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Monday Fulham Stuff - 25/04/02...

Started by WhiteJC, April 25, 2022, 07:28:37 AM

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WhiteJC

April 25, 2022, 07:28:37 AM
Fulham's goalkeeping dilemma

It is only right that, after clinching promotion in the past week, attention turns to how Fulham might avoid a third consecutive relegation from the Premier League. Marco Silva has confidently asserted that the club are in a far better position to compete at the highest level now than on the last two occasions they went up via the play-offs – and it is crucial that the Whites use these precious through weeks to get a head start in terms of recruiting the key figures who can help them stay up. Fulham have always opted to bring in at least one goalkeeper ahead of a Premier League campaign, something which must be worrying the current incumbent.

Marek Rodak began the Silva era on the bench, having been displaced by summer signing Paolo Gazzaniga, but he has proven his quality at Championship level. Having won the number one jersey back from Marcus Bettinelli and becoming a crucial part of Fulham's previous promotion, the Slovakian international soon ousted Gazzaniga and has firmly established himself as Silva's first choice in goal. The whispers have never gone away about whether the academy graduate could do it at the very highest level – he was dropped after the opening day defeat against Arsenal last term and not seen again under the end of the season against Newcastle – and a couple of errors against Coventry City proved costly recently, especially after the red tops had been speculating about Fulham's interest in acquiring a new custodian.

Rodak has undoubtedly improved as a goalkeeper over the course of this campaign and he was magnificent on the night that Silva's side finally secured their place in the Premier League with a 3-0 win over Preston North End. The scoreline certainly wouldn't have been as comfortable without his pair of outstanding saves in the early stages and he tipped a long-range effort onto the crossbar just after the break as North End looked to get back into the contest. There can be no quibbling with the fact that Rodak solidified a Fulham backline that seemed shaky after returning to the team following October's shocking second half in the Ricoh Stadium rain.

But Rodak's reluctance to come off his line and claim a high ball will be tested in the top flight. The Premier League is an unforgiving environment and few will need reminding that Scott Parker's side went down even with an excellent goalkeeper in Alphonse Areola. The Slovakian may have improved with the ball at his feet, but he isn't the sweeper-keeper that Silva clearly covets. Areola has been criminally underused at West Ham this season – excelling in the Hammers' run to the Europa League semi-finals – and he might be available again should the Irons' hierarchy not exercise the option in his current loan from PSG to trigger a permanent deal.

Recent reports have also indicated Fulham may hold an interest in the Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope, who has been one of the Premier League's most consistent shot stoppers over the past few years. He first showcased his ability at Charlton and may fancy a return to the capital, with top flight football probably essential to retain his place in Gareth Southgate's squad for the forthcoming World Cup. But Burnley's relegation is no foregone conclusion – despite the crazy sacking of Sean Dyche – and Pope will have plenty of suitors if he is allowed to leave Turf Moore. That's why the Whites are casting a wide net in search of an upgrade in goal.

Dean Henderson might well be regretting his decision to remain at Manchester United, having barely got a look in at Old Trafford as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Ragnick have largely stuck with David de Gea, our old scourge from Hamburg. Another England international, Henderson showed his credentials by starring in goal for Sheffield United in an outstanding campaign after their promotion to the Premier League and, like Pope, will be craving first-team football in the top flight to boost his own international hopes. The rumoured Β£40m price tag seems insane, but the tabloids claim that United are open to a loan deal and that Fulham are at the front of the queue.

Sam Johnstone, like West Brom, has had a hugely disappointing campaign, which has culminated in Steve Bruce leaving him out of the Baggies side. Intelligence from the Midlands suggests that he will be on the move this summer with interest in his services coming from his old club Manchester United, Tottenham and West Ham. When he was on form at West Brom, Johnstone was also a regular fixture in Southgate's England squad but I fail to see how he would be significantly better than either Rodak or Gazzaniga, who enjoyed an outstanding run in the Tottenham side when deputising for Hugo Lloris.

