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Monday Fulham Stuff - 02/11/20...

Started by WhiteJC, October 30, 2020, 11:19:52 AM

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WhiteJC

Results



Sunday
Villa
3-4
Southampton
Newcastle
2-1
Everton
Man Utd
0-1
Arsenal
Spurs
2-1
Brighton

WhiteJC

Harry Redknapp suggests West Brom or Fulham should target Jack Wilshere

Harry Redknapp has told The Sun on Sunday (1/11; page 60) that he is shocked to see Jack Wilshere without a club, and insisted that he would be ideal for either West Bromwich Albion or Fulham.

Wilshere remains a free agent after leaving West Ham last month. His stay at the London Stadium failed to live up to expectations.

He turns 29 in January. So it is surely fair to say that his next move could represent his last chance to prove that he can get back to his best at the highest level.

Nevertheless, Redknapp claimed that he cannot believe that Wilshere remains without a club. He also suggested that the Baggies or Scott Parker's side should be open to making a move.

"When you've been in football as long as me, there isn't much left to shock – but seeing Jack Wilshere without a club certainly does," he told The Sun on Sunday (1/11; page 60).

"Jack would be ideal for someone like Fulham or West Brom, and if you were paying him on appearances, there would be no risk," he went on to add.

Signing Wilshere may be worth a gamble for the likes of West Brom or Fulham. Neither side has won a game in the league this term.

A pay-as-you-play deal therefore, could hand either club a boost. If he can get back to anything like his best, he could be a fantastic signing.

However, West Ham fans may argue that he was fit for some time before his departure. And yet, he was not in David Moyes's plans.

So he certainly has a big point to prove with his next move. Redknapp clearly thinks that he can still do the business in the Premier League.



https://tbrfootball.com/harry-redknapp-suggests-west-brom-or-fulham-should-target-jack-wilshere/

WhiteJC

'The Player To Really Watch Is Lookman' - Fulham Insider Highlights Threat Of

Fulham insider Russ Goldman has highlighted the threat of Ademola Lookman ahead of the Cottagers Premier League clash against West Brom in London on Monday evening.

Signed from RB Leipzig on a season-long loan, the Super Eagles target has given Scott Parker's side more attacking threat and didn't waste time adapting to the Premier League having previously represented Everton.

Lookman scored a brilliant goal on his full Premier League debut for Fulham and was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet in the last match vs Crystal Palace after hitting the woodwork twice.

Asked by the Express & Star to mention the big danger men to worry about in Fulham's ranks, Cottage Talk's Goldman stated : "Aleksander Mitrovic has to be the starting point and he is overdue for a breakout game.

"The player to really watch is Ademola Lookman who already has showed the quality on the ball that Fulham have not seen in years.

"If he is on his game then Fulham could be on their way to a victory."

Super Eagles defender Ola Aina and Tosin Adarabioyo are also in contention to be named in Fulham's starting lineup tomorrow, while Semi Ajayi is an option for manager Slaven Bilic at center back.

Igho Kingsley



https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=37876


WhiteJC

Fulham v West Bromwich Albion


Aboubakar Kamara will be banned for the visit of West Brom, having received Fulham's first Premier League red card since December 2018 last time out
TEAM NEWS

Fulham defender Joachim Andersen returned to training on Thursday after an ankle injury but is unlikely to be involved on Monday.

Neeskens Kebano and Kenny Tete are definitely out, while Aboubakar Kamara begins a three-match ban.

West Brom defender Dara O'Shea has recovered from an ankle problem.

Midfielder Kamil Grosicki could also be part of the Baggies squad after his loan move to Nottingham Forest fell through.

LAWRO'S PREDICTION
Neither of these sides have managed a win yet so they both have to see this as a chance to get their season up and running.

That should make it a decent game because both teams will have a go.

Prediction: 2-1



MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

    Fulham are unbeaten in the past nine league meetings, although the four most recent games have all been drawn.
    West Brom haven't won away at Fulham in the league since October 1967.

Fulham

    One draw and five defeats represents Fulham's worst start to a top-flight season after six games.
    Fulham could equal their club record of five consecutive Premier League home defeats, set from April to August 2013.
    They have lost their last two Premier League fixtures on a Monday without scoring.
    Prior to the latest round of matches, Fulham and Sheffield United were the only teams yet to keep a Premier League clean sheet this season.
    Scott Parker lost just one of his 11 Premier League matches as a player against West Brom, drawing five and winning five.

West Bromwich Albion

    West Brom have drawn three of their past four Premier League matches.
    The Baggies could fail to win any of their first seven league games for the first time since their 2004-05 Premier League campaign.
    Albion have won just one of their 14 Premier League away games played on a Monday, drawing six and losing seven.
    Karlan Grant has scored four goals in his past six away league appearances.
    His next league goal will be his 50th.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54687123

WhiteJC

Premier League chiefs face added pressure to bin pay-per-view games amid second lockdown

As the nation prepares for a second lockdown Premier League chiefs are facing more calls to cancel their pay-per-view scheme as the Government consider intervening

Premier League bosses will come under renewed pressure to scrap their pay-per-view scheme because of the second national lockdown.

The 20 clubs will meet again this week with fans groups already unhappy at the £14.95 fee charged for supporters to watch some top flight games.

Government chiefs may also intervene if the lockdown continues beyond December 2 after urging the Premier League to show all games during the first lockdown, even making some free-to-air.

Premier League clubs agreed to review the pay-per-view policy after the international break which leaves them with two weekends of games - November 21/22 and 28/29 - under the second lockdown and it is likely to be back on the agenda when they meet this week.


