Saturday Fulham Stuff - 15/01/22...

[WhiteJC]

Liverpool could be about to repeat Harvey Elliott transfer trick as new contract 'rejected'

Liverpool are one of a number of Premier League clubs that have been linked with a move for promising Fulham winger Fabio Carvalho

Liverpool are reportedly one of a number of clubs who have expressed an interest in signing Fulham star Fabio Carvalho.

The 19-year-old winger has impressed for the Cottagers this season, scoring four goals in 14 league appearances.

Carvalho, who represents England at youth level, was also named EFL Young Player of the Month in August.

Despite the fact that Fulham are in contention for an immediate return to the Premier League after last season's relegation to the Championship, the future of the young star remains unclear.

Negotiations over a new contract have seemingly reached an impasse and his current deal is set to expire in the summer.

And according to Teamtalk, Carvalho has rejected a number of offers from the west London club and is set to leave at the end of the campaign.

However, any club looking to sign the talented youngster would need to pay compensation.

Liverpool, as well as West Ham United, Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton, are all reportedly interested in acquiring his services.

If Carvalho does join Jurgen Klopp's side he will follow in the footsteps of another youngster who traded Craven Cottage for Anfield in the shape of Harvey Elliot.

The Reds midfielder was 16 when he made the switch in 2019.



https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/liverpool-harvey-elliott-transfer-breaking-22761493

[WhiteJC]

Bristol City predicted team vs Fulham: Nigel Pearson's curveball, midfield and attack dilemmas

Bristol City travel to Craven Cottage for their third meeting of the season against Fulham

Craven Cottage always feels like one of those event away days; a unique, old stadium with its charm never dimming, in a nice part of London against, often, one of the better teams in the division.

Not to mention Bristol City's canny knack of getting a result there, with five straight wins since 2016. That run may be irrelevant in the context of this team but it leaves a mark on supporters, giving a sense of attachment and optimism around this fixture.

Having drawn in the return Championship fixture in September, after a strong performance, the Robins then bettered that display last Saturday in the FA Cup, only to be defeated in extra-time by a slightly freakish winner from Harry Wilson.

What is it about City and their ability to raise their game against Cottagers? It's difficult to pin down but, what is abundantly clear, is they need to continue the trend in west London this afternoon as they take on a Fulham side who are on the back of a 7-0 mauling of Reading in midweek.

They are comfortably the Championship's leading scorers - 2.4 goals per game - and it will take some performance from the Robins to get anything out of this game.

That all being said, the Reading result was something of an outlier regarding recent form, with it being their first victory inside 90 minutes for six matches, including the initial stalemate at Ashton Gate. Here's how we think City will line up ...

Goalkeeper and defence

Nigel Pearson has highlighted the midfield as being the decisive area in terms of determining the destiny of the result today, and while that is very true, in very simple terms, if the City defence don't play well, the Robins will be toast.

With Wilson, Aleksandar Mitrovic, Bobby Reid, Fabio Carvalho and Neekens Kebano, it's a ridiculous array of attacking options for Silva and even if City have kept it tight for 60-65 minutes, there's every chance of a new high-level attacker emerging to present a whole new challenge, and with fresh legs.

After his shift back to three-man defence at half-time against Millwall, you'd imagine the manager maintains that system, having also fielded it in the FA Cup tie and City, once again, looking fluid and confident in possession.

Fundamental to that is how the back three matched up Fulham's three attackers, pressing instantly and being proactive in their defending, rather than sitting back and waiting to see what the Cottagers can do.

That will surely continue in west London, with Max O'Leary maintaining his run in goal, but with the big question being the identity of the trio, given Cam Pring's surprising start at centre-back.

The 23-year-old was, once again, excellent but playing against a slight mismatch of a frontline compared to their established forwards from the first minute is a very different assignment and Pring may well then move into a wing-back role instead (more on that in a moment).

If that is the case, the defence sort of picks itself, given Nathan Baker's continued absence, as Zak Vyner will join Tomas Kalas and Rob Atkinson in the centre.

