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Saturday Fulham Stuff - 08/05/21...

Started by WhiteJC, May 08, 2021, 12:20:21 AM

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WhiteJC

Results


Friday
Leicester
2-4
Newcastle

WhiteJC

Report: Alphonse Areola wants to leave PSG, West Ham plotting move

According to Le Parisien, West Ham United target Alphonse Areola has decided that he doesn't want to return to Paris Saint-Germain this summer.

Areola has spent the season on loan at Fulham, enjoying a great season despite the fact that Fulham are heading for relegation.

Only five goalkeepers have made more saves than Areola in the Premier League this season, and looks set to stay in the top flight permanently.

The Express claim that West Ham United want to sign Areola, who earns around £75,000-a-week right now.

They do have Lukasz Fabianski and Darren Randolph, but seemingly want to find another goalkeeper for next season and beyond.

28-year-old Areola represents a quality option, and it's now stated that Areola prefers not to return to PSG at all this summer.

He is clearly done with his hometown club, and senses that there is no future with the Champions League semi-finalists with PSG already preparing to sell in order to raise funds.

That works perfectly for West Ham, who may now be able to move in and keep Areola in London een after his Fulham deal expires.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2021/05/07/report-alphonse-areola-wants-to-leave-psg-west-ham-plotting-move/

WhiteJC

Pundit expects Celtic to sign Dembele after January transfer request

Frank McAvennie has tipped Siriki Dembele to move to Celtic despite Fulham registering their interest.

The former Hoops hitman, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insists a move to the Scottish Premiership is more attractive than staying in the Championship.

Football Insider revealed last Sunday that Fulham have joined the race for Dembele after recently sending scouts to watch him.

It is understood the forward is set to quit London Road this summer after handing in a transfer request in January.

A source has told Football Insider Dembele has been targeted by multiple top clubs including Fulham, Rangers, Celtic and Crystal Palace.

McAvennie urged Celtic to avoid past mistakes after failing to get the signing of then Peterborough striker Ivan Toney over the line last summer.

"Celtic made a mistake with Toney," McAvennie told Football Insider correspondent Ben Wild.

"They need a new striker. [Patryk] Klimala has gone. [Albian] Ajeti does nothing for me.

"They had Toney at Parkhead, speaking to Lenny. I'm still not sure how they managed to mess that one up.

"This boy sounds like he's a bit like Toney and he's had a good season with Peterborough.

"Listen, if it comes to a choice between Fulham or Rangers and Celtic, I don't know the boy's feelings but you have to pick Celtic or Rangers.

"I know I'm biased but it's no competition for me. Rangers have too many strikers already, so I expect him to join Celtic."

Dembele has scored 11 goals and picked up 12 assists in 42 League One outings this season.

Earlier this season, Posh boss Darren Ferguson hailed Dembele as 'absolutely outstanding' as the club pushed for promotion. [Peterborough Telegraph]



https://www.footballinsider247.com/pundit-expects-celtic-to-sign-dembele-after-january-transfer-request/


WhiteJC

Supporters to Return for Final Home Game

As part of the Government's scheduled roadmap out of lockdown, should restrictions be eased as planned on Monday 17th May a limited number of supporters will be allowed to return to Craven Cottage for our final home game of the 2020/21 Premier League season, against Newcastle United on Sunday 23rd May, kick-off 4pm.

Following the success of hosting supporters at Craven Cottage in December and conversations with the Premier League, local authorities and Ground Safety Advisory Group, the number of fans permitted to attend will be set at approximately 2,000, of which all will be home supporters. This number is set to ensure as many fans can attend the fixture as possible, whilst ensuring social distancing and safety guidelines are adhered to at Craven Cottage.

TICKETS

Season Ticket Holders who were allocated tickets for Fulham v Brighton & Hove Albion in December 2020, before this fixture was played behind closed doors, will have priority to access tickets.

These supporters who wish to attend Fulham v Newcastle will be able to log in to their OneFulham account and purchase tickets via eticketing.co.uk/fulhamfc from 10am on Tuesday 11th May until midday on Wednesday 12th May. All seats will be individually spaced throughout the Hammersmith and Putney Ends, with no seats grouped together. Additional tickets cannot be added, and the tickets can only be allocated to those who had been allocated a ticket previously for Fulham v Brighton. All tickets are non-transferable.

Tickets are priced at £40 adults, £20 concessions and juniors.

Accessible seating pricing is £20 adults and £10 concessions and juniors. Due to the limited availability, supporters who previously held an accessibility ticket for the Brighton game in December will have a specific seat reserved for them for Newcastle, which must be purchased during the closed sale period.

