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Friday Fulham Stuff - 29/01/21...

Started by WhiteJC, January 29, 2021, 12:19:41 AM

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WhiteJC


WhiteJC

Fulham linked with Maksimovic move


Fulham are one of a number of Premier League sides interested in signing Napoli defender Nikola Maksimovic, according to reports from Italy.

The 29 year-old centre back is likely to leave the Azzurri before the end of the January transfer window having failed to reach an agreement over a new contract with his current deal expiring in the summer. The Serbian international has been heavily linked with a move to Liverpool, who are far from certain to enter the market despite their central defensive injury crisis, and West Ham reportedly failed with a £14m bid in the summer. Tottenham have been credited with an interest in a Bosman move for Maksimovic should he wait until the summer to find a new club.

It is understood that Maksimovic would be available for around £9m. While Fulham's number one priority in the closing hours of the transfer window will be bringing in attacking reinforcements, the ropey display of Scott Parker's second string defence in the FA Cup defeat by Burnley last weekend might make a move for the former Red Star Belgrade centre half an attractive proposition.

The 6ft 4in defender, who has won 25 caps for his country, helped Napoli win the Coppa Italia last season and has fourteen first-team appearances thus season.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/01/fulham-linked-with-maksimovic-move/

WhiteJC

West Brom player with 0 PL starts in 20/21 'very much' in frame to figure v Fulham – Journalist

Steve Madeley has suggested that West Brom midfielder Sam Field is "very much in the frame" to feature against Fulham on Saturday.

The Athletic journalist also reported that Conor Gallagher was rested against Manchester City for the important games ahead in the Premier League.

Sam Allardyce could be set to drop both Romaine Sawyers and Jake Livermore, who were hopeless in the 5-0 defeat on Tuesday evening.

Writing for the Athletic on Wednesday, Madeley suggested that there could vast changes in midfield for the crunch clash against Fulham.

"Sam Field, currently Allardyce's only natural holding player, was omitted last night having returned recently from injury but is understood to be very much in the frame to figure against Fulham," he wrote.

"If Field gets his chance, he will come into a team facing seven games between now and March 17 that will define Allardyce's reign."

Last throw of the dice.

According to Loic Tanzi, the Baggies have made a final attempt to sign Okay Yokuslu on loan from Celta Vigo this month.

Should that fail to materialise, playing Field would be the only option that Allardyce has should he want to rotate in midfield at The Hawthorns?

Field has yet to start a game in the Premier League this season, with his three substitute appearances only adding up to 62 minutes.

Desperate times call for desperate measures, and this is a must-win game for the Baggies.

The 22-year-old has managed five tackles in his limited action in the Premier League, for comparison, Romaine Sawyers has completed that number in his last 270 minutes of action [WhoScored].

Something needs to change, and this could be the first of many made.



https://www.westbromnews.co.uk/2021/01/28/west-brom-player-with-0-pl-starts-in-20-21-very-much-in-frame-to-figure-v-fulham-journalist/


WhiteJC

Parker accepts he won't have money to sign a striker

Scott Parker says he accepts and understands why funds won't be made available to him to make any additions to his squad before the transfer window closes on Monday.

Parker denied reports French striker M'Bala Nzola, who has scored nine goals in 13 games in Serie A this season for newly-promoted Spezia, will be on his way to Craven Cottage in a £10m deal, despite the Whites scoring just 15 times all season.

Aleksandar Mitrovic and Aboubakar Kamara are the only two recognised strikers at the club, but both have struggled with form and fitness, leaving winger Ivan Cavaleiro as the makeshift forward.

The Portuguese has scored two goals this season – one from the penalty spot – and spurned a good opportunity in Wednesday's 0-0 draw with fellow strugglers Brighton.

However, Parker said it is up to him and his coaching team to find a way to add goals to their new-found defensive solidity which earned them a sixth draw in eight games.

"I think it is going to be difficult for us to bring a player in for a number of reasons," Parker said.

"We are living in a world which is uncertain. Where we are and where we are placed (in the league) is uncertain so the financial commitment at the moment is maybe a big ask for us.

"That is fine, my main focus at the moment is trying to develop this team, keep improving and we'll see what happens.

"We have 19 games left this season and I have full belief in this team.

"As crazy as this sounds, because we have only won two games all year, we are moving in the right direction."

Fulham opted to sign high-profile loanees in the summer like Alphonse Areola, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Joachim Andersen and Ademola Lookman, after a raft of disastrous big-money acquisitions during their ill-fated 2018/19 Premier League campaign that has saddled the club with a bloated squad and a crippling wage bill.

PSG goalkeeper Areyola added to his outstanding collection of performances with another big display against Brighton, as did Andersen, whose strong form has coincided with Fulham's improved defensive displays after he missed the start of the season due to injury.

"He has been fantastic for us, it would be unfair just to single him out, but he has been quite incredible really," Parker said.

"He is a top, top player, I am so pleased to have him here.

