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Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 23/03/21...

Started by WhiteJC, March 23, 2021, 12:17:50 AM

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WhiteJC

Pressure 'will be too much' for Newcastle players in final-day showdown with Fulham

Former Chelsea star Andy Townsend says he would back Scott Parker's men if the Premier League relegation battle goes to the last day

The pressure of a final-day showdown with Fulham might be too much for the Newcastle United players.

That's the verdict of pundit Andy Townsend following the Magpies' 3-0 defeat to Brighton at the weekend.

The dismal display at the Amex Stadium leaves Steve Bruce's men two points ahead of Fulham with a game in hand, although United have now become the bookies favourites to join Sheffield United and West Bromwich Albion in the Championship next season.

The two side meet on the final day of the Premier League season, at Craven Cottage of course, and former Chelsea and Republic of Ireland midfielder Townsend would back Scott Parker's side if it came down to that 90 minutes.

"When I look at those fixtures, it is going to be so tight and it might come down to the one at the bottom when they play each other," he said on Premier League TV following the Brighton defeat.

"It really might and if it goes to the last game, I'd back Fulham to survive.

"I think the pressure will be too much for the Newcastle players.

"And I don't see them coping it with too well at the moment."

Newcastle should have Callum Wilson fit again for the remaining nine games of the season - barring any further injuries of course - while Allan Saint-Maximin is also closing in on a first-team return following his groin injury.

However, confidence in the United camp appeared to be a rock bottom at the Amex Stadium, and influential midfielder Isaac Hayden is set for a spell on the sidelines after being stretchered off following an accidental collision with Yves Bissouma.

The Magpies face Spurs, Burnley, West Ham, Liverpool, Arsenal, Leicester, Manchester City and Sheffield United before heading to Fulham on the final day of the season.



https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/pressure-will-much-newcastle-players-20226753

WhiteJC

International Call-Ups


The following Fulham players have been called up by their respective nations in the current international period.

Senior squad

Ola Aina - Nigeria - Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers

Joachim Andersen - Denmark - World Cup Qualifiers

Frank Anguissa - Cameroon - Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers

Alphonse Areola - France - World Cup Qualifiers

Cyrus Christie - Republic of Ireland - World Cup Qualifiers

Michael Hector - Jamaica - Friendlies

Mario Lemina - Gabon - Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers

Aleksandar Mitrović - Serbia - World Cup Qualifiers

Tim Ream - United States - Friendlies

Antonee Robinson - United States - Friendlies

Kenny Tete - Netherlands - World Cup Qualifiers

Under-21s

Steven Sessegnon - England - European Championship

Under-18s

Jay Williams - Wales - Friendly

Under-17s

Michael Olakigbe - England - Training Camp

Luke Harris - Wales - Training Camp



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2021/march/International-Call-Ups/

WhiteJC

Premier League Debut Balls


Five Fulham players were presented with their Premier League debut balls recently.

The commemorative display balls are given to home grown players after they appear in the top flight for the first time.

To qualify, a player must have been at an academy of a club in the English football pyramid for three years or more prior to their 21st birthday.

Premier League debuts were handed to Marek Rodák and Michael Hector on the opening day of the season when we hosted Arsenal at Craven Cottage. Rodák came through the ranks right here at Fulham having moved over from his native Slovakia aged 16, while Hector grew up at Reading.

Antonee Robinson was next to make his Premier League bow. He'd graduated from the Everton academy but did not make a senior appearance for the Toffees, meaning his start for the Whites at Molineux was his first taste of top flight action.

Tosin had played for Manchester City in the FA Cup, League Cup, and Champions League, but our 1-1 draw at Sheffield United was the first time he had featured in the Premier League.

