Wednesday Fulham Stuff - 22/12/21...

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Fulham's trip to Swansea goes behind closed doors

Fulham's trip to Swansea City will be played behind closed doors after the Welsh government introduced measures designed to quell the spread of the omicron variant.

The Whites will travel to the Liberty Stadium on Monday 3 January for a 3pm kick off. The game is due to be screened line on Sky Sports.

The restrictions affecting Welsh sport will begin on Boxing Day with no definitive end date set at present.

Welsh economy minister Vaughan Gething said a £3m fund will be in place to "support" clubs and venues.

In a statement the Welsh government said: "The latest figures showed a further steep rise in the number of confirmed cases of the fast-moving variant."

Gething said: "Sporting events over the Christmas period are one of the big highlights of the year. Unfortunately, the new omicron variant is a significant development in the pandemic and could cause a large number of infections.

"We need to do everything we can to protect people's health and control the spread of this awful virus.

"Throughout the pandemic we have followed scientific and public health advice to keep people safe. The advice is clear – we need to act now in response to the threat of omicron. We are giving people as much notice of these decisions as we can.

"Crowds will come back as soon as possible. We want everyone to be here to enjoy their favourite sports."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/12/fulhams-trip-to-swansea-goes-behind-closed-doors/

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Kebano subjected to racial abuse

Neeskens Kebano has shared some of the racial abuse he has received via social media this evening.

The Fulham winger was targeted on Instagram in the wake of the Whites' defeat by Sheffield United yesterday and becomes the latest footballer to be racially abused online.

We'd like to send our best wishes to Neeskens and hope that robust action is taken against this abhorrent behaviour.

UPDATE: Fulham have confirmed in a statement issued this morning that they have reported the matter to the police.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/12/kebano-subjected-to-racial-abuse/

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Reed: 'We weren't good enough'

Harrison Reed admitted Fulham 'weren't good enough' after the Whites slumped to their first defeat in twelve games against Sheffield United.

The Fulham midfielder gave a frank interview to FFCTV after the final whistle at Craven Cottage, conceding that the Blades deserved the victory secured by Iliman's Ndiaye's stunning early strike.

"It wasn't good enough tonight by our standards. As a team, we weren't good enough. They probably deserved the win. We'll keep our heads down, we're top of the league. We don't get too emotional. We'll get back to the training ground put things right. We'll never get up.

We felt like maybe the goal would come – sometimes, it's not meant to be. No matter how hard you try – the chances just didn't happen tonight. I think the chances were limited anyway. We were maybe just waiting for that one clear cut one and hopefully put it away. It wasn't to be. We're very disappointed. We need to dust ourselves down, get back to the training ground and keep working hard."

Reed still feels Fulham are well placed to go up automatically, but wants to return to winning ways against Birmingham City on Boxing Day.

"At the start of the season our aim was to get promoted. We're top of the league. We know our form of late isn't where it should be. We're working relentlessly to put that right, get back to scoring goals and winning games. That won't stop. Boxing Day is something we'll look forward to. The fans in here, the Christmas feeling. Hopefully we can come away with three points and a smile on everyone's face."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/12/reed-we-werent-good-enough/

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'Gets worse every time' – Plenty of Fulham fans say the same thing about 24-y/o after Sheffield United performance
Fulham lost 1-0 at home to Sheffield United in the Championship last night.

Fulham remain at the top of the Championship table despite last night's defeat at Craven Cottage, but Marco Silva's side are now winless in their last five.

The Whites had drawn their previous four before last night. A fine strike from Blades' Iliman Ndiaye though handed the travelling Sheffield United all three points, on what was a hugely disappointing night for Fulham.

There were some who struggled in Silva's starting XI last night, and none seemed to struggle more so than Harry Wilson.

The former Liverpool man has impressed on the whole this season, but he's been off the pace recently and last night he squandered a last-gasp chance for an equalising goal.

Plenty of Fulham fans made their feelings aware at full-time – here's what they had to say on Twitter about the 24-year-old's performance:



https://the72.co.uk/258563/gets-worse-every-time-plenty-of-fulham-fans-say-the-same-thing-about-24-y-o-after-sheffield-united-performance/

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'No disrespect' – Sheffield United man makes Slavisa Jokanovic claim after Fulham win
Sheffield United striker Iliman Ndiaye says 'you can see the change' between Slavisa Jokanovic and Paul Heckingbottom, after the Blades claimed a 1-0 win at Fulham in the Championship last night.