It's the common sense move and gives a nice right and left-foot balance, plus Atkinson dealt with Mitrovic relatively well last Saturday, albeit with the Serbian as a substitute, not from the start.

What it also enables, with that three, is that City can shift to a four-man defence, if required, as Vyner moves out to the left and then Pring, Callum O'Dowda or Jay Dasilva can drop into a more orthodox role.

Pearson does like to flip between systems, on and off the ball, and those three in the middle certainly enable that.

Midfield

As mentioned, Pearson believes this will be the key battleground for the contest; not only do City need to be industrious and aggressive in trying to win the ball back and stop the flow of possession into the attack, they also need to be productive in possession.

To that end, the manager will select good defensive-minded central midfielders who are also efficient in possession and with a strong sense of game management.

As was the case with the league fixture in September, you can write down Matty James' name for one - with the 30-year-old rested in the FA Cup - and there's a strong chance Andy King also starts, giving City a double pivot.

For all their technique, in-game intelligence and experience, what that duo probably lack is mobility, or at least speed across short distances and that therefore lends itself to a situation where Han-Noah Massengo is brought into the middle to form a three-man midfield.

Massengo could be in the most advanced, as he was in the away fixture at QPR in September, but without any defensive solidity sacrificed, plus the positional discipline of King and James give him a platform to hare around and hunt the ball down, without vacating too much space.

That more than likely leaves Tyreeq Bakinson, Ayman Benarous and Kasey Palmer out of the picture but it's hard to see how any one of that three have a credible chance of starting in this particular game.

Forecasting as to who will start as wing-backs should be straightforward, but then Pearson threw a curveball in the 71st minute of the FA Cup tie last Saturday, with the trajectory of that delivery only becoming harder to read with his comments on Thursday.

Jay Dasilva played the final 49 minutes against Fulham as a right wing-back and in the build-up to the game Pearson admitted having a natural left-footer there against Fulham works because they tend to play with inverted wingers.

That opens up all sorts of possibilities for today with Dasilva, and ultimately Pring and O'Dowda in contention to play there, as left-footers. It looks a bit awkward but does make sense and also frees up another to operate down their more natural side as opposed to a straight decision between the three of them.

That would leave Alex Scott out of the mix - albeit then freeing him to play in the middle - and, to be honest, the more we type and think about the situation, the more we're coming round to the conclusion that the manager will go a little rogue.

Scott is not a natural right wing-back, and while he has adapted perfectly well to the position, against sides of genuine attacking quality, he could be exposed.

But, for the purposes of previous logic, we'll play it a little safe and envisage Scott to start.

Switching over to the other flank, then, it looks a straight fight between Pring, the man in form, and O'Dowda, the more attack-minded presence who's played pretty well over the last 4-5 weeks.

Given the opposition and the need to get Pring in the team somewhere (who knows, maybe on the right), you'd lean towards the slight bit of extra security he provides ahead of the Republic of Ireland international.

However, if Pearson was to move to a 4-1-4-1, you'd imagine Pring starting as left-back and then O'Dowda ahead of him.

Attack

We've not mentioned Andi Weimann's name in discussing the midfield, with the Austrian and City's top scorer a definite option as a No10 ahead of, presumably, King and James.

However, for all his endeavour, the Austrian sometimes lack the required positional discipline out of possession and doesn't keep hold of it as well as some of the more recognised options in there; if Pearson wants ball retention and efficient movement through the middle, that surely has to mean Weimann plays further up field.

With his goal record and all-round performances, on and off the ball, he's a near-automatic starter, born out by his mighty 2,250 Championship minutes this term - only matched by Derby's Curtis Davies and Scott McKenna of Nottingham Forest among all outfield players across the division, and they're both defenders.

As to who partners him, there are strong cases to be made for Chris Martin, on his return to Craven Cottage, Nahki Wells and Antoine Semenyo.

The former started last Saturday and both performed well, if not a little frustratingly with the Robins inability to make the most of their dominance and chances created.

Will that count against them? Possibly, but what ultimately tips the favour in Semenyo's scales is that Pearson knows City have looked a far more potent and penetrative attacking team with the 21-year-old on the field.