Disabled Season Ticket Holders who did not get allocated a ticket for the Brighton game should contact [email protected] if they wish to attend the Newcastle game. As with the general allocation, allocation of these tickets will be subject to availability and randomly allocated.
BALLOT

Whilst sales are taking place, a ballot will also open for all other Season Ticket Holders to enter from 10am on Tuesday 11th until midday on Wednesday 12th May. In the event that any tickets remain available, this ballot will then be drawn and successful supporters invited to purchase tickets online.

Please note, if you received a ticket for Fulham v Liverpool or Brighton in December you will be unable to enter the ballot (previous Brighton ticket holders must purchase during their priority window), to ensure fairness in being able to offer tickets to all Season Ticket Holders.

All fans will need to have created their One Fulham account to enter the ballot.
HOSPITALITY

Matchday Hospitality will be in operation at Fulham Palace, available to seasonal hospitality guests. Clients will be contacted directly by their Account Manager and will be required to follow the same processes as outlined below.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Supporters planning to attend the final home game of the season should also be aware of the following information which outlines measures in place to ensure safety of supports and what to expect on matchday:

    All fans require a OneFulham Account to enter the ballot, which includes having a valid email address and opted-in to receive email communications from the Club;
    Ensure your OneFulham Account is linked to your Client Reference number;
    Supporters will need to agree to a Code of Conduct, which will be present at the point of ticket purchase;
    A medical questionnaire - distributed via email - will be required for all successful applicants to complete in advance of matchday. Failure to complete the questionnaire ahead of arrival to Craven Cottage will result in no entry to the ground;
    Digital tickets - iOS and Android / Google (sent to supporters' smartphones) - and print at home tickets will be in use only;
    Photo ID must be brought to the match, which will be checked to match ticket;
    In order to maintain social distancing and the safety of staff and supporters, entry to Craven Cottage will be staggered and supporters will be provided with an arrival time window;
    One-way systems and directional signage are in place and should be followed when moving around the ground;
    Maintain good hygiene with plenty of hand sanitiser stations available to use;
    Fans must wear a face covering, except when eating or drinking, and respect social distancing inside Craven Cottage at all times;
    Food and beverage units will not be open inside the ground, however fans will be provided with a complimentary bottle of water on the day and can also bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks. Please also avoid sharp objects;
    A full bag check will be in place and only small handbags or clear plastic bags should be used;
    If the circumstances of yourself or any of your party have changed following completion of the medical questionnaire, those fans should not attend;
    Supporters should not apply for the ballot if at the date of the match you will be required to self-isolate following travel to the UK from a foreign country.

Further information outlining the steps for returning to Craven Cottage, including specific details and FAQs around the balloting process and matchday attendance can be found on the dedicated Welcoming Fans Back to Craven Cottage pages.

We look forward to welcoming supporters back to Craven Cottage soon.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2021/may/Supporters-to-Return-for-Final-Home-Game/

WhiteJC

Pre-Burnley Press Conference

Scott Parker will continue believing in his side's chances until safety is a mathematical impossibility.

Fulham will need to take the majority of the 12 remaining points available to have any hope of staying up, and so Parker knows that we are now in must-win territory in the most literal sense.

"Yes, they're must-win fixtures for us, starting on Monday night against Burnley," he said. "There's no denying that we're at a point in our season, with the position we find ourselves in, these are games we've got to win now.

"We'll try everything in our power to win them. We understand the situation, we understand where we are, but the main focus is Monday night.

"And what Monday night is, is an opportunity for us to win a game of football and get three points, and we've got to do that.

"My belief is not waning, definitely not, because at this moment there's still four games left. I'm not deluded, I understand the predicament we're in, I understand how difficult the challenge is, but the challenge is still there.

"Okay, we need other results to go our way so it's not totally in our hands, but what is in our hands is the next four games.

"Can we win four? That's the aim. In the real short term, that's Monday night, we need to win that game."

Burnley are one of the sides the Whites are looking to reel in, but Parker knows his men will have a difficult evening on their hands when Sean Dyche and his men turn up at the Cottage.

"Tough game," our Head Coach admitted. "Sean's done an amazing job at Burnley, you know what you're up against when you face Sean's teams, you know what they bring.

"A real tough, tough game for us, and we need to be aware of that. They've been operating in and around the Premier League now for some time, and that's credit to Sean and the job he's done there.

