Sunday Fulham Stuff - 14/11/21...

[WhiteJC]

Update emerges on Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa's future amid potential Fulham exit

Serie A outfit Napoli have already decided they will activate the permanent option in Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa's contract to seal his departure from Fulham, according to Il Mattino (via Sport Witness and Area Napoli).

The same report also states that Anguissa, who has been the subject of various rave reviews since his arrival in Naples, is happy with his new life in Italy and so are his wife and children, making a permanent move all but certain with all parties wishing for this deal to be concluded.

He requested to leave parent club Fulham before the beginning of the 2021/22 campaign after making clear his wish to play in one of Europe's top leagues, following the Cottagers' relegation back to the second tier of English football.

Initially paying a reported £22.3m for his services back in 2018, Marco Silva's men are seemingly willing to make a loss on the Cameroon international after his wish to move away from the English capital, with a €15m permanent option in their loan agreement with Napoli that was struck in the latter stages of August.

Since then, Premier League side Crystal Palace have reportedly entered the race for the 25-year-old, with Fulham reportedly placing a £20m valuation above his head despite his contract running out in 2023.

However, Football League World understands the midfielder is happy with his life in Italy and isn't keen on a return to the English top flight, potentially ruling Palace out of the race.

This latest report has revealed similar, with his permanent exit looking more and more likely after establishing himself as one of the first names on the teamsheet at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.

The Verdict:

From Fulham's point of view, they will want to generate as much money as possible from his likely sale, having already heard his request to leave the club and potentially burning his bridges in the English capital because of that.

However, selling to a potential Premier League rival wouldn't be the best idea and this is why a move to Napoli would be preferable for the Cottagers, even if they make less money from this deal than they would have done if they tried to offload him to Crystal Palace.

Promotion is looking more and more likely after extending the gap between them and West Bromwich Albion in third place – and will almost be guaranteed if star striker Aleksandar Mitrovic can maintain his current form after scoring 20 goals in 17 league games so far this term.

In the end, the decision is likely to be taken out of their hands with the Italian side seemingly set to trigger the necessary clause to make this deal permanent and after replacing him already with Nathaniel Chalobah, officials at Craven Cottage will probably be relieved to see this deal tied up when the moment comes.

There can be no doubts over his ability – but commitment to the cause at Fulham is needed above everything else and Anguissa doesn't seem to be keen on a return to his parent club – so severing ties permanently will be beneficial for the Championship side.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/update-emerges-on-andre-frank-zambo-anguissas-future-amid-potential-fulham-exit/

[WhiteJC]

Tottenham, Aston Villa, Southampton, Fulham interested in 19-year-old West Brom

Allnigeriasoccer.com understands that left-footed central defender Kevin Joshua has emerged as a transfer target for three Premier League clubs ahead of the opening of the transfer window.

The 19-year-old has established himself as a key player for West Brom development squad since his move in March 2021.

Tottenham Hotspur, Fulham, Aston Villa and Southampton are exploring ways to sign the talented Irish-Nigerian center-back, who has put himself in the shop window with a string of fine performances for West Brom U23s.

Unsurprisingly, Joshua is being linked with a possible move to Aston Villa, who have had their eyes on the outstanding youngsters in West Brom's youth system.

The Lions have poached Nigerian midfielder Tim Iroegbunam as well as Finley Thorndike and Finn Azaz from the Baggies academy in the last five months.

Joshua earned a lot of praise after starring in West Brom's 4-1 rout of Premier League 2 table toppers Arsenal in the Premier League Cup on Thursday, scoring with a header following a set-piece ten minutes into the second half.

Joshua had a solid performance against the Gunners, making four interceptions, four blocks, completed nineteen out of nineteen short passes and two out of three long passes.

The 6ft 6in defender was dominant in aerial duels, winning five out of five headers he contested, one of which was a goal.

Communication with his teammates was good majority of the game however he did get mixed up with the other center-back who was meant to pick up the Arsenal striker on one occasion.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel



https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=41658

[WhiteJC]

Carlton Palmer sends warning to Southampton on Fulham's Fabio Carvalho amid Barcelona, Liverpool, Real Madrid links

Ex-Southampton midfielder Carlton Palmer has warned his former side that the influence of agents on Fabio Carvalho could potentially scupper a move to St Mary's, sounding this siren in an interview with This is Futbol.

