubs do it.

"Tom is turning himself into legend status there. He has been an exceptional servant. He is a creative outlet with his assists and goals – the talent he has means he is wasted in the Championship."

Smith is convinced Millwall – eighth last time around – should set their sights on challenging.

"It's realistic and we'd be massively selling ourselves short if we didn't think it was realistic," said the
31-year-old.

"It's going to take a lot of hard work, desire, determination and the rub of the green to see us over the 70-point mark.

"It is such an unforgiving league. Given the compact nature of the fixtures I hope we can gather a bit of momentum to see us over the line. We just need the belief we can do it."



https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/millwall-striker-joined-in-fulhams-promotion-celebrations-at-wembley-and-reckons-play-offs-a-realistic-goal-for-lions/

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Fulham set to offer Bryan new deal

Fulham will begin discussions over a new contract with Joe Bryan to ensure he stays at Craven Cottage, according to reports this morning.

Leeds United and Leicester City have been heavily linked with moves for the former Bristol City left back, whose brilliant brace at Wembley secured an immediate return to the Premier League for Scott Parker's side. There had been suggestions in the press that the Whites would listen to extortionate offers for Bryan after the acquisition of Antonee Robinson from Wigan, but the Londoners are keen to keep him at the club and encourage competition for places.

Bryan's current contract has two years to run – with Fulham retaining an option to extend it for a further year – and the player has spoken about having unfinished business in the top flight after being part of the side that was relegated in 2019. He was Parker's first choice at left back for most of the season and has made 80 first-team appearances for Fulham, scoring four goals. The newly-promoted side rebuffed a string of offers for the attacking full-back in January, with Southampton, Leicester and Atalanta among the suitors.



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Building for the Premier League. Part 3: Midfielders

Time for part three as Frankie Taylor looks at how Fulham could improve our midfield in the summer transfer market.

Right, onto the middle of the park. We've already discussed goalkeepers and defenders, hit the links to read those.

Here's a reminder of the squad we're building everything on top of this summer. Before you @ me, yes I'm cutting the squad up as below – so this part will look at purely the central midfield players while the last will group wingers and wide players with strikers.

    Goalkeepers: Marek Rodak, Marcus Bettinelli, Jordan Archer
    Defenders: Denis Odoi, Cyrus Christie, Steven Sessegnon, Michael Hector, Alfie Mawson, Tim Ream, Maxime Le Marchand, Joe Bryan
    Midfielders: Harrison Reed, Kevin McDonald, Stefan Johansen, Josh Onomah, Tom Cairney, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa
    Attackers: Anthony Knockaert, Aboubakar Kamara, Bobby Decordova-Reid, Ivan Cavaleiro, Neeskens Kebano
    Strikers: Aleksandar Mitrovic

Where we are
We're pretty light in midfield. Kevin McDonald's clearly not in Scott Parker's plans and I attribute that largely to a lack of mobility in the holding midfield role, with Harrison Reed, Harry Arter and Stefan Johansen all preferred last season. In our final home game against Sheffield Wednesday, it was Steven Sessegnon who was brought on in a midfield role to help see the game out. It's obvious that KMac is bottom of an NFL-style depth chart in central midfield and while his presence at the club is appreciated, it seems we should pretty much plan as if he's not here. It'd be no fun to write a piece like this for Fulhamish and just talk about bringing Harrison Reed back (though I do fully expect that to happen).

I touched on Steven Sessegnon's cameos in midfield and I do think he could be a genuine option for the holding role. Shorter in stature, but good in the tackle and comfortable on the ball, moving Sessegnon from a packed right-back pool (especially if we strengthen in that area) will give him an opportunity for more minutes, and I think it's a position he can be successful in. In a difficult situation at Man City in the FA Cup, Steven partnered Stefan Johansen in a 343 that had to be altered after Tim Ream's fifth minute red card. But he put in a solid performance that made me ponder his long term potential in a midfield role, much like Philipp Lahm under Pep Guardiola at Bayern Munich. If you do commit to tucking Steven Sessegnon inside, you could argue for saving yourself some resources to only need one more.

