Wednesday Fulham Stuff - 20/01/21...

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'Laughing stock' Fulham have answered their critics, says Parker

Fulham were a "laughing stock" at the beginning of the season, says Scott Parker. But he reckons the joke's on others now.

The Whites shipped 10 goals in their first three games, with not a point to show for it.

But they went five games unbeaten prior to the recent defeat against Chelsea.

"We've done remarkably well, because we were probably the laughing stock in terms of how people were portraying us," Parker said.

"Never was that the case in-house, but that narrative probably comes from us last time in this division. 'Oh look. It's the same old Fulham' – that sort of thing.

"Can we turn some of those draws into wins? That's what's going to keep us in this division.

"We've got to understand (draws) are a good gauge for us, and if we can get points along the way that's all good.

"But there are going to be other games that are vitally important."

After Manchester United, the Whites will meet Burnley in the FA Cup on Sunday, and then gear up for a pair of proverbial six-pointers against Brighton and West Brom.

The Covid-19 outbreak at the club has left players short of training and match fitness, and Parker intends to change his side for the cup visit to Turf Moor regardless of the result on Wednesday night.

He said: "We're not through it (Covid), and we need the FA Cup to balance things out a bit. Players will need a rest."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/laughing-stock-fulham-have-answered-their-critics-says-parker

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Parker pleased Fulham aren't Premier League's 'laughing stock'

Scott Parker is delighted with Fulham's dramatic recent improvement – claiming that side are no longer 'the laughing stock' of the Premier League ahead of tomorrow night's meeting with Manchester United.

The Fulham manager has ambitious goals for the remainder of the season and remains confident that his side can beat the drop. Parker feels that a combination of their poor displays in their last top flight season and a dreadful start to this campaign meant his charges were written off by the pundits far too easily.

We've done remarkably well considering where we were at the start of the season. We were probably a laughing stock in terms of how people were portraying us. But never was that the case in house, never was that the case from myself or the players.

It was clear, wasn't it? There was a narrative around us at the start of the season, a narrative that was helped by our previous time in this division. We lost two games by more than two goals and that narrative was instantly in people's heads. 'Oh look, it's the same Fulham, that's what's going to happen this time around.'

Parker admits he has used some of the punditocracy's predictions as motivation for his squad, but reiterated that his side have enough quality to stay in the top flight. Whilst many have commented on how the young manager has reshaped his team by switching to three centre backs, Parker insists his team still play stylish possession football that is easy on the eye.

People were blurred a little bit by what happened the last time we were here and I can understand why. It was certainly an area we needed to address to have a chance of doing well. It was clear, everyone was along the same lines, that it was going to be tough for us. We've done remarkably well to be able to fight and punch our weight. We're not just doing it with determination and grit but with a real style about us, and it's clear people can see a real drastic improvement in our game. But it's coming down to results now. We've got a lot of draws and we need to turn them into wins to stay in this division.

Parker's side were unfortunate to see their impressive six-match unbeaten run come to an end against Chelsea at the weekend, with the Whites being reduced to ten men on the stroke of half-time. Another stern test awaits on Wednesday as league leaders Manchester United visit Craven Cottage, before two crucial clashes against relegation rivals Brighton and West Brom.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/01/parker-pleased-fulham-arent-premier-leagues-laughing-stock/

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Parker reveals Cairney injury issues

Scott Parker hopes that another knee injury won't keep Fulham captain Tom Cairney on the sidelines for too long.

The Scottish international has not featured since Fulham's 1-1 draw at Newcastle back in December and the Fulham manager is determined not to rush his playmaker back before he is fully fit. Cairney has made eleven appearances this term and has showed signs, particularly in the 2-0 win over West Brom in November, of recapturing some of his best form. Speaking at today's press conference ahead of the forthcoming meeting with Manchester United, Parker said:

"We're hoping he'll be back before too long. He's got an ongoing issue which is more of a management issue really in the sense of it's been going on for some months now, and it probably will be ongoing for some weeks and months. It's an issue that came up in a friendly game a few months ago that we had at the training ground, and he's been nursing it a bit. It's got to the point where it's little bit irritable and it's holding him back."

"I think it just depends when we can get Tom to a comfortable level and push him on from there and see how he reacts. I'm hoping it won't be too much longer but, at the same time, that may be the case."

Cairney, who has made 217 appearances in five and a half years at Craven Cottage, has a history of serious knee injuries. He was badly injured when playing for Hull as a teenager and missed significant periods of Fulham's 2017/2018 promotion campaign having been sidelined by a significant knee problem. The good news is that this injury is affecting the 29 year-old's other knee, but it is clearly too early to put a date on his return to action.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/01/parker-reveals-cairney-injury-issues/

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Fulham welcome Aleksandar Mitrovic back for Man United clash

Fulham will have Mario Lemina and Aleksandar Mitrovic available for selection for the Premier League clash with high-flying Manchester United.

Midfielder Lemina has overcome an unspecified injury problem, while Serbia striker Mitrovic has recovered from a minor hamstring issue suffered in the FA Cup win at QPR on January 9.

