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Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 03/08/21...

Started by WhiteJC, August 03, 2021, 12:02:31 AM

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WhiteJC

How will the Premier League's relegated trio fare under new management?

Sheffield United, Fulham and West Brom have all appointed new managers in their bid to bounce straight back to the Premier League following relegation.

Serbian Slavisa Jokanovic, the Blades' first overseas manager, is seeking his third promotion to the top flight having navigated his way out of the Sky Bet Championship at former clubs Watford and Fulham.

The Cottagers' new boss, Portuguese Marco Silva, will attempt to plot his route out of the English second tier for the first time and West Brom have turned to Valerien Ismael, who worked wonders at Barnsley last season.

All three clubs have wiped the slate clean and while Fulham have been installed as the bookmakers' favourites to win the Championship title, United and West Brom are close behind.

Fulham's £12.6million outlay for Liverpool's attacking midfielder Harry Wilson aside, none of the leading promotion candidates have so far invested in the transfer market.

That could change with the summer window open until Tuesday, August 31, but it remains to be seen what effects the coronavirus pandemic has had on clubs' plans for team strengthening.

Bournemouth, who fell short in the play-offs last season in their bid for an instant Premier League return, will go again with a new manager of their own after Scott Parker swapped Fulham for a fresh challenge.

Of next season's hopefuls, Middlesbrough have bucked the trend with five new signings already completed and boss Neil Warnock is harbouring genuine hopes of a record-extending ninth promotion.

Cardiff also flirted with the play-offs last season after Mick McCarthy's arrival in January and the addition of Republic of Ireland striker James Collins should boost their challenge.

Welsh rivals Swansea appointed Russell Martin as Steve Cooper's replacement on Sunday, leaving the former MK Dons boss less than a week to prepare his new club for their opening match.

Martin has little time to galvanise a squad still reeling from a second successive play-off defeat to Brentford, while a renewed play-off push for Reading could hinge on finding replacements for Michael Olise and Omar Richards.

Michael O'Neill's Stoke are looking up. Ben Wilmot and Mario Vrancic are welcome summer recruits and with long-term absentees Tyrese Campbell and Alfie Doughty closing in on their returns from injury, Potters fans can finally look forward to a new season with optimism.

That cannot be said for Derby. Uncertainty over their ownership and a transfer embargo have left Wayne Rooney struggling to assemble a squad and the scars from their final-day relegation scare in May have not healed.

Huddersfield have been tipped to struggle again, but could defy the odds. Head coach Carlos Corberan has made some key signings and is quietly aiming for a top-half finish.

That is a minimum target for Nottingham Forest, Blackburn and Millwall, while Coventry and Luton will both be aiming to maintain their recent year-on-year improvement.

Preston will be hoping to build on the momentum gained under Frankie McAvoy last season and Bristol City boss Nigel Pearson will start his first full campaign at Ashton Gate, but the Robins are a club in transition.

Barnsley may also struggle after securing an unlikely play-off place last season under Ismael, who could not resist West Brom's call and took assistant Adam Murray and captain Alex Mowatt with him.

Lee Bowyer must attempt to steer Birmingham clear of another relegation battle on a lower budget than predecessor Aitor Karanka, but the bookies have newly-promoted pair Peterborough and Blackpool as favourites for relegation.

Hull bounced straight back to the second tier as League One champions, but Grant McCann's bid to consolidate has been hit by a transfer embargo.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/feature/how-will-the-premier-leagues-relegated-trio-fare-under-new-management_457778.html?newsnow

WhiteJC

Tyrese Francois: Fulham's Sydney-sider set to shine

The move that settled Saturday's sedate showdown with Charlton Athletic might have mesmerised Craven Cottage but the two protagonists have been doing it for years. Playing in Fulham's youth sides together, Tyrese Francois has been finding Fabio Carvalho with such frequency that their understanding borders on the telepathic. The lithe midfielder has only remained under the radar due to a wretched run of injuries, but the lad who swapped Sydney for south west London at just thirteen to chase his dream is on now on the cusp of claiming a spot in Marco Silva's starting line-up.

