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Friday Fulham Stuff - 21/05/21...

Started by WhiteJC, May 21, 2021, 12:12:45 AM

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WhiteJC

Right or wrong, Parker's vision may cost him his job
Sean asks: is Parker's vision of sustainability at odds with our owners?


With relegation confirmed, it didn't take long for Fulham's all too familiar brand of internal dysfunction to rear its ugly head once more. Having played a starring role in our latest Premier League demise, Scott Parker upset the applecart by publicly stating that he hadn't spoken to the club's decision-makers in the aftermath of our humiliating defeat at the hands of Burnley.

As reported by Peter Rutzler of The Athletic, this petty war of (no) words spawned from the fact that those who sit above Parker were said to be "'furious' that the team had gone out with a whimper after putting themselves in a position to secure survival".

The manager made matters worse by suggesting that the club needs to get off the promotion-relegation "rollercoaster" they're currently on. "I want to develop a culture at the football club and to do that there needs to be consistency, and loans don't give you that," he said last Thursday, all but calling out Director of Football operations Tony Khan, in the process.

Big decisions
While the bulk of our seven loan players have delivered this season, they'll soon depart for pasture's new, while Parker – or whoever's manager next season – is left to pick up the pieces. That unenviable task involves welcoming back the players deemed unfit to fight for Premier League survival, re-indoctrinating them and hoping they're able to help mount a third-straight promotion push.

The problem, of course, is that most of those players simply aren't good enough play in the top flight, meaning that even if they succeed, they get shipped out again at the end of next season and the rollercoaster keeps on rolling.

Refresh needed
What Parker's proposing has the potential to halt it, but such an approach would likely require Fulham to forego fighting for an immediate return to the Premier League next year in order to rework the nucleus of the squad. While the likes of Tim Ream, Denis Odoi and Stefan Johansen could all play a part in helping the club chase yet another promotion, none are better than the league they're trying to escape from. And that problem isn't just limited to a handful of our current crop. At least 11 members of the squad as constructed fall into this category while 11 of the current crop are over the age of 28.

Put simply: our squad needs to get better and it needs to get younger if we want to make the leap back and make it stick.

The permanent additions of Tosin Adarabioyo, Antonee Robinson, Kenny Tete and Harrison Reed last summer went some way to helping us do that. Throw in Marek Rodák and Josh Onomah, and you have the makings of a solid young core that has the potential to be able to compete for promotion this season and make a valuable contribution in the Premier League next.

Parker knows that it isn't enough though. If we're to shed our yo-yo club status we need to spend the summer, adding to this group while also shipping out some of the old guard for good, something the impending addition of a director of scouting could have a huge hand in. But that appointment needs to be made – and fast.

Assuming someone is eventually appointed to that long-vacant role, they should take a look at the blueprints used by Wolves and Leeds, who won the league when Fulham finished third in 2017-18 and fourth in 2019-20. When Wolves were crowned champions, their squad featured just two players over the age of 28, neither of whom made the jump with them, while Leeds, meanwhile, had just six players who were 28 or older. Both squads dominated the Championship and were good enough that they required only minor fortification in order to not just survive but hold their own in the Premier League.

Survival stats
According to The Stats Zone, teams promoted automatically have just a 31% chance of getting relegated, while those promoted by the play-offs have a significantly higher 61% chance. This doesn't always work out, of course. Cardiff and West Brom both finished second during our promotion campaigns and Norwich, who won the league in 2018-19, ended up coming straight back down while Aston Villa, who were promoted via the playoffs, survived by the finest of margins.

Regardless, we need to put ourselves in a position to secure automatic promotion in the near future and Parker's point is that bringing in a bunch of Anthony Knockaerts for a one-and-done campaign isn't going to be enough. We need to scour the market for players who can help the club over the next three to four years, regardless of which division we're in, while also using the opportunity presented by the second tier to integrate some homegrown talent.

We didn't really do this last time around. Marek Rodák and Josh Onomah, who were both 22 at the time, made significant contributions before getting largely overlooked in the top flight. Steven Sessegnon was afforded 14 appearances before falling out of favour and Matt O'Riley and Luca de la Torre, who were the also on the fringes at the time, made just three appearances between them before seeking out regular football elsewhere last summer.

We can't keep letting its young talent go to waste, and Peter Rutzler's already written about Parker's desire to rely more heavily on academy talent next season, while the two starts and a bench appearance he's given Fabio Carvalho in Fulham's last three games has gone some way to reinforcing that intent.

The big question now though is whether Parker's afforded the opportunity to put his vision into action.