On-loan midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek also returns to contention having been ineligible for Saturday's defeat to parent club Chelsea but defender Antonee Robinson and forward Bobby Decordova-Reid are suspended while Terence Kongolo (hamstring) and Tom Cairney (knee) remain sidelined.

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hopes to only be without two players at Craven Cottage.

The Norwegian was still waiting on the results from their latest batch of coronavirus tests when he faced the media to preview the trip to Craven Cottage on Tuesday afternoon.

Solskjaer ruled Phil Jones and Brandon Williams out of Wednesday's match through injury, while the United boss suggested January acquisition Amad Diallo would not be called upon just yet.

Fulham provisional squad: Areola, Rodak, Tete, Andersen, Adarabioyo, Aina, Hector, Odoi, Ream, Bryan, Reed, Anguissa, Onomah, Lemina, Loftus-Cheek, Kebano, Cavaleiro, Lookman, Kamara, Mitrovic.

Manchester United provisional squad: De Gea, Henderson, Grant, Wan-Bissaka, Tuanzebe, Lindelof, Bailly, Maguire, Shaw, Telles, McTominay, Fred, Matic, Van De Beek, Pogba, James, Fernandes, Lingard, Greenwood, Rashford, Martial, Cavani, Ighalo.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/man-utd/news/fulham-welcome-aleksandar-mitrovic-back-for-man-united-clash_431241.html

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Three reasons for Manchester United to be wary of Fulham

Manchester United at back in action on Wednesday night with a trip to face Fulham at Craven Cottage

The 0-0 draw at Anfield was a decent result which kept United top but it needs to be followed up with a win against a side battling at the lower end of the table.

Leicester and Manchester City both play before United and could have knocked us off the summit before kick off in west London.

If that's the case, nothing but a win will put United back on top but getting it won't be easy. We've had a look at three reasons to be wary of Scott Parker's side...

Improved recent form

Since the 2-0 defeat against City in December, Fulham picked up five draws before narrowly losing to Chelsea with ten men on Saturday.

They have stabilised their season and look like a side with a clear identity, playing with confidence.

In that run, they've taken points off Liverpool and Tottenham, outplaying both teams for long periods of those games.

Parker has found a way of playing which means his side can hurt teams.

Defensive solidity

Fulham looked porous in the early part of the season but a switch to a three-man backline has made them much more solid now.

They've kept clean sheets in three of their last six home matches, and the aforementioned defeat at City was the only time they've lost by more than one goal since September.

Like the trip to Burnley last week, this looks set to be another tight contest where patience will be the order of the day.

Focus on ourselves

It was a good result in a big game at Anfield but United cannot afford to take their foot off the gas after that.

United had the best chances to get all three points at Anfield and not taking them has put more pressure on to win here.

We are on the longest unbeaten run in Europe's top five leagues and the onus is on us to maintain that momentum with a professional, focused performance at Craven Cottage.

As mentioned above, Fulham have the tools to hurt elite clubs when they're not quite on it and it's up to United not to give them a sniff tomorrow night.

United could have dropped to third by kick off and it would be a strong show of character to immediately return to the top of the table against an awkward opponent.



https://www.unitedinfocus.com/news/three-reasons-for-manchester-united-to-be-wary-of-fulham/

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Fulham Showing The Most Confidence Among Relegation Battlers

Ever since their relegation from the Premier League in 2014, Fulham have been desperate to become an established Premier League side.

Their acceptable but not extraordinary performances over the past seven years have been particularly sore in the eyes of fans. Especially in comparison to the relative success they enjoyed in the early 2000s.

Fulham have only lost one of their last six Premier League games, and a draw against supposed title-challengers Tottenham this month was important. Even after manager Scott Parker's complaints about only being given two days to prepare for that postponed match, they still managed to gain a point.

They subsequently lost to Chelsea after a challenge from Antonee Robinson on Cesar Azpilicueta saw them go down to ten men, and Parker's side are four points deep in the relegation zone, but there is still a chance things could look different at the end of the season.

One of the greatest problems for Fulham has been their owner and chairman, Shahid Khan. The Pakistani billionaire has now been in charge for seven years and has offered the club a great amount of financial security. Despite this, his problem was his trigger happy nature when it came to managers.

His first season as owner was the disappointing 2013-14 season during which three different mangers sat in the dugout at Craven Cottage.

The next season also saw three different managers for Fulham, before they settled on Slaviša Jokanović.

Jokanović got Fulham promoted back to the Premier League in 2018 but was sacked in November. 2018-19 saw another three managerial changes, including Claudio Ranieri taking charge and leaving the club.

Finally, Khan settled on Scott Parker. Although a young manager, Parker does have experience in relegation battles after taking charge in the 2018-19 season. He's obviously been a success, having won the Championship play-off final while still being in the race for survival this season.

Fulham have not really been embarrassed at any point this season. The only game which could fall into that bracket came in the shape of a 3-0 Carabao Cup defeat to Brentford.