Ndiaye was on hand to score with a fine strike in the first half of last night's game. His goal on three minutes handed Sheffield United an impressive 1-0 win away at the league leaders – his third goal of the season in 13 Championship outings in total.

The Blades are rapidly climbing up the Championship table. They've won their last four in the league and have a 100% record under Heckingbottom, whose side now sit in 11th – just three points outside the top-six.

The club has endured a turbulent season both on and off the pitch but speaking after last night's win, Ndiaye gave an honest opinion on the changes that he's seen at the club over the past few weeks – he said via The Bladesman:

Ndiaye made his first appearance under Heckingbottom last night. The Frenchman is proving to be a favourite among Blades fans and he showed exactly why last night – he's got the pace and bravery in attack that perhaps some of their other options are lacking, and he took his goal really well.

Indeed, Sheffield United under Jokanovic lacked bravery, flair, aggression and what not but under Heckingbottom, the club seems to be playing with a lot more confidence, and it's paying off in terms of results.

A top-six push?
After four wins on the bounce, Sheffield United find themselves in top-six contention. There remains a long way to go yet in this season but the signs are positive, and Heckingbottom could yet steer the club to an unlikely top-six spot come May.

It really would be a tale of two seasons if the Blades were to achieve that. But with players like Ndiaye coming good at the right time, it could well be possible.

Up next for them is a trip to Preston North End on Boxing Day.



https://the72.co.uk/258569/no-disrespect-sheffield-united-man-makes-slavisa-jokanovic-claim-after-fulham-win/

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Fulham boss Marco Silva unhappy with Sheffield United tactics as he hits out over 'timewasting'

The Blades returned from Craven Cottage with all three points after frustrating the league leaders

Fulham manager Marco Silva was unhappy with Sheffield United's tactics after watching his side fall to a 1-0 defeat.

It was only the second time this season they had been beaten on home soil with Iliman Ndiaye's third-minute strike proving to be the difference between the two sides.

It was a disappointing night for the hosts, with both fans and players giving off an anxious feel to proceedings as United used their experience well to protect their early lead.

The former Everton manager was particularly unhappy with the Blades ' tactics, accusing them of timewasting as Paul Heckingbottom's men managed to frustrate the league leaders.

Speaking after the game, an unhappy Silva also felt United's opening goal was fortunate.

He said: "Looking at the chances the biggest one was in the last minute. They didn't create as much and I think they score a goal with a deflection, a little bit lucky in that moment.

"Our fault, because our balance was not good enough and it was an unlucky moment for us.

"They played their game and it's up to them to do it.

"Breaking the intensity of the game, players went down every time and the referee allowed them to do it but it's up to us to play against it and do it but we did so many unforced errors without reasons.

"We were so nervous and anxious and when you are like this it's difficult to play well.

"It's no surprise that they are achieving results when you look at the squad that they have.

"They didn't start the season well but they show a reaction.

"They had the luck in that moment to score a goal. They waste some time as well and the referee allowed them to do it.

"OK, they did it within the rules and it's up to the referee to not allow that situation every time because the game stops so many times during the first and the second half.

"They have the keeper falling down to have a little meeting and a break in the game.

"Congratulations to them that they won the game and it was a good match for them to enjoy."



https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/football/news/fulham-boss-marco-silva-unhappy-22526618

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3 Fulham players whose performances were lacking in loss v Sheffield United
Fulham started off their 2021/22 Sky Bet Championship campaign in sparkling form and looked a de facto case for automatic promotion. Things have changed.

Fulham fans have seen their side stutter and falter over recent games and those in their wake close the gap. The London side still sits on top of the table but the chasing pack are closing in.

The Cottagers' 45 points sees them two ahead of Bournemouth with Blackburn – on a five-match winning streak – just three points behind them.

Last night's game was a bitter loss for Marco Silva's side. It was a loss that came at the end of four games where they dropped points – all four ending in draws.

They were undone by an early goal (3′) from 21-year-old French youngster Iliman Ndiaye,. Ndiaye ran from his own half, steadied himself and shot past Mark Rodak in the Fulham goal.

Despite hogging possession (71%) and easily bossing the shot count (11 to 2), the Cottagers couldn't find the breakthrough that would restore parity.

Here are three Fulham players whose performances were lacking in last night's defeat to a resolute Sheffield United side.