Carvalho, 19, performed well in the early stages of the season, scoring three goals and recording one assist in the Cottagers' opening four league games but failing to build on that since then after being ruled out of action with a toe injury.

Since then, he also tested positive for Covid-19 which proved to be a setback in his bid to get back to playing regular first-team football under Marco Silva but has been available for selection in the last three games.

Despite currently being kept out of the starting lineup by more experienced players in Harry Wilson, Neeskens Kebano and Bobby Decordova-Reid, all of whom are currently in good form, interest in the teenager's services have failed to subside with teams from across Europe monitoring his situation.

Although former Champions League winners Barcelona have gone ahead and reportedly launched an offer to lure him to Spain, Football League World understands Premier League sides Liverpool and Southampton are also firmly in the running for his signature.

Their pursuit will be boosted by the attacking midfielder's recent rejection of fresh terms at Craven Cottage, with the Fulham starlet set to switch agency in January and will not consider accepting a contract extension until then.

But despite this boost for the Saints, their former man Palmer believes the role of Carvalho's agents could be detrimental to the top-tier side's chances of signing him amid interest from the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Speaking to This is Futbol, the 55-year-old said: "The advantage [of Carvalho going to Southampton] is playing, but the agents are running the game now.

"So, you know, it's whether he gets advised correctly by his agent."

The Verdict:

The time to judge Carvalho will be when his new set of representatives are in place in January, because that could help the Cottagers come to an agreement with the teenager knowing he has the agents behind him to get him the best possible deal.

Whether this delaying tactic is really due to this transition remains to be seen, but his side ideally need more certainty on his situation before the winter window opens to minimise off-field distractions.

With Fulham in pole position to win automatic promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking, a solution to this situation could be crucial in maintaining performance levels and potentially boosting them further.

The Cottagers' professionalism can't be doubted after fighting back well from setbacks earlier in the season and getting back into the top two, but noise off the pitch regarding their most talented youngster's future will inevitably cause concern in the Fulham camp and potentially have an effect on their performances.

For Carvalho, Southampton would be a better option than most if he was to move, with the likelihood of receiving more first-team chances. But staying at his current side for the next couple of years might be his best bet, with Silva already knowing him well and the west London side looking set to return to the top flight on their current trajectory.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/carlton-palmer-sends-warning-to-southampton-on-fulhams-fabio-carvalho-amid-barcelona-liverpool-real-madrid-links/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham wonderkid Fabio Carvalho receives offer from Barcelona amid contract uncertainty

Fulham starlet Fabio Carvalho is said to have been sent an offer by Barcelona as speculation surrounding his future continues.

Carvalho, 19, has emerged as one of the Championship's top talents after his breakthrough with Fulham.

The Portuguese-born talent's potential has been known of for some time, but this season has seen him break into Marco Silva's first-team plans. Carvalho has managed three goals and one assist in seven games this season, with only a toe injury slowing his momentum.

His breakthrough combined with his uncertain contract situation has seen the youngster attract plenty of interest from elsewhere.

Now, as per Turkish reporter Ekrem Konur, Carvalho has now been sent an offer by Catalan titans Barcelona.

The La Liga side, now under the management of club legend Xavi, are among the sides to have been linked with Carvalho. But now, it seems they have firmed up their interest with an offer to the player.

Who else has been linked?
Barcelona aren't the only European giant to be linked with Carvalho, with rivals Real Madrid also said to be showing an interest.

Premier League pair Liverpool and Southampton are also among the sides rumoured to be keeping an eye on the Fulham ace's situation, so it will be interesting to see how his situation pans out over the coming months.

With Carvalho's Fulham contract expiring this summer and interest hotting up, it awaits to be seen what happens in the upcoming January transfer window.



https://the72.co.uk/255388/fulham-wonderkid-fabio-carvalho-receives-offer-from-barcelona-amid-contract-uncertainty/

[WhiteJC]

Jasper makes Bulgaria U21 debut

Sylvester Jasper made his international debut for Bulgaria's under 21 side in a 3-1 defeat by the Netherlands last night.

