Saturday Fulham Stuff - 29/01/22...

[WhiteJC]

Fulham stars Aleksandar Mitrovic, Harry Wilson back for Blackpool clash
Fulham boss Marco Silva has confirmed that key duo Aleksandar Mitrovic and Harry Wilson are available for this weekend's clash with Blackpool.

Both Mitrovic and Wilson were absent from Fulham's 3-2 win over Stoke City last weekend.

The duo have been ever-present figures in Silva's Fulham side this season. Mitrovic has missed only two Championship games thus far, while Wilson's absence was his first since September.

Now, heading into this weekend's clash with Blackpool, a positive update has emerged on the key duo. Speaking prior to tie with Neil Critchley's side, Silva confirmed that both Mitrovic and Wilson will be available for selection once again.

The news of the duo's return will come as music to the ears of Fulham fans given just how influential Mitrovic and Wilson have been this season. They've been two of the Championship's standout players so far, helping fire Fulham to the top of the table in their bid to return to the Premier League.

Outstanding contributions
Former Newcastle United man Mitrovic looks set to smash Ivan Toney's Championship goalscoring record, and with plenty of time to spare. The Serbian has netted a stunning 27 goals in 25 Championship games this season, taking him to 80 in 157 for the Cottagers.

As for Wilson, he has proven to be worth the money paid to bring him to Craven Cottage in the summer transfer window.

Operating on the right-wing and as an attacking midfielder, the former Liverpool ace has managed eight goals and 11 assists – a goal contribution total many players would be happy with after 46 games, let alone 23,



https://the72.co.uk/261033/fulham-stars-aleksandar-mitrovic-harry-wilson-back-for-blackpool-clash/

[WhiteJC]

Silva says Fulham must maintain standards

Marco Silva is taking nothing for granted after his Fulham side built up a five point cushion at the top of the Championship – and has called on his side to redouble their efforts in pursuit of promotion.

The Whites had to show their steelier side at Stoke City last weekend having streamrollered their way past Reading, Bristol City and Birmingham City by scoring nineteen goals in eight days and believes another stern test will come tomorrow against Blackpool. Neil Critchley's side sent Fulham to their first defeat of the season at Bloomfield Road in September and Silva is fully aware that his side cannot afford their standards to slip.

He told this afternoon's pre-match press conference:

"We go into every game expecting to win, but knowing that we must work at least the same as our opponents to win the match. Our players know that the demands we place on ourselves are really high, from myself and the players as well. And they go into the match knowing it will be really difficult, but the main thing is the three points.

"If you score a good number of goals or not, it will be a consequence from our performance, but the main thing for us is to win football matches. We'll show a big respect to our opponents because we know how hard we have to work to achieve these types of results. We have to stay really humble in this competition, keep our feet on the ground, because nothing is easy in football and we have to keep working really hard."

Silva also spoke of his desire to keep more clean sheets in the second half of the season.

"First I would like to win the match, and myself and my players and my staff will do our best to win the game, respecting Blackpool of course, it will be tough for sure. They're a team with very good organisation, but we'll do our best to win the match again. Our offensive organisation has been really, really good, but of course we clearly have to improve in some moments. The room to improve is still really big for us. Of course, I would like to see our team keep winning football matches, but keeping clean sheets would be the perfect scenario."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/01/silva-says-fulham-must-maintain-standards/

[WhiteJC]

Fabio Carvalho: Fulham winger will not leave in January window, says Marco Silva

Fabio Carvalho has scored seven goals for Fulham this season

Fulham winger Fabio Carvalho will not leave the club before the end of the current transfer window, head coach Marco Silva said.

The 19-year-old has been a first-team regular for the Championship leaders this season, scoring seven goals.

Carvalho's contract expires in the summer and he has been linked with a move away.

But Silva said the club were doing all they could to extend the England youngster's stay with his boyhood club.

"It's completely out of our plans for Fabio to leave the club in this window, completely out," he said, ahead of Fulham's Championship match at home to Blackpool on Saturday.

"The most important players we have in our squad and the others that are behind, working hard to play and waiting for their chance, they will be with us until the end of the season and Fabio is one of them."

Right-back Cyrus Christie joined Swansea on loan earlier this month.

Fulham go into the match against Blackpool five points clear at the top of the table, with a game in hand on second-placed Blackburn Rovers.

They have won their past four league games and scored 22 goals in that time.

Aleksandar Mitrovic and Harry Wilson are available but Kenny Tete will miss the game through injury.

Jean Michael Seri is not yet back in the country after Ivory Coast's Africa Cup of Nations defeat on penalties to Egypt on Wednesday.

Blackpool inflicted the Cottagers' first defeat of the season at Bloomfield Road in September, courtesy of a Josh Bowler strike, and Silva is expecting another tough test.