Marek Rodak – WhoScored rating 5.87
Goalkeeper Rodak was almost a spectator for the entire of last night's game. Sheffield United only fashioned two shots bot of which were on target. He made one save but was beaten low to his right by Ndiaye's goal. Better positioning might have helped his cause but hindsight is always the key.

Antonee Robinson – WhoScored rating 6.40
Left-back Robinson was another Fulham player who didn't perform as well as he could in last night's defeat. He saw a lot of Fulham's ball (7.2%) and was highly accurate (87%) with 60 passes finding their intended targets. However, his passing wasn't incisive enough with none of his completed passes creating any chances. A game perhaps to reflect on for Robinson.

Fabio Carvalho – WhoScored rating 6.48
19-year-old Carvalho is championed as a star for the future and his performances this season pay testament to that. He had accrued four goals and an assist ahead of the Sheffield United game. He did not add to it. He was another Cottager with highly accurate distribution (86%) and two of his 30 completed passes led to chances for teammates but he just didn't spark. He didn't fashion one shot in a disappointing display.

Data derived from the Fulham vs Sheffield United match profile on the WhoScored.com website.



https://the72.co.uk/258564/3-fulham-players-whose-performances-were-lacking-in-loss-v-sheffield-united/

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We must invest in the January transfer window
Drew responds to Dan's urge to hold back in January – he says the time to act is now.

Last week, Dan described the January transfer window as "a 3am kebab". I'll admit – it got a roaring laugh out of me. But his urge to "just enjoy it" forced me to pick up my pen. Because there's no two ways about it: the time to act is now. And after last night, I wonder how many disagree with that.

One and a half windows
Dan was spot on when he pointed out that we've been hamstrung by a lack of time during our last two pre-Premier League transfer windows. This time round, it's pretty likely there'll be no such issues.

Let's have it right straight off the bat. Despite last night's disappointing defeat, Fulham are still favourites to win the Championship – at 20/43 in fact. That's ahead of Scott Parker's Bournemouth at 17/5 and West Brom at 13/2 (source of odds).

That gives us two transfer windows before the 2022/23 Premier League season kicks off. OK, we can call it one and a half as we're not promoted yet. But either way, we need to maximise the opportunity.

I'll be honest; research shows that, certainly recently, Championship winners don't do heavy business in January. Looking back five years, Norwich spent pretty much nothing (surprise), Leeds and Wolves did their business in the summer, as did Newcastle.

But the Canaries pay the price of their inaction every single time, while the others aren't (rightly) stuffed into the dreaded 'too good for the Champ, not good enough for the Prem' pigeonhole.

Our problem area
Some may say left-back, but, for me, our biggest long-term issue is centre-back. Tim Ream is having an incredible season in the autumn of his career – and look, I'm here for it. As we all are. But we're in danger of becoming misty-eyed, and I'm just waiting for the first person to say "he's earned the chance to prove himself in the Premier League". Tim's 36 years old. I'm sure, deep down, he even knows he shouldn't be our first port of call next term.

"But we have six centre-backs in our squad", I hear you cry. Tosin's recent suspension showed us that, despite numbers on deck, there's a dearth of quality. Hector did well in his place, for the most part, but beyond that, we're in a pickle.

Silva doesn't trust Alfie Mawson, and at this point his career revival clearly lies outside of SW6. Terrence Kongolo is proving a costly mistake, and one of Tony Khan's biggest missteps, while Denis Odoi is as much of a long-term answer as Tim himself.

One thing the past Championship winners have done is start shedding the dead wood. We should do the same and look for a centre-back of genuine quality, who, if not a definite starter, is someone who can push both Tosin and Ream each and every week, and slot in without disruption. It's a must.

We've done it before
Take our 2000/01 record Division One winning season. We played the campaign with rotating mix of Chris Coleman (before his career-ending injury), Andy Melville and Kit Symons in the middle of defence. Not to mention we had Simon Morgan, Alan Neilson, plus youngsters Zat Knight and Mark Hudson all available should we need them. But that didn't stop us from paying £4m for Alain Goma from Newcastle in March 2001, just two months before we lifted the trophy.

We saw the opportunity to prepare for the future and we took it. Goma may have only played three times as we cruised to the title, but he featured 33 times in our maiden Premier League campaign, helping to keep us up and lay that crucial foundation for our 13-year stay. He stayed for five years, playing more than 100 times, before retiring. It was a crucial piece of business – and something I hope we recreate next month.

