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Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 02/11/21...

Started by WhiteJC, November 02, 2021, 08:11:34 AM

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WhiteJC

Every single Championship club's record transfer signing - and how they got on

We look at the most expensive signings to be made by all 24 clubs in the second tier, including some that have prospered and some that have proved to be big-money flops

The Championship remains one of the most hotly-contested leagues in the world, with an ever-changing cast each year.

The financial effects of the pandemic had a big impact on the transfer activity of the clubs this summer. That was reflected with the majority of teams being largely restricted to free transfers or loan deals. Very few transfer fees were paid out.

But clubs in the division haven't been afraid to splash the cash in the past.

Here, we run the rule over all 24 clubs in the second tier and look at their respective record signings (according to industry website Transfermarkt ) - and see what they are up to nowadays.

Who's the best player in the Championship right now? Let us know in the comments section

Barnsley

Gjorgji Hristov joined from Partizan for £2.03m in 1997. He scored eight goals in his debut season, in the Premier League, but struggled with injuries before departing in 2000. He famously said of Barnsley: "The local girls are far uglier than the ones back in Belgrade or Skopje, the capital of Macedonia, where I come from.

"England is a strange country and I found it hard to adapt to living here."

Hristov managed Metalurg Skopje for a brief period in the early 2010s.

Birmingham

The Blues signed Emile Heskey for a fee of £8.39m in 2004. He joined from Liverpool and would go on to notch 14 goals for the club before leaving for Wigan.

Heskey was this month appointed Head of Women's Football Development by his former club Leicester City.

Blackburn

Andy Cole remains Blackburn's record signing after they paid £10.98m to recruit him from Manchester United in late 2001.

He ended his time at Rovers with a record of 37 goals in 100 games in all competitions. He would on to play for the likes of Fulham, Sunderland and Manchester City before retiring in 2008.

Now aged 50, he spent a period of time as a coach at Southend United and is a regular pundit on MUTV.

Blackpool

The Tangerines' record outlay is the £1.25m they shelled out for striker DJ Campbell back in 2010.

Campbell arrived from Leicester after previously spending two separate loan spells at Blackpool. He would prosper on a personal level, scoring 13 times in the Premier League but it wasn't enough to prevent their relegation after just one season.

He retired in 2015 and now has his own football management agency.

Bournemouth

During their Premier League days Bournemouth spent some hefty transfer fees. Jefferson Lerma's arrival from Levante in 2018 tops the lot, coming in at £25.2m.

After a slow start the Colombian has made himself a key part of the Cherries' midfield. He's made 11 league appearances this season, helping Scott Parker's side top the table and go 15 games unbeaten.

Bristol City

Tomas Kalas' arrival from Chelsea cost City £8.1m back in 2019.

The 28-year-old remains a key part of Nigel Pearson's side and has made 14 appearances in the Championship this term.

Cardiff

The late Emiliano Sala remains City's record signing. He was purchased for £15.3m from French club Nantes in 2019 but would never make an appearance for Cardiff.

He tragically passed away during a plane crash whilst travelling from France.

Coventry

Craig Bellamy's arrival from Norwich in 2000 for £8.33m remains the Sky Blues' biggest outlay. But he flattered to deceive and after a solitary season he left for Newcastle.

"I never once enjoyed it at Coventry. I felt quite demoralised," Bellamy said of his time in the Midlands.

Bellamy retired in 2014. He has since been coach of Anderlecht's under-21 team and was then made assistant to boss Vincent Kompany but left earlier this year citing mental health issues.

Derby


This Morning: Woman who breastfeeds her fiancé explains why

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ByRicky CharlesworthEFL writer

    08:00, 1 Nov 2021Updated08:21, 1 Nov 2021

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The Championship remains one of the most hotly-contested leagues in the world, with an ever-changing cast each year.

The financial effects of the pandemic had a big impact on the transfer activity of the clubs this summer. That was reflected with the majority of teams being largely restricted to free transfers or loan deals. Very few transfer fees were paid out.

But clubs in the division haven't been afraid to splash the cash in the past.

Here, we run the rule over all 24 clubs in the second tier and look at their respective record signings (according to industry website Transfermarkt ) - and see what they are up to nowadays.

Who's the best player in the Championship right now? Let us know in the comments section
Barnsley

Gjorgji Hristov joined from Partizan for £2.03m in 1997. He scored eight goals in his debut season, in the Premier League, but struggled with injuries before departing in 2000. He famously said of Barnsley: "The local girls are far uglier than the ones back in Belgrade or Skopje, the capital of Macedonia, where I come from.

"England is a strange country and I found it hard to adapt to living here."

Hristov managed Metalurg Skopje for a brief period in the early 2010s.
Birmingham
Emile Heskey joined Birmingham from Liverpool
Emile Heskey joined Birmingham from Liverpool

The Blues signed Emile Heskey for a fee of £8.39m in 2004. He joined from Liverpool and would go on to notch 14 goals for the club before leaving for Wigan.

Heskey was this month appointed Head of Women's Football Development by his former club Leicester City.
Blackburn

Andy Cole remains Blackburn's record signing after they paid £10.98m to recruit him from Manchester United in late 2001.

He ended his time at Rovers with a record of 37 goals in 100 games in all competitions. He would on to play for the likes of Fulham, Sunderland and Manchester City before retiring in 2008.

