Friday Fulham Stuff - 01/10/21...

[WhiteJC]

Wigley takes charge of Fulham U23s

Steve Wigley will permanently take charge of Fulham's under 23 side after an impressive stint in caretaker control since the start of the season, the club have confirmed this afternoon.

Wigley, who led Fulham's under 18s to back to back league titles over the past two seasons, has been managing both of the club's academy outfits since the Whites launched a recruitment process for a new under 23 head coach late in the summer. The role had previously been shared between former Fulham midfielder Mark Pembridge, who is understood to have left the club during the close season, and Colin Omogbehin, who was moved to a new role as first team development coach after an academy reorganisation.

Wigley has lead the under 23s to four wins from their first six matches in Division Two of the Premier League 2, implementing an attacking style that mirrors the set up favoured by new first team head coach Marco Silva. The transformation from a side that struggled for consistency last season has been stark – and the highly regarded Wigley is keen to keep the momentum going as part of his current head of player develop role. The 59 year-old has been a key part of Fulham's academy revolution in two spells with the club, joining initially in the summer of 2012 and returning as under 18s head coach in 2015 after a spell as Stuart Pearce's assistant at his former club Nottingham Forest.

Fulham have appointed Ali Melloul, who has been a member of the club's academy set up for more than a decade, as Wigley's successor as the under 18 head coach. Melloul was Wigley's number two at under 18 level last term.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/09/wigley-takes-charge-of-fulham-u23s/

[WhiteJC]

EFL expert predicts outcome of Coventry's weekend clash with Fulham

Two teams who had very contrasting midweek results clash at the CBS Arena on Saturday as Coventry City take on Fulham in the lunchtime kick-off.

Both sides had very successful first months of the 2021-22 campaign, with Fulham collecting 13 points in their opening five matches and the Sky Blues accumulating nine points.

Coventry's good form continued after the international break but the Cottagers stuttered, losing to both Blackpool and Reading whilst failing to dispatch Bristol City last weekend.

Marco Silva's side finally got back to winning ways though with a 3-1 success over Swansea City on Wednesday, with the prolific Aleksandar Mitrovic plundering a hat-trick past the Welsh side at Craven Cottage.

And in a complete shock result, Coventry made the trip to Luton Town hoping to continue their four match unbeaten run – but they were demolished 5-0 by Nathan Jones' Hatters.

Coventry though are unbeaten at home in the Championship this season but EFL presenter David Prutton is expecting that run to end at the hands of the London side.

"I must admit I did not see that result coming for Coventry at Luton in midweek," Prutton admitted on his Prutton's Predictions podcast.

"They were in such good form heading to Kenilworth Road, but were given an absolute hiding.

"This is not a good game to choose to try and bounce back.

"Fulham, and particularly Aleksandar Mitrovic, were in imperious form against Swansea.

"It will be a closer game for both, but I still have to back the away side. 1-2."

The Verdict

You'd be hard-pressed to find anyone who expected Coventry to be hammered so badly by Luton this week – they'd been the early season surprise package of the league so it was a real bolt from the blue.

Their confidence will be slightly knocked from that result and Fulham may be able to smell easy prey as they make their way to the Midlands for this match.

It appeared that they were missing the creative presence of young Fabio Carvalho who has been injured since the international break, but Mitrovic has found his scoring touch once again as we saw against Swansea.

Even though they've lost in some surprising matches already this season I can see the Cottagers being too strong for Coventry on the day.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/efl-expert-predicts-outcome-of-coventrys-weekend-clash-with-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

Coventry City and Fulham come together to celebrate Jimmy Hill Day

The legendary player, manager and chairman holds a special place in the history of both clubs


Jimmy Hill at Highfield Road ground, on the announcement of his appointment to chairman of Coventry City Football Club. 12th May 1980

Coventry City will this weekend celebrate the club's annual Jimmy Hill Day when they entertain Fulham at the Coventry Building Society Arena.

Although the anniversary of the legendary Sky Blues manager's death is in December, it was felt it appropriate to hold the event early because of his strong connection with both clubs.