The Fulham winger, currently on loan at Colchester, played 68 minutes in attack as the Bulgarians were beaten in their latest European Championship qualifier despite taking the lead midway through the first half in Almere. Jasper qualifiers for Bulgaria through his mother and will hope to make another appearance for his new side when they face Moldova on Tuesday evening.

Jasper, who has made fifteen league and Cup appearances during his loan spell with Colchester, scored his first senior goal when he netted a late winner against Harrogate after coming off the bench. The 20 year-old also scored a stunning individual goal as Colchester reached the second round of the FA Cup by beating AFC Sudbury last week.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/11/jasper-makes-bulgaria-u21-debut/

[WhiteJC]

World Cup 2022: Cameroon and Ivory Coast qualifying battle to go to the wire

Cameroon, who host the Africa Cup of Nations in January, missed out on a place at the 2018 World Cup in Russia

Cameroon's battle with Ivory Coast for one 2022 World Cup play-off spot will go down to the final round of qualifying matches after both countries won on Saturday.

Ivory Coast beat Mozambique 3-0 to remain one point ahead of the Indomitable Lions, who brushed aside 10-man Malawi 4-0 earlier in the afternoon.

Cameroon host the Elephants in Douala on Tuesday needing to beat their west African rivals, while a draw will see the Ivory Coast top Group D.

Nigeria and Cape Verde will also face off after both sides registered victories in their penultimate qualifiers, with the Super Eagles requiring a point on home soil to win Group C.

Elsewhere, Group B is wide open after leaders Tunisia suffered a surprise 1-0 defeat in Equatorial Guinea.

Egypt, Mali, Morocco and Senegal have already secured their places in the play-offs next March, when Africa's five representatives in Qatar will be decided.

Indomitable Lions win as Onana returns
Cameroon's game against Malawi took place in Johannesburg, with the Malawians among several countries whose home stadia are unfit to host qualifiers.

The Flames were reduced to 10 men midway through the first half when John Banda was shown a straight red card for handling a goal-bound shot from Vincent Aboubakar, and the Cameroon captain converted the resulting penalty.

Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa added a second just before half-time with a low volley from the edge of the box and second-half substitute Christian Bassogog added two late goals from close range.

The game saw Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana return to competitive action after the completion of his doping ban, with the 25-year-old making his first outing since playing for club side Ajax on 31 January.

That result meant Ivory Coast - who had also been deprived of home advantage - had to win against Mozambique to regain top spot.

Max Gradel gave the Elephants a 10th-minute lead in Cotonou, Benin, and Burnley forward Maxwel Cornet made it 2-0 on 61 minutes.

Fulham midfielder Jean Michael Seri then wrapped up the game in the final minute.

Both Cameroon and Ivory Coast failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, and one will see their hopes of reaching next year's tournament ended prematurely.

Equatorial Guinea upset Tunisia while Zambia's Sakala bags hat-trick
Tunisia, Equatorial Guinea and Zambia all head into the final round of Group B fixtures with a chance to progress after Saturday's results.

Equatorial Guinea moved level with Tunisia on 10 points as Pablo Ganet stunned the Eagles of Carthage with his 84th-minute strike which he fired in from the centre of the box.

Naim Sliti had earlier spurned a glorious chance to put the Tunisians in front, dragging his effort wide of goal.

And Zambia are three points behind the pair after Rangers forward Fashion Sakala scored a hat-trick in their 4-0 win over Mauritania.

Patson Daka opened Zambia's account by chesting in a cross from Prosper Chiluya, and the Leicester City striker then turned provider to unselfishly set up Sakala for the second.

A Sakala penalty, after Evans Kangwa was fouled in the box by goalkeeper Babacar Diop, made it 3-0 before the break in Lusaka.

The 24-year-old completed his treble from inside the box just after the hour mark, with the victory keeping the Chipolopolo's faint chances of making the play-offs alive.

Tunisia, who lead the group on goal difference, host Zambia in the final round of matches and Equatorial Guinea travel to Mauritania - with several permutations possible.

Tunisia must win to clinch top spot but Equatorial Guinea will go through instead if they better the north Africans' result.

Zambia need the Equatoguineans to lose, and to then beat Tunisia by a three-goal margin.

