Monday Fulham Stuff - 23/08/21...

[WhiteJC]

Christie's Forest return collapses

Cyrus Christie's proposed return to Nottingham Forest has collapsed after the parties failed to reach agreement over personal terms, according to Sky Sports.

The Fulham right back spent last season on loan at the City Ground, making 44 appearances, and Chris Hughton had hoped to conclude a permanent deal for the Irish international before the close of the summer transfer window. But the former Coventry, Derby and Middlesbrough full back was reportedly not willing to accept Forest's proposed salary.

The 28 year-old has yet to feature for Fulham under new boss Marco Silva and started at centre back for the club's under 23s in their 3-0 win over West Bromwich Albion on Friday night. Christie could be in line for a start in the League Cup at Birmingham City on Tuesday and may come into contention for further league appearances after Kenny Tete was forced off with a suspected hamstring strain against Hull City yesterday.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/08/christies-forest-return-collapses/

[WhiteJC]

Marco Silva highlights key man in Fulham's win over Hull City

The Tigers succumbed to a pair of first half goals to lose 2-0 against promotion favourites

Fulham boss Marco Silva hailed the performance of Antonee Robinson, after the wing-back produced a fine display to dazzle Hull City at Craven Cottage.

Robinson found freedom with regularity in a pulsating first half performance, and set up the second goal for Fabio Carvalho to roll past Matt Ingram 34 minutes into the game, shortly after Aleksander Mitrovic had headed in the opener.

The American youngster produced a string of crosses which caused City problems, though Grant McCann's men were not without chances of their own, with Greg Docherty, Keane Lewis-Potter and Josh Magennis all had chances.

McCann managed to stem the tide in the second period when Josh Emmanuel came on for Randell Williams to provide much-needed support to under-pressure Lewie Coyle.

Fulham's win, their third in a row, saw them secure a first home win while McCann's side suffered a third straight defeat, and third without finding the net.

"I'm happy with the three points, because we asked our players before the game to aim for the target of the third win in a row, with the first home win as well. If you achieve that, I'm happy," said Fulham's ex-City boss Silva.

"It wasn't the best performance to be honest with you. In this competition, with the level that you are, it was not the perfect performance that we had against Millwall.

"We have to play to win football matches. Today, we won the game because we were the best team on the pitch.

"After our first goal we saw confidence and controlled the game better, in the way we wanted.

"Antonee Robinson is in our model, in our way to play. It was his best performance this season."



https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/antonee-robinson-fulham-hull-city-5817765

[WhiteJC]

Games for Mid-week 24/08
Our first Cup game of the season see's us travel to Birmingham's St. Andrews ground for a 19:45 kick-off.

Anyone fancy a cup run?
I must admit I'm not sure how we should approach this game. On one hand, winning becomes a habit, on the other could a cup run detract from the league with additional fatigue and injuries?
With Tim Ream, Tete and Carvalho all going off injured on Saturday, added to the long term injuries of Tom, Kongolo and Reed, Harrison looks to be the closest to returning, Tuesday would be an ideal game to give some of the youngsters a run out alongside the players who are close to the starting eleven for every game.
Rodak should get a start, he'd be starting every game if I was picking the team, Hector, Sessegnon, Christie, Knockaert and Bryan are obvious candidates and I'd give players like Francois, Fossey, Stansfield and Kieron Bowie the opportunity of first team action.
We have a good squad and I'd like to see it used if only to give "game time" to players who might be needed sooner or later.
If Rodrigo Muniz had arrived a few days earlier, I think he's due in from his quarantine period in Spain sometime Tuesday, then I'm sure this game would have been his debut, perhaps he'll be introduced against Stoke on Saturday?

Another interesting aspect of this game is that we go back to Birmingham on the 15th September for a "proper" league game, and it would be good going into that game knowing that we'd had a good result, or would we be better looking for revenge?

COYW's

come on over to the forum and join in the discussion...
https://www.friendsoffulham.com/forum/index.php?board=36.0



http://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=1708

[WhiteJC]

Mawson 'buzzing' with winning return

Alfie Mawson admitted his return to the Fulham side was somewhat 'bittersweet' after Tim Ream was forced off with a back injury in the first half against Hull City yesterday – but the centre back was delighted to help Fulham keep a clean sheet in his first performance of the season.

The former Swansea defender, who has battled back to full fitness after an injury-plagued loan spell at Bristol City last year, has had to be patient and wait for his opportunity under Marco Silva but delivered a composed display when the hosts had to rejig their back four midway through the first half after losing Ream and Tete to injury at Craven Cottage.