As well as helping lead City up the football league to the top flight in the 1960s, and going on to be managing director and then chairman, Hill, who died in December 2015, aged 87, enjoyed a glorious playing career with the Cottagers, playing 276 league games and scoring 41 goals between 1952 and 1961 when he helped them gain promotion to the First Division.

Saturday's game will be used as a fundraiser for the Jimmy Hill Legacy Fund which helps local causes, sports clubs and charities with donations for equipment and resources.

This year the football club are donating £1 from every matchday ticket sold, and with a crowd of around the 20,000 mark, bearing in mind there are 10,000 season ticket holders, the fund should be boosted to the tune of around £10,000.

Legacy Fund chairman Joe Elliott said: "It's very kind of Coventry City Football Club to respect so much of the club's past and the work Jimmy did, and we're delighted they have chosen the Fulham game as this year's Jimmy Hill Day rather than wait until December and the anniversary of his passing.

"To donate £1 for every matchday ticket sold is very generous of them.

"And our message to the fans and people of Coventry is please come and support the club at the Coventry Building Society Arena, get right behind the team and let's make it another fun afternoon.

"Put a couple of quid in your pocket, because obviously it's a cashless stadium now, and please donate to our bucket collection on the day.

"We're trying to raise money for a number of great things in Coventry and Warwickshire. We already support a number of organisations and we're always keen to hear from more.

"During the pandemic we have certainly made a difference with Henley Green Food Bank and also a charity called RISE, which is operated by NHS nurses and helps youngsters with mental health issues.

"Everything we do is spent in Coventry and Warwickshire."



https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/sport/football/football-news/coventry-city-fulham-jimmy-hill-21728430

[WhiteJC]

Carvalho and Chalobah ruled out as Fulham wait on Robinson and Bryan

Fulham will face Coventry in Saturday's lunchtime kick-off without Fabio Carvalho and Nathaniel Chalobah.

Both midfielders are expected to return after the intentional break, while Marco Silva has fingers crossed for Antonee Robinson and Joe Bryan.

The Whites boss is hoping at least one recovers from injury in time, otherwise he will have no ready-made left back.

Robinson is nursing a knee injury and Bryan hurt his back against Swansea.

Silva said: "Antonee wasn't comfortable playing (against Swansea). It was something in his knee, but nothing special.

"Joe had a big impact on his back and it was really stiff at half time, and the beginning of the second half. Today, he's doing better than yesterday.

"It's possible tomorrow (Friday) it could be much better again. After the session we will decide. But it looks good.

"Fabio is working with the team. Today he worked again. He had a good session. Now is for him to get in the best physical condition to play, and we expect to see him after the international break.

"Chalobah felt something in the first half at Bristol City. He hasn't worked with the team since then. It's a small issue in his leg."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-boss-gives-injury-updates-on-carvalho-chalobah-robinson-and-bryan

[WhiteJC]

Bryan and Robinson could return at Coventry

Joe Bryan and Antonee Robinson are both in line to return at Coventry on Saturday to ease Fulham's left back crisis, according to Marco Silva.

The Fulham boss will assess the pair after Fulham's final training session at Motspur Park tomorrow. Bryan had to be replaced after injuring his back after a clash with Swansea's Ethan Laird, but Silva believes the former Bristol City left back could make a quick recovery. Antonee Robinson was unavailable after jarring his knee in training but could also be available for the trip to the Midlands.

"Antonee wasn't comfortable playing. It was something in his knee, but nothing special. Joe had a big impact on his back and it was really stiff at half time, and the beginning of the second half. Today, he's doing better than yesterday. It's possible tomorrow it could be much better again. After the session we will decide. But it looks good.

Fulham will certainly be without Nathaniel Chalobah and teenager Fabio Carvalho.

Fabio is working with the team. Today he worked again. He had a good session. Now is for him to get in the best physical condition to play, and we expect to see him after the international break. Chalobah felt something in the first half at Bristol City. He hasn't worked with the team since then. It's a small issue in his leg."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/09/bryan-and-robinson-could-return-at-coventry/

[WhiteJC]

Tosin Adarabioyo delivers three-word verdict on in-form Fulham teammate

Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo has heaped praise on Aleksandar Mitrovic as the striker continued his fine start to the season in the 3-1 win over Swansea City last night.

