Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 25/01/22...

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Leeds United want to sign Fabio Carvalho, move to Premier League too good to turn down - report

Leeds United are locked in a battle to sign Fulham sensation Fabio Carvalho, according to the Daily Mail.

The newspaper has reported on their website that the Cottagers are desperate to keep the 19-year-old, with his contract running down.

It is suggested, though, that a move to the Premier League could be too good to turn down for Carvalho this month.

Carvalho is described as "incredibly" high-rated, with two other Premier League clubs sniffing around.

Liverpool and West Ham are two of those, with a move away on the cards as we enter the final week of the window.

The England youth international has been in brilliant form, scoring four and assisting one in his last three outings.

Premier League clubs have been on red alert ever since Carvalho rejected a new contract in November, with a move now possible in the next seven days.

Sensation.

Wow, what a move this would be.

It would fit perfectly in the transfer strategy of Leeds, bringing in one of the most highly-rated talents in the country and showing him a direct pathway to first-team football in the Premier League.

There is one big problem, though.

Victor Orta jetted out to Austria in the past week to try and secure the signing of RB Salzburg star Brenden Aaronson.

That means talks could be left to another member of his team, with Carvalho another potential addition this week.

It's time to get this one done and bring one of the countries best young attacking talents to Elland Road.



https://motleedsnews.com/news/leeds-united-want-to-sign-fabio-carvalho-move-to-premier-league-too-good-to-turn-down-report/

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'I know the tennis scores were great!' – Tim Ream reacts as Fulham seal yet another victory

Tim Ream has shown the good mood around the Fulham camp with his latest Instagram post.

The defender took to the social media app to share a picture of himself and manager Marco Silva from after the side's 3-2 victory over Stoke City last weekend.

The game was much more intense than Fulham's more recent wins, which saw them win 7-0, 6-2, 6-2.

"'Yes boss, I know the tennis scores were great!!! But the close ones are exciting too, just not good for anyone's blood pressure.'" 😅😅We keep it rolling," captioned Ream under the post, via Instagram.

Stoke initially took the lead on Saturday afternoon courtesy of D'Margio Wright-Phillips, who scored the first goal of his career in the process.

Rodrigo Muniz equalised almost instantly, to make 1-1 after only a few minutes from kick off. Goals from Fabio Carvalho and Bobby Reid were enough to seal the three points, despite a Lewis Baker equaliser in between.

The victory took Fulham's lead at the top of the Championship to eight points. Second place Bournemouth lost at home to Hull City, which allowed Silva's side to extend their advantage over their promotion rivals.

Up next for the Cottagers is the visit of Blackpool on January 29.

The Verdict

Fulham's win on Saturday was massive for their promotion ambitions. An eight point gap, even with 19 games still left to play, is a huge cushion.

Their defensive weaknesses showed again against Stoke, making it three games in a row where they have conceded twice. However, going forward, it doesn't look like anyone can stop Fulham in their current form.

They will need to solve those defensive issues in the long run, but if they can continue to score as freely as this then promotion will surely only be a matter of time.

That victory over Stoke made it 22 goals in their last four games, a ludicrous run.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/i-know-the-tennis-scores-were-great-tim-ream-reacts-as-fulham-seal-yet-another-victory/

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Jasper 'much more confident' after Colchester loan

Fulham winger Sylvester Jasper says he has grown in confidence following a successful loan spell with Colchester United.

The 20 year-old scored three goals in 24 games on loan at the League Two outfit and was rewarded with his first appearances for Bulgaria's under 21 side as a result. Jasper, who featured for Fulham's under 23 side in their defeat at Southampton last week, told the club's official website:

"I feel much more capable and confident since returning to Fulham and so my main target now is to push for a place in Marco's squad and hopefully pick up some first Team minutes along the way. I found it really educational playing regular senior football. I loved playing in front of big crowds every week and really enjoyed my time there. My performances progressed as I got more comfortable and I felt the love from the fans throughout."