One area he is looking for improvements is in defence. Despite being in free-scoring form, with 73 league goals scored so far, they have registered two clean sheets in their past nine Championship games.

"The room to improve is really big for us and we should improve," he said.

"Of course I would like to see our team keeping clean sheets and keep winning football matches."



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/60169560

[WhiteJC]

Silva: We won't sell Carvalho in January

Fulham won't be selling teenage sensation Fabio Carvalho in January, head coach Marco Silva has confirmed this afternoon.

Frenzied press speculation had suggested that Liverpool were lining up a £5m move for the nineteen year-old, who has six months to run on his current contract at Craven Cottage, and has sparkled for the Championship leaders this season. But speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of tomorrow's meeting with Blackpool, Silva insisted that Carvalho would remain with the Cottagers until the end of the season and that he hadn't given up hope of persuading the player that his long-term future remained in west London.

"It is completely out of plans for Fabio to leave the club in this window. All of us have one focus, and that is to be successful at the end of the season. We started together and we go on until the end. One or two players can leave, to play more, like what happened with Cyrus Christie. But the most important players in our squad, the others that are behind them, they will be with us until the end of the season. Fabio is one of them.

"I know the last season for Fabio wasn't easy, maybe he had some more expectations to play and be involved in the football matches with the first team. This season, I realised the quality that he has. We gave him a chance. He's performing really well. It's not a surprise for me that many clubs are interested in Fabio, following him or linked with him. Because we are talking about a young football player with a big talent. I've been trying to keep him since the first day. I know that the situation isn't easy for us. Unfortunately he's in the last year of his contract. It's what it is, it is the reality."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/01/silva-we-wont-sell-carvalho-in-january/

[WhiteJC]

Blackpool Matchday Preview

Fulham v Blackpool | Saturday 29th January 2022 | 3pm | Craven Cottage | #FULBLK

The opposition

    Blackpool got their first league win of the season against Fulham back in September, which sparked a decent run of form that had them sitting in the Play-Off spots at the end of October, having won seven of their last 10 matches.
    Their form tailed off somewhat after that, though, as they took just three points from a possible 21, scoring only twice in that seven game spell.
    Some good home results look to have seen the Tangerines turn a corner now, with three wins from their last four at Bloomfield Road moving them away from danger and up to 14th in the standings.

Fulham team news

Kenny Tete misses out after picking up a groin injury at Stoke, but Aleksandar Mitrović and Harry Wilson return after missing the win in the Potteries through illness. Antonee Robinson and Bobby De Cordova-Reid are away on international duty, while Jean Michaël Seri is not yet available after Ivory Coast's exit from the Africa Cup of Nations.

Blackpool team news

Luke Garbutt misses out after picking up a knee injury in Saturday's win over Millwall. He's joined in the treatment room by fellow former Fulham loanee James Husband, with Reece James making it a trio of injured left-backs. Central midfield is also a light area for the Seasiders, with Matty Virtue and Grant Ward long-term absentees, and Kevin Stewart away on international duty with Jamaica. Goalkeeper Chris Maxwell has also missed the last six games. Charlie Kirk is in line for a debut after arriving from Charlton Athletic this week.

Tickets

This match has now sold out. Thank you for your terrific support!

Covid checks removed

Supporters will no longer be required to present COVID passes or negative lateral flow tests in order to gain entry to Craven Cottage.

Virtual mascots

We welcome Jaxon and George as our mascots for this game!

Weather

A cloudy and dry day is forecast in SW6, but it should be fairly mild by all accounts, around 13 degrees.

FFCtv

This match has been selected for international broadcast, meaning we are unable to stream it on FFCtv. Live commentary will, though, be available for subscribers.

Early bird offers

Turnstiles will open at 1pm, providing the perfect opportunity to take advantage of our early bird prices on food and drinks items until 2.30pm.

Player insight

Neeskens Kebano hopes having a full Craven Cottage backing the team will help Fulham avenge their away defeat to Blackpool at the start of the season.

"I know it's going to be a tough game again, but we're at home with our fans, so we have even more strength to win the game, which is very good for us," he told FFCtv.

"When you're top of the table, every team wants to bite you, they want to beat you, so we just have to keep on doing what we're doing, and everything will be good."

Form

Fulham: WWWWW

Blackpool: LLWLW

Pre-match quotes

"We have to stay really humble in this competition, keep our feet on the ground, because nothing is easy in football and we have to keep working really hard."

Marco Silva
Fulham Head Coach

"I think we'd be foolish to think we're going to go down to Fulham and dominate the game in terms of possession because they've got extreme quality and technical quality in the team."

Neil Critchley
Blackpool Head Coach

https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2022/january/28/blackpool-matchday-preview/

[WhiteJC]

Injured Tete to miss Fulham game

Fulham will be without right-back Kenny Tete for Saturday's game against Blackpool at Craven Cottage.