Martin can hold the ball up, compete for headers and link the play, Wells can make incisive runs and stretch the defence, and while Semenyo isn't as proficient as those veterans in those particular disciplines he can do a bit of all that, added to a real sense of uncertainty that should cause the Fulham defence problems.

To start, Wells and, to a lesser extent, Martin need regular and consistent service; Semenyo can create chances and opportunities for himself. And that sense of unorthodoxy and surprise could hold the key to City getting anything out of this game.

Bristol City (3-5-2): Max O'Leary; Zak Vyner, Tomas Kalas, Rob Atkinson; Alex Scott, Matty James, Andy King, Han-Noah Massengo, Cam Pring; Andi Weimann, Antoine Semenyo



https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/bristol-city-predicted-team-fulham-6496715

[WhiteJC]

Blow for Liverpool as West Ham eye move to sign 'incredible' teenage attacker in January

Liverpool want to sign Fabio Carvalho either this month or in the summer but could face competition from West Ham.

The Hammers are ready to battle Liverpool for the 19-year-old's signature according to a report from TEAMtalk.

On face value, people might think that the Reds will be red-hot favourites for the talented teen's signature with West Ham having no chance.

Jurgen Klopp has built an incredibly strong side at Anfield and his Liverpool team are perennial challengers for honours both domestically and on the continent.

Let's not forget about the job David Moyes has done at the London Stadium though. The Scot has actually worked miracles since returning to West Ham.

The race to sign Fabio Carvalho this month or in the summer will undoubtedly be a fiercely contested one. The 19-year-old is a really exciting prospect and has the kind of ability needed to go on and become a real star in the game.

But where will he end up? We actually believe that we might hold a couple of trump cards in the battle against the Reds...

Blow for Liverpool as West Ham eye January swoop for Fabio Carvalho
Hammers boss David Moyes has made adding talented young players to his ranks one of his main priorities since returning to East London.

Signing Carvalho from Fulham would certainly be the most exciting move yet for West Ham. And we believe that we can beat Liverpool to his signature, for three main reasons...

More opportunities for regular first-team action

With Liverpool's attacking options there is absolutely no chance that the 19-year-old would become a regular starter at Anfield, certainly not for a couple of years.

With Liverpool challenging for league titles and Champions League as well, it will be harder for Klopp to throw Carvalho into the action in such pressurised environments.

Chance to stay in London

This one cannot be underestimated considering Carvalho's age.

At just 19, change can be incredibly daunting. The opportunity to stay in the capital, surrounded by his close friends and family, may well be one that the young Fulham starlet finds difficult to turn down.

Carvalho could make his name at West Ham

Much like the philosophy at Borussia Dortmund, the Hammers have a real chance to make a superstar here.

If the teenager moved to Liverpool and didn't play, his career would be at risk of stagnation.

West Ham could take Carvalho on board, give him to the chance to strut his stuff for a few years before selling him on for a massive prophet. The beauty of this Dortmund type ideology is that West Ham could become that regular top four side during those two or three years and then keep hold of Carvalho.

The Athletic recently claimed that Carvalho had turned down Fulham's last offer of a new contract. So he will be available on a free transfer in the summer.

West Ham or Liverpool could sign him for a nominal fee in January of course, if The Cottagers would prefer not to lose him for nothing in the summer.

Carvalho is a genuinely sensational young player.

Football League World describe him as an incredible talent. The 19-year-old has racked up 33 goals and 19 assists in 82 games for Fulham's youth teams (Transfermarkt).

The 19-year-old has bagged four goals and one assist in 14 Championship games for the west London outfit this term (Transfermarkt).

The teenager really is an incredibly gifted player. He has dazzled with his precocity over the past year or so. The Fulham ace can play anywhere along the front-line but is most comfortable when deployed in the number 10 role.

The Fulham youngster is technically gifted and plays with a real kind of infectious energy and dynamism. In other words, he seems like the typical Moyes signing.

He really would be a huge coup for West Ham.