Potential midfield maestros
Scott Parker's preference in the holding role has been someone with some mobility who patrols in front of the two central defenders, can recover possession with regularity and generally be the base for the controlling style of play.

Matt Grimes of Swansea is a Fulham-style midfielder – especially one under Scott Parker – if I ever saw one. The Swansea captain had an excellent year while we were in the Premier League last time out, and followed that up with another this past season as Swansea sneaked into the play-offs. Grimes, like Arter, has the potential to either sit in front of the back four or play slightly further forward to help win the ball back earlier in midfield and also push into the final third. Matt Grimes may have alternative Premier League eyes on him, and if there aren't, there bloody well should be. He'd be a wise addition to this new Fulham midfield.

Looking to Europe, Baptiste Santamaria would be an ambitious signing, and he's certainly set to leave Angers this season. The 25-year-old Frenchman sat imperiously for the French side, which finished 10th in Ligue 1 this past season. Playing in a similar shape, Santamaria is a defensive catalyst, recovering the ball with regularity, and he possesses the range of passing to not only maintain possession and circulate the ball, but to hit longer passes in order to spread play. He'll likely have the attention of 'bigger clubs', but spending power is not an issue for Fulham in the Premier League.

Back to the UK, I've long been a fan of Newcastle's Isaac Hayden, a defensive midfielder who's been open in his desire to return to London. West Ham are the only real competition for locational and finances (with Crystal Palace eyeing a redeveloped Selhurst Park, finances have been absorbed, with minimal funds being given to Roy Hodgson despite £50m coming in for Aaron Wan-Bissaka). Sure, if you take a look at stats websites they'll tell you Hayden isn't a great passer – but that's where the eye test comes in, how often do Newcastle focus on retaining possession of the ball? He's a good footballer who would be a welcome addition.

Possible puppet masters
Further forward in midfield draws out interesting questions. Of late, Josh Onomah has been more influential than Tom Cairney, who hasn't been at his best this past season. Onomah's ability to hold the ball up, press high and win back possession, combined with his athleticism to beat players with the ball and ability to pop up late and score Frank Lampard-style goals has brought more of a cutting edge to our midfield.

Despite being less influential, Cairney has still been our most creative player in terms of chances created – though he hasn't provided an assist since August. There's a feeling that Cairney has taken Parker's controlling football to being slow and methodical rather than the heartbeat of a full-powered engine under Slavisa Jokanovic. It's an area to watch.

The main gap in this midfield is the box-to-box Stefan Johansen-style piece of the jigsaw. Stefan Johansen has been on the fringes for much of this season, and some may wonder why, despite his lack of football, he sits only behind Joe Bryan and Ivan Cavaleiro in terms of assists.

While Matt Grimes can also fill this box-to-box style of player, Juninho Bacuna has been wasted at times by Huddersfield, as he's been asked to play at right-back or out wide. But in the middle, where he can utilise his quality on the ball, run past players and simply be more involved on the ball, he has everything he needs to be a top player.

Lewis Cook of recently relegated Bournemouth would be another superb addition. He's a former Football League Young Player of the Year and key part of the England youth teams that won the U17 Euros in 2014, the U20 World Cup in 2017 and the 2018 Toulon Tournament. The Leeds United academy product is a really good talent that would be worth bringing in even if his best stuff could be a year or so from now. Though if Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa is to return to Craven Cottage, the problem position will be solved and the weak point of the midfield probably goes back to the more offensive side.

Josh Onomah and Tom Cairney aren't comparable in any way, which makes it quite a fascinating debate. Both are good footballers, but, for me, Josh leads by a distance in terms of the physical skillset required to succeed in the Premier League, while TC's technical ability is superior. I do expect Scott Parker to revert to a 'safer' 4231 (as he did towards the end of the season), where Cairney becomes more of a deep-lying playmaker alongside Harrison Reed, freeing up Onomah to position himself more aggressively for the high press.