Much is made of our scouting network and analytical thinking. We must use every data point available to spot the plugs for our gaps. And there can be no substitute for literally living through the past mistakes (and in the recruitment team's case, making them). We have a good chance to make it third time lucky and create a new Premier League dynasty. Let's not waste it.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2021-12-21-we-must-invest-in-the-january-transfer-window/

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Swansea Fixture Off-Sale

Following an announcement made last night by the Welsh Government, it has been confirmed that sporting events in Wales will return to behind closed doors from Boxing Day.

With Fulham set to play Swansea City at the Swansea.com Stadium on Monday 3rd January, this fixture has now been removed from purchase and is no longer available to buy.

The Club is in communication with Swansea City to establish next steps and will share an update with supporters as soon as more information becomes available.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2021/december/21/swansea-fixture-off-sale/

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Cherries still two points off top after Fulham's 'really bad evening'

CHERRIES remain just two points behind Championship leaders Fulham after the Cottagers fell to a shock 1-0 defeat at home against Sheffield United.

Iliman Ndiaye scored the goal which lifted the Blades to within three points of the play-off places.

Scott Parker's side are winless in their past six Championship outings, but still remain well in touch of the leaders, who themselves have faltered as the division reaches the halfway point.

Disappointed Fulham manager Marco Silva said: "It wasn't our best performance definitely. We had a lot of unforced errors and didn't create the problems that we should have created for them.

"We try to perform better than our opponents but the main thing we should do is do it our way. We didn't do it our way.

"The main reason is clear for me. We did so many good things so far this season and we did the right things until now. This was a really bad evening, not because of the result but because of the way we played.

"We have to analyse it now and prepare the game against Birmingham on Boxing Day."

Winless in five themselves, Fulham still head the pack with 43 points ahead of Cherries (43).

In-form Blackburn (42) and West Bromwich Albion (41) make up the top four – each team has played 23 games.



https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/sport/19798841.cherries-still-two-points-off-top-fulhams-really-bad-evening/

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Silva laments below-par display, but expects reaction on Boxing Day

Fulham's 11-match unbeaten can came to a juddering halt as they were blunted by the Blades in their last game before Christmas.

A fine early solo strike from Iliman Ndiaye was enough to give Sheffield United all three points as an off-form Whites failed to get their act together.

Boss Marco Silva admitted his side were not at the races: "It wasn't a good performance," he said. "We didn't perform even close to the level we should be.

"If you look at the chances created during the match, we did not create much, just one or two and the biggest one of course was in the last minute. They didn't create much as well after the goal.

"It was our fault, because the balance was not good enough and the goal was a little bit an unlucky moment for us.

"After that it is up to us to play with a different intensity but this evening we did a lot of unforced errors. We were so anxious and nervous to play our football and we didn't perform well.

"We didn't create the problems we should for them or open the gaps that we should. It wasn't a good game of football.

"You can always have an evening like that."

Silva, though, said he he is confident about the bigger picture.

"Of course in the last 12 [matches] we just lost one, so we can look at all the picture instead of just the last five.

The main thing for us is not to talk [just] about the last four," he said.

"The last time here we performed really well [against Bournemouth] even if we didn't win. We have to go again against Birmingham City on Sunday and keep doing the basics."



https://www.capitalfootball.co.uk/single-post/silva-laments-below-par-display-but-expects-reaction-on-boxing-day

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Fulham condemn racist abuse of player after Sheffield United loss

Fulham remain two points clear of Bournemouth at the top of the Championship

Fulham say one of their players received racist abuse on social media following their Championship defeat by Sheffield United on Monday.

The leaders lost 1-0 to the Blades.

Fulham have failed to win any of their past five games having drawn the four before the loss at Craven Cottage.

"Fulham Football Club is disappointed to learn that one of our players was the recipient of deplorable racist abuse on social media," the club said in a statement on their website.

"We stand firmly with him and will be working with him to provide all the support he needs.

"In the meantime, we will also refer the matter to the police and other relevant authorities to ensure that it is dealt with appropriately.

"Fulham is an open and inclusive club and does not tolerate racism or discrimination in any form."



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/59744094

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Cyrus Christie interview: Prematurely born daughter changed my outlook, I can't let Fulham exile break me down
EXCLUSIVE


Cyrus Christie is hoping to leave Fulham in January after making just one appearance so far this season / Getty Images

Fulham's Cyrus Christie will always remember the shock of seeing his baby daughter in intensive care for the first time.

Christie's partner Nahide experienced a series of complications during pregnancy and, one night in September, she was rushed to hospital while struggling to breathe.

