Friday Fulham Stuff - 18/06/21...

[WhiteJC]

Steve Cooper latest: Crystal Palace interview and Fulham potentially interested?

Another day passes and the speculation on Steve Cooper's future continues as news filters through that the Crystal Palace board are split on the decision whether to appoint him whilst Fulham are also now reported to be watching developments at the Liberty as they eye up potential replacements to Scott Parker.

So let's start with the Palace news.   Football Insider reports that Cooper has been interviewed by the board but they are split 50/50 on his appointment.  This isn't looking too good for Steve at the moment who we know was reasonably well down the pecking order and now not seemingly even able to overcome a full board of interview to get overwhelming support.  That may not prevent an appointment but you need the backing of your bosses when you are starting a new job and a few bad results and the knives could be out.

The split of the board is believed to be caused by some thinking he can change their style whilst others want someone with Premier League experience.

Meanwhile events could be developing at Fulham as the news comes through that Bournemouth are keen on Scott Parker as their next manager.  Parker, who has been in charge at Craven Cottage since February 2019, has led Fulham to one promotion and two relegations in that time and is a wanted man as Bournemouth consider their own plans for a return to the Premier League.

Sky Sports report that compensation could be an issue with Parker under contract until 2023 but outlined certain events that could see this problem being overcome especially as it has been reported that the manager's relationship with the club owners had been broken down.

It has been suggested in several quarters that Fulham could look towards Cooper as a replacement should Parker decide to move on and with Premier League monies from last season and associated parachute payments available (and any potential compensation for Parker) then the Swans compensation demand for Cooper could easily be met.

More speculation but still no nearer a final decision on the future of the Swans boss.



https://planetswans.co.uk/2021/06/17/steve-cooper-latest-crystal-palace-interview-and-fulham-potentially-interested/

[WhiteJC]

Cardiff City and Fulham enter race for in-demand 23-year-old as Bournemouth and Newcastle circle

Cardiff City and Fulham are two more clubs that have entered the race to sign Tottenham Hotspur defender Cameron Carter-Vickers this summer, according to SBI Soccer, via Wales Online.

Carter-Vickers is a player that is attracting a lot of transfer attention this summer following what was an impressive campaign out on loan in the Championship with Bournemouth. The 23-year-old managed to make 23 appearances and scored one goal to help the Cherries secure a top-six finish.

It has previously been reported that the Cherries have been in contact with Tottenham over the prospect of securing a permanent move for Carter-Vickers this summer. While it is also believed that it could take a fee of around £10 million to make that deal possible during the transfer window.

According to the latest report from SBI Soccer, via Wales Online, Cardiff and Fulham have now joined the list of sides that are interested in making a move for Carter-Vickers. It is thought that the 23-year-old will be moving on a permanent deal this summer with him having just one year left on his current deal at Spurs.

The report added that Newcastle United and MLS side New York Red Bulls are also interested in making a move for the defender. It is however also believed that Cardiff might be priced out of a permanent move but would be in the frame for a possible loan deal if that were an option.

The verdict

Carter-Vickers showed last season that he can be a consistent and reliable performer in the Championship for a side that has ambitions of securing promotion to the Premier League. That makes him an ideal player for both Cardiff and Fulham to look to bring in this summer as they aim to add quality to their squads ahead of a possible promotion bid.

Cardiff do have a solid group of options already available to them at Centre-back, but the 23-year-old is someone that would add something different and he is a player that could be moulded into a fine defender by Mick McCarthy you feel. However, a fee of £10 million seems like it will be too steep for them to pay, and at that price, they might be best looking at other options.

Fulham, meanwhile, could benefit from Carter-Vickers coming in and with Tosin Adarabioyo having been linked with a move away from Craven Cottage he might be the perfect player to bring in as his replacement. It would not be easy for them to make this deal happen though given that Bournemouth and Newcastle are also well in the race for his signature.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/cardiff-city-and-fulham-enter-race-for-in-demand-23-year-old-as-bournemouth-and-newcastle-circle/

[WhiteJC]

Journalist outlines potential solution to Fulham, Bournemouth situation

The emphasis is on Bournemouth to secure an agreement with Fulham over manager Scott Parker, according to journalist Alan Nixon.

The Cherries failed to secure promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking in 2020/21, suffering defeat at the hands of Brentford in the play-offs.

Nixon originally reported earlier this month that Bournemouth were considering axing Jonathan Woodgate and bringing in Parker to replace him.

The Guardian reported this week that the Cherries are waiting for the 40-year-old to leave his role at the west London club, which it has been suggested could happen in the coming days, before making a move for him but Nixon has indicated things are unlikely to be that simple.