When we won the three games to nil consecutively in the Premier League (sealing Scott's permanent appointment) it was with that shape, with Calum Chambers holding alongside Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, who was given a little more license. Tom Cairney or Jean Michel Seri were used as a clearer no.10 positioned closely to Mitrovic. Ryan Babel was on his more comfortable left side more of the time, with Ryan Sessegnon flipped on the right though with freedom to switch (as they did for Ryan Babel's sensational winner against Cardiff). This formula was surprisingly abandoned for the most of this season by Scott, but he went back to it with great timing following the Leeds loss.

Anyway, with Bobby Decordova-Reid, Josh Onomah and Tom Cairney all comfortable playing in the 10, could Fulham be more tempted by another option? Is it too big an ask for Josh Onomah going into his first proper Premier League campaign to take the reigns of that position? Can we rely on Bobby Decordova-Reid to be enough of a force in the final third in terms of scoring and creating? Can TC keep up with the speed of the division and more importantly the players in it? These are all questions worthy of being asked.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2020-08-29-building-for-the-premier-league-part-3-midfielders/

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Watford U23 1-2 Fulham U23

Fulham Under-23s fought back from behind to beat Watford 2-1.

Quickfire goals from Terry Ablade and Jean-Pierre Tiehi secured the young Whites the win.

The hosts enjoyed the majority of possession early on and took the lead 14 minutes in, with an attempted cross looping over Taye Ashby-Hammond and hitting the side netting.

Terry Ablade came close to bringing us level five minutes later, but couldn't quite latch on to Connor McAvoy's cross after an almighty scramble in the Watford box.

Fulham grew into the game after conceding and began creating more chances.

On 24 minutes, Ollie O'Neill's powerful low corner was met by the onrushing Jay Stansfield but his venomous effort was blocked by the 'keeper.

Watford, however, continued to show their threat going forward. On the half hour mark, their number 12 got the better of McAvoy in a race but his attempt on goal floated over the crossbar.

Jean-Pierre Tiehi came close in the 40th minute after a wonderful move. Tiehi and Stansfield combined well down the left-hand side before a switch in play saw the ball make its way to Ablade on the right. His lay off rolled perfectly into Tiehi's path but the shot was right at the goalkeeper who dealt with it.

Fulham came out firing in the second half and turned the game on its head within two minutes of the restart.

Ablade collected the ball on the edge of the penalty area before spinning around the defender and smashing a left-footed shot into the corner.

Tiehi put the visitors ahead seconds later after stealing the ball off the defender and slotting it into the bottom left corner.

In the 70th minute, Watford nearly levelled the scoring after a long range free-kick thundered off the crossbar.

Watford pushed but some resolute defending kept the score at 2-1 as the final whistle blew.

The Fulham Under-18s also recorded a convincing win against Watford.


Starting Lineup:

T Ashby-Hammond, Z Larkeche, L Duru, L Murphy, C McAvoy, E Ameyaw, O O'Neill, S Hilton, T Ablade, J Stansfield, JP Tiehi

Subs:

D Las, L Ashby-Hammond, A Pajaziti, I Bowat, M Biereth



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/august/29/v-watford-u23

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Fulham U23s come from behind to win at Watford

Fulham's under 23s survived a shocking start to win their latest pre-season friendly at Watford this morning.

The young Whites fell behind just before the quarter of an hour mark when a cross caught out Taye Ashby-Hammond in the Fulham goal. They spurned several chances to equalise before the break with Jay Stansfield denied by a superb save and Jean-Pierre Tiehi shooting straight at the goalkeeper after a flowing move.

Fulham continued to dominate possession and turned the contest around just three minutes after the break. Terry Ablade equalised when he followed up a smart turn on the edge of the box with a powerful finish and, from Fulham's very next attack, Tiehi stroked home a second after seizing possession from a Watford defender.

The Hornets did hit the bar with a venomous free-kick from long range and pressed for a late equaliser, but Fulham held firm for a morale-boosting win.

FULHAM U23s: T. Ashby-Hammond; Larkeche, Duru, Murphy, McAvoy; Ameyaw, O'Neill, Hilton; T Ablade, J Stansfield, JP Tiehi. Subs: Las, L. Ashby-Hammond, Pajaziti, Bowat, Biereth.