Jasper is expected to be a part of Steve Wigley's squad at Stoke this evening as the under 23s look to bounce back from their Southampton setback.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/01/jasper-much-more-confident-after-colchester-loan/

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Talking Points: Stoke

A different type of win

Us fans have been spoilt over the last few matches, winning every game by a minimum of four goals. Those were fantastic to witness, but there was something about the weekend that felt every bit as enjoyable. We had to dig in, fight back, hold on – all of which the boys did with aplomb. "It's not always going to be rosy," Bobby De Cordova-Reid told FFCtv. "We're not always going to win 7-0 and not concede a goal. There will be times where we have to really show character. We did that, everyone was counted for, the subs that came on did well, and it was a real team performance."

Able replacements

Stoke City might have been licking their lips when team news dropped at 2pm on Saturday to reveal that Aleksandar Mitrović and Harry Wilson – who have 52 Championship goal involvements between them this season – were not in the matchday squad. Unfortunately for the Potters, their replacements each had a stormer. Rodrigo Muniz and Bobby De Cordova-Reid scored and created a goal apiece, leading to plaudits from their Head Coach. "Rodrigo is one of the happiest guys in our dressing room at the moment," said Marco Silva. "He's always working hard and he deserves it. He deserves this type of afternoon. Bobby has been fighting and fighting for the chance. He got the chance and got an assist and a very good goal."

Professionally managed

Protecting a one goal advantage when six minutes of stoppage time have been announced can prove to be a nervy affair for many teams, especially in front of a hostile home crowd such as the one present on Saturday, but Fulham displayed some excellent game management to get over the line. Composed, intelligent football saw us keep possession and even fashion a couple more chances, including one for Anthony Knockaert which led to the corner that effectively meant the game was done.

Conquering the congestion

Following Birmingham City and Reading requesting postponements at the back end of 2021, Fulham's New Year calendar was somewhat congested. We've now played five times in 15 days, and so huge credit must go to the players for coming away with five victories in that time. Nonetheless, having a week to prepare for Blackpool will no doubt be welcomed by Marco and his men.

First win since Bairdinho

Stoke away is never an easy match, with Marco even referencing Fulham's imperfect record in the Potteries in his post-match interviews. Only one of our previous eight trips to the bet365 Stadium ended in an away win, and you have to go back more than 11 years for that one. Chris Baird was the hero for the Whites that day with a brace to claim what proved to be a vital win, and Saturday's three points felt pretty damn important, too.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2022/january/24/talking-points-stoke/

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Fulham Fixture Selected For International Coverage

Blackpool's trip to Fulham on Saturday has been selected for overseas broadcast by Pitch International.

Set to be shown live by multiple broadcasters across Europe, Asia, North America and throughout the world, the match will therefore be unavailable to stream live internationally on Tangerine TV in countries covered by the EFL's global television rights deal. 

Audio commentary will remain available to those with match-related subscriptions however, while the full 90-minute replay of the game on Tangerine TV can be accessed with a subscription from 12pm on Sunday (30 January).

You can purchase a subscription here.

In countries where no broadcasting agreement is in place, the match will continue to be available to watch.

Classed as dark market territories, these countries can change at any time but are currently as follows:

Afghanistan, Albania, American Samoa, Bangladesh, Belize, Bermuda, Bhutan, British Virgin Islands, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Christmas Island, Cocos Islands, Cook Islands, Cuba, Cyprus, East Timor, Faroe Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Gibraltar, Guam, Japan, Kiribati, Laos, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Maldives, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nauru, Nepal, New Caledonia, Niue, Norfolk Islands, North Korea, Northern Mariana Islands, Pakistan, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Pitcairn Islands, Puerto Rico, Romania, Samoa, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Sri Lanka, St Helena, Ascension & Tristan da Cunha, St Kitts & Nevis, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Taiwan, Thailand, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Ukraine, US Virgin Islands, Vanuatu



https://www.blackpoolfc.co.uk/news/post/fulham-fixture-selected-for-international-coverage

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Bundesliga clubs join Liverpool in race for youngster – Club consider player to be 'nearly lost'

Since Fulham midfielder Fabio Carvalho started being linked with a move to Liverpool, we've been seeing the Portuguese media covering all the claims about this chase, even though they seemed to have no information of their own.

Now we finally get something from reporter Bruno Andrade, who on Twitter features an update on the 19-year-old's situation at Craven Cottage.

The journalist says Liverpool are not alone in the race for Carvalho, as they currently face competition from Bundesliga sides Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund.

