Wednesday Fulham Stuff - 08/12/21...

[WhiteJC]

Luton – They Played For Both – Fulham

This Saturday, the Hatters welcome Fulham to Kenilworth Road, for a crucial Championship fixture.

Last season, Fulham were a Premier League team, hence we had no real opportunity to include them in our ongoing – They Played For Both – series as our paths were not to cross.

Ahead of the game this weekend, I've sat down and put together a starting XI, complete with substitute and manager, of those who have worn the shirts of both clubs.

My selection is shown below:

Goalkeeper – David Button

Defender – Alex Lawless
Defender – Alan Nielson
Defender – Stacey North
Defender – Richard Money

Midfield – Alan Slough
Midfield – Mark Pembridge
Midfield – John Ryan

Striker – Malcolm MacDonald
Striker – Vivian Busby
Striker – Vic Halom

Substitute – Tony Thorpe

Manager – Alec Stock

Can you name anyone that has been omitted but perhaps deserves to be included?

If so, simply drop a few words into the comment facility beneath this article.

COYH's



https://luton.vitalfootball.co.uk/luton-they-played-for-both-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

An in-depth look at Marco Silva's backroom team
In his debut piece, Arthur Duke digs deep to give us a look at the team helping the Whites fire on all cylinders this term.

Upon Silva's appointment in the summer, he brought a proven team of coaches, each of whom brought a unique trait that has emerged in the performances of this Fulham team. Here's a look at the men who make Silva – and Fulham – tick.

Bruno Mendes – Head of Performance
Bruno Mendes moved to England to be part of Marco Silva's backroom staff at Everton in 2018 after a 17-year stint at Benfica. As head of performance, Bruno describes his role as a "responsibility to liaise with the main team, contributing actively to straight and conditioning processes, with personal fitness solutions for each player's needs". He adds that he's "responsible for the prevention and recovery of injuries sustained by players".

While this all seems standard for a performance coach in the modern era of football, Mendes differentiates from his field via the famous Benfica LAB, an innovative method of approaching football performance. This system, adopted by Mendes, "takes raw player data and uses it to optimise match readiness, define personal training schedules and prevent injury." And if we as Fulham fans were to judge the fitness of the squad this season, especially with regards to injury, there has been no major run of knocks that have directly influenced our form or momentum.

It's also worth noting that the precious return of Tom Cairney can be attributed to Bruno himself. Given Fulham's past with statistics in football, and Tony Kahn's two-box method of scouting analysis, it would not be a surprise if the link between Mendes and Silva made Silva a more attractive candidate for the managerial job.

Stuart Gray – Assistant Manager
Gray has of course been a key part of Fulham's backroom staff for several years. His managerial career has been slightly skewed with just one permanent job at Southampton among a plethora of caretaker roles across England's top divisions.

He first arrived at Fulham in 2015 to form an integral part of Slavisa Jovanovic's backroom staff, and his Fulham journey has not been plain sailing. Gray is understood to be a defensive specialist and a key individual in developing the strong back line (Fredericks, Targett, Ream and Odoi) that ran 23 games unbeaten in the lead up to our first promotion to the premier league in 2018.

Once promoted, Gray's contract was left to run out, with Scott Parker lined up as a replacement. Fulham fans publicly took this as a bitter mistake to change the formula that had made us so solid at the back and no doubt influenced the defensive catastrophe that followed. For a large part of the 2018/19 season, Fulham were the worst defensive team across Europe's top five leagues, which resulted in two managerial sackings. Given his reappointment when Scott Parker took over Ranieri, I saw this as an excellent opportunity to analyse the defensive results implemented upon his immediate reinstatement.

Prior to Gray's return, under Claudio Ranieri (where Carlo Cornacchia was the defensive advisor) and Slavisa Jovanovic, Fulham shipped 64 goals in 28 games, an average of 2.2 goals conceded per 90 minutes. By contrast, in the last 10 games with Gray's influence, Fulham conceded 17 goals in 10 games finding an average of 1.7 conceded per 90 minutes. While this data can be open to interpretation, there was no doubt an improvement.