Now aged 50, he spent a period of time as a coach at Southend United and is a regular pundit on MUTV.
Blackpool
DJ Campbell hit double figures for Blackpool in the Premier League
DJ Campbell hit double figures for Blackpool in the Premier League

The Tangerines' record outlay is the £1.25m they shelled out for striker DJ Campbell back in 2010.

Campbell arrived from Leicester after previously spending two separate loan spells at Blackpool. He would prosper on a personal level, scoring 13 times in the Premier League but it wasn't enough to prevent their relegation after just one season.

He retired in 2015 and now has his own football management agency.
Bournemouth

During their Premier League days Bournemouth spent some hefty transfer fees. Jefferson Lerma's arrival from Levante in 2018 tops the lot, coming in at £25.2m.

After a slow start the Colombian has made himself a key part of the Cherries' midfield. He's made 11 league appearances this season, helping Scott Parker's side top the table and go 15 games unbeaten.
Bristol City

Tomas Kalas' arrival from Chelsea cost City £8.1m back in 2019.

The 28-year-old remains a key part of Nigel Pearson's side and has made 14 appearances in the Championship this term.
Cardiff

The late Emiliano Sala remains City's record signing. He was purchased for £15.3m from French club Nantes in 2019 but would never make an appearance for Cardiff.

He tragically passed away during a plane crash whilst travelling from France.
Coventry

Craig Bellamy's arrival from Norwich in 2000 for £8.33m remains the Sky Blues' biggest outlay. But he flattered to deceive and after a solitary season he left for Newcastle.

"I never once enjoyed it at Coventry. I felt quite demoralised," Bellamy said of his time in the Midlands.

Bellamy retired in 2014. He has since been coach of Anderlecht's under-21 team and was then made assistant to boss Vincent Kompany but left earlier this year citing mental health issues.
Derby
Matej Vydra left Derby for Burnley in 2018
Matej Vydra left Derby for Burnley in 2018

Matej Vydra signed for Derby from Watford for £8.46m in 2016.

He scored 21 goals in his second season at Pride Park, leading to a transfer to Burnley in 2018. He remains with the Clarets, used mostly as a back-up striker.

Fulham

The Cottagers' most expensive player is still a crucial part of their squad. Jean Michael Seri was recruited in 2018 from Nice for a princely sum of £27m.

Despite being loaned out on two separate occasions, the 30-year-old is an important part of Marco Silva's side at present as they aim for an immediate return to the Premier League.

Huddersfield

The Terries' most expensive recruit is Terence Kongolo. He was initially signed on loan from Monaco before the deal was made permanent in the summer of 2018.

Town forked out £18m for his signature but he was eventually moved on to Fulham. He moved initially on loan before being sold permanently for a fraction of that £18m.

Despite that move happening a year ago, Kongolo has played just twice for the Cottagers since.

Hull

Ryan Mason signed for £13.8m from Tottenham back in 2016.

He would go on to make just a handful of appearances for the Tigers however. A sickening clash of heads with Chelsea's Gary Cahill resulted in Mason suffering a career-ending skull injury.

He went into coaching at former club Spurs in 2018 and earlier this year he stepped up as interim boss following Jose Mourinho's exit. Mason took charge of the EFL Cup final, when Spurs were beaten by Man City.

Luton

Simon Sluga's £1.53m arrival from Rijeka is the Hatters' biggest outlay in their history. He arrived in 2019 and remains the club's number one.

He is now in his third season at Kenilworth Road and is an ever-present in the Championship this term for Nathan Jones' side.

Middlesbrough

Britt Assombalonga was signed for a whopping £15.39m by Boro back in 2017.

He had forged a reputation as a serial goal-getter at Nottingham Forest and Peterborough and he did hit double figures in his first three seasons at Boro.

But last season saw him fall down the pecking order and he left on a free in the summer. He ended up making a surprise move to Turkish outfit Adana Demirspor.

Millwall

The Lions have three players who arrived for the joint-record fee of £990,000.

Tom Bradshaw (Barnsley, 2019), Ryan Leonard (Sheffield United, 2019) and Connor Mahoney (Bournemouth, 2019) all share the honour and all three are still part of the first-team set up at the Den.

Nottingham Forest

Joao Carvalho cost Forest £13.5m from Benfica back in 2018 but has flattered to deceive during his stay at the City Ground.

He was even loaned out last season to Spanish club Almeria but was brought back into the fold this summer. However, he's only featured five times and not at all since August. His Forest deal runs until the summer of 2023.

Peterborough

The Posh smashed their club record this summer when they forked out £3.69m for Shrewsbury's Oliver Norburn.

The 29-year-old is experiencing the Championship for the first time and has made 14 appearances for Darren Ferguson's side so far.

Preston

North End's record buy is the £2.07m they spent on Liverpool's Neil Mellor back in 2006.

He would spend six years at Deepdale but retired in 2012 at the age of just 29.

Since hanging up his boots he has become a prominent pundit and reporter and is a regular fixture at games for Sky Sports News .

QPR

Chris Samba's £13.5m arrival from Russian side Anzhi in 2013 was heralded by many as being the perfect signing given Rangers' desire to stay in the top flight.

