Wednesday Fulham Stuff - 09/09/20...

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Sources: 28-yr-old undergoing Middlesbrough medical today after bid accepted

Fulham goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli is undergoing a medical at Middlesbrough today as he puts the finishing touches to a season-long loan move, Football Insider understands.

Bettinelli, 28, is due on Teesside to finalise the transfer after Fulham accepted Boro's loan bid.

A recruitment source has told Football Insider the north-east outfit will pay a fix-figure sum to take the keeper for the 2020-21 campaign.

Neil Warnock has long made it a priority to bring in a new keeper and he is set to make proven performer Bettinelli his first choice in goal.

The Cottagers academy product may have played his last game for his boyhood club as his contract is due to expire next summer.

He has made 120 appearances for Fulham since graduating from their youth team, conceding 159 goals and keeping 31 clean sheets.

Bettinelli played second fiddle to Slovakian Marel Rodak for most of the London club's Championship promotion campaign.

The more senior man began the season in goal and started 14 of Fulham's first 15 league games.

But Rodak then took over from Bettinelli and did not lose his grip on the number one shirt for the rest of the campaign.

Leaving Fulham will be a strange experience for the former England Under-21 international.

He joined the Cottagers as a 14-year-old and worked his way through the ranks before establishing himself in the senior set-up.

Bettinelli has previously had loan spells at Accrington Stanley and Dartford Town.



https://www.footballinsider247.com/sources-28-yr-old-undergoing-middlesbrough-medical-today-after-bid-accepted/

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Report: Fulham want PSG goalkeeper Alphonse Areola on loan

According to Sky Sports, Fulham are in talks with Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain about bringing goalkeeper Alphonse Areola to Craven Cottage this summer on a season-long loan.

The France international spent last season on loan at Real Madrid in a deal that saw Keylor Navas move the other way, but he is back at PSG after it ended.

The French giants want Areola's £100,000-a-week wages off their bill as they are well-stocked in the department, and Fulham appear keen.

The newly-promoted Premier League side want a new goalie and have already been linked with Tottenham Hotspur's Paulo Gazzaniga.

Areola made nine appearances for Madrid last season and has been linked with Arsenal.

The Gunners could be without Emiliano Martinez who is looking to leave if he isn't guaranteed the number 1 spot, and the club could look to land the PSG man as a replacement.

The 27-year-old will want to be first-choice at his next club, and Fulham are willing to offer him that opportunity.

They will likely be paying just half of his current wages should a loan move work out, and having such a quality goalkeeper will play a huge role in boosting their survival chances in 2020-21 and going forward.



https://sportslens.com/report-fulham-want-psg-goalkeeper-alphonse-areola-on-loan/312378/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham hope to 'seduce' player, initiated contacts with agent – Two factors favour Cottagers in transfer race

Fulham hope to 'seduce' Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Alphonse Areola this summer, according to L'Equipe.

It's claimed the newly promoted Premier League club are looking to strengthen their goalkeeping position in the ongoing market as Marek Rodák's displays have not been entirely satisfactory.

Therefore, the Cottagers have set their sights on the France international and have initiated contacted with his agent, Mino Raiola. He's valued around €8-10m.

Apart from Fulham, Rennes are also interested in the keeper, and they can offer him Champions League football. Despite this, the English club have significant advantages over the Ligue 1 side when it comes to signing Areola.

The PSG custodian recently bought a house in the English capital and the possibility of living in London pleases both the player and his wife.

Areola earns €700,000 per month and Scott Parker's side can afford to meet his current wages, which Rennes may not be able to offer. These two arguments favour Fulham over the French club.

L'Equipe, however, are of the belief joining Rennes over Fulham would improve the stopper's chances of making it to the France squad for next summer's European championship.

TuttoMercatoWeb also report Fulham are interested in Areola, but on a loan deal. They state the player has 'received a proposal' from the English club.

It's claimed Areola purchasing a house in the English capital could be a 'determining factor' for him to pick Parker's side over other suitors like AC Milan and Rennes.

After spending the last two campaigns in the French and Spanish capitals, TMW add Areola is 'ready to play in another European capital' next season.

Areola is aware he will not have opportunities at Parc des Princes after the Ligue 1 winners completed Sergio Rico's signing on a permanent transfer.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-hope-to-seduce-player-initiated-contacts-with-agent-two-factors-favour-cottagers-in-transfer-race/

[WhiteJC]

Games for the Weekend 12/09
We're back in the Premiership!, and for our first game we welcome Arsenal to the Cottage for a 12:30 kick off.

My very first Fulham game was against Arsenal, New Years Day 1966, we won that 1-0 and I was hooked!
Now we're back in the Premiership, let's hope that we've learned some of the lessons from last time?, and this season we prove to be more of a contest, 80+ goals against can't be repeated.
So far we've not gone overboard with the spending, the "window" remains open until October so there's still time?
It'll be interesting to see if any of the "new" players will either start or even be on the team sheet, Antonee Robinson, Mario Lemina, Harrison Reed, so glad he signed, and who they'll replace? I wonder if Anguissa will get a game now that he's returned from loan?, there's been no mention of Seri returning.
With little time "pre-season" I just hope that they'll have had enough time to adapt to Fulham. If we do sign anyone else before the end of the week I can't see them starting against Arsenal.

Our record against Arsenal isn't too good, 8 wins, 10 draws and 39 losses, Arsenal have won the last 5 scoring 15 and conceding only 3...
time to put that right!