"He works at his craft and is constantly engaged and improving and has been first class."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/parker-accepts-he-wont-have-money-to-sign-a-striker

WhiteJC

Club make signing Fulham man 'priority' – Cottagers player gives his word for January transfer

Bordeaux have made signing Fulham's Jean Michaël Seri a priority in the winter market after their midfielder, Otávio, suffered a serious injury earlier this month.

That's according to Thursday's L'Equipe, who state the Ligue 1 side have identified the 29-year-old as the main target.

The French club want to take Scott Parker's man on a loan deal without an option to buy.

Seri has struggled for regular playing time after returning to Craven Cottage from last season's loan spell at Galatasaray.

Bordeaux manager Jean-Louis Gasset appreciates the Ivory Coast international's profile and he will be responsible for getting the player 'back on his feet', if the deal goes through.

It's claimed the midfielder had informed his teammates a 'favourable outcome' could be found, regarding his exit. L'Equipe add unless there is a 'turnaround', it is likely that Seri's wish will be granted.

FC Nantes made an approach, but he gave his agreement and word to Bordeaux on Wednesday.

Galatasaray and FC Porto requested his signing, but Seri decided to pick Gasset's side in order to relaunch his career, which is needed for him to find a new club in the summer.

The player earns a gross salary of €400,000 per month, and discussions were 'sufficiently advanced for the player's entourage to show their optimism'.

Bordeaux 'remain cautious' in their approach because they haven't yet found an agreement with the Cottagers. The French side 'still have to convince' Fulham to sanction the loan transfer.

With Seri giving his word to Bordeaux, a temporary deal can soon be concluded if the latter manage to convince Fulham.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/club-make-signing-fulham-man-priority-cottagers-player-gave-his-word-for-january-transfer/

WhiteJC

RLC: We're Fighting For The Badge

Ruben Loftus-Cheek says Fulham will take the point and move on following our stalemate in Brighton.

It was a case of 'if you can't win the game, don't lose it' at the Amex Stadium, and Loftus-Cheek acknowledged that his side were not at their best on Wednesday evening.

"I wouldn't say we're pleased, but I guess you could say it's a fair result," he told fulhamfc.com. "We're happy with a point because I think first half they were dominant, first to every ball.

"We came in at half-time knowing we had to step it up. We weren't happy at half-time, and we came out second half and upped it a bit but they were still first to more balls, so I think we'll be happy with a point.

"Obviously we're not too happy with the performance, but we'll take a point."

It looked as though the Whites were going to pull off a smash-and-grab when Joe Bryan's cross dropped to Loftus-Cheek in the final minute of stoppage time.

He beat the goalkeeper with his low drive across the face, but Seagulls captain Lewis Dunk read the danger and made a superb block on the goalline to ensure the spoils were shared.

"I don't know if I could have done better," Loftus-Cheek said. "I tried to think about the connection.

"I hit it sweetly but he's back there on the line, fair play to him, he did well to get back in line with the shot.

"It's one of those where sometimes you need some luck going your way, but it wasn't our day."

Despite Fulham's winless run in the Premier League extending, there has been a tenacity evident in the side, with the team battling every game.

"Yeah and that's the main thing," agreed Loftus-Cheek. "If we weren't fighting for the badge then there's a problem, there's a serious problem.

"And I don't see that in any of the players. Every player is showing fight, which is what brings everyone together.

"When you see everyone fighting, in tough games, it brings you together and your spirit is high, so even though we didn't match them in some areas, you could see that we wanted to work hard to stop them scoring."

Attentions now turn to West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, where a Fulham victory would put some welcome daylight between the sides in the Premier League standings.

"It's a massive game against another team around us," Loftus-Cheek stated. "We want to beat them and pick up points. We deserve to pick up some points soon, and I'm sure it's coming.

"The performances, on the whole, have been really good, so we keep going and I'm sure we'll start picking up some wins."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2021/january/RLC-We-re-Fighting-For-The-Badge/


WhiteJC

Parker planning for no new striker signings

Scott Parker says he is planning to work with his existing squad as he battles to keep Fulham up as attacking acquisitions are unlikely in the final days of the January transfer window.

The Fulham boss used both Ivan Cavaleiro and Aleksandar Mitrovic, although the Serbian striker appeared only for the final twelve minutes as a substitute, in last night's goalless draw at Brighton and Hove Albion, which left the Whites five points behind their opponents in eighteenth place. Fulham have scored just fifteen league goals all season and Parker had earlier eyed the prospect of bringing in a striker this month.

That now seems unlikely, as Parker told his post-match press conference at the AMEX Stadium:

"I think it is going to be difficult for us to bring a player in for a number of reasons. We are living in a world which is uncertain. Where we are and where we are placed (in the league) is uncertain so the financial commitment at the moment is maybe a big ask for us. That is fine, my main focus at the moment is trying to develop this team, keep improving and we'll see what happens.

