News:

Use a VPN to stream games Safely and Securely 🔒
A Virtual Private Network can also allow you to
watch games Not being broadcast in the UK For
more Information and how to Sign Up go to
https://go.nordvpn.net/SH4FE

Main Menu


Wednesday Fulham Stuff - 27/01/21...

Started by WhiteJC, January 27, 2021, 12:01:32 AM

Previous topic - Next topic

WhiteJC

Results


Tuesday
Palace
2-3
West Ham
Newcastle
1-2
Leeds
Southampton
1-3
Arsenal
West Brom
0-5
Man City

WhiteJC

The injury news Brighton fans wanted to hear ahead of Fulham relegation battle
Brighton and Hove Albion received some good news on the injury fron ahead of their vital clash against fellow Premier League strugglers Fulham at the Amex Stadium tomorrow night

Albion head coach Potter expects to have midfielder Adam Lallana (illness and groin) and striker Aaron Connolly (hamstring) back in his squad following their respective fitness issues, although neither is likely to start.

Connolly has not featured for Albion since their pulsating 3-3 home draw against Wolves at the start of January. Connolly looked sharp that day and scored a well-taken goal during the first half but failed to appear in the second half after tweaking his hamstring.

The injury took a little longer than expected to heal but the Ireland international has trained well this week and is expected to available to use from the bench against Scott Parker's team.

The return of playmaker Lallana is also a timely boost. The 32-year-old former Liverpool midfielder also last played for Albion on January 2 against Wolves as he appeared as a 69th minute substitute for Dan Burn.

Lallana is available having recovered from illness and groin a problem.

Tariq Lamptey, who last played for Brighton in the 0-0 draw at Fulham last on December 16, has been ruled out with a hamstring injury. The 20-year-old is pencilled in for a February return.

Alireza Jahanbakhsh and Danny Welbeck (knee) remain sidelined for the Seagulls.

Potter also stressed Premier League relegation is not decided in January as he moved to play down the significance of Wednesday's showdown with fellow strugglers Fulham.

Albion sit five points and one position above Scott Parker's 18th-placed Cottagers ahead of the midweek meeting at the Amex Stadium, albeit having played a game more.

While the perilous positions of the clubs have seen the match dubbed a 'six-pointer', Potter was eager to avoid adding to the hype.

"As far as I know you only get three for this one! But, if we win, I will take six, no problem," he said.

"The point is, if you ask me or Scott, I am sure we would both say we'd love to win and three points would be fantastic for us.

"But we have got another 50-odd points to play for in the Premier League and nothing is finished in January, you have to keep fighting.

"I am sure both teams want to win."

Brighton go into the second half of the campaign having registered a meagre 17 points from their opening 19 fixtures.

The Seagulls ended a nine-game winless streak at Leeds in their last Premier League outing but are still awaiting a first top-flight home success of the season.

Potter, who believes the value of home advantage has decreased due to games being played without supporters, admits halting the lengthy wait for a league win in Sussex would ease the pressure on his side.

"We want to try and improve that record," he said.

"Anybody will say that if you're winning your home games, everything becomes a little bit easier.

"You can see how the games have gone this year, the home advantage is less and less.

"You just have to keep fighting and know that – home or away – there's an opportunity to win, as well as to lose.

"You have to have that respect of the opposition and the league. We will do our best to turn it around."



https://www.brightonandhoveindependent.co.uk/sport/football/brighton-and-hove-albion/injury-news-brighton-fans-wanted-hear-ahead-fulham-relegation-battle-3112670

WhiteJC

Kebano could leave Fulham on loan

A clutch of Championship clubs are keen to offer Neeskens Kebano first team football if Fulham are open to letting him leave on loan before the end of the transfer window, according to reports this morning.

Football Insider says that several second-tier sides are ready to table offers to take the Congolese winger on loan, but Scott Parker and the Fulham hierarchy have yet to decide on his immediate future. The 28 year-old has only started one league game this season – he lasted 63 minutes of the opening day defeat by Arsenal – and his chances of further football at Craven Cottage appear remote after the Whites were knocked out of the FA Cup by Burnley last weekend. Kebano, who scored in the previous round at QPR, was a second half substitute in that defeat by the Clarets.

The likeable winger signed a two-year contract following Fulham's promotion in August having scored five goals in as many games – and emerged as a surprise free-kick specialist – as Parker's side triumphed in the Championship play-offs. Having slipped out of the first-team picture following the summer arrival of Ademola Lookman, Kebano will be looking to secure regular football to boost his international prospects with DR Congo battling to qualify for the delayed Africa Cup of Nations finals due to be held this summer.

He has scored 15 goals in 99 appearances since signing from Genk for £3.5m in August 2016, but has only started 35 games in over four years in London. Sheffield Wednesday have had several loan offers for Kebano rejected in recent seasons – and it remains to be seen if the winger will be one of the departures hinted at by Parker in his post-match comments on Sunday.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/01/kebano-could-leave-fulham-on-loan/


WhiteJC

Albion meet Fulham and it IS a big game

It is too tempting and too easy to look ahead and identify certain fixtures for wins.

But we all do it, don't we?

Are players or managers equally guilty? Maybe, but they would not admit to it.