Since the player's contract with Fulham expires at the end of the season, it's claimed that the Cottagers consider his stay to be 'nearly lost'.

Carvalho has eight goals and two assists for Fulham this season, despite being sidelined for a month and a half due to a foot injury and a Covid-19 infection.

With more clubs lining up in the race for him in January, that's likely to be Fulham's biggest hope of making money with his sale before he leaves the club for free in the summer.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/bundesliga-clubs-join-liverpool-race-youngster-club-consider-player-nearly-lost/

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Fulham prodigy Fabio Carvalho eyed up by Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen
Fulham attacking midfielder Fabio Carvalho is attracting interest from Bundesliga duo Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen, it has emerged.

Carvalho's performances this season have seen him emerge as a key player for Fulham, showcasing himself as one of the Championship's top young talents.

His displays have seen him attract interest from the likes of Liverpool, with his contract expiring at the end of this season.

Now, it has been claimed that Carvalho is wanted in Germany.

As per Portugal-based reporter Bruno Andrade, Bundesliga duo Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen are both interested in the Fulham player.

With interest in the young playmaker persisting and with his contract situation remaining unresolved, it remains to be seen if Dortmund or Leverkusen's interest develops further.

Carvalho's season so far
The Portuguese-born talent has been a mainstay in Marco Silva's side this season, nailing down a starting spot in attacking midfield.

He missed a run of nine Championship games earlier in the season but he has broken back into the starting XI since returning to full fitness. Carvalho has netted eight goals and laid on two assists in 17 league games this season, chipping in with five goal contributions in the last five games (four goals, one assist).

A big loss
If Carvalho ends up leaving upon the expiry of his contract it would be a big blow for the Cottagers. Not only is the playmaker an important player now, but he still has his best years ahead of him at only 19.

A sale this month would give Fulham the chance to cash in on Carvalho while they can rather than lose him for nothing at the end of the season.



https://the72.co.uk/260681/fulham-prodigy-fabio-carvalho-eyed-up-by-borussia-dortmund-bayer-leverkusen/

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Leeds: Whites eye up move for Fabio Carvalho

Leeds United are reportedly interested in signing exciting Fulham youngster Fabio Carvalho, but they are not alone in being linked with a move for the starlet.

The Lowdown: Carvalho shining for Fulham
The 19-year-old has been a key player for a Cottagers side currently leading the way in the Championship this season, scoring eight goals and registering two assists in 14 league starts. He has also represented England at various youth levels, including six caps for the country's under-18 side.

The attacking midfielder's performances have caught the eye of a number of clubs, and according to a fresh report, Leeds are among the suitors.

The Latest: Leeds linked with Carvalho move
According to The Daily Mail, the Whites see Carvalho as an exciting option to bring in during the January transfer window, with a move to the Premier League this month potentially 'too tempting to turn down'. Indeed, the 19-year-old rejected the offer of a new contract at Craven Cottage in November.

Liverpool and West Ham are also credited with taking an interest in the Fulham starlet, so it may not be easy for Whites to get a deal over the line if they are battling with two of the top flight's current top five.

The Verdict: Hugely exciting prospect
It is crucial that Marcelo Bielsa plans for both the present and the future, ensuring Leeds that continue to grow after he has left the club, and Carvalho could be a great prospective signing in that respect.

He possesses huge long-term potential, already a standout performer for a team who have scored a ridiculous 73 goals in just 27 league matches this season, and he has been hailed as 'fantastic' by his current manager Marco Silva.

The lure of Liverpool in particular could act as a stumbling block for Leeds, but a greater prospect of first-team action at Elland Road – where young talents like Charlie Cresswell, Cody Drameh and Joe Gelhardt have all earned Premier League starts this season – could possibly give the Whites an edge.



https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/leeds-united-transfer-rumours/fabio-carvalho-leeds-transfer-interest/

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McDonald training with St. Johnstone

Former Fulham midfielder Kevin McDonald is currently training with St. Johnstone as he continues to look for a new club.

The Courier reports that McDonald took part in Saints training at McDiarmid Park this morning with manager Callum Davidson considering adding reinforcements in midfield. The Scottish international, released by Fulham in the summer, has been training with Dundee and Dundee United in recent weeks and is still hopeful of resuming his playing career following a successful kidney transplant.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/01/mcdonald-training-with-st-johnstone/

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West Ham handed boost in Fabio Carvalho pursuit

West Ham United have been handed a boost in their bid to bring Fabio Carvalho to the London Stadium in the January transfer window.