And Josh Maja – who spent time in our Academy as well as Sunderland's – is the most recent top flight debutant, coming off the bench in our goalless draw with West Ham United, before notching a brace on his full debut at Everton a week later.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2021/march/Premier-League-Debut-Balls/


WhiteJC

RIP Alan Slough: One of the great Peterborough United midfielders
High-class former Peterborough United midfielder passed away today (March 22) after a long battle against Parkinson's disease, aged 73.

Slough joined Posh in July, 1977, moving from Fulham for a fee of £25,000.

He went on to make 128 appearances for Posh, scoring 16 goals, many of them penalties.

Slough was a key man in the 1977-78 Posh side that came within goal difference of reaching the top two divisions of English football for the first time in the club's history.

Slough is remembered for scoring a hat-trick of penalties in the penultimate Division Three match of that season, a 4-3 defeat at Chester.

Injuries sidelined him for most of the following season when Posh were relegated.

When he returned to fitness he played for Posh mostly as a centre-back before leaving the club for a brief spell at Millwall in 1981.

Slough played for Luton before he joined Fulham. He was part of a famous Fulham side that also included George Best, Bobby Moore and Rodney Marsh, and he played in the 1975 2-0 FA Cup Final defeat at the hands of West Ham.

Alan's son Andy revealed Alan's passing today. He said: "Dad has been battling with Parkinson's for eight years and the last two years have been particularly difficult. It brings great relief to our family to know he is no longer suffering.

"He was a family man who loved his wife, sons, brothers, sisters, grandchildren, daughters-in-law, brother-in-law - in fact he loved everyone.

"His love for football was clear for everyone to see. He had so many amazing stories including playing alongside some of the greatest footballers of all time, and of course playing in the 1975 FA Cup Final.

"It goes without saying we are absolutely devastated to lose such an amazing man.

"I would also like to mention my mum who was his rock through 50+ years of marriage. She cared for him night and day nonstop over the last eight years."



https://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/sport/football/peterborough-united/rip-alan-slough-one-of-the-great-peterborough-united-midfielders-3173973

WhiteJC

Why Fulham fans shouldn't give up hope

Friday night wasn't pretty. Scott Parker's side chose what felt like a glorious opportunity to escape the drop zone as the time to put in their worst display since November as Leeds finally ended their capital curse with a 2-1 win at Craven Cottage. The performance sparked memories of the way the Whites started life in the Premier League and, coming hot on the heels of the fifteen minutes of madness that allowed Manchester City to ease to victory last week, was particularly deflating. Parker himself called for calm afterwards and, despite the disappointment, no Fulham fan should give up hope, especially given Newcastle's present predicament.

The Leeds defeat should serve as a sharp wake-up call to Parker's charges. Fulham have been on an upward trajectory since the difficult start to life in the top flight but improved performances alone won't guarantee survival, especially if they don't translate into wins. Drawing has been particularly painful – Fulham share the prize for the highest number of stalemates in the division with Brighton on eleven – and Friday's defeat at the hands of Leeds, wasting an opportunity to apply pressure to both the Seagulls and Newcastle, was undoubtedly a missed opportunity.

But the nature of the Premier League means that there are surely plenty of twists and turns ahead. Steve Bruce's Magpies looked utterly bereft of ideas on the south coast and, the strong suggestion that Mike Ashley is not about to pull the trigger on his beleaguered manager, might just give Fulham another bite at the cherry. After an international break that might allow Parker to consider his best plan of action, there are winnable games against Wolves and Aston Villa offering a second chance to leapfrog the Geordies or at least close the gap.

Both sides have a fairly similar run in, both facing three 'big-six' sides in their remaining fixtures, as well as a side that has exceeded expectations thus far and that poses a major threat on their day – Aston Villa for the Cottagers and West Ham United for the Geordies. However, Newcastle also face Leicester, who embarrassed Manchester United in the FA Cup yesterday and are determined to finish the season strongly, and the mood music coming out of the north east is far from encouraging at the moment.