Doctors had to deliver the baby a month premature and, after a sleepless three-day ordeal while Nahide was stabilised, their first child, Amaya, was born.

"When she came out, she didn't make a sound," Christie says. "You're panicking then, even more. They said she was breathing and you're thinking everything's fine, you're holding your baby and then the doctors come rushing in saying they have to take her to the ICU.

"When I came in, she was all wired up, had all the tubes through her nose. That was a shock, seeing her there for the first time.

"It was an emotional rollercoaster for three or four days. By the time she was actually born, mentally, physically and emotionally you were just drained."

Amaya spent more than three weeks in the infant ICU, with so many minor complications that Christie can't recall all the details now, and Nahide also needed time to recover.

"She's still quite tiny now, but she's catching up," Christie says. "It was tough for my partner, both of them being ill. Thankfully both of them are doing really well now.

"It was a tough period, you have to be strong mentally. My friend lost his daughter to cancer, so you just have to count your blessings. I can't complain when there's people out there in worse situations. But it was definitely an eye opener. I have a whole new human being relying on me. It definitely changes your whole outlook on life."

Christie is an experienced Republic of Ireland international, both a dogged defender and one of the game's more thoughtful and socially-conscious players.

He has won awards for his work in the community with the charity Football Beyond Borders, and been a vocal and unflinching campaigner against racism.

While fatherhood has not exactly changed his perspective on the abuse he's experienced since childhood, Amaya has made it even harder for Christie to understand his online trolls.

"I grew up with [racism], so it gets to the point where it's in one ear and out the other," says Christie, who has Jamaican, Lebanese and Irish heritage.

"When I came to Fulham, a guy was sending me pictures of black people hanging from trees and saying, 'This is you and your family next'.

"The police make out they're going to do something – but they don't. It gets to the point where people don't bother commenting and speaking about it. That's the point it got to with me.

"I even said to Fulham I don't want to speak to the police, there's no point. After we went through the investigation, they said, 'I can see why you didn't want to'.

"Fulham were really thorough and dealt with it really well. They have a lot of people doing a lot to make a change.

"Now I have a daughter, I think if you had kids you'd be super protective if someone was doing that to them. So I don't understand why you'd do it to someone else. It just doesn't make sense. People forget you're human beings. You're just classed as a footballer.

"You look and it's a 40-year-old man with three kids abusing you. You just think, 'Go and look after your kids!'

"Or it's someone old enough to be your dad and you're thinking, 'Would you want your kid to be in my situation? If someone [abused] them, how would you feel?'"

Christie believes the game is inching in the right direction. "It's moved forward in terms of people being able to talk about [racism]," he says.

"Before, not many would, regardless of whether they'd been on the receiving end of it or not. Now you're seeing a lot more white people talking about it and at times their voice is probably more powerful than someone going through it.

"But it's small gains, nowhere near enough. It's the same old conversation really: social media platforms have to do more."

Christie has barely kicked a ball in anger since returning to parent club Fulham from Nottingham Forest in the summer, making just one appearance in the Carabao Cup this season.

He sensed from the off that his opportunities were likely to be limited under new head coach Marco Silva, and the 29-year-old has been in and out of the first-team squad, often training alone for long periods without a proper explanation.

He is out of contract at the end of the season and desperate to be allowed to kickstart his career at a new club in January.

"Mentally, I can't let it break me down," he says. "I always thought I'd be given an opportunity but I've found it hard to come by.

"The boys are doing fantastic this season. The manager's made a decision – and that's football. You learn that. You have to get on with it. I have to look for a new chapter, get back to playing football and be the best version of myself as a footballer. I have lost that at Fulham.

"Personally, being out there on my own has been tough. I could understand it if I was being an a******e or kicking off. If you've got clarity, it makes it easier for you.

"I've played over 400 games, I went to the Euros with Ireland as the youngest in the squad. I've played World Cup qualifiers, two play-off finals with Fulham, been promoted to the Premier League.

"I've got a wealth of experience, it's just about getting back to playing regular football. I believe I've got a lot to offer many teams – as long as it's the right fit, the right style of football for me to thrive."

There is one reason, though, for Christie to be thankful he remained at Fulham in the summer.

"When I look back now, it was a good thing I didn't eventually move in the end, I had to be around for the birth of my daughter and support my partner," he says.

"The biggest thing for me in life is being the best father I can be for my daughter. I need to be there for her, I can't let her down. It's such an amazing feeling. It's indescribable, really. Especially with the things we went through to be where we are now, it just makes it even more amazing."