Fans have been angered by the pay-per-view scheme

It has become a toxic issue but the Government may feel if they allow Premier League football to continue then they want it made available without an extra charge as at least one way of keeping the nation entertained.

Premier League bosses are clearly relieved that they will be able to carry on and believe their protocols have proved to be a success, especially as last week's tests only had two positive cases.

But the new lockdown means the knock-on effect makes it certain that clubs will have to wait even longer for fans to return and that has huge implications for gate receipts, advertising and sponsorship and also the TV contracts.

EFL clubs are also anticipating no major change even though they currently do not have regular testing for Championship, League One and Two clubs.


Football is set to continue behind closed doors beyond this year (Image: Offside via Getty Images)

That is being reviewed on a regular basis but their protocols have also largely proved successful while the Professional Footballers' Association have publicly insisted they will foot the bill on coronavirus testing.

But that is more about funding regular audits on the protocols rather than paying for tests throughout the divisions.

Football Association chiefs are likely to be told on Monday the implications for the FA Cup as there are still several clubs - Bishops Stortford, FC United of Manchester, Maldon & Tiptree, Marine, South Shields and Skelmersdale - are outside of the "elite level."

The hope is they will be allowed to play on but the FA have yet to be told while grassroots and academies are also waiting on further instructions after the new lockdown was announced.



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/premier-league-pay-per-view-22940116

WhiteJC

Notes from October meeting with FFC

On Monday 26 October at 13:00, the Fulham Supporters' Trust met with Fulham FC via video conference.

The Club was represented by:

    Alistair Mackintosh (CEO)
    David Daly (Non Executive Director)
    Carmelo Mifsud (Communications Director)
    Ally Spicer (Head of Ticketing Operations – maternity cover)
    Eleanor Rowland (Head of Safeguarding and Equality)
    Nicola Walworth (Supporter Relations Manager)
    Charlie Harris (Communications Assistant)

The FST was represented by Board Members:

    Tom Greatrex (Chair)
    Jerry Cope (Membership Secretary)
    Hayley Davinson (Board Member)
    Farrell Monk (Board Member)

HOW IT WORKS
The Trust asks any questions that it judges are of interest to supporters, as evidenced by responses from Trust Members to the advance notification of the meeting, and by generally interacting with the wider supporter base. There is no restriction placed on which questions the Trust choose to ask or points raised with the Club. These notes are then sent to Members only in advance of being posted on our website at a later date.

This meeting focused on the Pay Per View (PPV) arrangements, the transfer window, and on other matters sent to us by Trust members, including the Project Big Picture proposals, refunds against season ticket credits, Black History Month and the new Riverside Stand.

If any member has raised an issue that it was not possible to discuss in the time available, then please do contact us again in good time before the next meeting or alternatively we can seek to raise it between meetings if that is more appropriate.

TOPICS DISCUSSED
The following topics were raised and discussed:

    Riverside Stand
    Pay per View (PPV)
    Transfer Window
    Project Big Picture
    Credit for 19/20 Season Tickets
    Black History Month
    Other Business
        Harvey Elliott
        Club app
        Technical support

RIVERSIDE STAND
The Trust welcomed the recent video update posted on the Club website, and the interview with the contractor explaining recent and forthcoming activity on the construction of the new stand. Feedback from Trust members had been positive, and the Trust asked that as this was the first update for a couple of months, and that with very visible progress on site, for more similar updates in the period ahead.

With that in mind, the Trust asked what had happened with the webcam to provide real time progress that had previously been discussed. The Club explained that there is not a webcam as the Trust had previously understood, but rather provision for time lapse video (from a camera set up by the contractor) on completion of the project, but the intention was to cover ongoing updates on the website / social media as soon as they occur and milestones have been reached. The Trust encouraged the Club to provide updates as regularly as possible given the interest from supporters who are not able to see progress while attending matches.

The Trust then asked whether the whole stand was now being called the Fulham Pier, and whether in due course naming rights would be sold. We were told that Fulham Pier is the name for the whole destination, and the possibility of naming rights being sold would be considered in the future. The Trust asked that supporters be involved in any final decisions on naming the stand.

In response to questions in relation to the non-matchday uses of the stand and any update on tenants for hospitality and other units, the Club said there was no new information to share.

PAY PER VIEW (PPV)
The Trust pressed the Club on whether it had supported the £14.95 charge for recent non-televised matches. The Club was clear that its primary concern was that there should be some way of supporters viewing all the matches – the £14.95 charge was not set by the Premier League, but proposed by the broadcasters, who hold the rights to show games. Indeed because of competition law the price could not be decided by the Premier League clubs acting together.

Pressed further on the Club's stance, it was stated that Fulham had favoured showing matches on its own platform at a lower price. However, clubs were left with the choice of allowing the broadcasters to set a price or not have the games shown at all.

The Trust reiterated the level of opposition to the £14.95 charge for PPV amongst supporters of all clubs, and cited survey data from Fulham fans and donations to local charities demonstrating that it had become a point of principle for many, who were either accessing alternative streams or actively choosing not to watch their clubs' matches.

The Trust asked whether Fulham were aware of the viewing figures for our games shown on PPV to date, and the Club responded that this information had not been provided to clubs. The Trust asked whether Fulham had asked for that information, and they confirmed they had not done so. The Club also confirmed that there had been no decision made by the Premier League as to how revenue raised from PPV would be distributed.

Asked to explain the stance Fulham would take in Premier League meetings to review the PPV experience, the Club confirmed their view was that games should be made available for supporters to watch while there cannot be attendance at grounds, but it should be at a lower price.