COYW's

Games of Interest...
Saturday 12th
Crystal Palace v Southampton
Fulham v Arsenal
Liverpool v Leeds
Spurs v Everton
West Ham v Newcastle

Monday 14th
Brighton v Chelsea

come on over to the forum and join in the discussion...
https://www.friendsoffulham.com/forum/index.php?board=1.0



http://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=1315

[WhiteJC]

Fulham keeper undergoes Boro medical as transfer terms are agreed

Middlesbrough have agreed a deal with Fulham to take goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli on loan for the season.

Bettinelli has sunk down the pecking order at Craven Cottage with Marek Rodak firmly established as their No 1.

The one-time England squad man, however, now is set to get the chance for regular football at The Riverside.

Boro boss Neil Warnock has three goalkeepers in his squad. However, Dejan Stojanovic, Ainsley Pears and Tomas Mejias, we can reveal, have all been told can move on.

Stojanovic only arrived at the club in January in a deal worth over £1million. Pears is a graduate of Boro's highly acclaimed academy. They shared the goalkeeping responsibilities under Warnock – but seemingly neither impressed.

Pears has just one year left on his current deal, and the offer of a new contract is no longer on the table.

Spaniard Mejias, in his second spell at the club, is also free to move on.

Boro also have highly-rated Sol Brynn – who has just penned his first professional deal – and the 19-year-old could very well find himself as No 2 to Bettinelli this season.




https://www.teamtalk.com/news/fulham-keeper-undergoes-boro-medical-transfer-terms-agreed

[WhiteJC]

Chelsea, Fulham battle for PSG keeper who has bought house in London

Chelsea have identified Alphonse Areola as an alternative goalkeeper target to Edouard Mendy, according to reports in France.

The Blues have spent heavily on outfield players this summer but still need to address their problems in goal.

Kepa Arrizabalaga has not lived up to expectations since his world record move for a goalkeeper two years ago. Therefore, Chelsea want more competition for him.

Reports on Monday indicated that they were closing in on the signing of Mendy from Rennes. Petr Cech has played a key role in persuading them to target him.

It has even been claimed that Rennes have already lined up a replacement for Mendy, in the shape of Alphonse Areola. However, Le10 Sport now claim he is an option for Chelsea as well.

The French outlet claims that Thiago Silva could help lure Areola to Chelsea. Silva has signed on at Stamford Bridge after leaving Paris Saint-Germain – Areola's current club.

Therefore, the report speculates that Silva could act as an "intermediary" to help Chelsea sign Areola.

The French World Cup winner spent three seasons as Silva's teammate in the PSG first team, in between a series of loan spells.

Fulham interested in Areola

Elsewhere, though, Sky Sports claim that Areola is a transfer target for Fulham, who regained promotion to the Premier League this year.

Fulham would reportedly like to take Areola on loan for the season. There is no room for the goalkeeper back at PSG, who have Keylor Navas and, coincidentally, former Fulham loanee Sergio Rico, as their current options in goal.

Hence, the French shot-stopper is likely to leave in search of more gametime. And London could be a likely destination, after his wife revealed recently that they had bought a house in the English capital.

Fulham can offer Areola a bigger salary than Rennes, who will need a strong goalkeeper if they sell Mendy. However, unlike Fulham, the Ligue 1 outfit will play in the Champions League this season.



https://www.teamtalk.com/news/chelsea-fulham-target-psg-keeper-alphonse-areola

[WhiteJC]

Fulham stopper Ashby-Hammond rejoins Maidenhead on loan

Maidenhead United have signed Fulham goalkeeper Taye Ashby-Hammond on loan.

The 21-year-old twice joined Alan Devonshire's side on loan last season, playing 22 times for the Magpies in total.

Ashby-Hammond has also represented England at youth level in his early career to date.

He kept five clean sheets for Maidenhead during 2019/20.



https://nonleaguedaily.com/fulham-stopper-ashby-hammond-rejoins-maidenhead-on-loan/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=fulham-stopper-ashby-hammond-rejoins-maidenhead-on-loan

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Premier League preview: Will Fulham be any different this time?

James Andrew focuses on life at Craven Cottage, asking whether or not fortunes have changed for Fulham in the past two seasons

The FourFourTwo Season Preview 2020/21 is on sale in shops and online now

Everyone remembers the headlines from Fulham's last summer going into a Premier League season. In 2018, the Cottagers became the first promoted side to spend £100 million in one transfer window, signing 12 players in an ominous shopping spree. It's fair to say things didn't go well after that.

Before we look at why this time will be different for Fulham, now under the management of Scott Parker, let's first dispel some myths that haunted them the last time they came up. Yes, they signed 12 players in that sad summer. And yes, collectively, they cost over £100m in fees. But it was done out of necessity.

The team that achieved promotion via the play-offs in 2018 was built on loanees – six, to be precise – and right-back Ryan Fredericks then joined West Ham on a free transfer. By July 1, 2018, the Cottagers were left with 14 first-team players, making a last-minute dash in the reduced aisle both inevitable and essential.

So, why will it be different this time around? For starters, Fulham's squad is more settled. Key players such as top scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic and captain Tom Cairney are tied down to longer-term deals, and Harrison Reed, Ivan Cavaleiro, Bobby Decordova-Reid and Anthony Knockaert have had loan contracts made permanent.

Although Parker will need to add to his squad, the astute 39-year-old will look to bring in depth and experience as opposed to a trolly full of signings. The key for Parker and those in charge of transfers – Tony Khan and Javier Pereira – is to sign the right characters this time, so as not to disrupt the spirit that the manager has built up in the dressing room.

Under Slavisa Jokanovic, Fulham played attractive football that won admirers in the Championship, but once in the Premier League they were leakier than
a troubled pensioner, conceding 81 goals under Jokanovic, Claudio Ranieri and Parker.

