Saturday Fulham Stuff - 04/09/21...

[WhiteJC]

Faltering Fulham and the fall from grace
Two promotions and two relegations in four years means Fulham are in the same place as they were in 2017/18 . But why have Fulham struggled with stability?

2018/19: Take One
When Fulham arrived back in the Premier League in 2018/19 after four years in the Championship, fans would have hoped for more than an immediate relegation back to the second tier of English football.

A transfer window expenditure of over 100 million pounds also fuelled fans hopes of a sustained period within the Premier League.  Instead, they ended the season in nineteenth with relegation ensuing.

Fulham had signed a host of players with experience in Premier League football and the top leagues from across Europe. Alexander Mitrovic, signed from Newcastle, was an astute bit of business for 22 million pounds. A proven goal scorer in the league with Newcastle, the Serb scored 11 goals in 37 appearances with the Cottagers in 18/19.

But Mitrovic could not do it on his own.

Joining him as a new permanent transfer was Jean Michael Seri, a 25-million-pound centre midfielder from OGC Nice. Despite his high fee, Seri struggled under the Craven Cottage lights. After 32 appearances for the club, he mustered only two assists and one goal. WhoScored.com rated him an average of 6.55 a match, far less than what fans and players expected.

Unable to impress, Scott Parker loaned him out twice in two seasons, firstly to Galatasaray in the summer of 2019 and a half season loan to Bordeaux at the start of 2021. He is currently on his final contracted year at the club and talks of an extension are few and far between.

André Frank Zambo Anguissa also joined the club for a fee around the 25-million-pound mark. His role would be to join Seri in a midfield pivot, offering dynamic ball carrying and quality in transition, as had been seen in Ligue 1. Unfortunately, an ankle injury in November derailed his season. He would not return to full fitness until mid-March, and by that time, Fulham's fate had almost been sealed.

Fulham would learn that quality and quantity were not symbiotic characteristics. In the two summer transfer windows preceding a return to the Premier League, Fulham signed an enormous 25 players.

2020/21: Take Two
10 new players joined the club in their 20/21 Premier League campaign. Notable loanees such as Ruben Loftus Cheek, Mario Lemina and Ademola Lookman all arrived. Despite the attacking options in Lookman, Mitrovic and second striker Bobby Decordova-Reid, Fulham's shot conversion rested at just 4.6%. The second worst in the league that season behind Sheffield United. This was despite being twelfth in the table for shots at goal.

The three players scored a combined nine goals between them in the season. Far from the striking potency needed to retain a place in the Premier League.

Most of the loan players signed would be starting for the club throughout the season, and this caused problems for the squad. With this many new players in the squad, Fulham struggled with consistency in creativity and finishing. Similar problems have been seen in the past of the mixture of too many signings and poor player performances. Rarely can mass influxes of new signing gel successfully. Case and point, Tottenham post-Gareth Bale.

If they are to be promoted back into the Premier League ready for the 22/23 season, Fulham could do well to make more concentrated and well-informed signings. Focusing on players with Premier League experience would be best for a side looking to the strength and depth required to remain in the top division of English football. This is especially true for Fulham, whose squad currently only has three players over the age of 30.

Managerial merry-go-round
Back in 18/19 The chemistry of the club was failing. A dreadful start to the Premier League campaign saw Slavisa Jokanovic sacked.

Brought in to help the club was former Leicester manager and Premier League winning manager, Claudio Ranieri. An improvement in form was seen but after four straight defeats in February, Claudio Ranieri also left the club.

The managerial role would fall to then 38-year-old, Scott Parker in his first managerial position. He opened his tenure with five straight losses, taking Fulham's overall form to nine games without a point registered. The slide towards relegation could not be evaded, with them finishing 19th.

Despite the dismal campaign endured, Parker was retained as manager. A show of faith many clubs would not have shown, for better or for worse.

An opening day loss to Barnsley aside, Fulham would successfully secure a spot in the play-offs, finishing 4th in the league and two points away from automatically promoted West Brom. Once again, they were Premier League-bound.

Fulham offered infrequently impressive performances throughout the season. Victories against Liverpool and relegation rivals Sheffield United kept hopes of a second season in the Premier League alive.

However their win against Liverpool would be their last of the season on the 7th of March. Only gathering two points out of a possible 27 in the last nine games of the season hammered the final nail into Fulham's proverbial coffin. Their fate to be laid to rest in the Championship the next season was sealed.

Starting again
There would be no rebuild under Parker, however. He would leave his post at the end of the season, and would join Bournemouth as head coach.

