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Friday Fulham Stuff - 04/06/21...

Started by WhiteJC, June 04, 2021, 12:08:04 AM

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WhiteJC

Comment: QPR finalising Johansen deal will make them a force next season

QPR had a Jekyll and Hyde Championship campaign last season with a possible relegation battle turning into a promotion charge in the New Year.

QPR, ultimately, paid the price of a bad 2020 by falling just short of a promotion place – too much to do and too little time to do it.

Hindsight is a wonderful thing and QPR will have plenty of that looking back and wondering what might have been had they had a little more consistency.

The Rs had four players on loan last season and earlier today snapped up the third of those in Charlie Austin. Austin (21 appearances – seven goals), Sam Field (19 appearances – one goal) and Jordy De Wijs (nine appearances) all played their part in QPR's resurrection.

Now there is talk that QPR are looking to tie up the permanent return of Stefan Johansen, the Fulham midfielder. Johansen made 21 loan appearances for QPR between his January arrival and the end of the season.

Those 21 appearances saw him stan out and contribute with three goals and two assists. His displays for the Rs also helped to strengthen the midfield core of the side.

All in all, the three confirmed signings show that Mark Warburton's side are going in the right direction as they look to build on the second half of the 2020/21 campaign.

Comment: QPR will be a force if Johansen brought over the line

There is little doubt that Johansen, a 55-cap Norway international is a class act on the pitch. His displays last season told QPR fans that.

Players such as him don't tend to come onto the market often and not where a Championship side can be said to have a decent chance of landing him.

There is much to look at in QPR's favour when it comes to bringing him on board. He's familiar with the set-up at the club and he is coming to the final year of his deal at Fulham. This would mean that he wouldn't likely cost the earth in a transfer fee.

Whatever the case, QPR should really go all-in with an attempt to land Johansen. Do that and the Rs could well be a force to be reckoned with next season.



https://the72.co.uk/237904/comment-qpr-finalising-johansen-deal-will-make-them-a-force-next-season/

WhiteJC

Exclusive: Brian Deane makes Sheffield United claim involving Rhian Brewster and Fulham's Aleksandar Mitrovic

Former Sheffield United striker Brian Deane has admitted that he is not sure if Rhian Brewster can hit the same levels of form as Fulham's Aleksandar Mitrovic, during an exclusive interview with Football League World.

The young striker only joined the Blades back in October last year and has since flattered to deceive in a red and white shirt as he cut a frustrated figure for much of the campaign up top as the club succumbed to relegation from the Premier League.

A multi million pound signing from Liverpool, Brewster has so far failed to score for the Yorkshire based club and as a result of this, his confidence looks shot.

The newly appointed Sheffield United boss, Slavisa Jokanovic, is used to getting the best out of strikers and was well known for helping Mitrovic to hit top form during his time in charge at Fulham.

However Deane doesn't believe that the new manager can get the best out of Brewster in the same way that he did with Mitrovic at Craven Cottage, with the ex-Blades played stating the following to FLW recently:

"They're different players, Mitrovic is an established international, he's the all time top scorer for Serbia.

"So you know, he's an established player.

"Whereas with Rhian Brewster, the first thing that they've got to do is get his confidence back."

Brewster previously notched up 11 goals in 22 games with Swansea City during a previous loan spell at Championship level when he was still on the books at Liverpool and has proven that he can cut it in the second tier.

He currently has four years remaining on his contract for the Blades and isn't expected to be leaving the club anytime soon as the look to make a quick return to the Premier League at the earliest opportunity.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/exclusive-brian-deane-makes-sheffield-united-claim-involving-rhian-brewster-and-fulhams-aleksandar-mitrovic/

WhiteJC

It's time to cash in on Mitro – or is it?
In this two-hander, Mike and Cam debate the pros and cons of offloading our Serbian striker.


The story goes that Slaviša Jokanović was watching Sky Sports News reporting the deadline day deals from the January transfer window of the 17/18 season. He saw the breaking news that his fellow Serb, Aleksandar Mitrović, was in fact not going to Anderlecht as the deal had broken down. A WhatsApp message followed and the rest is history.

But has the time come to consciously uncouple with our Serbian star? Here are the cases for and against.