With the latter in the role full-time, though, they're more pragmatic and should have learned lessons from last time. In the second tier, at least, Fulham looked far more capable of soaking up pressure and hitting opposition sides on the counter-attack.

Parker himself has offered pleasing promise and improved tactically as last season wore on, to see his side successfully through the play-offs against tough foes. Surviving the Premier League will be another challenge entirely, and any Cottager would snap your hand off right now for a finish of 17th – but, one way or another, things will be different this time.



https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/premier-league-preview-will-fulham-be-any-different-this-time

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Fulham Contact Super Agent In Goalkeeper Hunt

Fulham have initiated contact with super agent Mino Raiola to probe the possibility of signing Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Alphonse Areola this summer.

Areola spent last season on a loan at Real Madrid and has dropped down the pecking order at PSG ahead of the start of the new campaign.

PSG are prepared to sell and the player is aware that he needs to move on to play regular first-team football in the 2020/21 season.

Rennes are interested in signing him as the replacement for Edouard Mendy, who is expected to join Chelsea in the ongoing transfer window.

But the French club are set to face competition from England for his services as, according to French sports daily L'Equipe, Fulham are interested in taking Areola to the Premier League.

The Cottagers have touched base with Raiola to register their interest in the goalkeeper and are serious about signing him.

They are prepared to offer a fee in the region of around €8m to €10m to take the Frenchman to Craven Cottage in the ongoing window.

Rennes have the advantage of being in the Champions League next season, but it has been claimed that Areola and his family are tempted by the opportunity of life in London if they join Fulham.

Fulham are also in a position to offer better wages to Areola compared to the amount he would earn at Rennes.



https://insidefutbol.com/2020/09/08/fulham-contact-super-agent-in-goalkeeper-hunt/471259/

[WhiteJC]

Rhys's Pieces: Back where we belong?

As Scott Parker's Fulham squad continues to take shape with the arrivals of Antonee Robinson, Mario Lemina and Harrison Reed, Rhys Daly scrutinises how the Whites have performed in the Premier League since the 1992 rebrand – and where they stand in the all-time table.

By the time the 2020/21 Premier League season comes to an end in May, only 13 clubs would have spent more time in the top flight than Fulham since the division was rebranded back in 1992.

The Whites are about to take their place in the most watched league on the planet for a 15th occasion since winning the old Division 1 in 2001, having spent 31 consecutive years in the lower leagues.

Although the bookies expect Scott Parker's side to return to the Championship immediately, the team spirit that helped them past favourites Brentford at Wembley could go a long way to securing safety.

Below is a short review of each top-flight Fulham season in recent memory, which might provide the squad inspiration ahead of the visit of Arsenal on September 12.

2001/02

Manager: Jean Tigana

League Position: 13th

Top Scorer: Barry Hayles & Louis Saha & Steed Malbranque – 8

W/D/L: 10/14/14

FA Cup: Semi-finals

League Cup: Fourth round

Fulham's first season back in the top flight proved to be a very successful one under the guidance of Jean Tigana and watchful eye of Mohamed Al-Fayed.

The Whites would go on to climb as high as seventh before settling to a finish of 13th, having welcomed the likes of Edwin van Der Sar and Steed Malbranque the preceding summer.

Barry Hayles and Louis Saha adjusted well to the Premier League and managed eight goals apiece, and the club even managed to secure European qualification via the Intertoto Cup.

The likes of Alain Goma, Sylvain Legwinski, John Collins, Andy Melville and Steve Finnan proved to be key players under Tigana in season, which included a heartbreaking FA Cup semi-final defeat at the hands of Chelsea at Villa Park.

2002/03

Manager: Jean Tigana followed by Chris Coleman

League Position: 14th

Top Scorer: Steed Malbranque – 6

W/D/L: 13/9/16

FA Cup: Fifth round

League Cup: Fourth round

UEFA Intertoto Cup: Winners

UEFA Cup: Third round

Fulham's second season in the top flight proved to be slightly more turbulent, and Tigana would end up leaving his role before the final few games of the campaign.

Before that however, the club hit the ground running with four wins from the opening eight games, which were followed by notable victories over Tottenham and Liverpool.

The likes of Facundo Sava and Junichi Inamoto linked up with the club in the summer, and helped Fulham to victory in the Intertoto Cup and into the third round of the UEFA Cup.

In the league, Fulham finished 14th with 13 wins and nine draws, an improvement of four points from the previous season.

2003/04

Manager: Chris Coleman

League Position: 9th

Top Scorer: Louis Saha – 13

W/D/L: 14/10/14

FA Cup: Quarter-finals

League Cup: Second round

Former Fulham defender Chris Coleman would prove to be a fine appointment from Al-Fayed in what was the unenviable task of replacing the successful Tigana.

Coleman led the club to a ninth-placed finish in his first season as boss, during which Saha found his feet with an impressive 15 goals before joining Manchester United in January.

Carlos Bocanegra, Brian McBride, Moritz Volz and Collins John all joined during the campaign, and Fulham would once again improve on their previous finish by four points.

There were also a notable 3-1 win over United at Old Trafford, and another quarter-final appearance in the FA Cup.

2004/05

Manager: Chris Coleman

League Position: 13th

Top Scorer: Andy Cole – 12

W/D/L: 12/8/18

FA Cup: Fifth round

League Cup: Quarter-finals

Andy Cole would prove to be a major summer signing for Coleman in another solid outing in the top flight for Fulham.

The former Manchester United and Newcastle United striker managed 12 goals in the league as the replacement for Saha, as Malbranque and Luis Boa Morte continued to influence the side going forward.

In what has proved to be a memorable victory, Fulham beat Norwich City 6-0 on a final day in which the Canaries needed three points to avoid relegation.