Fans, however, were happy to let Scott Parker have another season at the club. He had shown his promotion-mettle the last time Fulham had been relegated. It would not have been unrealistic to expect it again.

The consistency and sustainability of a retained Scott Parker could have been something to get behind. Seeing him build a long-term philosophy at the club would have no doubt-built stability into the club. However his departure has once again thrown jeopardy over the club's short term aspirations, and long term progress.

Enter Marco Silva. It is his first managerial role since his tenure at Everton. A spell that turned sour, and almost poisonous for its failures. He finished the 18/19 season with Everton in 8th (the same place Sam Allardyce had finished a year prior). His tenure ended with a 5-2 loss to Merseyside rivals Liverpool mid-way through the following season.

Silva comes to Fulham with something to prove. In the limited sample size gathered since the season began, he and Fulham have impressed. They currently lead the Championship table after five games.

Marco Silva's career does little to scream long term stability. His previous appointments in England have been short, with his longest stint at Everton lasting for a year and a half.

Fulham need a long-term plan, to get back into the Premier League and stay there. Silva's appointment may be a turning point in his career, but how willing are the club to be that catalyst for him? At what point does a manager of promise become one that is too unreliable to trust your philosophy with?

2022/23: Take Three?
While it is still too early to make assumptions for the season, Fulham have started with good quality and work rate. Mitrovic is amongst the goals again, and younger players like Fabio Carvalho have impressed.

The recruitment of Harry Wilson has also sparked interest, for the right and wrong reasons. He marked his debut with a goal against Middlesbrough in a 1-1 draw. Despite the frustration of dropping points a game where Fulham dominated, Wilson impressed, and fans looked forward to seeing his next game against Huddersfield Town.

A resounding 1-5 win away from Fulham however was dampened by the dismissal of Harry Wilson. The kind of topsy-turvy, upside-down narrative that has shaped Fulham for too long now.

Performances have improved and goalscoring in the Championship does not appear to be a problem for Fulham so far. But the Premier League is a different animal in which Fulham have struggled to tame.

Promotion alone however cannot be the litmus test. there are only so many times a club of Fulham's aspirations can be promoted and relegated in such quick succession.

Long term progress will not be identified by Silva's capacity to promote this team. It will be in the manner it is achieved, and of the business conducted once back in The Premier League (whenever that is). Only by learning from the rollercoaster last decade, can Fulham truly grow and stabilise.



https://firsttimefinish.co.uk/2021/09/03/faltering-fulham-and-the-fall-from-grace/

[WhiteJC]

Club frustrated with player's refusal to join Fulham – 'Not even Silva' could convince him

On August 30th, we covered a short report from Mundo Deportivo, who explained William Carvalho had turned down an approach from Fulham.

Friday's edition of ABC Sevilla has a detailed report on the situation, in which they explain the Cottagers were the side that came 'closest' to sign the midfielder.

Real Betis 'eagerly sought the departure' of the 29-year-old in the final stretch of the summer window as his exit was essential for them make further additions.

The Championship side 'went the furthest' after finding an agreement with the Spanish club for a loan deal with a mandatory purchase clause, in the event they get promoted to the Premier League.

However, the Portugal international 'refused to go to' Fulham and 'not even his compatriot Marco Silva', could convince him to move to Craven Cottage.

Manuel Pellegrini's side, who tried 'every possible way' to get rid of the player, were left frustrated in the end as Carvalho's refusal blocked them from signing Real Madrid's Dani Ceballos.

ABC Sevilla state: 'They were hours of some tension and the situation between William Carvalho and the club may be affected after these refusals.'

It's not ruled out for Carvalho to still move to a league where the transfer window is still open, but Real Betis will have to wait until January to make an approach for Ceballos.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/club-frustrated-with-players-refusal-to-join-fulham-after-reaching-agreement-not-even-silva-could-convince-him/

[WhiteJC]

Four things Tony Khan is doing right
Tim dons his tin hat and puts forward some things the younger Khan is doing well.

There are three things in life that are inevitable: Death, taxes, and blaming Tony Khan, but an easy target isn't always the right one...

Any article about our enigmatic American owners is bound to be divisive. The poll of Premier League fans' approval of ownership was released last month, and I would love to know where the Khans would finish given our last few transfer windows. A certain subsection of Fulham Twitter would have them dead bottom. Like, 07/08 Derby bottom. Others, dazzled by the Riverside Stand, might have them vying for European football.

As usual, the truth isn't so black and white.