The fantastical stories linking Fulham with a move for Lazio's Sergio Milinkovic-Savic earlier this week – with Aleksandar Mitrovic apparently used as the go-between his compatriot – made much more sense when subsequent reports suggests the Whites were eyeing a move for the midfielder's brother, the 6ft8in Torino goalkeeper Vanja. Once on the books of Manchester United, the 25 year-old has enjoyed an excellent season for I Granata, making 26 appearances and keeping four clean sheets. He still has three years to run on his current contract with the Serie A side – so enticing him to Craven Cottage might take a little more than Mitrovic's best line in sweet talking.

I'd throw a couple of further options into the mix – although I'm sure Fulham's scouting network is currently scouring the globe for alternatives. Bernd Leno, a German international with plenty of Premier League experience, appears out of favour at Arsenal and will be seeking regular football. The Inter veteran Samir Handanovic is out of contract this summer and would be an intriguing option. His age may count against him at 37, but we saw Mark Schwarzer perform heroics in goal for Fulham's most successful side, and the Slovenian international has a wealth of experience of continental football. He could mentor both Rodak and Fulham's plethora of promising young keepers whilst adding reassurance in goal for a couple of seasons.

Demoting Rodak might seem harsh after his contribution to a pair of Fulham promotions but there is no room for sentiment as Fulham seek to crack the elusive Premier League code. It seems pretty clear that Silva is hunting a new goalkeeper and a swift signing will be key to making sure the Whites are ready for the big kick off come early August.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/04/fulhams-goalkeeping-dilemma/

WhiteJC

#1
April 25, 2022, 07:31:30 AM
Positives and negatives: AFC Bournemouth 1-1 Fulham
Graham Scott loves a pointless yellow so without wasting anymore time, here's Cam's take on a game where both sides ultimately couldn't be separated after 98 tense minutes.

The title processions continues. For Fulham – disregarding the painful circumstances – a point at the Vitality Stadium is much more valuable to us than it is Scott Parker's AFC Bournemouth. The Cherries are being tailed by Nottingham Forest, who are the Whites' next opponent, incidentally, and with a 5-point gap between them and Steve Cooper's Garibaldis, the race for second could go right down to the wire. Fulham are nine points ahead at the summit, there's three games left to confront and while our run-in isn't the easiest, our road to the Sky Bet trophy is mapped out before us.

So, Harrison Reed reached 100 outings, Marco Silva was sent to the stands for bollocking anybody that got in his way following the hosts' last-gasp penno, Parker managed to take the conceited credit for his successor's, well, successes and with Tuesday night upon the horizon, a second pitch invasion of the season could be on the cards. You just didn't hear it from me. Honours even, a tricky trip to the south coast navigated, the popping of champagne bottles is tantalisingly close and we will be there every single step of the way, flutes in hand.

Positives
Mitro's fine margins

Nobody could be sure whether it crossed the line or not. To the naked eye, in real-time, Aleksandar Mitrovic's headed opener appeared to be the season's greatest ghost goal but under inspection, with CGI animations defusing controversy, the slimmest of measurements allowed the Serb's 41st of the season to remain chalked and he is edging ever close to that coveted 42-goal marker. Bagging in front of Fulham's colourfully-clad away following, Mitro lapped up the scenes, the Whites were in the ascendency, and though many will contest the positioning of the on-line technology and the validity of Scott's overriding decision to allow the game's opener to stand but pivotally, physical evidence can not be questioned.

Mark Travers appeared to have executed a ridiculous diving save, I was in disbelief as the score line altered in Fulham's favour but there's no luck or fortune in Aleksandar's conversion. It crossed the line, albeit by a pubic hair's breadth, and that's all that matters. The 27-year-old was restrained abidingly by Nat Phillips and Lloyd Kelly, he was kept on a short leash for the majority of the encounter but as the Championship appreciates all too well, one opportunity to influence proceedings drastically is all it takes for our Serbian gunman and regardless of how aesthetically pleasing the goals may well be, they count all the same and I hope Parker sobbed into his special fried rice. Your defence is terrified, Mitro's fine margins.