What's the talk?

That's according to a report by the Daily Mail, who claim that the Fulham attacking midfielder could find a move to a Premier League side too tempting to turn down this month.

The report goes on to state that all of West Ham, Liverpool and Leeds United are keeping a very close eye on the situation of the 19-year-old – who has less than six months left to run on his current contract at Craven Cottage – ahead of a potential £5m swoop for the forward prior to the closure of the January market.

Lanzini's heir

Considering just how impressive Carvalho has been for Fulham this season, it would appear a very smart move for Moyes to make an offer for the attacking midfielder this month, rather than waiting for the England youth international to become a free agent at the end of the season.

Indeed, the £3.15m-rated prodigy has been in breathtaking form over his 17 Championship outings in the current campaign, having already scored eight goals, provided two assists and created four big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.1 shots, making 1.5 key passes and completing 1.2 dribbles per game.

These returns have seen the £650-per-week forward who Greg Cruttwell – one of Carvalho's first coaches at Balham FC – dubbed "unplayable" average a SofaScore match rating of 7.10, ranking him as Marco Silva's eighth-best performer in the second tier.

Indeed, there are clear similarities between the Fulham starlet and West Ham's own Manuel Lanzini – with both players being slight in stature, being able to operate on either wing as well as their primary position in the number 10 role, being extremely comfortable in their progression of the ball and possessing a penchant for scoring spectacular goals.

And, with the Argentina international turning 30 next season, as well as his current contract expiring in the summer of 2023, it will not be long before a replacement could be required for the Hammers' current attacking midfield magician – with it being difficult to find a more suitable candidate than Carvalho.

As such, it is our belief that the West Ham board must do all they can to fight off the competition in order to secure a deal for the 19-year-old this month, as Carvalho is clearly a player heading for the very top of the game – something he could well achieve at the London Stadium.



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

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Who is Fabio Carvalho? Liverpool target leading Fulham's promotion push

Liverpool are reportedly keeping a close eye on Fulham playmaker Fabio Carvalho amid the teenager's rapid rise in a Fulham shirt.

The Portuguese-born attacker has established himself as a key member of the Cottagers' setup at 19 years of age since rising through the youth ranks, bagging eight goals and setting up two more in 17 Championship appearances this season.

Carvalho only has six months left to run on his deal with the Championship leaders, and whatever happens with his contract situation at Craven Cottage, he is seemingly destined for Premier League football in the 2022-23 season.

Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at Carvalho and what Liverpool fans could expect from the youngster should he make the move to Anfield.

EARLY BEGINNINGS
Born in the Lisbon district of Torres Vedras in 2002, Carvalho began his footballing journey in the youth setup at Benfica before moving to England, where he spent three years at Balham FC ahead of his move to Fulham's youth academy in the winter of 2014.

The playmaker would enjoy a rapid rise through the youth ranks at Craven Cottage, with a particularly eye-catching 2018-19 Under-18 Premier League campaign seeing him score eight goals and set up eight more in 19 appearances, and he soon began to make his mark at Under-23 level.

Alongside another productive campaign in the U18 Premier League, Carvalho became a regular for the Under-23s just after his 17th birthday and ended the 2019-20 season with five goals in 10 Premier League 2 appearances.

The 2020-21 season saw Carvalho have a direct hand in 19 goals across 13 Premier League 2 appearances amid his breakthrough into the Fulham first team, featuring four times in the Premier League and scoring once in a 3-1 defeat to Southampton before the Cottagers' demotion to the second tier.

The teenager started Fulham's final three Premier League games of the 2020-21 season as well as making his EFL Cup and FA Cup debuts that same year, with the London club fully aware that a true gem was on their hands at this point.

RECENT FORM
A competent dribbler with a keen eye for a pass, a strong first touch, a willingness to get stuck in to the tackle and a penchant for goals - earning comparisons to a young Philippe Coutinho - Carvalho immediately established himself as an integral member of Fulham's setup in the summer months.