After Silva's appointment, I was certainly holding my breath as to whether Gray would be given a role in Marco's team. Thankfully, the answer was yes. Gray took pre-season training while Silva and his team quarantined in London. Since then, Silva has spoken very highly of Gray's influence on the team, which has no doubt conributed the morale and results that have followed.

Goncalo Pedro – First-team fitness coach
Pedro has worked with Marco Silva for a large proportion of his managerial career – at Estoril, Sporting Lisbon, Olympiakos, Hull, Watford and Everton. He's tasked with ensuring the Whites' fitness levels are high enough to effectively enforce Silva-ball; fast-paced attacking football, built around a back four, front three and dynamically adjusted central trio. And here, the proof is in the pudding; we've got a lot more stamina in games, evidenced chiefly by our ability to score early and see games out comfortably, scoring 50 goals (and counting) in the process.

Luis Boa Morte – First-team coach
Luis is a man who needs no introduction. Boa Morte has already achieved legend status at Fulham, after firing us to the Premier league two decades ago – and helping to establish us as a top flight side. He went on to make 250 appearances for the club scoring 54 goals.

Boa Morte first worked with Silva at Sporting Clube de Portugal, where he led the U19 squad, while Silva oversaw the senior side. More recently, he's worked in the Premier League with Marco and his Everton staff. However, it's his reunited relationship with Fulham that's most intriguing.

In his first season at Fulham, when he won promotion under Jean Tigana, Boa Morte netted 18 times in 39 appearances. While this says a great deal about his playing ability in a Fulham shirt, I have a firm belief there's more about that campaign that Luis is using advance the culture and mentality of this current Fulham side.

During the 2000/01 season, Fulham spent all but one game weeks at the top of the First Division, ending the season as champions, 10 points clear of second-placed Blackburn Rovers. The only week Fulham didn't end as top was after the opening day, and they were only second on goal diffence. This represents a team with winning and ruthless culture imposed by the manger and absorbed by the rest of the squad.

It's clear that Boa Morte has attempted to influence this group of players, and evident in an interview with Harrison Reed in the lead up to the Bournemouth clash.  Reed remarked "We've pulled away a little bit from third. We need to pull away from second now". this mentality to push away from Bournemouth and impose a dominant force in the league can be attributed to Boa, who knows what it takes to challenge for the second-tier title.

Antonios Lemonakis – First-team analyst
Lemonakis started as a coach, progressing through the ranks of his home club Rhodes, before securing a role at PAOK. This led to a move to the Greek giants Olympiakos after a few years. He took on the role of analyst when Marco Silva arrived at the club, and he's followed him to all three of his jobs in England. 

It's worth noting there's a particular thread of experience in the second tier of football across this collection of staff, and with Lemonakis this is no different. While its distant, Lemonakis spent time at Super League Greece 2 side Rodos FC at the start of his career, which contributed to his understanding of Fulham's challenge ahead.

Hugo Oliveira – Goalkeeping coach
Oliveira is no doubt the most fascinating aspect of the Silva picture. His blockbuster status within the goalkeeping world has no doubt come from his time at Benfica, where he helped develop some of the best goalkeepers in world including Ederson (now at Manchester City), Jan Oblak (now at Athletico Marid) and the recently retired Julio Cesar.

Despite not working with Silva until his first job in England at Hull, he's become an integral part of Marco's team due to the traits he likes to see thrive in his goalkeepers, and the philosophy that Silva has endured to impose wherever he goes. Oliveira has also gone onto develop Jordon Pickford at Everton, and England's number one has spoken very highly of his former coach.

All these elite names developed under Oliveira share one key focus in their game: their ability to be reliable on the ball and display a wide range of passing ability, not just to the back four but to other thirds of the pitch. There's no secret that Silva's teams like to build passing movements from the defensive areas of the pitch, hence Oliveira developing these abilities has complemented Silva's style enormously.

Building on this, the presence of Oliveira and his experience has benefited our own Marek Rodak, who after claiming his number one spot back form Paulo Gazzaniga, is looking to take that next step up into the Premier League. I can only hope that given the opportunity of promotion, Silva and Oliveira will collectively decide to give that to Marek.