They were unlucky not to get a point out of a game against Everton, which they continually came back into despite going behind early to a Dominic Calvert-Lewin goal and trailing 3-1 at half time.

Subsequent matches were far more positive. A win against Leicester and five draws in a row prior to the defeat against Chelsea saw them gain points from Southampton and Liverpool. And it's not that Fulham have lucky to get those draws — if anything they have been unlucky not to convert them into wins.

An important factor to Fulham's current success has been their tactical adaptation from the Championship to the Premier League.

Newly-promoted teams tend to get relegated because they fail to change their style, even slightly. This happened to Norwich City last season, and even though Daniel Farke is having success playing with a 4-2-3-1 in the Championship this season, things will have to change if they are promoted again.

Fulham also played direct football while also using the flanks in a 4-2-3-1 formation as they were promoted, but in the Premier League Parker's side usually set up in a 3-5-2. Three defenders at the back can certainly be off-putting to relegation sides, but having versatile and fluid wingers is essential, and this is something Fulham have.

Their strength, though, is in central midfield — in particular their Premier League quality signings, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Harrison Reed.

Although Loftus-Cheek played up front against Tottenham, his versatility is beginning to show. Fulham would like to see him sign for the club permanently, but Chelsea have invested a lot of money into his development and would like a greater profit.

Many of their signings have brought great leverage to what was a youthful side. The loan-signing of Alphonso Areola is impressive considering he was playing Champions League football for Real Madrid just last season. Other loanees like Mario Lemina and Joachim Anderson have all but been vital to keeping them in the fight.

There is only one goal for Fulham at this moment in time — to remain in the Premier League — an aim which is very much achievable.

They do not have much competition in the shape of Sheffield United and West Bromwich Albion. They could also have the upper hand against Brighton, and Newcastle could also be dragged into the relegation battle.

It's more than likely that Fulham can survive, and hopefully, Parker can finally establish the club as a solid Premier League side once again.



https://worldfootballindex.com/2021/01/fulham-relegation-battle-scott-parker-confidence/

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Nice in talks over Le Marchand return

Nice are in talks with Fulham over the possible return of their former defender Maxime Le Marchand on loan, according to reports in France.

Le Marchand made 77 appearances in three seasons with Les Aiglons before joining the Whites in July 2018. Nice are seeking short-term defensive cover Brazilian centre half Dante picked up an untimely knee injury and would value a signing with significant Ligue 1 experience, which their young set of defenders currently lack.

The 31 year-old, who helped Fulham win promotion back to the Premier League at the first attempt last season, has made just four first-team appearances this term having been usurped by summer signings Ola Aina, Joachim Andersen and Tosin Adarabioyo as Scott Parker reshaped a failing defence. His only league start came in the 1-0 defeat by Wolves at the start of October. It is understood that the proposed loan deal would not include a purchase option. The versatile defender has made 48 appearances in two and half seasons at Craven Cottage.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/01/nice-in-talks-over-le-marchand-return/

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Scott Parker challenges Joe Bryan to show Premier League quality

Fulham manager Scott Parker has challenged out-of-favour defender Joe Bryan to prove he belongs in the Premier League.

Bryan is poised for his first top-flight start since early October when high-flying Manchester United visit Craven Cottage on Wednesday evening due to the suspension of Antonee Robinson.

The 27-year-old began the campaign as the Cottagers' first-choice left-back but lost the shirt following a string of underwhelming performances during four successive defeats.

Parker felt Bryan was "instrumental" in securing last season's promotion from the Sky Bet Championship – including scoring both goals in the play-off final win over Brentford – and is convinced the player can seize the chance afforded by Robinson's red card in Saturday's 1-0 loss to Chelsea.

"I am sure it has been very, very difficult for Joe. Last year he was fantastic for us," Parker said ahead of the visit of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side.

"He started the season and had that shirt and I think Joe would be the first to say he probably didn't really grab the opportunity with both hands and at that point Antonee Robinson has come in the team and he's just had to sit behind someone who has done remarkably well.

"I know for sure he has the quality and the capability to grab that opportunity and that's what he needs to do because it has been tough.

"He was instrumental for what we did last year and the (play-off) final was just a snapshot of that really.

"He gets his chance now again to come into this team and show his quality and show the Premier League how good he is."

Struggling Fulham, who have gone seven Premier League games with victory, sit four points adrift of safety going into the clash with title-chasing United.

Since being selected to start the 1-0 defeat at Wolves more than three months ago, Bryan has been restricted to just 12 minutes of top-flight action from five substitute appearances.

Parker insists there is little to choose between the former Bristol City man and United States inter

"I am fortunate enough to have two left-backs here that both have brilliant quality," he said.

"We've all been accustomed to seeing Joe's quality in the sense of his technical quality, his delivery of a ball, his classy set-plays, he can score goals, you can play him higher up the pitch.

"Is he a lot different to Antonee Robinson? Maybe the only difference I see is Antonee has more running power with the ball, gets you up the pitch a little bit more. But certainly Joe brings his quality with the ball.

"This is a big opportunity."