Fulham have largely been consistent since early autumn, looking much more competitive and picking up points but struggling to find the finishing touch. I felt the reaction to a defeat by Manchester City was a little overblown – there's no shame in being beaten by arguably the best side in Europe, who are still on for a remarkable quadruple. The Leeds defeat was disappointing, but Parker has proven adept at putting poor displays aside and concentrating on the job at hand. He was tactically out-thought by Marcelo Bielsa – and there are plenty of more season managers who can relate to that.

Parker has pointed to parallels with Fulham's famous great escape in 2008. Thirteen years ago today, Fulham were comfortably beaten by Newcastle United at St. James' Park – leaving them four points from safety with eight games to go. Birmingham, just above the relegation at zone at that point, and Reading – in fifteenth with an eight point cushion – both went down with Roy Hodgson's heroes surviving on the final day courtesy of Danny Murphy's memorable header in the Fratton Park sunshine. All is not lost.

Belief and determination has got Fulham this far. Both Joachim Andersen and Tom Cairney have spoken in recent weeks about tuning out the noise from outside and controlling the controllables, which are our own performances. Parker has imbued this side with serious resilience and has already proven himself capable of tactical tweaks to bolster a leaky defence. One more, at the other end of the pitch, could prove decisive. Eight cup finals remain and Parker will ensure Fulham are up for the fight.

We can do this! Come on you Whites!



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/03/why-fulham-fans-shouldnt-give-up-hope/

WhiteJC

The 7 key games which could decide Newcastle's Premier League fate

There are some huge games on the horizon as the Magpies look to save their Premier League future


Newcastle United head coach Steve Bruce (left) and Fulham's Scott Parker

Newcastle United have nine games - 810 minutes - to save their Premier League future and avoid relegation into the Championship for the third time under Mike Ashley.

The Magpies owner has gambled and decided to stick with head coach Steve Bruce after the 3-0 defeat to Brighton last weekend, meaning that if the change is not going to come from the dugout, it has to happen on the pitch.

For all the inevitable doom and gloom following the latest dismal performance, United's fate is still in their own hands.

They lead 18th-placed Fulham by two points and have a game in hand on the Cottagers, although Scott Parker's side have the better goal difference at this stage.

There is also the small matter of that final-day showdown at Craven Cottage when the two sides could face off in a winner-takes-all scenario.

There will be more twists and turns - after all there is still just under a quarter of the season left to play - but where will the battle be won and lost?

No one can rule out an upset at any stage, Fulham went to Anfield and won of course, but if we take that unknown quantity out of the equation, here are the really big fixtures which could decide who stays in the Premier League and who is playing Championship football next season.

Saturday, April 3

Aston Villa vs Fulham

Fulham's first opportunity to take advantage comes immediately after the international break as they travel to Villa Park to face out-of-form Aston Villa.

A win would see them leapfrog Newcastle into 17th place and send Steve Bruce's men into the relegation zone ahead of their St James' Park clash with Tottenham the following day.

Villa have won once in their last seven Premier League outings, although they could have talisman Jack Grealish back in action when the action resumes in just under a fortnight.

But Fulham will see this as a winnable game and one which could help turn up the heat on Newcastle.
April 9-11

Fulham vs Wolves (Fri 9), Burnley vs Newcastle (Sunday 11)

What a weekend this could be, with again Fulham again first up with a Friday night home game against Wolves.

Nuno Espirito Santo's side don't have a huge amount left to play for and have won just three Premier League games since the turn of the year. The Friday evening fixtures also comes just a few days after they host West Ham in a Monday night match.

Newcastle must wait until the Sunday to travel to Burnley for a lunchtime kick-off, with Sean Dyche's men not out of trouble by any means.

Their recent win at Everton alleviated some of the pressure, but they have failed to win any of their last six home Premier League games.

Newcastle could have Allan Saint-Maximin back in action at this stage - considering the next five fixtures are West Ham, Liverpool, Arsenal, Leicester and Manchester City, this could be a hugely significant game.