The verdict
When I first heard of Silva's appointment, I was confused due to the fact so many other proven Championship names had been mentioned. But the more and more I delved into the attributes that Silva has, more specifically the coaching team he would assemble, his appointment made sense in every department, including his style, philosophy – and most importantly coaches.

Overall, I believe that Silva's team has struck the perfect balance across all areas of the pitch. I'd go as far to say that his team is ready-made to get the best out of current Fulham side. From Boa Morte influencing Mitrovic and Kebano, to Oliveria and his work with Rodak, the Fulham talent in this group of players has been given a fantastic platform on an individual basis to kick on and fulfill their potential. And collectively, the experience in the dressing room understands what it takes to gain an elite mentality in a push for promotion and Premier League football.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2021-12-07-an-in-depth-look-at-marco-silvas-backroom-team/

[WhiteJC]

3 goalscoring midfielders Fulham should target in winter window amidst transfer developments

Fulham are flying high in the Championship so far this campaign and will want to maintain their strong position in the second half of the season.

A large part of that will come down to whether they can keep Aleksandar Mitrovic fit and firing, with the striker leading the goalscoring charts in the second tier and looking like one of the most lethal finishers in the entire EFL.

However, take away the goals of the attacker and the Cottagers may struggle to find someone to replace them and with Marco Silva eager to find other outlets for goals, reports today from The Sun journalist Alan Nixon have claimed he is on the hunt for a player that can feature in the centre of the field and still score goals.

Who then, could the club turn to in their pursuit of a fresh goalscoring midfield talent?

Joey Veerman – Heerenveen (The option from abroad)
Veerman has all the qualities that Fulham might want in a goalscoring midfielder – or at least he has showcased as much at Heerenveen so far.

He can play centrally or as a defensive midfielder – so is not inherently attacking or goalscoring – but if you look at his record, you will see that the youngster is well capable of chipping in with goals from the middle of the field.

Last year, he had seven goals despite his position and a superb 10 assists. It's a stunning record that definitely deserves consideration and he's continued to provide from the middle of the pitch this year too, with three goals and six assists so far.

As for whether he could join and a transfer fee, he would cost Fulham a fair amount due to his status in the Netherlands at his current side and it would certainly take a seven-figure fee to tempt him away from the club in January. If Fulham can find the funds though then a deal is certainly doable and as for whether he would be able to move over to the UK, his current amount of gametime and his club's standing just about gets him enough points.

He could definitely be one to consider then.

Cole Palmer – Man City (The youthful loan option)
If Fulham don't want to part with too much cash and are quite happy to take either a squad player from higher up the football pyramid or even just a player on a short-term basis, then Cole Palmer could be a good option.

The 19-year-old can and has played in the centre of the field before or can be pushed slightly further forward into more of an attacking midfield role. In fact, the player has even been known to play as a centre forward – so he would be a goalscoring option in the middle for sure if Marco Silva opted to play him there, having been used to banging in the goals further up the field.

He's unproven in the Championship which is a risk and has not been tested too much outside of Man City's academy side. However, his record for the reserve side speaks for itself and indicates a player who is prolific in front of goal – which is exactly what Fulham want

Scott Twine – MK Dons (The lower league option)
Sometimes taking a look lower down the pyramid works – and it could in the case of Scott Twine.

Granted, he isn't proven much in the Championship but he has excelled at every level he has tried thus far in his career. He's grown into a prominent goalscorer and is arguably one of the best in his position in League One now.

He's also only 22-years-old, so given gametime in the second tier he has plenty of opportunity to grow and get better to boot.

Add in the fact that he might be relatively cheap considering he's currently in the third tier and it could be a win-win for Fulham. The only question is whether he could make the step up in level and continue to contribute effectively in front of goal in the Championship.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/3-goalscoring-midfielders-fulham-should-target-in-winter-window-amidst-transfer-developments/

[WhiteJC]

Hatters fans want Shea to keep his place for Fulham clash
Town keeper gets the nod on poll run by Luton News

Luton fans have called on manager Nathan Jones to keep faith with Town keeper James Shea for this weekend's Championship clash against Fulham at Kenilworth Road.