"It's going to bring some different components perhaps to what other games bring, and we need to stand up to that challenge."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2021/may/Pre-Burnley-Press-Conference/

WhiteJC

Fulham's Reed faces late fitness test

Fulham will wait until the last moment before deciding whether Harrison Reed plays any part against Burnley on Monday night.

The Whites could find themselves relegated if they lose to the Clarets, and Scott Parker wants all the available troops he can muster in a game set to decide the club's fate, including the midfielder.

Parker said: "Harrison had an ankle problem, but the physios have worked really well with him.

"Today was his first day of light training, but he'll be touch and go."

Tom Cairney continued to make good progress on his long-standing knee injury, and is still training with the squad, but Monday evening is a bit too soon.

"Hopefully, Tom can play a part in the next week or two," Parker added.

The head coach reckoned there would be a different conversation on Tuesday about the club's future if his side lose, but insisted, there was still a sliver of hope.

He said: "I really liked us at Chelsea even though we lost.

"Burnley are a tough side that have navigated their way around this division, and if we're even a minute like we were in the FA Cup tie (In January when Fulham lost 3-0 at home to Burnley) the same outcome will happen."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-man-touch-and-go-for-burnley-game


WhiteJC


'We may fail this year' – Scott Parker accepts Fulham face struggle to survive
The Cottagers are nine points from safety with only 12 available.

Scott Parker admitted Fulham could "fail" this year as they face an uphill battle to remain in the top flight – but he insists there are still positives to take from the season.

Fulham are nine points from safety with only 12 available after their defeat by west London rivals Chelsea last weekend.

Parker's men host Burnley on Monday knowing that a loss to their fellow relegation strugglers would seal their fate.

"I think it's exactly that, it's a massive match for us," the Fulham boss said.

"These are the times when leagues are won, relegations are decided, golden boots. This is when the trophies come out or the awards come out and this is where it is.

"So look, the task ahead of us on Monday is one that we need to win against a very good opponent and that's what we're going to endeavour to do."

Fulham had managed to reduce the deficit to safety from 10 points to just three earlier in the season, but have slumped recently, and have picked up just one point from their last six matches.

"This team, during the journey this year – I get that we may fail this year," Parker admitted, reflecting on the ups and downs of the season.

"I get that at this present moment in time we've maybe not won as many games or whatever that is but to be where we are, there's been some real upturns, there's been some real learning and there's been some real improvements and while of course maybe at the end of this road there might be failure overall, there have been some real uplifts as well.

"How we've dealt with those (difficult) moments and not sank, how players have pulled through those moments and put in performances, how the team have managed to scrap through some real serious adversity at times and moments that would have sunk a lot of teams... we probably would have been dead and buried a long time ago so it has been crucial really.

"They're all big learning curves and they're all certainly experiences that can only help every one of us, myself included, so that's the main thing."

Fulham will have 2,000 fans, of which all will be home supporters, at their final game of the season against Newcastle at Craven Cottage on May 23.

Restrictions could be eased on May 17 to allow a limited number of fans back into football stadiums.



https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/we-may-fail-this-year-scott-parker-accepts-fulham-face-struggle-to-survive-40399012.html

WhiteJC

Just 2,000 fans permitted into Craven Cottage for Newcastle's season finale v Fulham

Under new rules the London side had the option to host 4,840 fans but have elected to admit almost 60% less than that figure

Fulham have announced that they will permit just 2,000 home supporters into their stadium to watch their final game of the season v Newcastle on Sunday 23 May.

From 17 May, outdoor sports venues in England are set to be allowed up to 10,000 fans inside, or 25% capacity, whichever figure is lower.

With Fulham's Craven Cottage stadium currently capable of hosting 19,359 supporters in theory they could've hosted up to 4,840 home supporters but ticket information posted on their website today states "the number of fans permitted to attend will be set at approximately 2,000".

Fulham season ticket holders who were allocated tickets for their home game v Brighton & Hove Albion in December 2020, before that fixture was eventually played behind closed doors, will have priority when it comes to accessing the 2,000 available tickets.

It is unclear why the full complement of tickets aren't being made available. Fulham's West London stadium is currently undergoing a large scale redevelopment of their Riverside Stand, meaning just three sides of the stadium are available to use.

Fulham supporters on social media supporters seemed more upset with the price point of £40 than the reduced number of available tickets.