Tete has a groin injury and is among a number of players unavailable for the visit of the Tangerines, who beat Marco Silva's side in the clash at Bloomfield Road earlier this season.

"It doesn't look too long," boss Silva said.

"But he will be out tomorrow, definitely. Let's see next week whether he can start or not.

"At this moment it's difficult to say if he can be available for the FA Cup or Championship games the week after.

"Let's see how he'll react from the therapy in the next few days."

Full-back Antonee Robinson, Bobby Decordova-Reid and Jean Michael Seri are yet to return from international duty so are also unavailable.

However, Harry Wilson and Aleksandar Mitrovic will return after missing the win over Stoke.

Joe Bryan will be recalled to the squad after being left out for the past four matches.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-duo-passed-fit-but-tete-nursing-another-injury

[WhiteJC]

Tete sidelined by groin problem

Kenny Tete will definitely miss tomorrow's meeting with Blackpool as a result of the groin injury he sustained at Stoke City last week.

The Dutch full back was forced off in the second half of a see-saw encounter at the Bet 365 Stadium after a collision with Stoke goalkeeper Jack Bonham. Tete, who has endured an injury-plagued spell at Craven Cottage since signing for Fulham from Lyon last summer, could also miss the FA Cup trip to Premier League leaders Manchester City next week as well.

Silva told his pre-match press conference this afternoon:

"It doesn't look too long. But he will be out tomorrow, definitely. Let's see next week whether he can start or not. At this moment it's difficult to say if he can be available for the FA Cup or Championship games the week after. Let's see how he'll react from the therapy in the next few days."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/01/tete-sidelined-by-groin-problem/

[WhiteJC]

Silva admits Fulham are struggling to keep Carvalho – but he is staying for now

Marco Silva admits Fulham face an uphill task trying to convince Fabio Carvalho to re-sign with the club, but insists the 19-year-old will not be allowed to leave before the transfer window closes on Monday.

Carvalho is regarded as a top prospect and a number of clubs have expressed an interest in signing him for a cut-price fee before his contract expires at the end of the season.

Due to his age, a tribunal will adjudicate on a fee for the Portugal-born England Under-19 international unless Fulham agree a price for him to move.

Fulham are keen to avoid a tribunal after receiving only £1.2m up front from Liverpool for Harvey Elliott, who moved to Anfield in 2019.

That fee could potentially rise to £4.3m if a variety of clauses kick in, but Fulham were furious at losing such a talented player as a 16-year-old.

Silva said the club will revisit the situation at the end of the season if Carvalho does not re-sign.

But the Whites boss maintained the youngster will remain at Craven Cottage to help the club's push for an instant return to the top flight.

"Fabio will be with us until the end of the season," Silva said.

"I would like to see him for more years playing for Fulham Football Club but I will not lie and say it has not been difficult for us to renew (his contract).

"When a player with his talent is in the last year of his contract it is difficult to keep him. Even if he was under contract it would be difficult to keep him and without a contract it is even worse.

"Of course in football you cannot expect everything, but right now Fabio will play tomorrow (Saturday) and be here at the end of the season.

"The main thing for us now is to get success at the end of the season and our main players need to be with us to do that.

"If you can keep him for more years then great but it has been tough."

Carvalho was overlooked by former boss Scott Parker in the Premier League last season, with the Fulham side largely made up on loan players with the likes of Mario Lemina, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Ademola Lookman filling the attacking midfield positions.

He was finally given his first start at the end of the season at Southampton when the team were already down, and scored in a 3-1 defeat.

Silva suggested those decisions by Parker led to Carvalho making up his mind up to leave before he arrived at the club last July.

"I know the last season for Fabio wasn't easy. He had some more expectations to play and be involved in the football matches with the first team," Silva said.

"This season I realised the quality that he has, the talent he has, and we gave him a chance."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/silva-admits-fulham-are-struggling-to-keep-carvalho-but-he-is-staying-for-now

[WhiteJC]

Championship state of play: Free-scoring Fulham are STORMING clear thanks to Aleksandar Mitrovic and Blackburn are dreaming of the Premier League, while Wayne Rooney's Derby face the ultimate survival fight

    Championship is as fascinating as ever at both the top and bottom of the table
    Leaders Fulham have an eight-point cushion to third with Blackburn in second
    Bournemouth, QPR and West Brom lead a host of teams hoping for play-offs
    Derby aren't even bottom of the division despite their 21-point deduction

With the Premier League on its winter break, the EFL has a chance to shine this weekend, and there's still plenty at stake.

As usual, the Sky Bet Championship has been fascinating this season and is heading full throttle for an exhilarating finale with everything still to play for at both ends of the table.