And we genuinely think that the Hammers have a real chance of beating Liverpool to his signature. Whether that will be in the January transfer window or the summer, however, remains to be seen.



https://www.hammers.news/transfer-news/blow-for-liverpool-as-west-ham-eye-move-to-sign-incredible-teenage-attacker-in-january/

[WhiteJC]

Ream's reassuring revival

Tim Ream's made a habit of proving people wrong. He famously fought his way back in Slavisa Jokanovic's plans when it seemed like he was set to leave Craven Cottage – and the likeable defender has done so again this year in becoming one of the key figures in Marco Silva's rebuild. Skippering the side under the new manager represented a dramatic shift from being jettisoned by Scott Parker, but his inclusion made sense given that the veteran has never let Fulham down at Championship level and his skillset is ideally suited to Silva's footballing philosophy.

Aside from a couple of painful injuries, it is clear that Ream is enjoying life again at Craven Cottage having almost disappeared from view under the previous regime. He has certainly justified his inclusion at the start of the season ahead of the likes of Alfie Mawson, Michael Hector and Terence Kongolo. He has forged a strong partnership at the heart of the back four with Tosin Adarabioyo and his engagement with the Fulham fanbase on social media regularly brings a smile and some insight into both the American's dry sense of humour and the hidden world of professional football.

He also presides reassurance at the back having been there, seen it and done in the second tier before. Ream has ground his way through two successful promotion campaigns and has a wealth of experience at this level. He's experienced enough to be aware of his limitations, as evidenced in those largely self-effacing social media posts, and has been a steadying influence as Fulham reacclimatised themselves to the heady world of the Championship. Whilst the Whites look formidable going forward, Ream has been part of a defence that has only conceded eighteen league goals to date – as well as memorably getting on the scoresheet himself at Preston.

Ream's partnership with Tosin works effectively for Fulham. The 34 year-old's reading of the game is exemplary and compensates for a lack of pace, whilst his distribution allows him to step out from the back at times and begin attacks. A much-loved figure at Craven Cottage, it is brilliant to see him with a smile on his face once again after a difficult season on the fringes of a struggling side – as he referenced in an open interview at the start of the campaign. Let's hope he hears that roar of 'Reeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaam' echoing down by the banks of the Thames as he receives possession for some time to come.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/01/reams-reassuring-revival/

[WhiteJC]

Notes from January meeting with FFC

On Wednesday 12th January 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)
    Carmelo Mifsud (Communications Director)
    Huw Jennings (Head of Football Development)

The FST was represented by Board Members:

    Jerry Cope (Treasurer and Membership Secretary)
    Simon Duke (Secretary)
    Sarah Keig (Board Member)
    Tamara Dragadze (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

    Feedback on recent issues
    Covid arrangements for forthcoming matches
    Dundee United partnership
    Fan behaviour
    Social media issues
    Website signposting for supporters with special needs
    Riverside Stand
    AOB

FEEDBACK ON RECENT ISSUES

The Trust opened the meeting by giving the Club some positive feedback based on member comments. The efficiency of the process for recent cancelled games, the Covid arrangements for the Sheffield United game and the help given to an overseas season ticket holder who had experienced Covid travel restrictions were all good examples of how the Club had served our members well.

The Club were advised that our new representative for the Safety Advisory Group is Gavin Megaw. The Trust records its thanks to our outgoing representative, Mike Gregg.

COVID ARRANGEMENTS FOR FORTHCOMING MATCHES

The Club have asked us to draw to supporters' attention to the Covid requirements for the forthcoming games against Bristol City and Birmingham. Information can be found through this link.

DUNDEE UNITED PARTNERSHIP

Huw Jennings joined the meeting to provide more detail on the recently announced collaboration with Dundee United. In looking to establish a pathway for young players, Dundee United have been identified as being an ideal partner. An old established club with a similar footballing philosophy to our own, their own academy and expectations of qualifying for European football, they are seen as an ideal partner for FFC to develop younger players. There will also be a sharing of commercial ideas, fan engagement initiatives and recognition of former players. The Club are mindful of the need to ensure regulations are properly followed through this collaboration. The Trust will make contact with the Dundee United Supporters Trust to explore ways we can work together.

