Friday Fulham Stuff - 12/02/21...

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Everton give Dominic Calvert-Lewin injury update as striker doubt for Fulham

Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin is a doubt for the visit of Fulham

Everton will have to assess the extent of Dominic Calvert-Lewin's hamstring injury but are braced for the striker to miss the weekend's game with Fulham.

The Blues' top scorer was forced out of the FA Cup tie with Spurs after 55 minutes with the injury but Everton do not yet know how serious the problem is.

Calvert-Lewin brought Everton level in the fifth round tie after the visitors had made a fast start ad took a third minute lead.

Everton had then added second and third goals but went off at half-time having conceded again.

The Blues were still in the lead when Calvert-Lewin was forced off and he watched on as his team-mates continued a ding-dong battle with Jose Mourinho's side.

Spurs would make it 3-3 before Richarlison, now playing as a central striker in Calvert-Lewin's absence, made it 4-3.

Harry Kane forced the tie into extra-time but Bernard made it 5-4 to send Everton through.

"Dom is our main striker and he scored another good goal tonight," Ferguson said.

"We will miss him if he's not going to play but the boys showed good spirit when he went off the pitch and scored two goals."

"We're not quite sure [yet]," Ferguson said when asked about the extent of the injury.

"He was complaining about his hamstring when he came off the pitch.  We've not got an assessment but it does look like a wee bit of a hamstring tweak."

Josh King missed the tie because he was cup tied but will come back into the squad for Sunday's game with Fulham at Goodison.

Calvert-Lewin will undergo tests but he is a doubt for the game.



https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/breaking-everton-injury-calvert-lewin-19814050

[WhiteJC]

Liverpool to pay Fulham record fee for Harvey Elliott after tribunal ruling

    London club could get up to £4.3m – record for 16-year-old
    Elliott, now 17, is shining on loan at Blackburn Rovers

Fulham will receive a record fee for a 16-year-old after a tribunal ruled that Liverpool must pay up to £4.3m for Harvey Elliott. It is understood the Professional Football Compensation Committee ruled that the Premier League champions must pay a basic fee of £1.2m for Elliott, who made the move north to Anfield in July 2019.

A further £300,000 is due as a result of the now 17-year-old signing his first professional contract – something he did with Liverpool last July – and another £200,000 will be owed when the England under-17 international signs a second deal, which he is expected to do when he turns 18 this year. The fee could rise by another £2.6m subject to a number of other clauses being met, based on cumulative first-team appearances and international recognition.

It is understood that for the full £4.3m to be due, Elliott would need to play more than 100 games for Liverpool and receive a senior England call-up, while Fulham will have a 20% sell-on clause.

The ruling is well short of the £10m plus add ons that Fulham were understood to have hoped to receive. Elliott has scored four times on loan at Blackburn this season, but Fulham said they were happy with the outcome.

"After a full hearing, the PFCC has decided that Fulham should be entitled to substantial compensation," they said. "The award (undisclosed) is a record amount for a 16-year-old player and, in the circumstances, Fulham is very pleased and thanks the PFCC for its careful consideration of the arguments we put forward."




https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/feb/11/liverpool-to-pay-fulham-record-fee-for-harvey-elliott-after-tribunal-ruling

[WhiteJC]

Notes from February Meeting with FFC

On Monday 8 February at 12:30, the Fulham Supporters' Trust met with Fulham FC via video conference.

The Club was represented by:

    Alistair Mackintosh (CEO)
    Darren Preston (Chief Operating Officer)
    David Daly (Non-Executive Director)
    Carmelo Mifsud (Communications Director)
    Huw Jennings (Academy Director)
    Ally Spicer (Head of Ticketing Operations)
    Nicola Walworth (Supporter Relations Manager)
    Charlie Harris (Communications Assistant)

The FST was represented by Board Members:

    Ian Clarke (Vice Chair)
    Simon Duke (Secretary)
    Owen Smith (Board Member)
    Farrell Monk (Board Member)

HOW IT WORKS

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

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

    Updates since December
    Transfer window / FFP
    Annual celebration day
    Riverside Stand progress
    2021/22 season planning
    Max Noble investigation
    Betting company sponsorship / future commercial planning
    FST annual survey

UPDATES SINCE DECEMBER

The Trust opened the meeting by reflecting on the COVID-19 outbreak at the Club during January and was pleased to hear that all those affected are now healthy.