On many occasions, Tony has kooked it; Vanishing during losing spells, and tweeting about carpet after Fulham lost both engines and went into free fall last year. One man can only wear so many hats; you can be a great Director of Football, or a great promoter of wraaaslin'. But it's probably not possible to be both. And the thought of some dude in spandex piledriving some other spandexed dude off the Cottage balcony? Well, the less said about that, the better.

Having said that, if we're looking for tangible KPIs, it's worth thinking about Tony's improvement in the last two years (let me pre-empt the howls of derision about how we're now a yo-yo club with two relegations notched into the bedpost. I get it, but stay with me).

It's probably worth distinguishing that there is a difference between liking Tony Khan, and liking decisions he has made. Here are four likeable decisions which are worth recognising.

1. Investment
You may well say that this has more to do with Shahid than Tony. However, it's looking more and more like they are a package deal, so let's include it here anyway. The money that's been sunk into the Riverside project cements Craven Cottage as the home of Fulham FC for the foreseeable future, a fact that Fulham fans definitely haven't always taken for granted (Hello, Fulham Park Rangers).

Similarly, upgrading facilities at Motspur Park makes the academy a more enticing option for the prospective juniors, and the fruits of that are starting to ripen in the likes of Fab, Stansfield, Francois etc. Or consider the Khan's dissolving £151m of debt into shares. It's fairly likely Tony is in his dad's ear about where this money goes, and I'm not one for looking the gift horse in the mouth.

2. Early business (for a change)
One of the great failings of our brief resurfacing into the Premier League was how late we left all of our signings to try and get the best price. Before the team even had time to gel, we were adrift. This season, Gazzaniga and Wilson were announced (much less scouted and rumoured) a full five weeks before the end of the window. The signing of Muniz (although slightly later) had legs from the get-go. We didn't waste time, and the team looks oiled and well drilled. Again, it's difficult to fault Tony this summer.

3. Smart business
Tosin at £1.8 million. Tete at £3.2 million. Gazzaniga and Chabolah on free transfers. Criminal. Consider also the way Fulham navigated FFP in paying for Wilson in instalments, causing many tears from the Second Tier podcast. It's a far cry from the scattergun approach in 18/19 when we had more money than sense (admittedly, Cav and Knockaert are a hangover of that strategy).

But since then, relegation clauses in contracts means that the 'overpaid squad' trope might not be as valid as Fulham's detractors may lead you to believe. Again, good decisions starting to emerge, even if from the ashes of many failures. Silva's burgeoning renaissance at Fulham does make me wonder whether a better manager than Parker keeps last year's Fulham squad in the Prem. But for many, Tony Khan will always be the architect of our demise.

4. Checking his ego (a bit)
OK, so here you might say "why would I praise him for not being an egomanic?", and you'd be right. But I'm positioning this one as TK learning from past mistakes.

Muniz, Chalobah and Quina. These are all unashamedly Marco Silva players, and they feel like Marco Silva signings. We don't know all the goings on behind the scenes, but it feels like Silva is getting control over players that no manager before has had. Slavisa was a big part behind the Mitrovic signing (disputed by Tony – but the jury is out for sure), but other than that, everyone's been brought in by Khan, his recruitment team, and the infamous 'two boxes ticked' stats-based system.

The arrival of this trio shows Khan is relaxing his previously rigid attachment to this system, and trusting his manager. I think I speak for most of us when I say that this new approach is a breath of fresh air, no matter how you might think it came about.

In seasons past, genuine mistakes have been made. Fingers were rightly pointed at Tony as the Director of Football. But each window seems to get more clinical. And whether that's Tony reflecting and growing personally or whether he has stepped back and allowed someone with more nous to take the wheel, either way he deserves credit. When you see videos of him getting involved in some AEW narrative, yeah, it is pretty cringey. It has 'he can play because it's his ball' vibes to it. But that's OK. You can find it a bit awkward, and still recognise that he has made some good calls in the last few windows.

There, I've said it. Please be kind.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2021-09-03-four-things-tony-khan-is-doing-right/

[WhiteJC]

Leeds United Tickets

Tickets for Fulham's Carabao Cup Third Round clash with Leeds United are now on sale to Season Ticket Holders and Members (max. 4 tickets per person).

The Whites will be looking to build on the impressive Carabao Cup display against Birmingham City when they host Leeds United at Craven Cottage on Tuesday 21st September, kick-off 7.45pm.

Tickets for this fixture are priced at £20 for adults, £15 for 65 & over, £15 for 18-21 and £10 for 17 & Under.

Season Ticket Holders will have until the opportunity to purchase their usual matchday seat until 9am on Tuesday 7th September, after this time seats will be released for sale. Please note, Putney End Season Ticket Holder seats will not be available to purchase for this fixture. Fans will need to purchase in an alternative area of the ground.