Terrific Tosin & Tim
With plenty to keep them occupied, Tosin Adarabioyo and Tim Ream joined forces, as they always do, to banish Bournemouth's second-half resurgence and throughout, with calmer heads than most, the pair administered possession sensibly and also initiated compelling passing phases to soothe the narrative. What I've come to admire from our central defensive pairing is their judgement and common understanding between one another, they cooperate in tandem to devise and withstand, and with the division's 'pound-for-pound greatest striker' in Dominic Solanke to contend with, Tim and Tosin were virtually unmoved.

Whilst in custody of possession, both defenders picked their passes intuitively, the centre of the park was initially congested but pockets gradually formed and play was duly offloaded to advanced playmakers. They're both assured on the ball, and though there were a few close shaves, an air of sensibility emanated from our dynamic defensive duo. Switches reached destinations without turbulence, one observed as the other belted out orders, it was a coalition that has strengthened over the course of the campaign and they're undoubtedly growing in stature as a pairing. Tim's confidence is soaring, he even channelled his inner Denis Odoi with a nimbly navigated dribble into Bournemouth's half and Tosin is trusting of his expansive instigations, too. It's not the perfect partnership, but it's a collaboration that's complimentary of Silva's vision and the benefits vastly outweigh the weaknesses.

Singing Kebano's praises
On the charge offensively, at the double defensively, Neeskens Kebano started Saturday's encounter with a set of specific instructions and he undertook his duties manfully, at both ends of the pitch. Kebano is never short of enthusiasm when play ventures into his path, and though he was instinctively direct on the counter, he offered support at the back as well, acting as an auxiliary wingback to blockade the Cherries' inroads as they plotted a route through our deep defensive line.

What you see is really what you get with Kebano. He's an honest winger that purely sets about his business with 100% commitment, however at the Vitality, we witnessed more than just offensive directness and final third involvement, because he was ready and willing to put in a serious shift alongside his defensive colleagues, too. Neeskens is the very definition of an unsung hero. He's an earnest operator that trusts his capabilities and he also recognises his flaws, but what we can always depend on is his tireless output and his eagerness to learn and develop. This season, he's taken Silva's stewardship on board and his contributions on the south coast were typically persistent.

Jedi's steadying impact
Joe Bryan was walking a tightrope in the first half and with a caution to his name, the favoured left-back of recent weeks had to be hauled off at the break because he was dancing with the devil. Bryan was visibly fired up for the occasion, to presumably prove a vigorous point to his former manager, and as he flew into innocuous scenarios to upend unsuspecting victims, his temper was nearing boiling point and a change in personal, which expectantly came in the shape of Antonee Robinson, was necessary. Robinson was focused, alive to the task at hand and where Bryan lunged in irrationally, Jedi was calculated.

As we know, Robinson's main feature is his pace over a short and indeed long distance and he patrolled his flank diligently, cruising with surveillance. He didn't crash into challenges or wrongfully manhandle his direct opponent, he marshalled Ryan Christie stride for stride and timed his interceptions carefully. As ever, the opinion-splitting left-back was a prominent driving force and bringing him on at the break to save Bryan from potentially being sent off was a particularly intelligent decision from Silva. Perhaps I'm dreadfully wrong about Robinson. I couldn't fault his application during the second half, he soaked up pressure to defuse advancements, he carried possession at full tilt to draw his team out of troublesome situations and vitally, as a fully-fledged fullback should, he respected his defensive duties first and foremost to extinguish the flames that Bryan left behind.

Negatives
Gut-wrenching ending

With less than, say, 15 seconds of additional time to see out, Bournemouth waged one last siege on the Whites' penalty area and within an instance, with victory all but assured, the prospect of a well-deserved victory was snatched away as Harry Wilson conceded a last-ditch penalty. Harsher penalties have been awarded this season, Adam Smith made a meal out of minimal contact from our flying Welshman but critically, clear and obvious contact was made and a somewhat unjust equaliser for the hosts was staring the visitors in the face, goadingly. The game was rife with contentious officiating, play was interrupted constantly without consultation but I have to admit, there could be no solid complaints in this gut-wrenching instance.