Silva himself isn't surprised. He's watched Francois train ferociously in his three weeks at Motspur Park – 'improving every day'. The 20 year-old has long learned to better people's first impressions as many a sceptic has suggested his slender build wouldn't be suited to the rough and tumble of senior football, especially in England. He has always seen Andreas Iniesta, another whose size was supposed to count against him after his academy days, as the player to base his own game on. Gadually, the Campbelltown boy has added steel to his silky skills to prove he can mix it in the engine room and his strong pre-season gives Silva a serious selection dilemma ahead of Sunday's opening test against Middlesbrough.

Francois has always been highly-rated in the leafy new Malden superb where Fulham's academy quietly goes about the business of moulding young footballers. He was voted the inaugural winner of the Johnny Haynes player of the year award, named after Fulham's finest ever player by the Fulham Supporters' Trust to give the club's emerging talent deserved recognition, in 2019 and made his senior debut as a substitute against Southampton in the League Cup. A knee problem hampered his immediate hopes of building on his first taste of professional football and, after a hamstring injury prevented him from building on an encouraging cameo against Sheffield Wednesday last season, it would have been easy to be downhearted. But Francois through himself into his recovery on both occasions – showing just how adept he is at dealing with adversity – and returned to bolster the under 23s through a tricky spell before making his Premier League bow against Newcastle on the final day.

His original summer aims centred around the Olympics, but the midfielder was omitted from the Olyroos final squad – the latest in a series of international setbacks that seem particularly puzzling. But that deflating decision has swiftly rebounded to Francois' advantage, affording him an opportunity to catch the new Fulham head coach's eye as Silva sized up his midfield options after succeeding Scott Parker. His energetic displays in a succession of training matches played behind closed doors showed that his drive and dynamism made him a plausible replacement for Stefan Johansen in the centre of the park – something he demonstrated conclusively against Charlton at the weekend. His timing is almost as impeccable as one of those middle distance runners bursting away from the pack as they turn into the home straight in Tokyo.

There have been plenty of covetous glances from elsewhere as Francois flourished in the Fulham youth set up. Crystal Palace and Celtic sent scouts to monitor his progress, whilst Valencia made a concerted effort to sneak him off to Spain two years ago. His technical ability has never been in doubt. He'll dart around of crowded spaces barely breaking sweat and he displayed his tantalising touch when bringing down a high ball against Nigel Adkins' men with the air of Berbatov. His reading of the game and eye for a pass make him an ideal fit in the sort of Silva system Frankie discussed yesterday, but he can also break the lines himself with strong shuttle running.

The ongoing uncertainty over three more established Fulham midfielders gives Francois a real shot at nailing down a starting berth. Tom Cairney's knee contains to be a cause for concern and he won't be able to start the season either as a number ten or in the deeper role he has also occupied in recent years. Harrison Reed, the regular deep-lying midfielder, was rested for the past two friendlies in the hope that he would be back for Middlesbrough and there's still a question mark over whether Andre Frank Anguissa, who did take on Charlton, will be around after the transfer window. Francois has another week to remind Silva of his qualities at close quarters – and based on how he has thrived since saying so long to the Sydney suburbs, you wouldn't bet against him taking it.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/08/tyrese-francois-fulhams-sydney-sider-set-to-shine/

WhiteJC

Sheffield United believe key factor puts them in pole position to land Liverpool player

Championship outfit Sheffield United believe manager Slavisa Jokanovic's time with Harvey Elliott with Fulham puts them in pole position to land the winger if he's sent out on loan by Jurgen Klopp again next season, according to the Sheffield Star.

18-year-old Elliott graduated through the Cottagers' academy and was given his professional debut by Jokanovic as a 15-year-old, coming on as a substitute for Floyd Ayite as they secured a 3-1 EFL Cup win over Millwall back in September 2018.

Since then, he hasn't looked back and Liverpool poached him in 2019 after he continued to show promise in the first-team, eventually sending him out on loan to Blackburn Rovers last October for a season to rack up a considerable number of senior minutes.

The teenager shone at Ewood Park during the campaign, scoring seven goals and recording 11 assists in a ruthless Blackburn front line with Adam Armstrong and Ben Brereton despite not being able to guide Tony Mowbray's side to a top-half finish.

With this, Jurgen Klopp will be eager to move him up a level or two whether he remains at Anfield or goes back out on loan.