With four televised matches on Sky Sports to enjoy over this weekend, here's a closer look at promotion, play-off and relegation matters in the second tier.


Freescoring Fulham lead the way in the Championship ahead of another fascinating weekend

WHO'S ON COURSE FOR THE PREMIER LEAGUE?
It looks nailed-on that Fulham will be making an immediate return to the big time.

Four consecutive wins, during which they have scored a remarkable 22 goals, have taken them five points clear of second-placed Blackburn Rovers and they retain a game in hand to extend that further.

They also have the luxury of an eight-point cushion to Bournemouth, who currently occupy third spot beneath the automatic promotion places.

After a little wobble in December, Marco Silva's team have roared back and with so much attacking strength, they have the potential to blow teams away when in the mood.


Anthony Knockaert celebrates after Fulham won 3-2 at Stoke City last weekend


How the top of the table looks in the Championship with Fulham five ahead of Blackburn

Just ask Reading, Bristol City and Birmingham City, who have seen seven, six and six goals respectively smashed past them in recent weeks.

Aleksandar Mitrovic, something of a specialist at this level, already has 27 Championship goals this season and is the league's top goalscorer by some distance.

And with the Serbian backed up by the likes of Harry Wilson, Neeskens Kebano, Fabio Carvalho and Tom Cairney, there's surely no way they'll fail to win promotion from here.

Who takes the second automatic spot is an open question. Bournemouth occupied the top two for much of the early season but have faltered, allowing Blackburn and Queens Park Rangers to catch up.

Rovers have been powered by the 20 goals of Chile striker Ben Brereton Diaz - one of the success stories of the season and coveted by Premier League sides.

They were given a rude awakening in early November when Fulham won 7-0 at Ewood Park but they've won nine of 12 league games since to climb the table, conceding only five times in the process as they shored things up at the back .

Bournemouth failed in last season's play-offs but with new manager Scott Parker in place, started this season superbly by going unbeaten until November 2.

Since then, however, their form has slumped with just three wins from 11 matches. The latest setback was a 1-0 home defeat to Hull last weekend.


Scott Parker's Bournemouth need to find a second wind to gain automatic promotion

QPR may have dropped two points at home to Swansea in midweek but nobody can rule them out of automatic promotion with just four points to make up and a game in hand on Blackburn.

Everything has clicked for Mark Warburton's side this season after a succession of lower half finishes since they last dropped out the Premier League in 2015.

They'd won four matches on the bounce prior to that and have made a speciality out of scoring late winners, as Bristol City, West Brom and Coventry have discovered in recent weeks.

WHO ARE THE PLAY-OFF CANDIDATES?
The quartet that will make up the play-offs is anyone's guess. You'll have at least one side left disappointed to miss out on automatic promotion who need to rouse themselves again and others who've made a late surge into the top six.

After all, just eight points split Huddersfield Town currently in sixth and Blackpool down in 14th with most of the sides in between still having games in hand.

West Brom expected to be in the mix to go straight back up but their inconsistency under Valerien Ismael has made it a frustrating season for the fans.

Recent defeats to Derby, QPR and Preston North End have left them fifth and looking over their shoulder rather than trying to push towards the top two. Their strong home form - just one loss to far - and stinginess at the back may well carry them far.

Huddersfield, relegated from the Premier League in 2019, are certainly a much improved proposition on the last two campaigns.

Carlos Corberan's side are hard to break down and are currently eight undefeated, with a helter-skelter 4-3 win at Reading their latest outing.

Nottingham Forest started the season in disastrous fashion, losing six of their opening seven games to cost Chris Hughton his job.

But Steve Cooper has come in and galvanised a proud club, who haven't been in the Premier League for 23 years. This could be their year with local lad Brennan Johnson catching the eye.

Another top-flight regular for many years, Middlesbrough, are also on the fringes of the top six while the much-improved Coventry are kicking on under Mark Robins.

Given the unpredictability of the division, where two or three wins can propel you up the table, Luton, Stoke and Sheffield United won't be giving up on the play-offs either.

WHO IS IN DANGER OF GOING DOWN?
Derby County's problems extend far beyond a relegation to League One that has seemed inevitable since they were deducted 21 points earlier in the season.

Liquidation loomed for the Rams as they scramble to complete a takeover that would provide an injection of cash to keep the club running. They have, however, been handed a month's reprieve by the EFL.

On the field, Wayne Rooney has worked wonders with an ever-diminishing squad. They aren't even bottom of the standings - which isn't a good look for Barnsley - and would be 15th if not for their points handicap.


How the bottom six in the Championship table looks ahead of the weekend's fixtures

But with eight points to make up on Reading in 21st place, Derby nonetheless still need a miracle to be a Championship club next season. They have been fighting tooth and nail, however.