A classic case of attacker hashing a simple defensive scenario, Wilson attempted to dispossess Smith from behind and you just don't do that, ever, in the 18-yard box. He could've screened across to push the midfielder towards the byline but it screamed last-minute panic, we were literally seconds from three points and it all boils down to wrong man, wrong time. Solanke dispatched his spot kick, Marek Rodak was deceived and the home support, all 300 of them, exploded as though they'd gained promotion themselves. Both games between the two teams have ended honours even this season, disputable infringements have tarnished both occasions but none more so than the Cherries' penalty at the death. It just seemed so unjust, the hosts rallied in the second half and before they squared things up the Whites conducted themselves professionally, although one sudden rush of blood to the head was the undoing of the three points and for that, Parker can count himself as the luckiest man in the world, at his former employers' sickly expense.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2022-04-24-positives-and-negatives-afc-bournemouth-1-1-fulham/

WhiteJC

#2
April 25, 2022, 07:33:36 AM
Preview: Fulham vs. Nottingham Forest - prediction, team news, lineups

Fulham play host to Nottingham Forest on Tuesday evening looking for the victory which could prove to be enough to win the Championship title.

However, the Cottagers face opponents in Nottingham Forest who are the form team in the division and are looking to close the five-point gap to second-placed Bournemouth.

Match preview
Given their dominance during the second half of the campaign, many people would have envisaged Fulham having already wrapped up the second-tier crown by this stage.

However, a combination of inconsistency and the form of their rivals have contributed to Marco Silva's side still having work to do, the latest setback being Bournemouth's 97th-minute equaliser in their top-two battle at the weekend.

In the grand scheme of things, the goal has the potential to be more important to the Cherries than Fulham, but the West Londoners still have the chance to seal top spot in front of their own supporters.

If Fulham win on Tuesday and Bournemouth are unable to defeat Swansea City, they will have an unassailable lead at the summit, while just one more goal will take them to 100 Championship strikes for the season.

Aleksandar Mitrovic took his tally to 41 against Bournemouth, with the Serbia international making it six from as many games during a crucial stage of the campaign.

Nottingham Forest head coach Steve Cooper will know that Bournemouth's late goal against Fulham on Saturday has the potential to prove decisive in the race for automatic promotion.

Nevertheless, the East Midlands outfit should remain focused on their own results and still treat a top-two finish as a bonus, the main aim still being on a top-four spot so that they play the second leg of any playoff semi-final at the City Ground.

Forest had to show a different side to their game on Saturday, scoring just the one goal against struggling Peterborough United and holding on during the second half of that fixture.

Their last two away displays have been below expectations and although they still possess the fourth-best return on their travels in the division, they need to find more consistency.

Losing Keinan Davis for the rest of the regular season through injury is a significant blow, but his replacement Sam Surridge has netted in his last two starts.

Fulham Championship form:

Β  Β  WΒ  Β  WΒ  Β  LΒ  Β  LΒ  Β  WΒ  Β  D

Nottingham Forest Championship form:

Β  Β  WΒ  Β  WΒ  Β  WΒ  Β  LΒ  Β  WΒ  Β  W


Team News
Given the intensity of the match with Bournemouth on the South coast, Silva will give consideration to freshening up his Fulham XI.

Antonee Robinson could return for Joe Bryan at left-back, while one of Jean Michael Seri or Nathaniel Chalobah are likely to feature in midfield.

Bobby Decordova-Reid may get the nod over Neeskens Kebano in the final third, and it remains to be seen whether Neco Williams will feature at right-back after being dropped on Saturday for "a technical reason".

Cooper has made a habit of making minimal changes to his Forest XI and that could stay the same for a match of this magnitude.

Cafu may be introduced into the midfield, providing James Garner with more freedom, but Philip Zinckernagel is favourite to retain his spot behind the front two.