But it is certainly a trap into which those of us on the outside can fall.

Losing away to Norwich at the end of a week of celebration doesn't really matter.

Just watch them win the title at home to Bristol City instead.

Don't worry too much about the worsening Premier League position during the FA Cup run.

Enjoy Wembley and pick up the league points required at home to Southampton, Bournemouth and Cardiff.

This time last year how many of us were eyeing a run of games against Aston Villa, Bournemouth, West Ham and Watford as a chance for Albion to distance themselves from danger?

Or thinking wins would come this season when West Brom, Burnley and Sheffield United visited the Amex?

It doesn't work like that.

You can identify opportunities but they are not always taken.

I personally believe Albion will get the wins they need this season.

But I would not like to predict when.

Still, Fulham at home has to be an opportunity. For both teams.

The sides currently either side of the cut-off line meet at the Amex tomorrow.

A win takes Albion eight points clear of the Cottagers, who they should have beaten on the road before Christmas.

But you would not be an Albion fan if you weren't looking at the table and also working out the immediate consequences of an away win.

It will not settle anything but Fulham's visit feels like a big game.

Getting Graham Potter to agree with that is the easy part What you will not hear is him saying it is bigger than any other.

He told reporters: "All the games are big for everybody in the Premier League.

"Everybody wants to win, three points are important.

"It's the same for Scott (Parker) and Fulham as it is for us.

"We're in a good moment but you have to start again in the game.

"We have been through a tough period where we didn't win for a while "It was nice to get that win against Leeds.

"It was good to come through that tough week again Newport County, Manchester City and Leeds. The Man City performance was quite good.

"Our performances this season have been good in general.

"The only times I can think when they weren't is against Leicester and a half against West Brom.

"It's the same at Fulham.

"They have performed well and in some games they have been a bit unlucky "You can see that their performances have been strong. It will be a tough game."

There were a couple of theories being fired at Potter as he answered questions via Zoom yesterday.

One was that the onus was on Albion more than Fulham to win given they are at home.

(Which in turn led to that awful home record being brought up).

The other was that, given their five-point lead over the Cottagers, it is more of a must-not-lose occasion for the Seagulls than a must-win.

Potter said: "I think you always try to approach the games to win.

"If you're at home, I think there is naturally that long-standing thought that the onus is on you and generally that's the case.

"But you've lost a massive external factor out of the game, which is the crowd, which I think does influence a lot of how the game is played to a certain extent.

"But we're at home, we want to try and win the game.

"We also know Fulham are very strong playing against that type of thought, so there is a balance required.

"I think both teams are capable, home or away, of winning.

"Clearly we want to try and win our game because we are at home and we want to try and get three points."

There could, of course, be another factor to throw in – and that is the current slump being suffered by Newcastle United.

Will that continue? Should both these teams be eyeing Toon as a team to overhaul? They will be in reach if they lose to Leeds tonight Either way, talk of a six-pointer at the Amex will continue.

That is the sort of game in which Albion have not fared so well at home, be it with or without fans.

West Brom, Burnley and Sheffield United this season.

Watford, Villa, and arguably Crystal Palace leading into lockdown.

POTTER DOES NOT EXPECT BUSY END TO WINDOW
The last time they safely negotiated one of these fixtures at the Amex was in beating Bournemouth more than a year ago.

Potter might not be aware that, two years ago this week, Albion went to Craven Cottage with the chance to open a 15-point lead over their hosts.

Fulham came from 2-0 down to win 4-2 but still went down.

Things are a bit tighter in the table this time with a long way to go.

Potter said: "As far as I know you only get three points for this one.

"But if we win I'll take six, no problem!

"If you ask me, if you ask Scott, I'm sure we would both say we'd love to win. Three points would be fantastic for us.

"The reality is we have got another 50-odd points to play for in the Premier League.

"Nothing is finished in January. You have to keep fighting.

"But I'm sure both teams want to win."



https://www.theargus.co.uk/sport/19038097.albion-meet-fulham-big-game/

WhiteJC

Director says Fulham are interested in his £15m star, but January exit won't happen

Fulham are interested in signing Siriki Dembele and have scouted the League One forward five times, Peterborough United's director of football Barry Fry told Peterborough Today.

Yet it seems the Cottagers will not be making a move for the skillful 24-year-old before the transfer deadline.

Peterborough are in the midst of a gruelling promotion battle and, with so little time to bring in a replacement, Dembele will be staying put until the end of 2020/21.

That is according to Fry, the outspoken director who has made it clear on multiple occasions that Posh are 'not interested' in selling their star players in the winter.

"Fulham have watched Siriki five times. (Cottagers scout) Brian (Talbot) was at the game on Saturday and he sent me a message after the game to say they wouldn't be making an offer during the current transfer window," Fry said after the 1-0 victory over Ipswich Town.

"That's not to say they won't be back in the summer when clubs' finances are clearer.

"There is no money about right now and certainly not enough for us to part with Siriki.

"It's getting too late in the window now anyway. We wouldn't have time to get a replacement."

Peterborough chairman Darragh MacAnthony recently suggested that it would take a fee of around £15 million to sign arguably the most technically gifted player in League One.

Dembele handed in a transfer request in an attempt to force a move away from London Road, although it seems there is an acceptance now that a big-money move will be placed on the backburner until the summer.