The Tykes, also eight points from safety, have fallen a long way from the side that reached the play-offs last season. They've lost their last three games and haven't won in the league since November 3 and even that was against Derby.

If their demise seems inevitable, Peterborough United are scrapping for their Championship lives having only come up last season.

Despite having the worst defence in the division, they're only two points shy of Reading and would be even better placed had they not chucked away a two-goal lead at Birmingham on Tuesday.

Reading were themselves hit with a six-point deduction for breaking EFL sustainability rules in November and have been pretty hopeless ever since, sliding down the table into real danger.

They've lost four in a row yet haven't dispensed of manager Veljko Paunovic, who hasn't been able to recreate the outstanding start they made to last season.

Cardiff, just three points above Peterborough, are also in trouble and haven't won a Championship game since the end of November.

A couple of wins since their Turkish takeover have elevated Hull to a position where they can breathe a little easier.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-10452415/How-EFL-Championship-shaping-ahead-huge-weekend.html

[WhiteJC]

Unsung Odoi still striving to hit the heights

There's a fascinating interview with Fulham full back Denis Odoi in tomorrow's Times by Henry Winter, who still remains one of the game's most perceptive football correspondents.

I won't breach the paywall too heavily ahead of publication, but some excerpts are worthy of note. It shouldn't come as any surprise that our Belgian veteran believes playing at Craven Cottage is very special indeed:

"I don't think there's many better places to be at than Fulham. If Fulham was an established team in the Premier League it would potentially be the best club in the world to be at. Fulham's a great family club. People are very close here. Craven Cottage is a great place to play, London's a great city, you're in the best part of the city, the southwest. There's also financial backing from a great owner.

New stadiums might be nice but they don't have much character. Craven Cottage is small but cosy to me. I really like it but the dressing rooms are horrible! For Covid, it wasn't the best circumstances because it's very tiny. But the Cottage is above us. It's historic! It's lovely that it is listed, so that'll stay intact. The atmosphere is good. The fans are enthusiasts: 'Oh we lost, but there's always next week.' "

For me, the most striking part comes when we learn about Odoi's insatiable appetite for improvement.

"My dad would go out and come back whenever it suited him. My mom made a decision to marry my dad also because she was pregnant with me and my sister. She was, 'OK, I put myself in this situation so I have to take responsibility.' That's also why I'm very disciplined and take responsibility. When I was 12, I went on a tournament with Anderlecht, came back and my parents were divorced. My mother raised me and my sister. I know how hard she had to work in a fabric store and another store for us to have a decent life. So that's why every day when I go to training it would be disrespectful to not work hard and not respect her efforts."

Odoi will step in for the injured Kenny Tete again tomorrow. He'll do so without complain and give absolutely everything. Every club needs characters like this. But Denis is particularly special – he remains a fierce competitor and perfectionist on the field, but recognises the value of community and the importance of supporters. That's why he is a fervent supporter of the Fulham Foundation and a regular at their many events. There's nobody more befitting of cult hero status, in my mind.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/01/unsung-odoi-still-striving-to-hit-the-heights/

[WhiteJC]

Liverpool sent defiant transfer message over Fulham wonderkid Fabio Carvalho

Liverpool are keeping tabs on Fulham winger Fabio Cavalho, who is out of contract in June, but his current manager Marco Silva will sell the teenager in January

Fulham manager Marco Silva has confirmed Fabio Carvalho will not leave the club in January.

Liverpool are said to be monitoring the winger, 19, after a stunning start to the season, scoring seven goals in 16 Championship appearances.

He was also named the EFL's Young Player of the Month last August and has been capped by England at U16, U17 and U18 level.

Carvalho will be available on a free transfer when his existing deal expires in June, although his next club will have to pay Fulham a compensation fee for training him.

Despite the speculation surrounding the youngster, Silva is determined not to let him leave this month as his team look to return to the Premier League.

Fulham are currently top of the Championship, eight points clear of Bournemouth in third.

"Fabio will be with us until the end of the season," Silva told reporters on Friday afternoon. "I would like to see him here for more years.

"From day one I have been trying to keep him. It is not a surprise that clubs are interested in Fabio. We are talking about a young player with big talent.

"The situation is not easy because he is in the last year of his contract, but that is the reality. It is out of our plans for him to leave the club in this window.

"It has been difficult for us to renew with him, but we are trying.

"It is always difficult with a player of this talent - even with a contract it is difficult to keep him, and without it is even worse. But Fabio will be with us until the end of this season."

Fulham will have a decent chance of keeping hold of Carvalho - at least for another season - if they can achieve promotion.

The Cottagers have already lost one promising talent to Liverpool in recent years, with Harvey Elliott joining the Reds in the summer of 2019.

Carvalho is not thought to currently have an agent after leaving Unique Sports Management earlier this month and is considering his options with his family.