Fulham possible starting lineup:
Rodak; Tete, Adarabioyo, Ream, Robinson; Seri, Reed; Wilson, Carvalho, Decordova-Reid; Mitrovic

Nottingham Forest possible starting lineup:
Samba; Worrall, Figueiredo, McKenna; Spence, Yates, Garner, Colback; Zinckernagel; Johnson, Surridge

We say: Fulham 1-1 Nottingham Forest

This has all the makings of being one of the most thrilling and tense fixtures of the season and it should make for a great spectacle. The pressure is on Forest, who will feel like they have a window of opportunity, but we are backing these two quality teams to play out a competitive draw.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/championship-promotion-race/preview/preview-fulham-vs-nottm-forest-prediction-team-news-lineups_484141.html?cQx=NN&newsnow

WhiteJC

#3
April 25, 2022, 07:35:19 AM
Arsenal, Newcastle United keeping tabs on Fulham hitman Aleksandar Mitrovic

Aleksandar Mitrovic is having the season of his football career for Fulham in the Sky Bet Championship. His record-breaking exploits have led to attention from other clubs says Fichajes writer Ekrem Konur (tweet – below):



As can be seen, Konur's tweet mentions that Premier League sides Arsenal and Newcastle United are interested in Serbian hotshot Mitrovic.

Premier League interest as Mitrovic fires Fulham to promotion

Fulham have been pacesetters and genuine promotion candidates pretty much all of this campaign.

Their promotion was confirmed recently ad Aleksandar Mitrovic has been a massive part of that.

Across the season so far, the 27-year-old has scored 41 goals and provided 7 assists in the 40 games he has featured in for Fulham.

That level of return is bound to catch the eye and that appears to have been the case with linked interest from Mikel Arteta's Arsenal and Eddie Howe's Newcastle United.

Thoughts...

Interest from other teams was always going to happen what with Mitrovic hitting a Championship-record 40 goals for the season.

Fulham would have expected interest in their red-hot striker sooner or later. In this case, it appears that it is sooner.

Arsenal are a little unsettled at the top of the pitch and would benefit from a regular goalscorer. Newcastle United have aspirations of competing at a much higher level than they are at the moment.

Mitrovic would provide the Premier League pair with what they need in a forward.

Fulham do have him tied down to a lengthy contract. Mitrovic signed a new deal in August last year that extended his time at Craven Cottage until summer 2026.

However, a big-money offer from either Arsenal or Newcastle United would sorely test their resolve to hold onto their key man. At the moment, it seems both are merely happy to keep tabs on him.



https://the72.co.uk/271327/arsenal-newcastle-united-keeping-tabs-on-fulham-hitman-aleksandar-mitrovic/

WhiteJC

#4
April 25, 2022, 07:39:48 AM
Notes from April meeting with FFC

On Wednesday 13 April at 13:30, the Fulham Supporters' Trust met with Fulham FC via video conference.

The Club was represented by:

Β  Β  Alistair Mackintosh (CEO, AM)
Β  Β  Darren Preston (Chief Operating Officer, DP)
Β  Β  Katy Brecht (Head of Ticketing, KB)
Β  Β  Nicola Walworth (Supporter Relations Manager, NW)
Β  Β  Charlie Harris (Communications Assistant, CH)
Β  Β  Carmelo Mifsud (Communications Director, CM)
Β  Β  Mike McSweeney (Fulham Foundation, MM)
Β  Β  Mathew Doolan (Fulham Foundation, MD)

The FST was represented by Board Members:

Β  Β  Tom Greatrex (Chair, TG)
Β  Β  Hayley Davinson (Board Member, HD)
Β  Β  Dan Crawford (Board Member, DC)
Β  Β  Sarah Keig (Board Member, SK)
Β  Β  Amelia Armstrong (#HerGameToo, AA)

TG introduced Amelia Armstrong, who was attending as the Fulham rep of the #HerGameToo, but had also been co-opted to join the Board of the Fulham Supporters' Trust.