But after just ten appearances the former Blackburn man was heading back to Russia after Anzhi re-signed him after six months,

He returned to English football with Aston Villa in 2017 and retired a year later. He has since moved into coaching.

Reading

The Royals' biggest outlay was on two players. Sone Aluko signed for £6.75m in 2017 from Fulham.

They paid out the same fee for George Puscas from Palermo in 2019. Puscas is still at the club but Aluko is now plying his trade at League One side Ipswich.

Sheffield United

The Blades spent some big sums during their recent two-year stint in the Premier League.

The biggest of the lot though went on Rhian Brewster, for a total of £23.4m from Liverpool.

At the time it may have looked a canny deal. But the fact that the England under-21 striker has yet to score a league goal more than a year after joining the Blades tells its own story.

Stoke

The Potters' signing of Giannelli Imbula for £21.83m is right up there with expensive flops.

He signed from Porto in 2016 but had a disastrous spell in the Potteries. He was loaned out three times before City decided to tear up his contract - and take a huge loss - in early 2020. He's now at Portuguese side Portimonense.

Swansea

The Swans' purchase of Andre Ayew in 2018 represented the second time they had signed the Ghanaian. But the outlay of £20.52m from West Ham eclipsed any deal the club have done in their history.

Despite relegation from the top flight, Ayew proved a key asset in his two seasons in the Championship. He hit double figures in both and played a starring role in leading them to the play-off final last term, before they lost out to Brentford. He's now at Qatari club Al-Sadd.

West Brom

Salomon Rondon's arrival from Zenit in 2015 cost Albion £15.3m.

He was a semi-regular scorer for the Baggies in the Premier League before a loan swap saw him join Newcastle.

He then went on to play in China and Russia before returning to England this summer to be reunited with ex-boss Rafa Benitez at Everton.



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/every-championship-club-record-signing-25342971

WhiteJC

Exclusive: EFL pundit reacts as Fulham figure is linked with Cardiff City manager's role

Discovery+ and Quest pundit Jobi McAnuff says Fulham coach Luis Boa Morte would offer something different for Cardiff City if he was to be named the club's new manager.

The Bluebirds are currently looking for a new manager after sacking Mick McCarthy last week, following a run of eight consecutive defeats that saw the club drop to 21st in the Championship table.

Recent reports from Wales Online have revealed that Boa Morte is one of several options who is interested in taking over from McCarthy at the Cardiff City Stadium.

A former Portugal international, Boa Morte's only previous senior managerial experience has come with Sintrense in his home country's third-tier back in the 2017/18 season.

Boa Morte is currently assistant to Marco Silva at Championship promotion chasers Fulham, a role he also filled at Everton during the first half of the 2018/19 season.

Now it seems as though McAnuff believes the 44-year-old is someone who could be worth considering for the role at Cardiff.

Asked whether he thought Boa Morte would be a good appointment for Cardiff, McAnuff – who made 48 appearances for the Bluebirds during the 2004/05 season – exclusively told Football League World:

"I think for Cardiff City it's a very important time in terms of what direction they want to go in as football club full stop.

"They've kind of tried a couple of models and managers recently with a certain style of football in Mick McCarthy and Neil Harris and they might be looking to go a different way.

"I'm sure that Luis Boa Morte with his experiences and the type of football he's involved in now might be a slightly different proposition to what they've had so far.

"Again maybe a young, hungry coach or manager could be what they need, because they have got a good group of players there that are not realising anywhere near their potential at the moment.

"So I think it would be certainly a big job to start off with pedigree in terms of playing wise and he's been doing what he needs to do on the coaching side of things to put himself in this position.

"I don't see why not if that was a realistic option for both parties why he couldn't go there and make a real good go of it."




https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/exclusive-efl-pundit-reacts-as-fulham-figure-is-linked-with-cardiff-city-managers-role/

WhiteJC

City's Youngsters Top Of U18 PL South After Fulham Victory

A late winner from Jack Butterfill secured a 1-0 victory over Fulham to send Leicester City's Under-18s to the league summit on Saturday.

The young Foxes went into the clash on the back of three consecutive victories in U18 Premier League South, but the visitors were the league's leaders ahead of kick-off at LCFC Training Ground.

It was City who went close first as Cottagers goalkeeper Alfie McNally saved Kian Pennant's low drive at goal. Joe Wormleighton then fired over for the in-form hosts in Seagrave. Leicester shot-stopper Arlo Doherty, on the other hand, had to be alert to Michael Olakigbe's strike from a tight angle.

Olly Sanderson's long-range effort was kept out by Doherty early on in the second half, before Henry Cartwright's low ball into the box was eventually cleared by Fulham's defensive ranks. Olakigbe also hit Thomas Wilson-Brown's cross straight at Doherty for the west Londoners.

Shortly after Pennant struck over the bar, the young Foxes forward located Butterfill, whose powerful drive beat McNally and secured all three points for Leicester's youngsters. It means City sit atop of the league after eight games, with six wins and 18 points to their name.

Next up, the Club's Under-18s head to West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League Cup on Saturday (1:30pm kick-off), before entertaining bottom of the league Norwich City in U18 Premier League South on Saturday 20 November (12:30pm kick-off).
The details...