Thanks for the memories, but it's time to go
Mike says:

Mitro joined on loan, at a point where we were seven games unbeaten in the league, but playing catch-up after an indifferent start to the season. Neither Rui Fonte nor Aboukabar Kamara had established themselves as first choice strikers, and it would be Mitro that would spearhead us to remain unbeaten until the final game of the season. He scored 12 goals in 17 appearances as we got promoted through the play-offs.

The previous season we'd fallen at the play-off stage. Jokanovic had been lumbered with an uncommitted Chris Martin, yearning for Steve McClaren and Derby, as his main striker. Mitro vanquished these sour memories.

The following season was a write-off. We went through three managers on our way to an embarrassing relegation after a summer of heavy spending. Mitro, whose loan was made permanent in that £100m-plus summer, was one of the few shining lights in a dark season, scoring 11 goals.

Already a fan favourite at this point, Mitro committed to a bumper new five-year contract – enhancing his reputation. His physical style, penchant for winding up opponents and goal-scoring touch were endearing qualities, especially the latter. He played 40 league games the next season, the most games he'd ever played in a season, and helped us achieve promotion. 

He played through an injury for much of the latter end of the season, and assisted Joe Bryan for his second goal in the play-off final, despite being injured going into the game. The iconic image is that of Mitro hobbling off to join the celebrations while taunting the sullen Brentford defenders. Again, adding to his aura as a fan favourite.

However, in football it is very much a case of "what have you done for me lately?". Mitro contributed precious little to our latest Premier League survival attempt. An abysmal display against Sheffield United at the start of the season saw him miss a penalty, concede a penalty and miss match-winning chances. This would be a season lowlight but things hardly improved as the campaign progressed.

His fondness for attempting to wind up opponents remains, but this quality has worn thin, and his other attributes seem to be on the wane. No longer a physical threat, and looking unfit for the majority of the season, and also no longer scoring goals – he offers precious little. Rumours of a fallout with Scott Parker also don't bode well.

It could be time to say thank you and cash in now, before his stock dips even further, and perhaps invest in a player like Adam Armstrong from Blackburn Rovers who might be more suited to Parker's pressing style.

Mitro needs to stay
Cam says:

Mitrovic, at Championship level, is in his element. Standing in solidarity with Mike, the Serb didn't hit the heights last term, his sudden and severe nosedive in form, which incidentally lasted the duration, narked Fulham fandom worldwide and his once exalted prestige, revered as one of Europe's deadliest strikers, is now regretfully wallowing in the mire, face down.

We're all vexed, perplexed and somewhat sympathetic of Mitro's languid conduct. He single-handedly robbed his nation of a spot in this summer's Euros, he was dropped, unceremoniously, from the Whites' starting XI and when he was called upon, Scott Parker's improvised system simply didn't cater for his antagonistic aptitude, with all its motionless, inexpedient characteristics.

Yes, the 2020/21 campaign was horrendous for Mitro. Serbia's darling traded a hero's cape for a villain's. He was rendered surplus at club level; a subordinate filler, but despite all of this, though £20m+ would almost certainly suffice, I fervently implore our troubled striker to stay put for one last dance in the Sky Bet and, equally, for the powers that be to pardon him from the transfer market.

Of course, if it's to be believed, Mitro and Parker may not see eye to eye. Relations between the two may be fraught, although if Parker is to remain at the helm, he would be a short-sighted fool if he were to devise an exit for the 26-year-old because when he's fixed and focused, Mitrovic is a trigger-happy menace with a proven track record. Our memories surely aren't that hazy, we aren't that dismissively fickle; if we flog Mitro, we royally love our chances of bouncing back.

Mike eluded to this perfectly. In the Championship, in one-and-a-half seasons in a Fulham jersey, Mitro netted 38 goals, a ridiculous return for a man that purely relies on his strength and aerial ability first and foremost. Those kind of numbers are usually reserved solely for the more versatile, nimble attacker but Mitro's bread and butter is box sieging and in England's second tier, there isn't any hitman that's better equipped to run the rule over goal mouths like he does so intrinsically.