Simon Duke was introduced as the new Trust Secretary following the recent elections and board meeting.

TRANSFER WINDOW / FFP

The Trust welcomed the update on the January transfer window provided by Tony Khan last week and explained that it had received a number of follow-up questions from members, particularly relating to the impact of Financial Fair Play (FFP) on transfer activity and the timing of transfers within the window.

The Club said that in general there was nothing further to add to the information provided in the video, but did reiterate both that FFP remains particularly difficult for clubs moving between the Championship and Premier League and also that there are many aspects of financial planning during the pandemic that remain unquantified, including, for example, potential player value impairment across the global market. The Club did confirm that FFP analysis would be carried out this year looking at a four-year cycle rather than the normal three-year timeframe.

The Club was able to confirm in response to a large number of questions from members that the tribunal hearing to determine the compensation due for Harvey Elliott's move to Liverpool would begin on Tuesday 9 February. It is currently unclear how long the process will take and when the Club can expect to hear an outcome.

The Trust commented that it plans to produce a Fulham focussed 'explainer' of the complexities and challenges created by FFP based on public-domain information and would be grateful for any review or contribution by the Club.

ANNUAL CELEBRATION DAY

The Trust introduced an outline proposal for an Annual Celebration Day to come together to remember and commemorate members of the Fulham family – players, staff and fans – no longer with us. The key points included

    celebrate at the home fixture closest to the anniversary of Johnny Haynes' birth/death (17/18 October)
    laying of a wreath by the Cottage or Johnny Haynes Stand
    minute's silence to remember all those lost to us
    half-time big screen show of photos of loved ones submitted by supporters
    section of programme reserved to carry tributes to those we have lost
    raise money for the Fulham foundation.

The Club agreed to review the proposal and to provide feedback to the Trust, noting the possibility of a clash with Remembrance Day activities in November. The Trust will provide further information on the proposal in the hope that we can create a wonderful annual occasion.

RIVERSIDE STAND PROGRESS

The Trust asked for an update on the Riverside Stand project given the very visible progress noted by supporters watching on TV recently as segments of the roof structure have been lifted into place.

The Club confirmed that good progress is being made, although works will now start to slow as closer working is required for the fit-out trades, which has COVID distancing implications. Some seats are likely to be available for the 2021/22 season, although the quantity will be driven by the available facilities. Temporary facilities will be considered where possible to maximise capacity.

The Club further explained that whilst the stand may look complete from pitch side at the start of next season, there will still be considerable internal works to be completed. Full completion is now unlikely until summer 2022.

In relation to specific detail questions asked by Trust members, the Club confirmed that there are no plans to move the changing rooms or press facilities into the Riverside Stand. A broadcast point will be in the stand to replicate the one in the old stand which has been temporarily replaced by a scaffold gantry.

Work continues on how to best migrate season ticket holders to the new stand but there is nothing to share with supporters at this stage, particularly as the timing of seat availability is not yet known, nor the future impact of COVID.

Occupiers for the commercial spaces are being sought through a mixture of working with partners and the club sourcing on their own; there will be a partner for catering.

2021/22 SEASON PLANNING

The Trust asked whether the Club was able to do any planning for the 2021/22 season, in particular whether plans existed for the sale of season tickets should supporters be allowed to attend by the start of next season.

The Club said that although they would like to be in a position to provide details, at this stage there are too many variables including which league, whether or not spectators can be admitted, the number of spectators allowed and Riverside Stand seating availability. Hence there is currently no planning information for the Club to share with supporters. At this time there is no date by which season ticket holders and members should expect a communication regarding tickets.