City: Doherty; Grist, Wilson-Brown, Godsmark-Ford; Dawkins, Lindsay, Cartwright, Cover (Butterfill 70'), Wormleighton (c); Popov, K. Pennant.

Subs not used: Chibueze, Lewis, Read, Kutshienza.

Goal: Butterfill 87'.

All times GMT.



https://www.lcfc.com/news/2319370/citys-youngsters-top-of-u18-pl-south-after-fulham-victory


WhiteJC

Talking Points: West Brom

You shall not pass Marek Rodák

It was yet another clean sheet for our shot-stopper at the weekend, taking his tally up to three for the season, of which they have all come from his last three games. Against West Brom, Marek was called upon on several occasions to help protect the net and always looked assured in front of goal, winning the appraisal of the home fans.

Harry Wilson the provider

Our Welshman has started well in his first season at the club, having provided six assists, making him the top assister at the club for the 21/22 season so far. His latest assist came in Saturday's fixture, and it was much to the delight of Mitro, who with the pass was able to secure his hat-trick just seconds before being substituted.

Mitro on course for the record?

It was another productive afternoon for our talisman, who bagged his second hat-trick of the season and now has 18 goals in 15 games next to his name. One eye is firmly on the EFL Championship record, set only last year by Brentford's Ivan Toney, which currently stands at 31 goals across a season. At this rate, Mitro is on course to smash the record, with a likely audacious 55 goals.

Snodgrass' challenge on Jedi

West Brom's Robert Snodgrass had a difficult afternoon at the Cottage, which on another day could have been made even more of a disaster had he seen red for the arm across Antonee Robinson's face.

A half-time proposal

If the 3-0 win over West Brom wasn't enough to brighten up your afternoon, at half-time, one lucky Fulham fan was proposed to by his now fiancé in front of the 18,000 fans in attendance – thankfully he said yes. Congratulations guys, from everyone at Fulham FC.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2021/november/01/talking-points-west-brom/

WhiteJC

Fulham's Sheffield United and Swansea fixtures selected for Sky coverage

Fulham's fixtures against Sheffield United and Swansea City have been selected for live coverage by Sky Sports and have been moved as a result, the club have confirmed this afternoon.

Slavisa Jokanovic's return to Craven Cottage with the Blades will now take place on Monday 20 December, with a 7.45pm kick off. Fulham will face Swansea at the Liberty Stadium on Bank Holiday Monday 3 January at 3pm.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/11/fulhams-sheffield-united-and-swansea-fixtures-selected-for-sky-coverage/

WhiteJC

Blackburn Rovers team news: Sam Gallagher a 'huge doubt' for Fulham

Sam Gallagher is expected to miss the visit of Fulham on Wednesday after coming off in the win at Derby County.

Gallagher was replaced moments before the end of the 2-1 victory after sustaining a series of knocks in the second half and Tony Mowbray says the forward is unlikely to feature in the next game.

Rovers had only six senior players training on Monday as they continue to assess a number of knocks from the weekend, though Ryan Nyambe was out on the grass with the medical department as he looks to overcome a hamstring injury.

That kept the Namibia international out of the Derby County win, as John Buckley slotted in at right back, though Mowbray is hopeful that Nyambe will be fit enough to play one of the two games this week, with Sheffield United due at Ewood Park on Saturday.

Daniel Ayala and Harry Pickering are both set to miss the Fulham game with calf injuries and are unlikely to feature after the international break which follows the visit of the Blades.

Mowbray said: "Plenty of bumps and bruises, we had six training today, so we'll have to wait and see.

"Gallagher is a huge doubt I would suggest, Nyambe was out on the grass with the physios so we'll see if he has any reaction.

"I think we've decided that he won't be able to play two games this week because of the threat to his hamstrings but we'll decide whether we risk him training.

"It hasn't improved, if anything it has gone worse.

"It's football, there's a game every three days and we have to get on with it.

"We have a lot of players who are suffering a little bit at the moment.

"The demands we put on them to play how we play are pretty big and it was a big numbers game the other day and we have to do it again on Wednesday and then see who's available on Saturday and do it again."

Joe Rankin-Costello was back in the Rovers squad at Derby after six months out with a broken foot, but didn't make a first appearance of the season.

He had played 67 minutes for the Under-23s in their draw with Liverpool last week and was back in action for Mike Sheron's side on Monday afternoon at Crystal Palace.

Scott Wharton and Dan Butterworth were also involved, the latter having not been named in a matchday squad for the first time this season against the Rams.

"They need to play football, so they went to play, it's no good me keeping them involved with us and they don't get on the pitch, or they get 10 minutes here and there," Mowbray said.

"They might as well go and play and if we need them on Wednesday for 20 minutes then they can still play two days after playing for the Under-23s."



https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/19686434.blackburn-rovers-team-news-sam-gallagher-huge-doubt-fulham/


WhiteJC

Blackburn Rovers striker Sam Gallagher set to miss Fulham test

Blackburn Rovers boss Tony Mowbray has said forward Sam Gallagher is a "huge doubt" for the midweek clash against Fulham.

Gallagher, 26, has been a mainstay in Blackburn Rovers' side this season, despite struggling with injury problems.

The former Southampton striker has operated as both a striker or out on the right-wing, notching up 13 Championship appearances. In the process, he has chipped in with five goals and three assists, putting in some strong performances for Tony Mowbray's side.