The 30-year-old kept his second clean sheet in as many appearances with a fantastic display at Blackpool on Saturday, where he made some terrific saves, particularly in the first half, which were crucial to his side's 3-0 victory.

Shea has been an understudy to Simon Sluga for the majority of the Croatian's two year stint with the Hatters, but has stepped in twice during the past two weeks to deputise for the club's record signing, as he wasn't breached in the goalless draw at Nottingham Forest either.

Ahead of a visit from the table-topping Cottagers, Jones admitted that the former Arsenal and AFC Wimbledon stopper had 'absolutely staked a claim' to retains his place should Sluga fail to recover from the illness that kept him out of the weekend victory.

The majority of Hatters supporters also want that to be the case as a poll run by the Luton News on Twitter, saw almost 750 votes cast, with 85.7% saying Shea should remain between the posts.

Giving their thoughts on the contest for the number one jersey, @Darwen88 said: "Fulham up next too...

"We'll prob have the same back line and just need to be solid as poss.

"No need to change a thing."

@That_Mr_Raw: "Absolutely. 2 clean sheets and made some fine saves aswell."

@Harfordisgod: "Can't argue with his performances in the 2 games so deserves his chance."

@callumLtfc: "For Sure imo Shea has been fantastic In his last two appearances."

@comerfordj22: "Completely agree, sluga defo the better gk, but shea is 2 Clean sheets in 2 games.

"If he's dropped then NJ will be slated more than ever."

@MikeJFanning: "No brainer. Shea has to keep his place.

"He's been outstanding in his 2 starts. NJ isn't daft.

"He'd be slaughtered if Sluga starts and something goes wrong."

@andyhawkington: "For me, Sluga is the better keeper, but I'm a huge advocate for picking players based on form (same applies for international teams).

"At present, Shea is the man in-form and deserves to keep his place.

"It's what creates the healthy competition for places and spurs everyone on."

@medsuk1: "Absolutely!! Should've kept his placed after the Forest game.

"We might have got a result at home to Cardiff then. I'll be fuming if Sluga is starting on Saturday."

@MISTERPDW: "Sluga has had a mixed season.

"The way Shea played at Blackpool, he deserves to keep his place for Fulham at the weekend.

@LTFC_Dave: "Yes. Still think Sluga is the better keeper but Shea is in form and deserves to start.

"I'd also add until a few weeks ago we had the most clean sheets in the League so Sluga must have been doing something right.

"That being said, Sluga's real run of form for us came after he was dropped under GJ and came back into the team a couple of months later."

@adam_cumberland: "Not to sound fickle but has sluga had a performance like sheas on Saturday this season?

"Surprisingly Shea has played quite a few less games than sluga and he hasn't made as hardly many mistakes as him.

"I personally don't think many can confidently say that slugs is better."

@DoughnutDove: "Sluga is easily our best goalie, however Shea has been in great form."

Writing on Facebook, John Conlon said: "He had a great game."

Chris Glenn added: "Absolutely he has."

And Trevor King stated: "Be about time he got his chance."



https://www.lutontoday.co.uk/sport/football/luton-town/hatters-fans-want-shea-to-keep-his-place-for-fulham-clash-3485171

[WhiteJC]

Every word Ruben Loftus-Cheek said on his fitness, Chelsea's mistakes, Kovacic and Fulham loan

The Blues midfielder faced the media ahead of the Blues' trip to Zenit St Petersburg in the Champions League on Wednesday

Getting more of a chance recently - how patient did you have to be and is the opportunity you've been waiting for?

Obviously I have had to be patient. There are a lot of good players at Chelsea, especially in the midfield department so a few injuries and I might be put in.

I had to be ready, I feel like I have been ready physically.

You have to step up, as a team and as an individual when players are injured and you have to do a job. But I feel like I am ready to do that.

Mateo Kovacic tested positive for Covid, how concerned are you as players with the risks you have to take when it comes to travelling so much?