By gameweek four of the 2021-22 Championship season, Carvalho had three goals and an assist to his name - netting in successive games against Huddersfield Town, Millwall and Hull City - but a serious toe injury derailed his progress for several weeks.

The teenager then contracted COVID-19 during the latter stages of his recovery and missed a total of nine second-tier games for Fulham in that period, while he recorded just one goal in his subsequent nine matches following his return to action.

However, Carvalho has since rediscovered his golden touch with four goals in three games against Bristol City, Birmingham City and Stoke City since January 15, as free-scoring Fulham steer well clear of the rest of the promotion-chasing pack.

INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE
Carvalho is eligible to represent Timor-Leste as well as Portugal and England, but he has already progressed through the levels for the Three Lions since initially pulling on the jersey at Under-15 level back in 2016.

A spate of international friendlies at Under-17 level would soon follow for Carvalho, whose two goals in that age group both came against Brazil's Under-16s, while he also assisted a Joe Gelhardt strike in a 2-0 win over Cameroon.

Carvalho has since featured on eight occasions for the Under-17s - even captaining the side in a couple of games - before making the step-up to Under-18 level, taking part in six friendlies and ending up on the winning side during five of them.

The Fulham starlet is yet to earn his first call-up to England's Under-21 squad, but it is surely only a matter of time before Lee Carsley considers him for a place, even if he does end up making the move to the former Everton man's most bitter rivals.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/liverpool/transfer-talk/feature/who-is-fabio-carvalho-liverpool-target-leading-fulhams-promotion-push_476208.html?newsnow

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Liverpool report: Reds to win the race for teen Fulham sensation in spectacular FREE transfer

Liverpool are set to land one of the most exciting teenagers in Europe – and he won't cost the Reds a penny

Liverpool are set to beat the likes of Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea, Leeds United and West Ham United to the much-coveted Fabio Carvalho.

The Fulham star has shone in the Championship this season, popping up with goals and has long been a target for bigger sides. In November, it was reported that England youth star – also eligible to represent Portugal – turned down a new deal from the Cottagers.

Now, the Daily Mail says that Liverpool are locked in a battle for the starlet but that he could be available for nothing at all come the summer.

Carvalho has been integral to Fulham's title charge this season as Marco Silva's side target an immediate return to the big time following last season's relegation. The teenager is one of the club's most exciting talents – but fans are fearing the worst, given that Fulham have a history of losing their brightest young stars.

While Ryan Sessegnon was sold to Tottenham for over £20m, the last big name out of the Cottage, Harvey Elliott, also joined Liverpool. Now, it seems as if Jurgen Klopp wants to add another teen sensation to his ranks.

Carvalho is capable of playing on the right as a traditional winger but prefers to operate on the left, where he can cut inside on his favoured right foot. With Liverpool looking for options to give Sadio Mane competition, the 19-year-old would be an inexperienced option for the Reds but a cost-effective solution.

The youngster could provide cover and develop at his own pace, challenging for a spot in the long-term.

Carvalho is valued at £3m on Transfermarkt.



https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/liverpool-report-reds-to-land-teen-championship-sensation-for-free-ahead-of-rivals

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SAMI MOKBEL: Claudio Ranieri's heart wasn't in it at Watford, who should have spoken to Fulham before hiring him... his training methods were archaic and he was rarely seen around the place

    READ: Claudio Ranieri has been SACKED by Watford after just 112 days in charge
    The 70-year-old Italian arrived in October to replace the axed Xisco Munoz
    Simply put, Ranieri's heart wasn't in it and Watford should've consulted Fulham
    Ranieri's man-management has proven questionable and his training is archaic

Perhaps Claudio Ranieri knew what was coming from day dot.

Maybe that's why he chose not to fully engage with Watford's players during his 112 days in charge at Vicarage Road.

He was rarely seen in the training ground canteen, the central hub of the club's London Colney base. He kept his dignity and was gentleman to the very last; polite and charming to those he crossed paths with. But his heart wasn't in it; that was clear.

His sacking on Monday came as no surprise. Sportsmail revealed on New Year's Day that he was heading for the sack amid doubts over his suitability as head coach.

But the assertion that everyone knew the Italian's appointment as Xisco Munoz's successor in October was doomed from the very beginning isn't necessarily an accurate one.