MAX NOBLE INVESTIGATION

The Trust and supporters were shocked to read the recent allegations of historic bullying and racism made by Max Noble relating to the Academy. The Club said that they take any allegation of this type extremely seriously and confirmed that they have launched a thorough internal investigation based on FA advice. The investigation will seek to speak to anyone with relevant information, including the complainant (first) and the few members of staff remaining from that period. Given the sensitive nature of the allegations, it is not appropriate for the Club to comment further about the details of the investigation until it is complete.

In further discussion, the Club highlighted its very high standards of support for current and former youth players, including an exemplary Barnardo's review of safeguarding. The Club has a strong 'alumni support programme' and a number of former players have been extremely complimentary about the support they have received; the Club retain a focus on supporting young players' mental wellbeing.

BETTING COMPANY SPONSORSHIP / FUTURE COMMERCIAL PLANNING

The Trust asked for the Club's views on future commercial planning in the light of the ongoing Government review of the Gambling Act (2005) which it is thought may result in restrictions on advertising and sponsorship by the gambling industry.

The Club explained that in seeking to maximise revenues, the gambling sector is not one it has shied away from and noted that the possible direction of travel in the UK seems to differ markedly from the UEFA/Champions League models and also that operating the US. The Club further noted that any restriction on sponsorship from the sector will have a negative financial impact on clubs like Fulham, but it is difficult to say at this stage which sectors might fill the void.

FST ANNUAL SURVEY

The Trust explained that the third of our annual surveys will be launched very soon, including topics such as

    behind closed doors football
    limited capacity attendance during the pandemic
    pay per view television
    betting sponsorship
    Riverside Stand
    safe standing.

In the absence of match day attendance, the survey will be advertised through social media, web site and email and the results will be shared with all supporters and also with the Club at a future meeting.

The meeting closed at 13:30.




https://www.fulhamsupporterstrust.com/news/2021/02/notes-from-february-meeting-with-ffc-3/

[WhiteJC]

Liverpool explain Harvey Elliott plan after learning Fulham transfer fee

Liverpool Football Club released a statement over the transfer fee and plan for Harvey Elliott

Liverpool are planning to help Harvey Elliott build a "long and successful career at Anfield".

The Reds found out they'd have to pay up to £4.3million to Fulham for the transfer of the 17-year-old, which took place in July 2019, and say they are "now looking forward to welcoming him back from his loan with Blackburn Rovers"'.

That fee was set by a tribunal which the club have called "fair and thorough", following a decision made by the Professional Football Compensation Committee.

The PFCC determined the Premier League champions must pay an initial £1.2m along with £300,000 to Fulham for Elliott, who was just 16 when he left Craven Cottage, having signed his first professional contract last year.

Another £200,000 is due to be paid to the Londoners when Elliott pens a second professional contract and further payments are based on first-team appearances and a call-up to the England senior side, with Fulham also receiving 20% of the fee from any future sale of the starlet.

A club statement read: "Liverpool Football Club respects the outcome of the PFCC's fair and thorough process in this matter.

"We would like to thank the panel for their time and diligence in reaching a decision.

"We now look forward to welcoming Harvey back from his loan spell with Blackburn Rovers in the summer and helping him continue to build towards a long and successful career at Anfield."

Elliott left Liverpool on loan this summer to join Blackburn and has scored four goals and provided nine assists in 24 Championship appearances so far, leaving those at Ewood Park suitably impressed.

He had already made eight senior appearances for the Reds before his move last season and became the youngest-ever player to start a competitive match for the club.



https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/liverpool-harvey-elliott-transfer-fee-19814742

[WhiteJC]

Just how much work is running AEW?
Drew delves into the world of professional wrestling to shed some light on Tony Khan's other love.

To say Tony Khan is a divisive character among Fulham fans would be an understatement. To some Fulham fans, he's a "heel" (a bad guy). To others, and to many wrestling fans, he's very much a "babyface" (a good guy).