The Trust reiterated that had the Premier League and broadcasters consulted with supporters then this episode could have been avoided, and hoped that was something that would be reflected on for future decisions impacting fans.

Note: At the Premier League meeting on 27 October, clubs agreed to continue PPV arrangements for the first weekend of November, until the international break, pending a further meeting to decide on the approach beyond then.

TRANSFER WINDOW
The Trust asked a number of questions in relation to the most recent transfer window, and the approach to player recruitment taken by the Club. Specifically, the Trust asked:

    Are there plans for the Club to have a full time Director of Football, or Assistant Director of Football, to support the Head Coach?

    Is the Club satisfied with business undertaken in the transfer window?

    How far were Financial Fair Play regulations and recruitment of summer 2018 a limiting factor on activity in this window?

    While previously stating a desire to be less reliant on loans, we have more loan players than other Premier League clubs – why is that?

    Were options to sign on-loan players more obligation than option – and what is the reason for purchasing players on long term deals and then loaning them out?

    Why did it take until the end of the window to sign defensive players?

    Do the Club consider that we have enough cover in forward positions to cover potential injuries, suspensions, or poor form?

In discussion, the Club answered that:

    The whole team, of which the Head Coach was an integral part, were pleased, with both the quality and balance of the players acquired during the window; including that the Head Coach was satisfied with his attacking options.

    There were two reasons why some players came in close to the end of the window; firstly and very noticeably prices had dropped as the deadline approached so the Club got much better value for money; secondly the Head Coach had wanted to give those who had secured promotion an opportunity to show whether they could step up to the Premier League – this was important in keeping the squad united.

    They had however tried to secure at least one defender earlier in the window but prices were far too high in terms of value; a number of players had failed medicals and subsequent negotiations with the selling club had not resulted in agreement; and one player who said he was going to sign changed his mind at the last moment; but they had secured defenders who were either not available earlier in the window or who were unreasonably expensive for earlier deals.

    The 25 finally in the squad were chosen by the Head Coach who felt he had sufficient cover in all positions and sufficient quality to avoid relegation.

    They had tried to move on some of the players not in the 25, but perhaps because of Covid, players and their families were unwilling to move to new countries, even though deals had been agreed; the only exceptions to this were players for whom the Club had managed to secure loan moves within the Championship, so they could play some football, given they might well not make the 25 player squad.

    The overall approach had been a mixture of buying players at good prices that could serve Fulham well for many years, some loan players where the cost of straight purchase was too high or the losing Club just would not sell (eg Lookman), and a few players who were loaned with an option to buy, hence spreading the cost for Financial Fair Play purposes.

    The Club had been constrained, in terms of Financial Fair Play, by purchases made to secure promotion, but this was not an unduly limiting consideration.

The Trust asked whether there would be a reconsideration on the need for a full-time UK based Director of Football, and whether it was intended to replace Javier Periera. The Club said that Fulham had a full-time UK based Head of Recruitment and that Javier, with his experience, had been brought in to help particularly with the push for promotion. When he understandably left to fulfil his ambition to be a Head Coach, the decision had been made to invest the saved salary in a new additional first team coach (Nathan Gardiner from Tottenham) and in some more sports science support, as requested by the Head Coach.

The Club reiterated that whilst the approach to transfers is evolving, both as a result of experience and the changing dynamics of the market, the overall "four boxes ticked" approach remains in place, with analytics, the recruitment team and the financial oversight, working closely together to meet the requirements of the Head Coach.

PROJECT BIG PICTURE
The Trust made clear its opposition to the Big Picture concept and asked for the Club view. The Club responded that they were appalled at nearly all aspects of the proposals and had voiced their concerns forcibly. Fulham did feel the Premier League needed to look at itself, and supported the inquiry being led by its Chair, albeit they had not yet seen terms of reference. A red line for the Club was the principle of one club, one vote,

Asked whether supporters should be consulted in this inquiry, or in the government inquiry that had also been promised, the Club agreed that all stakeholders should be involved.

The Club also wanted to support League 1 and League 2 clubs more, but were less sure about the level of support needed for the Championship where, on a par with the Premier League, there were a number of wealthy owners who were supporting their clubs eg in the transfer market. The Club confirmed that the year two parachute payment that was no longer due to Fulham because of promotion could usefully be added to any pot for League 1 and League 2 Clubs, but that was a matter for the Premier League collectively rather than Fulham specifically.

CREDIT FOR 19/20 SEASON TICKETS
The Trust and the Club raised the prospect of attendances being allowed before the end of the season. While the Club shared the wider disappointment that despite social distancing arrangements being prepared, supporters would not be able to attend games in the near future, they remained hopeful that this might be possible in the spring and would continue to lobby via the Premier League and football authorities for this to be permitted, subject to public health advice.

The Trust explained that some 19/20 Season Ticket holders who had opted for credit in lieu of refund when it was anticipated that season tickets would be sold had asked that refunds be offered now it seemed less likely that they could purchase tickets this season. Some had also indicated their personal situation had changed as a result of the wider economic impact of the pandemic.

The Trust had asked both its members who had opted for a credit, and the wider fanbase through a Twitter poll, and both showed that the majority were content for the credit to remain with the Club (64% of season ticket holders); 5% now wanted to donate their credit to the Fulham Foundation; but nearly a third would like to be refunded.

The Trust requested that anyone wanting a refund should now be able to have one or donate to the Foundation if they wished. The Club said that where supporters had asked for a refund, that had been provided, but agreed that given the changing situation, this was something that could be communicated to those who had previously opted for a credit.