However, it has now emerged that Rovers are set to be without him against Fulham.

As quoted by the Lancashire Telegraph, Mowbray confirmed that there are "plenty of bumps and bruises" among his ranks.

One of those facing injury uncertainty is Gallagher, who the Blackburn Rovers boss revealed is "a huge doubt" for the clash against Fulham this week.

It remains unknown as to whether or not Gallagher will be back in time to face Sheffield United at the weekend, so it awaits to be seen if further insight emerges on the forward's injury in the coming days.

Who could feature in his absence?
With Mowbray boasting plenty of attacking versatility in his ranks, there are some solid replacements available.

Ben Brereton Diaz and Tyrhys Dolan, who played as wingers in the win over Derby County, can both play through the middle as a centre-forward.

Dan Butterworth is another option at striker, while Ian Poveda and Reda Khadra are among the options on the wing if Gallagher is indeed ruled out.



https://the72.co.uk/254464/blackburn-rovers-striker-sam-gallagher-set-to-miss-fulham-test/

WhiteJC

Games for mid-week 02/11
An away trip to Ewood Park to take on Blackburn Rovers is our mid-week travel this time.
Another "below par" performance and we win 3-0, that was a quite incredible result and come the latter stages of the season could well prove decisive. The previous two games we've not played anywhere near our best but still scored 7 goals and conceded 0, I've a feeling that we'll give someone a real drubbing when everything "clicks", I'm also hoping that we've had our "shocker" game at Blackpool but being Fulham you never know?
3 more for Mitro! thats 18 in 15, Mitro has scored 12 goals in the last 7 appearances, and to top that achievement he gave the match ball to a young supporter, what a gesture and something the youngster will treasure.



It was a shame that Tosin saw red, we'll now have to "make do" with either Mawson, Kongolo or Hector, not bad alternatives are they?

Also hasn't Rodak done a good job? 3 consecutive clean sheets and only 1 goal conceded in his 4 starts, if he keeps this up I can't see him loosing his place.

Our record against Rovers is an even one 6 wins, 7 losses and 6 draws

With Tosin unavailable my team would be...


COYW's

Games of Interest...
Tuesday 2nd

Millwall v Reading
Forest v Sheff Utd

Wednesday 3rd
Rovers v Fulham
Bournemouth v Preston NE
Cardiff v QPR
West Brom v Hull


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=1802

WhiteJC

Tony Mowbray clears up Sam Gallagher's situation at Blackburn ahead of Fulham clash

Tony Mowbray has revealed that there is a worry that Sam Gallagher will be unavailable for Blackburn Rovers' hosting of Fulham on Wednesday evening.

Mowbray was glowing in his praise of the 26-year-old's performance at Pride Park last time out but regrettably informed the club's website that the midweek fixture might come just too soon for him to be involved.

He said: "Sam's (Gallagher) a concern, undoubtedly. He played very, very well at Derby County and wouldn't have come off had he not picked up an injury.

"If he's not ready for Wednesday then he'll definitely be ready for Saturday. If he is ready for Wednesday then he might not be ready for Saturday.

"We'll wait and see and look to give Sam every chance." he added.

Rovers are blessed with good depth in wide areas in the form of Premier League club loanees Reda Khadra and Ian Poveda. The former from Brighton and Hove Albion and latter from Leeds United have had to feed off mainly just substitute appearances so far this season and it will be interesting to see which wildcard option Mowbray plumps for.

Fulham represent a very tough game and with Aleksandar Mitrovic in the form he is in at the moment, Rovers may have to score two or more goals to get something out of the match.

The Verdict
Gallagher does not have the technical ability of Khadra and Poveda who both have very bright futures ahead of them, however he does make up for his shortcomings on that front with his relentless work rate and aerial threat.

It will be a significant loss however if sitting out means that he is fit and firing against Sheffield United on Saturday, before having two weeks to recover during the international break, then Rovers should be able to cope.

Denis Odoi and Antonee Robinson are known more for their attacking exploits as full backs, if they can be pinned back by one of Khadra or Poveda then Blackburn should be able to establish a foothold in the test on Wednesday evening.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/tony-mowbray-clears-up-sam-gallaghers-situation-at-blackburn-ahead-of-fulham-clash/


WhiteJC

Ablade double downs Boro

A brace from Terry Ablade secured a sixth straight win for Fulham's under 23s as they beat Middlesbrough 2-0 at Motspur Park earlier this afternoon.

The Finnish under 21 international forward got Steve Wigley's side off the perfect start seven minutes in powering home a fine header from Ziyad Larkeche's cross. Jay Stansfield, operating in the hole just behind Ablade, almost made it two moments later with a blistering drive from distance that rattled the crossbar.

Terence Kongolo came through another ninety minutes in his comeback from serious injury but the Dutch defender was almost responsible for handing Middlesbrough an equaliser. His poor pass allowed the visitors to open up the Fulham back line but Pharrell Williams fired against the post from close range when it seemed easier to score. Boro would rue that miss when a fine floated cross from Sonny Hilton saw Ablade double his tally just after the half hour. He now has seven goals in nine games this season.

Hilton, in fine form this season, nearly added a third when his deflected effort went just wide of goal after a brilliant solo break. He came even closer in the closing stages of the first half – hitting the crossbar with a left-footed strike – before Kieron Bowie was denied by a brilliant save from Max Metcalfe.