The chief complaints from Fulham fans are that he's under-qualified for his role as Director of Football and that he doesn't have the time to fulfil that role at the same time as being Senior Vice President of Football Technology & Analytics at the Jaguars and owner of All Elite Wrestling (AEW).

Analysing the first complaint is an article in itself, so I'm going to stick to complaint number two and split that in half, looking specifically his role in AEW. So, how much work is really involved in running one of the biggest wrestling promotions in the United States?

Fractious beginnings
It's not difficult to see why so much of Fulham fans' vitriol is reserved for Khan's involvement with AEW. It feels like it's intrinsically linked to our recent struggles. When the promotion was unveiled on New Year's Day 2019, the Whites fell 4-1 to Arsenal at the Emirates, leaving us 19th in the Premier League with just 14 points from 21 games. When AEW was launched, to much fanfare, at a rally in Jacksonville, Florida, a week later, we'd just been dumped out of the FA Cup at the Cottage by League Two Oldham – patience was at a (then) all-time low.

Twitter was not a fun place in the days that followed. And Khan took to the bird app to defend himself against criticism, leading to the now infamous "go to hell" tweet. On 3rd January, Khan asserted he'd been in London working on transfers since Boxing Day, and, to be fair, his absence at the launch rally was notable, particularly as Shad Khan spoke at the event.

Lights, camera, action
Fast-forward two years and we're back, but in a similarly precarious position. And AEW is also operating in the upper echelons of its field. Its flagship TV show, AEW Dynamite, airs every Wednesday on US cable channel, TNT. It regularly, and comfortably, beats juggernaut WWE's rival programme, WWE NXT, in the "ratings war".

Khan is at the centre of AEW's success. That success has taken hard work – and time. He writes every two-hour episode of Dynamite – the stories that are threaded throughout and that continue from week to week, the matches that occur, who wins and who loses – and he produces it all, too. For those with experience of working in TV, let alone live broadcasting, that means work before, during and after the cameras roll, to make sure everything runs as smoothly as you see on your TV.

And Khan's set to become even busier in the next year, revealing recently that TNT has rubber-stamped a second AEW show.

"I'm really excited about adding a third hour of television," Khan said. "That's going to be the most important thing for us. We've accumulated so much talent and depth and being able to showcase all of our great wrestlers."

Managing talent
Then there's AEW Dark, a supplementary online-only show that can run as long as two-and-a-half hours on YouTube. There can be as many as a dozen matches on a show, – and Khan was recently praised by AEW star Chris Jericho, on his podcast Talk Is Jericho, for his efforts to give independent wrestlers in the US a chance to work in front of an audience during a pandemic.

"Tony Khan is such a good-hearted person that you (Khan) want everybody backstage to have a match and you want everybody backstage to get a payoff."

Khan himself said: "We bring in people to give them try-outs and we're giving a lot of independent wrestlers work in addition to the try-out people that we want to get a look at and put in specific matches."

It's safe to say that sourcing, negotiating with, and managing the hundreds of disparate talents that appear on the show, on top of Dynamite, is quite a time-consuming task.

On-screen success
There's all this going on behind the scenes. But what about in front of the camera? Khan is becoming more of a known presence thanks to a major storyline in which AEW programming is being invaded by rival US promotion, Impact Wrestling, and Japanese company, New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW).

Khan, at first shown sporadically as a figure backstage on AEW programming, now appears on Impact's Tuesday night show. In a series of videos, dressed up as "paid TV ads", Tony hypes up AEW programming, while also taking pot-shots at other on-air talent, such as AEW champion Kenny Omega, to continue the storyline.

Speaking recently, Khan said he doesn't plan to become an on-screen character, like evil WWF/E owner Vince McMahon in the late 90s/early 00s.

"For me, the role of the general manager, there is not a need to be on TV. You just have to explain 'the general manager made this match' and it's a device. It's a device, not a character."