Wolves, Celtic, Newcastle United, Derby County and more have also been linked with the former Grimsby Town schemer.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2021/01/26/director-says-fulham-are-interested-in-his-15m-star-but-says-january-exit-wont-happen/

WhiteJC

'I had depression, anxiety, all that trauma... leaving Fulham nearly killed me'
Max Noble wants to speak up for all the young footballers sold an impossible dream – and reveal the devastating consequences for those who don't make it

It has taken Max Noble more than a decade to find the courage to share the stories he is about to tell.

To recall publicly how he went from the brilliantly promising winger at Fulham and a Wales youth international to the 19-year-old hiding under the covers in bed crying, day after day, struggling with the anxiety and depression that he still manages now. To detail what led to him contemplating suicide.

Noble does not particularly want to recall these harrowing experiences, yet he is opening up because he knows of more than 150 former youth footballers who have experienced similar things, and wants something to change.

Multiple suicide attempts. At least one case of self-harm that has left a former academy player with scars up his arm. Many of them have confided in Noble even though they have not spoken to their closest family members or friends.

He has created an informal support group with 25 of them, with whom Noble has shared his own experiences: painkilling injections administered to children; bullying and racism; threats if he did not sign up with a recommended agent; Fulham's refusal to pay for a double knee operation shortly before they discarded him. And, in turn, "the boys", as Noble refers to them, share a little back: in messages, phone calls, voice notes.

So Noble wants to speak for them, to provide a glimpse into what it is like for young footballers sold an impossible dream, and the devastating consequences the game has refused to acknowledge.

Fulham have opened an investigation after i made them aware of Noble's allegations and insist they "condemn bullying, racism and discrimination in any form and work hard to ensure that they have no place here", adding that "the club will investigate the historic claims and liaise with all relevant parties".

And though it is hard to hear what happened to Noble, it is important that everyone listens and takes note, or what he describes as a form of "grooming" and "abuse" of desperate children will never stop. "This is football's biggest, best-kept secret," Noble says.

We already know of some cases where young footballers have been found dead shortly after being let go. Last year, Jeremy Wisten was found in his bedroom and a coroner's inquest has called for Manchester City to explain the support they provided him before and after he was told the club no longer wanted him. The year before, another promising young player, who had a trial at Manchester United, took his own life after struggling with injuries.

How many more young men have attempted suicide as a consequence of their treatment by football clubs who spend years building them up then cast them aside as though they are worthless? How many more are left to deal with severe anxiety and depression alone, like Noble? The true extent of the problem is unknown. Perhaps the most tragic thing is that no one in football cares enough to find out.

The former players Noble, who was raised in south London, speaks to span only Fulham and Crystal Palace. But he suspects there are many more out there, with similar stories of similar struggles. When recently he produced an online video – Chasing Shadows – articulating the issues young footballers face, he received more than 150 messages from former academy players explaining that they had been through it. Many thought they were the only ones.

Noble's goal is simple and focused: if football clubs take boys out of school, they owe them a duty of care when they let them go. And it will happen to most of them: 98 per cent of 16 to 18 year olds who sign youth scholarships are released, or drop out of the game entirely, by 21.

After instilling false hope in the 98 per cent, damaging their education, denying them life experiences, after paying them only around £400 per month, what care do clubs provide when they let them go?

"The only thing I want to change," Noble explains, "is if you take a boy out of school you owe him aftercare. That's it. You can't promise them the world, then ignore them when they're depressed, or they're going through what I had to go through. I wouldn't wish that on anyone. The academy system is failing, you can see just by the numbers, it's completely failing."

The system failed Noble in so many ways.

He was always a gifted footballer. From first kicking a ball with his dad, Mike, at the local park aged seven, to Wimbledon's academy at eight. Wimbledon soon handed him a four-year contract.

But his knees showed signs of trouble aged 12, when he was diagnosed with Osgood-Schlatter disease – intense pain when the kneecap is not fully developed and placed under too much pressure. Sometimes, he would walk up stairs and his legs would buckle underneath him.

He could not play for a year and when Wimbledon relocated to Milton Keynes it could have proved problematic, but Noble was so good that Fulham paid a small fee to sign him.

Still knee issues persisted and at 15, while away with Wales, he snapped his medial collateral ligament. When fit, he was great. Under manager Chris Coleman, when Fulham were an established Premier League side with players such as Danny Murphy and Jimmy Bullard, he would train often with the first team.

The club offered him a scholarship a year early, and convinced him to leave school before he had taken his GCSEs, with the promise of a professional contract three years later.

He was advised that an operation was not needed to fix the pain in his knees – he was young, it would heal – but medical staff started administering painkilling injections before training and matches. He was still a child. He went along with it: he just wanted to make it, remember, they all do.

"I would love to speak to some of these people and ask: Do you think that was acceptable?" he says. "I know boys who used to play with six strappings on their legs, for both knees, ankles. How can you look at a boy and say go out and train or play but let me just tape you up so you're basically stuck together? There's no care at all within the sport, especially at academy level, because there's no light shone on it."