Decider on cards for Super Eagles and Cape Verde
For Nigeria, a draw from their final qualifier at home against closest challengers Cape Verde will see them through to the play-offs.

The Super Eagles saw off Liberia 2-0 in Tangiers, with Victor Osimhen emphatically scoring the opener from the penalty spot in the 15th minute after Kelechi Iheanacho was brought down by Liberia keeper Boison Wynney.

Ahmed Musa came off the bench late on to add a 94th-minute spot kick after Wynney committed another foul, this time on Napoli striker Osimhen.

However, Cape Verde remain two points behind the west Africans in Group C after coming from behind to register a 2-1 home win over Central African Republic.

Isaac Ngoma fired into the bottom left-hand corner to give the visitors an 11th-minute lead and Julio Tavares equalised with an overhead kick six minutes into the second half after the defence failed to deal with a ball into the box.

Cape Verde turned the game around when Hungary-based defender Stopira headed in from a corner with 15 minutes remaining - and the islanders know victory in Lagos on Tuesday will see them win the group at the expense of the Nigerians.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/africa/59275708

[WhiteJC]

The alternative table that has Reading FC top of the Championship above Bournemouth and Fulham

Reading have accumulated the fewest yellow cards in the Championship this season, with only 22 bookings so far for Veljko Paunovic's Royals in the second tier

Reading are top of the Championship when it comes to their discipline so far this season.

So far this season, the Royals have received the fewest amount of bookings and are yet to have a red card shown to any of their players in their 17 games played.

In total, Reading have been shown 22 yellow cards in the Championship this season, with Hull City the next best with 24, although the Tigers have also had two red cards this season.

The next best record to Reading's is Bristol City, who have accrued 25 bookings in their 17 Championship fixtures so far this term.

Sheffield United have also only been shown 25 yellow cards, although the Blades have also had a player dismissed.

Of the 24 teams in the second tier of English football, only nine have not had a red card yet this season, with Reading being one of them.

The other sides, according to WhoScored.com, are Luton Town, Millwall, Bristol City, Barnsley, Peterborough United, Huddersfield Town and Swansea City.

Reading's record puts them top of the pile when it comes to discipline in the Championship, ahead of Bristol City and Swansea City, who are the only other teams with both fewer than 30 bookings and no red cards.



https://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/reading-top-championship-bournemouth-fulham-22159318

[WhiteJC]

Seri scores as Ivory Coast set up qualification showdown

Jean Michael Seri scored as the Ivory Coast set up a qualification showdown with Cameroon by beating Mozambique 3-0 this evening.

The Fulham midfielder rounded off an impressive display by firing home a low shot after a lovely piece of skill to move to the top of Group D. Seri slotted home from a clever cross from substitute Yohan Boli in the final minute of normal time after goals from Max-Alain Gradel and Maxwel Cornet had given the Elephants a comfortable lead. The Ivory Coast shrugged off both the loss of Wilfred Zaha and home advantage after their final qualifiers were switched to Benin because of a poor playing surface to take a huge step towards progression tonight.

The Ivory Coast's convincing victory means they move a point ahead of Cameroon, who they face in the final round of group fixtures on Tuesday. Only the winners of the group progress to third round, which consists of five two-legged play-offs to decide which sides qualify for the World Cup in Qatar next winter. Tonight's result means that Seri and the Ivory Coast will only need a point to make it through.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/11/seri-scores-as-ivory-coast-set-up-qualification-showdown/

[WhiteJC]

Wilson makes two goals as Wales move second

Harry Wilson made two goals as Wales inched closer towards World Cup qualification with an impressive demolition of Belarus in Cardiff this evening.

Wales made a dream start with Aaron Ramsey firing them ahead in only the second minute and Neco Williams doubling the advantage shortly afterwards. Ramsey added a third from the penalty spot after half time before Wilson, who had an outstanding game, came to the fore. The Fulham winger whipped in a corner to provide Ben Davies with his first Welsh goal and then saw Connor Roberts touch home his free-kick to make it 5-1. It was the first time that Wales have scored five goals in a World Cup qualifying fixture since they beat San Marino 6-0 back in August 1996.