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/man-utd/news/scott-parker-challenges-joe-bryan-to-show-premier-league-quality_431283.html

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Parker urges Bryan to show top flight quality

Scott Parker has urged Joe Bryan to make the most of Antonee Robinson's suspension – and show that he deserves to reclaim his place as Fulham's first choice left back.

The former Bristol City full back will step in for the American international after Robinson was sent off against Chelsea at the weekend. Bryan hasn't started a Premier League game since October, when he paid the price for Fulham's poor start on their return to the top flight – a remarkable reverse in his fortunes after his brilliant brace against Brentford secured the Cottagers' Premier League return at the first time of asking.

Parker told his pre-match press conference earlier today:

"I am sure it has been very, very difficult for Joe. Last year he was fantastic for us. He started the season and had that shirt and I think Joe would be the first to say he probably didn't really grab the opportunity with both hands and at that point Antonee Robinson has come in the team and he's just had to sit behind someone who has done remarkably well."

"I know for sure he has the quality and the capability to grab that opportunity and that's what he needs to do because it has been tough. He was instrumental for what we did last year and the final was just a snapshot of that really. He gets his chance now again to come into this team and show his quality and show the Premier League how good he is."

The Fulham head coach feels he is lucky to have strength in depth at left back with both Bryan and Robinson able to offer an attacking threat and well suited to operating as wing backs in Parker's new system.

"I am fortunate enough to have two left-backs here that both have brilliant quality. We've all been accustomed to seeing Joe's quality in the sense of his technical quality, his delivery of a ball, his classy set-plays, he can score goals, you can play him higher up the pitch. Is he a lot different to Antonee Robinson? Maybe the only difference I see is Antonee has more running power with the ball, gets you up the pitch a little bit more. But certainly Joe brings his quality with the ball. This is a big opportunity."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/01/parker-urges-bryan-to-show-top-flight-quality/

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Man Utd Matchday Preview

Fulham v Manchester United | Wednesday 20th January 2021 | 8.15pm | Craven Cottage | #FULMUN

The opposition

    Fulham are hosting a side bang in form on Wednesday, with Manchester United unbeaten in 12 Premier League matches – a run which stretches back to the beginning of November.
    Their last five matches have all been fairly tight, though. They have drawn away to both Leicester City and Liverpool in that spell, and also saw off Wolverhampton Wanderers, Aston Villa and Burnley by a solitary goal.
    The vast majority of United's goals have come from two sources this season. Bruno Fernandes has netted 11 Premier League goals – five of which came from the penalty spot – while Marcus Rashford has contributed seven. Edinson Cavani is next in the ranking with three league goals.

Fulham team news

A double suspension has hit Fulham going into this fixture, with Antonee Robinson serving the first of a three-game ban, and Bobby De Cordova-Reid also sitting out having accumulated five yellow cards. Tom Cairney and Terence Kongolo remain unavailable, but Aleksandar Mitrović and Mario Lemina return to contention.

Man Utd team news

Long-term injured Phil Jones and Brandon Williams are the only confirmed absentees for the visitors.

Coverage

The match will be broadcast live on BT Sport, while commentary from Gentleman Jim and Jamie Reid is available for FFCtv subscribers.

Player insight

Ruben Loftus-Cheek dismissed the notion that fixtures against the likes of Manchester United should be considered 'bonus games' for teams such as Fulham.

The Whites more than matched Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea in our previous outings, and Loftus-Cheek says his side will take the game to the opposition once again on Wednesday.

"I don't think we're going into these games against big teams thinking it's going to be a really difficult game," he told FFCtv.

"We're giving these teams a tough time, we're hard to break down and we're good going forward, so we see these games as a chance to get points.

"I'm not being just really optimistic, that's just how we feel at the minute. I definitely think we can get things from these games."

Form

Fulham: DDWDL

Man Utd: WLWWD

Pre-match quotes

"We're playing against an in-form team here, a team that are top of the league for a reason. They have massive quality all over the pitch."

Scott Parker
Fulham Head Coach

"It's hard enough to go to Craven Cottage anyway but at the moment they're really well structured on and off the ball, quick strong players defensively and players that can make the difference."

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
Manchester United Manager

https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2021/january/Man-Utd-Matchday-Preview/

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Did film star Hugh Grant help Fulham buy Robbie Herrera?

"THEY went round the ground with buckets to try and raise some money to get me – then a mystery benefactor came in and stumped up the cash."

When current Dorchester Town boss Robbie Herrera was at home as a teenager, he might not have realised the beginning of his professional career was a five-minute walk away.

As it happened, his brother Tony was playing for Torquay's youth team in a midweek fixture. The Gulls needed reinforcements.

"They had an evening game and I'm pretty sure it was Bristol City Under-18s," Herrera told Echosport.

"They were short of a few players, so my brother said to the staff there: 'My brother plays, we're only down the road.'

"So he came back, got me and I ended up playing the game.

"I was 13, 14 and from then on it went to playing for them on a regular basis and getting involved in their reserve team that played in the old South Western League.