Supporters with a previous booking history will able to purchase tickets from 10am on Tuesday 7th September (max. 4 tickets per person).

BUY NOW

Further Information

    Everyone attending this fixture will either have a paper ticket or print at home ticket. Season Ticket Cards and Membership cards will not be valid for entry
    There is no Home Cup Scheme this season, so any season ticket holder wanting to attend this fixture will need to purchase a ticket through the normal channels – Online at tickets.fulhamfc.com or via the Ticket Office on 0203 871 0810
    Loyalty Points: 2




https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2021/september/Leeds-United-Tickets/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham's under 18s drawn against Stoke, Leeds and Tottenham in PL Cup

Fulham's under 18s have been drawn against Stoke City, Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur in the group phase of the Premier League Cup.

Steve Wigley's side will start the competition with a trip to Stoke to play the Potters on Saturday 18 September, before two home games at Motspur Park against Leeds on Saturday 16 October and Spurs, who they have already beaten in the league season, on Saturday 27 November.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/09/fulhams-under-18s-drawn-against-stoke-leeds-and-tottenham-in-pl-cup/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham's trip to Nottingham Forest switched to Sunday

Fulham's trip to Nottingham Forest has been moved back 24 hours and the game will now be played on Sunday 24 October.

This is due to the fact that Notts County are also at home on the Saturday, playing Stockport County at Meadow Lane. The City Ground clash will still kick off at 3pm.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/09/fulhams-trip-to-nottingham-forest-switched-to-sunday/

[WhiteJC]

Harris scores on debut for Wales U18s

Fulham midfielder Luke Harris' exceptional start to the new season continued as he scored on his debut for Wales' under 18 side this afternoon.

The all-action sixteen year-old made a real impression with Steve Wigley's under 18s as the young Whites won the Premier League south title and was fast-tracked into the under-23 set-up. He scored on his debut for the under 23s at Sunderland in the first game of this season – and drove home the opener for Wales against the England U18s in Newport after making a trademark late run in the penalty area.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/09/harris-scores-on-debut-for-wales-u18s/

[WhiteJC]

USMNT vs El Salvador: Player Ratings- Ream steps up

The USMNT kicked off their 2022 Concacaf World Cup Qualifying campaign with a scoreless draw against El Salvador at Estadio Cuscatlán in San Salvador, El Salvador. Here are the player ratings from Thursday's draw.

The United States Men's National Team opened their qualification for the 2022 World Cup with a point on the road in El Salvador. The US will be disappointed not to have taken all three points after getting some good opportunities, but lacking quality in the final third.

The hosts narrowly edged out the US in possession, but the US will be disappointed that they forced the keeper into just two saves from 13 shots. Overall, this is an acceptable result that can be seen as a good experience for such a young team.

Thursday's result puts the USMNT into a six-way tie for second place after the opening round. Mexico was the only team to get a win and sit at the top of the table after their late winner against Jamaica.

The USMNT return home for Sunday's match against Canada in Nashville. Here are the player ratings from Thursday's draw.

Starting XI

Matt Turner – 6

Answered each time he was called upon to keep his seventh shutout in eight games. Was confident in claiming aerial balls. Did have a bad touch to gift El Salvador a corner in the first half.

Sergino Dest – 5

No shortage of touches, but struggled to provide any sort of decent service. Also had a chance easily saved by the keeper, turning down multiple teammates in better spots.

Tim Ream – 8

Rest assured, Tim Ream was excellent for the USMNT. Have you ever heard that before? Probably not. A rare USMNT performance for Ream where he was very clean, confident and solid.

Miles Robinson – 6

Was solid in the back next to Ream. Dominant in the air. Should have scored in the 9th minute, but he sent his header over.

DeAndre Yedlin – 6

Did well for much of the game, but looked vulnerable towards the end of his 79-minute shift. A solid option, but not a preferred option.

Tyler Adams – 7

Another good and fearless performance from Adams. Relished the physical battles in the first half.

Weston McKennie – 6

Was good in the midfield and didn't back away, helping to keep the US in the midfield battle. Should have scored a header in the 72nd minute.

Brenden Aaronson – 6

Had some bright and promising moments in the first half. Faded out in the second half. Couldn't supply the final pass.

Konrad de la Fuente – 6

Showcased some skill, but it provided nothing. Needs to move the ball quicker.

Josh Sargent – 7

Was lively and came close to getting a couple of opportunities. Needs to be more precise and limit his touches, especially in the final third. Overall, he did show some promising signs.