In closing Huw expressed his thanks for the on-going support the Trust is giving to the FFC Women's football team, and the Trust explained its work in seeking to increase the number of women attending both the women's and men's games.

FAN BEHAVIOUR

While away support has been loud, passionate and numerous at many games this season, adding to the atmosphere in supporting the team, there have been a small number of incidents at recent games, including Luton and Bristol City, where a small minority of our own fan behaviour has fallen short of what we would expect and caused injuries to other Fulham supporters. This has included a few supporters occupying some of the relatively small number of seats reserved as non-standing areas, specifically sold to those supporters who are unable or prefer not to stand, and refusing to sit and abusing Fulham supporters around them. The "bundling" in gangways and to the front of the stand when celebrating a goal has also been highlighted as the cause of injuries suffered by fans unwillingly caught up in those incidents. At Reading there have been reports of supporters intentionally breaking seats in the ground, and kicking dustbins and litter in the streets outside the stadium.

The Trust raised this issue with the Club as we have received increasing numbers of reports of similar incidents, and concerns about the risk of more serious incident/accident, and is also aware that this is an issue which a number of different clubs' supporters groups have witnessed amongst their support bases since the beginning of this season. The Trust and the Club want to encourage as much away support as possible in the second half of the season but some supporters are being put off by this minority behaviour.

It was noted that at Reading yesterday they covered two rows of seats behind the allocated "seating only" area, which along with having some of our own stewards present, helped alleviate some of the problems seen at other away games. When asked if the covering of rows could be used at other away grounds the Club advised this was specific to Reading as the blocked rows were directly in front of a wheelchair platform and if these seats were used, line of vision for wheelchair users would be blocked. They also confirmed that we can only provide our own stewards with the agreement of the home club, which is not always forthcoming.

On the issue of fans behaviour at away games, the Club intend to discuss this with the Metropolitan Police Liaison Officer for guidance. Fan behaviour generally is expected to be a subject for discussion at the next Safety Advisory Group (SAG), which is due to meet shortly and which Gavin Megaw will attend on behalf of the Trust.

For home games there is an on-going issue, again raised by a member, regarding fan behaviour in certain parts of the Hammersmith End. This mainly relates to continual standing, blocking the view of those unable to stand. The Club are aware of this issue and believe improvements have been seen at more recent fixtures. They will however speak with the Safety Officer to see if anything more can be done.

In the meantime, while appreciating the benefits for the team of passionate, committed and noisy supporters travelling in numbers, the Club and the Trust will take every opportunity to remind fans to be considerate of some of their fellow Fulham fans who may be less mobile or attending with younger children, so that all can enjoy the experience. The Club will look to issue a web-site article to reach supporters who are not Trust members.

Concern has been expressed by a member and shared with the Club regarding the lack of ticket checks at the Putney End, which has enabled away supporters to infiltrate the home sections in recent fixtures.  The Club have already taken steps to re-direct away supporter access to P7, which would enable better movement and ticket checking for away fans. The Safety Officer will be asked to remind stewards of the need for thorough ticket checking as supporters enter the stand.

SOCIAL MEDIA ISSUES

The Trust have become aware of inappropriate comments being made on social media pages, which are not controlled by the Club or the Trust, yet are badged Fulham FC. The Club are aware of these sites. In response to the Trust's question as to what can be done, the Club has asked that where we are aware of any inappropriate comments we should take a screenshot and share it with them. Like the Trust, the Club take this kind of incident very seriously and where possible will take the strongest possible action against any identified individuals. Sadly, in a number of cases, individuals hide behind false identities and taking action is harder where comments are made on sites not controlled by the Club or Trust.

The Club were reminded that we have recently issued social media guidance. The club also have their own guidance.