"I was 15, playing men's football and it went on from there."

Herrera's brother Tony, who had spells with Exeter and Torquay, saw his professional career curtailed by an ankle injury.

But Robbie's playing time was only getting started and, in the summer of 1986, QPR voiced interest.

"Dave Webb was manager at Torquay at the time," Herrera recalled.

"They offered me the old-style YTS (Youth Training Scheme) and I wasn't going to take it – I was waiting for Plymouth Argyle to find digs for me.

"I was going to go down there, then I got a call from Jim Smith at QPR. Dave had been in contact with him and I thought it was a bit of a hoax at the time.

"It was actually him that rung me, Jim Smith, and he said: 'Look, would you like to come up?'

"That got arranged, I went up with my dad. It was the '86 World Cup. They put us up in a hotel, I got met at the train station and got picked up in the morning.

"I went in and trained, went back to the main ground and I signed that afternoon – really quick.

"I spent six seasons, did a year and a half as a scholar then signed pro. I signed a few contracts under different managers but didn't get a regular run in the first team.

"But I enjoyed my time there, loved it."

Herrera had two loan spells at Torquay in 1992 before Fulham offered a three-month stint.

"Ray Lewington was assistant-manager at Fulham and he'd asked if (QPR) had any defenders at left-back, like myself.

"I went there and they wanted to buy me. It went to a tribunal. I'll never forget it.

"Jimmy Hill was there and it came up at 60 grand. I thought: 'They're getting themselves a bargain!'

"It was a £30,000 down payment, so £90,000 altogether. Jimmy at the time said we can't afford that because the club, financially, weren't in a great place.

"I went back to QPR and to be fair to Gerry Francis, who was manager, he said: 'We'll look after him.'

"They did and offered me another two-year deal, but I wanted to play regularly.

"Luckily, the first game after my loan at Fulham they went round with buckets to try and raise some money to get me and a mystery benefactor came in and stumped up the cash."

Rumours of film star Hugh Grant's involvement in the deal have been circling for some time.

However, Herrera seems to suggest the Love Actually heartthrob did play at least a cameo in his move.

"It was obviously a Fulham fan," he said. "The cash came in and I went and signed.

"The club had said to me that he'd come in and put some money towards it because they couldn't quite get over the finish line in terms of finances."

Herrera played 144 games at Craven Cottage – the most for any club in his career.

"It changed dramatically," Herrera admitted. "When I first went down there Ian Branfoot was manager and we didn't really get along.

"He was long-ball and wanted to get the ball up the pitch early. I'd been brought up trying to play out, that was our DNA at QPR, so we differed on that and had our clashes.

"Then Micky Adams took over. We had a good understanding because he played in front of me, he was left-wing.

"Then we got promoted and the following couple of years we missed out on the play-offs.

"Micky then got the sack when Mohamed Al-Fayed came in. That's when the club really took off, the money was there.

"All of a sudden we were buying Paul Peschisolido, Chris Coleman for two million, Paul Trollope came in for £650,000 then we got Mike Taylor and Alan Neilson from Southampton for a combined million.

"Twenty-odd years ago it was quite a lot of money, especially for a club in League One.

"They started splashing and all the squad that had got us promoted the season before was ripped apart.

"We had Ray Wilkins and Kevin Keegan as joint managers. The club had moved on dramatically in a short space of time."

He added: "We weren't staying at top-of-the-range hotels for away games. It would be a B&B and nobody complained.

"But once the money came in we were staying at the best hotels.

"We'd gone from travelling in a coach with barely any heating to a coach where everybody had a screen in front of them and leather seats.

"We'd done a kit deal with Le Coq Sportif at the start of the season and when Fayed took over that had been knocked on the head and we'd gone Adidas.

"It was unbelievable times – a fantastic club."

But an injury proved the beginning of the end to Herrera's stay at Fulham.

"When Kevin came in he was all over me," Herrera said. "He was enjoying what I was doing and how I was performing.

"I was quite excited by things and then I got injured and we'd sold the other left-back to Brentford – a lad called Paul Watson.

"They didn't have anyone to fill in, so they went and bought Rufus Brevett who was a good friend of mine because we were at QPR together.

"Rufus came in and he finished off the season. Kevin had indicated that if I came back in pre-season fit, then we'd discuss a new deal.

"I came in really fit and we had pre-season away in Scotland, of which I didn't get any minutes.

"Then there was a trip to Germany and I wasn't on it. Just before they were about to travel, they said there's an offer for me and it was Torquay."

Herrera went back home to Plainmoor on a three-year deal and good money.

"I had a good couple of seasons there," Herrera said.

"Then the last season there I had an injury. My back and hip had locked so I was having treatment Monday to Thursday.

"I'd train Friday and play Saturday, then back to square one. I was doing that for five months.

"I had it manipulated under anaesthetic, just to get me through games. My form wasn't fantastic, but I just wanted to play.

"Fair play to the club, they were paying for the treatment and it doesn't come cheap."

After just over 100 games at Torquay, Herrera spent time at Leyton Orient, Grays Athletic and linked up with former Torquay star Leroy Rosenior at Merthyr Tydfil.