The Boro goalkeeper then made a routine save to deny Ablade a hat-trick when the striker tried to lift a finish over Metcalfe after being found by Hilton's majestic ball over the away defence. Graeme Lee's side made a spirited attempt to get back into the contest with Sam Folarin unfortunate not to reduce their arrears with a low shot that flew fractionally wide of Alex Borto's goal.

Stansfield was denied by another excellent Metcalfe save before the former Exeter forward and Hilton both narrowly failed to connect with substitute Ollie O'Neill's inviting cross. Borto made a smart stop from Jack Stott in the closing stages and Middlesbrough's miserable afternoon was completed when full back George Gitau saw red for a wild lunge at Jonathon Page in added time.

FULHAM UNDER 23s (4-2-3-1): Borto; Fossey, Larkeche, McAvoy, Kongolo; S. Sessegnon (Page 66), Pajaziti; Bowie (Tiehi 81), Hilton, Stansfield; Ablade (O'Neill 68). Subs (not used): Las, Odutayo.

GOALS: Ablade (7, 31).

MIDDLESBROUGH UNDER 23s (4-2-3-1): Metcalfe; Gitau, Gibson, Sykes, Beals; Malley, Cornet (M. Dijksteel 72); Sivi, Willis (Finch 68), Stott; Folarin (Balde 82). Subs (not used): Bulmer, Reed.

BOOKED: Stott, Gibson, Malley.

SENT OFF: Gitau (90+2).



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/11/ablade-double-downs-boro/

WhiteJC

Silva wary of 'strong' Blackburn

Marco Silva wants Fulham to continue their fine recent of recent form at Ewood Park on Wednesday – but he knows Blackburn Rovers will provide a tough test.

The Fulham head coach told FFCTV that he knows Tony Mowbray's side will be a tough nut to crack on their home turf:

"We are looking forward to playing against Blackburn Rovers. It will be a really tough game for us but we go there with full confidence that we can get the three points. But I know as well that the other side will be a tough team to play against in a tough place to play. They are a team with quality, the ability and capacity to score goals. I think it will be a good game, an open game.

"They are stronger at home. They are getting good results and they score in all the matches they play at home. They create always big, big problems for all the teams they play against as well. It will be a tough game for us. We have to be aware of their capacity to make chances. We have to be ourselves, play our game and to create chances.

Silva disclosed that confidence and spirit is high at Motspur Park after Fulham's recent run of four straight wins, but emphasised that these are still early stages of a gruelling Championship campaign.

They know that I full confidence in them – but I am the first one demanding from them more and more and more. We are just in the beginning of the season, fifteen games in. We are in the beginning of one new process as well. Some players lost a big part of the pre-season – they are now coming in and knowing better the ideas of the team as well. I feel that everyone is on the same page. The atmosphere around the club is really good as well.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/11/silva-wary-of-strong-blackburn/

WhiteJC

Fulham boss keen to ease Cairney back carefully

Tom Cairney needs time before he can play back-to-back full games for Fulham, says boss Marco Silva.

The captain came back after nearly a year out with a knee injury to score against Cardiff and then played all 90 minutes against Nottingham Forest in the following game.

But he only got a cameo run-out in the 3-0 win over West Brom on Saturday.

It's all part of the plan, Silva says, to make sure Cairney doesn't take on too much too soon.

Silva explained: "Even if he made that unbelievable impact against Cardiff, and then a normal game against Forest, it was clear to me he couldn't play 90 minutes after that, but it's important for me to give him minutes.

"He's not in his best physical condition. He knows that, I know that. But he's a real important player for us, even if he can play just 45 or 50 minutes.

"Tom on the ball is high quality and gives us a little more balance.

"I think the international break will also be good to get him back to full fitness."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-boss-keen-to-ease-cairney-back-carefully


WhiteJC

Man United tried but failed to sign current Fulham starlet as a 12-year-old

Transfer News: Manchester United tried to complete a deal for Fabio Carvalho before he joined Fulham

According to the latest transfer news on the TalkSPORT (h/t Blackpool Gazette), Manchester United tried to sign Fabio Carvalho as a 12-year-old before he joined Fulham.

The Red Devils have always believed in their youngsters and their promotion to the first team was always a priority under Sir Alex Ferguson since the days of the Class of 92. However, a reason for them excelling in this policy was because they recruited early.

The Carrington academy has produced some real gems in the past but have also signed brilliant youngsters during their early development. Last year, the club snapped up Alvaro Fernandez and Alejandro Garnacho from Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid respectively.

However, one player they did miss out on was the signing of Fabio Carvalho back in 2014. The youngster had come out of the Benfica academy and had joined Combined County league South Division side, Balham FC.

Only 12 at the time, the youngster caught the eye of the Old Trafford outfit while he was also on the radar of Premier League rivals Arsenal & Chelsea. However, neither of the heavyweights were able to secure the attacking midfielder's signature as he instead joined Championship side Fulham.

Now 19, Carvalho has made it through the ranks and plays for the senior side, having scored 4 goals and provided 1 assist in 12 appearances, with half of them coming this season.

The Manchester-based club might regret not agreeing on a move for the player back then, especially since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer now readily hands chances to the club's youth.