"We have 19 games left this season and I have full belief in this team. As crazy as this sounds, because we have only won two games all year, we are moving in the right direction."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/01/parker-planning-for-no-new-striker-signings/

WhiteJC

John Percy names two players West Brom want signed before Fulham, one deal could be hours away

West Brom want to complete a double swoop for striker Mbaye Diagne and midfielder Okay Yokuslu before they play Fulham on Saturday, according to Telegraph John Percy.

Writing on the Telegraph website, Percy reported that Albion are hopeful that Galatasaray's Diagne, 29, can arrive in England in the next 24 hours to complete a loan move for the rest of the season.

It is also understood that Sam Allardyce in talks with Celta Vigo over a loan deal for 26-year-old Turkey international Yokuslu with the view to potentially signing both him and Diagne before the crucial Premier League clash with Fulham this weekend.

As well as Diagne and Yokusku, Percy reports that free agent striker Ahmed Musa is training at West Brom's training base in Great Barr and could join on a deal for the rest of the season.

Enough to keep us up?

Albion are in a perilous position down at the bottom of the Premier League.

Beating Wolves 3-2 at Molineux gave us hope but yet another home demolition on Tuesday night has dampened any signs of a resurgence ahead of a promising spell of fixtures.

In the coming days, the Baggies play both Fulham and Sheffield United, two teams in the relegation zone with us and two teams who picked up points this week.

Chris Wilder's men earned a shock 2-1 win at Old Trafford while Fulham, who have a game in hand, managed to hold Brighton to a draw in another crucial match down at the bottom.

All of the bottom four teams picked up points this week, except for West Brom, who were humiliated by a Kevin De Bruyne-less Man City.

Diagne and Yokuslu could be great signings and put in some good performances at the Albion between now and the rest of the season but we really don't think that will be enough.

Allardyce needs reinforcements in so many positions and with next to no transfer budget to work from, that seems impossible.



https://www.westbromnews.co.uk/2021/01/28/john-percy-names-two-players-west-brom-want-signed-before-fulham-one-deal-could-be-hours-away/

WhiteJC

Albion's PL2 side travel to Fulham as they look to produce a positive display in the capital on Friday afternoon (ko 1.30pm).

Deon Burton's side were defeated in their last match after being edged out 2-1 by local rivals Aston Villa at Bodymoor Heath.

Fulham's youngsters have won three of their last five fixtures, losing their most recent game 3-0 at home to Reading.

But Albion have goals in their ranks and top scorers Cheikh Diaby and Finley Thorndike will be hoping to contribute more goals against Fulham, as they look to return to winning ways.

The young Baggies currently sit 12th in the Premier League 2 Division 2 standings, and a win against the Cottagers could see them climb as high as 7th depending on results elsewhere.



https://www.wba.co.uk/news/albion-pl2-set-fulham-test


WhiteJC

Albion v Fulham match preview

Sam Allardyce's Baggies host Fulham on Saturday afternoon (ko 3pm) in what looks set to be a key clash for both sides in the fight for Premier League survival.

Fulham

Their last time out

Fulham secured an important point in their last game - a 0-0 draw against Brighton at the Amex Stadium.

The hosts missed several second-half chances, while the Cottagers were denied a late winner by Seagulls defender Lewis Dunk's goal-line clearance. The draw extended the gap between Fulham and the Baggies to just two points heading into Saturday's clash.

In the dugout

Scott Parker has progressed during his first managerial role at Craven Cottage.

Parker, who made just under 400 Premier League appearances during his playing days, took over from Claudio Ranieri during Fulham's previous endeavours in the top flight towards the end of the 2018/19 campaign.

Although he couldn't save the Cottagers from relegation, he was handed a permanent deal as boss and proved his coaching credentials the following season. The former Chelsea midfielder led the London outfit to an immediate return to the Premier League - beating Brentford in the 2020 Play-Off final to seal promotion.

During his first full season among England's elite, the 40-year-old has guided Fulham to important points on the road against Leicester, Newcastle and Tottenham. And Parker will be looking to do the same in the Black Country on Saturday, as both sides seek crucial points.



One to watch

Bobby Decordova-Reid has been one of Fulham's most influential attacking players this term.

The forward has netted six goals in the Cottagers' first year back in the Premier League, including clinical finishes against Everton and Liverpool.

But along with Ivan Cavaleiro, Ademola Lookman and Aleksandar Mitrovic, Fulham have a range of threats which the Baggies will need to track very carefully this weekend.



Our last meeting

October, 2010 was the last time Albion came out on top against Fulham in a Premier League game thanks to goals from Youssouf Mulumbu and Marc Antoine-Fortune.

Stats

Albion

    The Baggies have had to make the most goal-line clearances so far this season (5).
    Albion have made the second-highest number of clearances (439).
    Sam Allardyce's last managerial home game against Fulham ended with a 3-0 win for his then club, West Ham United in November, 2013.

