Thursday fulham Stuff - 01/04/21...

[WhiteJC]

New Arsenal Date

Fulham's trip to the Emirates to face Arsenal has been pushed back a day.

We will now head to North London on Sunday 18th April for a 1.30pm kick-off, with the match broadcast live on Sky Sports.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2021/march/New-Arsenal-Date/

[WhiteJC]

Ex-Hatter Mark Pembridge happy to see Adebayo making a name for himself after leaving Fulham
Former Cottagers attacker is flourishing following move to Luton

Former Luton midfielder Mark Pembridge is happy to see striker Elijah Adebayo making a name for himself at Kenilworth Road.

The ex-Hatter, who played 70 times during his three year spell with the Hatters between 1989-92, has been working at Premier League side Fulham's academy for the past 15 years, and is currently joint U23s head coach.

During his stint with the Cottagers, he worked closely with Adebayo, after the striker joined Fulham as a nine-year-old, moving through the various age ranks at Craven Cottage until his departure in 2019, but didn't make a first team appearance, although did score two in three Checkatrade Trophy appearances for the U23s.

On the attacker, Pembridge said: "I worked with him a lot when I was doing the U15s, 16s, he came through, so as he moved up, I moved up as well.

"When I went to U16s, 18s and then first team for a year, I came back down to the 23s, and he was in the 23s as well.

"He was always a keen learner, willing to listen, talk things through and have a discussion about things.

"If he had any problems he would quite happily come and talk to me about them, try and solve them, which is what you want from young players.

"He was a good character in the dressing room with the boys and quite popular as well."

Had things panned out differently for Adebayo, he could have potentially forged a career trying to stop goals going in rather than attempting to score them, as Pembridge continued: "He started off as a centre forward and then went to be a defender for a little while.

"He had a go at centre back and didn't really like it, it didn't work out there, so he went back to centre forward.

"Technically he was very good and for a tall lad he's not slow either, covers the ground quite quickly, good first touch and he can finish."

With Fulham a Premier League club during Adebayo's time in southwest London, it meant the opportunity of breaking into the first team was difficult, as after various spells on loan with Slough, Bognor Regis, Cheltenham, Swindon and Stevenage, he left permanently in the summer of 2019 to join Walsall and get regular first team football.

Despite admitting it was tough to see him depart, Pembridge felt it was the right move for his career, saying: "He left us because he wasn't getting in the first team and he couldn't really play another year of U23s football, he needed that next challenge of going out and playing men's football.

"Him and Stephen Humphreys played up front, so they both got clubs and they needed to get out.

"I think that was the next challenge for him, having played 23s, and not getting involved with our first team at any stage, the next stage we see in these boys progression, if they can't play in Fulham's first team, can we get them out to somebody else's first team?

"We got them out on loan to give them that men's first team experience and hopefully try and set him up so he knows that when he does leave the football club it's not rabbits in headlights kind of thing, he's used to it and he knows what to expect.

"It is hard because they've not succeeded at your football club but that's our job to set them up to make sure they get the next best thing then, which is involved in another league club.

"It's more him getting back on the ladder, back into league football and playing, getting games under his belt and making a profile for himself.

"You knows he's always going to score as he's a decent finisher, so he's always going to get chances and always going to score goals.

"For him the main thing was to just get games and get himself a profile."

When Adebayo made the move to Kenilworth Road during the recent transfer window, it was a popular choice for one member of the Pembridge family in particular, as the Welshman added: "Looking at him now, he's obviously taken those smaller steps back up the ladder which is really good to see, from someone who has left and gone to Walsall and is now playing in the Championship.

"I do tend to watch the Luton games when I can, as many as I can, I even try and get to the games as my wife's a Luton Town supporter.

"If they're playing in London and time is convenient for us, me and my wife will get to the Luton games.

"So I do watch his progression and all the other boys too.

"I watch the results come in, and say, 'oh yeah, he used to be with us, he used to be with us,' which is good to see."



https://www.lutontoday.co.uk/sport/football/luton-town/ex-hatter-mark-pembridge-happy-to-see-adebayo-making-a-name-for-himself-after-leaving-fulham-3184267

[WhiteJC]

Mitro At It Again

[imgwidth=600]https://images-v2.fulhamfc.com/fit-in/1600x1600/8b06e7c0-91f6-11eb-9cde-0d9925fad419.jpg[/img]

Aleksandar Mitrović made it five goals in less than two-and-a-half matches over the international period with another brace, this time against Azerbaijan in Serbia's latest World Cup Qualifier.

He opened the scoring with aplomb in Baku just after the quarter hour mark, selling a defender with a deft first touch before nestling an accurate low shot into the far corner to bring up 40 goals for his country.

It looked as though the hosts might grab a draw from the Group A encounter when they equalised from the penalty spot, but Mitrović ensured Serbia took maximum points with a stunning 81st minute strike.