Jorge Mendes, who represents Cristiano Ronaldo, reportedly wants to take the talent under his wing and has "promised him the world".

Discussing Carvalho's future earlier this month, Silva said: "He definitely has to keep his feet on the floor, and the people around him.

"Because it is important to understand that sometimes you want to make a step bigger than your leg can take and sometimes you're making a big mistake.

"I'm not saying that it will be with Fulham or club A, B or C. But sometimes you have to understand that a football career is not just in one moment - you have to prepare the future as well."

"Fabio has natural talent, and when you have natural talent, that is the first big step to have a big career and to get to the top."



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/liverpool-transfer-news-carvalho-fulham-26079645

[WhiteJC]

Slavisa Jokanovic ready to return and wants one of football's hardest jobs

Sheffield United currently languish slap bang in the middle of the Championship table and ex-manager Jokanovic has since discussed just how difficult the division is

Slavisa Jokanovic has become the Championship's promotion specialist.

Jokanovic has led Fulham and Watford into the Premier League and is ready for another challenge after Sheffield United.

Former Fulham boss Jokanovic, 53, knows exactly what it takes to get into the promised land and yet still believes achieving may be one of the hardest jobs in football.

Jokanovic said: "There's a huge difference between the top six in the Premier League and the rest whereas in the Championship it is very even.

"There's 18 clubs who start the season believing they can be promoted.

"There's not the same difference between the teams like the Premier League. This competition, the Championship, is one of the hardest in the world. There's a lot of up and down during the season.

"There are big clubs in the Championship with Sheffield United, Nottingham Forest, huge names. Look at Blackburn, they are having a great season, QPR too. Fulham are doing brilliantly, scoring lots of goals.

"It's an aggressive league, in one week you can win nine points, lose nine points, you have to be ready for the competition and the recovery.

"People talk about work, work, work, but actually maybe recovery is more important than work. You can't do anything without the right preparation.

"You can make calculations and know how many points you need not to be relegated, get promoted, be calm, be ready for the next steps and find the best way forward.

"For me, it was still more difficult to stay in the Premier League than get promoted. The Premier League is different speed, harder and it's a different challenge.

"But the Championship is still so tough. The intensity, the mistakes, it's a challenge. It's one of the most aggressive leagues in the world. It's so tough."

Jokanovic led Watford to promotion in 2015, Fulham went up under him in 2018 and that is undoubtedly why Sheffield United hired him in May, to help them get straight back up.

But after just six months in charge he was replaced by Paul Heckingbottom.

It was a difficult ask to bounce straight back especially after losing the likes of Aaron Ramsdale who left Bramall Lane to join Arsenal in the summer. But there are no hard feelings and he still believes they can go up this season.

Jokanovic said: "We could not fix it quickly. But I wish them all of the best, I hope they make the Premier League and it's still possible this season so I hope they can make it.

"We knew we could lose players because the club informed me. Was I completely surprised? Definitely not. I spoke to Aaron, wanted him to stay but of course I understand his decision to go to Arsenal.

"We tried, they tried and now he has shown that he is an important player for Arsenal."

Jokanovic has been back in his native Serbia and is enjoying his former club Fulham's impressive recent run under Marco Silva as they have been hitting goals left, right and centre.

There is still a connection at Craven Cottage and even more so with English football.

He added: "Fulham are doing well, they are scoring lots of goals. I'm sure they will be focused and win as many points as possible.

"Listen, England is the best place to work to be a player, manager or a fan. All the world follows the English leagues.


Slavisa Jokanovic has been impressed with the form of his old side Fulham



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/jokanovic-sheffield-united-championship-ramsdale-26080700

[WhiteJC]

Southampton sanction 'dream come true' transfer move for former Arsenal and Fulham goalkeeper

The 18-year-old goalkeeper, who has played for both Fulham and Arsenal at academy level, has been with the club for two years but has now made an exit to play senior football in his home country

Southampton have parted ways with talented academy goalkeeper Gustav Lillienberg in a move that has been described by the teenager as "a dream come true".

The 18-year-old has returned to IFK Gothenburg, the club he departed to move to England with his family back in 2017, where he has now been promised senior football in Sweden's top division, the Allsvenskan.

The former Arsenal youngster was spotted by Saints scouts in action for Fulham over two years ago but, after having made only two under-18s appearances this season, the decision has been made for him to move on.

Over the past fortnight, the youngster has been on trial with his former club in the hope of proving to scouts that he has developed enough to land a professional contract with his boyhood club - and now he has, putting pen to paper on a one-year deal.

"It is a big step to take up into the senior team," he has said. "It was always the dream as an academy player.

"I have received a very good reception here during the training weeks and it feels great to be a part of Blåvitt again."