WEBSITE SIGNPOSTING FOR SUPPORTERS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

Following the incident reported at last month's meeting relating to an autistic child, the Trust have reviewed the links provided on the Club website to find information for people with particular challenges. Whilst there is a lot of very good information available, navigation to find it is not easy. The Club have agreed to review the website navigation and where appropriate provide additional links to make the experience easier. This includes for away fans. The overriding message is the Club Disability Liaison Officer is able in advance to help with any questions regarding visiting Craven Cottage and their contact details are available and clearly visible on the website.

RIVERSIDE STAND

The Club confirmed the new stand will accommodate spectators from next season. Capacity will depend on what stage the final fit-out has reached. It is expected the capacity position will be clearer by the end of March, but capacity is likely to build up over the early part of next season as work is completed. In response to a member question the Club confirmed there are a number of lifts in the new stand. On the broader question of accessability the Club confirmed the the contractor has worked closely with the Disabled Supporters Association, that all 2022 accessibility requirements will be met and that the majority of the stand will be accessible for people with physical challenges.  Some parts will obviously be more accessible than others.

The Trust advised the Club that we would shortly be asking members to undertake a quick survey to gauge views on a number of issues relating to moving to the new stand.

In response to a member question, the Club confirmed they would look to give the opportunity for season ticket holders in other parts of the ground to experience the new stand for a game with a view to moving their season ticket should they so wish. The terms and conditions of any such arrangement, including any extra charge/fee based on price differential, are yet to be determined by the Club.

AOB
Away coach stewards

One member has raised the lack of communication regarding stops/arrival time/return drop off points from some stewards on away coaches. The Club have undertaken to remind stewards that they should give as much information as possible to travelling supporters.
Celebration Day

The Club and the Trust will be meeting this week to discuss arrangements for the Celebration Day where we will remember and honour supporters who have recently passed and sadly no longer with us. The match planned is Fulham v Huddersfield on Saturday 19 February as opposed to the Blackpool fixture that was originally referenced in earlier notes. Further details will be communicated as soon as possible.
Bristol City away tickets

In response to a comment made on Radio Bristol, the Club confirmed tickets for the away FA Cup game were priced in consultation with Bristol City.
Sky coverage

Amid some confusion over Sky coverage for the Reading game, the Club confirmed that scheduled midweek games not picked for main broadcast are available via the Sky red button. Where games are displaced, such as Reading (and Swansea and the upcoming Middlesbrough game), the decision whether to stream in the UK rests with the home club. If selected for UK streaming, displaced games will also be available via the Sky red button. Reading chose not to make the game available for streaming domestically which is why only overseas supporters could view. A decision regarding UK streaming of our displaced game against Birmingham will be made by the end of this week.
Manchester City FA Cup tie

In response to a question from the Trust, the Club sad they would be talking to City about away access to standing "seats", as City (and later Cardiff) were taking part in the national pilot.
Diversity and inclusion

The Club have agreed to make the February meeting 90 minutes to enable Jamie Dapaah, FFC Diversity and Inclusion, to make a presentation to the Trust.

The meeting ended at 14:40



https://www.fulhamsupporterstrust.com/news/2022/01/notes-from-january-meeting-with-ffc-3/

[WhiteJC]

Bristol City flashback: Long arm of the Waugh helps put the Robins on track again

Bristol City journalist and author Richard Latham looks back on a memorable encounter against Fulham, 36 years ago

In any list of best-ever Bristol City free transfer signings, Keith Waugh would merit a lofty position.

While rarely mentioned in the same breath as the likes of Mike Gibson or Tony Cook when it comes to the top goalkeeper in the club's history, the Sunderland-born player enjoyed an extraordinary five seasons at Ashton Gate.

During more than 200 City appearances for City, Waugh played in two Wembley finals, the semi-finals of the League Cup and, in the 1986-87 campaign alone, featured in 63 matches as an ever-present.

Not bad for a keeper, who didn't command a fee when Terry Cooper signed him from Sheffield United in the summer of 1985 following a short spell on loan at Ashton Gate the previous season.

Then aged 28, Keith had already reeled off nearly 200 Football League appearances for Peterborough United and around 100 while at Bramall Lane.

Taking over from the long-serving John Shaw between the City posts, his best days lay ahead, crowned by twice playing beneath the famous Twin Towers at the old Wembley Stadium in the 1986 and 1987 finals of the Freight Rover Trophy.