Then he became aware of the threats and bullying. Young players are unable to sign with an agent until the year they turn 16. Shortly before then, a senior Fulham staff member told Noble he was not allowed an agent but that if he got one it had to be their recommendation.

Noble was stunned. Sure enough, he soon received offers of representation. He was threatened again. Noble explained he did not feel comfortable with that. He was training with the first team and was warned he would be dragged down to the youth team, or not play at all.

"As a young boy I didn't think it could be true. For the next eight weeks I didn't kick a ball. I wasn't allowed to train, I wasn't allowed to play."

The staff member is no longer at Fulham but is still working in football. "That's even more harrowing for me," Noble says. "I have a friend who's an agent who comes across him sometimes and went through the same thing as me. He says it brings so much trauma back for him when he has to deal with him.

"I couldn't for the longest time comprehend that there is a man like that in charge of looking after children. That's your job, to look after children, not threaten them, not abuse them."

'It's a horrible environment to be in'
It gets worse. "We lost three or four games in a row and they said all of us had bad attitudes. The only ones that could train turned out to be the white guys. We had eight black boys in our team, the black boys in the afternoon would have to sit in the changing room while the three or four white guys would go out and train with the reserves.

"They wouldn't allow us to have lunch in the canteen, so made us sit in this dirty changing room after everyone had used it. There was mud everywhere and they would just put sandwiches on a tray on the floor for us to eat. That happened for two months.

"Who do you complain to when something like that happens? Who do you tell that story to? The people you tell that story to are the people who're doing it."

Noble turned to his dad, who called the club and tried to complain. "They said it's a punishment for them. It's bullying – complete bullying. It's a horrible environment to be in where you're scared. I would tremble in the toilet. If I saw him walking down the hall I'd not want to pass him, see him, because he's going to make me feel as if I've done something wrong."

Noble persisted, kept on trying, training, working hard, doing what he was told, playing through the pain. Yet as the promised professional contract loomed within reach, he was informed he had severe tendonitis in both knees and required double knee surgery. Noble believes the injuries were "due to all these injections and painkillers they'd been giving me".

'Get lost, you're not good enough'
What happened next was devastating: Fulham refused to pay for the treatment, explaining that he was coming to the end of his scholarship deal and would not receive a new one. "I had to pay for my own surgery and rehab. I didn't even receive a phone call from them to see how I was getting on. No psychological help. No aftercare at all. No job opportunities, no internships, no courses. It's like they just say to you: Get lost, you're not good enough, see you later. I was 18. I had my double knee surgery at Parkside Hospital three days before my 19th birthday."

Noble reached the lowest ebb of his life. He was no longer 'the footballer'. He was a teenager with no qualifications and two shot knees. He had given everything – everything – to football and was cast aside like he was nothing. That is when he sought to block out the world with his duvet.

"I had depression, anxiety, all that trauma, it nearly killed me. I got so depressed. I became such a recluse, I didn't want to talk to any of my friends. I wasn't as close to my school friends because they were going out, to the cinema, for drinks and parties and socialising, going on holiday together. And I just couldn't do that, I had to be in bed at 10pm, I had football at 8am, I had to do all the things they tell you to do. So I didn't have a social life outside of football to turn to.

'I don't want to be here any more'
"While all these guys were going travelling, going to uni, getting qualifications, getting jobs, becoming young men, I was in my bed thinking: I've failed, I'm a loser. That was the lowest point in my life where I thought: Actually I don't want to be here any more. I've let my dad down, I've let my whole family down, I've embarrassed everyone. My identity was gone."

Noble went for low-paid jobs but kept being told he had no experience or qualifications, so he signed on for Jobseekers' Allowance. Yet Noble was not as alone as he thought.

"As I got older and became even more of a recluse I started seeing it happening to my friends. I would see my football friends, people I'd been with every day for years, go through the same things. I've got two friends that tried to commit suicide from it. I've got another friend who has self-harmed and has scars all the way up his arms."

Noble has five friends who ended up in prison. Abandoned by a game that took each of their young lives and squeezed until there was nothing left. No work experience, no qualifications, sometimes with a young family to feed. "They were the nicest boys you can meet," he says. "They were backed into a corner."

These are the stories football doesn't want you to hear and the academy system hides behind their silence: protected by the simple fact that young footballers who have spent their entire lives in an environment of toxic masculinity will not discuss what rejection did to them.

"Imagine from eight years old, you're promised and sold this dream. As I've got older I've understood it's grooming. People don't like that word because it sounds sexual. But for an adult to lie to children, to groom them into something and then all of a sudden sweep the rug from under their feet and then say: It's your fault you didn't make it, you didn't work hard enough, you didn't listen, you didn't stay out on the training ground long enough, or get in early enough. It's always an excuse that is used by the abuser: blame the victim. It's an abuse scandal.

"I've learnt about toxic masculinity, it almost works as the perfect storm: these boys were abused, they were groomed, but they're not going to talk about it because they're so embarrassed, they're not going to be able to come forward because as an industry we're told they gave us an opportunity, it's our fault. Players aren't going to delve deeper because of this toxic masculinity that especially affects young men who think: I'm not going to admit that happened to me."

Noble has never got over it. He still suffers from severe panic attacks, can still at random break out into hot sweats or uncontrollable shaking. "It's only as I've got older I've learnt if I feel a certain way I need to speak about it. I'm traumatised.