Saints still boast an impressive crop of young academy goalkeepers with Jack Bycroft, Ollie Wright, Matt Hall, Eddie Beach, and Adli Mohamed all tied down to either scholarships or professional deals.



https://www.hampshirelive.news/sport/football/transfer-news/southampton-transfer-arsenal-fulham-goalkeeper-6570023

[WhiteJC]

Ex-Arsenal winger back in contention and a flying wing-back on loan from Fulham: What Sunderland can expect from Bolton Wanderers
Sunderland are preparing to face Bolton Wanderers this weekend – but what can Lee Johnson's side expect?

The Black Cats beat Bolton 1-0 in August's fixture at the Stadium of Light, but Wanderers have dropped to 18th in the League One table since then.

To find out more, we caught up with Bolton reporter Marc Iles from The Bolton News to get the inside track:

We saw Bolton play at the Stadium of Light in August - how have they fared since?
MI: "It's been pretty much all downhill since Bolton came to the Stadium of Light for what I felt was a pretty unlucky defeat at the time.

"Ian Evatt' s side had started the season really well but the confidence started to drain from the team after a 4-0 home drubbing by Wigan and once injuries and Covid had done their damage, the team had dropped to 18th by the start of January.

"Thankfully, things are looking up again now after back-to-back wins against Ipswich and Shrewsbury and a raft of new signings."

MI: "Difficult to guess with any accuracy.

"Evatt has switched to three at the back in the last couple of games but arguably found more success when he moved to 4-3-3 in-game.

"With the new additions he has made to the squad he has a few different options against Sunderland."

Who are their key players?
MI: "For my money, Dapo Afolayan is still the most impactful player in the team - but he has started the last couple of games from the bench.

"Dion Charles has started life at Bolton really well, scoring a belter against Shrewsbury last weekend.

"I also like the look of Marlon Fossey, who is on loan from Fulham - a flying wing-back and a proper athlete down the right flank."

What's the latest team and injury news?
MI: "No new injuries to speak of, as Kieran Lee came through a fitness test in midweek on a slight hip problem.

"Xavier Amaechi, the former Arsenal winger on loan from Hamburg, is fit again and might make the bench."

Can you have a go at a predicted line-up?
MI: "Absolute guesswork (4-3-3): Trafford; Jones, Santos, Johnston, John; Fossey, Williams, Morley; Afolayan, Charles, Bakayoko."



https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/ex-arsenal-winger-back-in-contention-and-a-flying-wing-back-on-loan-from-fulham-what-sunderland-can-expect-from-bolton-wanderers-3545717

[WhiteJC]

30% Off Home & Away Shirts

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF AN EXCLUSIVE 48 HOUR FLASH SALE ON ALL 2021/22 HOME AND AWAY SHIRTS!

Available until midnight on Sunday 30th January, pick up your Home shirt, Away shirt or Mini Kit with 30% off.

Wear your colours with pride and represent Fulham Football Club in 2022!

Don't miss out! Fans can purchase online now or at the Stadium Store all weekend!*

SHOP NOW

*Open 10am-5pm Saturday, and 11am-4pm on Sunday.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2022/january/29/flash-sale---30--off-home---away-shirts/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham 'lining up Bowler bid'

Fulham are preparing to test Blackpool's resolve to hold on to winger Josh Bowler by submitting a bid before the end of the January transfer window, according to reports this morning.

The two sides meet at Craven Cottage this afternoon and Blackpool boss has previously dismissed speculation linking Bowler with a move away from Bloomfield Road. The 22 year-old has attracted significant interest after starring for the Seasiders on their return to the Championship – and Bournemouth, Nottingham Forest and Fulham are particularly keen to sign the lively winger.

Bowler, who had a spell in the Fulham academy as a youngster, has scored against Fulham twice in recent seasons. He scored at Craven Cottage whilst on loan at Hull two seasons ago and grabbed the winner as Blackpool inflicted Marco Silva's first defeat in charge of the Whites back in September. The Chertsey-born wide man has scored two goals and added three assists in thirty appearances for Critchley's side so far this term.

Bowler, a member of the Everton under 23 side that won the Premier League 2 title in 2019, has six months to run on his current contract at Bloomfield Road but Blackpool are certain to trigger the one-year option on the deal their in-form winger signed last June.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/01/fulham-lining-up-bowler-bid/

[WhiteJC]

Blackpool winger targeted by Fulham and Bournemouth as deadline day approaches

The Seasiders winger has been a pivotal figure for Neil Critchley's side in recent weeks

Blackpool winger Josh Bowler is the target of Fulham and Bournemouth, according to reports.

Bowler has been the subject of heavy interest from a number of clubs, with Nottingham Forest the key players in the market.