He's claimed that the emphasis is on the South Coast club to secure an agreement with Fulham in order to sort out the Parker situation.

The former England international led the Cottagers to promotion to the Premier League in 2019/20 but was unable to keep them up last term as they were relegated alongside Sheffield United and West Bromwich Albion.

The Verdict

Having broken the story earlier this month, Nixon's latest update on the Parker situation is an insight worth considering and indicates things might not be as easy for the Cherries as just waiting it out.

He seems to be suggesting that the South Coast club will need to agree a deal with Fulham if they want to appoint the 40-year-old despite the other reports circling.

With around seven weeks to go until the start of the EFL season, you feel both clubs will be keen to sort out the situation as soon as possible.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/journalist-outlines-potential-solution-to-fulham-bournemouth-situation/

[WhiteJC]

Slavisa Jokanovic's stance on this Sheffield United team in comparison to Fulham and Watford revealed

Sheffield United manager Slavisa Jokanovic believes this is the best squad he has inherited in England, as per the Sheffield Star.

Because of this, Jokanovic, who is set to take over in a fortnight after putting pen to paper at Bramall Lane some weeks ago, is happy to make reinforcements later on in the window with many other Championship sides wanting to get their business done early.

Two players the Serbian is set to work with are Aaron Ramsdale and Sander Berge, both of whom have been heavily linked with multi-million pound moves away from South Yorkshire – and the 52-year-old may want to make a decision on current players like the duo before entering the transfer market for new additions.

For the moment though, the former is reportedly committed to the Blades after only joining from AFC Bournemouth last summer. This is despite links with Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Wolverhampton Wanderers in the last week.

Regan Slater is another player whose future is uncertain – and his loan move back to fellow Championship side Hull City has been put on hold for the moment because Jokanovic wants to assess him as a potential first team option.

And with less than two months to go until the 2021/22 campaign, Jokanovic will be raring to go as he looks to get Sheffield United back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

The Verdict:

For a man who has taken charge of Watford and Fulham in the past – and won promotion to the Premier League with both – this is a very bold statement from the Serbian who is seemingly happy with the quality he already has in and around the Blades' first team squad.

This could potentially change if the likes of Ramsdale and Berge leave the club this summer, but those sales could potentially allow Jokanovic to strengthen areas he may not have had the resources to before the potential sales.

But has the 52-year-old stitched himself up here by making those comments about the Blades being the best squad he's inherited in England? If Sheffield United retain some of their best players and make a few additions, he will be under a lot of scrutiny from the board if the Yorkshire side endure an underwhelming campaign.

The hierarchy will then be asking why he hasn't managed to replicate his managerial performances from previous England clubs.

But this is an unlikely scenario with Jokanovic's previous promotion winning-experience, expect Sheffield United to be challenging this season even with high profile departures.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/slavisa-jokanovics-stance-on-this-sheffield-united-team-in-comparison-to-fulham-and-watford-revealed/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham interested in Josh Windass

Fulham are interested in a deal to bring Josh Windass to Craven Cottage this summer.

What's the talk?

That's according to a report by the Sheffield Star, who claim that the Cottagers are one of a number of Championship clubs considering a move for the 27-year-old attacking midfielder in the summer transfer window, with Fulham believed to have reaffirmed their interest.

The report goes on to state that, as a result of Sheffield Wednesday's precarious financial situation, the interested parties are hoping to land the £1.44m-rated forward on something of a cut-price deal.

However, the Sheffield Star also claim that Fulham's bid for Windass may be put on hold while the situation of Scott Parker's future, with the 40-year-old being heavily linked with the Bournemouth job, is resolved.

Khan must move

While Sheffield Wednesday had something of a campaign to forget last season, with Darren Moore's side unable to overcome a points deduction and subsequently suffering relegation to League One, Windass nevertheless impressed for the Owls.

Indeed, over his 41 Championship appearances last term, the £10k-per-week attacking midfielder scored nine goals, registered six assists and created seven big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.9 shots and making 0.7 key passes per game.

These returns saw Windass earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.80, ranking him as Wednesday's seventh-best performer in the second tier of English football.

As such, should the 27-year-old – whom his father, Dean, dubbed an "explosive" player – go on to make a move to Craven Cottage this summer, the upgrade in quality between the respective squads of Fulham and Sheffield Wednesday would only appear to improve the chances of Windass going on to better his already impressive returns of goals and assists from last season.