And though Blackburn have been in contact regarding another loan deal, Premier League new boys Brentford and recently relegated side Sheffield United have now emerged as possible loan destinations for the 18-year-old, potentially forcing the Lancashire club out of the race.

With Jokanovic previously spending time with Elliott, being favourites for promotion straight back to the top flight and potentially more playing time on offer at Bramall Lane than Brentford, they could now seal a temporary move for the winger.

However, they are yet to make a formal approach for the teenager's services.

The Verdict:

Although Elliott is a promising young player, Brentford may be reluctant to start the teenager in the Premier League every week due to the fact he's not yet fully proven at that level.

But after performing well in a mediocre Blackburn side last term, Jokanovic will already know what he will bring to the Championship and how much of a threat the 18-year-old can be if he can replicate his form from the past 12 months.

Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota and Xherdan Shaqiri are currently blocking his path to the first team, although what happens with the latter could potentially influence whether Elliott stays or goes.

But if the Blades can secure a man of Elliott's calibre, it would be a shrewd addition for the season and will only go on to increase their chances of winning promotion back to the top flight after managing to keep the majority of their senior squad together thus far.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/sheffield-united-believe-key-factor-puts-them-in-pole-position-to-land-liverpool-player/


WhiteJC

Fulham change terms of transfer offer – Move could still go through

Last week, it was reported in Brazil that Fulham had won the race for the signing of Flamengo striker Rodrigo Muniz.

Following a battle against Middlesbrough, it was claimed that the Cottagers ended up finding a deal for an €8m move, where they'd let the Rio de Janeiro side keep 20% of a future transfer.

Local outlets were very confident that Muniz would soon move to London and sign for the Whites, but according to the latest reports, the Championship side changed their mind about the deal.

O Dia now claims that Fulham 'did not fulfil what was agreed' and are trying to reduce the numbers. It was 'the club's owner, who resides in the United States' who spoke to the striker's representatives and presented a different offer.

It's said the Cottagers now want to pay €6m for the transfer and let Flamengo have 50% of a future move.

What's interesting is that O Dia claims that Flamengo officials Bruno Spindel and Marcos Braz now wait for the official offer, to send it to the club's lawyers and carry on with the transfer. So even though they don't say it explicitly, it seems the Rio de Janeiro side will say yes to this new formula.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-changes-terms-transfer-offer-move-still-go/

WhiteJC

Captain America: Tim Ream – Fulham's Mr. Reliable

Tim Ream's record at the heart of a Fulham Championship defence speaks volumes. The journey of self-discovery he took to force his way back into Slavisa Jokanovic's plans, having been considered surplus to requirements ahead of the Serbian coach's first full season in charge at Craven Cottage, speaks volumes for both his character and ability to hit high performance levels. His outstanding form at the end of that magnificent promotion-winning campaign vindicated Jokanovic's volte-face and rightly places him alongside names like Schwarzer, Dempsey, McDonald and Mitrovic as modern greats in south west six.

Ream's reliability in a back four wasn't always a sure thing. He endured a rocky period after securing a move from Bolton, but in defence Fulham's reshaped defence was a mess right up until Jokanovic was able to underpin the foundations in the summer of 2016. The American international worked his way back into the picture, despite the summer arrivals of Tomas Kalas, Denis Odoi and Ragnar Sigurdsson, through sheer hard work and a determination to ensure his own credentials fitted the head coach's desire to play possession-based football from the back.

Ream's distribution from centre half, his reading of the game and a reluctance to go to ground in the challenge were all characteristics that served Fulham well in a second half of the season where they roared up the table to almost pinch the second automatic promotion place from Cardiff. The fortitude the squad showed to swiftly bounce back from the disappointment of the final day at Birmingham and book a place in the Premier League via the play-offs was impressive and Ream's quiet combination of relief and exuberance as he sat on the Wembley turf taking in the enormity of the achievement with the delirious Fulham fans will live with me for a long time.

Ream assumed the captain's armband for Saturday's friendly victory over Charlton in the absence of Tom Cairney was fitting recognition of his own quiet leadership qualities – respected around Motspur Park for many years. The experienced centre half has been someone who leads in actions both on and off the field, embarking on charity work both in his native home and his adopted one – his input to footballers4change and EduKitters, where he has been involved with a number of fellow Fulham team-mates this summer, speaking volumes about a strong commitment to social justice. He had to robustly defend himself against invented and spurious allegations from a Twitter troll last week, but defused the situation as adroitly as he has dispossessed many an attacker over the years.