Premier League defences sussed his game promptly, wiser compliments doubled, even tripled-up on the bustling target man, however Championship rearguards aren't as willing to expend their efforts on Mitro alone. Mitro causes a ruckus, if a side attempts to mark him out of the game, they tempt the very real risk of leaving the door ajar for runners to roam into generous pockets, the slightest flick from Mitro's buzz cut will do, so naturally, lesser prepared teams are wary.

Mitro feeds on fear; your average Championship centre-half quakes at the sight of our No.9's steely glare and that only fuels his ego. It's that sense of importance that's vacant from his current self; an authoritativeness that bays for blood unquenchably. But when his brow dips ominously and his disposition darkens in the final third, Mitro wreaks havoc, tormenting unsuspecting penalty areas and an eruption's imminent.

Tactical amendments will need to be implemented, manufacturing a pragmatic process of profile and longevity is the only way Fulham will establish a long-lost consistency and as Mitro's tried, tested and verified in the Championship, why can't we rebuild a system that compliments his style and aptitude? Tom Cairney will have an outlet to construct from, our wingbacks will have a marksman to bombard, Fulham's offensive sequences, which were hideously overcooked in the top-flight, will actually possess a purpose if we utilise his familiar services properly.

There's bound to be muted murmurs of discontent. Nobody's truly privy to all the accurate, fabricated, gory details and mistruths, but conjecture will always find a way of clouding reality. Mitro's future in SW6 is uncertain; he could very well be pushed through the garbage chute without a fond farewell but while he's on our books, before the vultures circle, we've a collective duty to revive our misfiring, misguided goal machine and if life is breathed into Mitro's lungs before our return to the world's toughest platform, Fulham will prevail in an environment where our resident man on fire sets the game ablaze.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2021-06-03-its-time-to-cash-in-on-mitro-or-is-it/


WhiteJC

Fulham set to allow Stefan Johansen departure

Fulham could be set to allow Stefan Johansen to leave Craven Cottage this summer.

What's the talk?

That's according to a report by West London Sport, who claim that Queens Park Rangers are in talks with the central midfielder regarding a permanent move to the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium this summer, with the 30-year-old having just one year remaining on his current deal with Fulham.

After allowing the £1.8m-rated midfielder to join QPR on a temporary deal in the second half of last season, Johansen went on to prove himself as a rather inspired piece of business for the Rs in his short time with Mark Warburton's side.

Over his 21 Championship appearances at the club, the 30-year-old scored four goals, registered two assists and created two big chances for his teammates, as well as making an average of 0.8 interceptions, 1.1 tackles and 1.6 key passes per game.

These metrics saw the £8k-per-week Norway international earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.00, ranking him as Warburton's sixth-best performer in the second tier – hugely contributing to QPR's dramatic upturn in form since the turn of the year, a period in which the Rs ranked third in the Championship table.

As such, it is no surprise to learn that Fulham's west London rivals are interested in a deal to bring the midfielder to the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium on a permanent basis in the upcoming transfer window, however, it is rather more surprising that Scott Parker's side do not appear to be standing in their way.

With the man whom Ronny Deila dubbed an "unbelievable" player clearly demonstrating last season that he is capable of being the star of a team who were very much in title-chasing form, Johansen would appear to be a perfect fit for Parker's side ahead of their upcoming Championship campaign, in which the Cottages will be aiming to secure an immediate return to the Premier League.

So, exactly why the 40-year-old appears to be allowing the 30-year-old to move to one of their potential promotion rivals this summer is somewhat baffling, and is a decision that could easily come back to haunt Fulham next season.



https://www.footballfancast.com/fulham-fc-transfer-rumours/fulham-transfer-news-stefan-johansen-scott-parker-the-championship

WhiteJC

Huw Jennings Wins Eamonn Dolan Award

Academy Director Huw Jennings has been presented with the Premier League Eamonn Dolan Award, for his amazing contribution to Academy development.

The other winner of the annual prize is Brighton and Hove Albion's Dan Ashworth.

The prestigious award was established in honour of the former Reading Academy Manager, who sadly passed away in 2016 after his battle with cancer.

On what the award means to him, Huw said: "It's fantastic. Eamonn was a terrific ambassador for youth and dedicated his career to the development of young players.

"To win an award that's in his name makes me feel very privileged."