Mawson told FFCTV after the final whistle:

"It was a bit of a bittersweet one, to be honest. Obviously, I don't want to see anyone in my team get injured but everyone's got to be ready. I feel like I am in a good position physically and mentally and, if I'm being honest, I've been enjoying watching the boys. I said to them before the game, they've been a joy to watch, playing football, doing the dirty side and the quality we've got going forward it tells itself. Another three points – and the first three points at home is really big for us."

The ball-playing defender says that the confidence is growing within the squad after Fulham's unbeaten start and highlighted the influence of Fulham's young stars Tyrese Francois and Fabio Carvalho in giving the side more energy.

"You don't like singling players out – but the confidence in Carvalho, he's come into the side with no nerves and he's been fantastic. As you get older, you start to feel the pressure a bit more. The young lads have come into the team – him, Tyrese – they are doing their part and it is showing all over the pitch."

Mawson, who had been expecting to get his first appearance of the new campaign at Birmingham City in the League Cup on Tuesday night, was very pleased to be part of the club's first clean sheet.

"We're always going to get chances to score and get in and around their box, but if we can keep a clean sheet we've got a massive chance of winning the game. We come in at 2-0 at half time, we've got a great chance of getting the three points. They came back in the second half, put a bit of pressure on us, they got a bit of momentum but they are always going to do that. That's football and we stood up to the test well.

It's times like this when you've got to come together and be ready. I thought Tuesday night was going to be a big game for me and a lot of the lads on the periphery – we've got to be ready. I was devastated that Tim had to be come off injured, hopefully it's not too serious and he'll be alright and I'm buzzing to back out there."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/08/mawson-buzzing-with-winning-return/

[WhiteJC]

Report: Nottingham Forest abandon plans to sign Fulham defender

Nottingham Forest have failed in a bid to bring Cyrus Christie back to the football club, according to Sky Sports. The Reds were hoping to end their quest for a new right-back by signing the Fulham man on a permanent deal.

The 28-year-old spent last season on loan at the City Ground. He has since returned to Craven Cottage, although he's not made an appearance during the 2021/22 campaign.

Christie played the full 90 minutes as Fulham's under-23 outfit defeated West Brom 3-0 on Friday night, registering an assist.

It is thought that the defender has failed to agree on personal terms of a permanent move to Forest and will not remain at Craven Cottage.

The former Derby County defender played 44 times for the Reds last season, becoming a mainstay in the team under Chris Hughton.

Christie got better after Christmas and was one of the club's more consistent players after the turn of the year.

Hughton has struggled to find a new right-back. Jordan Gabriel played in the first three league games but was sent off against Blackburn following a second yellow card.

Fin Back made his full league debut yesterday and the 18-year-old looked comfortable despite the Reds losing their fourth successive contest.

Forest making correct call on Christie
This seems to make perfect sense. Christie clearly wants a decent wage given that he earns around £20,000-a-week at Craven Cottage.

Forest won't be held at ransom under the new regime behind the scenes and given that he's 28, the Reds are wise to move on from Christie.

Back has showcased some talent during his two and a half games in the first team. The club will also hope that the injury suffered by Jordi Osei-Tutu isn't too bad.

Christie proved pretty decent last season but there are better players out there. With that in mind, it's refreshing to see Forest take this stance regarding personal terms for the player.



https://www.nottinghamforest.news/2021/08/22/report-nottingham-forest-abandon-plans-to-sign-cyrus-christie/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham women hit five at Aylesford

Fulham's women made a fantastic start to their new season by winning 5-1 at Aylesford in their opening London and South East Regional Women's League fixture this afternoon.

Romanian international Oana Negrea grabbed a hat-trick on her Fulham debut and a double from Megalie Mendes capped a fabulous first outing for Steve Jaye's side. The Whites will hope to build on their bright start when they travel to Millwall for their second fixture next Sunday.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/08/fulham-women-hit-five-at-aylesford/

[WhiteJC]

Preview: Birmingham City vs. Fulham - prediction, team news, lineups

Following strong starts to the Championship campaign, Birmingham City and Fulham will clash in the second round of the EFL Cup on Tuesday.

The Blues defeated Colchester United to reach this stage and recorded a dominant league win last time out, while their visitors will enter the competition at this stage after an unbeaten start to the league campaign.

Match preview
After Lee Bowyer guided the club to safety following his appointment late last season, the club headed into the new campaign with a refreshed sense of optimism, and they made the perfect start in their opening trip to Sheffield United.

Despite entering that clash as underdogs, the Blues took an early lead through Maxime Colin, and would put up a resolute defensive display to see out the one-goal victory before a Marcel Oakley goal fired them to a 1-0 win over fourth-tier Colchester United in the first round of the EFL Cup.