Any season ticket holder wanting a refund, or preferring to donate to the Foundation, an option which the Club would very much welcome, should email [email protected]

BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Eleanor Rowland joined the meeting, as requested by the Trust, to set out the programme of activity to mark Black History Month. It was explained, which the Trust supported, that the activity was an important element of what was a longer term and agreed wide-ranging diversity and equality strategy, aimed at improving participation across a range of characteristics, amongst staff, supporters, and participants.

A range of activities internally and externally had been organised, including webinars, articles on the web site, discussion groups and external speakers, including Leroy Rosenior and Luis Boa Morte. These had been very well attended and received – but the key was to progress longer term change in many aspects of participation. The Club was pleased now to be working as well with Anwar Uddin from the Fans for Diversity campaign.

The Trust welcomed and fully supported the Club's approach, which complemented the Trust's own activity which was also gathering pace. Both the Club and the Trust agreed to keep in touch as ideas developed.

OTHER BUSINESS
Harvey Elliott

The Trust asked whether there was any news on the incredibly long drawn out process to secure a fee for Harvey Elliott. The Club responded that unfortunately there was no set timescale for resolution, and they too were frustrated, although it might help Fulham's case to see Harvey doing well at Blackburn Rovers, so delay was not all bad. Asked if a settlement could not be secured outside of a Tribunal the Club responded that the current offer on the table from Liverpool was a long way short of Fulham's valuation.
Club app

The Trust asked about progress with the new app. The Club responded that they anticipated a release in November, but as with all developments of this nature, this was subject to change.
Technical support

The Trust reported occasional technical problems for members eg with Fulham TV, and the Club agreed to investigate specific complaints, which were passed on by the Trust. Supporters should however address issues going forward directly with [email protected].

The meeting closed at 1435.



https://www.fulhamsupporterstrust.com/news/2020/11/notes-from-october-meeting-with-ffc-2/


WhiteJC

U18 Report: Saints 0-2 Fulham

Southampton Under-18s fell to a 2-0 defeat to Fulham in the Under-18s Premier League on Saturday despite playing their part in an entertaining affair.

It was the visitors who started the game in confident fashion and had the first efforts on goal after five minutes.

A low cross from the left found Oliver Sanderson just inside the area, but Saints did well to block his effort and the follow up from strike partner Mika Biereth.

Olly Wright was then forced to make his first save shortly after when Luke Harris fired a low shot from range, but the strike lacked the power to trouble the Saints goalkeeper.

As the patterns of the game became clear, an intense contest started to be played out with both sides searching for the best opportunities to press the opposing defence high in a bid to win back possession.

Saints were having to hold firm in defence as Fulham went in search of the opening goal though – Wright made another comfortable save from Ibane Bowat's header before Adrion Pajaziti bent a free-kick just wide.

The hosts looked to build on their strong defensive display and enjoyed some promising attacks in the lead up to half-time, whilst another attempt from Mika Biereth went wide to ensure the score stayed at 0-0 at the break.

Into the second-half, Saints carved out some opportunities of their own and twice went close in quick succession.

Substitute Luke Pearce's pressure caused a mistake at the back from Fulham and allowed him to go through on goal with just goalkeeper Alexander Borto to beat.

The striker looked to go round Borto to finish but a good save denied him, and then Saints captain Will Tizzard saw his header from the resulting corner loop over.

Despite the positive beginning to the second period, Fulham's next attack saw them break the deadlock when Luke Harris struck home a cutback towards the penalty spot.

This setback did not stop Saints continuing to push for a goal of their own though. Marco Rus twice went close to an equaliser but could not find the finishing touch to clever moves from the hosts.

At the other end, Olly Wright kept his side in the game with 10 minutes remaining. First, he produced an excellent tip over to deny Harris a second and then stayed alert to turn a low drive from range round the post.

Strong defending from Lewis Payne and another smothering save from Wright then denied visiting striker Biereth a breakaway goal as the match reached its latter stages.

A lively finish to a hard-fought game still saw time for Paul Hardyman's side to force some good defending from Fulham as goalkeeper Borto rushed out to clear twice, but the visitors confirmed their victory late on when Biereth finished from close range.

Saints Under-18s are in action again next Saturday when they travel to face Aston Villa, with kick-off at Bodymoor Heath Training Ground at 1pm.



https://www.southamptonfc.com/news/2020-11-01/under-18-report-southampton-fc-0-2-fulham-u18-premier-league-2020-21

WhiteJC

NEW FOF'cast 🎙️🎧 West Brom or Bust 💥💥


Mitrovic fights for the ball in Fulham's 2-1 loss at home to Crystal Palace ..

On this episode of FOF'cast, we are joined once again by regular guests Owen Smith and Gerry Pimm, as we discuss the following Fulham FC topics:

⚽️ The 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace.

⚽️ The Crystal Palace Man of the Match (Lookman).

⚽️ The recent Tom Cairney criticism.

⚽️ Joachim Anderson's injury update.

⚽️ The Fulham supporters Trust notes from October.

⚽️ Hammersmith Bridge, and why there maybe a link to Fulham.

⚽️ How long does Scott's Parker realistically have.

⚽️ Monday nights game v West Bromwich Albion.

⚽️ West Bromwich Albion predictions.

Once again, thanks for taking the time to listen in, and your feedback is always appreciated to improve future FOF'cast shows

This Podcast is also available on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/fofcast-west-brom-or-bust/id1535958097?i=1000496733865



http://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=1512

WhiteJC

Fulham v West Brom: Promoted pair both target their first win

Fulham and West Bromwich Albion both lie in the bottom four places, each looking for a first win of the season.