Fulham

    Fulham are second-highest for being dispossessed this season (215).
    Scott Parker's side are the highest in the league for receiving yellow cards (39).
    The Cottagers are the lowest for the number of times they've been caught offside (17).

Head to head
     Albion wins    Draw    Fulham wins
League    31    19    25
FA Cup    3    0    1
League Cup    2    2    2
Total    36    21    28

Our one to watch

Karlan Grant will want to make an impact in front of goal after returning from the sidelines against Man City on Tuesday.

The forward suffered a foot injury ahead of Albion's clash with Arsenal at the start of January which was expected to rule him out for up to six weeks.

But Grant's quick recovery will boost Sam Allardyce's options further, as he looks to supply the goals which secure more points for the Baggies ahead of a busy February.

Robert Snodgrass and Conor Gallagher feature in this week's edition of Albion News.

The Scottish winger, who arrived at The Hawthorns in January, discusses his motives for joining, Sam Allardyce and how important it is to maintain belief despite recent results.

While Conor Gallagher takes us through his first season in the top flight, but stresses his focus is on getting points fast to help build momentum for the Baggies.

Academy prospect Finn Azaz, who recently starred in Cheltenham Town's resilient FA Cup display against Man City, also features as he discusses his future hopes at The Hawthorns.

Follow the game

Gez Mulholland will be joined by once midfield-now-microphone maestro Andy Johnson to provide proudly partisan commentary and an expert insight for WBA Radio.

To listen live to Baggies-biased commentary on WBA Radio for free for every home and away match during the 2020/21 season all you have to do is sign up for a free My Albion account.

If you haven't already you can create your My Albion account here. Click Create Account or register quickly with your Facebook or Google account.

Live commentary starts from 15 minutes before kick-off and will be accessible through the live match centre or WBA TV.

If you have any issues registering or accessing your My Albion account please contact [email protected].

The game is also available to watch on BBC.



https://www.wba.co.uk/news/albion-v-fulham-match-preview

WhiteJC

Wins will come for 'fighting' Fulham, says Loftus-Cheek

Ruben Loftus-Cheek was disappointed that he couldn't snatch a late win for Fulham at Brighton last night – but the on-loan midfielder believes the victories will come if the Whites keep up their spirited performances.

The England international was denied an injury-time winner by Lewis Dunk's goal-line clearance at the AMEX Stadium and Loftus-Cheek told Fulham's official website that the visitors weren't enamoured with certain elements of their display:

"I wouldn't say we're pleased, but I guess you could say it's a fair result. We're happy with a point because I think first half they were dominant, first to every ball. We came in at half-time knowing we had to step it up. We weren't happy at half-time, and we came out second half and upped it a bit but they were still first to more balls, so I think we'll be happy with a point. Obviously we're not too happy with the performance, but we'll take a point."

Loftus-Cheek's low drive at the death beat goalkeeper Robert Sanchez but was scrambled away from underneath his own crossbar by the retreating Dunk. The midfielder counted himself unfortunate not to find the net:

"I don't know if I could have done better. I tried to think about the connection. I hit it sweetly but he's back there on the line, fair play to him, he did well to get back in line with the shot. It's one of those where sometimes you need some luck going your way, but it wasn't our day."

He lauded the fight shown by his Fulham team-mates, which manifested itself in another determined defensive display.

"If we weren't fighting for the badge then there's a problem, there's a serious problem. And I don't see that in any of the players. Every player is showing fight, which is what brings everyone together. When you see everyone fighting, in tough games, it brings you together and your spirit is high, so even though we didn't match them in some areas, you could see that we wanted to work hard to stop them scoring."

Attention now turns to another crucial away trip to the Hawthorns, as Fulham prepare to take on West Bromwich Albion at the weekend:

"It's a massive game against another team around us. We want to beat them and pick up points. We deserve to pick up some points soon, and I'm sure it's coming. The performances, on the whole, have been really good, so we keep going and I'm sure we'll start picking up some wins."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/01/wins-will-come-for-fighting-fulham-says-loftus-cheek/

WhiteJC

Fulham player's exit now 'imminent' – 'Few details' left, move to be concluded 'in coming hours'

It was close this morning, but Jean-Michael Seri's move from Fulham to Bordeaux is now 'imminent'.

That's according to local outlet Sud-Ouest, who tend to be very well informed when it comes to their surrounding football teams, who explain the deal 'should be concluded in the coming hours'.

The newspaper remind everyone it's a loan until the end of the season that should give the Ivory Coast international the minutes he has been missing under Scott Parker at Craven Cottage.

All that's left to sort out are a 'few details', which includes a PCR test for Covid-19, and there are 'very strong chances' that Seri will be wearing the Ligue 1 side's shirt until the end of the season.

Despite Galatasaray pushing for a deal of their own for a player they know well from his loan there last year, Seri was 'convinced by Alain Roche', their director of football.