Putting his competency as a manager to one side, if what he's said in the past week or so is any indication, he wants to help the club implement a sustainable structure, founded on consistency and stability, that will help Fulham get back to and remain in the big time for years to come. Unfortunately, that philosophy doesn't quite align with that of the Khans, who hope to reach the same destination albeit via a different means.

If the two sides are unable to find a suitable compromise, it seems highly likely that, for better or worse, Parker will be plying his trade elsewhere next season while Fulham remain on the rollercoaster.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2021-05-20-right-or-wrong-parkers-vision-may-cost-him-his-job/

WhiteJC

Match officials announced for final-day Fulham trip

Chris Kavanagh will referee Newcastle United's final game of the season at Fulham on Sunday (4pm kick-off).

United bring the curtain down on another Premier League campaign at Craven Cottage this weekend, following Wednesday's 1-0 home victory over Sheffield United.

And the officials for the contest were confirmed on Thursday, with Kavanagh set to take charge of just his second fixture involving Newcastle this term.

The first came in January, when the 35-year-old was tasked with keeping order during the Magpies' 2-0 FA Cup defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

A regular in the Premier League since 2017, Kavanagh has had a busy season, with appointments coming in the top flight, Championship, FA Cup, Champions League, Europa League and, at the beginning of the campaign, the Nations League, having become a FIFA international referee in 2019.

In 31 games, he has kept his cards pocketed on just two occasions, most recently during Burnley's 3-0 defeat at home to Liverpool on Wednesday night.

The Manchester-born official, who was refereeing in the National League as recently as 2014, has issued a total of 117 yellow cards so far this term, along with three reds.

Dan Cook and Sian Massey-Ellis will run the line at the home of Scott Parker's side on Sunday, with James Linington confirmed as the fourth official.

Robert Jones – who refereed United's win over the Blades on Wednesday – will act as VAR, and will be assisted by Adrian Holmes.



https://www.nufc.co.uk/news/latest-news/match-officials-announced-for-final-day-fulham-trip/

WhiteJC

Update given on Aleksandar Mitrovic ahead of summer decision at Fulham

Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic is yet to decide his future for next season and beyond, with him set to take his time over his next chapter and what he wants from it.

The Serbian forward is a Championship master and with Fulham heading to the second tier again for next season the natural conclusion would be that he could help fire them back to the Premier League at the first time of asking once more.

However, with him in and out of the side under Scott Parker at best this season in the top flight, there could well be a chance he looks to move on from Craven Cottage this summer.

As per Dean Jones, though, nothing is concrete in his mind yet and, despite offers coming in for him, he's going to be thinking things over with it not certain he'll be leaving:

The Verdict

It really does remain to be seen as to what Mitrovic is going to end up doing at Fulham and whether he opts to stay in west London or move away and take on a new challenge.

He's a player of great quality when it comes to scoring goals in the second tier but perhaps he now fancies a new challenge – we'll find out soon enough.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/update-given-on-aleksandar-mitrovic-ahead-of-summer-decision-at-fulham/


WhiteJC

I Don't See Why Not – Fulham Star Out Loan Open To Making Belgium Move Permanent

Fulham loan star Maxime Le Marchand has revealed that he is open to joining a top Belgian club on a permanent deal, having enjoyed his time with Royal Antwerp.

The 31-year-old joined Belgian Pro League club Royal Antwerp on loan in the winter transfer window after struggling to earn playing time at Fulham in the first half of the season.

Le Marchand went on to help the Great Old to a second place finish in the league and Europa League qualification, while also scoring three goals in the process.

Reflecting on his time with Royal Antwerp, the Frenchman explained that he feels at home at the club and finds the competition in the Belgian top flight interesting.

The Fulham loan star also revealed that he is open to joining a top Belgian club permanently as he finds the prospect of fighting for trophies exciting.

Asked if he is open to moving to Belgium permanently, Le Marchand told Belgian regional daily Gazet van Antwerpen, "Absolutely. I don't see why not.

"Of course, it depends on the contract duration and finances.

"I feel good here and the Belgian competition is very interesting.

"Playing for the prizes is much more fun as a football player than relegation football."

While Le Marchand is open to moving to Belgium permanently, it remains to be seen what Championship-bound Fulham have planned for him.



https://insidefutbol.com/2021/05/20/i-dont-see-why-not-fulham-star-out-loan-open-to-making-belgium-move-permanent/508814/

WhiteJC

West Ham And Fulham Leading Race To Land Everton Target

West Ham and Fulham are leading the race for the signature of Blackburn Rovers centre-forward Adam Armstrong, who is also a target for Brighton and Everton, according to the Sun.