Team news

Fulham will make a late decision on Joachim Andersen (ankle) while Monday's match may come too soon for Terence Kongolo (foot). Neeskens Kebano is due to return to training next week.

Dara O'Shea has returned to training and the West Brom defender is available for Monday night's contest.

Sam Field (knee) and Hal Robson-Kanu (broken arm) will also be back in contention after the November international break.

Did you know?

This is the first Premier League meeting between these clubs since 2013/14.

Fulham are unbeaten in their last nine league meetings with West Brom, since October 2010. The last four contests have ended level.

Karlan Grant has struck 38 league goals since the start of 2018/19. Of players currently aged 23 or under, only Jarrod Bowen and Tammy Abraham have scored more in England's top four tiers in that time, with 42 and 41 respectively.

Albion have won just one of their 14 PL away matches played on a Monday.

Match officials

Referee: Simon Hooper. Assistants: Derek Eaton, Neil Davies. Fourth official: Andy Madley. VAR: Kevin Friend.  Assistant VAR: Simon Beck.



https://www.premierleague.com/news/1876980


WhiteJC

Stan Collymore takes swipe at West Brom & Fulham, predicts result of PL showdown

Stan Collymore has hit out at West Brom and Fulham ahead of the two sides' upcoming showdown at Craven Cottage.

Albion travel to the capital on Monday for a huge match against one of the teams who was promoted from the Championship alongside side them last season.

Neither team have won in the Premier League this season but the Baggies are two points ahead of the Cottagers, who sit 19th going into the Monday night showdown.

In his predictions for the Sunday Mirror [print edition, November 1], former Aston Villa and Liverpool forward Collymore has predicted that Fulham will win 2-1 against West Brom but also claims that both sides are doomed for relegation this season.

"Potentially the least watchable football match in the history of the Premier League. It's arguably a 38-pointer because it's not just the three points you get from the game but the confidence a win could bring against a relegation rival," Collymore said.



What makes this one of the "least watchable" matches in the Premier League, Stan?

It's two teams who earned their places in the Premier League by doing well in the Championship last season and it's two teams who will be desperate for a result against one another.

All of the last four matches between West Brom and Fulham have ended in a draw but that doesn't mean the games going to be any less watchable than the utter dross we sat through last week with Manchester United and Chelsea – two of the most expensively-assembled teams in Premier League history – drew 0-0.

Either way, it's going to cost people £14.95 to watch West Brom play Fulham on Monday because of the Premier League's controversial pay-per-view scheme.

Collymore is better off saving his money if he's that certain that this game will be so awful.



https://www.westbromnews.co.uk/2020/11/01/stan-collymore-takes-swipe-at-west-brom-fulham-predicts-result-of-pl-showdown/

WhiteJC

'Almost a six-pointer' – Exclusive: Kevin Phillips predicts outcome of West Brom clash v Fulham

We're delighted to welcome former West Brom striker Kevin Phillips as our exclusive columnist. Each week he'll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at The Hawthorns...

Kevin Phillips claims West Brom are in for a tough match against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Monday, dubbing the fixture as "almost a six-pointer".

Slaven Bilic's side are yet to win in the Premier League this season but have managed to draw three of their last four matches.

Fulham, on the other hand, have just one point from their opening six matches and lost 2-1 at home to Crystal Palace last week.

Both teams are going to be gunning for victory in West London on Monday but Phillips doesn't believe we'll see a winner in a must-win match.

"They have to win," Phillips told West Brom News. "It will be a tough, tough match. It's almost a six-pointer straight away, certainly for Fulham.

"I expect a really tough game down at Craven Cottage but West Brom can take a lot of confidence from going to the AMEX and getting a point against a really good Brighton team, who are similar to Fulham in the way they play.

"I'm going to go for a draw. It's another tough away match at a team down the bottom. Fulham aren't a million miles away from getting a result.

"I hope West Brom can get a result but it's a score draw for me."

Neither team will want to lose this game.

Even though we're still in the early stages of the 2020/21 Premier League season, it's likely that West Brom and Fulham will be two of the teams down the bottom by the time it finishes.

That's why Phillips believes that this game is close to being a six-pointer.

Neither have had great starts, neither are playing particularly well and neither have won a match.

As no one will want to lose, it could be quite a close, cagey affair so a draw is perhaps the right call.



https://www.westbromnews.co.uk/2020/11/01/almost-a-six-pointer-exclusive-kevin-phillips-predicts-outcome-of-west-brom-clash-v-fulham/

WhiteJC

Scott Parker accepts Fulham will be in a relegation battle this season

Scott Parker insisted he wants Fulham to win "more than anyone" as they prepare for a crucial Premier League game against West Brom on Monday.

The Cottagers have just one point from their opening six matches and sit in 19th place ahead of their important game against the Baggies, who are also without a win this term.

Fulham finished fourth in the Sky Bet Championship last season before reaching the top flight via the play-offs but have endured a disappointing start on their Premier League return.

Parker said he was being realistic with his aims for the club this season and explained that he had set out the picture to the players and the squad before the start of the season.

He said: "I want to win more than anyone, I want us to be successful more than anyone, I want to be seventh to 10th in the league this year, but reality tells us that's going to be very, very difficult and not where we will be finishing.

"I know where we're going to be punching this year, and we're going to be punching in and around the bottom four, bottom five, bottom six, but at the same time I want my team to understand that.