Furthermore, the midfielder 'strongly wanted to work with manager Jean-Louis Gasset', and quickly agreed a move there.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-players-exit-now-imminent-details-left-move-concluded-coming-hours/


WhiteJC

Parker pessimistic on new arrivals

Fulham boss Scott Parker again downplayed the prospect of bringing in new signings before the end of the January transfer window as he prepares his side for another crunch clash against relegation rivals West Bromwich Albion.

Parker, who had poured cold water on the possibility of adding another attacker in the immediate aftermath of last night's stalemate at Brighton, told his pre-match press conference at Motspur Park:

"It's beyond my real control on where we are as a football club in terms of transfers. It's going to be difficult for us, for many reasons as I've said before."

He was also tight-lipped about Jean-Michael Seri's rumoured return to Nice on loan and whether the French playmaker's departure might free up funds for a new signing:

"I'm not up to speed to that in terms of whether that's really imminent. There's a possibility that Mika may leave in this window but last time I knew about that it wasn't imminent in any way."

Parker was again reluctant to characterise Saturday's trip to the Hawthorns as a must-win, emphasising just how much points would still be up for grabs in the remainder of the campaign.

"It is a big game for us, a massive game for us and West Brom – do I see it as a definer? Do I see as one which is going to define the season for us? No, I don't. There's nineteen games left and we're five points behind with a game in hand behind Brighton. I understand the game is big, we want to win and get three points."

The Fulham head coach is not going to underestimate the threat posed by West Brom, who pipped the Whites to automatic promotion from the Championship last season, under new manager Sam Allardyce, who 'sold me at Newcastle without even seeing me!'.

"Looking at his teams, they have always been very competitive. We fully understand what we will face this weekend. They were two places above us last year. At times this year, both clubs have found it hard. They have invested and brought some good players in. They've got quality in their team."

Parker, who confirmed that only long-term injury absentees Tom Cairney and Terence Kongolo are definitely out, knows that Fulham will need to add a greater attacking threat having shored up their defence in recent months.

"We worked hard on the defence, as a team and a unit to be more solid and the next part of the puzzle is to try and get some goals and win some games. It's the hardest thing to do, put the ball in the net. Last night I didn't think we deserved the three points, but we gave ourselves our chance at the end of the game. They're the fine margins, it is a work in progress. It isn't that the team are not creating chances. We are not a team that's struggling in that area. We need to be more clinical."

He heaped praise on Bobby Decordova-Reid, deployed on the south coast as a left wing-back, for the way in which he has made the step up to the top flight.

"Bobby's been immense. When he came into the football club last year was a main driver for me in terms of getting him in. Everything you see with Bobby on the football pitch and the way he conducts himself on it and around it is nothing short of superb really. I'm pleased he's taken to the Premier League the way he has. He's been pivotal for us and our success so far this year and our turnaround and there's still more to come from him."

Parker also had warms words for Aleksandar Mitrovic, who brightened up Fulham's attack off the bench at Brighton.

"I think it's fair to say that Aleks at the start of the season struggled a little bit, internationally as well, he missed a penalty. Sometimes getting some air and oxygen can help. I thought he was superb when he came on yesterday. I have no doubt he will have a big impact."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/01/parker-pessimistic-on-new-arrivals/

WhiteJC

Pre-West Brom Press Conference

Scott Parker thinks it is too soon for fixtures to be considered 'must-win.'

Fulham have exactly half of our Premier League fixtures still to play, and Parker reiterated the importance of that context ahead of Saturday's trip to West Bromwich Albion.

"It's a big game for us," he admitted. "A massive game for us, and West Brom. [But] do I see it as a definer, do I see it as one which is going to define the season for us? No, I don't.

"There's 19 games left of this season, we're five points difference with a game in hand on Brighton, a game in hand and six points off Newcastle.

"I think we've seen in a real short space of time over the last few weeks, with teams getting results at places where you wouldn't expect to get them, that this season's still got a lot of legs, a lot of miles to go.

"I also understand that the weekend's game is big and we want to go in and win the game, we want to perform, we want to try and get three points.

"I want to win and we'll prepare the best we can to win the football match, but I'll do the same the following week against Leicester. The belief I have in this team tells me that we can beat Leicester as well.

"I appreciate that you look at the table and see teams in and around each other and instantly you're thinking those are the games you need to go and win, and I would understand that even more if there were three or four games left of the season. This would be pivotal, massive.

"While I understand it's a big game for us, there's still a lot of football to be played. We want to win this game, of course we do, but there's still a lot of football to be played this year."

Parker had a brief spell playing under current Baggies boss Sam Allardyce at the end of his West Ham United career, while he also had a minor overlap with the 66-year-old in the North-East.

"He sold me at Newcastle without even seeing me!" Parker laughed. "I obviously left for West Ham and then he came to West Ham after we got relegated.

"I played a few games in that season in the Championship at the start and then moved on, so I'm familiar with Sam.