Armstrong is emerging as a sought after forward in English football after scoring 28 goals in the Championship in the just-concluded season for a Blackburn side that finished 15th in the second tier in English football.

The forward is now wanted by several clubs ahead of the summer transfer window, with sides in the Premier League and the Championship chasing.

Just relegated Fulham are considering taking him to Craven Cottage as they look to build a squad that will get them promoted back to the Premier League next season.

The Cottagers are expected to lose several players this summer and Armstrong is a top target, but they are facing competition from West Ham.

The Hammers are in the market for a forward this summer and Armstrong is a player they like.

West Ham are considering a number of strikers ahead of the window but David Moyes has never shied away from signing players from the Championship.

Michail Antonio is one of those success stories and they also recently signed Craig Dawson and Said Benrahma from the second tier of English football.

However, there is more Premier League interest in Armstrong as Everton and Brighton are also considering making a move for him.

And the Blackburn man could be spoiled for choice when the window opens.



https://insidefutbol.com/2021/05/20/west-ham-and-fulham-leading-race-to-land-everton-target/508911/

WhiteJC

'This is true': Romano confirms Chelsea don't want three loan players back next season

Fabrizio Romano stated that Chelsea will look to offload Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Ross Barkley and Tiemoue Bakayoko in the summer.

Speaking on the George Benson Football channel, Romano was discussing possible transfers that could occur at Stamford Bridge in the coming months.

A lot of talk has been about signings coming in, but focus must also be directed towards outgoings.

Loftus-Cheek, Barkley, and Bakayoko are three from a long list of names currently on loaned out by Chelsea.

Both of the English midfielders have faced a tricky spell with their current clubs.

Barkley started brightly at Aston Villa, but quickly faded following a hamstring injury in November.

In more unfortunate circumstances, Loftus-Cheek struggled to shine during Fulham's relegation campaign.

Bakayoko has fared slightly better with Napoli, yet still looks a shade of the player Chelsea signed back in 2017.

Returning to Thomas Tuchel's squad ahead of next season is the likely goal for the trio. 

However, Romano admitted their Blues future looks very uncertain.   

When asked if Barkley and Loftus-Cheek were viewed as surplus goods, he said: "Yes, this is true.

"They will look for solution for them, absolutely. Chelsea are not going to give a player for free.

"They will be available if an important bid arrives. 

"Also, I think Bakayoko is coming back to Chelsea and they will try sell him immediately."

TEAMtalk reported that West Ham United might be willing to take a punt on Barkley, whilst the Express say Southampton are interested in Loftus-Cheek.

Tuchel might well welcome in on any one of the returning loanees. However, his attentions are probably fixed elsewhere right now.

Chronicle View

I'm okay with Bakayoko and Barkley leaving.

But I'm slightly sceptical about letting Loftus-Cheek go.

He still hasn't truly reached his full potential.

Whether that's because of injury or the constant change of manager, the 25-year-old is yet to hit his peak.

Tuchel could well transform him into the star we've all hoped for, so I think he should at least be given a chance.



https://www.thechelseachronicle.com/transfer-news/this-is-true-romano-confirms-chelsea-dont-want-three-loan-players-back-next-season/


WhiteJC

Tree-mendous effort from Fulham pupils at Lillie Road rec

A Fulham primary school is on a mission to improve its local green spaces and boost wildlife.

Pupils from Queen's Manor Primary School have helped plant more than 100 trees at Lillie Road Recreation Ground, off Fulham Palace Road. And now, they're planning to build their own pond and wildlife garden in the coming months.

With saplings donated by the Woodland Trust and support from Hammersmith & Fulham Council, families from the school's Friends of Queen's Manor group (FoQM) have added 105 new trees to Lillie Road Rec.

Olessia Willybiro, chair of FoQM, carried out the planting with her daughter Adabella, aged nine, fellow parent Malgorzata Sobol, her partner Diego Garaboa, and their son Hasan, aged nine.

"We were inspired by the school students' 2019 Global Climate Strike to find a practical project for Queen's Manor pupils to learn how we can all help the environment," explained Olessia.

"Now we intend to apply to the Woodland Trust for another batch of saplings to plant in the autumn when hopefully the children will be able to participate as well."

FoQM applied to the Woodland Trust for the free tree pack containing a mixture of native saplings including hawthorn, dogwood, wild cherry, silver birches, rowan and hazel, as part of H&F Council's ambitious drive to meet its 2030 carbon net-zero target after declaring a climate emergency in 2019.