"To understand the battles and what we need to do to be successful and realise the peaks and troughs along the way and stay positive, keep staying motivated and understand this is what we need to do and this is where we need to get to and with that I do actually feel that's the best way for us to come out with points and be successful this year.

"There's still a great hope, of course there is. I'm not saying that we can't end up with some good results and end up in 15th or 12th – sure we can but we end up there with a mindset and an understanding of where we are and the dips don't break us."



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/news/scott-parker-accepts-fulham-will-be-in-a-relegation-battle-this-season_420740.html


WhiteJC

Scott Parker remains realistic about Fulham's ambitions this season

Scott Parker insisted he wants Fulham to win "more than anyone" as they prepare for a crucial Premier League game against West Brom on Monday.

The Cottagers have just one point from their opening six matches and sit in 19th place ahead of their important game against the Baggies, who are also without a win this term.

Fulham finished fourth in the Sky Bet Championship last season before reaching the top flight via the play-offs but have endured a disappointing start on their Premier League return.

Parker said he was being realistic with his aims for the club this season and explained that he had set out the picture to the players and the squad before the start of the season.

He said: "I want to win more than anyone, I want us to be successful more than anyone, I want to be seventh to 10th in the league this year, but reality tells us that's going to be very, very difficult and not where we will be finishing.

"I know where we're going to be punching this year, and we're going to be punching in and around the bottom four, bottom five, bottom six, but at the same time I want my team to understand that.

"To understand the battles and what we need to do to be successful and realise the peaks and troughs along the way and stay positive, keep staying motivated and understand this is what we need to do and this is where we need to get to and with that I do actually feel that's the best way for us to come out with points and be successful this year.

"There's still a great hope, of course there is. I'm not saying that we can't end up with some good results and end up in 15th or 12th – sure we can but we end up there with a mindset and an understanding of where we are and the dips don't break us."



https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/scott-parker-remains-realistic-about-fulhams-ambitions-this-season-1604269805000

WhiteJC

Fulham handed massive blow ahead of clash v West Brom

Fulham could be without six players for the visit of West Brom on Monday night.

The Baggies are 17th in the table with three points from their opening six matches, two points ahead of 19th-place Fulham.

And Scott Parker could now have to contend with the absence of six key players.

Summer signing Kenny Tete, defender Terrence Kongolo and key attacking midfielder Josh Onomah are all set to miss out for a number of weeks, while former Lyon man Joachim Andersen is a big doubt after only returning to training this week (via Birmingham Mail).

Elsewhere, regulars Neeskens Kebano has a knock while Aboubakar Kamara is suspended.

West Brom have no fresh injury worries, with only long-term absentees Hal Robson-Kanu and Sam Field expected to miss out (via Transfermarkt).

Defenders Dara O'Shea could return after recovering from an ankle injury.

Timely boost
Fulham missing up to six first-team players is a boost for West Brom, especially ahead of such an important game.

Both sides are in search of their first Premier League win of the season, and Baggies boss Slaven Bilic will know that they need to take advantage of fixtures against fellow strugglers.

Kamara, in particular, is a big miss for Fulham, as his pace in behind would have been a big threat against the ageing Branislav Ivanovic.

Fulham have a similarly poor defensive record to the Baggies, with 14 goals conceded so far this term, so the miss of Andersen, Tete and Kongolo could also prove vital.

With a fairly clean bill of health, the Baggies should look to attack Scott Parker's side, with Grady Diangana, Matheus Pereira and Karlan Grant all looking to add to their Premier League goalscoring tallies.



https://www.westbromnews.co.uk/2020/11/02/fulham-handed-massive-blow-ahead-of-clash-v-west-brom/

WhiteJC

Pep Guardiola hints at second Premier League lockdown: "Football cannot be an exception"

Pep Guardiola saw his Manchester City side beat Sheffield United on Saturday, but was unsure whether the Premier League should continue after the game

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has cast doubt on whether the Premier League should carry on through a second national lockdown.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the restrictions on Saturday with all non-essential services to close from Thursday for a four-week period.

Elite sport has been given an exemption to continue as normal, although fans will still be prohibited from attending matches.

The Premier League paused its season when the country went into the first lockdown, resuming only when a fully-operational testing system was in place.

And Guardiola has now questioned whether it is the right decision to carry on playing this time around.

Speaking ahead of Johnson's speech, the Blues boss said: "It's difficult. I know the prime minister is taking the decision because the situation is getting worse. It happened in Spain, Germany and France. Everywhere.

"So the virus is still there. Maybe people say it is stronger. I think the world of football cannot be an exception in what is happening in society.

"So if we have to play, we will play. But we don't want to be different from the rest of society when they have to close restaurants or close whatever.

"It's a position in which I am not involved. I want to be safe. I want to keep well for myself, for my family, my friends, for all England, all of the UK. But honestly I don't know."

Guardiola urged the public to take the second wave of Covid-19 seriously - and do as asked and stay inside their homes.

"It's not a joke. It's serious," he added. "If he says stay at home, you have to stay at home. If he says don't do this, we don't do it.

"Because it's not fair for half of the population doing what we have to do and the prime minister says this, and the rest of the people do whatever they want.

"So we have to be conscious – the reality is tough, it's difficult. If we have to stop, we are going to stop.

"If we have to play, because they decide it's good for society or for I don't know, just be alert, be careful, take maximum consciousness of the dangers of the situation in which we are living."



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/pep-guardiola-hints-second-premier-22942505


General

Quote from: whitejc on November 02, 2020, 08:12:29 AM
Scott Parker remains realistic about Fulham's ambitions this season

Scott Parker insisted he wants Fulham to win "more than anyone" as they prepare for a crucial Premier League game against West Brom on Monday.