"I think looking at his teams from a distance, they've always been very competitive teams, so I have a full understanding of what we're going to be facing at the weekend, and the team will as well."



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

WhiteJC

Parker: Mitrovic is getting back to his best

Aleksandar Mitrovic is getting back to his best, says Scott Parker.

The Fulham striker was brought off the bench in the 0-0 draw with Brighton for another cameo, and the head coach thinks using him sparingly over the past seven Premier League games was the best thing that could have happened to an out-of-form player.

"Aleks has had a dip in form," said Parker.

"Internationally, he missed a penalty (that cost Serbia a place at the European Championships).

"But I thought he was superb when he came on against Brighton and I think it's taken that release, that pressure out of a player.

"I played football for a long time and I understand those stresses, so taking him out of the arena and giving him some oxygen has helped.

"Against Brighton he was free. He had an energy about him and no weight. Over the last few weeks, I think we're getting to that place (where he's at his best)."

Fulham face their second six-pointer of the week, at West Brom with no new injury concerns and are boosted by the return of in-form wing-back Antonee Robinson following suspension.

Parker comes up against Sam Allardyce, a manager who sold him twice in his playing career – once without seeing him play, when both were at Newcastle.

Parker holds no grudges, but is hoping Manchester City's 5-0 demolition of Albion on Tuesday gives his side the edge.

"He sold me at Newcastle without looking at me, and again at West Ham," Parker said.

"West Brom suffered a heavy defeat, although a world class side like Man City can do that to anyone.

"Can we take advantage? Maybe there's a slight thing there, but Sam and West Brom understand the importance of the game as do we."

Reports suggesting Jean Michel-Seri is on the verge of a loan move to Bordeaux are jumping the gun, according to Parker.

He said: "There's a possibility of Mika leaving, but the last time I heard that wasn't imminent."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/parker-explains-approach-hes-taking-with-mitrovic-and-plays-down-reports-of-imminent-seri-exit


WhiteJC

How Fulham can improve on south coast stalemate

At a misty AMEX Stadium, there were ninety minutes of mediocrity. This meeting of relegation rivals had plenty of nervy moments, a fair few mistakes but not much quality to engage any neutrals. Perhaps it was no surprise it ended in a stalemate after the draw before Christmas at Craven Cottage, but – until the very dying embers of the contest – Fulham offered little as an attacking threat.

In order to offer an objective view of what took place down on the south coast, I felt it best to sleep on things, especially given the miserable immediate reaction on social media. The formation has to be our first talking point. At first, it appeared to be a departure from the norm – it looked like a 4-2-3-1, as I indicated in a piece last night, and The Athletic's Peter Rutzler held that opinion too. Seeing Scott Parker stick to his favoured three centre backs with Bobby Decordova-Reid at left wing-back was something of a surprise.

On paper, this looked like a clever Parker ploy, designed to exploit Brighton's use of Veltman – normally a centre back – as a right wing-back in the absence of Lamptey. Fulham certainly started well, with the Whites having 71% of possession in the opening ten minutes, and Ola Aina going close with a rasping drive from distance. Decordova-Reid was able to pin Veltman back deep in his own half and supplementing the Fulham attack, operating more as a left winger than a wing-back.

But Brighton got to the grips with the plan after about fifteen minutes. Fulham's high pressing forward line was effectively a front four, with Loftus-Cheek on the right, Cavaliero in the centre, Lookman in the left half-space and Decordova-Reid over on the left touchline. As Bobby powered down the touchline, he would leave a worrying whole behind him. Tosin Adarabioyo, the left sided centre back, attempted to cover shuffling into the left half-space and splitting the centre backs.

Brighton were alive to exploiting those spaces, gaining possession thanks to some uncharacteristically sloppy Fulham passing, distributing it to Bissouma or Gross, who quickly looked to find Veltman in the gaps between De Cordova-Reid and Adarabioyo. Veltman then usually attempted to cross it into the box from a deep position. Luckily, nothing ever came from these repeated plays, somehow. The Whites also were generous in giving the ball away in dangerous areas. Aina was a particular culprit, losing the ball on the right, but nobody was immune. Fortunately, Brighton's lack of ruthlessness in the final third matched our own and little came from their sixteen shots, largely thanks to the excellence of Alphonse Areola.

As Fulham gradually got overwhelmed in midfield, a succession of set pieces posed their own problems. Set plays are one of Brighton's biggest strengths due to the sheer height of their centre backs, standing at 6'4", 6'1" and 6'7" respectively. Again a goal didn't materialise but with Dunk heading one straight at Areola and both Mupay and Gross putting chances from free kicks over the bar, it was much to close for comfort.