I guess there are risks but as a club we do everything possible to minimise that risk. That is why we test several times a week and we take the necessary precautions to minimise the risk.

As a club and as a team we feel safe as possible at the minute.

Thomas has been blunt about team performances in the last week or so with detailsand mistakes - how does that creep into your game?

I guess that's football, it can change very quickly but I can say that it is not like we have been playing terribly, at all. We have just had a few mistakes that have cost us and we need to take ownership of that.

Apart from that, we have been playing good football and the results just haven't shown that at all. If we keep the basics at a high level and the mistakes low that will give us a good platform to win games.

You're playing a deeper role this season - enjoying it?

I'm really enjoying it, mainly because I'm on the pitch. I'm playing a lot of football which obviously I haven't done in the past three years so I'm very grateful to be fit and to be available to be picked to play.

Wherever I play I'm comfortable. I played deep in my younger years and more forward when I got more established and playing in the Premier League.

I am enjoying it a lot and it comes with different duties and things that are required of you in that role, which I am enjoying a lot. I'm ready to play wherever the boss needs me to.

Did you think you would be getting this many games when you came back to the club?

I came back in pre-season and I felt really good. I felt physically fit. The most physically fit I've been. That gave me a good platform to do well, train well.

I knew it would be very difficult with the players they have in midfield and how good the players are, but I always wanted to give it a go and see how things panned out. It turns out that I'm playing a lot.

That's through injuries and working hard. You can never know how football turns out. It changes a lot. You just have to be ready for it.

What did Tuchel say to you after your loan spell at Fulham?

I think he was very understanding about how difficult it was coming back from that injury and going on loan to Fulham. I think he put it behind us and focused on what was happening at that moment and I felt good coming back pre-season.

For me it was focusing on pre-season, training well and playing well and I couldn't dwell on the past. Fulham was a difficult spell for me so I had to put that behind me.



https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/players/chelsea-kovcic-loftus-cheek-injuries-22389488

[WhiteJC]

Don Goodman: West Brom will struggle to catch Bournemouth and Fulham

West Brom lack the consistency to catch Championship leaders Fulham and Bournemouth in the chase for automatic promotion, according to Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman.

The Baggies currently sit in third place in the Championship table, six points behind Bournemouth and seven points behind leaders Fulham as they look to bounce back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

Valerien Ismael's side has been good in spells this season, claiming ten wins from 21 games so far, however, they have only managed to pick up two wins from their last seven fixtures.

Goodman, who works as a commentator and pundit for Sky Sports, believes it's this lack of consistency that will cost the Midlands side and others in their pursuit of the two top sides in the division.

Speaking on the official EFL podcast for Sky, he said, "If I'm honest with you based on what I've seen I'm genuinely not sure anyone else can (get near to and catch Fulham and Bournemouth).

"Although let's play Devil's advocate a little bit because what we must do is give the rest of the division hope, and we can do that by saying Fulham haven't won any of their last three games, so they've had three draws, and Bournemouth have only won one of their last six games.

"So that in itself highlights that you can take points from these two, but you need to find consistency and the chasing pack at the moment, that's the one thing, they're all good teams, we've seen the likes of Queens Park Rangers, West Bromwich Albion, Stoke, Blackburn, we've seen them play super well, play really really well.

"Stoke for example gave one of the best performances I've seen this season, if not the best when they dismantled West Bromwich Albion who were in full flow at the time and then proceeded to lose the next three games and I think that's what you're dealing with, with the rest of them."

Consistency.

West Brom won three of their first four games of the season but haven't managed to win three games in a row since that period.

If they are to close the gap they will need to find consistency in order to string results together and make a real run at the automatic promotion places.

The season is long however and there is plenty of time for the club to get it right, so they should be encouraged by the fact they're involved in the hunt at all at this stage.

As Goodman mentioned, the sides at the top have also been susceptible to slip-ups in results so the team that can show true consistency in the second half of the season is likely to be the one that pulls away at the end of it.



https://www.westbromnews.co.uk/2021/12/07/don-goodman-west-brom-will-struggle-to-catch-bournemouth-and-fulham/