News of his arrival was greeted with excitement by the playing squad who were dumbfounded that someone of Ranieri's pedigree had agreed to join a club that isn't known for its stability. It didn't take long, however, for the penny to drop.

A lovely man, a genuine Premier League legend - but not the person you want masterminding a relegation escape.

Had the Pozzo family completed sufficient due diligence before appointing Ranieri then perhaps they wouldn't be in this mess. Instead, Watford are 19th having picked up just seven points from a possible 36 during the Italian's disastrous reign.

Watford's first phone call should have been to Fulham.

Ranieri, two years on from his historic title win with Leicester, was appointed by the Cottagers to lead them to safety. A relative no-brainer given his lofty achievements. Far from it, as Fulham found to their detriment.

Three wins from his 19 matches in charge, Ranieri was relieved of his duties after just 106 days in charge. His training methods were old-fashioned and unenjoyable at Fulham's Motspur Park training HQ. His dedication left a lot to be desired, too.

'He was out the door before the cones had even been collected,' said one Craven Cottage source involved during Ranieri's dreadful spell in charge.

There may well be an element of humour about that quip; but it certainly wasn't a laughing matter at the time as Fulham suffered relegation. Had Watford taken the time to make a call, perhaps they'd not be learning the hard way now.

Indeed, it seems Ranieri's methods haven't changed much since then.

Perhaps, he's just a delegator. There's nothing wrong with that, Sir Alex Ferguson often empowered his backroom team with tasks that would fall under his remit.

But when you're in a relegation battle, players want to know their manager is as invested as they are.

Ranieri, rightly or wrongly, didn't portray that impression. His penchant of making a quick getaway from work remained - as did his archaic training sessions.

'It was probably hard to bond with the players because he was never there,' said one Watford insider.

His man-management was said to be questionable as well, his failure to explain to players why they had been dropped was a particular gripe amongst the squad.

There are obvious mitigating factors, of course. The club's recruitment has been poor, that is unquestionably the key factor behind their poor season so far.

Ranieri also inherited a squad notorious for being fractious, though claims that the dressing room is 'toxic' have been described as exaggerated.

There are said to be 'one or two' players whose egos are rubbing team-mates up the wrong way, and while morale at the club is clearly low that has been put down to poor results than anything more sinister.

The Italian's last stand came on Friday night as he watched his team capitulate at home to Norwich.

Ranieri addressed his players in the dressing room before captain Moussa Sissoko had his say in the hope of galvanising the team - but by then the damage was done.

The Pozzo family don't take kindly to embarrassment, the doubts that surfaced at the start of January had crystallised.

Sportsmail understands that Watford were ready to dismiss Ranieri had they lost to Burnley last Tuesday night - a game that was postponed due to Covid.

They probably wished they had done so anyway.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-10436739/Claudio-Ranieri-SAMI-MOKBEL-Watford-spoken-Fulham-hiring-Italian.html

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U23s suffer late Fulham defeat

    Russell's side denied a point by league leaders
    Hilton hit wonderstrike five minutes from time
    Goodwin and Porter went close in first half

The U23s suffered their first defeat in six matches this evening as runaway league leaders Fulham snatched all three points.

Cottagers captain Sonny Hilton fired a wonderstrike into the top corner with five minutes remaining at the bet365 Stadium to claim a 1-0 win.

Kevin Russell's side will rue not taking a couple of presentable opportunities in the first half when Will Goodwin and Adam Porter were denied.

The Premier League 2 encounter began at a frantic pace, however it wasn't until midway through the half that either side fashioned a chance of note.

When an opportunity was created, the Potters went mightily close to taking the lead. Goodwin weaved his way into the box before hitting an effort that was cleared off the line by Hilton.

Minutes later, Porter was denied by Luca Ashby Hammond after the midfielder had raced forward and fired an effort straight at the goalkeeper.

Hilton had the Cottagers' only attempt of the first 45 when Fulham broke on City and the midfielder fired high and wide from 20 yards.

The second period was played at a much slower tempo to the first, with little in the way of chances. After Blondy Nna Noukeu kept out Luke Harris' low drive in the 50th minute, it wasn't until eight minutes from time that another opportunity presented itself.