Fulham struggled to create clear chances, not troubling Robert Sanchez at all in the first period. The forward players often kept hold of the ball too long, taking too many touches or dwelling in possession and having other options cut off. Two of Fulham's best openings were plagued by poor decision making. Cavaleiro made a storming run from halfway in the first half but failed to hit the target when Loftus-Cheek and Lookman were available either side of him. In the last minute of injury time, Fulham's best move of the match almost sealed the ultimate smash and grab raid. Mitrovic, demonstrating his ability as a focal point up front, held the ball up superbly and released Bryan with a brilliant backheel. The other substitute's cross was low and flat and Lookman's touch took it into the path of Loftus-Cheek, but the Chelsea loanee's shot was instinctively blocked by Lewis Dunk. Loftus-Cheek was probably always going to shoot, but he did have Mitrovic square of him for the cut back.

A win would have been a travesty on the balance of play and, all in all, Areola saved Fulham from a damaging defeat. Not for the first time, last night showed that Fulham struggle to finish off games against sides they arguably should be beating – and probably need a 'plan B' to switch to when Parker's pragmatic approach isn't working. Mitrovic, who offered more in his ten minute cameo than Cavaleiro had all evening, would be the player to use in this scenario: his physical strength disrupts opposing defenders and he can link the play impressively. If the Whites are likely to have more possession against sides in the lower reaches of the table, the Serbian's lack of pace and mobility should be less of an issue and he would be well suited to games like the one coming up against West Brom. In the absence of a new attacking arrival, he simply has to start at the Hawthorns.

What are your thoughts on the game and how Fulham could improve?



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/01/how-fulham-can-improve-on-south-coast-stalemate/

WhiteJC

Fulham's Jean Michaël Seri set to join Bordeaux on loan until end of season

    Ivory Coast midfielder has made one start this season
    Josh Maja linked with West Brom and West Ham

Jean Michaël Seri is set to join Bordeaux on loan until the end of the season having made just one start for Fulham this season.

The Ivory Coast midfielder, who was signed from Nice for £25m in July 2018, spent last season on loan at Galatasaray and has yet to feature for Scott Parker's side in the Premier League this season, even as a substitute. His solitary start came against Brentford in the Carabao Cup in October.

It is understood that the Turkish club were interested in taking Seri on loan again but he is expected to join Jean-Louis Gasset's side, who are currently seventh in Ligue 1. The 29-year-old's contract at Craven Cottage expires next year but there is an option to extend it by a further year.

Fulham have already allowed Stefan Johansen to join Queens Park Rangers on loan this month and could also allow defender Maxime Le Marchand to depart.

Parker is believed to be keen to add players to his squad before the transfer deadline but admitted this week that it depended on the club's owners.

"If something happens between now and the window shutting who can help us, amazing, and they can help the players push on again," he said. "If not, we'll keep improving like we have."

West Brom and West Ham are among the clubs to have been linked with a loan move for Bordeaux's former Sunderland striker Josh Maja. The 22-year-old has scored twice in 11 Ligue 1 starts this season.



https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/jan/28/fulhams-jean-michael-seri-set-to-join-bordeaux-on-loan-until-end-of-season

WhiteJC

Seri set for Bordeaux loan

Fulham midfielder Jean-Michael Seri is about to join Bordeaux on a season-long loan, according to various reports this afternoon.

The Ivory Coast international, who spent last season on loan at Galatasary, has made just two appearances for Fulham this term – both in the early rounds of the League Cup, against Sheffield Wednesday and Brentford. His only start was a disappointing display in the 3-0 defeat by Fulham's local rivals – and Seri was not named in Scott Parker's 25-man Premier League squad subsequently.

The 29 year-old, whose spell at Craven Cottage petered out after a bright start following his £25m from Nice in July 2018, had been the subject of a long pursuit by Galatasaray, who took him on loan following Fulham's relegation from the top flight. Seri has decided to join Bordeaux, currently seventh in Ligue 1, as he is excited about working under manager Jean-Louis Gasset, according to reports in France.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/01/seri-set-for-bordeaux-loan/


WhiteJC

Max Noble: FA looking into former Fulham academy player's racism and bullying allegations
Fulham have opened an investigation after i made the Premier League club aware of the claims by one of its former youth players

The Football Association is looking into a series of allegations, involving racism, bullying and threatening behaviour made by former Fulham academy player Max Noble in an interview with i this week.

i has been told that English football's governing body is in the preliminary stages of exploring Noble's claims. The former Wales youth international detailed the harrowing experiences he went through at Fulham's academy over a decade ago and also revealed that he knows of more than 150 other players who have been through similar across football.

After struggling with knee issues throughout his teens, Noble said he was repeatedly given painkilling injections to train and play. Yet when he required double knee surgery for severe tendinitis in both knees shortly before the end of his scholarship contract, when he was 18 years old, Noble was told to arrange and pay for the surgery and rehabilitation himself and informed the club would not be offering a previously promised professional deal.

Noble's treatment led to him considering suicide, and suffering severe anxiety and depression that he still manages to this day.

After being made aware of Noble's claims, Fulham launched an investigation, insisting in a statement released to i that they "condemn bullying, racism and discrimination in any form and work hard to ensure that they have no place here". But i has learned that the FA is also aware of Noble's story and are in the process of establishing further details.