After completing another season at Fulham, Huw spoke about some of the most rewarding aspects of his job.

"You can never replace the enjoyment of seeing a young player progress to the First Team for Fulham. We've had a number of those during my time here, most recently Fabio Carvalho.

"It was great to see Fabio start the last three Premier League games, and hopefully he can go on to achieve great things. That's certainly always a starting point for my personal highlights."

Huw continued: "We're probably witnessing the most successful period of youth development in England, and in my career. Hopefully, that can transfer into international success and lots of club related success with talented young players.

"I'm really proud to be working with a really strong team of staff who are so hard-working and dedicated to their roles."

Despite a unique season, which saw clubs up and down the country adapt to the circumstances, Huw was very pleased with our Academy progress.

"Off the pitch, it's been an incredibly challenging period and I'm really proud of all the players and staff for getting through those challenges. The resilience has been outstanding, so that's my number one recollection.

Huw Jennings
Academy Director

"In terms of on the pitch, we've had successes with the Under-18s, who won the Southern Premier League for a second year in a row. There's also been good progress from a number of individuals right across the programme."

Our Academy Director feels very much at home, having spent over 10 years at Fulham.

"This is a great club to work for and it's the longest I've worked anywhere and I've done that for two reasons. One is that I've really enjoyed it and the other is that the Club has continued to put up with me!"




https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2021/june/Huw-Jennings-Wins-Eamonn-Dolan-Award/

WhiteJC

Fulham 'absolutely certain' to lose loan defender – Tottenham lead 'several' PL clubs vying for him

Fulham spent big and went up to the Premier League, were relegated and went up again. Now they face up to another relegation and Championship campaign.

Fulham will likely face the 2021/22 campaign with a new-look squad as those players seeing themselves able to play at a higher level moving on from the Cottagers.

The Cottagers have an upcoming summer transfer window to sort out the make-up and look of this squad but one player who looks like he'll be moving on will be on-loan Danish defender Joachim Andersen.

Now Danish source BT write that Fulham is set to miss out with Tottenham leading the way on a permanent deal.

Andersen: Solid Premier League season for Cottagers
Fulham paid a loan fee to take Andersen from French side Lyon on a season-long loan deal that covered the last Premier League campaign.

That was in October last year and came just a year after the Ligue 1 side paid Serie A side Sampdoria up to £25m for him.

He had a solid campaign for the Cottagers, featuring in 31 of Fulham's Premier League games – scoring once against Leeds United in a 2-1 loss and adding an earlier assist in a 1-1 Burnley draw.

Relegation from the Premier League was always going to impact Scott Parker's chances of keeping hold of him and that, say BT, is the case.

Andersen: Set for capital stay but not at Fulham
BT report that it will be an "eventful summer" for Andersen but one where he stays in English football as is his preference.

They write that it is "absolutely certain" that the four-cap Denmark international will not move into the Championship with Fulham.

However, the article adds that "it looks almost certain" that he "will stay in the Premier League and London" and that it is Spurs who are "in the driver's seat" to land him.

Comment: Fulham will have to get used to this scenario
In a way, it is to be expected that Fulham would not be able to hold onto Joachim Andersen what with their relegation into the Championship. This is something that they will have to get used to.

It's the second 'instant' relegation that the London outfit have suffered after going up to the Premier League – they are starting to look like a yo-yo outfit.

That sort of up/down performance will play heavily on players' minds when making a decision whether to stay or not. For example, Aleksander Mitrovic is a name some are mentioning in such light.

Obviously, Andersen is not staying at Craven Cottage and it is said that North London side Spurs are leading the way for a permanent signing with the Dane not fitting in at Lyon.

BT say that "several London clubs" are interested in landing him on a permanent deal. However, Fulham will be looking at other options whilst this is playing out which is a shame as he is the sort of centre-back that the Cottagers will need to escape the Championship again next season.



https://the72.co.uk/238017/fulham-absolutely-certain-to-lose-loan-defender-tottenham-lead-several-pl-clubs-vying-for-him/


WhiteJC

Player Departures

The Club can confirm that the following players will leave Fulham following the expiry of their contracts at the end of June:

    Kevin McDonald
    Ryan De Havilland
    Lesley Duru
    Jayden Harris
    Jaydn Mundle-Smith
    Luca Murphy
    Julian Schwarzer
    Jordan Aina
    Martell Taylor-Crossdale

We would like to thank all these players for their efforts during their time at Fulham, and wish them the best of luck in the future.