Bowyer's men then returned to league action as they earned a point from a goalless draw with a dangerous Stoke City outfit, before AFC Bournemouth handed them their first defeat of the season as Scott Parker's men left St. Andrew's with a 2-0 win.

The Midlands outfit bounced back in style last time out, as they faced the tough task of a trip to Luton Town, with an early Marc Roberts goal putting them ahead before a Scott Hogan brace gave them a three-goal lead.

Gary Gardner and Chuks Aneke then got on the scoresheet in the final 10 minutes to cap off an impressive day and seal a 5-0 win to see them move onto seven points from four league outings.

Bowyer's men will now look to continue their impressive start to the season against another strong Championship outfit on Tuesday in cup action.

Fulham come into the second round of this year's EFL Cup on the back of an unbeaten start to the Championship season.

Following the departure of Scott Parker over the summer, Marco Silva took charge of the newly-relegated Cottagers with the hope of immediately leading them back to the top flight, but they were held to a point on the opening day as Middlesbrough hit a late equaliser at Craven Cottage to see the game finish 1-1.

It did not take the London outfit long to record their first win though, as the next outing produced a 5-1 away victory over Huddersfield Town thanks to first-half goals from Aleksandar Mitrovic, Josh Onomah and Fabio Carvalho and a late Ivan Cavaleiro brace, despite Harry Wilson being sent off with 20 minutes to go.

They followed that up with a 2-1 win over Millwall before making it three straight victories last time out with a 2-0 win over newly-promoted Hull City.

Mitrovic and Carvalho were again on the scoresheet in that outing, as they gave the Cottagers a two-goal lead before the break, with Silva's men seeing out their first league clean sheet of the campaign.

Currently sitting at the top of the Championship thanks to that strong start, Fulham will now hope to kick off their cup campaign with another victory to continue building momentum.

Birmingham City EFL Cup form:

    W


Birmingham City form (all competitions):

    W   W    D    L   W

Fulham form (all competitions):

    D    W   W    W

Team News
Given their intense start to the league campaign, Birmingham City will likely take the opportunity to rest several key players with Saturday's league trip to Barnsley on their mind.

Goalkeeper Neil Etheridge remains out of action through injury, while Lukas Jutkiewicz, Ivan Sunjic and captain Harlee Dean are likely candidates to be rested.

Chuks Aneke should be given a start, having hit his first Birmingham goal on Saturday after arriving from Charlton Athletic in the summer, while George Friend and Gary Gardner could replace Dean and Sunjic respectively.

Tahith Chong has impressed since his loan move from Manchester United, and he should feature heavily again on Tuesday.

Young attacker Ivan Carvalho has been a breakout star so far for Fulham this season, hitting three goals in the first four league games of the campaign, and he will look to continue his momentum on Tuesday.

Star forward Aleksandar Mitrovic may be rested alongside experienced centre-back Tim Ream, while Bobby Reid and Alfie Mawson are expected to come into the starting XI alongside substitute goalkeeper Marek Rodak.

Birmingham City possible starting lineup:
Sarkic; Pedersen, Roberts, Friend; Colin, Woods, Gardner, Bela; Chong, Aneke, Leko

Fulham possible starting lineup:
Rodak; Tete, Adarabioyo, Mawson, Bryan; Seri, Onomah; Kebano, Carvalho, Cavaleiro; Reid


We say: Birmingham City 1-2 Fulham

Given the strong starts of both sides and the likelihood of key players being rested, this could come down to which team has the greater squad depth, and we think the Cottagers narrowly edge it.

The visitors boast plenty of Premier League quality in their ranks, while Carvalho has lit the league up in the first four games, and we would not look past him starring in another victory.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/birmingham-city/league-cup/preview/preview-birmingham-vs-fulham-prediction-team-news-lineups_460473.html?cQx=NN&newsnow

[Mickeyboro]

Ivan Carvalho? FFS!

[Kemosabe]

Ivan Carvalho? FFS!

There's an awful lot of journalists up against deadlines to file copy who just haven't managed to get their heads around Ivan Cavaliero / Fabio Carvalho.  The surnames are vaguely similar - particularly if only heard, not seen - so I have a little sympathy.  Can't help but think that the same error would not be made if we were still in the Premier League.

And just wait until they find out that our most recent signing's full name is actually Rodrigo Muniz (wait for it) Carvalho!