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Fulham 2-2 MK Dons

Fulham and MK Dons played out a 2-2 draw in a pre-season encounter at Motspur Park on Saturday.

We trailed to an early goal at the break, but Aboubakar Kamara and Tom Cairney turned things around, before an equaliser at the death tied things up.

After falling behind to a close range finish, the Whites had a wonderful chance to equalise. A lovely Sylvester Jasper flick teed up Anthony Knockaert who sent Neeskens Kebano clean through, but the visiting 'keeper made himself big to smother the ball as Kebano attempted to round him.

Joe Bryan then ventured forward to bring down a long pass over the top which sat up to be hit, but he dragged his right footed volley wide from 25 yards.

A Bryan corner then deflected onto the crossbar as Fulham continued to exert pressure, before MK's goalkeeper held efforts from Knockaert and then Bryan.

A rare effort from the away side saw their target man take aim from distance. His low shot was well hit, and needed pushing round the post by Marek Rodák.

A lovely clipped Maxime Le Marchand pass then saw Jasper spring the offside trap. He cut back to Knockaert but the winger was at full stretch and his shot was saved comfortably.

Knockaert looked to send Bobby De Cordova-Reid through shortly before the break, but he was well tracked by Dean Lewington – son of Fulham legend Ray – who made a good block.

On the stroke of the half-time whistle, a Bryan centre was diverted away only as far as De Cordova-Reid, but he leaned back a little too much and his first time effort cleared the bar.

An all new Fulham XI pierced through the Dons backline a minute into the second half, culminating in Kamara laying off to Tyrese Francois, who smashed one over the target.

Francois' fellow Academy teammate Fabio Carvalho was next to try his luck, but the goalkeeper got down to keep out his daisy cutter from 20 yards.

A half chance following a swift counter fell to Francois in the box. He tried to place one inside the far post but it went agonisingly the wrong side of the upright.

Considering the chances created, it was madness that the Whites were trailing, but that changed when Kamara smashed home a snapshot when the ball dropped to him from a Francois corner.

The Frenchman then held the ball up well before sliding through to Ivan Cavaleiro. His shot was hit firm and true, but the 'keeper was able to claim the ball at the second attempt.

Dons were more of an attacking threat in the second half, but Marcus Bettinelli was in good form to deny them on three separate occasions.

A slick move saw Fulham take the lead for the first time when Cavaleiro's deft touch set the ball nicely for Cairney to stroke into the bottom corner.

It didn't last long, though, with another tap in at the other end restoring parity to ensure the spoils were shared.

Fulham first half team: Rodák, Odoi ©, Hector, Le Marchand, Bryan, Sessegnon, Johansen, De Cordova-Reid, Knockaert, Jasper, Kebano

Fulham second half team: Bettinelli, Christie, Mawson, Ream, Robinson, Onomah, Cairney ©, Carvalho, Francois, Kamara, Cavaleiro



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/august/29/fulham-2-2-mk-dons

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Fulham held by MK Dons in friendly

Fulham were held by MK Dons in their first pre-season friendly, with the League One side grabbing a late equaliser in an entertaining 2-2 draw at Motspur Park this afternoon.

The visitors went in front from their first attack when Carlton Morris' deep cross ran for Callum Brittain, who scored at the second attempt after Marek Rodak had clawed away his first header. Morris drew a fine save from Rodak shortly afterwards and it took a while for Fulham to get into their stride. Neeskens Kebano almost levelled after an excellent move involving teenage winger Sylvester Jasper and Anthony Knockaert but some smart goalkeeping denied the Congolese international as he attempted to skip around Lee Nicholls. Joe Bryan drove a long-range effort wide and Knockaert failed to find a finish when located by Jasper's cut-back. Bobby Decordova-Reid lashed over after MK Dons failed to fully clear a Bryan cross.