Spells at Taunton and Devon sides Torrington and Bideford concluded his playing time before stepping into management with relegation-threatened Torrington in the Western League.

"That was hard work!" Herrera joked.

"The majority of lads had been at Torquay in the youth team. The nucleus of that group was quite strong.

"I only went in for the last two, three games of the season and we managed to stay up.

"Then the young lads, they moved for the extra fiver and the budget at Torrington wasn't particularly good. I had to build a whole new team. That was difficult."

Herrera earned his coaching reputation at Torquay, guiding the Gulls' young talent on their way before taking the assistant-manager job to Kevin Nicholson in 2015.

Two years later, Herrera was named caretaker manager after Nicholson left but then went to Plymouth's youth setup when Gary Owers got the Torquay job.

Fast forward to 2020 and Herrera joined forces with former Taunton and Truro boss Leigh Robinson at Dorchester.

"I'd played against a couple of his teams when he was at Wellington," he said.

"When I was doing the 23s at Plymouth and he was at Truro, the club loaned him a couple of players.

"I got to know him quite well through that. The (Dorchester) job came up and I went in.

"They said: 'Would you do it together with Leigh?'

"I said: 'If he's happy to do it, I'm happy.'

"I got on well with Leigh and it was good because he'd talk to me about players and finances. That's what he liked to deal with and he'd let me get on with the coaching.

"He'd say: 'Could you work on this?' and I'd take the session, which I enjoyed. It worked out quite well."

Robinson then left owing to work commitments, having won just four games in 20.

Herrera agreed to step up from his first-team coach role but has only taken charge of three games – including two friendlies – amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

"The first game at Swindon to go 2-0 down and bring it back to 2-2 with less than 30 seconds to go I'm thinking: 'The lads have done well, fantastic character'.

"Then to go give away a penalty is criminal and you can't legislate for that. It was a little bit bittersweet," he said.

"After that, the two friendlies, Exmouth and Christchurch, I'm trying to get my philosophies and values across.

"Especially on our pitch at home, we've got to pass it."

Dorchester and Herrera seem tailor-made for each other.

The revamped Avenue's 3G pitch lends itself to the attacking play Herrera relished while bombing down the wing during his career.

The Magpies will now be hoping results – and the pandemic – turn in their favour.



https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/sport/19022750.film-star-hugh-grant-help-fulham-buy-robbie-herrera/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham not looking to sign striker Dia, says Parker

Fulham have no interest in Stade de Reims striker Boulaye Dia.

Scott Parker has dismissed reports the Whites have tabled a bid for Ligue 1's top scorer, who has netted 12 goals in 18 games this season.

Parker is keen to sign a striker but admits joining a club in the bottom three represents a risk, so any deal must be right for both parties.

"It's a tough market and everyone's looking for the same type of player," the head coach said.

"You're sitting in the bottom three and the worry from owners and investors is there, so we have to get a deal that's tailored for us and something that moves us on.

"That (Dia) is not someone who we've spoke about."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-not-looking-to-sign-striker-dia-says-parker

[WhiteJC]

'Quality' Bryan backed ahead of Fulham recall

Joe Bryan will have another chance to show he can be a first-choice pick for Fulham when he faces Manchester United tonight.

The left-back comes in for the suspended Antonee Robinson, who was sent off in Saturday's 1-0 defeat by Chelsea – and Bryan has been given a ringing endorsement from Scott Parker.

The head coach says he told Bryan at the beginning of the season that his place was under threat from Robinson, and so it proved to be.

Now, the man bought from Bristol City in 2018 will have a three-game opportunity to leave Robinson on the bench when his suspension is up.

Parker said: "I'm fortunate enough to have two left-backs here that have quality.

"Joe's has technical quality – his set-plays, his delivering the ball, and he can score goals as well.

"Is he a lot different to Antonee Robinson? Maybe Antonee has more running power with the ball, but with the ball, Joe's quality.

"This is a big opportunity for Joe who's had to sit behind Antonee.

"I'm sure it's been very difficult for Joe. Last year he was right up there in the assists for our team. And that goal (a free-kick against Brentford) in the play-off final was just a snapshot of that.

"Joe would be the first to say he didn't really grab that opportunity with both hands at the start of the season, but now he has three games to show that he can."

Meanwhile, Parker has insisted that Fulham are not looking to sign Boulaye Dia despite being linked with the Stade de Reims striker.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/quality-bryan-backed-to-take-his-chance-against-man-utd

[WhiteJC]

Robbie Herrera's Fulham memories

Bit of a blast from the past this, but the Dorset Echo has a lovely interview with former Fulham full back Robbie Herrera this morning. There's plenty of detail on his time at Craven Cottage, from his arrival and whether Hugh Grant really did fund the transfer, to how he struggled under Ian Branfoot and felt a bit let down by Kevin Keegan in the end. Herrera, who now manages Dorchester Town, was one of my favourites in that excellent Micky Adams promotion team and certainly tells a good tale.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/01/robbie-herreras-fulham-memories/

[filham]

Earlier this season Parker demonstrated that he was prepared to change our tactics and that has resulted in improved performances. Now we are facing a goal drought at it is important that he brings back Mitro who has so far been out of touch and not fully fit. Cav. has been given a long run as striker but has failed.
Mitro has by far the best chance of breaking this goal drought.