Robert Page's side face runaway group leaders Belgium on Tuesday night but are all but certain of a play-off place courtesy of their Nations League performance earlier in the year.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/11/wilson-makes-two-goals-as-wales-move-second/

[WhiteJC]

Women's FA Cup: Fulham inspired by illustrious past in women's football

Mary Southgate is a lifelong Fulham fan - and captain of the women's team

Fulham captain Mary Southgate says the team can take inspiration from their illustrious past as they take on Oxford United in the Women's FA Cup first round.

Fulham were the first team in Europe to go fully professional back in 2000 under former owner Mohamed Al Fayed.

They won the FA Cup in 2002 and 2003 and had the likes of England's Rachel Yankey and Katie Chapman in their side.

"They had a brilliant team back then," Southgate told BBC Sport.

"Of course we would love to get to where they were.

"We are just so focused on what we are doing at the moment. We've got a really exciting journey but of course, everything that they did before was massive, so one day it would be brilliant to get back there."

Turning professional helped bring Fulham success in the early 2000s, completing the Treble in 2003. But in 2006 the club scrapped the women's team, saying that it was not "financially viable".

Now, after relaunching in 2014 and with backing from the club's current owner Shahid Khan, Fulham have a flourishing women's section with a focused player pathway programme.

"This is my sixth season here and there is progress every year," said Southgate.

"It's just getting better week in, week out. We're seeing it with the opportunities that we are getting but also with the kids that we are getting through to matches as well.

"This weekend, for example, we have a lots of mascots coming, lots of other children from the football programmes and schools coming down to watch. It's definitely helping to create more opportunities."

Can Fulham cause a cup upset?
Fulham currently sit second in the London and South East Premier Division and are on an eight-game unbeaten run, but the focus on Sunday is the FA Cup and Oxford United who play two divisions above.

"They've had good results recently, so we know that they're going to be tough," said Southgate.

"Physically, they're going to be good, playing two leagues above us in the National League.

"But we're excited. It's at home and it's the FA Cup and we've absolutely prepared the best we can."

A Fulham fan - and captain
This weekend will be extra special for Southgate as she is also a lifelong Fulham fan.

She continued: "It's brilliant. I love playing for Fulham in itself but to be in the FA Cup, everybody wants to be in that so to be playing for Fulham in it, is very exciting. And for my family as well, I mean we are all Fulham, it's going to be a good weekend."

Alongside captaining her club Southgate is a PE teacher, balancing her own sporting ambitions with a full-time career.

"The kids are brilliant," she said. "They ask me each week how we got on and I show them clips sometimes of our goals.

"They are very much aware of what's going on and some of the children have come to watch. I didn't realise they were at some of our games and they've told me on the Monday that they came and watched.

"It's just nice that we're raising awareness to the children who want to follow, not just football, but women's football as well. It's really nice to be a part of that."



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/59044542

[WhiteJC]

Notes from November meeting with FFC

On Wednesday 10th November at 13:30, the Fulham Supporters' Trust met with Fulham FC via video conference.

The Club was represented by:

    Alistair Mackintosh (CEO)
    Darren Preston (Chief Operating Officer)
    Katy Brecht (Head of Ticketing)
    David Daly (Non-Executive Director)
    Aimee McKenzie (Operations and Venue Director)
    Nicola Walworth (Supporter Relations Manager)
    Charlie Harris (Communications Assistant)

The FST was represented by Board Members:

    Ian Clarke (Vice Chair)
    Jerry Cope (Treasurer, Membership Secretary)
    Hayley Davinson (Board Member)

HOW IT WORKS

The Trust asks any questions that it judges are of interest to supporters, based on responses from Trust Members to the advance notification of the meeting, and by generally interacting with the wider supporter base. There is no restriction placed on which questions the Trust choose to ask or points raised with the Club. These notes are then sent to members only, in advance of being posted on our website.