But when viewing the videos in order, you can see Khan becomes far more comfortable as time goes on, most recently appearing in a silk jacket with shades. And you wonder if he's starting to embrace that character.

Where do we go?
Tony Khan is a life-long wrestling fan. That's no secret. And you only have to compare his wrestling interviews with his at-times uncomfortable videos on the official website to see he's so much more at ease talking about the field he's an expert in. So it shouldn't come as a surprise that he's throwing everything he has into living his dream. But it's clear that his involvement with AEW is significant – and that's based on everything you've read in this article, not just on the FFC/AEW ratio of his tweets.

What the future holds is uncertain. But Tony's claim upon AEW's launch that the promotion "does not mean any less of a continued commitment to existing obligations and duties that I have, or my family has, to our business and sports interests", is starting to look more and more implausible.

Yes, the fact Tony Khan divides Fulham fans' opinions is no secret. How he divides his time must now become equally obvious. It's time to be transparent and accountable. 



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2021-02-11-just-how-much-work-is-running-aew/

[WhiteJC]

'Jumps Like A Gazelle' - Fulham's Tosin Reveals How He Plans To Stop Everton's 18-Goal Striker

Fulham continue their fight to beat the drop when they face Alex Iwobi's Everton in a Premier League clash at Goodison Park on Sunday, February 14.

The Cottagers have shown against the big teams that they are not pushovers, holding Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur to draws and losing by a one-goal margin to Chelsea and Manchester United.

Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin is having an exceptional season, scoring 18 goals in all competitions, including two in the win at Fulham back in November.

Tosin Adarabioyo has been arguably Fulham's best defender this season and the center back has revealed how he plans to keep the Toffees number 9 quiet.

"You just have to stay as close as you can to him especially in the box, try and nullify any chances that he gets," Tosin told FFC TV.

The former Manchester City youth team captain went on to highlight the qualities of Calvert-Lewin that makes it difficult to defend against him.

"I think he's got about everything. He's very fast, strong and jumps like a gazelle, and he's obviously scoring goals, he can score all types of goals, he's a good finisher, good with his head".

Tosin has gone the distance in each of the last eighteen matches played by Fulham in the Premier League and has an exemplary defensive record with only one yellow card shown to him in 1,620 minutes of action.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel



https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=38926

[WhiteJC]

Under-23s' Fulham fixture postponed

Newcastle United under-23s' Premier League 2 clash against Fulham has been postponed.

United's second-string were due to take on the Cottagers at the London School of Economics on Friday afternoon but due to freezing conditions in the capital, the Division Two game has been called off.

This is the second league fixture to be cancelled this week after Newcastle's Premier League 2 clash at local rivals Sunderland, which was scheduled to take place on Monday, 8th February, also fell victim to the weather.

A rearranged date for the match will be announced in due course.



https://www.nufc.co.uk/news/latest-news/under-23s-fulham-fixture-postponed/

[WhiteJC]

Club figure reveals why Fulham didn't beat Brentford to signing of 23-goal striker despite interest

Fulham were interested in beating Brentford to the signing of star striker Ivan Toney in the summer but did not pursue him for financial reasons, according to sporting director Tony Khan.

The striker provided yet another dazzling display yesterday to help the Bees come from behind to beat Reading 3-1 and go top of the Championship.

Toney scored once and assisted Brentford's two other goals, meaning he is now the division's top scorer and top provider of assists.

Peterborough United owner Darragh MacAnthony revealed on Twitter after the game that Fulham boss Scott Parker had been keen to sign the 24-year-old when the Posh sold him to the Bees in the summer.

Khan was quick to respond, claiming he was the one that had highlighted Toney as a target but that financial fair play constraints and financial issues caused by the current global circumstances meant they were unable to pursue a deal.

Instead, their west London rivals agreed a deal with Peterborough – which MacAnthony has indicated was more than £5 million – as they looked to replace Ollie Watkins.

That has proven a masterstroke as Toney has scored 23 times and added nine assists in 28 Championship games this season, helping Thomas Frank's men climb right to the second tier summit.