One-year extensions have been activated in the contracts of the following:

    Maxime Le Marchand
    Cyrus Christie
    Tyrese Francois
    Jerome Opoku
    Terry Ablade
    Eric Ameyaw
    Jonathon Page

New contracts have also been agreed with Tim Ream, Luca Ashby-Hammond and Marlon Fossey, while offers have been made to Taye Ashby-Hammond, Connor McAvoy, Jean-Pierre Tiehi, Mika Biereth, Ibane Bowat, Luciano D'Auria-Henry and Idris Odutayo.

Marcus Bettinelli's contract is due to expire at the end of the month. Marcus is currently in dialogue with the Club, and is looking at his options.

All of our loan players have returned to their parent clubs.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2021/june/Player-Departures/

WhiteJC

Thank You, Kev!


Kevin McDonald's Fulham contract will expire at the end of June.

Nothing short of a modern legend, McDonald has enjoyed tremendous success during his five years as a Fulham player, helping the Club to achieve two memorable promotions.

A regular at the base of the Whites midfield, McDonald came third in the Player of the Year vote in each of his first two seasons, and was a key component as the team evolved into serious promotion contenders.

Excellent at breaking up opposition attacks but also highly capable of beginning moves for his own team, McDonald's role was vital in a Fulham side that showed remarkable progress, culminating in a Club record 23 game unbeaten run en route to the 2017/18 Championship Play-Offs.

His stunning goal against Millwall in that run will never be forgotten, but neither will his super scrappy effort in stoppage time away to Barnsley.

A phenomenal leader on the pitch, the same can be said of McDonald's influence off it, so much so that Club Captain Tom Cairney shared the trophy lift with his teammate at Wembley following our victory over Aston Villa.

He may not have played as often in our subsequent promotion two years later, but he remained an important part of the group, and still contributed 18 appearances in 2019/20.

The character of the man was demonstrated recently when he revealed that he has been battling a kidney condition throughout his entire career.

We were delighted to learn that both Kev and his brother are doing well following a successful kidney transplant last week, and continue to wish them both the best in their recovery.

McDonald departs Fulham as one of our most universally popular players in recent years, scoring six goals in 128 appearances. Everyone at the Club would like to offer their gratitude and wish the best of luck to Kev in whatever he does next.

He will always be welcome at Craven Cottage.

"I've absolutely loved it," Kev replied when asked how he'll look back on his time at the Club. "Every minute of my day-to-day life at Fulham has been great.

"Of course there's been ups and downs, but that's part of football; if you can't accept the downs then you're in the wrong sport.

"But I've really enjoyed it, and I think that's shown in the person I've been and the player I've been."

The 2017/18 campaign will go down among the most enjoyable in our history, one that McDonald was integral to.

"It was unbelievable, but what I will say is I actually really enjoyed my first season," he said.

"It was such a good move for me, and it kind of changed my life, changed the way I played football, so I've got fond memories.

"Coming into the Club and playing that style of football and learning to play that attacking, free-flowing football was just unbelievable.

"We didn't start off well and there were so many doubters out there but we stuck to our principles and, over time, it paid off.

"We got better and better and yeah it was disappointment at the end [against Reading], of course it was, but we went into the 17/18 season full of confidence, thinking 'we're going up here.'

"The failure drove us on, and playing that second season was just unbelievable, especially that second part of the season where we were going into every game knowing we'd win.

"The feeling was just amazing, and for me personally, it was great. I was a huge part of the team and enjoying playing in a good football team, at a great club."

A phenomenally likeable player, and person, McDonald was immediately taken to the hearts of the Fulham Faithful.

It's something that's not been lost on the big man: "They've been absolutely top drawer with me, especially through these times now.

"They've been absolutely incredible, their support for myself and my family has been amazing. From start to finish they've been brilliant.

"Even when I've not been playing they've been amazing. Throughout the course of it they've always wanted me to be in the team and they've been a huge part of the Club for me.