Cole would go on to leave in the summer to join Manchester City, but that didn't stop Fulham from improving the following year.

2005/06

Manager: Chris Coleman

League Position: 12th

Top Scorer: Collins John – 11

W/D/L: 14/6/18

FA Cup: Third round

League Cup: Third round

In what would prove to be Coleman's final full season as Fulham manager, Collins John emerged as a key player with 11 league goals.

A difficult start did see the Whites drop into the bottom three after eight matches, but four wins from their last five helped a jump of four places into 12th.

There were also wins over both Liverpool and Chelsea, the latter of which being Fulham's only win over their west London rivals since 1980.

A points tally of 48 was another solid return, but the season was tarnished by cup defeats at the hands of Lincoln City and West Bromwich Albion.

2006/07

Manager: Chris Coleman followed by Lawrie Sanchez

League Position: 16th

Top Scorer: Brian McBride – 9

W/D/L: 8/15/15

FA Cup: Fifth round

League Cup: Second round

Fulham struggled to reach their former heights in a season that included the sacking of Coleman and appointment of Lawrie Sanchez.

The goals of Brian McBride proved to be vital as the Whites stayed in the division by just one point, with the club also agreeing to the sale of club legend Boa Morte.

Jimmy Bullard, Clint Dempsey and Simon Davies were welcomed before Coleman left in April, and the last gasp survival saw Sanchez handed a three-year deal.

As well at Boa Morte, Legwinski and Malbranque also found new clubs in Ipswich and Tottenham, the latter making over 200 appearances for Fulham.

2007/08

Manager: Lawrie Sanchez followed by Roy Hodgson

League Position: 17th

Top Scorer: Clint Dempsey – 6

W/D/L: 8/12/18

FA Cup: Third round

League Cup: Third round

The tenure of Sanchez would prove to disastrous despite the decent arrivals of Chris Baird, Aaron Hughes and Paul Konchesky among others.

The Northern Irishman was sacked in December following a run of two wins in the opening 16 matches of the campaign.

Roy Hodgson would prove to be an inspired appointment, and he went on to guide the club to four wins in their last six matches in what was a truly memorable Great Escape.

From being 2-0 down with 20 minutes to go at Manchester City, Fulham won 3-2 thanks to Danny Murphy and a double from Diomansy Kamara – going on to win against both Birmingham and Portsmouth to stay up.

2008/09

Manager: Roy Hodgson

League Position: 7th

Top Scorer: Andy Johnson – 7

W/D/L: 14/11/13

FA Cup: Quarter-finals

League Cup: Third round

Fulham were well placed to climb up the Premier League table in 2008/09 thanks to the inspired work of Hodgson at the end of the previous campaign.

It would prove to be a record season for the club, which ended in a historic finish of seventh in the most competitive league on the planet.

Andy Johnson managed seven league goals as a solid defensive unit was formed between Brede Hangeland and Aaron Hughes.

Notable wins were managed over Arsenal, Tottenham, Manchester United and Manchester City, with Fulham finishing above Spurs and City to qualify for the Europa League third qualifying round.

2009/10

Manager: Roy Hodgson

League Position: 12th

Top Scorer: Bobby Zamora – 8

W/D/L: 12/10/16

FA Cup: Sixth round

League Cup: Third round

Europa League: Runners-up

Although Fulham secured another solid Premier League finish of 12th in 2009/10, it was to be the unlikely Europa League journey that stole the limelight.

Hodgson's side won 11 of their 18 fixtures on the continent to reach the final against Atletico Madrid, coming up short after extra-time despite an inspired display.

Bobby Zamora managed eight goals in the league and 19 in all competitions, helping the Whites to 46 points and memorable wins over Liverpool and Manchester United.

Hodgson would go on to leave the club after being contacted by Liverpool, and his successor would not prove to be quite so likeable at Craven Cottage.

2010/11

Manager: Mark Hughes

League Position: 8th

Top Scorer: Clint Dempsey – 12

W/D/L: 11/16/11

FA Cup: Fifth round

League Cup: Third round

Clint Dempsey took on the role of star player under new manager Mark Hughes in 2010/11.

In a rather unusual start to the season Fulham drew six of their first seven matches either side of a win over Wolves.

Hughes' side managed to improve during the final few months to climb up to eighth, their second ever highest finish in the top flight.

11 wins and 11 defeats were joined by 16 draws, which was more than any other side in the league that season – after which Hughes left the club and cited a lack of ambition, before being relegated with QPR.

The former Wales striker was labelled as a "strange man" and a "flop" by Al-Fayed, and the former City boss has since mentioned his time of leaving as a mistake.

2011/12

Manager: Martin Jol

League Position: 9th

Top Scorer: Clint Dempsey – 17

W/D/L: 14/10/14

FA Cup: Fourth round

League Cup: Third round

Europa League: Group stages

Al-Fayed finally got his hands on former Tottenham boss Martin Jol ahead of another solid season of results in 2011/12.

Dempsey smashed home 17 league goals as the Whites won 14 of their matches to finish ninth.

As well as a 6-0 demolition of QPR, which included a first Fulham Premier League hat-trick thanks to Andy Johnson – there was also another win over Arsenal and two over Liverpool.

In a disappointing return to Europe, Fulham were knocked out of the Europa League group stages thanks to a late draw against Odense in the final game of the round.

2012/13

Manager: Martin Jol

League Position: 12th

Top Scorer: Dimitar Berbatov – 15

W/D/L: 11/10/17

FA Cup: Fourth round

League Cup: Second round

Fulham went top of the table with a 5-0 win over Norwich in a fine start to another decent enough season under Jol, but a poor ending should have been a warning for the following year.