Ream's longevity – he has made 213 appearances across six seasons with the Whites – and experience in at this level will prove a priceless asset as Fulham prepare to enter a new era under Marco Silva. He may be getting on in age but was never blessed with outstanding pace to begin with and has always relied on his reading of the game to see problems emerging on the pitch. The 33 year-old has two promotions to his name from this division and spoke excitedly last month about the prospect of adding a third under Silva after adding the CONCACAF Nations League to an impressive honours haul earlier this summer.

His return to the side at the very end of last season could have been interpreted as a valedictory gesture for one of the club's most committed servants, but both his performance at Old Trafford and the news that he had extended his contract earlier in the season suggests we'll be seeing much more of the likeable centre half at Craven Cottage. The elongated cries of his surname when he's on the ball will continue just like Ream's steadying influence at the centre of the Fulham backline. One hopes he can flourish under the new regime because he's a leader that all Fulham fans can be very proud of.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/08/captain-america-tim-ream-fulhams-mr-reliable/

WhiteJC

West Ham sign 28-year-old French star on loan – A smart acquisition by Moyes?

West Ham United sign Alphonse Areola on loan from PSG

Sky Sports confirm that West Ham United have completed the signing of PSG goalkeeper, Alphonse Areola, on loan for this season with an option to buy. He arrives in England after already being named Fulham's player of the year last season, when he was playing on loan for the Cottagers. He has won league titles in France as well as Spain, and was also in the squad for France's 2018 FIFA World Cup win.

The Frenchman has spent his entire professional career on PSG's books. However, he has been the subject of several loan moves in that time and has played for SC Bastia, Lens, Villarreal, Real Madrid, Fulham, and now, West Ham United. But is this a signing that David Moyes really needed this season? Let us find out more.

West Ham needed a goalkeeper such as Alphonse Areola

The current goalkeeper situation at West Ham wasn't really the most ideal before Areola's arrival. The club houses three goalkeepers over the age of 34. Lukasz Fabianski (36) and Darren Randolph (34) were their two senior goalkeepers last season while David Martin (35) is also on the club's books. But It was clear Fabianski was the club's first-choice option last season.

Lukasz Fabianski is in the last year of his West Ham contract.

And that has been the case for three seasons now. But he will be 37 by the time the new season concludes, and footballers are generally in the twilight of their careers by that time. Randolph, on the other hand, would be a bit rusty after not seeing regular action for a while now. The Irishman has made just 5 league appearances in his last two seasons combined.

Martin, on the other hand, is arguably completely out of the first-team picture. The former Liverpool stopper didn't play a single minute under David Moyes last season. The Hammers have actually seen a number of decent goalkeepers leave their ranks in recent times.

Roberto departed for Spain last year while Adrian was signed by Liverpool in 2019. In light of that, it was about time Moyes brought in a quality keeper with experience on the big stages. Areola would certainly bring down the average age of West Ham's goalkeeper department. At 28, he would be at the peak of his powers and can be a dependable starter for Moyes ahead of the ageing Fabianski.

Alphonse Areola has won the La Liga title with Real Madrid and arrives on a loan transfer to West Ham United with an option to buy. (Getty Images)

Areola has backing from Moyes

What better way to understand a team's intention of bringing in a player than to hear the manager give his own views on it? The Scotsman believes Areola will add competition to his goalkeeping department ahead of the new season and while his interview sounded diplomatic, one could tell he intends on giving important gametime to Areola this season.

    "Alphonse is an experienced and talented goalkeeper who has played at the highest level and performed very well in the Premier League last season... We have been aware of his qualities for a long time and we have no doubt he will be another player and character who will enhance our squad. "



https://www.mediareferee.com/2021/08/03/west-ham-united-psg-goalkeeper-alphonse-areola-transfer/


WhiteJC

Opoku makes strong Vejle start

Jerome Opoku enjoyed an encouraging debut for Vejle Boldklub yesterday afternoon as his new side drew 2-2 with Brøndby to pick up their first point of the season in the Danish Super League.