"When you have a sport with so much money there can't be the case that they don't know what's happened to these boys after they're released. Not a phone call, not a 'How are you getting on?' or 'We managed to get you an internship or a course'. It's absolutely nothing. That's not acceptable. I don't want to fight the PFA or the FA, I'd just like them to admit this is happening and do something about it."

Noble is doing something about it. He started rebuilding his life several years later, by chance handed a leaflet in the street about internships at Burberry and landed a job in product development. Now he has created a sportswear brand – Certified Sports – and £1 of every sale is donated to charities supporting ex-athletes with mental health problems.

"This is my story and this is how it starts for me, but as soon as I can say this is dealt with and there's an aftercare system in place for ex-academy players then we can move on to something else."

If any footballer has been through this and wants to talk, they can email [email protected]



https://inews.co.uk/sport/football/max-noble-fulham-fc-academy-bullying-racism-interview-certified-sports-845000?ITO=newsnow


WhiteJC

Fulham launch investigation into allegations of bullying, racism and threatening behaviour in academy
Former youth player Max Noble tells i how his experiences left him suffering severe anxiety and depression, and considering suicide

Fulham have opened an investigation into allegations of racism, bullying and threatening behaviour at their academy after i made the Premier League club aware of the claims by one of its former youth players.

Max Noble tells i in an interview today how his harrowing experiences led to him suffering severe anxiety and depression, and considering suicide. 

Noble alleges that he experienced abuse and threats that if he did not sign with a recommended agent he would not play. He also says he was administered painkilling injections as a child to play and train, and that when he required a double knee operation shortly before his scholarship deal ended the club refused to pay for it, telling him he was not receiving a new contract.

"I had depression, anxiety, all that trauma, it nearly killed me," Noble says. "I got so depressed. I became such a recluse." He adds: "I was in my bed thinking: I've failed, I'm a loser. That was the lowest point in my life where I thought: Actually I don't want to be here any more. I've let my dad down, I've left my whole family down, I've embarrassed everyone. My identity was gone."

The former Wales youth international is in touch with 25 former Premier League academy players who have been through similar issues, some of whom have attempted suicide and self-harmed.

After producing and releasing an online video depicting the struggles faced by academy footballers, Noble was contacted by around 150 other former academy players who said they had faced similar issues. He calls for football clubs to have to provide a duty of care to players who they deem good enough to remove from their traditional school routine but eventually release.

"The only thing I want to change," Noble says, "is if you take a boy out of school you owe him aftercare. That's it. You can't promise them the world, then ignore them when they're depressed, or they're going through what I had to go through. I wouldn't wish that on anyone."

After being made aware of Noble's allegations, Fulham vowed to investigate them fully. "Fulham Football Club has been made aware of the allegations," the club said in a statement released to i. "We condemn bullying, racism and discrimination in any form and work hard to ensure that they have no place here. The club will investigate the historic claims and liaise with all relevant parties."



https://inews.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-academy-bullying-racism-allegations-max-noble-former-player-844997?ITO=newsnow

WhiteJC

Fulham transfer stance revealed as Nottingham Forest, Celtic circle around EFL player

Fulham have watched Peterborough United forward Siriki Dembele in action five times this season, but won't be making a bid for the 24-year-old this month.

Dembele is a player attracting plenty of interest at the moment, with Fulham, Sheffield United, Nottingham Forest and Celtic among those to be linked with his signature.

The 24-year-old has scored five goals in 20 League One outings this season, chipping in with seven assists for Darren Ferguson's side.

Barry Fry has told the Peterborough Telegraph that Fulham have watched Dembele in action on five occasions this season.

Fulham chief scout Brian Talbot was at Portman Road on Saturday, as Dembele impressed in Peterborough's 1-0 win at Ipswich Town.

But the Cottagers, who are fighting for their lives to stay in the Premier League, aren't set to make a bid for the player before next week's transfer deadline.

He said: "Fulham have watched Siriki five times. Brian was at the game on Saturday and he sent me a message after the game to say they wouldn't be making an offer during the current transfer window.

"That's not to say they won't be back in the summer when clubs' finances are clearer."

The Verdict

I think this is the right decision.

Fulham need someone who can come in and make an immediate impact, and I don't think Dembele is ready for that just yet.

He needs to make the step up from League One soon, but only if he is going to play regularly.

It will be interesting to see whether his brother, Karamoko, being at Celtic influences any decision going forward.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-transfer-stance-revealed-as-nottingham-forest-celtic-circle-around-efl-player/

WhiteJC

Albion fifth in expected goals table as they face Fulham

Albion are fifth in the alternative Premier League table.

And it looks Fulham boss Scott Parker has noticed.

The Cottagers visit the Amex tomorrow as 17th plays 18th.

But Opta's latest table, using the expected goals formula, shows the Seagulls should be fifth – on 34 points rather than their actual 17.

The 12-place difference is easily the biggest such shortfall among the 20 clubs.

Opta believe Chelsea and Sheffield United should each be six places higher.

Southampton drop to 16th under xG while Wolves are in the relegation zone.

That all suggests Albion are not getting the points they should from the chances they create and allow.