Gio Reyna – 6

Was alright. Had some runs from deep that we've become accustomed to now.

Substitutions

Antonee Robinson – 6

Nothing too noticeable in his 30 minutes of action.

Jordan Siebatcheu – 7

Made an impact off the bench. Sent his header over in the 80th minute.

Kellyn Acosta – 7

Started his sub role in the midfield and ended at right back. Did well at both. Had a header saved in the 76th minute.

Sebastian Lletget – 6

Nothing too noteworthy from his 10 minutes of play.

Cristian Roldan – 6

Nothing too noteworthy from his 10 minutes of play.



https://mlsmultiplex.com/2021/09/03/usmnt-vs-el-salvador-player-ratings-ream-steps/

[WhiteJC]

Win A Signed Muniz Shirt

To celebrate the arrival of Rodrigo Muniz, we're giving you the chance to win a 2021/22 Home Shirt signed by the man himself.

For the chance to win Rodrigo's shirt, simply fill in the form below before 11.59pm on Wednesday 8th September.

Good luck!



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2021/september/Win-A-Signed-Muniz-Shirt/

[WhiteJC]

Report: Everton blocked Marco Silva in last-ditch deal to sign unwanted 24-year-old

Everton told Fulham that Jonjoe Kenny would not be involved in a last-ditch transfer after Marco Silva's side enquired into a late move for the right-back, per the Liverpool Echo.

The Toffees have sought to offload Kenny either permanently or on loan in each of the past three seasons. But Director of Football Marcel Brands did not receive any approaches for the 24-year-old at a suitable stage this summer.

Kenny will remain at Goodison Park until January, when Everton will reassess his situation, and offer cover for Seamus Coleman. The Toffees had sought to sell the former England U21 international to help fund their search for the Republic of Ireland star's long-term heir.

Rafa Benitez was not prepared to sanction any spending on a player that did not meet his precise criteria. Brands proposed a deal for Denzel Dumfries before he joined Inter Milan from PSV Eindhoven. But with money tight and some concerns, Benitez was not convinced.

Everton also made Rangers two offers for Nathan Patterson, but could not meet the Gers' valuation of the 19-year-old. The Scottish giants' asking price could put the Blues off a deal in the future, as well. While Benitez also turned down committing wages on other options.

The Spanish coach is happy to keep Kenny as a make-do back-up until they can explore the right-back market again. So, Brands told Fulham that Kenny would not be leaving in a last-ditch deal, following Silva's Championship side's late enquiry into his services.

Will Everton regret blocking Fulham move for Kenny?

Kenny has not featured under Benitez in the Premier League since returning to Everton from his half-season Celtic loan spell. The Liverpool-born full-back has occupied a seat on the bench in each of their fixtures. While playing the full 90 at Huddersfield in the EFL Cup.

It is unlikely Benitez fields Kenny in the top-flight, barring any injuries, despite him staying at Everton following Fulham's interest. The Toffees could regret blocking a last-ditch exit, too, as he is in the final year of a £15k-a-week contract.

Everton will struggle to again request anywhere near the £10m demanded from Burnley for Kenny in January, per the Mirror. And with Mason Holgate plus Ben Godfrey both able to play right-back, Benitez did not also need to keep Kenny.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2021/09/03/everton-transfer-gossip-kenny-fulham-silva-report/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham failed in late bid for Kenny

Fulham failed in a last-ditch attempt to lure Jonjoe Kelly to Craven Cottage after Everton refused to consider the full back's departure on transfer deadline day, according to the Liverpool Echo.

Marco Silva was desperate to add a right back to his squad in the closing hours of the summer transfer window after Kenny Tete's hamstring injury proved far more serious than initially feared. The Dutch international could be out for several months after limping out of Fulham's win over Hull City a fortnight ago and, although Denis Odoi deputised admirably against Stoke, Silva sought a high quality and attacking-minded replacement.

Despite Kenny being made available for a loan or permanent transfer over the past three seasons, Everton were unwilling to allow him to leave as they had not recruited adequate cover for club captain Seamus Coleman. Although Kenny is well into the final year of his contract at Goodison Park, Everton sources told the Echo that the club wanted to keep hold of the 24 year-old academy graduate and will only reassess his availability in the January window.

Silva saw Kenny, whom he managed during his ill-fated spell on Merseyside, as an ideal fit for his adventurous system but Fulham were unable to persuade his current employers to let him go. The Whites also failed with approaches for Davide Santon and Deyovaisio Zeefuik, whilst their proposed loan move for American full-back Reggie Cannon did not beat the deadline.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/09/fulham-failed-in-late-bid-for-kenny/