If any member has raised an issue that it was not possible to discuss in the time available, then please do contact us again in good time before the next meeting or alternatively we can seek to raise it between meetings if that is more appropriate.
TOPICS DISCUSSED

    Security, stewarding, & behaviour of fans
    TV fixture changes
    Riverside Stand
    Rainbow Laces fixture
    Ticketing (including for Memorial Day)
    AOB

SECURITY, STEWARDING & BEHAVIOUR OF FANS

The Trust received a large number of messages from members this month relating to the behaviour of supporters at home and away and the stewarding of a number of situations. We had sent details to the Club of several of these incidents prior to the meeting which were then used as illustrations of the key general issues being raised.
Putney End

The Trust asked what the arrangements were for stewards to be placed between the home and away supporters at the Putney End, noting that QPR fans had broken through the barrier into the home section, and that a bottle thrown from within the away end had caused injury to one spectator during that game.

The Club responded that they were very sorry about the particular incident and had followed up with the injured spectator who had returned to the ground for a subsequent match. In principle stewards were placed every other row of seats between the home and away fans, although turnstile operators provided some of the stewarding, so this built up once most turnstiles were closed. In general the Club and Council had been pleased with safety and crowd control at the Putney End this season.

In addition the Club said it always invited the away club to provide its own stewards for advice, spotting known troublemakers etc., with Fulham retaining overall operational responsibility. QPR had declined to provide away stewards whereas Cardiff did; some supporters felt that this led to more effective crowd management at the Cardiff fixture. Investigations had still to be completed into how the QPR incident occurred.
Away fans in home areas

The Trust asked how the procedures worked when away fans were identified in home areas. The Club explained that complaints about away fans in home areas were a regular occurrence and that each occasion was individually risk assessed – e.g. if such away fans were behaving reasonably and unprovocatively, then just a careful watch would be maintained. However, if there was provocative behaviour then such fans would normally be ejected, noting that this could be very disruptive for those in the vicinity. The Trust said that we supported a pragmatic approach, with the safety and comfort of Fulham supporters always being the key priority.
Hammersmith End

The Trust had received several complaints about home fans clustering on the stairs and in the gangways at the back of the Hammersmith End, and not sitting in their ticketed seats, causing blockages and creating an unsafe environment for others. The Club responded that they were aware that both these issues were an increasing problem; they would be stepping up stewarding at future games to look at the issue, including ticket checks on entry to the stand, again making a risk assessment and if necessary, ejecting those who repeatedly refused to be reasonable.

The Trust advises supporters to please use their ticketed seats and not move to other areas or the gangways. There is a risk that anyone doing so may be ejected from the ground which nobody wants.
Bag searching

In response to a question from the Trust, the Club said the policy was for the majority of bags to be searched but as kick-off approached this was only possible in some stands on a sample basis to avoid undue congestion. Bags searches were more rigorous in the away section and dogs were routinely used for explosives checks. The Club again asked that people who needed to carry bags arrived as early as possible to limit congestion.
Home stewarding in general

The Trust and the Club agreed that it would be useful if the expectations of the duties stewards can, and cannot, be expected to perform could be clearly communicated. This will be discussed at subsequent meetings.
Fulham fans away

The Trust said that members reported that the behaviour of a few Fulham away fans had worsened this season. All agreed that there was a fine line between the need to provide strong and vocal support for the team, and disruptive behaviour, e.g. standing in front of those unable to stand, sitting in the wrong seat, excessive intake of alcohol, which spoilt the enjoyment of other fans.

The Club said that their networks suggested that this, post-Covid restrictions being eased, was not just a Fulham issue. Indeed the EFL were putting together a package to address the situation. In the meantime, Fulham always offered to send their own stewards to games, although this was not always enabled by the home club. Although bans were also in force for some individuals, tickets were often bought for banned fans by friends. The Club were continuing their largely successful policy of selling non-standing seats in the front rows of away matches, which also helped. Overall this was a situation which the Club was keeping under review. Neither the Trust nor the Club wanted to harm the great support that the team were receiving away from home this season.

TV FIXTURE CHANGES

One of the consequences of Fulham's success this season had been the large number of games selected for Sky coverage, with some decisions being made only just inside the guidelines for notice for fans to be given. In response to the Trust, the Club said that they appreciated and understood the disruption for fans, but exposure on Sky was important for the long-term health of the Club both financially and for sponsors. The Club also said that they announced games selected for TV as soon as they were allowed to do so.

The Trust also stressed that TV picks reduced the value of the FFCtv package for overseas fans, but the Club thought that the package remained good value over the season taken as a whole.