"I'll be forever grateful for them. All the love they've shown to me and my family, it's been amazing.

"There's no real word for things like that, but my connection with the fans has just been brilliant and I'm sure it will be forever."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2021/june/Thank-You-Kev-/

WhiteJC

McDonald to leave Fulham

Kevin McDonald will leave Fulham when his contract expires at the end of June, the club have confirmed this evening.

The Scottish international is currently recovering well from a kidney transplant having had an operation at the end of last week to cure the disease that he has played with for an astonishing fourteen years. McDonald has made 128 appearances – scoring six goals – in five years at Craven Cottage since he made the move from Wolves. He formed an outstanding partnership with Tom Cairney and Stefan Johansen at the base of Slavisa Jokanovic's midfield and was a key part of the two Fulham sides that won promotion from the Championship.

McDonald told Fulham's official website this evening:

"I've absolutely loved it. Every minute of my day-to-day life at Fulham has been great. Of course there's been ups and downs, but that's part of football; if you can't accept the downs then you're in the wrong sport. But I've really enjoyed it, and I think that's shown in the person I've been and the player I've been.

It was such a good move for me, and it kind of changed my life, changed the way I played football, so I've got fond memories. Coming into the club and playing that style of football and learning to play that attacking, free-flowing football was just unbelievable.

We didn't start off well and there were so many doubters out there but we stuck to our principles and, over time, it paid off. We got better and better and yeah it was disappointment at the end [against Reading], of course it was, but we went into the 17/18 season full of confidence, thinking 'we're going up here.'

The failure drove us on, and playing that second season was just unbelievable, especially that second part of the season where we were going into every game knowing we'd win. The feeling was just amazing, and for me personally, it was great. I was a huge part of the team and enjoying playing in a good football team, at a great club.

McDonald also spoke about the special relationship he has enjoyed with the Fulham fans.

"They've been absolutely top drawer with me, especially through these times now. They've been absolutely incredible, their support for myself and my family has been amazing. From start to finish they've been brilliant.

"Even when I've not been playing they've been amazing. Throughout the course of it they've always wanted me to be in the team and they've been a huge part of the club for me. I'll be forever grateful for them. All the love they've shown to me and my family, it's been amazing. There's no real word for things like that, but my connection with the fans has just been brilliant and I'm sure it will be forever."

Fulham have also confirmed that Ryan De Havilland, Lesley Duru, Jayden Harris, Jaydn Mundle-Smith, Luca Murphy, Julian Schwarzer, Jordan Aina, Martell Taylor-Crossdale will all leave the club when they contracts expire at the end of the month. Maxime Le Marchand, Cyrus Christie, Tyrese Francois, Jerome Opoku, Terry Ablade, Eric Ameyaw and Jonathon Page have all had the options to extend their contracts by a further year activated. New deals have been agreed with Tim Ream, Luca Ashby-Hammond and Marlon Fossey whilst new contracts have been offered to Taye Ashby-Hammond, Connor McAvoy, Jean-Pierre Tiehi, Mika Biereth, Ibane Bowat, Luciano D'Auria-Henry and Idris Odutayo. Marcus Bettinelli remains in discussions with Fulham about a possible future deal.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/06/mcdonald-to-leave-fulham/


WhiteJC

'Depressing', 'What direction are we heading in?' – These Fulham fans react to significant squad announcement

Fulham have confirmed their retained and released list as they prepare for life back in the Championship.

Clubs up and down the country have been making decisions on players who are set to be out of contract, and the Cottagers are no different, with the update shared on their official site this evening.

The most notable decisions included Kevin McDonald's release, with the midfielder an incredibly popular figure among the fans and players due to his role in two previous promotions.

Elsewhere, options were activated to keep Cyrus Christie and Maxime Le Marchand at the club, although that doesn't mean they won't be shipped on in the summer. The Londoners also revealed that Tim Ream had agreed a new deal, whilst talks are ongoing with Marcus Bettinelli as the keeper weighs up his next move.

There was plenty of reaction to the comments, particularly concerning McDonald, who is recovering from a kidney transplant last week.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/depressing-what-direction-are-we-heading-in-these-fulham-fans-react-to-significant-squad-announcement/