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/cyrus-christie-exclusive-interview-fulham-b973134.html

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2 big transfer decisions that Marco Silva at Fulham could need to make in the next few weeks

Fulham's push for Championship promotion has started to hit a few stumbling blocks in recent weeks.

The Cottagers have failed to win any of their last five games, meaning that while they are still top of the Championship table, they are now just three points clear of the play-off places.

As a result, the January transfer window could now be crucial for the Cottagers, as they look to put together a squad capable of getting them back on track in the battle for a return to the Premier League.

So with that in mind, we've taken a look at two significant transfer decisions that Fulham manager Marco Silva may have to make in the January transfer window, right here.

Can they afford to let Tosin Adarabioyo go?
One Fulham player who could be the subject of interest next month is Tosin Adarabioyo, with Newcastle reportedly interested in the centre back.

Having started 19 of the Cottagers 23 league games this season, the 24-year-old has become a key figure in defence for Fulham, and it could be a big blow for them to lose his influence at the back.

However, Newcastle's new-found riches do mean they could pay Fulham a significant amount for Adarabioyo, which could be used to reinvest in the rest of the squad. Silva therefore, could have a big call to make over how much he thinks Adarabioyo is worth, if the Magpies do come in with a big offer.

Does he need another striker?
Despite scoring a remarkable 22 league goals this season, Aleksandar Mitrovic is going through something of a quiet patch at the minute.

The usually unstoppable Serbian has scored just once during the five game winless run the Cottagers are currently on, and that does highlight something of an issue, given Fulham's only other centre forward options are the rather inexperienced duo of Rodrigo Muniz and Jay Stansfield.

That could become something of an issue if Mitrovic was to find himself out of action long term due to injury or suspension, so the question of some extra cover for the 27-year-old could be something for Silva to consider over the coming weeks.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/2-big-transfer-decisions-that-marco-silva-at-fulham-could-need-to-make-in-the-next-few-weeks/

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Christie opens up on exile, fatherhood and racism

There are plenty of news lines to come out of the Evening Standard's revealing chat with Cyrus Christie. He is clearly keen to start again somewhere other than Craven Cottage after falling out of favour under Marco Silva – but his frustration at a lack of first team football almost pales into insignificance in comparison to the birth of his severely premature daughter and experiences of racism have impacted his outlook.

Christie, who is out of contract in the summer, appears certain to be moving on soon – although whether it is next month or in the summer remains to be seen.

"The boys are doing fantastic this season. The manager's made a decision – and that's football. You learn that. You have to get on with it. I have to look for a new chapter, get back to playing football and be the best version of myself as a footballer. I have lost that at Fulham. Personally, being out there on my own has been tough. I could understand it if I was being an a******e or kicking off. If you've got clarity, it makes it easier for you.

I've played over 400 games, I went to the Euros with Ireland as the youngest in the squad. I've played World Cup qualifiers, two play-off finals with Fulham, been promoted to the Premier League. I've got a wealth of experience, it's just about getting back to playing regular football. I believe I've got a lot to offer many teams – as long as it's the right fit, the right style of football for me to thrive."

The more revealing elements of the interview surround Christie's continued frustration with the football authorities and police for failing to take tangible action against racism – he tells a story of horrific social media abuse he received as he was joining Fulham that seems to have gone unpunished – and how the birth of his daughter came as a shock in September, with a nervous few days as the family waited to see if Amaya would survive. Thankfully, she did. Some things are far more important than football.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/12/christie-opens-up-on-exile-fatherhood-and-racism/

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Fulham may need to strengthen this position in January after recent drop in form: Opinion

After an excellent start to the season, things have started to take a slight turn for the worse for Fulham in recent weeks.

Monday night's 1-0 defeat at home to Sheffield United means that the Cottagers are now winless in their last five outings, piling the pressure on them in the race for automatic promotion.

Admittedly, Marco Silva's side do still sit top of the Championship table, but that recent run, combined with results elsewhere, means their lead over the play-offs has now dropped to just three points.

As a result, Fulham's previously significant margin for error has now been reduced to next to none, and you get the feeling that this recent run, has highlighted one issue that Fulham may need to address in the upcoming January transfer window.

During this run of five games without a win that Fulham currently find themselves on, Aleksandar Mitrovic has scored just once, contrasting with the 21 goals he had scored in the Cottagers' previous 18 league games this season.