[fulhamben]

Earlier this season Parker demonstrated that he was prepared to change our tactics and that has resulted in improved performances. Now we are facing a goal drought at it is important that he brings back Mitro who has so far been out of touch and not fully fit. Cav. has been given a long run as striker but has failed.
Mitro has by far the best chance of breaking this goal drought.

agree with that.we need to try something

[WhiteJC]

Fulham vs Manchester United: Scott Parker challenges Wembley hero Joe Bryan to reclaim starting role

Scott Parker has urged Fulham's Wembley hero Joe Bryan to seize the chance to reclaim his left-back spot against Manchester United.

Bryan fired Fulham into the Premier League when he scored twice in their Play-Off Final victory against Brentford but he has since lost his place in the team to Antonee Robinson.

Robinson starts a three-game ban against United after being sent off against Chelsea on Saturday and Bryan is set to make his first Premier League start since October.

Parker said: "I'm sure it's been very, very difficult for Joe. I know for sure he has the quality and the capabilities of grabbing that opportunity and that's what he needs to do.

"The one thing with Joe is he is an unbelievable professional that comes in every day wanting to get better. He keeps working as hard as he can and gets his opportunity now.

"I am fortunate enough to have two left-backs here who both have brilliant quality. We've all been accustomed to seeing Joe's quality, his technical quality."

Bryan has had to bide his time sitting on the sidelines and Parker has said the 27-year-old has not once asked to leave the club for more regular action.

"No that has never come up really," said Parker. "I had a conversation with Joe at the start of the season to explain that competition had come in in Antonee.

"This is the Premier League, bigger squads and competition and you rise to that, Antonee is going to push him on. They've been going toe-to-toe really, Joe has been first class in that but certainly there has never been a conversation with me and Joe regarding leaving."

Fulham are four points adrift of safety despite a solid run of four draws before their 1-0 defeat to Chelsea. They face a Manchester United side looking to jump back above Leicester at the top of the table.

Parker said: "Manchester United have massive quality all over the pitch. But like always, and over the course of the last few weeks, I think it is clear for everyone to see that for us as a team, there is no fear.

"We have the ingredients in this team, with the way we're playing at the moment, to hurt any team."



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-man-united-joe-bryan-scott-parker-b900428.html

[WhiteJC]

We need a striker before morale dries up
With our unbeaten run over, Mike says it's time to go out and get some cutting edge, before it's too late.

Our mini resurgence as a competitive team has mirrored the redevelopment of the Riverside Stand.  At the start of the season, the stand was a mere skeletal outfit. The pitch, and players, were impacted by whatever weather conditions swept across Thames-side. Likewise, on the pitch Fulham were no better, and took a few battering-s from the likes of Arsenal and Aston Villa as well as the weather.

As time has gone on, the Riverside Stand has resembled one of those before and after pictures for those acquainted with body transformations. The before being a scrawny and meagre 130 pounds, the after looking like a 200-pound finely sculpted colossus and still not finished. Our on-field progress has run parallel to the redevelopment at the stand, but now we're at a crossroads. It's certain the stand will be built and will be beautiful, but our Premier League status is precarious.

Exaggerated progress?
Our run of five draws in a row was broken by a late Chelsea goal – and it felt like it punctured the sense of progress that had built up. In the last six league games, we've only scored three goals. The run of unbeaten games has put a dollop of respectability on an otherwise difficult season, but we're still not much better off. Goals win games. Wins means three points, not one. And three points go much further in a bid to survive. We're neither scoring goals nor winning games. Only the dreadful Sheffield United have won fewer games than us.

Yet morale among fans still seems high. Or rather, morale seems high compared to the last time we were in the Premier League and in a similar position. This despite the fact that we're only three points better off than we were after 17 games during the ill-fated 2018/2019 season. But morale is a fleeting sense of emotion, and the longer the winless run becomes the more it will evaporate.

Firepower needed
After nicking a draw against Tottenham, Tony Khan was gushingly effusive in his praise. He thanked "supporters worldwide" and the staff for earning such an important point, before going on to say that his five years in the role, "managing transfers/loans", were his "happiest times". If we're to survive, then Scott Parker needs his assistance urgently in the transfer market.

Our over reliance on Aleksandar Mitrovic has finally caught up with us. Either injured, or out of form, or both, the Serb looks destined to prove to outsiders their long-held opinion that he is not good enough for the Premier League. For us Fulham fans, we maintain a hope that he can get his spark back, but with time running out it's not looking likely. And in the interim, we've had to rely on Ivan Cavaleiro.