The Whites slipped from 10th to 15th after losing six games out of seven, but a final day win over Swansea helped a climb back up to 12th.

Dimitar Berbatov had a fine individual season with 15 goals, having been brought in to replace the void created by Dempsey and Mousa Dembele joining Spurs.

This season would prove to be the most recent solid Premier League season for Fulham, who would have three different managers in the following campaign.

2013/14

Manager: Martin Jol followed by René Meulensteen followed by Felix Magath

League Position: 19th (relegated)

Top Scorer: Steve Sidwell – 7

W/D/L: 9/5/24

FA Cup: Fourth round

League Cup: Fourth round

Adel Taarabt, Darren Bent and Maarten Stekelenburg joined in the summer in positive deals for the club, and a narrow win over Sunderland on the opening day was a solid start.

That would prove to be one of only nine victories across a demoralising season, which saw Fulham drop out of the top flight after 13 seasons.

A period of one win across 10 games before the new year led to Jol being replaced by René Meulensteen, who subsequently lost his job to Felix Magath.

Fulham were put out of their misery by Stoke in a 4-1 defeat in May, which led a run of four seasons in the Championship.

2018/19

Manager: Slaviša Jokanović followed by Claudio Ranieri followed by Scott Parker

League Position: 19th (relegated)

Top Scorer: Aleksandar Mitrović – 11

W/D/L: 7/5/26

FA Cup: Third round

EFL Cup: Fourth round

Fulham went 23 games unbeaten until the final day of the Championship season before beating both Derby and Aston Villa in the play-offs to return to the Premier League.

A net spend of over £100m then followed as the Whites were backed to get close to the top half, but the new players failed to gel which led to the sacking of Slaviša Jokanović.

Claudio Ranieri was given time to turn those fortunes around, but he was also dismissed and replace by caretaker Scott Parker in February.

Fulham won only seven games across the season as they finished 19th with 26 points, and three of those wins came under Parker after relegation was confirmed away to Watford.

Fulham in the Premier League review:

Although there have been two disastrous seasons for Fulham in the Premier League, there has been plenty more to cheer about over the last 20 years.

The stats show that the Whites would be included in the all-time table, and another extend run above the Championship will follow from 2020/21.

Matches: 532

W/D/L: 157/141/234

Win percentage 30%

Place in all-time Premier League table: 17th



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2020-09-08-rhyss-pieces-back-where-we-belong/

[WhiteJC]

Arsenal team news: Injury, suspension list vs. Fulham

Arsenal get their 2020-21 Premier League campaign underway with a short trip to promoted side Fulham on Saturday.

On the back of winning the FA Cup and Community Shield, the Gunners are on a high as they look to challenge for a top-four position in the standings.

However, while making notable additions in the transfer market, Mikel Arteta's continues to deal with injury issues hampering a number of players in his squad.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up Arsenal's latest fitness concerns in the days leading up to the encounter at Craven Cottage.

Shkodran Mustafi
Status: Out
Type of injury: Thigh
Possible return date: Unknown

While it has been suggested that Mustafi will not make a return from a thigh injury until October, Arteta recently revealed that the Germany international had stepped up his rehabilitation after being given permission to stop using crutches.

Gabriel Martinelli
Status: Out
Type of injury: Knee
Possible return date: Unknown

Martinelli underwent knee surgery earlier this summer, subsequently ruling him out in the long term. As it stands, Arteta expects the Brazilian to return to training before the end of 2020.

Pablo Mari
Status: Out
Type of injury: Ankle
Possible return date: Unknown

Of the four players who are currently sidelined, Mari is the closest to a return to action. Having made significant progress in his recovery from an ankle problem sustained in June, the centre-back should return to full training later this month.

Calum Chambers
Status: Out
Type of injury: Knee
Possible return date: Unknown

While Chambers has recently stepped up his rehabilitation from a serious knee injury, the defender is not close to getting himself back in contention. Arteta is yet to put a date on his potential return.

ARSENAL'S SUSPENSION LIST

Arsenal have no suspension issues heading into this contest.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/arsenal/injury-news/injuries-and-suspensions/arsenal-injury-suspension-list-vs-fulham_413448.html

[WhiteJC]

Fulham agrees sponsorship deal with BetVictor

Fulham will kick off their return to the Premier League with a new front-of-shirt sponsor, having agreed a deal with BetVictor.

The operator will the London-based club's primary sponsor until the end of the 2021/2022 season.

BetVictor's logo will be placed on the shirts of the men's first team, as well as the women's team.

Adult replica jerseys will also sport BetVictor branding.
"Confident of a successful season"

The Cottagers were promoted from the Championship last season, having beaten West London neighbours Brentford in the play-off final at Wembley. They will begin their first season back in the top flight at home to Arsenal on Saturday.

BetVictor CEO Andreas Meinrad had the following to say about the club's new partnership with the operator.

"We're really excited to be teaming up with Fulham FC and are confident of a successful season ahead for both of us.

"The Premier League always provides compelling drama. We know how much football means to our customers and we share their enthusiasm for the beautiful game. It's all eyes on Craven Cottage for Saturday's big kick-off."
"BetVictor shares our passion for success"

BetVictor will also feature on Fulham's social media platforms and official website, while enjoying further exposure through branding displays at Craven Cottage.

Fulham CEO Alastair Mackintosh also commented on the new sponsorship deal.

"We welcome BetVictor on board as our Main Team Partner and look forward to working with them this season as we begin our Premier League campaign against Arsenal at Craven Cottage this weekend.