Scott Parker made eleven changes at half-time, with a first appearance in a Fulham shirt for summer signing Antonee Robinson. Australian midfielder Tyrese Francois had the second half's first opportunity, firing over after Aboubakar Kamara had burst away down the right. The promising Fabio Carvalho saw a low drive twenty yards fielded by Nicholls and Francois shot fractionally wide after a quick break from the back.

Fulham did eventually equalise when Kamara powered home a finish after Francois' corner was only half-cleared and he almost laid on a second for Ivan Cavaleiro shortly afterwards, but the former Wolves' man saw his strike saved at the second attempt. At the other end, Marcus Bettinelli made three sharp saves to keep the scores level before a fine Fulham move gave the Premier League side the lead with five minutes to play. Carvalho teed up Tom Cairney and the Fulham skipper found the bottom corner with a precise finish.

Russell Martin's men kept pushing for an equaliser and they got their reward three minutes from time. Welsh defender Regan Poole, who was close to joining Fulham a few years ago, punished some slack marking to fire home a second goal that the visitors' enterprising approach fully merited.

FULHAM: Rodak (Bettinelli 45), Odoi (Christie 45), Bryan (Robinson 45), Hector (Mawson 45), Le Marchand (Ream 45); S. Sessegnon (Onomah 45), Johansen (Cairney 45), Decordova-Reid (Carvalho 45), Knockaert (Francois 45), Jasper (Kamara 45), Kebano (Cavaleiro 45).

MK DONS: Nicholls; Brittain (Poole 60), O'Hora (Trialist 60), Lewington (Nombe 60), Cargill (Davies 60), Sorinola (Harvie 60), Houghton, Gladwin (Freeman 60), Kasumu (Boateng 60), Morris (Jallow 60), Mason (Bird 60).



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Report: Fulham to offer Leeds target Joe Bryan new contract

Leeds United are interested in Joe Bryan, but Fulham will offer him a new contract, according to Football Insider.

The Whites want to sign the left-back this summer, and so do West Bromwich Albion, Newcastle United and Leicester City, according to the report.

However, Fulham do not want to sell the 26-year-old left-back and will offer him a new contract, with his current deal still having two more years left, according to the report.

Fulham stay
Leeds are a massive club and will play in the Premier League next season, while West Brom also won automatic promotion to the top flight of English football.

Newcastle and Leicester are established clubs in the Premier League, and one can understand the temptation.

However, Fulham have won promotion to the Premier League, and Bryan played a key role in that, scoring twice in the playoff final against Brentford.

The 26-year-old left-back joined Fulham in 2018 and has done well for the Cottagers.

Bryan has done well in familiar surroundings, and one suspects that he may not want to move and continue to develop at Fulham.

The Cottagers are an ambitious club and will hope to fare better than the last time they were in the Premier League when they got relegated.



https://sportslens.com/report-fulham-to-offer-leeds-target-joe-bryan-new-contract/310663/

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Fulham favourites to loan Florentino Luis

Fulham are closing in on a loan deal for Benfica's defensive midfielder Florentino Luis, according to reports from Italy.

The 21 year-old Portuguese midfielder had been a target of AC Milan, but Calciomercato.com's Milan correspondent Daniele Longo suggests that talks between Fulham and Benfica have progressed well and a deal could be wrapped up next week. Benfica had previously turned down a Fulham loan offer because both the loan fee and the amount written into the deal to make it permanent were too low, but Fulham are now confident that a revised offer will be successful. Milan are going to be offered the opportunity to submit a counter offer, but the Italian giants are though to have moved on given their pursuit of Sandro Tonali.

Luis, a highly-rated prospect, made his name in youth football having starred as Portugal won the European under-16 and under-18 championships in 2016 and 2018. He made his Benfica debut as a teenager in a comprehensive victory over in 2019 and followed that by helping the Eagles record their first ever victory in Turkey when they beat Galatasaray in the Europa League four days later.

He made eleven appearances as Benfica won the title in 2018/19 but injury restricted Luis to just ten league games last season. The Portuguese press had previously reported that Scott Parker flew out to Lisbon earlier this month to try and convince the player to make the move to London, with Leeds and a number of other European clubs also interested in signing Luis.