To Cav's credit he works hard, but that's probably the biggest compliment one can pay the Portuguese forward. Credit for his equalising header against Tottenham aside, his squandered chance against Chelsea was a return to the true form that we've often witnessed. Inexplicably, his technique evaporated, and with his legs tangled, he managed to toot the ball wide from around six yards out.

This is the man that our Director of Football has left as a back-up forward option for Scott Parker and the team. Aboubakar Kamara has not been a legitimate alternative since his purple patch under Slavisa Jokanovic more than three years ago. Bobby Reid has manfully pitched in with some goals and much improved performances, but we still need a legitimate alternative up front.

Deadline day's late
In keeping with our previous transfer strategy, it looks like we'll be holding out for deadline day deals to bolster the squad. Unfortunately, two key games against Brighton and West Brom will have come and gone and any reinforcement could prove to be too late. By that time Fulham's fate could potentially have been sealed.

Including the last six games, including the defeat against Chelsea, we've mustered an average expected goals of 1.2 (xG). With Manchester United as our next game it doesn't seem feasible than any upturn in our goalscoring return will occur. But it's down to our attacking contingent to step beyond their limitations and conjure up something special.

Loftus-Cheek will come back into the side. Despite Parker's constant praise, he's never really got going, but if ever there was a time to stake his claim as a "world class" player, as mentioned by our DoF, now's the time to do so. We have decent players who can cause harm. It's time for the likes of Lookman, RLC, BDR, Cav or even Mitro to step up and provide that threat that we are desperately missing.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2021-01-20-sos-striker-needed-before-morale-dries-up/

[WhiteJC]

"We are looking at solutions" – Agent confirms several clubs want Fulham player, won't just go anywhere

Fulham decided not to include Stefan Johansen in the 25-man Premier League squad for this season.

Therefore, the midfielder has been restricted to two appearances in the EFL Cup and his last outing for the Cottagers came on October 1st.

Last month, the 30-year-old told Norway's TV2 his situation at Craven Cottage isn't ideal and "something needs to be done" about his future in the winter market.

Johansen's agent Tore Pedersen has now confirmed to TV2 several clubs have expressed their interest in the Norway international. The representative, however, stressed his client will not be moving to a specific country, if he ends up leaving Fulham.

"He wants to play football. It has been a half year with a lot of on and off and back and forth. It will not be Norway, I can guarantee that," Pedersen said.

The player's current deal with the London club runs down in 2022. According to TV2's report, Major League Soccer side New York City FC have Johansen on their radar.

The agent neither confirmed nor denied these claims, but stressed the conditions must be right for Scott Parker's man to join a new club in January.

"We are looking at different solutions. Finding a club is no problem, but everything has to be right. There is a total package here that needs to be decided, but Fulham play ball," he explained.

When further quizzed if he feels confident a solution could be found this month, Pedersen said: "In this game here, I'm not sure."



http://sportwitness.co.uk/looking-solutions-agent-confirms-several-clubs-want-fulham-player-wont-just-go-anywhere/

[WhiteJC]

QPR 'looking into' loan deal for Fulham's Stefan Johansen

QPR are looking into a potential loan deal for Fulham midfielder Stefan Johansen, reports Sean Gallagher.

The Norwegian has been omitted from Scott Parker's Premier League squad. Johansen has been limited to just two EFL Cup appearances this season and now, QPR insider Sean Gallagher has tweeted:

Understand QPR are looking into a possible loan deal for Fulham midfielder Stefan Johansen @talkSPORT #QPR #FFC

— Sean Gallagher (@Sean_Gallagher9) January 20, 2021

The former Celtic and West Brom man proved a useful player to Parker last season – he featured 33 times in the Championship as Fulham won promotion via the Championship play-offs.

Johansen though has been left behind – the likes of Tom Cairney and Josh Onomah have cemented their places in the side, with Frank-Andre Zambo Anguissa returning to the centre of midfield as well.

QPR meanwhile are struggling in the Championship. They currently sit in 20th-place of the table but after a couple of loan acquisitions – Charlie Austin coming in from West Brom – and a win over Luton Town last time out, Mark Warburton looks to have given his side a new lease of life.

But he's still in the market for names this month and his next signing could be Johansen. He's held in high-regards by Fulham fans but with their promotion back to the Premier League, the 30-year-old looks to be nearing the end of his time at the club.

His contract isn't out until 2022 but QPR could well be eyeing a loan with a view to signing permanently. He'd be hugely useful player given his experience and technical ability, and one that makes sense given his locality to the club.

Speaking to Norwegian outlet VG back in November, Johansen said of his Fulham future:

"It is clear that it is a small bang when you participate in two promotions and are not allowed to play more.

"But personally, I have no doubt that I want to play matches. So, if there is a similar situation in January, then it is of course appropriate to leave.

"I almost have to take it when it comes. First, the body must return to 100% to be as ready as possible for one or the other.

"Considering the family, that I have a small child, two years left on the Fulham contract and will turn 30 in January, I think there will be one (more) big contract. It will be quite important whether it is here or somewhere else."




https://the72.co.uk/216281/qpr-looking-into-loan-deal-for-wantaway-fulham-man/