The Cottagers have just one point from their opening six matches and sit in 19th place ahead of their important game against the Baggies, who are also without a win this term.

Fulham finished fourth in the Sky Bet Championship last season before reaching the top flight via the play-offs but have endured a disappointing start on their Premier League return.

Parker said he was being realistic with his aims for the club this season and explained that he had set out the picture to the players and the squad before the start of the season.

He said: "I want to win more than anyone, I want us to be successful more than anyone, I want to be seventh to 10th in the league this year, but reality tells us that's going to be very, very difficult and not where we will be finishing.

"I know where we're going to be punching this year, and we're going to be punching in and around the bottom four, bottom five, bottom six, but at the same time I want my team to understand that.

"To understand the battles and what we need to do to be successful and realise the peaks and troughs along the way and stay positive, keep staying motivated and understand this is what we need to do and this is where we need to get to and with that I do actually feel that's the best way for us to come out with points and be successful this year.

"There's still a great hope, of course there is. I'm not saying that we can't end up with some good results and end up in 15th or 12th – sure we can but we end up there with a mindset and an understanding of where we are and the dips don't break us."



https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/scott-parker-remains-realistic-about-fulhams-ambitions-this-season-1604269805000

I really wish parker would be more positive in his press conferences. He's meant to be leading the team and making them think they'll be OK and can fight for the right to stay in the league.. not tell them that they're essentially going to be close to relegated or relegated from the off. That does absolutely nothing for confidence levels at all and sets the bar for motivation ridiculously low. We've got good players, a new squad who are gelling and have started to put in good performances. What we need to do is start taking more legitimate and on target shots. Our last two games we had loads of possession but took for ages to properly test the goalie. If we had done it more regularly and earlier the game could very well have been a draw. We got exposed defensively and I put that down to our tactics as we got hit on the break both times pretty much which is such a simple thing to try and not let happen against palace of all teams. Defensively, especially with andersen and kongolo coming back in actually think we could be quite solid. Now we need to shoot and shoot on target (not down keepers throat), and when crossing don't just do it for statistics sake, if there's a better pass, play the pass.. if you're going to cross make sure it's got quality on it. These things Scott really should be getting right after over a year of being our manager.

WhiteJC

Quote from: General on November 02, 2020, 10:58:57 AM
Quote from: whitejc on November 02, 2020, 08:12:29 AM
Scott Parker remains realistic about Fulham's ambitions this season

Scott Parker insisted he wants Fulham to win "more than anyone" as they prepare for a crucial Premier League game against West Brom on Monday.

The Cottagers have just one point from their opening six matches and sit in 19th place ahead of their important game against the Baggies, who are also without a win this term.

Fulham finished fourth in the Sky Bet Championship last season before reaching the top flight via the play-offs but have endured a disappointing start on their Premier League return.

Parker said he was being realistic with his aims for the club this season and explained that he had set out the picture to the players and the squad before the start of the season.

He said: "I want to win more than anyone, I want us to be successful more than anyone, I want to be seventh to 10th in the league this year, but reality tells us that's going to be very, very difficult and not where we will be finishing.

"I know where we're going to be punching this year, and we're going to be punching in and around the bottom four, bottom five, bottom six, but at the same time I want my team to understand that.

"To understand the battles and what we need to do to be successful and realise the peaks and troughs along the way and stay positive, keep staying motivated and understand this is what we need to do and this is where we need to get to and with that I do actually feel that's the best way for us to come out with points and be successful this year.

"There's still a great hope, of course there is. I'm not saying that we can't end up with some good results and end up in 15th or 12th – sure we can but we end up there with a mindset and an understanding of where we are and the dips don't break us."



https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/scott-parker-remains-realistic-about-fulhams-ambitions-this-season-1604269805000

I really wish parker would be more positive in his press conferences. He's meant to be leading the team and making them think they'll be OK and can fight for the right to stay in the league.. not tell them that they're essentially going to be close to relegated or relegated from the off. That does absolutely nothing for confidence levels at all and sets the bar for motivation ridiculously low. We've got good players, a new squad who are gelling and have started to put in good performances. What we need to do is start taking more legitimate and on target shots. Our last two games we had loads of possession but took for ages to properly test the goalie. If we had done it more regularly and earlier the game could very well have been a draw. We got exposed defensively and I put that down to our tactics as we got hit on the break both times pretty much which is such a simple thing to try and not let happen against palace of all teams. Defensively, especially with andersen and kongolo coming back in actually think we could be quite solid. Now we need to shoot and shoot on target (not down keepers throat), and when crossing don't just do it for statistics sake, if there's a better pass, play the pass.. if you're going to cross make sure it's got quality on it. These things Scott really should be getting right after over a year of being our manager.

the really worrying thing General is that he could be talking things up as far as he's concerned  and that he really believes that its far worse than he's making out?

WhiteJC

Fulham prepared for 'punching' relegation battle, insists Scott Parker

'We're going to be punching in and around the bottom four, bottom five, bottom six'

Scott Parker insisted he wants Fulham to win "more than anyone" as they prepare for a crucial Premier League game against West Brom on Monday.

The Cottagers have just one point from their opening six matches and sit in 19th place ahead of their important game against the Baggies, who are also without a win this term.

Fulham finished fourth in the Sky Bet Championship last season before reaching the top flight via the play-offs but have endured a disappointing start on their Premier League return.