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CM: Benfica midfielder closing in on Fulham move but Milan could still have a say

Fulham appear to be closing in on the signing of Florentino Luis from Benfica, but Milan could reportedly still have a say.

Florentino is a name that has regularly been linked with Milan over the past few weeks as they eye reinforcements for the midfield after Lucas Biglia's departure and the uncertainty over the future of Rade Krunic.

La Gazzetta dello Sport (via MilanNews) reported earlier in the month that Milan have not given up on the idea of signing Florentino to reinforce the midfield, who is valued at €30million by Benfica.

According to Daniele Longo of Calciomercato.com, Florentino Luis is in fact very close to joining Premier League returnees Fulham. He adds though that if Milan do not send signals of their interest by next week, he will complete a move to west London.

It seems at the moment as though the Rossoneri are prioritising moves for Tiemoue Bakayoko and Sandro Tonali, but if either were to fall through it seems they could potentially turn back to the Portuguese starlet.



https://sempremilan.com/cm-benfica-midfielder-closing-in-on-fulham-move-but-milan-could-still-have-a-say

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2020/21 Season Update

As preparations for the 2020/21 season continue, the Club is still closely monitoring Government and Premier League guidelines around the proposed return of supporters to attend matches in October.

Whilst exact details remain subject to change, we are able to provide fans with the following update on our current plans for the 2020/21 campaign.

REDUCED CAPACITY
In line with direction from the Government and the Premier League, the Club anticipates that when fans can return, Craven Cottage - along with all other football stadia – will operate on a reduced capacity in line with social distancing guidelines.

Available seating will be mapped out within the ground in advance of each fixture with exact available locations pre-defined for fans to sit, including those with accessibility needs/requirements.

This is expected to last for a period of the 2020/21 season and, once initially set, capacity limits are subject to change.

SEASON TICKET HOLDERS
Prior to the start of the new campaign, the Club will not be running a renewal process for supporters to purchase a 2020/21 Season Ticket.

Existing Season Ticket Holders are advised that whilst they will be unable to renew at this time, their current season ticket seats will not be lost for any future renewals, when they again become available.

GENERAL ADMISSION MATCH TICKETS - BALLOTS
Whilst Craven Cottage operates at a reduced capacity, the limited number of match tickets which will be available at each home game will be sold via a balloting process, with 19/20 Season Ticket Holders initially provided with priority to enter.

Fans are advised that seats will be issued randomly and in line with the available and defined seating plan, meaning that existing season ticket seats or exact desired locations will not be guaranteed.

Ballot entries will be limited to one ticket per supporter, however fans from the same household looking to sit together will be required to make their intention clear upon application.

The ballot process will be run for each home game until further notice. Those successful will be issued with a confirmation email and subsequent match ticket.

More information around the specifics of the ballot and details of how to apply for match tickets will be provided at a later date.

DIGITAL TICKETS
In order to avoid personal contact and visits to the Ticket Office, all supporters will be issued their match tickets digitally this season.

Tickets will be made available on all iOS and Android smartphones, using the respective digital wallets. To ensure a safe and smooth entrance to Craven Cottage, supporters will receive further information around mobile ticketing in due course.

Provision will be made for those supporters who require alternative means to gain entry.

ARE YOUR CONTACT DETAILS UP TO DATE?
Season Ticket Holders must ensure their online details are accurate and up to date, with fans able to opt-in to receive email updates from the Club.

The Club will soon be launching a single sign on process that will, where applicable, merge supporters' existing separate club accounts – ticketing, retail and FFCtv – into one single account.

Called the OneFulham Account, supporters will be required to either register or link their individual accounts to this service.

The steps for supporters to follow will be provided in the coming days, however fans are advised that once made available this process must be completed in order to ensure that you are ready to apply for access to tickets in 2020/21.

2020/21 FIXTURES
Fulham's 2020/21 Premier League fixtures were announced last week and can be found here.