Parker said today: "I've watched them when preparing for games but I've not watched loads.

"I think they are a lovely footballing side with real structure about the way they play.

"Like anything, there's always the next thing to improve and looking this morning at goal expectancy - you see the fine margins."

Parker's own team should be three places higher according to the xG formula.

They have troubled Chelsea and Manchester United recently without getting any reward.

Parker said: "I feel I have a team that can win two or three games in a row.

"We've played seven of the biggest teams in the division and performed well. We need to take this next step and get some results."



https://www.theargus.co.uk/sport/19039607.albion-fifth-expected-goals-table-face-fulham/


WhiteJC

Parker upbeat ahead of vital game at Brighton

Fulham will face Brighton in the proverbial six-pointer with no new injury concerns but a raft of tired bodies, according to Scott Parker.

It will be the Whites' fifth game in two weeks and follows the disappointment of a comprehensive 3-0 FA Cup exit to Burnley on Sunday.

But the head coach is trying to play down the importance of the game.

He said: "I don't think this game is the be-all and end-all.

"There are still 20 games to go and I think we're capable of winning two or three games on the bounce, and it's not me being deluded.

"We've had setbacks and we've just played seven of the nine top teams.

"Now we've got matches against those in and around us, and as a group we've always managed to refocus when results haven't gone our way."

Parker confirmed the imminent loan of Stefan Johansen to QPR and refused to rule out a loan move for Neeskens Kebano as well when asked if the winger might also leave.

Parker said: "It's no secret are squad is a big one and if there is the option for players to go and get football, we'll look at it."

Terence Kongolo and Tom Cairney remain sidelined, while defender Antonee Robinson will miss the final game of his three-match suspension.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/parker-plays-down-significance-of-brighton-game-and-isnt-ruling-out-kebano-move

WhiteJC

Scott Parker: Fulham will find signings in final week of transfer window 'difficult'

Scott Parker has accepted that it is going to be "difficult" for Fulham to add any new players before Monday's transfer deadline.

The Fulham boss started the window calling for early arrivals to aid the club's fight against relegation, with a striker top of the list for new recruits.

Aleksandar Mitrovic has been in desperate form this season, while Ivan Cavaliero has struggled when it comes to finishing in his place.

However, with a bloated squad that Fulham are struggling to cut down, Parker admits new faces are unlikely.

"It is going to be difficult for us to be honest," said Parker.

"We understand where we need to improve, we're a team that have just come up from the Championship and the void to the teams who are established is huge.

"You need to try and be competitive, need to evolve and bring players in. At the same time the balance of expenditure and a realism of where you are is needed.

"At this moment in time it is going to be a challenge for us. If that is the case I understand and we all understand the situation."

One of the fringe players who will move on, however, is Stefan Johansen. The midfielder, left out of the Premier League squad this season, is set to cross west London to join Queens Park Rangers.

"Stefan will go there to play some games and get some football. I am expecting that to go through," added Parker.

"It is clear that the squad is quite big in terms of numbers. There is the option to some to go and get some game time."



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-fc-news-january-transfer-window-signings-difficult-scott-parker-b901211.html

WhiteJC

Fulham open investigation into academy allegations


A former Fulham youth player has spoken of his experiences at the club's academy

Fulham are investigating historical allegations of racism, bullying and threatening behaviour at their academy.

It follows claims made by former youth player Max Noble, 31, in an interview with the i newspaper.

"We condemn bullying, racism and discrimination in any form and work hard to ensure that they have no place here," the Premier League club said.

"The club will investigate the historic claims and liaise with all relevant parties."

Noble claims his experiences as an academy player led him to consider suicide.

Among the allegations, the former Wales youth international said he was told he would be dropped if he did not sign with a particular agent, and also claimed white players were afforded preferential treatment.

After producing a video called 'Chasing Shadows' about his experiences, Noble said he received messages from 150 former academy players who had gone through the same things.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55813618


WhiteJC

Johansen joins QPR on loan

Fulham midfielder Stefan Johansen has joined Queens Park Rangers on loan for the remainder of the season.

The Norwegian international has not made a single first-team appearance this season having been left out of Scott Parker's 25-man Premier League squad after the Whites had strengthened their midfield in the summer. Johansen had been vocal about his desire to play regular football and, having turned down approaches from Blackburn and Bristol City, has opted to make a short-term switch across west London.

The popular midfielder, a key part of Fulham's two promotions from the Championship, has made 136 appearances and scored 21 goals since moving to Craven Cottage from Celtic for £2.5m in 2016. He will offer experience and energy to Mark Warburton's midfield after Rangers lost the services of former Tottenham midfielder Tom Carroll, who is likely to miss three months after having surgery on an injured knee.

Johansen, who previously helped West Brom to the Championship play-offs when he was sent on loan to the Hawthorns in 2019, still has a further year to run on his Fulham contract. It is understood that there is no option to buy included within this loan deal.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/01/johansen-joins-qpr-on-loan/

WhiteJC

Signings 'are going to be difficult,' says Parker

Scott Parker struck a pessimistic note on the possibility of any Fulham signings before the end of the January transfer window, telling his pre-match press conference that it is 'going to be difficult' to get new players in.