Regardless, United's academy and the senior team is filled with talent, and they would be hoping their mistake does not come back to bite them later.



https://weallfollowunited.com/2021/11/02/transfer-news-manchester-united-fabio-carvalho-fulham/

WhiteJC

Striker Moyes wanted at West Ham has 18 goals in 15 games this season

Is there a player who mirrors his club more accurately than Aleksandar Mitrovic?

Too good for the Championship yet seemingly not quite up to the standards expected in the Premier League, the snarling Serb is certainly a fitting centre-forward for a Fulham side that appears to have replaced second-tier rivals West Brom as English football's 'yo-yo club'.

Should the Cottagers secure a return to the big time at the first time of asking – they are well placed to do that with a four-point buffer separating themselves and third place – their past five seasons would read like this: promotion, relegation, promotion, relegation, promotion.

And Mitrovic's topsy-turvy goals tally embodies the relentless rise and fall of this Fulham side. He scored 26 in the Championship during the promotion-winning 2019/20 season, then three in the Premier League the year after.

With a staggering 18 goals in just 15 games so far – including a hat-trick against West Brom on Saturday – this season is almost certain to be Mitrovic's best.

The Championship record of 31 set by Ivan Toney just a few months ago looks under serious threat too.

But, such is the nature of this feast-or-famine limbo Fulham appear to have found themselves in, few would be surprised if the Cottagers finished bottom of the 2022/23 Premier League table with Mitrovic once again flattering to deceive on the biggest stage. 

Is West Ham target Aleksandar Mitrovic really a Premier League striker?
In May, The Sun reported West Ham United boss David Moyes was considering a summer swoop for Fulham's £22 million talisman.

And if anyone could get the best out of this enigmatic striker at Premier League level, it's a man who's transformed Jarrod Bowen, Craig Dawson and Said Benhrama – three players snapped up from second-tier clubs – into reliable top-flight stars.

That, however, is merely hypothetical. For all his successes at the London Stadium, Moyes gave up early on Sebastien Haller – a physical, 6ft-something centre-forward in the Mitrovic mould.

In short, Mitrovic's top-flight record fails to paint a picture of a man capable of maintaining this remarkable purple patch in the top flight, assuming Marco Silva and co are swigging champagne on the Craven Cottage pitch come May.

A mere 24 goals in 94 Premier League appearances tells its own story. 



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2021/11/01/west-ham-mitrovic/

WhiteJC

Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo to miss Blackburn Rovers return

Tosin Adarabioyo will miss out on a return to Ewood Park after picking up the first red card of his career.

The Fulham defender was sent off late in the win over West Bromwich Albion at the weekend and has been hit with a three-game suspension for serious foul play.

It was a first red card of the 24-year-old's career, with Adarabioyo having gone the entirety of his loan spell at Rovers in 2019/20 without picking up a yellow card.

Indeed, he had only been booked five times in his 128-game career before being shown a red card in the 3-0 win over the Baggies as Fulham continued their good form ahead of the visit to face Rovers on Wednesday night.

Adarabioyo impressed in his season-long stay at Rovers, scoring three times in 35 appearances, and his form during that loan spell saw Fulham make a move for him on a permanent basis following their promotion to the Premier League.

They will be hunting for something similar this time around after their relegation last time out, and look well placed under Marco Silva, sitting second in the table.

Adarabioyo has started 14 of the 15 Championship matches so far this season, with his place in the side likely to be taken by Michael Hector.

Another former Rovers loanee, Harrison Reed, could be set to feature after starting at the weekend.

Reed played 36 times for Rovers in 2018/19 before Fulham signed him on loan the following year and then made the move permanent last summer.

He took the place of another ex-Rovers favourite, Tom Cairney, for the West Brom win. Cairney, is just back from a long-term knee injury and is now up to 220 games for the Cottagers since leaving Rovers in the summer of 2015.



https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/19687303.fulham-defender-tosin-adarabioyo-miss-blackburn-rovers-return/


WhiteJC

Dan Butterworth and Joe Rankin-Costello still in Fulham contention despite Under-23s outing

Dan Butterworth, Joe Rankin-Costello and Scott Wharton played the duration of Blackburn Rovers Under-23s fixture against Crystal Palace

A reassuring 90 minutes in the tank for Joe Rankin-Costello and a confidence-boosting goal for Dan Butterworth can be considered a successful day at the office for Blackburn Rovers.

The Under-23s side chalked up their second league win of the campaign against Crystal Palace after Butterworth struck in the dying embers to inflict defeat on the Eagles.

Jalil Saadi had put Mike Sheron's side ahead early in the second-half before Palace responded, eventually mustering a breakthrough courtesy of a Nya Kirby strike having been consistently thwarted by Jordan Eastham and a defensive line marshalled by Scott Wharton.

It was a special occasion for Wharton, starting a competitive fixture for Rovers alongside his brother Adam for the very first time and the central defender impressed as he lasted the duration of the contest.

While both Rankin-Costello and Butterworth are in contention to make the senior matchday squad against Fulham on Wednesday, Wharton is expected to get further minutes under his belt before being considered by Tony Mowbray, the Under-23s next in action on Friday when they travel to face bottom side Derby County (7pm).