[WhiteJC]

Jack and Loz at the Cottage - Blog 185
Date: 21st August 2021

Opposition: Hull City

Score: 2-0

Goal scorers: 🔥, Carvalho

Weather: overcast

Atmosphere: overflowing

MOTM: was it Gazzaniga for his first clean sheet? No. Was it Bobby Reid whose understudy's performance at right back was every bit as good as Kenny Tete's starring role? Not quite. Was it Antonee Robinson, equally good in attack and defence and effortlessly excellent at both? Almost. In fact it's Jean Michel Seri whose ball skills, passing ability and ineffable control of the game are making the Championship his own

Cafe: Costa (drinks only, no snacks - sorry)

Saturday's match was not Fulham's most decisive win of the season so far or our best performance and it didn't feature our most entertaining football. Instead, it was a businesslike victory in which the players encountered some major set backs but were unfazed by them and just got on with the job. In short, this is what a team needs to do week in, week out to win the league.

Those set backs included two injuries during the first half hour, both serious enough that we were thinking the electronic advert for Fulham/hospitality which was circling the ground needed to lose its ity.

Tim Ream didn't want to leave the pitch and he didn't even want to leave the ground such is our captain's commitment to the cause. His intransigence meant he was present for Mitro's goal although he reluctantly limped away rather than joining in the celebrations. In contrast, Kenny Tete was spirited down the tunnel before anyone even realised he was injured and it's lucky Fulham are so adept at playing with 10 men as it was a while before Bobby Reid was able to come on.

Whilst we were positive that Bobby could step in at right back, we were less confident about the introduction of Alfie Mawson as the replacement for the stricken Ream. Mawson has history as the apex of the Triangle of Doom at its most scalene and we were dreading all kinds of defensive mix-ups and misplaced back passes. However, to our surprise, it was a seamless substitution with Alfie performing solidly and competently beside the excellent Tosin.

To return to Mitro's goal: after his snatched shot against Millwall this was another Mitro classic - the expertly deviated header from a well-placed corner kick. The celebrations were as good as the goal and Mitro looks keen and deadly once more. After months of barely smouldering, the fire has reignited.

Mitro and Fab are already in a race for the golden boot and the young pretender wasn't going to let the King of Goals get ahead of him. Fab's goal came from one of Antonee's superb passes. He juggled the ball with his feet and slotted it past the goalie.

Of course we all knew more goals might have been needed and the team tried to oblige with Mitro, Tosin and Seri all testing the goalie. It's also worth mentioning that we didn't have things all our own way. Hull had a period of dominance in the first half in which a team with better strikers would have gone ahead. We are good, and in some departments we are excellent, but we mustn't get complacent.

By the time Marco brought Frank on at 70 minutes the game was won although Marco needs to be careful with this tactic - other teams have human rights and playing Seri and Frank at the same time is verging on illegality. But what a pleasure it is to watch this terrific pair come into their own. Seri in particular seems to be loving life and football at Fulham. His prolonged applause of the Hammy End as he waited to take a corner was a joy to be part of. That would be the same Seri who Scott Parker couldn't get to play in the Championship and Claudio Ranieri could barely get to play in the Premier League. What a difference a manager can make.

Random musings:-

- We liked the diagonal stripes on Hull's kit

- the applause when the players took the knee was stupendous and was joined by the Hull fans

- Joe Bryan had a lovely chat with the ball boy as he warmed up. This is a bit of a waste of his talents however....

- we appreciate that Marco's black jumper may now be a lucky one but we'd like to see the return of the suit please

- as for Hull's manager, he was dressed exactly like the fourth official

- on the subject of officials, this was the worst refereeing performance we have seen for some time. The ref seemed to automatically award everything to Hull when most decisions should have gone the other way

- this is a bit of a Top of the League Problem, but it would be nice to see some Fulham goals at the Hammy End at some point.....

Probably the best thing about this match, over and above the goals, the clean sheet and the way injuries to key players didn't disrupt the team, was the feeling that Fulham are only just getting going and there is a lot more to come. This win looked easy, because it was.

Marco said after the game that we were the best team on the pitch and of course that is true. But he knows, and we all know, that he took this job because we have the best team in the league. He must make sure it fulfils its potential. And we think he will. We wanted Silva, but it looks like we've struck gold.



https://werdsmith.com/p/ZRknMQJuWdmsP

[General]

Ivan Carvalho? FFS!

There's an awful lot of journalists up against deadlines to file copy who just haven't managed to get their heads around Ivan Cavaliero / Fabio Carvalho.  The surnames are vaguely similar - particularly if only heard, not seen - so I have a little sympathy.  Can't help but think that the same error would not be made if we were still in the Premier League.

And just wait until they find out that our most recent signing's full name is actually Rodrigo Muniz (wait for it) Carvalho!

lol - enjoying the fact that whilst making that particular point you also misspelt Cavaleiro. Didn't know Muniz's name was Carvalho too. Will be interesting to see how the three portuguese speakers (maybe includes fabio or not) bond together, particularly with a portuguese management/coaching team.