RIVERSIDE STAND

In response to a question from the Trust, the Club said that they were not anticipating opening any part of the Riverside Stand this season, given current attendances.

The Club also said that the Passenger Pier proposition was still under consultation with stakeholders, and this was not going to conclude soon, perhaps not before the new stand was opened.

The Trust asked whether arrangements were progressing for selling season tickets in the new Riverside next season – the Club said the detail would not be finalised for a while, but they re-iterated that the key principle was that those returning to the stand would have priority of choice.

Both Trust and Club agreed that the process of moving season ticket holders back to the Riverside could be complex, and agreed to engage further on the detail.

RAINBOW LACES FIXTURE

This year's Rainbow Laces day has been announced as 8 December and the Trust asked whether the Club would therefore be marking this at the Bournemouth game. The Club subsequently confirmed that the Bournemouth game would be used to mark this day.

TICKETING
New ticketing system

The Trust were pleased to report that queries about the new ticketing system appeared to be lessening, and supporters were able to buy their tickets online in a smooth way. The Club said they had managed to recruit successfully to the ticket office, and so ticket office call wait times were also now much reduced.
Memorial Day ticketing

The Trust asked that, for the memorial day game against Blackpool, consideration be given to enable friends and family of those being celebrated, who perhaps would not be regular attendees, easily to purchase tickets – the Club agreed to ensure this.
Ticket priority for members and season ticket holders

The Trust asked for an explanation of the initial priority given to members over season ticket holders for the purchase of additional tickets for home games.

The Club explained that the key privilege of a membership is the right to buy home tickets (with £5 discount on one ticket per match) not already allocated to season ticket holders and that this may not be possible if season ticket holders received priority on additional seats. Allowing members to buy more than one ticket per match encourages more Fulham members to attend and that membership is a key way to grow the Fulham fanbase. The window for priority sales to members is a short one and the Club routinely reviews sales and forecast match popularity to ensure that the numbers of tickets offered first to members and then to season ticket holders reflects demand. At no stage this season have season ticket holders been unable to buy additional tickets for friends and family, and, for example, the popular upcoming Bournemouth game is now on sale to season ticket holders having passed through the members priority period.

Additionally, the Club pointed out that season ticket holders do receive first priority on the purchase of away tickets.

The Club advised season ticket holders who wanted further home ticket priority for friends or family to buy a Membership package, which, with the £5 discount on the first ticket, it said was good value.

AOB

In response to questions from Members of the Trust, the Club said:

    Hammersmith End roof – It would not be cost effective to extend the roof of the Hammersmith end to provide greater rain cover at the front;
     
    Sustainability – They were working on a sustainability statement which would be published and actioned soon; this issue had been set back by Covid but was very much on the Club's radar to progress;
     
    Speed of entry – There had been some improvement in the speed of entry through turnstiles, except perhaps in a couple of areas of the Johnny Haynes stand, which were being reviewed;
     
    Contactless programme sales – They were looking at the introduction of contactless devices for programme sellers; the Trust were reminded that programmes are also available from the Club Shop for those wishing contactless payments or can be pre-ordered online via Press Box Publishing;
     
    Riverside Stand lights – They continued to look at issues on an individual basis, related to the potential glare of the new lights on the Riverside Stand, but that the lights were constructed to conform to both EFL and Premier League standards.


The meeting ended at 14:40



https://www.fulhamsupporterstrust.com/news/2021/11/notes-from-november-meeting-with-ffc-2/

[filham]

Time this Carvalho matter was sorted, the ongoing speculation can not be helping Silva in his team building.
The club should invite offers with a closing date of December 8th and Carvalho can then spend a week or so comparing them with the Fulham offer so that he is ready to sign a new contract on Jan 1st 2022.

[Woolly Mammoth]

Time this Carvalho matter was sorted, the ongoing speculation can not be helping Silva in his team building.
The club should invite offers with a closing date of December 8th and Carvalho can then spend a week or so comparing them with the Fulham offer so that he is ready to sign a new contract on Jan 1st 2022.

It may very well drag on longer that anticipated. The way to deal with it is not allow it to interfere with the number one priority and target which is promotion and not allow it to fracture team spirit in the dressing room, and I am sure the management will prevent any of that happening.