Between those two memorable occasions, Waugh lined up for the Robins in a Third Division match against today's opponents Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday November 8 1986.

City fans were still basking in the memories of seeing their team triumph 3-0 over Bolton Wanderers at Wembley the previous May.

But current form was worrying. Failure to win any of their previous three games, against Middlesbrough, Blackpool and Mansfield Town, had resulted in a drop to mid-table following a bright start to the season.

Cooper had sought to strengthen his squad with the summer signings of centre-back John MacPhail, midfielders Gary Hamson and Paul Fitzpatrick, and winger Gordon Owen.

MacPhail lined up alongside current West Ham United boss David Moyes against Fulham, in a defence also featuring Wembley full-backs Rob Newman and Brian Williams.

Other survivors from the historic victory over Bolton were Waugh, skipper Bobby Hutchinson, fellow midfielder David Harle and a three-pronged attack of Steve Neville, Glyn Riley and Alan Walsh.

On the bench for City was striker Graham Withey, a product of Welton Rovers and a prolific scorer for Bath City in his youth, who had gone on to play for Bristol Rovers, Coventry City in the old First Division and Cardiff City.


The matchday programme at Craven Cottage from 1986

With Cooper's men in desperate need of a lift, a key moment in the Craven Cottage clash came before some supporters had taken their seats.

With less than two minutes on the clock, Fulham's Welsh international striker Gordon Davies broke through on goal, only for Waugh to race from his line and deny him with a brilliant diving stop.

Aware of the effect conceding so early would have had on City's already dented confidence, I led off my Evening Post match report by describing it as Keith's "most important save of the season."

Reprieved by a typical show of bravery from their keeper, the visitors threw off the shackles and went on to produce a performance of style and determination.

Waugh's opposite number was John Vaughan, who had spent a short spell on loan with City the previous season and would do so again during the following campaign.

He was let down by some shocking Fulham defending on 15 minutes, which ended with Neville volleying City in front.

From then on, the result was never in doubt. Hutchinson had missed the previous three games through injury and his return injected extra zest in the middle of the park.

Moyes was also back after a four-game absence and was equally impressive, while Hamson's forward runs and Harle's defensive work to aid the back-four were other key factors.


How Richard Latham covered the game in the Evening Post

Neville, Riley and Walsh proved a potent combination and City's luck changed when a hopeful appeal for a 28th minute penalty was answered by referee Keren Barratt pointing to the spot.

Fulham's Dean Coney looked unfortunate to be struck on the hand by an awkwardly bouncing ball, but up went a linesman's flag and Walsh lashed a trademark shot past Vaughan.

The home side's best chance of recovery from 2-0 down came midway through the second half when the unmarked Davies directed a downward header from a Wayne Kerrins cross straight at Waugh.

Walsh, one of the most reliable penalty-takers in City's history, had another chance from the spot on 82 minutes when Neville's darting run was halted by a Gary Barnet trip.

Again a linesman flagged for the offence, but this time Walsh's powerful drive was too close to Vaughan, who made a low save.

It mattered little. Two minutes from time, Riley's persistence forced Fulham defender Jeff Hopkins into a poor clearance and Neville capitalised by coolly steering his second goal of the game.

Cooper praised his defence and the performance of referee Barratt. "Dean Coney and Gordon Davies are above average Third Division forwards, yet after a dodgy opening, we controlled them extremely well," he said.

"It was nice to see a referee prepared to give two penalties to an away side, despite the influence of the crowd. For a change, we got the breaks at the right time and you could see confidence increasing."

It was a season destined to end in bitter disappointment for City, who narrowly missed out on the play-offs and then lost to Mansfield on penalties in their second Freight Rover final appearance.

Waugh was later named Player-of-the-Year at the end of the 1988-89 campaign, his last at Ashton Gate, which saw City pipped by Brian Clough's Nottingham Forest in the League Cup semi-finals. When Keith's playing days ended, he went on to a long career in the police force.