Noble remains in contact with 25 other players, who played for Fulham and Crystal Palace, some of whom attempted suicide or self-harmed as a result of their experiences and treatment in academy football.

It took Noble over 10 years to find the courage to share his story publicly, but after it was published i was told that his experiences are not uncommon in modern-day academies.

Last year, teenager Jeremy Wisten was found dead in his bedroom shortly after being released by Manchester City. The club have been asked by a coroner to explain what care they provided for Wisten before and after he left the club.

Noble (right) has called for football clubs who deem players good enough to remove them from their traditional school environment to owe them a duty of care if they release them, which will happen in the majority of cases.

Of those who sign scholarship deals, 98 per cent will be released or drop out of football entirely by the time they are 21.

"The only thing I want to change," Noble said, "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."

Troy Townsend, Kick It Out's head of development and father of Crystal Palace winger Andros, told i this week that "people have been sharing more and more stories" about the horrific experiences academy players are being subjected to and the toll it is taking on their mental health.

"People don't realise how demanding that is on someone's wellbeing," he said. One parent Townsend is in contact with is currently trying to deal with the impact being discarded by a club has had on her teenage son. The mother says she checks on her son every morning just to ensure he is still alive.

Townsend added: "Some people say is it the game's responsibility? We're talking about a young person here, still developing into adulthood. The impact being told you're not good enough for this club, it goes beyond anyone's imagination.

"Would you normally treat a youngster that way? Where is the support, guidance, even a reference?

"People have been sharing more and more of their stories, to hear a 17-year-old wanting to commit suicide because the game says you're not good enough. That's someone's child. How can we not be responsible for that individual?"



https://inews.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-academy-bullying-racism-allegations-max-noble-former-player-football-association-849430?ITO=newsnow

WhiteJC

Premier League predictions: Lawro v Swansea City fan Lewis Evans from post-punk band Black Country, New Road

West Ham will go for their fifth straight league win when they take on Liverpool on Sunday - so, can anyone stop the high-flying Hammers?

"There's no secret to why West Ham are doing so well at the moment," said BBC football expert and former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson. "It's down to hard work, good organisation at the back and the fact they are taking their chances.

"This should be a really good game, especially because Liverpool have ground to make up on the teams above them - it's a must-win for the Reds."

Lawro is making predictions for all 380 Premier League matches this season, against a variety of guests.

For this weekend's Premier League fixtures, he is up against Lewis Evans, saxophonist in post-punk band Black Country, New Road - whose debut album For The First Time is out at the beginning of February.

Lewis is a Swansea City fan, and is enjoying seeing them challenge for promotion at the top of the Championship this season - although not being in the Premier League does have its advantages.

He told BBC Sport: "It's such an incredible league, because anyone can beat anyone, but you don't want anyone else at the bottom of the table causing any upsets if your team is fighting relegation too.

"So, this season it has been nice to be able to watch Burnley beat Liverpool, or cheer Sheffield United on against Manchester United, because it doesn't affect us. I've really enjoyed watching as a neutral.

"Of course we want to be back up there ourselves, though. Knowing Swansea, we don't do any thing the easy way so, if we do go up this season, it will probably be through the play-offs."

Lewis grew up in east London, in Tottenham and West Ham territory, but he ignored peer pressure and had his own hero - Swansea legend Lee Trundle.

He explained: "It was always Swansea for me. My mum's side of the family is from around there and I used to go to that part of Wales a lot when I was growing up. I went to watch a lot of Swans games, and I felt instantly at home on the North Bank at our old Vetch Field ground.

"The club had some dark times at the start of the 2000s but I was too young to really understand what was going on, and since then we have made amazing progress. It's been an incredible story.

"We've had some great players over the past few years and have got some incredible talent at the moment too. My favourite is still Lee Trundle, though. I have never seen anyone do the stuff that he did on the pitch.

"When I was a kid, I thought it was the coolest thing in the world, and looking back now it still is - to be playing League One football and attempting skills you would see Ronaldinho do.

"Not only was Trundle a game-changer on the pitch with a ridiculous amount of flair, he was so funny with it. He is still banging in the goals too - I love that video of him (above) scoring a penalty in a charity game when he pretends to tie up his laces."

LAWRO'S PREDICTION
West Brom v Fulham (15:00 GMT, live on BBC One)

West Brom have had four home league games since Sam Allardyce took charge in mid-December and have lost them all - conceding 17 goals in the process, without scoring any.

On that sort of form, it is hard to see them getting anything at The Hawthorns this time either, even against one of their relegation rivals.

Fulham have not won since the end of November but their improvement has been evident - this could be the win they have been waiting for.

Lawro's prediction: 1-2

Lewis's prediction: West Brom are so inconsistent but I like Fulham at the moment - they are exciting to watch and they have been putting in some quality performances against some of the top teams without getting any rewards. 1-2



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55814846