Consequentially, the need for potential centre forward cover for Mitrovic in January should he not snap out of this dip in form, or pick up an injury that keep him out long term, is arguably becoming more apparent.

Including that one goal scored by Mitrovic, Fulham have found the net just three times during this five game winless, with their other two strikes in that time coming from centre backs in the form of Tosin Adarabioyo and Tim Ream.

Given those sorts of players cannot be relied upon to make an impact in front of goal week in week out, it may well be the case that Fulham need to bring in someone in January to do that, at those times when Mitrovic is not at his usually unstoppable best.

While Fulham do have other centre forward options in the form of Rodrigo Muniz and Jay Stansfield, at 20 and 19-years-old respectively, you feel the pressure of leading the line in an under fire promotion push would be a lot to put on the shoulder of such inexperienced players.

Indeed, with just three goals in his 11 league games so far, it seems that while Muniz undoubtedly posseses potential that could make him an asset for years to come, it seems such a challenge may be too soon for him during this time around.

You feel therefore, that Fulham could be leaving themselves somewhat exposed up top, if they were not to bring a more established centre forward with a proven ability to score at this level, to provide back-up for Mitrovic in January.

Considering the fees they were able to spend in January, you do get the feeling that they ought to be able to fund such a move as well once the market reopens.

If they don't do that, then recent form suggests that they could be taking a risk of this dip of the past few weeks, developing into a major , and avoidable, missed opportunity when it comes to their pursuit of a swift return to the big time of the Premier League.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-may-need-to-strengthen-this-position-in-january-after-recent-drop-in-form-opinion/

[WhiteJC]

Newcastle United eye move for former Fulham star

Newcastle United are deep in trouble and fighting for Premier League survival.

The Magpies sit 19th with just one win and 10 points to their name after 18 matches of the season.

Despite a headline hitting Saudi led takeover and the appointment of Eddie Howe as the club's new manager, the Toon Army face a huge battle to maintain their top-flight status.

The new owners are expected to start splashing the cash in January to help strengthen Howe's squad.

And, according to the Mail, one player on their radar is Lyon striker Moussa Dembele.

The 25-year-old has scored 49 times in 114 matches for the Ligue 1 side since a transfer from Celtic in 2018.

It's claimed that Lyon are open to selling the Frenchman, who has suffered with injuries this term after scoring four times in six appearances.

Dembele spent last term on loan at Atletico Madrid but, after being hit with injuries and Covid, the Spanish club opted against making it a permanent deal.

The former France U-21 international previously played two matches in the Premier League in 2014 for Fulham.

He has since scored goals in the Championship for the Cottagers, fired Celtic to two domestic trebles and kept up an impressive scoring rate in France by most notably notching 20+ goals in his first two seasons.

With Callum Wilson and Allan Saint-Maximin the only two Newcastle players with more than one goal to their name this term, Dembele would add an extra threat to an attack which has scored just 18 times in as many games.



https://www.shoot.co.uk/newcastle-united-eye-move-for-former-fulham-star/

[WhiteJC]

Jack and Loz at the Cottage - Blog 204
Date: 20th December 2021

Opposition: Sheffield United

Score: 0-1

Fulham goal scorers: remember when we had them? And they were really good?

Weather: very cold in the second half

Atmosphere: very p***ed off in the second half

MOTM: you're kidding, right?

Drinks: we got to the ground early and enjoyed a couple of glasses of Chateau Fulham on the banks of the Thames. This was easily the best part of the evening and we will probably do it again

On Monday night, Fulham could have got back to winning ways, reasserted their dominance in the Championship and gone 5 points clear at the top, all just in time to allow their long-suffering fans a relaxed and peaceful Christmas.

It was always going to be a slightly odd Matchday with the new Plan B restrictions, and we had visions of chronic queues, chaotic concourses and people missing the first half of Fulham's festive victory. But in a reversal of the usual pattern of things at the Club, the organisation was excellent and the football was dire.

This was Fulham's worst game since the trip to Coventry. It was a match at home, with a fully fit squad, with no adverse weather conditions and a referee who wasn't grappling with an existential crisis. In other words, there are no mitigating circumstances for the result or the performance.

There are no redeeming features either. Literally nothing good happened at all.

Mitro was so heavily marked that he is spared some criticism but if you're the most prolific striker in the country, you've got to do better with that chance at the end. And if there were 3 men on Mitro, shouldn't that have left the other attackers free? But no, Kebano regressed to his "good as an impact sub" phase from about 4 years ago while Harry Wilson regressed to the phase he was in earlier in the season when he'd had a bang on the head.