May 8

Fulham vs Burnley

If Fulham are to survive then they must do something about their terrible home form, which has seen them win just twice at Craven Cottage. Burnley still have plenty to play for to avoid being dragged into the dogfight, but Fulham will see this as a must-win.
May 12

Southampton vs Fulham

Much will have changed before this fixture rolls around, but as things stand, the Saints have the worst Premier League record in 2021.

It's not beyond the realms of possibility that Ralph Hasenhuttl's men will be nervously looking over their shoulders come May, but not many believe they will be drawn into the battle at the bottom.

A Southampton side free from pressure could go either way - and in James Ward-Prowse, Danny Ings and Takumi Minamino they have the players to hurt any side.

But a fired-up Fulham could feel it's an ideal opportunity to add to the seven defeats the Saints have already suffered at St Mary's. - on a day Newcastle face Manchester City.

May 15

Newcastle vs Sheffield United

Newcastle end their home fixtures against a Sheffield United side which will have more than likely already been relegated. The Blades have won just once away from Bramall Lane this season, but we all know what happened when the two sides met in January.

It's unthinkable that Newcastle could fail to beat Sheffield United and stay in the Premier League, so no matter how big the pressure is going into this one, three points will be all that matters.

There is the outside chance this game could even have a smaller number of fans inside St James' Park if the Premier League decide to move the penultimate fixtures to ensure all sides get the opportunity for one home game in front of supporters.

May 23

Fulham vs Newcastle

And so to the final day of the season. It's it still all to play for come May 23 at Craven Cottage then this will be one of the biggest 90 minutes in Newcastle United's history.

Neither side will be in particularly good form given they both have to be in relegation danger if it's a winner-takes-all situation, although it could be the case that one - or both - is safe by this stage.

It comes down to who can handle the pressure the most. Newcastle have some experienced heads in their side, but the fear of relegation will weigh heavy on even the most seasoned professional.

It's too hard to call from this distance, but the easiest way to avoid the pressure is for Newcastle to ensure they are clear of danger well before this date with destiny.



https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/7-key-games-could-decide-20227194


WhiteJC


How the Premier League relegation battle is shaping up ahead of run-in
Sheffield United and West Brom appear doomed but Fulham, Newcastle, Brighton, Burnley and Southampton are all still in the thick of things.

Newcastle's 3-0 defeat at fellow strugglers Brighton on Saturday plunged them deeper into the Premier League's survival battle.

With bottom two Sheffield United and West Brom appearing destined for relegation, the PA news agency looks at the other clubs scrambling to avoid the trapdoor.

Who is involved?
Sheffield United's recent 5-0 loss at Leicester was their 23rd Premier League defeat of the season (Molly Darlington/PA)

For Sheffield United and West Brom the race is all but over. The Blades, 14 points from safety, have never recovered after making the longest winless start to a Premier League season (17 matches), while the Baggies, 10 points from safety, have fared little better. Fulham's hopes of leap-frogging Newcastle out of the bottom three last weekend were dashed by defeat to Leeds. But the Magpies failed to capitalise and lost further ground on fellow relegation rivals Brighton. Burnley and Southampton, both on 33 points, are not yet safe.

Who is safe?
Leeds, in 11th place, celebrated Friday's win at Fulham with extra gusto as it lifted them to 39 points, 13 above the Cottagers, with nine games to play. Crystal Palace, 12th, and Wolves, 13th, are 11 and nine points above the bottom three respectively and both should comfortably reach the 40-point mark, which would require Fulham to win at least five of their remaining eight games to overhaul them. It would appear that this season's survival battle has boiled down to a seven-horse race.