The Whites kick-off the new campaign against Arsenal on Saturday 12th September, with this match behind-closed-doors. At the time of writing, fixtures from October onwards will be available for fans to attend in limited capacity, however this still remains subject to Government and Premier League advice.

Supporters can stay up to date with our fixtures and any date changes by subscribing to our digital eCalendar here.

STADIUM STORE
The Stadium Store, which is now cashless, has been open at Craven Cottage since 4th July. The Store opening times are 10am-5pm from Monday to Saturday and 11am-4pm on Sundays but will be closed on matchdays.

Fans who visit the Store must wear a face covering and use the hand sanitser station provided prior to entering. 

Supporters can also continue to shop online at shop.fulhamfc.com and choose home delivery or alternatively Click and Collect from the Stadium Store at Craven Cottage.

FFCtv
Unlike in the EFL Championship, the Club's popular live match video streaming service will be unavailable next season, including for fixtures behind-closed-doors.

Live audio commentary for each match will continue to be provided to FFCtv monthly or 20/21 subscribers. Fans will be able to listen via the website or FFCtv App. Seasonal subscriptions for 20/21 will be on sale soon.

FURTHER UPDATES
We hope to be able to provide more information to supporters as soon as possible, including further details around the ballot process, any health and safety guidelines for attending matches at Craven Cottage, including intentions to support social distancing and NHS Test and Trace. Please look out for more information as it becomes available on fulhamfc.com.

We thank supporters for their understanding during this challenging time, and look forward to being able to start welcoming fans back to Craven Cottage soon.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/august/29/202021-season-update

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Report: Aston Villa prepared to offer Ollie Watkins £70,000-a-week deal and beat Fulham to his signature

According to The Sun, Aston Villa are ready to beat Fulham to the signature of Brentford star forward Ollie Watkins by offering him a £70,000-a-week deal.

The 24-year-old is ready to leave the Bees after they failed to seal Premier League promotion despite his 26 Championship goals last term, and both Villa and Scott Parker's side want to recruit his services.

Watkins' ability to play across the frontline and consistently find the back of the net will help bolster both sides' survival chances next season and going forward, and Dean Smith's side wants to blow Fulham out of the water by offering him a huge personal deal.

Villa also want the forward's teammates Said Benrahma and Rico Henry, and landing the trio will definitely boost his side's chances of a comfortable finish after last term's relegation scare.

Fulham beat Brentford in the final of the Championship play-offs last month to seal an immediate return to the Premier League, and are they are keen to remain in the top-flight longer than they did last time out.

Having Watkins in their attack will make that possible, but it remains to be seen if they are willing to match Villa's personal terms for the lethal finisher, and they might have to look elsewhere for the reinforcements they crave.



https://sportslens.com/report-aston-villa-prepared-to-offer-ollie-watkins-70000-a-week-deal-and-beat-fulham-to-his-signature/310787/

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67 goals, 30 assists – Fulham signing this relegated 28-year-old star would add some valuable quality

Why Fulham must make a move for Callum Wilson
According to the Telegraph, Fulham have joined the race for the signature of Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson.

28-year-old Wilson has been one of Bournemouth's key players since joining the club back in 2014. The Englishman played a major role in helping the Cherries earn Premier League promotion by helping them win the Championship in the 2014-15 season.

Since then, Wilson has been one of the regulars in the side and has a total of 67 goals and 30 assists from 187 matches across all competitions for Bournemouth.

He was even the side's top-scorer in the last two Premier League seasons with 8 in the 2019-20 campaign and 14 in the season before. However, despite his consistent goal-scoring skills, Wilson could not help the Cherries from staying in the top-flight as they got relegated back to the Championship last season.

While Bournemouth were pushed to the lower division, London side Fulham earned Premier League promotion after emerging as winners in the Championship play-off final against Brentford.

The Cottagers under manager Scott Parker are returning to the top-flight after a gap of one year following their relegation from the Premier League in the 2018-19 season. With the side set to feature in the top-flight once again, Parker is looking to add Premier League experience to his squad and has identified Wilson as a suitable candidate.