The Fulham boss has principally targeted a new addition up front, having had to rely on Ivan Cavaleiro as a makeshift forward with Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic struggling for form and fitness of late. Ahead of a critical double header against relegation rivals Brighton and West Bromwich Albion, Parker admitted Fulham were finding it hard to secure a new arrival:

It is going to be difficult for us to be honest. We understand where we need to improve, we're a team that have just come up from the Championship and the void to the teams who are established is huge. You need to try and be competitive, need to evolve and bring players in. At the same time the balance of expenditure and a realism of where you are is needed.

At this moment in time it is going to be a challenge for us. If that is the case I understand and we all understand the situation. I have a group here who have improved drastically. If we continue to do that we will give ourselves a chance.

One of Fulham's major problems is the huge nature of their first-team squad. Parker confirmed that Stefan Johansen is expected to join Queens Park Rangers on loan, but wouldn't be drawn on whether Jean-Michael Seri or Neeskens Kebano – both rumoured to be targets of other sides – will also be leaving before the deadline.

"Stefan will go there to play some games and get some football. I am expecting that to go through. Where we are in terms of players coming in, I'm not going to be brought into who exactly is going to go out. It is clear that the squad is quite big in terms of numbers. There is the option to some to go and get some game time. We'll decide that in coming days."

Parker recognises the importance of Wednesday's trip to Brighton, who sit directly above Fulham in the Premier League table, but is refusing to characterise it as a must-win match.

"They are big. But I don't think they are the be all and end all. There are still a lot of games, I feel we have a team here who can win two or three back to back. That's the way I feel. We all understand these are big games. understand that it is a big game. The reason it's a big game is because of where the two teams in the division. The longer the season goes on it becomes more intense. We're halfway through, do I see this is the be all and end all and our fate is done? No I don't."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/01/signings-are-going-to-be-difficult-says-parker/

WhiteJC

Fulham's Johansen completes loan move to QPR

Fulham midfielder Stefan Johansen has completed his loan move to QPR.

Rangers stepped up their interest in Johansen following Tom Carroll's injury and have agreed a deal to take him to W12 for the rest of the season.

The Norway international, who recently turned 30, has been out of the first-team picture at Fulham for some time.

Johansen has not made a league appearance this season and is keen to play first-team football.

He is under contract at Craven Cottage until 2022.

"Obviously I am very excited," Johansen told Rangers' website.

"QPR is a traditional club. English football is huge back home in Norway,and we have always heard about QPR as a big club.

"I have come here to play football but I want to win games. I watched a little bit of the game against Derby and, with the way the team is playing, you deserve more points."

QPR have been looking to bring in an experienced central midfielder, having already agreed loan deals for striker Charlie Austin and centre-back Jordy de Wijs.

The club's need to make a signing increased after Carroll was ruled out for three months following knee surgery.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/qpr/fulhams-johansen-completes-loan-move-to-qpr


WhiteJC

Scott Parker insists Brighton, West Brom games are not season-defining

Fulham boss Scott Parker insists their upcoming matches against fellow strugglers Brighton and West Brom will not define their season.

Third-bottom Fulham travel to Brighton, who lie one place and five points above them, on Wednesday night before a trip to West Brom, a point and a place below them, three days later.

The Cottagers recently drew against Liverpool and Tottenham, amid a run of five consecutive draws, and now need to start turning one point into three against the sides around them.

But Parker has been in relegation battles before as a player and knows the damage that piling too much pressure on single matches can do.

"I think they are big matches but I don't think they are the be all and end all," he said.

"We are halfway through a season. They are big because of where both teams are in and around the division but there are still a lot of games.

"As a team we are improving, we have developed. I feel I have a team here who can win two or three games back to back.

"We've had a few draws but that's the way I feel, and when you have that feeling and you are where we are in the table that can be massive.

"We've played some of the biggest teams and done pretty well. Now we need to take the next step against the teams in and around us.

"But do I see this game as if we don't get a result our fate is done? No I don't. That's what nearly sends people down.

"What you see a lot of the time is players focusing on the negative. In the end it paralyses them, they can't really perform. You die too early. There's half a season left.

"Do I believe in this team? Do I believe we can win two or three on the bounce? 100 per cent."

Parker confirmed he expects out-of-favour midfielder Stefan Johansen to complete his move to Championship QPR before the window closes.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/news/scott-parker-insists-brighton-west-brom-games-are-not-season-defining_432236.html

WhiteJC

Pre-Brighton Press Conference

While acknowledging the importance of Fulham's fixtures this week, Scott Parker says the results will not make or break our season.

The Whites travel to the sides immediately above and below us in the table; Brighton & Hove Albion on Wednesday before tackling West Bromwich Albion at the weekend.

When asked in his pre-match press conference if the next two matches would be 'pivotal' for the Club, he replied: "I think they're big, I don't think they're the be all and end all. We're halfway through a season here.

"Of course they're big because of where both teams are in the division and where our competition will probably be this year, but I don't think they're the be all and end all as there's still a lot of games.

"I still feel as a team we're improving and we've developed, I feel like I have a team here that can go and win two, three games back-to-back. You may think that's mad to say that because we've won two all year, but that's the way I feel.

"We all understand these are big games coming up for us. We've come out of a run of fixtures over the last nine games where we've played seven of the biggest teams in the division, the toughest teams, and we've done pretty well.