Fulham: Vaughan; Parker, Oakes, Hopkins, Kerrins; Marshall, Hoddy, Scott (Achampong 80 mins), Barnet; Coney, Davies.

Bristol City: Waugh; Newman, Moyes, MacPhail, Williams; Harle, Hutchinson, Hamson; Neville, Riley, Walsh; Sub not used: Withey.

Referee: Keren Barratt (Coventry)



https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/bristol-city-flashback-long-arm-6491344

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Fulham v Bristol City: Team news, Is there a live stream? What time is kick-off?

Fulham and Bristol City meet for the second time in seven days at Craven Cottage this afternoon, with the Robins hoping to claim some revenge after the west London club knocked them out of the FA Cup.

Nigel Pearson's side will feel they should've won the third round match played at Ashton Gate a week ago but with the Cottagers high in confidence after hammering Reading 7-0 in midweek, they'll know today will pose a much tougher test.

Third-placed Blackburn Rovers are breathing down their necks but Fulham will be looking up and not down as a win could see them go top of the Championship – though they'll need Bournemouth to slip up against Luton Town today.

History is on City's side this afternoon, however, as they've won their last five games at Craven Cottage and are unbeaten there since 1997.

Football League World will be in west London to provide coverage as Marco Silva's side look to put that record right.

Team news

Fulham will be without midfielder Jean Michaël Seri, who is at the Africa Cup of Nations with Ivory Coast, while Ivan Cavaleiro may miss out due to injury.

City's options will be limited due to injuries with midfielder Joe Williams, right-back George Tanner, and centre-back Nathan Baker all absent.

Tyreeq Bakinson is back available, however.

Is there a live stream?

Due to the Saturday afternoon blackout, a live video stream will not be available for UK viewers but audio coverage will be available.

Additionally, video coverage will be available for viewers overseas – either through RobinsTV or FFCTV.

What time is kick-off?

The game kicks off at 3pm in west London this afternoon, meaning full team news should be available at 2pm.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-v-bristol-city-team-news-is-there-a-live-stream-what-time-is-kick-off/

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West Ham interested in swoop for Fabio Carvalho

West Ham United are interested in a deal to bring Fabio Carvalho to the London Stadium.

What's the talk?

That's according to a report by TEAMtalk, who claim that David Moyes' West Ham side – as well as Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton – are keeping a very close eye on the situation of the Fulham attacking midfielder ahead of a potential swoop this summer.

The report goes on to state that, with the 19-year-old's current contract at Craven Cottage set to expire at the end of the season, Fulham are concerned that the former England U18 international has already agreed a move away from the club, with the youngster believed to have turned down a number of new contract offers from the Championship side.

GSB must move

Considering the sheer amount of potential Carvalho quite clearly possesses, it would indeed appear to be a very smart move by the West Ham board to attempt to tie a deal up for the teenager prior to him becoming a free agent at the end of the current campaign, as there will undoubtedly be a huge amount of interest in the 19-year-old's services should he go on to leave Fulham for nothing this summer.

Indeed, the £3.15m-rated man burst onto the scene last season, scoring one goal, creating one big chance and taking an average of 2.3 shots over his four Premier League outings, with these returns seeing the youngster average a highly impressive SofaScore match rating of 6.95 in the top flight.

The player who Fulham's academy director, Huw Jennings, claimed wants to be "competing for the Ballon d'Or" in a few years time has continued this fine form into his 14 Championship appearances in the current campaign, scoring four goals, registering one assist and creating three big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.9 shots and making 1.6 key passes per fixture.

These metrics have seen the £650-per-week starlet average a SofaScore match rating of 6.89, a rather extraordinary accomplishment considering the midfielder's tender age.

As such, it would very much appear as if the signing of the teenager, particularly on a free transfer, would be a hugely exciting coup for West Ham, leading us to believe that the Hammers board simply must do all they can to land Carvalho's signature ahead of next season.



https://www.footballfancast.com/west-ham-united-transfer-rumours/west-ham-january-transfer-news-fabio-carvalho-david-moyes-gsb-fulham-whu-premier-league

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