With the ball bouncing around him on the edge of the box, Mitrović cleverly repositioned his body shape before executing a brilliant volley on his left foot that left the goalkeeper with zero chance.

The result leaves Serbia level on seven points with Portugal in Group A following a stellar start to Qatar qualifying.

In Africa Cup of Nations qualifying, Frank Anguissa played 83 minutes of Cameroon's goalless draw with Rwanda.

As tournament hosts next year, Cameroon did not need to qualify but competed in the group stages regardless, and ended up as Group F winners.

Some of our out-on-loan contingent were also in action. Aboubakar Kamara has switched international allegiance to Mauritania, and he's made an immediate impact by scoring the goal that booked their spot in Cameroon.

Kamara netted the only goal of the game against the Central African Republic, meaning Mauritania qualify in second spot in Group E behind Morocco.

Cyrus Christie played the entirety of the Republic of Ireland's 1-1 friendly draw with Qatar.

England Under-21s' European Championship campaign is under threat after a 2-0 defeat by Portugal on Sunday.

Steven Sessegnon played 83 minutes before being replaced by Rhian Brewster as England sought a way back into the tie, but the defeat means progression is now out of their hands going into the final group stage fixture.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2021/march/Mitro-At-It-Again/

[WhiteJC]

Aleksandar Mitrovic's blistering form for Serbia will be a concern for Newcastle's survival bid

Relegation rivals Fulham will hope a positive international break will galvanise the forward's club form


Aleksandar Mitrovic of Serbia celebrates after scoring his side's second goal against Ireland (Image: Getty Images)

Newcastle United fans have been left worried after Aleksandar Mitrovic capped a positive international break with another brace.

The 26-year-old, who leads the line for relegation rivals Fulham, has struggled at club level this term, scoring just twice in this season's Premier League.

However, Mitrovic fired in 26 goals last season to fire the Cottagers to promotion from the Championship and he has hit double figures in the Premier League in the past for Fulham, as well as firing in nine goals in his first season for Newcastle.

Many Magpies fans fear the former Newcastle forward could well return to haunt his old club with just two points separating them in the battle for Premier League survival heading into the final nine matches of the season.

And despite his indifferent form this term, his performances for Serbia in the World Cup qualifiers this week has only heightened those fears.

Mitrovic fired in five goals in three games for his country, as Serbia made an unbeaten start to their World Cup qualifying campaign.

Alarm bells started to ring on Tyneside after Mitrovic scored twice for Serbia in the 3-2 victory over the Republic of Ireland, whose side included Newcastle pair Ciaran Clark and Jeff Hendrick, last Wednesday in Belgrade.

The first in particular was a stunner, chipping Ireland keeper Mark Travers after being played in by Dusan Tadic.

He had only been on the field five minutes when he put Serbia ahead, before bagging a header that made it 3-1.

The former Anderlecht forward backed that up against Portugal on Saturday evening, scoring Serbia's first goal as they recovered from 2-0 down to pick up a vital 2-2 draw.

Mitrovic crashed home a header, despite being marked by two Portuguese defenders, to become his country's all-time record goalscorer with 39 goals.

He then boosted that total to 41 goals on Tuesday evening as his brace secured a crucial 2-1 win away to Azerbaijan.

His first goal typified his new-found confidence. He received the ball on the edge of the box before a clever first touch opened up space on his right foot where he was able to sweep the ball into the bottom right-hand corner.

His second goal was just as good as well, as he cancelled out an Azerbaijan equaliser by rifling a left-footed half-volley from outside of the area into the bottom corner to secure all three points for Serbia.

The worry, of course, is that he translates this new-found form for his country at club level, particularly as the big criticism facing Fulham is that despite their style of play being pleasing on the eye, they lack a clinical goalscorer.

Fulham take on Aston Villa on Sunday, directly after Newcastle host Tottenham at St James' Park.

Both games will be shown live on Sky Sports.



https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aleksandar-mitrovics-blistering-form-serbia-20292200

[WhiteJC]

Sources: Fulham playing waiting game as QPR wait to hear on permanent signing news

Fulham have not yet made a decision on Stefan Johansen's future as the midfielder enjoys a productive loan spell at Queens Park Rangers, Football League World has learned.

The Norwegian international arrived in W12 back in the January transfer window alongside fellow loan arrivals Charlie Austin, Sam Field and Jordy de Wijs, with all four having a positive impact on the team's form.

Indeed, 2021 has seen the Hoops become one of the most consistent sides in the Championship and they'll look to build in the summer.

That said, there's natural interest in whether the Hoops will keep the quartet on a permanent basis, with Football League World learning exclusively that, in the case of Johansen, nothing is as yet decided.

Indeed, Fulham are waiting to see what division they are in for next season. If they are in the Premier League they are willing to let the midfielder leave but if they themselves are in the Championship in 21/22, they may look to give him another shot at playing regularly at Craven Cottage.