When the chance did arrive, a fine defensive block thwarted substitute Kieron Bowie as he saw his close range shot deflect a yard wide.

Ultimately, a moment of quality was what secured the win for the visitors as Hilton fired an effort into the top corner, leaving Nna Noukeu with no chance.

Stoke U23: Nna Noukeu, Okagbue, Macari, Forrester (Baker 67'), Jones, Sparrow, Coates, Porter, Norton (Tezgel 45'), Oakley-Boothe, Goodwin (Trialist A 64')

Subs: Baker, Trialist A, Malone, Broome, Tezgel

Fulham U23: Luca Ashby-Hammond, Odutayo, Bowat, Page, Robinson, Tiehi (Bowie 65'), Dibley Dias (D'Auria-Henry 30'), O'Neill, Pajaziti, Hilton, Harris

Subs: Adams, Bowie, D'Auria-Henry, Araujo, Lanquedoc



https://www.stokecityfc.com/news/2022/january/24/u23s-suffer-late-fulham-defeat/

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Stunning Hilton strike seals U23 win at Stoke

A stunning strike from skipper Sonny Hilton saw Fulham's under 23s return to winning ways at Stoke tonight.

The Scouse playmaker settled a tight contest with a brilliant individual finish six minutes from time. He illuminated a forgettable second half with a fierce drive into the top corner from distance, which ensured Steve Wigley's side bounced back from their first defeat in eleven games at Southampton last week. Hilton led by example throughout, producing an inspired clearance off the line in the first half when Will Goodwin seemed destined to score after weaving his way past two Fulham defenders.

The visitors enjoyed plenty of possession in the early stages but Stoke looked the more likely to score. Ibane Bowat, making his first under 23 start of the season after injury, dived in to avert the danger when the hosts looked threatening. Luca Ashby-Hammond surged off his line to save well from Adam Porter, whilst Fulham's only significant opportunity came when Adrion Pajaziti found Hilton, who blazed wildly off target from twenty yards out.

Fulham exerted greater control after the interval, but still struggled to break down a stubborn Stoke side. Luke Harris fired a low drive straight at Blondy Nna Noukeu after a promising move that had seen Hilton hacked down late and a succession of set plays were seen off by the home side. Substitute Kieron Bowie had a glimpse of goal with eight minutes remaining, but the Scottish forward was denied by a brilliant block as he attempted to turn home Ollie O'Neill's cross.

Just as it seemed as though the young Whites would have to settle for a point, Hilton stepped up to score his seventh goal of the season in sublime style. The league leaders battled their way through eight minutes of added time to extend their lead over Norwich to fourteen points.

STOKE CITY UNDER 23s (3-4-3): Nna Noukeu; Macari, Okagbue, Forrester (Baker 67); Coates, Jones, Porter, Sparrow; Goodwin (Trialist 64), Oakley-Boothe, Norton (Tezgel 45). Subs (not used): Broome, Malone.

BOOKED: Jones, Forrester, Macari.

FULHAM UNDER 23s (4-2-3-1): L. Ashby-Hammond; Page, Odutayo, Bowat, C. Robinson; Pajaziti, Dibley-Dias (D'Auria-Henry 30); Hilton, O'Neill, Harris; Tiehi (Bowie 65). Subs (not used): Adams, Araujo, Lanquedoc.

BOOKED: Hilton, Pajaziti.

GOAL: Hilton (84).

REFEREE: Martin Woods.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/01/stunning-hilton-strike-seals-u23-win-at-stoke/

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Hodgson set for Watford job

Former Fulham manager Roy Hodgson is set to succeed Claudio Ranieri as Watford's new manager, according to reports this evening.

The Hornets are hoping that the 74 year-old can repeat his heroics from his tenure at Craven Cottage and Crystal Palace and keep Watford, who are currently nineteenth in the Premier League, in the top flight. The former England boss has been out of work since leaving Selhurst Park last summer. His long-time lieutenant, Ray Lewington, also an ex-Fulham manager, has a long history with the Vicarage Road club.

Hodgson famously rescued Fulham from a precarious position in their Great Escape in 2008 – going on to lead the Whites to a club record seventh-placed finish and the Europa League final two years later.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/01/hodgson-set-for-watford-job/

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Results

Monday
Blackburn	1-0	M'borough