Queen's Manor headteacher Phoebe du Parcq said: "This was a brilliant initiative by FoQM and we look forward to the children being able to see the saplings grow and learn how they can contribute to battling the climate crisis."

The school in Lysia Street is now planning its own environmental makeover in its grounds, just a stone's throw from Fulham FC's Craven Cottage ground and Bishop's Park.

Plans for a pond and wildlife garden, developed with design input from the school's pupils are under way, with fundraising for the project set to kick off soon.

Queen's Manor wants to use the area for learning, linking to science, creative writing, art, and maths, as well as attracting wildlife in the form of plants and animals.

"We will also be asking the children to support us in the design of the wildlife garden, to ensure that the whole school community is involved," Phoebe said.



https://www.lbhf.gov.uk/articles/news/2021/05/tree-mendous-effort-fulham-pupils-lillie-road-rec

WhiteJC

Carroll And Gayle To Spearhead Bruce's Attack | 3-5-2 Newcastle United Predicted Lineup Vs Fulham

Newcastle United will clash heads with Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday as they hope to pick up maximum points on the road and end their Premier League campaign in a positive fashion. The Magpies managed to earn a 1-0 victory over Sheffield United earlier, which will keep their confidence sky-high going into the final league game of this season.

The Tyneside outfit will set themselves up in a 3-5-2 formation as Steve Bruce looks to make some changes to his first-team for this game. Both Joelinton and Allan Saint-Maximin got injured in the win over the Blades in midweek, so we can expect Andy Carroll to start alongside Dwight Gayle up top.

3-5-2 Newcastle United Predicted Lineup To Face Fulham
Defence


Martin Dubravka is a slight concern for this game but should recover in time to start in between the sticks for the Magpies this weekend. Bruce could opt for the same back three that started against Sheffield United, so the Newcastle backline will be comprised of Paul Dummett, Federico Fernandez and Emil Krafth for this clash.

The centre-back trio will have to keep a good shape at the back if they are to keep the Fulham attackers at bay this weekend.

Ciaran Clark will be available for selection on the bench as he provides some cover for the centre-half positions.

Midfield

Jonjo Shelvey will anchor the midfield along with Joe Willock and Miguel Almiron as they hope to dictate the tempo of the game at the centre of the park and engineer a few good opportunities in the final third. Willock is a small worry for this game due to fatigue.

Matt Ritchie will continue to feature as the left-sided winger while Jacob Murphy gets another chance to impress on the right.

Attack

Andy Carroll and Dwight Gayle will spearhead the Magpies attack up front as both Joelinton and Allan Saint-Maximin are unlikely to recover in time for this game. Bruce will hope that both his strikers can pose an aerial threat from set-pieces and help the Tyneside giants secure all three points at the English capital this weekend.




https://the4thofficial.net/2021/05/3-5-2-newcastle-united-predicted-lineup-vs-fulham/

WhiteJC

Tottenham in pole position to sign Joachim Andersen

Impressive even in relegation

Despite Fulham's campaign ultimately ending in relegation, some players have emerged with reputations intact, or even in some cases enhanced.

Defender Joachim Andersen is one of those. The centre-back, on loan from Olympique Lyon, has made 31 appearances for the Cottagers this season, and formed a solid partnership with Tosin Adarabioyo at the heart of the club's defence, in a side that rank 12th for goals conceded in the Premier League.

And it appears that his performances have not gone unnoticed, with Tottenham Hotspur rumoured to be preparing a bid for the Dane, meaning Andersen could link up with compatriot Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in North London next season.

Tottenham's defensive woes

Tottenham are yet to stumble across a compatible defensive partnership this season, with one or both centre-backs often susceptible to a crucial mistake. The result has contributed to what has been a generally poor season, with Spurs in danger of falling out of Europe entirely if they do not win against Leicester City on Sunday.

Eric Dier has been converted from central midfield, and regularly switches off at crucial moments, lacking the natural awareness of a top centre-back. Meanwhile, Davinson Sanchez has endured a torrid season, finding himself in and out of the side, and failing to impress when given the chance.

With Toby Alderweireld not getting any younger, Spurs' best defender has been summer signing Joe Rodon, brought in from Swansea for £11 million (according to transfermarkt). Calm and composed on the ball, at just 23 years old, he has plenty of time to grow into the defender that the Lilywhites so desperately need.

Nevertheless, he will need a partner, and Joachim Andersen fits the bill. Capable on the ball, he would also come with Premier League experience, representing something of a known quantity. He too remains young, and at 24, could form a long-term partnership with Rodon to help propel Spurs back into Europe.



https://www.101greatgoals.com/news/tottenham-in-pole-position-to-sign-joachim-andersen/