His loan in January was sanctioned to allow him to get minutes ahead of a decision in the summer and it remains to be seen exactly how the end of this season impacts this particular scenario.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/sources-fulham-playing-waiting-game-as-qpr-wait-to-hear-on-permanent-signing-news/

[WhiteJC]

Tottenham Hotspur Mull Move For Premier League Defender

Fulham loan star Joachim Andersen is one of the defenders Tottenham Hotspur are considering signing as part of their transfer plans this summer, according to football.london.

Andersen has been on loan at Fulham since last summer and has impressed with his performances despite the west London side's predicament.

The Dane is scheduled to return to Lyon at the end of the season, but Juninho, the club's sporting director, recently claimed that the defender might want to continue in the Premier League.

It has been claimed that he is attracting interest from Tottenham ahead of the summer transfer window.

The north London club are keeping a close eye on the player and he is one of the defenders they are considering.

Tottenham are prioritising bringing in a defensive leader but they also want the player to have Premier League experience if possible.

Andersen's performances have caught the eye and the fact that Scott Parker has even handed him the captain's armband in several games has been noted as well.

Fulham do not have an option to buy him but are expected to rival Tottenham for his signature if they survive in the Premier League.

Andersen has more than three years left to run on his contract with Lyon and the French club are expected to want a considerable fee following his season in the Premier League.



https://insidefutbol.com/2021/03/31/tottenham-hotspur-mull-move-for-premier-league-defender/501029/

[WhiteJC]

"I think he is going to want to extend the adventure" – Club chief open to Fulham transfer, has 'played well' in PL

Loaned to Fulham late in the transfer window as they desperately scrambled around to sign centre-backs, Joachim Andersen has been a good gamble for the Cottagers.

Struggling for game time under Rudi Garcia at Lyon, the Denmark international decided it was best for him to head elsewhere to get minutes on the pitch, which the Premier League club were more than happy to hand out.

While Fulham haven't been all that great, currently 18th in the table with eight games to go, Andersen has played well, and shown he has what it takes to be a regular in England's top tier.

That's why it isn't entirely surprising to hear Juninho, director of football at Lyon, reveal a return isn't on the cards for the player, even if he refused to entirely rule it out.

Speaking of the club's defensive situation at a press conference called for Marcelo's renewal until 2023, the Brazilian said, relayed by 20 Minutes: "I think he [Andersen] is going to want to extend the adventure in the Premier League. He played well at Fulham, and if he comes back, we'll greet him with open arms".

One to keep an eye on then, because even if the Cottagers fail to maintain their status in the Premier League, there might be another club who does stay up ready to send Lyon some money for their defender in the upcoming transfer window.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/i-think-going-want-extend-adventure-club-chief-open-fulham-transfer-played-well-pl/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham defender Joachim Andersen is surely worth monitoring by Wolves

Wolverhampton Wanderers need to sign a new central defender this summer.

The time has come, following some very dodgy dealings at the back in some games this season.

Tim Spiers claimed back in January that the position is a priority heading into the summer.

One man that could be worth keeping an eye on for Wolves is Joachim Andersen.

The Denmark international is currently playing for Fulham on loan from Lyon, and has been a really solid player for the Cottagers.

In recent weeks especially, they have looked much more solid at the back and Andersen has come in for high praise.

Scott Parker's side have managed to keep five clean sheets in their last nine Premier League outings, which is a great run considering their leakiness earlier on in the season.

Andersen has been growing in stature, showing the ability to dominate aerially and pass out from the back with confidence.

That said, Fulham remain in the relegation zone and could well go down at the end of the season.


That could make a permanent move to Craven Cottage unlikely for Andersen – and Wolves should look to steal in in that case.

Ominously, Lyon's director Juninho thinks Andersen will want to stay in the Premier League next season (via 20minutes.fr).

Andersen is just ideal
The 24-year-old would be a great pickup by Wolves, who are in clear need of a defensive shake-up.

Not only is he strong in the tackle and great on the ball, but he's also worn the captain's armband many times for Fulham this term.

That's quite a rare thing for a loan player to do, and clearly suggests he is a strong leader which is always a good thing.

Another appealing thing about Andersen is that he's played in systems that uses three central defenders and also a traditional back four with both Fulham and Lyon.

That's obviously good with Wolves having also used two such formations.

Finally, Wolves only did business with Andersen's parent club Lyon last year with the transfer of Fernando Marcal, so there's surely a resonable chance of another this summer.

If Fulham go down, Wolves should be all over it.



https://www.molineux.news/opinion/fulham-defender-joachim-andersen-is-surely-worth-monitoring-by-wolves/

[filham]

Oh dear , Spurs ready to get their claws on Andersen, that is bad news.

[Fulham 442]

Oh dear , Spurs ready to get their claws on Andersen, that is bad news.

Hopefully if we stay up, although we don't have an option to buy, we will be able to come to some arrangement with Lyon and keep him.