At one stage the game looked like it could be a straight shootout for survival, but Fulham's poor form and the improving fortunes of Steve Bruce's side mean it is highly likely the game will be a dead rubber, with Fulham likely to be confined to The Championship having only won promotion to the top-flight in August 2020.



https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/just-2000-fans-permitted-craven-20551609

WhiteJC

Neeskens Kebano has likely played his final game for Middlesbrough - will miss Wycombe game

Neeskens Kebano has been on loan at Middlesbrough from Fulham since January

Neeskens Kebano has likely played his final game for Middlesbrough after confirming he will miss the final game of the season against Wycombe.

The Fulham loanee has impressed at the Riverside since joining in January, netting once and assisting four more in his 18 appearances.

Kebano would have been expected to start the final game of the season against Wycombe but took to Instagram on the eve of the game to confirm he would miss it for an unknown reason, while thanking everyone at the club.

He wrote: I would like to thank @theboroofficial and every single people (sic) working in the club for the last couple months.

"I enjoyed my time here even if I think that it would have been better with the fans in the stadium [Sad face]. I will not be able to play the last game of the season unfortunately but..... UTB"

The news means that Kebano has likely played his final game for the club, with a return next season looking unlikely at this stage.

His parent club Fulham look unlikely to achieve survival in the Premier League now, and his future at Craven Cottage should they come back down to the Championship is uncertain.

However, even if they did choose to sell the 29-year-old it is likely their asking price would be above what Middlesbrough would be willing to pay, with the only small hope of seeing Kebano in a Boro shirt again being that they decided late on to allow him to leave on loan again.

Nevertheless, Kebano's six months at Boro have been useful. Despite not being able to help the club quite reach the play-offs, Kebano showed many glimpses of his individual brilliance and might have secured his place in Boro folklore by providing the assist for the first senior goal of young Josh Coburn's career.



https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/neeskens-kebano-likely-played-final-20552324


WhiteJC

Leicester 2-4 Newcastle: Magnificent Mags maul the Foxes to move 12 clear & up to 13th

A huge win and one of our displays of the season, as Paul Dummett's first goal in five years, yet another strike from Joe Willock and a second half brace from Callum Wilson helped us to a well deserved three points at the King Power Stadium.

The Foxes mounted a late comeback with goals in the final 10 minutes from Albrighton and Iheanacho, however it was too little too late from the home side as we came away with a massive 4-2 win.

The surprise result sends us 12 points clear of the drop zone – meaning Fulham must now win ALL of their final four games to stay up – and into 13th, being one of the best performances of the Bruce era before our late wobble.

After a pathetic display last weekend, this was everything we wanted to see. Quick thinking, energy, movement and real intent to not only commit bodies forward but be first to any loose balls and win our battles in every area of the pitch.

Bruce made TWO changes to the side that were on the beach in last weekend's 2-0 defeat to Arsenal, handing Joe Willock a well deserved start at Sean Longstaff's expense and bringing Emil Krafth in for Ciaran Clark – a player only fit enough for the bench according to the NUFC boss.

Leicester brought Ricardo Pereira back into the side, but were forced into a late change in defence after Jonny Evans pulled up in the warm up.

The game kicked off and, as you'd expect, the home side dominated the ball in the opening exchanges, with Tielemans coming close to nodding in a Maddison cross before Almrion did brilliantly to head clear. We were all fearing an onslaught, but what followed was 15 minutes of constant NUFC pressure and a couple of huge chances.

First, Wilson won a free kick on the very edge of the box, resulting in a Ritchie free kick that was hit low and half cleared. He latched onto the loose ball and delivered a better cross at the second time of asking, but it just evaded Fernandez and was eventually cleared after Saint-Maximin was forced inside.

Another free kick was won moments later after Almiron was barged over by Fofana, this time down the left-hand side. Shelvey's delivery was inviting and Fernandez rose highest – only for the Argentine's header to glance just wide!

An encouraging start, but a few minutes later we missed a massive chance to take the lead. Murphy put Wilson through down the right, the striker raced clear and squared to Saint-Maximin. The goal was gaping, but his low shot was too close to Schmeichel who made himself big and blocked via an outstretched leg.

We looked in the mood, with Almiron more lively and Wilson a constant menace with his movement in behind, and were finally rewarded on the 20-minute mark. Soyuncu, who had started awfully, was caught in possession by an alert Joe Willock and the Arsenal loanee made no mistake after bursting through on goal, slotting a left-footed shot into the far corner!

FOUR goals in as many appearances for the 21-year-old, another ice cool finish and a well deserved lead for what had been a surprisingly bright start from a Newcastle perspective. 1-0!