Parker said he was being realistic with his aims for the club this season and explained that he had set out the picture to the players and the squad before the start of the season.

He said: "I want to win more than anyone, I want us to be successful more than anyone, I want to be seventh to 10th in the league this year, but reality tells us that's going to be very, very difficult and not where we will be finishing.

"I know where we're going to be punching this year, and we're going to be punching in and around the bottom four, bottom five, bottom six, but at the same time I want my team to understand that.

"To understand the battles and what we need to do to be successful and realise the peaks and troughs along the way and stay positive, keep staying motivated and understand this is what we need to do and this is where we need to get to and with that I do actually feel that's the best way for us to come out with points and be successful this year.

"There's still a great hope, of course there is. I'm not saying that we can't end up with some good results and end up in 15th or 12th - sure we can but we end up there with a mindset and an understanding of where we are and the dips don't break us."



https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/fulham-news-west-brom-scott-parker-fixtures-results-epl-table-b1527198.html


WhiteJC

Under-23 preview | Wolves vs Fulham

Wolves under-23s are back at Aggborough this afternoon as they take on Fulham in the hope of returning to winning ways.

James Collins' side have suffered back-to-back defeats in Premier League 2 Division 2 for the first time this season, and the head coach has called for his players to improve defensively ahead of the visit of the Cottagers to Kidderminster later today.

Their opposition are coming into the game on a string of successive losses, with the young whites falling 5-3 to Sunderland last time out and having not picked up a point in the league since a 2-1 win over West Bromwich Albion at the end of September.

With the game to be played behind closed doors, supporters can still catch all the action live from Kidderminster on Wolves TV.

The match will be streamed online from 2pm, with Mikey Burrows providing full match commentary and available to watch on wolves.co.uk or the Wolves App.

The live match stream can be found here, while supporters can also catch download the Wolves App now on iOS here and on Android here.

WHEN

Monday, 2pm

WHERE

Aggborough, Kidderminster

LAST THREE

Wolves

1-2 vs Crystal Palace (A)

1-3 vs Aston Villa (H)

1-1p vs Bradford City* (A) PJT

Fulham

3-5 vs Sunderland (A)

1-2 vs Newcastle United (A)

2-4 vs Peterborough United* (A) PJT

*indicates first-team opposition

WHAT THE BOSS THINKS

On importance of a clean sheet against Fulham

"They're a good group of players, they've got some talent, they know the system, they know the shape, and they keep playing, so I never expect them to down tools.

"I said to them that if this was the first-team, they've got to be careful because losing two on the bounce can become a habit again, so we've got to make sure we come out, be solid, get a nil, and if you get a nil then you build from there."

NEXT FIVE

02/11 Fulham (H)

06/11 Sunderland (A)

10/11 Doncaster Rovers* (A) EFLT

20/11 Middlesbrough (H)

30/11 Newcastle United (A)

*indicates first-team opposition



https://www.wolves.co.uk/news/under-23/20201102-under-23-preview-wolves-vs-fulham/

WhiteJC

PPV? No, charity!
Ahead of the West Brom game, we are sharing the stories of a number of Fulham fans, and Fulham based organisations, who are raising money for charity as an alternative to the £14.95 PPV charges.


1 – David and his friends trekking 80 miles for the Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity following Britain's oldest road from Swindon to Aylesbury! Go well! https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/familytrek2020

2 – Adam Farquharson, or AF, Fulhamish's Photoshop and graphics guru, has shaved off his beard for the first time in a decade(!) to grow a Mo for Movember and raise money for men's mental health charities: https://uk.movember.com/mospace/6179225

3 – Luke and friends are running 7 marathons in 7 days to raise money for Kingston Carers Network. Go well! https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/daniel-long15

4 – Coral Lutteridge will be swimming 30KM in memory of her Grandad Ted, raising money for Alzheimer's Research UK. Go well Coral!: https://swim.thetreblechallenge.org/pages/grandad-ted

5 – Eric Shadbolt is running the Thorpe and Egham half marathon in memory of his colleague Vicki and will be raising money for the Brain Tumour Charity. Go well!: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/eric-shadbolt

6 – Kieran Celaire is running the "Special K's" in November, a kilometre for every day additional day in the month, from 1 to 30KM! Go well!: https://uk.movember.com/mospace/2856473?

7 – Jake O'Dea is also running the Thorpe and Egham half marathon in memory of his Uncle, and will be raising money for St. George's Hospital. Go well!: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jake-odea

8 – Sophie Johnson is walking 20 miles along the Thames walkway for mental health charity "Mind" raising awareness for male suicide prevention. Go well!: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sophie-johnson41

9 – Julian Hare is raising money for the Coram Foundation who work with vulnerable children across the UK to give them a better future. He is attempting 1739 push-ups across October, 56 a day! Go well!: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/julianchallenge1739

10 – Gareth Davey is doing 3,000 press ups across the month of November for the Teenage Cancer Trust! Those arms are going to burn! Go well!: https://www.facebook.com/donate/399294978115964/

11 – The Huracan Foundation support grass roots football and education worldwide and were founded by Fulham fan Henry May and named after the Argentinian football team! You can donate to the cause here: http://thehuracanfoundation.org

12 – Access Adventures helps to provide sports and outdoor adventure opportunities to people with disabilities, allowing them to push their boundaries through sport: https://www.accessadventures.co.uk/

13 – The Fulham Foundation do some incredible work in the community and have helped to provide food during the COVID-19 pandemic. You can donate to the charity here, and enter an auction to win the shirt of a player of your choice here



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2020-11-02-ppv-no-charity/