The Seasiders have already rejected bids from Nottingham Forest that fall way short of their value and Forest are also targeting Millwall's Jed Wallace, and Alan Nixon of the Sun has suggested another bid has been rejected.

And now Football Insider are suggesting Fulham and Bournemouth will both make late bids for the winger before the deadline approaches.

Blackpool have already been busy this window with two permanent additions in the form of Jake Beesley and Owen Dale alongside a loan with option to buy deal for Charlie Kirk.

Speculation is linking Peterborough midfielder Ollie Norburn with a late move to Bloomfield Road as the hunt for a central midfielder continues.

Neil Critchley hailed the difference Bowler can make in a game, telling Lancs Live: "What he does is he carries the ball, he can get you from the halfway line to the penalty box in a few seconds so even when you're defending you know that if they turn the ball over, you've got a player who can really hurt teams.

"CJ can do that on the opposite side as well. That didn't quite materialise like I thought it might do at 1-0, it did against Hull and we didn't capitalise on those moments, but today it didn't really happen like I thought it would.

"When the opposition leaves space, then Josh is really, really effective."

Bowler offers something different for the Seasiders at the moment and whilst he can frustrate at times with his end product, recent performances have enabled Blackpool to relieve pressure at key moments in games when they are starting to drop deeper.

Losing that creativity, especially when Keshi Anderson remains out injured, would serve a huge blow for the aspirations of the Tangerines in the second half of the campaign.



https://www.lancs.live/sport/football/football-news/blackpool-fulham-bournemouth-bowler-transfer-22917020

[WhiteJC]

Fulham make Fabio Carvalho stance clear amid Liverpool interest

Liverpool have been credited with serious interest in Fabio Carvalho and while there are suggestions of a January pursuit, Fulham manager Marco Silva has looked to put a line through that.

The 19-year-old attacker is not short of admirers across the Premier League and elsewhere in Europe having put clubs on alert with his contract to expire in the summer.

Fulham are eager to keep hold of the highly-rated Carvalho but January is the last chance to cash in should the teenager continue to resist a new deal.

Liverpool have "scouted Carvalho extensively" and are "monitoring the teenager's situation closely", according to The Athletic, and will be ready should the Championship side welcome offers.

However, as Fulham look to continue to stretch their lead at the top of the Championship manager Silva has insisted the 19-year-old attacking midfielder will remain at Craven Cottage until the end of the season.

"Fabio will be with us until the end of the season," Silva told reporters on Friday. "I would like to see him here for more years.

"From day one I have been trying to keep him. It is not a surprise that clubs are interested in Fabio. We are talking about a young player with big talent.

"The situation is not easy because he is in the last year of his contract, but that is the reality. It is out of our plans for him to leave the club in this window.

"It has been difficult for us to renew with him, but we are trying.

"It is always difficult with a player of this talent – even with a contract it is difficult to keep him, and without it is even worse. But Fabio will be with us until the end of this season."

It's a determined stance from Silva for a player who has established himself as a regular under his tutelage, scoring eight goals and providing two assists in 17 league games this season.

Fulham knows that if an English club land Carvalho in the summer then they will be due a compensation fee, likely at a tribunal and they've been hardened in the process after the Reds' pursuit of Harvey Elliott.



https://www.thisisanfield.com/2022/01/fulham-make-fabio-carvalho-stance-clear-amid-liverpool-interest/

[WhiteJC]

Stoke City working towards loan deal for striker Josh Maja

Stoke City are reportedly closing in on a loan deal for Bordeaux striker Josh Maja, formerly of Sunderland and Fulham.

Maja will be best known for his time on the books with Sunderland, where he earned a move to Bordeaux in January 2019.

However, he returned to England on loan with Fulham last January and now, the Daily Mail has claimed that Maja is closing in on a second return to England, this time with Stoke City.

The report states that the Potters are closing in on a loan deal for the Nigerian striker, who has seen limited game time this season.

It is added that Serie A side Venezia, La Liga outfit Alaves and two MLS sides are also keen on Maja.

A back injury has kept him sidelined for much of the season, with the same injury said to have scuppered a summer move to Blackburn Rovers too. He has only made his return to action recently, making substitute appearances in Bordeaux's last two Ligue 1 games against Stade Rennais and RC Strasbourg.

Maja's time in England

After making his way through Sunderland's youth academy, Maja became a regular starter for their senior side.

Across all competitions, the London-born 23-year-old scored 16 times in 49 outings for the Black Cats, also chipping in with two assists before departing for France two years ago.

His loan return to England with Fulham saw him make the step up to the Premier League for the first time. He made 15 appearances as the Cottagers were relegated to the Championship, chipping in with three goals in the process before his loan spell came to an end.



https://the72.co.uk/261107/stoke-city-working-towards-loan-deal-for-striker-josh-maja/

[WhiteJC]