Queried on their involvement given Fulham's visit on Wednesday, Mowbray replied: "They need to play football, so they went to play, it's no good me keeping them involved with us and they don't get on the pitch, or they get 10 minutes here and there.

"They might as well go and play and if we need them on Wednesday for 20 minutes then they can still play two days after playing for the Under-23s."

With Sam Gallagher a doubt for Fulham's visit, an opportunity may arise for Butterworth from the bench having been omitted from Rovers' 18-man squad in the clash against Derby at the weekend.



https://www.lancs.live/sport/football/football-news/blackburn-rovers-rankin-costello-butterworth-22037549

WhiteJC

Anthony Knockaert lifts lid on his Brighton transfer and the serious injury that led to the move

The Frenchman swapped Belgian outfit Standard Liege for Albion in January 2016 and went onto play 139 times and score 27 goals in a legendary spell

Anthony Knockaert says had it not been for Solly March's injury there is a strong chance he would not have signed for Brighton.

The Frenchman swapped Belgian outfit Standard Liege for Albion in January 2016 and went on to play 139 times and score 27 goals in an unforgettable spell.

Despite spending just over three seasons with the Seagulls, he became a club legend, particularly because played a key role in getting them promoted to the Premier League in 2017.

Now in an interview on the Seagulls Social podcast, he has spoken about how the move to the Sussex outfit came about.

The former Leicester City player had left the Foxes for Liege in the summer of 2015 but did not find the Belgian league to his liking.

He said he was already considering a move away from the club the following summer but Brighton came calling at the start of 2016 when he was on a training camp in Marbella and the rest is history.

"I was chilling with my mates, playing a card game and my agent called me and said, 'Listen, Ant. We have interest from Brighton, it could be done in the next couple of days and you could fly tomorrow morning'," he said.

"It was 5pm when he called me. I said, 'Why not? We can go and see what happens.'

"My agent dealt with the transfer fees and I said, 'Let me know when you are ready for me to travel and I will speak to the manager here', and he is a good friend of mine now.

"I went to see the manager (Yannick Ferrera) and he said I wouldn't let you leave if it was my decision but I think the club needs it [the money] and it could be good for yourself to go back to England.

"I said that is fine, I am going to say to my agent that I am ready to go and I call my agent back. I said at 6pm that day, 'I am ready to go if you are'."

The ex-under-21 French international said he flew to Brighton on the same night as that phone call and had his medical the next day.

He added how he was blown away by the Amex and the club's new state-of-the-art training complex.

And to make it all the sweeter, the fans took to him right away.

The then 24-year-old joined in the 2015/16 season and helped Albion finish third in the Championship, however, they lost to Sheffield Wednesday in the play-offs.

In the following campaign, Knockaert scored 15 times in 45 appearances and led them to an automatic promotion spot to the top-flight.



https://www.sussexlive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/anthony-knockaert-lifts-lid-brighton-6144765

WhiteJC

Khadra starts: The predicted Blackburn Rovers XI to face Fulham on Wednesday

Blackburn Rovers will be looking to continue their impressive Championship season so far on Wednesday night, when they host Fulham at Ewood Park.

Tony Mowbray's side go into the game on a high after back to back wins over Reading and Derby, and could climb into the top six with victory here, if results elsewhere go their way.

However, Fulham currently sit second in the Championship table, following their convincing 3-0 win at home to promotion rivals West Brom on Saturday afternoon.

This therefore, is unlikely to be an easy task for Rovers, who could produce a real statement of intent with a positive result here.

So with that in mind, we've taken a look at the lineup Mowbray could name, to give his Rovers side the best possible chance of claiming all three points from this one.


With plenty of players hampered by knocks and injuries at the moment, it is unlikely that Mowbray will have much scope to rotate from the side that won at Derby on Saturday.

In goal, Thomas Kaminski does remain the club's undisputed number one between the posts, and may have to be on his game here to keep out the likes of Aleksandar Mitrovic.

With left-back Harry Pickering and centre back Daniel Ayala both set to miss out again through calf issues, meaning Tayo Edun should keep his place on the left-hand side of defence, while Brighton loanee Jan Paul van Hecke looks likely to once again partner captain Darragh Lenihan at centre back.

At right-back meanwhile, Ryan Nyambe is only expected to play one of Blackburn's two games this week due to a hamstring issue, so with Joe Rankin-Costello having played for the Under 23s on Monday, midfielder John Buckley could once again fill that role, just as he did at Derby at the weekend.

In midfield, Joe Rothwell and Lewis Travis remain key components to Rovers' success in the centre of the park.

But with Buckley still at right-back, Bradley Johnson – who made his first start of the season on Saturday after a spell on the sidelines through injury – could continue his run in the side.

One change that Rovers look set to be forced to make comes in attack, with Sam Gallagher looking set to miss out after taking several knocks against Derby on Saturday.

That could bring Reda Khadra into the starting XI, with the Brighton loanee having shown promise so far this season when coming off the bench.

The German youth international will no doubt be partnered by Ben Brereton – whose double at Derby means he is now second only behind Mitrovic in the Championship scoring charts this season – and Tyrhys Dolan, in what looks set to be a rather fluid front three that could switch roles on several occasions across the 90 minutes.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/khadra-starts-the-predicted-blackburn-rovers-xi-to-face-fulham-on-wednesday/