So, it would appear highly advisable for Tony Khan to do all he can to get a deal over the line as quickly as possible for the potential bargain signing this summer, or else he risks missing out on the forward to one of Fulham's Championship rivals.



https://www.footballfancast.com/fulham-fc-transfer-rumours/fulham-transfer-news-sheffield-wednesday-tony-khan-josh-windass-the-championship

[WhiteJC]

Report issues update on QPR's efforts to strike deal to sign midfielder

QPR are believed to be still negotiating a deal to sign Fulham midfielder Stefan Johansen according to West London Sport.

The midfielder spent the 2020/21 season on loan with Mark Warburton's side, and has seemingly made a good impression on the R's boss.

Johansen signed for QPR back in January 2021, having been well down the pecking order in Scott Parker's plans with Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Their loss proved to be QPR's gain, as Johansen went on to catch the eye with a number of impressive performances in the Championship.

The Norwegian made 21 appearances in all competitions for the Championship side in the 2020/21 campaign, and chipped in with three goals and two assists.

Those impressive showings helped QPR in finishing ninth in the second tier standings, and there are plenty of positives for them to take into the new season, which is set to get underway in August.

Johansen's future with Fulham remains unclear heading into the new league campaign though, as the Cottagers are preparing for life back in the Championship, after they were relegated from the Premier League, after just one season back in the top flight under the management of Scott Parker.

The Verdict:

This will have been a no-brainer for QPR this summer.

Johansen really impressed me in the 2020/21 season with the R's, and he could have an important role to play for Mark Warburton's side next term, as they look to challenge for a top-six finish in the Championship.

In the second half of last season, the R's were the team to beat, and I certainly think they will be a team to be aware of from the promotion-chasing teams in the second tier.

Signing Johansen up for another season on loan, or even on a permanent deal, would be a serious statement of intent that QPR mean business, as they look to make a timely return to the Premier League.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/report-issues-update-on-qprs-efforts-to-strike-deal-to-sign-midfielder/

[WhiteJC]

'Could be a very good signing' – Fulham enter transfer race for Spurs player: The verdict

This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Fulham will need to start ramping up their transfer business over the next few weeks with quality additions needed to the squad to help them challenge for promotion next term.

The latest player to have been linked with a potential move to Fulham this summer is Tottenham Hotspur defender Cameron Carter-Vickers. According to a report from SBI Soccer, via Wales Online, the 23-year-old has emerged on the radar of the relegated Premier League club.

It is believed that Fulham are being rivaled in their interest by the likes of Newcastle United, Cardiff City, Bournemouth and MLS side New York Red Bulls.

Tottenham are willing to cash in on the defender as he heads into the final 12-months of his current contract and they will be wanting a fee of around £10 million for the 23-year-old.

With Fulham having now entered the race to sign Carter-Vickers, we asked our FLW writers whether they feel it would be the right move for both parties this summer...

Phil Spencer

This could be a solid enough signing for Fulham.

After suffering relegation from the Premier League it seems that the West London side are facing the prospect of another push for promotion this term.

While the club are fairly well-stocked for defensive options, there's no doubt that Cameron Carter-Vickers would be a good signing.

His experience at this level is excellent, and with Tottenham likely to let him go it could prove to be a very shrewd addition.

Of course, the uncertainty over Scott Parker's future could make this a difficult one to pull off, but I think that the centre-back would be a good fit for any manager who comes into Craven Cottage.

Toby Wilding

I do think that this could be a very good signing for Fulham should they manage to get it done.

With relegation meaning it will surely be impossible for the club to re-sign Joachim Andersen following his loan last season, and Tosin Adarabioyo now seemingly attracting interest from the Premier League, it does appear that Fulham will need to add to their central defensive options next summer.

Carter-Vickers could certainly help them when it comes to securing cover in that area, and his previous exploits with Bournemouth last season do indicate that he would be a reliable option for Fulham in that area.

The fact that manager Scott Parker now looks set to leave Fulham for Bournemouth may well complicate things however, particularly with past suggestions that the Cherries themselves are keen to keep Carter-Vickers.

That is something that could make things difficult when it comes to this deal for Fulham, especially since it may not be entirely clear just who is electing to pursue these targets for the Cottagers if, as seems to be the case, Parker is indeed preparing for a future elsewhere.

Adam Jones

Although Cameron Carter-Vickers would potentially be a good signing, you have to wonder who at Fulham is making this signing with Scott Parker seemingly on his way out and therefore, whether the new manager would utilise him or not.

The club already have Alfie Mawson, Terence Kongolo, Tosin Adarabioyo, Tim Ream, Denis Odoi and Michael Hector as central defensive options. Are the West London side planning to play a 10-0-0 formation?

Fans will be more concerned with what's going on higher up the pitch, with Aleksandar Mitrovic reportedly unsettled at Craven Cottage and for now, the Championship side should put any move for Carter-Vickers on hold and dedicate the resources they have to other positions.