What about each club's run-in?
As the bottom two gear for life back in the Sky Bet Championship next season, the run-in could prove decisive for the five clubs clambering above. FA Cup semi-finalists Southampton face five sides in the bottom half of the table in their last nine matches, while Burnley have still got to play the Saints, Newcastle, Fulham and Sheffield United. Brighton, who come up against Manchester United, Chelsea, West Ham, Manchester City and Arsenal in their last nine fixtures, have arguably the toughest run-in.

What about Newcastle and Fulham?
Newcastle, two points above Fulham with a game in hand, also have a daunting run-in. They must play top-six sides in four of their last nine games, plus Liverpool at Anfield and Arsenal. The Magpies will also face Burnley and Sheffield United and a potentially decisive trip to Fulham in their final match. Scott Parker's side have eight games left and have yet to play at London rivals Arsenal and Chelsea, plus Manchester United, before survival could all hinge on Newcastle's visit on the final day of the season.



https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/how-the-premier-league-relegation-battle-is-shaping-up-ahead-of-run-in-40224801.html

WhiteJC

Alan Slough: 1947-2021


Everyone at Fulham was saddened to learn of the passing of our 1975 FA Cup Finalist Alan Slough.

Alan's family confirmed today that the former midfielder had passed away following a lengthy battle with Parkinson's disease.

After Slough had won two promotions with Luton Town, Alec Stock – having managed him at Kenilworth Road – brought him, along with Viv Busby, to Fulham ahead of the 1973/74 season.

Known for his work rate in the middle of the park, Slough was an integral part of the team which reached the FA Cup Final in 1974/75, starting every one of our record breaking 12 matches in the competition.

He scored the decisive goal as we finally saw off Hull City at the third attempt in Round Three, while he was also on target in the second of three replays against Nottingham Forest.

Stock made him Fulham Captain a year later following the departure of Alan Mullery, with Slough leading a side that featured the likes of Bobby Moore, George Best and Rodney Marsh.

Alan left Craven Cottage in the summer of 1977 having played 187 times and scored 16 goals for the Club.

A successful spell at Peterborough followed, and in retirement he went above and beyond to give back to the community when he took up coaching at grassroots level in the Torbay area.

Our thoughts are now with Alan's wife Anne, his sons, and all his family and friends at this sad time.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2021/march/Alan-Slough-1947-2021/

WhiteJC

Final Piece of Roof for Fulham FC's New Stand Delivered

Barges have been bringing material up the Thames for the project since 2019


Huge crane lifting part of the roof into place. Picture: Port of London Authority

The final delivery of pieces of the roof on the Riverside Stand at Craven Cottage was delivered recently.

The trusses which will support the roof are due to be lifted into place as the stadium building project moves to the next stage.

When the final piece is put in place the large crane and the barges will be leaving the site and work will start in April on installing all the plant at the site including the boilers and heat recovery units.

Seats have already started to be installed at the site and work is due to begin on the new media centre.

Like much of the material used on the site they have been delivered by Thames barges since work on the stand started in 2019. The project's use of the river has won praise from the Port of London Authority (PLA), who work to promote inland, waterborne freight, as part of its Thames Vision strategy. It's the latest example of a major construction project using the river to reduce traffic on the capital's road network.

Alistair Mackintosh, Fulham Football Club CEO, said, "We are excited to see good progress being made on the Riverside Stand, which will be wonderful for our historic ground and wider local area. Using the river to transport material has been advantageous in accessing the construction site whilst minimising disruption and pollution."

Lucy Owen, deputy director of planning at the PLA said, "We applaud Fulham FC for their commitment to reducing pollution by floating in the trusses that will form the roof of their new stand.

"Along with Tideway's continuing use of barges to build the new 'super sewer' deep beneath the riverbed, it underlines huge potential the tidal Thames has to help the country build back better and greener, post COVID-19."