"BetVictor shares our passion for success and we hope to develop our relationship further throughout the duration of the partnership, in order to achieve and exceed our goals."



https://affiliateinsider.com/news/fulham-agrees-shirt-sponsorship-deal-with-betvictor/

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Date confirmed for cup clash with Premier League Fulham

Ipswich Town will host Fulham in the second round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, September 16
Ipswich Town will host Premier League Fulham in the second round of the Carabao Cup next Wednesday night, the club have confirmed.

The Blues will welcome the Cottagers to Portman Road on Wednesday, September 16, with a 7pm kick-off.

Paul Lambert's men kicked off their competitive season in style with a 3-0 win over Bristol Rovers in the first round on Saturday.

Should they progress again, the Blues will face either Rochdale or Sheffield Wednesday, again at home, on either the 22 or 23 of September.

The game will be available to watch on Town's iFollow video service, with further details to be released in due course.



https://www.eadt.co.uk/sport/ipswich-town-v-fulham-cup-date-1-6827388

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Fulham Cup Date Set

Town have confirmed that the second round Carabao Cup tie against Fulham at Portman Road will take place on Wednesday 16th September but with an earlier than usual 7pm kick-off.

The Blues are in action on Sunday in their opening League One game of the season against Wigan at Portman Road, hence the visit by the Cottagers being scheduled for the Wednesday rather than Tuesday.

The winners of the tie, which will be available on iFollow Ipswich, will face either Rochdale or Sheffield Wednesday at home during the following midweek.



https://www.twtd.co.uk/ipswich-town-news/38666/fulham-cup-date-set

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Fulham 2020/21 preview: how will Parker approach survival?

Fulham
2019/20: 4th in the Championship

As a player, Scott Parker had rather more experience of relegation and relegation battles than he might have liked, but as a manager he will need to draw on that experience in his attempts to keep Fulham in the Premier League. He led Fulham to an immediate return, via the Championship playoffs, and survival will be their primary aim in 2020/21.

There has been no repeat of the lavish – and, in hindsight, wasteful – spending with which they approached their promotion in 2018/19, when they struggled terribly and were comfortably relegated. Slavisa Jokanovic was unable to get so many new players to gel as quickly as was needed, and his successor Claudio Ranieri failed to arrest their decline.

There will, instead, be more continuity – certainly in personnel – in 2020/21. There will also be more mature players able to use their experiences of the Premier League and, for some, their relegation – which was confirmed when Parker was caretaker manager – to their benefit. Tom Cairney, Josh Onomah and Anthony Knockaert have proved more than good enough for the Championship but have not consistently shown the extent of what they can do in the Premier League. They have another chance to do just that, and will want the ball as much as possible to do so.

With 26 goals, Aleksandr Mitrovic was the Championship's top scorer in 2019/20, and Fulham need him to take that into the Premier League. They played to his strengths, working the ball from inside to out wide and committing numbers into the penalty area before establishing a crossing opportunity (above).

Mitrovic was almost always the target of those crosses; others made selfless runs that created space for their main goal threat. He scored from them with remarkable consistency – how much service he gets in the Premier League could prove crucial.

Fulham played a short passing game and dominated possession in the Championship, and though they weren't its most expansive or adventurous team, they will need greater pragmatism in the Premier League. They clearly have quality but they – and Parker – should know from their past Premier League experience that they need to tighten up if they are to survive, even if that means fewer chances for Mitrovic.




https://www.coachesvoice.com/fulham-2020-21-preview-parker-mitrovic/

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Fulham: Season Preview 2020-21

Let's start with a question.
Did Fulham deserve to go up?

A provocative query and, sure, it suggests I'm going to lead the argument down a certain path but, before you blow your thatched rooftops Cottagers fans, the answer is actually both yes and no. Let me explain.

Scott Parker was handed the managerial reins on a permanent basis last summer, after his caretaker stint at the end of their Premier League relegation season. An immediate return to the top flight was a realistic expectation as the majority of the side that achieved promotion in style under Slaviša Jokanović in 2017/18 was retained.

Parker, himself having played under Jokanović, set about implementing a similar high-possession framework to the side that went up two seasons prior and he succeeded; at 61%, Fulham were second only to Leeds in average ball possession.

Something wasn't quite the same though. Under Slaviša, it was swashbuckling. Under Parker, it was pedestrian. Previously, it was possession as a means to attack, now it seemed to be possession as a means to defend. Relative to their promotion rivals, the Cottagers struggled to turn their ball and territory control into meaningful goalscoring opportunities and it left them always seemingly hanging onto the coattails of the top two rather than leading the charge with them.

The big issue was that the side very rarely took advantage of the space available in transition when winning the ball back. Quickly (ironically), the ball would get circulated between midfield and defence until the opposition had managed to reset themselves into their defensive shape, the result being that Fulham had the slowest Pace To Goal – the average speed (in metres per second) of buildup play that results in a shot -  in the Championship by some way.



Their aversion to breaking quickly was evident in the lack of counter attacking opportunities generated, something that Jokanović's side were not afraid to do if the space was available.



Logic dictates that you're only going to make things more difficult for yourself if you commit to attacking against a set defence all the time and it was evident in the metrics; Fulham's 1.18xG created per game was some way behind promotion rivals Brentford (1.33xG), West Brom (1.38xG), and Leeds (1.58xG) and others too, ranking 7th in the Championship across the regular season.

Of course, there's a balance to be struck and Fulham built a reputation for grinding out victories on the foundation of a sturdy defence, Parker's pragmatism at least paying off at the other end of the pitch. 17 clean sheets was a total beaten only by champions Leeds, and Fulham also had a remarkable record of staying in front once they were ahead, conceding just five equalising goals in the entire season and going W21 D3 L0 in the 24 games they took the lead in.