The Verdict
These comments are likely to frustrate Fulham fans, who will feel they should've been able to afford a striker that ended up securing a Championship move.

The 24-year-old may have been a League One player at the time but what we've seen this year just how talented he is, he'll surely be in the top flight next term – with or without Brentford.

Last night's performance was the latest example of what a masterstroke his arrival has been for the Bees.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/club-figure-reveals-why-fulham-didnt-beat-brentford-to-signing-of-23-goal-striker-despite-interest/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham Winger Olakigbe's Brace Dumps Chelsea Out Of U17 Premier League Cup

Chelsea's U17 Premier League Cup run came to an end after they were beaten 2-0 by Fulham at Cobham Training Ground on Wednesday evening.

Three teenagers of Nigerian descent were handed starts - Michael Olakigbe and Idris Odutayo for the Cottagers and Richard Olise for the Blues.

The two teams were tied 0-0 at the end of the first half but it was Chelsea that came closest to breaking the deadlock when Tauriainen unleashed a powerful shot that hit the woodwork.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 81st minute when Olakigbe smashed the ball into the roof of the net after he was set up by Sanderson and the Anglo-Nigerian doubled the advantage three minutes from time when he slotted a shot past the Chelsea goalkeeper following a defensive error.

Olakigbe also got on the scoresheet in Fulham's resounding 6-2 win over Reading U17s in November and was involved in the loss to Southampton in the Cottagers' opening game of the Premier League Cup.

A direct winger who loves to dribble and take players on, Olakigbe inked a scholarship deal with Fulham before the start of the 2020-2021 season.

Igho Kingsley



https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=38928

[WhiteJC]

CAE teams up with Fulham Football Club in IT infrastructure partnership
VAR will upgrade London football club's IT and Wi-Fi networks over the next three seasons

CAE Technology Services has teamed up with Fulham Football club to provide IT infrastructure upgrades for the next three seasons.

The Hemel Hampstead-based firm has become an official partner of the London club until the end of the 2022-2023 season.

CAE will design and deploy Wi-Fi networks and IT infrastructure capabilities in the Fulham Pier, which is currently being built and is set to open this summer as renovations continue at Fulham's stadium Craven Cottage.

The investments will help Fulham FC meet the needs of the 5G super-connected football fan, claims CAE while also driving efficiency in the football club's IT systems.

As part of the partnership, CAE will receive brand exposure and access to Fulham FC's Business Club. The VAR's staff and clients will also have the opportunity to watch games live at Craven Cottage.

CEO Justin Harling said: "Our organisations share a passion for results, for making a positive global impact and for developing talent that promises a long and successful future. Fulham have demonstrated dedication on and off the pitch, which can inspire the club to greater heights and give the fans a remarkable experience of top-class football. We are excited to support Fulham in cementing their place in the top tier of football and helping create a future that will bring success for the club and everyone connected with them."

Jon Don-Carolis Sales Director at Fulham FC added:

"We are delighted to bring CAE Technology Services on board as Official Partner of both the Club and Fulham Pier development. Through shared values of innovation and sustainability we look forward to working in collaboration with CAE to drive our technology vision and to deliver a world class customer experience 365 days per year."



https://www.channelweb.co.uk/news/4027085/cae-teams-fulham-football-club-infrastructure-partnership

[WhiteJC]

Premier League predictions: Lawro v singer-songwriter Mike Rosenberg aka Passenger

How will Liverpool respond after their heavy home defeat by Manchester City when they travel to play third-placed Leicester on Saturday?

"It will be interesting to see what Liverpool do," said BBC football expert and former Reds defender Mark Lawrenson. "Firstly in terms of personnel, then how they play, and with how much energy.

"But the pressure is off for Jurgen Klopp's side now because the title has gone, so they can probably play with a bit more freedom. It also helps them that Leicester's home record is nowhere near as strong as it is on the road."

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 singer-songwriter Mike Rosenberg, also known as Passenger.