Whilst Marco Silva's side have been very impressive on the whole in the opening months of the campaign, there's no doubting that Mitrovic has been the key man.

The Serbian international's goals last night means he has scored ten in ten, carrying on the excellent form he has shown at this level over the years.

And, he's certainly appreciated by all at Craven Cottage, with Adarabioyo taking to Twitter with a simple three word verdict on the target man as he put 'Mitro's on fire'.

The victory against the Swans got Fulham back on track after a few recent wobbles, and it lifts the side to third in the table and puts them two points behind the automatic promotion places.

The Londoners are back in action this weekend when they take on fourth placed Coventry City away from home in the early kick-off of the day.

The verdict

Mitrovic has been outstanding this season, with his goal return showing just how important he is to the team, so, all fans will agree with Adarabioyo's assessment of his teammate.

Of course, the challenge for all connected to Fulham is to go on a consistent run to ensure they can jump into the top two over the coming weeks.

To do that, Adarabioyo is going to be crucial at the back and Mitrovic's goals will be needed, and you would back him to maintain the excellent form he has been showing.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/tosin-adarabioyo-delivers-three-word-verdict-on-in-form-fulham-teammate/

[WhiteJC]

'Unlucky' Sessegnon faces battle for Fulham place

"Unlucky" Steven Sessegnon certainly has his work cut out to make Fulham's first team.

Whites boss Marco Silva admits the 21-year-old defender has been unfortunate, but Sessegnon's progress since his Championship debut in 2019 has faltered.

"He has competition (at right-back) – and not just one, two or three players," Silva said.

"Unfortunately, even in this short time I'm here, he's got some small injuries that are stopping him.

"He's not a player who can keep stopping (and hope to progress), and even before me he got injuries and Covid as well.

"These last two days, he didn't work with the team again. He has to try and keep fit and work as hard as he can.

"He cannot be in and out every single week, because if he wants to match his team-mates in this position he has to work really hard.

"He's been unlucky, and he has quality, but he needs to show this every single day."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/he-cannot-be-in-and-out-silva-on-sessegnons-struggle-for-first-team-football-at-fulham

[WhiteJC]

Silva sympathises with 'unlucky' Sessegnon

Marco Silva sympathises with 'unlucky' defender Steven Sessegnon but has warned the academy graduate that he needs to find consistent fitness in order to make an impression on the Fulham first team squad.

Sessegnon has been restricted to outings for the club's under 23 side, most recently in midfield, after seeing his pre-season derailed by a combination of injuries and coronavirus. The England under-21 international's loan spell with Bristol City last term didn't go as planned as injuries limited him to just eighteen appearances at Ashton Gate.

Silva admitted that Sessegnon, whose last senior appearance for the club came as a last-minute substitute against Sheffield Wednesday in July 2020, faces significant competition from the other right backs at the club.

"He has competition – and not just one, two or three players. Unfortunately, even in this short time I'm here, he's got some small injuries that are stopping him. He's not a player who can keep stopping and even before me he got injuries and Covid as well."

The 21 year-old has been absent from training this week after picking up another knock and will desperate for a injury-free run.

"These last two days, he didn't work with the team again. He has to try and keep fit and work as hard as he can. He cannot be in and out every single week, because if he wants to match his team-mates in this position he has to work really hard. He's been unlucky, and he has quality, but he needs to show this every single day."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/09/silva-sympathises-with-unlucky-sessegnon/

[WhiteJC]

Jack and Loz at the Cottage When Mitro Scored a First Half Hat Trick - Blog 189
Date: 29th September 2021

Opposition: Swansea City

Score: 3-1

Fulham goal scorer: 🔥🔥🔥

Weather: autumnal

Atmosphere: ecstatic, concerned, relieved

MOTM: there is only one choice. A first half hat trick, 10 goals in 10 games, the Mitro we know and love is back and blazing through Championship defences. Shout-outs to his 3 assistants, Messrs Ream, Kebano and Odoi for, respectively, their leadership, dynamism and all round excellence

Pub: the Blue Boat

Matches featuring a hat trick in one half are rare. They should also be extraordinarily enjoyable. Unfortunately, whilst Mitro's goals were celebrated as they deserved to be, Fulham somehow conspired to make what looks like a triumphant win a nerve racking experience for their devoted fans.