Despite that sterling record, the fans certainly weren't particularly impressed with the regularity they were seeing their side take a lead and then sit on it rather than pushing on. Of Fulham's 23 victories, 15 of them were by a single goal. However, there's a real and unexpected quirk about their game state metrics.

When in front, at score lines you'd expect the opposition to be having the better of the game and putting Fulham under pressure in search of an equaliser, Fulham actually created more, notching up 16.91xG to their opponents 14.24xG. They were also creating more than the opposition when scores were level, as you'd expect of a good side. Less relevant but just as weird, Fulham actually seemed to struggle most when they went behind, creating 13.79 xG to the opposition's 14.78xG - potentially an ominous sign ahead of a season when they'll expect to be behind more often than ahead.

In summary, Fulham finished 4th in the table, had the 4th best goal difference and the 5th best expected goal difference. That's pretty conclusive evidence to say that Fulham were, at best, the 4th best side in the division, no? Ergo, is it deserved that they were one of the three sides to go up?

Well here comes the other side of the argument because of course I'm not going to ignore what happened in the play-offs. Where Parker's pragmatism had given cause for complaint in the regular season, all of a sudden it was an asset to the task in front of them.

Fulham played the first leg of their semi-final against Cardiff perfectly, conceding just six shots, and it's hard to ask for a better result than to take a 2-0 lead away from home in the first leg. They finished the job at Craven Cottage, successfully defending a one goal aggregate lead for the entirety of the second half.



It was a similar story in the final. Fulham focused less on retaining the ball and more on preventing Brentford, and particularly Saïd Benrahma, from playing, staying in a more compact shape than usual but more importantly selecting the more energetic Bobby Reid ahead of Championship top goalscorer Aleksandar Mitrović in order to give them more mobility in leading the press and more pace on the counter.

The result was an even game with the deadlock only broken by a moment of individual quality which I'm almost certain you'll have seen if you're reading this, but if not:



Fulham successfully negotiated the three games that their promotion depended on without riding their luck at any point during. Therefore, it's undeniable that they did deserve their promotion, right?

Let's start to look forward now. It's worth considering that Parker's pragmatism, though not advisable when a big favourite with a talent advantage in a smaller league, does at least leave them better prepared to adjust to the Premier League than they were last time out. Although those attacking transitions will most certainly need to speed up.

On that note, the signing of Mario Lemina from Southampton could help if he can replicate the form shown on the south coast that saw him mooted as a potential replacement for Mousa Dembélé at Tottenham. Lemina was flagged by StatsBomb's own Euan Dewar when he analysed dribblers and their post-dribble actions a couple of seasons back and if he can help Fulham move through the centre of the park and transition from defence to attack more quickly or efficiently, that could be important.

Similarly, the return of André Zambo Anguissa to the squad is notable. Anguissa was one of the more heralded signings of the 18/19 summer window and it looks increasingly more likely that he'll stay a Fulham player in 2020/21, returning after playing a key role in helping Villarreal finish 5th in La Liga. Now two years older than when he first signed and closer to his peak at 24, there's potential he could step up in the way that was hoped when he first signed.



Anguissa was part of the infamous £100million spend that summer, but comparisons between that window and this are scarce. There were some domestic signings back then but the vast majority were brought in from overseas and with no experience of English football. This time, Fulham's business has so far focused entirely on the domestic market and with smaller sums being exchanged: the only (soon to be confirmed) signing from overseas has been that of wing back Ola Aina who's spent the last two seasons with Torino in Serie A but moved there from Chelsea.

Of the business that remains to be done, there are concerns over Fulham's reliance on 26-goal Mitrović, who was given very little help in the goalscoring department last season. He'll be the main man again and has proven he can be counted on for some contribution at Premier League level, but more needs to come from the support acts out wide. Ivan Cavaleiro and Anthony Knockaert notched just nine goals between them last season and given the unlikelihood that Mitrović reaches another double-dozen, they'll need to step up.



In a weird flip, Fulham could be coming into this season as a perceivably and demonstrably worse side than the one that was promoted last time out but at the same time one that's better prepared and suited for the challenge that's ahead of them thanks to a risk-averse manager and more settled squad. Expectations amongst the fanbase are also lower due to the manner of promotion and tighter transfer spending.

Critiqued for much of last season but with a bit more credit in the bank after promotion, it'll be interesting to see how much patience Parker gets should things not go to plan straight away. Joint relegation favourites with West Brom seems a fair assessment.



https://statsbomb.com/2020/09/fulham-season-preview-2020-21/

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Southend United reject improved League One bid for ex-Fulham striker

According to a report from Echo Sport, Southend United have rejected a new bid from Rochdale for ex-Fulham striker Stephen Humphrys.

Upon Southend United's relegation to League Two, striker Stephen Humphrys has been attracting interest from League One.

Rochdale – one of Humphrys' former clubs – have been looking to bring the striker back to Spotland. The club have already have one bid for Humphrys rejected and now, it has been reported that the club have had a new and improved offer turned down by Southend United.

The size of the bid is not reported by Echo Sport but it is not enough to tempt Southend into letting Humphrys leave Roots Hall this summer. Southend are determined to keep Humphrys this summer and have not yet been tempted to cash in for the former Fulham man.

The 22-year-old has been with Southend United since leaving Fulham for the Roots Hall club in January 2019. Since joining the club Humphrys has scored 10 goals and laid on two assists in 34 games across all competitions for the club.

After time with Bury's youth academy, Humphrys joined Fulham in 2013. He played three times for the club's senior side and impressed for their youth ranks, picking up senior experience out on loan with Shrewsbury Town, Rochdale and Scunthorpe United.