"We need to take this next step which are games against teams in and around us, and we need to try and get some results.

"We've shown that we can compete in this division. We do need to turn these draws and some of these losses into wins, we understand that. Hopefully we can do that against Brighton, West Brom, Leicester at home, the teams we've got coming up."

Victory at the Amex Stadium in midweek would move us to within two points of Brighton, with a game in hand, but Parker believes Graham Potter's team are perhaps in a false position in the standings.

"They're a good side," he said. "They probably shouldn't be where they are, because I think Graham's done a fantastic job with the team.

"They have individuals in their team who have been operating in the Premier League now for some time, hence the quality they have in their squad.

"They're a very, very good footballing side, a lovely footballing side that can cause you real problems.

"They've got a real structure about them in the way they play, their specific movements. They're a very well-coached team."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2021/january/Pre-Brighton-Press-Conference/

WhiteJC

Stefan Johansen: Fulham midfielder joins QPR on loan


Stefan Johansen joined Fulham from Scottish club Celtic in the summer of 2016

Championship club Queens Park Rangers have signed Fulham midfielder Stefan Johansen on loan until the end of the current season.

The 30-year-old Norway international has only featured twice for the Whites this season, with both his appearances in the EFL Cup.

Johansen played 36 times for Fulham in 2019-20 as the Craven Cottage outfit were promoted to the Premier League.

He is QPR's third signing of the January transfer window.

"Stefan has evident quality and experience on both the domestic and international stage," Rangers boss Mark Warburton told the club website.

"He is a player who has shown he can play in a deeper-lying midfield role or in a more attacking position. That flexibility he has is vital for us."



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55810732


WhiteJC

Team News: Brighton's Adam Lallana and Aaron Connolly return for Fulham clash

Brighton expect to have Adam Lallana and Aaron Connolly back in their squad for Wednesday's Premier League clash with fellow strugglers Fulham.

Midfielder Lallana (groin) and striker Connolly (hamstring) have returned to training following their respective injury problems but neither is expected to start.

Tariq Lamptey, Alireza Jahanbakhsh (both hamstring) and Danny Welbeck (knee) remain sidelined.

Fulham are still without captain Tom Cairney, who faces a few more weeks out with a knee injury.

Defender Terence Kongolo also remains unavailable due to a hamstring problem.

Alphonse Areola, Kenny Tete, Ademola Lookman, Ivan Cavaleiro and Harrison Reed return after they were rested for the FA Cup defeat by Burnley.

Brighton provisional squad: Sanchez, Walton, Steele, Veltman, Dunk, White, Webster, Burn, March, Propper, Bissouma, Alzate, Moder, Lallana, Sanders, Jenks, Khadra, Gross, Mac Allister, Trossard, Maupay, Tau, Zeqiri, Connolly.

Fulham provisional squad: Rodak, Aina, Ream, Hector, Tete, Kebano, Lemina, Onomah, Kamara, Mitrovic, Decordova-Reid, Fabri, Carvalho, Jasper, Andersen, Cavaleiro, Lookman, Reed.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/brighton-and-hove-albion/team-news/team-news-brightons-adam-lallana-and-aaron-connolly-return-for-fulham-clash_432242.html

WhiteJC

Brighton Matchday Preview

Brighton & Hove Albion v Fulham | Wednesday 27th January 2021 | 7.30pm | Amex Stadium | #BHAFUL
The opposition

    Brighton booked their place in the Fifth Round of the Emirates FA Cup on Saturday with a 2-1 victory over Blackpool at the Amex. Graham Potter named a strong side and was rewarded with a screamer from Yves Bissouma and a fortuitous Steven Alzate goal.
    They were also victorious in the previous Premier League outing, with Neal Maupay's early strike earning them all three points at Leeds United, ending a run of nine league matches without a win.
    The battle at the bottom of the table could look very different come 9.30pm depending on what happens in Falmer. Victory for the hosts would move them eight points clear of us, but if Scott Parker's men prevail then we would sit just two points behind the Seagulls, with a game in hand.


Brighton team news

Albion have been boosted by the return to training of Adam Lallana and Aaron Connolly, with the attacking duo expected to be named amongst the substitutes on Wednesday. Tariq Lamptey, Danny Welbeck and Alireza Jahanbakhsh all remain out, though.

Fulham team news

Tom Cairney and Terence Kongolo are still sidelined, while Antonee Robinson serves the final game of his ban.

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

Kenny Tete is expecting a proper fight on the south coast between two sides in real need of wins.

Speaking to FFCtv, the Dutchman said: "I think it will be a hard game, a tough game for us. They need points, we need points, so it is going to be a battle.

"I think our defence is really solid and we have to keep improving that. We need to get some goals – we are working on that and I believe in this team."

Form

Brighton: DD*LWW

*Won on penalties

Fulham: WDLLL

Pre-match quotes

"Fulham have performed well. I think they've been a bit unlucky in some games. They haven't won for a while, but you can see their performances are strong, so it's going to be a tough game."

Graham Potter
Brighton Head Coach

"They're a very, very good footballing side, a lovely footballing side that can cause you real problems."

Scott Parker
Fulham Head Coach



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