Passenger released his latest album, Songs for the Drunk and Broken Hearted, in January. He is an Arsenal fan - although he admits he almost ended up supporting Sheffield Wednesday.

"My dad is from the United States and knows nothing about football so I was born into an ocean of uncertainty as far as who I support," he explained.

"I just remember watching Arsenal against Wednesday in the 1993 League Cup final. Who my team should be was hanging in the balance because I was eight, and basically it was whoever won that cup final - and then the FA Cup final between the same teams a couple of months later sealed the deal.

"So, Arsenal it was - they won both games.

"It has worked out all right for me, especially living in Brighton - I don't think there are too many Sheffield Wednesday fans down here - so it was lucky fate-wise, although it is not a particularly great time to be a Gunner now of course.

"We have had some great teams in the time I have been following Arsenal, and Arsene Wenger built two of them.

"Wenger inherited a solid foundation at the back with his first title-winners, added the likes of Patrick Vieira and Marc Overmars, and got Dennis Bergkamp to pull the strings.

"That side was class, and perhaps had more muscle, but the 'Invincibles' era of Thierry Henry, Robert Pires, Freddie Ljungberg - and Bergkamp too of course - was just untouchable as far as winning things and playing beautiful football goes.

"What a wonderful time that was to be watching Arsenal. It's been slightly more difficult in the past few years - we have still had some fantastic players and had some wonderful moments, but it's been like watching an empire slowly fall apart."

LAWRO'S PREDICTION
Everton v Fulham (19:00 GMT)

Everton were not short of firepower in Wednesday's 5-4 FA Cup win over Tottenham but it will be interesting to see how they shape up in attack if Dominic Calvert-Lewin misses this game with the hamstring injury he suffered against Spurs.

They should still be too strong for Fulham, though. Scott Parker's side got another useful point against West Ham last weekend, but their long wait for a league win stands at 12 games and counting.

Lawro's prediction: 2-0

Mike's prediction: 2-1



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/56019700

[WhiteJC]

Mike Ashley lawyer Nick De Marco helps Fulham earn 'record amount of compensation' in Liverpool case

De Marco is one of the QCs representing Mike Ashley in his legal fight against the Premier League in regards to the failed takeover bid

Nick De Marco has helped Fulham earn a 'record amount of compensation' for a 16-year-old in their case against Liverpool over the signing of Harvey Elliott.

The QC, who has been tasked with representing Mike Ashley during the high-profile dispute with the Premier League over the failed attempt to sell Newcastle in the summer, acted for the Cottagers alongside Ravi Mehta in its challenge to The Professional Football Compensation Committee.

Elliott made his first team debut for Fulham as a 15-year-old back in 2018, but joined Liverpool at the end of that season prompting a legal fight over the compensation fee they would receive from the Premier League champions.

A decision was made yesterday on the case and Fulham announced they were 'very pleased' with the outcome.

A club statement read: "The Professional Football Compensation Committee has today given its decision with regards to the compensation payable following Harvey Elliott's move to Liverpool in 2019.

"Under the Youth Development Rules, the PFCC is tasked with assessing the compensation due for a player who leaves an Academy at the end of his registration, if the parties cannot agree the figure between themselves.

"After a full hearing, the PFCC has decided that Fulham should be entitled to substantial compensation.

"The award (undisclosed) is a record amount for a 16-year-old player and, in the circumstances, Fulham is very pleased and thanks the PFCC for its careful consideration of the arguments we put forward."

De Marco was also delighted and took to Twitter to share his pleasure.

"[It] Was a pleasure to represent Fulham v Liverpool (along with my colleague Ravi Mehta) in this interesting case earlier this week leading to the highest ever compensation award for a 16 year old player," De Marco said.

"I echo the sentiments in the Club statement."

It is the second major sports case De Marco was involved in this week after playing his part in a decision to scrap the EFL's salary cap.



https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/nick-demarco-newcastle-takeover-liverpool-19819452