The health club on the riverside concourse is due to be fitted out shortly and the project team are hopeful they will have the decking on the pier completed in the next few months. When the stand itself will finally be able to accept fans largely depends on the loosening of coronavirus restrictions.



http://www.fulhamsw6.com/default.asp?section=info&page=fulhamfc017.htm


WhiteJC

We've Still Got Eight Games – Fulham Star Hopeful On Survival

Antonee Robinson has insisted the defeat against Leeds United has not ended Fulham's chances of survival as he believes there are still ample opportunities for the Cottagers to stay up with eight games left to play.

Fulham succumbed to a 2-1 defeat at home to Leeds United when the two teams met in the Premier League on Friday.

After Patrick Bamford opened the scoring in the first half, Fulham equalised with Joachim Andersen's strike, but a second half goal from Raphinha sealed the game for Leeds as they held on to grab the victory at Craven Cottage.

After one win in their last five Premier League fixtures, Fulham sit in 18th place with 26 points. The Cottagers have a relegation-battle on their hands as they sit two points adrift of 17th place Newcastle United with eight games left to play in the Premier League.

Robinson believes that the result against Leeds does not put the Cottagers' survival hopes to rest as he stated that there are more chances for Fulham to stay up if they capitalise on their upcoming league games.

"It's not like if we'd won we'd have stayed up, and losing doesn't mean we're relegated", Robinson told Fulham's official site.

"We've still got eight more games to try and get some points.

"We've got the international break now, some of the lads will have a bit of rest, the international lads are going to go away, and then everyone's going to be working hard and getting focused on the next game."

Fulham will look to get back on track after the international break as they prepare to take on Aston Villa at Villa Park.



https://insidefutbol.com/2021/03/22/weve-still-got-eight-games-fulham-star-hopeful-on-survival/499745/

WhiteJC

USMNT's Antonee Robinson: We want to change how the world 'views American soccer'
The USMNT is preparing for two friendlies this week

U.S. men's national team coach Gregg Berhalter and his team are preparing for upcoming friendlies against Jamaica (Thursday) and Northern Ireland (Sunday) during a break among European club competition.

The current training roster features several players in camp from various European clubs, including Antonee Robinson from Fulham. Robinson and fellow defender Aaron Long previewed the friendlies on Monday with reporters. Here's what they had to say.

Year ahead a 'great opportunity'
The year ahead will hold several important competitions for the USMNT with CONCACAF Nations League, the Gold Cup, and 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifying. Robinson believes the current group of players are in good position to continue building toward meaningful matches moving forward.

"Obviously there was a pretty big impact with COVID stopping a lot of the games early on in the season. So we haven't had much time to play together and sort of gel as a team, but I think since Greg's been coach, he's had a pretty clear mindset of how he wants to play. And just the work rate that he wants the team to play with and the hunger and desire, Robinson said.

"I think ultimately all the players that are being called -- the guys over from the MLS and the European-based players -- we all share the same same goals. That we want to win trophies, we want to change the way that the world sort of views American soccer. ...You know, there are a lot of young hungry players, and we're excited to try and win stuff, and a lot of time is coming off in the summer, and then obviously qualifying afterwards. It gives us a great opportunity to showcase that."

European reunions
The current training camp roster features players across several European clubs. A small number of MLS clubs are represented within the roster, but the mix is unique and representative of the current state of the USMNT. New York Red Bulls defender Aaron Long has been enjoying getting acquainted and re-acquainted with new and former teammates ahead of this week's friendlies -- both of which will be played in Europe.

"I think for me, this is the first time I've been on a camp where there's mainly players [from] Europe. So, that's new to me and we'll see how this camp takes shape. And like I said, I haven't seen a lot of these guys in a couple years which is different for me as well," Long said. "Usually, I'm getting together with a lot of these guys you know every month, or two months, three months, you get to see the group again. But a lot of these guys haven't seen since 2019. So, I think that's probably the biggest difference for me this camp."



https://www.cbssports.com/soccer/news/here-we-go-gladbach-eye-xabi-alonso-neymar-deal-man-city-keen-on-sporting-teen-chelsea-liverpool-plans/