The 22 year-old, who joined Vejle on a season-long loan from Fulham on Friday, went straight into the starting line-up alongside Denis Kolinger at the heart of the home side's defence. The Reds endured a dreadful start, going behind to Mikael Uhre's third-minute opener, but bounced back impressively to lead through goals from Dimitris Emmanouilidis and eighteen year-old striker Walid Faghir. Brøndby denied Vejle their first win of the season when Christian Cappis capitalised on a goalkeeping error to equalise with nine minutes left, but Opoku had reason to be pleased with a composed display on his first outing in Denmark.

The tall defender, who has enjoyed successful loan spells with Accrington Stanley and Plymouth Argyle in recent seasons, could not be blamed for either goal and was dominant in the air as well as being impressive in his distribution. Opoku will get his next chance to impress when the Jutland-based side travel to Midtjylland on Friday night.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/08/opoku-makes-strong-vejle-start/

WhiteJC

SEASON TICKETS DISTRIBUTED

Season Ticket Holders are advised that their new cards are being distributed and will begin to arrive with supporters in the coming days, starting from Tuesday 3rd August.

Please note, cards are being sent in batches, which will see packs arrive over a period of days rather than all at the same time. Therefore, this may result in some supporters who live with other Season Ticket Holders receiving their 2021/22 Season Ticket at different times.

Thank you for your continued support.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2021/august/Season-Tickets-Distributed/

Bassey the warrior

Quote from: whitejc on August 03, 2021, 12:05:43 AM
Fulham change terms of transfer offer – Move could still go through

Last week, it was reported in Brazil that Fulham had won the race for the signing of Flamengo striker Rodrigo Muniz.

Following a battle against Middlesbrough, it was claimed that the Cottagers ended up finding a deal for an €8m move, where they'd let the Rio de Janeiro side keep 20% of a future transfer.

Local outlets were very confident that Muniz would soon move to London and sign for the Whites, but according to the latest reports, the Championship side changed their mind about the deal.

O Dia now claims that Fulham 'did not fulfil what was agreed' and are trying to reduce the numbers. It was 'the club's owner, who resides in the United States' who spoke to the striker's representatives and presented a different offer.

It's said the Cottagers now want to pay €6m for the transfer and let Flamengo have 50% of a future move.

What's interesting is that O Dia claims that Flamengo officials Bruno Spindel and Marcos Braz now wait for the official offer, to send it to the club's lawyers and carry on with the transfer. So even though they don't say it explicitly, it seems the Rio de Janeiro side will say yes to this new formula.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-changes-terms-transfer-offer-move-still-go/

Seems short sighted to agree an extra 30% in sell on fees if he really is as talented as made out, just for the sake of a couple of million Euros.


Kemosabe

Quote from: Mitrovic the warrior on August 03, 2021, 12:42:52 AM
Quote from: whitejc on August 03, 2021, 12:05:43 AM
Fulham change terms of transfer offer – Move could still go through

Last week, it was reported in Brazil that Fulham had won the race for the signing of Flamengo striker Rodrigo Muniz.

Following a battle against Middlesbrough, it was claimed that the Cottagers ended up finding a deal for an €8m move, where they'd let the Rio de Janeiro side keep 20% of a future transfer.

Local outlets were very confident that Muniz would soon move to London and sign for the Whites, but according to the latest reports, the Championship side changed their mind about the deal.

O Dia now claims that Fulham 'did not fulfil what was agreed' and are trying to reduce the numbers. It was 'the club's owner, who resides in the United States' who spoke to the striker's representatives and presented a different offer.

It's said the Cottagers now want to pay €6m for the transfer and let Flamengo have 50% of a future move.

What's interesting is that O Dia claims that Flamengo officials Bruno Spindel and Marcos Braz now wait for the official offer, to send it to the club's lawyers and carry on with the transfer. So even though they don't say it explicitly, it seems the Rio de Janeiro side will say yes to this new formula.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-changes-terms-transfer-offer-move-still-go/

Seems short sighted to agree an extra 30% in sell on fees if he really is as talented as made out, just for the sake of a couple of million Euros.

May be a sign of FFP pressures...

filham

Pundits are looking at Shef.U., West Brom. and Fulham to set the pace in the Championship. Of course they are likely to be wrong, bet there will be a dark horse like QPR, Barnsley or Peterborough in among the top three after ten games or so.