Adarabioyo has been linked with a move away in recent weeks but it would still be a strange signing if the Tottenham defender really is at the top of their agenda. Perhaps Fulham's 23-year-old is closer to an exit than we think if these reports surrounding Carter-Vickers are true?

Moving on to this potential target more personally, he seemed to play well at Bournemouth in his loan spell last season when given the chance – but Fulham should steer well clear of the £10m asking price and try and secure a loan for the Spurs centre-back if this is a deal they desperately want.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/could-be-a-very-good-signing-fulham-enter-transfer-race-for-spurs-player-the-verdict/

[WhiteJC]

Exclusive: Barry Fry claims Parker may not want to stay at Fulham

After Fulham's relegation was confirmed to the Championship, there has been a lot of speculation over the future of Scott Parker and Peterborough's Director of Football, Barry Fry, believes that he may not want to stay at Craven Cottage any longer.

It was reported that the Fulham board were not happy with some of the comments and performances from Parker and his side towards the end of last season, which appeared to shine a bad light on the owners in terms of them not taking a big interest in the team.

This has led to widespread speculation over his future with talks set to commence on what the future looks like in the Fulham dugout, and reports have suggested that Parker could be tempted to take the Bournemouth job this summer.

It would be a huge blow for Fulham if they were to lose the manager that got them promoted last time out in the Championship and it could all come down to which club will offer him the biggest transfer budget, according to Fry when he spoke exclusively to Football FanCast:

"It all depends on the talks about recruitment and the budget for next season.

"If he's had those talks with the owner and they're not giving him a budget that he thinks he can compete with to get them up next year, then he won't want to stay."

Parker was tasked with getting Fulham out of the Championship during the 2019/20 season and he managed to do so as they bounced back at the first time of asking via a play-off final win against Brentford.

Meanwhile, Bournemouth underachieved last year especially considering the squad they had in the Championship as they were beaten in the semi-final of the play-offs by eventual winners, Brentford.



https://www.footballfancast.com/fulham-fc-news/exclusive-barry-fry-claims-scot-parker-may-want-to-leave-fulham-amid-bournemouth-interest-e148

[WhiteJC]

ulham: Dean Jones discusses Javier Pereira as next potential manager

Transfer insider Dean Jones has offered an update on Fulham and their next potential manager.

Fulham were relegated from the Premier League last season in a campaign that was barely any better than their previous relegation in 2018/19, going down without so much as a whimper as they failed to win any games past 7th March.

To boot, reported rumblings behind the scenes between the club's hierarchy and head coach Scott Parker appear to have soured the relationship between the two sides, but those days could soon be about to come to an end, with Parker seemingly on the verge of joining AFC Bournemouth.

And should that move go through, Jones, speaking on the latest edition of Touchline Talk, thinks that Fulham should look to appoint former assistant manager Javier Pereira to the role, and noted that the Whites have had him on their minds for some time:

"I like the idea of Javier Pereira coming in. He's been at Fulham before, he worked under Slavisa Jokanovic when Fulham were on the up and playing great football, he's really well-liked around the club.

"It wasn't long ago that Sheffield United were looking at him. And as I understand it, it was at that point that Fulham realised that if Pereira was open to coming back to England, then he should be on their radar as well, just in case things did go badly with Parker. So he's been on their radar since then. And I know that conversations have been taken to just see how this could open up."

TIF Thoughts on Dean Jones' comments about Javier Pereira and Fulham...

This may be something of a risk for Fulham to take given their situation. Whilst he does have experience of the Championship, both at Fulham and at Watford where he also assisted Jokanovic, making the jump from being an assistant in that league to being the head coach is a big one, especially for someone who doesn't have that much actual managerial experience.

And if Fulham want to get back to the top flight at the first attempt, they would probably be better off appointing someone who has done it before from the manager's position like Eddie Howe or Chris Wilder, rather than taking a gamble on someone who would be trying to do it for the first time.



https://thisisfutbol.com/2021/06/blogs/premier-league/fulham/fulham-dean-jones-discusses-javier-pereira-as-next-potential-manager/

[WhiteJC]

Cottage Talk Special Episode: The Scott Parker Saga

Take a listen to a podcast that focuses on Fulham Football Club.

In this episode, Emilio Di Nello, and Scott Tanfield from Friends Of Fulham and the FOFcast, discussed the future of Scott Parker at Fulham Football Club. We also talked about several other topics involving the issues with the club.


You can also listen to the show by following this link...
https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2021/6/17/22539187/cottage-talk-special-episode-the-sxott-parker-saga