Southend United fans, is Humphrys a must keep player? Have your say in the reported interest in the striker in the poll at the bottom of the page.



https://the72.co.uk/191078/southend-united-reject-improved-league-one-bid-for-ex-fulham-striker/

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Fulham land BetVictor as main sponsor for Premier League return

September 8 – Fulham, back in the Premier League at the first time of asking, have confirmed online bookmaker BetVictor as the club's main sponsor.

The two-year sponsorship will see the BetVictor brand on the front of Fulham's first team and women's playing kits, as well as on adult replica shirts.

BetVictor CEO Andreas Meinrad said: "We're really excited to be teaming up with Fulham FC and are confident of a successful season ahead for both of us.

"The Premier League always provides compelling drama. We know how much football means to our customers and we share their enthusiasm for the beautiful game. It's all eyes on Craven Cottage for Saturday's big kick-off."

Fulham kick off at home against Arsenal on Saturday. BetVictor branding will be displayed around Craven Cottage during match days (games start behind closed doors) as well as across the club's website and social media platforms.

Alistair Mackintosh, Fulham CEO, said: "We welcome BetVictor on board as our Main Team Partner and look forward to working with them this season as we begin our Premier League campaign against Arsenal at Craven Cottage this weekend.

"BetVictor shares our passion for success and we hope to develop our relationship further throughout the duration of the partnership, in order to achieve and exceed our goals."

No value was given for the sponsorship but it industry estimates reckon it is £5 million deal in total.



http://www.insideworldfootball.com/2020/09/08/fulham-land-betvictor-main-sponsor-premier-league-return/

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Report: Fulham want PSG goalkeeper Alphonse Areola on loan

The 27-year-old was on loan at Real Madrid last season.

Reports from Sky Sports are claiming Fulham are keen to take PSG goalkeeper Alphonse Areola on loan for the 2020/21 campaign.

Signing the 27-year-old would have to be viewed as a coup for Scott Parker, with the Frenchman spending last season on loan at Real Madrid.

Areola started the first three Ligue 1 games for PSG during 2019/20 but was sent to Los Blancos when Keylor Navas made the switch to the Parc des Princes.

In the Spanish capital, Areola spent time as Thibaut Courtois' deputy and did manage to make seven appearances under Zinedine Zidane's management.

Fulham won promotion to the Premier League last season, defeating Brentford in the Championship play-off final to secure an instant return to the top-flight.

Rennes could also be interested in the custodian but that will depend on whether or not Chelsea sign their number one Edouard Mendy before the window closes.

Marek Rodak was Fulham's number one stopper during their Championship campaign but it would seem Parker is keen to add another goalkeeper.

The Cottagers kick off their campaign against Arsenal at the weekend and Parker would dearly like to continue adding to his squad.

During 2018/19 Fulham were relegated in miserable fashion and Parker will want to avoid a repeat this time around.

TBR View – Areola would be a real coup but it'd be harsh on Rodak

Areola would represent a magnificent coup for the Cottagers but spare a thought for Slovakian stopper Rodak.

He played in 33 games for Fulham last season and kept 14 clean sheets for the club as they were promoted.

There is an argument to suggest that the goalkeeping department needs reinforcing but Rodak did enough last season to win a Premier League shot.

Areola has spent a lot of his time as a deputy stopper and he'd need to work hard for his place at Craven Cottage.



https://tbrfootball.com/report-fulham-want-psg-goalkeeper-alphonse-areola-on-loan/

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Analysis: Michael Dawson on the promoted teams - Fulham

As we count down the hours to the start of the Premier League this weekend, we turned to Michael Dawson, our legendary former defender and occasional captain between 2005-2014, for his insight into the three teams promoted from the Championship who we will face in 2020/21 - Fulham, West Brom and champions Leeds United.

Ever-popular, 'Daws', who proudly led us to a 1-0 win against Milan in the San Siro in the Champions League in 2011, knows the Championship inside-out having played 67 times for Hull and Forest in the last three seasons.

For part one of this three-part series, Michael gives his verdict on Fulham...

Fulham
Managed by Michael's former Spurs team-mate Scott Parker, Fulham beat Brentford in the play-off final at Wembley in August to make a swift return to the Premier League, following relegation in 2018/19.

Daws: "To be relegated from the Premier League and bounce straight back is a huge achievement, so full credit to Fulham. You could see in Scotty's post-match interview at Wembley the sheer relief. We're all delighted for Scott and his staff - Matty Wells, Rob Burch (all ex-Spurs) - and promotion in Scott's first year in management, that's a massive achievement for him, a young manager who got his opportunity at Fulham.

"As a team they pass the ball, Scotty's drilled that into them, they keep possession, stay patient and when a team has the strike force they have - Mitrovic, Reid, Knockaert, Cavaleiro - they will cause problems, mixed in with the creativity of someone like Josh Onomah, who was also at Spurs and has done well.

"They were fancied early in the season last year, and you could see from the interviews at the end of the play-off that they were under pressure, simply because of the squad they have. They did it in the end, and I've had that experience with Hull, it's a great, great feeling. As I said, they are a possession team and I'm sure that won't change now they are back in the Premier League because that's how Scotty wants to play."

One to watch
Daws: "Tom Cairney is a decent player, Harrison Reed, who they picked up on loan from Southampton last season and have now signed, he really impressed sitting in front of the back four. So, Cairney, Joe Bryan is a good full-back, Mitrovic scores goals, Cavaleiro and Knockaert in the wider areas - all good players. They have experience in there, players who have been promoted before and played in the Premier League and I'm sure Scotty will look to strengthen again."



https://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/2020/september/michael-dawson-on-the-promoted-teams-fulham/