Things began well with widespread approval of Marco's team selection including starts for Kebano and Joe Bryan. The match started promisingly too with Fulham looking pacy and focused. The fast, sharp passes were back; the full backs and wingers were committed to flinging balls into the box and Mitro was menacing the Swansea defence from the off.

Of course the goals were superb. It wasn't a Perfect Hat Trick but it was a perfect hat trick with each goal expertly crafted and deftly finished. Mitro scored the goals but he didn't make them; all 3 were team goals and each better than the last.

- Tim Ream's powerful, arching header; Mitro's skill as he controlled the ball while flirting with the offside rule then his unstoppable shot

- Joe Bryan bursting forward, his skimming pass, Kebano's well-timed cross, and Mitro untangling himself from the defender to finish the job with his left foot

- Seri to Bobby to Harry to Denis; two touches and an in swinging cross; one touch and a predator's goal

Yes, there were other good moments - everything Seri did in the first half, nearly everything Kebano did all match, Muniz's audacious attempted chip, a few second half attacking moves - but in and around these there was reckless defending, poor decision making, comical goalkeeping and the constant, gnawing anxiety that a two goal lead wasn't going to be enough.

We know that, in part, the second half change of style and shape was due to Joe Bryan going off but that shouldn't have meant a change in ability for everyone else. At one point Marco looked like a man with petrol rage, tearing down the side line to berate his chaotic defence. At another he had a piece of paper in his hand on which he had almost certainly written Triangulo do ruina. As for Swansea's goal, the only surprise was that the player wasn't laughing too much to score it - Fulham's defence looked like that moment at the circus when the clown car's wheels fall off.

Obviously, this is somewhat problematic. Whilst you can't argue with the result or the fact that Fulham deserved the win, it is odd that a team which can score 3 absolutely stunning goals in about 30 minutes, spent the other 60 making hard work of managing a lively but weaker opponent.

We have to mention Gazzaniga here, and not in a good way. He only had one thing to do in the first half and he turned it into a disaster. He improved later on but surely he must be on his final warning by now. Rodak has first class Championship credentials and it's time his name went back to the top of the team sheet.

At the moment, it feels like you don't know what you're going to get in any given match. There is no routine, no comfort zone. We've had the businesslike win over Hull, the sweeping win over Stoke, the impressive win at Birmingham, the almost-a-draw win at Millwall, the disappointing draws, the frustrating defeats. Whilst this means life is never dull as a Fulham fan and that we always have the weapon of surprise in our armoury, it's doesn't give rise to confidence.

As we all know, you don't have to be the best team to win the Championship, you have to be the most consistent. Fulham are probably the best team in the Championship but also probably the most inconsistent. And therein lies the key to the season.

Random musings:-

- was there a whiff of tinned salmon about the Swansea kit?

- it was great to see one of Fulham's Paralympic heroes, Chad Perris, on the pitch at half time

- when Alfie Mawson was warming up he had no one to play with so had to the kick the ball into the hoardings, teenage style

- the ref had a good game overall but was dishing out free kicks with a very free hand to Swansea as the game wore on

- "What a waste of petrol!"

- you simply cannot beat a night game at Craven Cottage for atmosphere, intensity or emotion.

As well as showcasing Mitro's talents, Wednesday's win shoots us back up the table into third place. After several games in which we were creating shances but not taking them, the attack is back to its electrifying best. As for the defence, credit is due for defending the lead against a resilient Swansea team. If they'd conceded another we would have been thrown back to the last time Mitro scored a hat trick and we very nearly lost to Luton, victims of our own panic.

But this win wasn't as convincing as the score suggests. Our brilliant start lulled us into a false sense of security. This season isn't going to be easy. But we are Fulham, and nothing ever is.



https://werdsmith.com/p/qJJNf7gKzPvyR

[AJW48361]

No announcement that Pembridge had left the club during the close season obviously some unrest at the Club.Omogbehin on the other side  has Jumped the ladder and landed feet running.Strange that.