We couldn't work out who out of Harrison Reed, Fabio and Seri was meant to be playing number 10 but whichever it was, they weren't doing it well and when our actual number 10 came on, he didn't do it any better. To be fair to Fabio, he tried to be creative for about 20 minutes then gave up. To be fair to Seri, his hair still looks extremely nice.

As regular readers will know, our back 3 have translated into the Triangulo do Ruina this season. This simply means we are a doomed defensively but with extra grilled sardines. The third minute of the match produced one of the Triangulo's worst ever moments. In the Hammersmith End, we could all see it coming: a United player allowed to drive like a...... er, Blade from one end of the pitch to the other. Seri didn't tackle him, Tosin didn't tackle him, Ream didn't tackle him and even at the last second we were thinking, "it's ok - Rodak will save the shot which we've all known has been coming for the last 3 minutes." But Rodak flapped, flailed and flopped to the floor. And the ball flew into the back of the net.

Rodak redeemed himself later, partly by keeping the scoreline respectable and partly by throwing his toys out of the pram in a fairly spectacular way in the second half.

As for the full backs, Kenny Tete at least tried a few crosses but for a player of his calibre this was a below-average outing. As for Antonee Robinson.....no, we can't go there. We just can't.

Overall, the team was sooooooooo slow. They even gave the ball away slowly. They waited for a pass to come to them rather than going to meet it - something most footballers learn to do aged about 10. And the attacking speed was worse than we experienced even in Scott Parker' cardigan-wearing twilight weeks. You're never going to score if you crawl along with the ball, allowing all 11 opponents to get behind it. Wasting opportunities with short corners, badly taken free kicks, weak shots and a hesitancy to shoot only compounds the problem.

After the substitutions, Fulham's line-up must have been the most attacking the Championship has ever seen. And yet we still couldn't score. The Strong-Man and the Samba Dancer aren't a natural double act and Mitro and Muniz barely linked up at all. Admittedly, the last 10 or so minutes were livelier than the rest but we should have been playing with that level of attacking intent all match. As we know from previous results, it's ok to concede the odd goal when you're scoring 3 or 4 in response.

Not only was all this frustrating and worrying but it's also bizarre. What has happened to this team over the last few games? Where is the excitement we saw against Stoke? Where is the exuberance we saw at Blackburn? Where, even, is the grit that produced the equaliser against Bournemouth? Where have all the goals gone???

The players look flat, disjointed; all out of ideas and energy. Silva said they were "anxious" but why? What have they suddenly got to fear? Is it so hard to win when you're used to being the underdog?

In contrast, United looked fast, sharp and determined to win at more or less any cost. They must have been amazed and how cheap the victory was. And future opponents will have watched that match with growing optimism. Fulham have lost their way. We've lost our flair and our mystic. We've lost our sterling Silva battle armour. We've become predictable, easy to play against. Easy to beat.

Random musings:-

- the United fans dressed as Father Christmasses looked great

- Bobby brought a hot water bottle to one of the ball boys in the second half

- we don't think Chalobah has ever been clapped while warming up before - he looked bemused

- Muniz acting as ball boy was endearing but it would have been better if he was picking the ball out of the net rather than the crowd

- what on earth was the formation after the Robinson/Muniz sub? The players didn't seem to know either

- mask wearing in the ground was good but it's got to be said: we risked Omicron for that.

On a serious note, we were horrified to read about the racist abuse Neeskens Kebano experienced overnight. We know all true Fulham fans are right behind Neeskens and we hope the culprit is caught and punished

We are now at the midway point of the season, coinciding almost perfectly with the winter equinox. The shortest day. The longest, bleakest night. But we have played every team in the league and come out on top. There have been big wins and big scores and big thrills. We've made Championship football look easy, stylish and exciting. But something has gone awry. Something's not quite right.

We head into Christmas top of the league. But it's going to be a fight to stay there.



https://werdsmith.com/p/aQYAafvFrnJX87

[filham]

Regarding transfer talk above.
No way should we let Tosin leave, our defense is the best in the Championship and even in the last five poor results have only conceded four goals. We must not change what is working well.
We have Stansfield and Muniz as understudies for Mitro, money should not be used on players to provide yet more cover.
If we are to enter the transfer market it needs to be for a top player, who would become an automatic starter, to really make a difference in this team.