Minutes later, it should've been 1-1. Soon after Maddison had a goal-bound volley blocked, a Tielemans set piece was met by Fofana. I was expecting the net to bulge, but his powerful header was too close to Dubravka and the Slovakian parried before Shelvey hoofed clear. A lucky escape, but it wasn't long until we were back on the break and getting in behind a ragged-looking Leicester back five.

After Almiron was denied a penalty via a risky lunge from Castagne that was checked by VAR, Willock won us a corner after some trickery forced a rattled Soyuncu to put the ball behind.

Ritchie took the resulting corner and his delivery was an inviting one. As it floated towards the back post, Dummett wanted it more than Fofana and powered a close-range header past Schmeichel and into the roof of the net!

2-0 Newcastle, no less than we deserved and the local lad's first goal for the club since January 2016!

Keep this up and we'd end the night 12 points clear of Fulham and within touching distance of safety, however this was far from over with an hour still remaining against the league's 3rd place side.

Leicester responded with a big chance of their own almost immediately as Iheanacho got his first glimpse of goal. The in-form Nigerian struck his volley well from a Maddison cross, but once again it was too close to Dubravka and quickly cleared.

With minutes to play until half-time, Vardy snuck beyond our back three and was met by an oncoming Dubravka. He looked to lob the onrushing stopper and very nearly did, only for our quick-thinking Slovakian to react smartly and cut out the danger.

The whistle blew after a minute of added on time and we went in 2-0 up after dare I say the best 45 minutes of football we've seen under Steve Bruce.

The job was only half done, however. We had to resist the urge to sit deep, protect our lead and give Leicester the confidence boost their dismal display was crying out for – especially when their defence looked like conceding every time Wilson, Willock, Almiron or ASM ran at them!

After coming through the first 10 minutes of the second half, two half chances arrived for the home side. First a Maddison free kick was deflected wide, and then the resultant corner was headed just past Dubravka's far post by Ndidi.

Krafth went into the book 57 minutes in for a poorly timed lunge on Vardy, but the free kick that followed came to nothing as we were first to the cross and quicker to the loose ball to boot clear.

Half and hour remaining and it was so far so good. We'd dropped a few yards deeper and were seeing less of the ball, however the home side were yet to find their rhythm and feeding off scraps.

Rodgers had seen enough and brought on ex-Mag Ayoze Perez for a defensive midfielder in Ndidi, but a few minutes later and it was game over.

Ritchie curled a brilliant low ball in behind and Wilson knew he was in if he could beat Castagne for pace. He did exactly that, breaking clear of the Belgian and rounding Schmeichel before prodding home to make it 3-0!

Wilson's first goal since returning from a hamstring tear, his 11th of the season and a nerve-settling strike that sent NUFC fans into dreamland as we watched on in shock from our sofas. Considering the strength of the opposition, our injuries at the back and that awful display we witnessed less than week ago, we were on course for one hell of a result!

If 3-0 wasn't ridiculous enough, Wilson helped himself to another 74 minutes in! Almiron played a big part this time, with his defence splitting pass putting the striker in behind. His initial effort hit the inside of the post and pinged back across goal, however he reacted incredibly to fire in from a tight angle on the follow up. 4-0!!

The outstanding Willock was replaced a few minutes later by Sean Longstaff, with that change soon followed by a consolation goal for Albrighton. Dubravka deserved a clear sheet but was beaten by a brilliant strike here, making the scoreline 4-1 with 10 minutes remaining.

Joelinton came on for Saint-Maximin on the 83rd minute mark and soon after that the home side pulled another goal back, this time through a superb finish from who else but Kelechi Iheanacho.

It shouldn't have been nervy when we were still two goals up with 88 minutes, but we all know that Newcastle United never do things the easy way in the end!

With four minutes added on and the Foxes now flooding forward, a huge chance landed at Ayoze Perez's feet in the opening moments of extra time. The Spaniard looked set to make it 4-3 after latching onto a loose ball, but saw his close range shot smothered quite brilliantly by Dubravka!

A big sigh of relief spread across living rooms around Tyneside and we hung on to secure a well deserved 4-2 win!

12 points clear of the drop zone, up to 13th, yet another goal for Willock and a hard fought brace for Wilson – a man who ran Leicester's defence ragged from start to finish.

Next up, a meeting with Manchester City at St James' Park on Friday 14th May!

HWTL.



https://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2021/05/07/leicester-2-4-newcastle-magnificent-mags-maul-the-foxes-to-secure-safety-move-up-to-13th/

AJW48361

Newcastle with players back are to good for Relegation.