Wilson can offer Fulham more depth in the attack
A veteran of 41 Premier League goals and 16 assists from 126 matches for Bournemouth, Wilson is an already proven talent in the top-flight. Hence, Fulham's interest in him makes complete sense as they look to bolster their squad ahead of next season.

Also, at present, Fulham just have one established striker in Aleksandar Mitrovic. Though the Serbian was in sensational form last season, scoring 26 goals from 40 Championship games, he has spent a year away from the top-flight and it remains to be seen what the future has in store for him.

Apart from Mitrovic, Fulham have Bobby Reid and teenager Jay Stansfield as back-up. However, Reid scored just six goals despite making 41 Championship appearances.

Academy graduate Stansfield, meanwhile, just turned 17 and has played just twice for them. This suggests that Fulham are clearly in need of depth in their striking department. An experienced striker such as Wilson's arrival will make them stronger. Hence, they should push ahead with their interest in Wilson.



https://www.mediareferee.com/2020/08/30/why-fulham-must-make-a-move-for-bournemouth-star-callum-wilson/

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Fulham signing this 28-year-old Tottenham outcast would strengthen a key position for Parker

Why Paulo Gazzaniga could be a key signing for Fulham
According to The Telegraph, Premier League newcomers Fulham have been credited with an interest in Tottenham shot-stopper Paulo Gazzaniga.

As per the report, Fulham are looking to add some top-flight experience to their ranks, with Scott Parker's side prepared to welcome the Argentine international with the No.1 jersey at Craven Cottage.

The 28-year-old featured regularly for Tottenham during the 2019-20 season after first-choice goalkeeper Hugo Lloris picked up a long-term shoulder injury. However, with Joe Hart joining the ship to provide more cover in that department, Gazzaniga could be deemed surplus to requirements. (h/t Telegraph)

Profile
Born in Argentina, Paulo Gazzaniga started his footballing education at Valencia in Spain but was released from the club's youth setup in 2011 after failing to make the grade.

The 28-year-old turned professional with Gillingham in League Two before earning a move to Southampton back in the summer of 2012. Gazzaniga largely served as a back-up option between the sticks for the Saints, making just 21 PL appearances over the course of 4 seasons.

The Argentine spent the 2016-17 season on loan at Rayo Vallecano in the Spanish second-tier before reuniting with his former Southampton boss Mauricio Pochettino at Tottenham.

Gazzaniga firmly established himself as the club's No.2 behind Lloris and went on to enjoy an extended run in the starting XI last season after the Frenchman picked up an injury.

He made 25 appearances in all competitions, keeping just 5 clean sheets. While those numbers might not be all that impressive, Gazzaniga averaged an impressive 3.3 saves per game in the PL last term at a save percentage of 69.

Why Fulham need him
Marek Rodak, who was playing his first full season for Fulham, enjoyed a wonderful campaign in the Championship last time around. The 23-year-old Slovakian giant managed as many as 15 clean sheets in 39 appearances for the Cottagers across all competitions, having usurped Marcus Bettinelli in the pecking order.

Bettinelli featured in Fulham's relegated 2018-19 PL campaign but was unable to make a big impact. Rodak will be expected to make the step up to the top-flight after excelling in the Championship. But his lack of exposure at the highest level remains a nagging concern.

To put things into perspective, Paulo Gazzaniga has proven his worth as a reliable deputy to Hugo Lloris at Tottenham. At 28, he looks ready to take over the No.1 duties at some other club in the Premier League.

The Argentine international has accumulated 43 career appearances for Spurs and Southampton in the English top-flight. He has enough experience under his belt to come through the door at Craven Cottage as an instant upgrade on Fulham's existing goalkeeping options.

Verdict
It is always important for promoted sides in the PL to have a reliable presence between the sticks and that's exactly why Paulo Gazzaniga looks like a safe option for Fulham. The Argentine still has his best years ahead of him at 28, so it will be interesting to see him compete with young Rodak for the No.1 role in the Premier League.



https://www.mediareferee.com/2020/08/30/fulham-signing-this-28-year-old-tottenham-outcast-would-strengthen-a-key-position-for-parker/