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

Β  Β  Female focus group presentation
Β  Β  Fulham Foundation
Β  Β  Season ticket pricing and related issues
Β  Β  Supporter behaviour
Β  Β  Accounts
Β  Β  Fulham Pier
Β  Β  Pre-season friendlies
Β  Β  AOB

FEMALE FOCUS GROUP PRESENTATION
HD gave a presentation on the focus groups of female supporters which the Trust ran in January. HD advised that due to the large amount of information within the presentation the expectation would be for the Club to take it away look at it in detail and we would put it as an agenda item for the next meeting. AM advised that in order to give it the attention it deserved it might be that we look at it at the next meeting and subsequent meetings, as a standing agenda item. SK talked about the lack of diversity on the Club website and how this could be an easy win for generic photos to include more women, disabled and black supporters. AA talked about #HerGameToo and her desire to set up a women's forum and get more women involved.

FULHAM FOUNDATION
Mike McSweeney (CEO of the Fulham Foundation) gave a presentation on the current and planned activities of the Foundation, and some if its key targets which align well with activity the Trust in undertaking – including on female participation. Girls' participation via Foundation activity is feeding into the FFC Women's Team, including the England Women's Deaf Team.

This year the Fulham Foundation will be celebrating 20 years as a charity. Mike is keen to work jointly with the Fulham Supporters' Trust to maximise exposure and on areas of mutual interest, including on the development of a community hub facility close to Motspur Park. He would like to do a joint event with the FST, and it was suggested that representatives from FST and the Foundation meet separately to discuss. TG to arrange with MM.

SEASON TICKET PRICING AND RELATED ISSUES
DC raised the feedback that the Trust has received in relation to pricing and sales approach for the lower tier of the Riverside Stand for next season. The Trust has previously made its position on these issues clear. DC particularly drew attention to the concern amongst existing season ticket holders in other parts of the ground due to the lack of communication around the cost for next season, and that the pricing for the Riverside was an indication of the trend for prices elsewhere. AM stated that sales are going well for the Riverside and there is a huge number of people on the waiting list. He confirmed that it is the Club's intention to offer all previous Riverside Season Ticket holders the option to buy in the Riverside, once this has been completed, they will offer other season ticket holders the offer to purchase before moving on to the waiting list.

TG asked whether the Club were intending to sell all Riverside seats as season tickets, should there be sufficient demand. AM responded that it was the Club's intention to sell the majority of seats to season ticket holders. Although KB did advise that a small number of tickets might be available on a game by game basis, where broadcaster requirements will vary match to match.

DC queried when the upper tier might become available, AM said that while it would only be the lower tier that is available for the whole of the season (and therefore sold as season tickets), the use of the upper tier was dependent upon progress of the construction and fit out process.

Asked about when renewal prices would be announced, KB reiterated that the Club will release the prices for season tickets in other areas in early May. Asked whether prices will increase, AM confirmed they would do, and pricing would be different in different areas of the stands, but the overall pricing is not benchmarked to the Riverside lower tier.

Asked about seats in block H7, KB confirmed that seats had been returned from Buckinghams in the corner of the stand adjacent to the Riverside and previous season ticket holders there would be contacted about returning to those seats should they wish to do so, but it means the capacity in the Hammersmith End would be slightly higher next season than this season.

There was a lengthy discussion on the use of loyalty points – when they are deployed, how they are used by supporters, the information available to supporters – and whether they should continue to be used in their current form. AM said there were different definitions of loyalty, and one of the difficulties of proposing changes is that there would always be a group who those changes would not suit. KB said the Club were open to ideas about how and whether to change the loyalty points system, but would be keen to hear input from supporters via the Trust.

SUPPORTER BEHAVIOUR
SK discussed the increase in anti-social behaviour across all football matches since fans returned to stadiums last August. She discussed Hull City's "Is This Your Game?" campaign, which highlights the fact that the vast majority of fans come to matches to support the Club in a positive and enjoyable way. SK also mentioned that at the Middlesbrough game there were images from the EFL Campaign FFS (For Football's Sake). Launched in March the FFS campaign clearly spells out that anti-social behaviour and criminal activity are not acceptable at football grounds. DC discussed the incidents at QPR and the abuse that he received on social media after the game, which led to intervention by the police. AM said the abuse DC received had been disgraceful and unacceptable.

AM advised that both he and DP had recently met with the police who advised that this increase in anti-social behaviour is widespread in society and not just football. Fulham is very much at the lower end of the table when it comes to anti-social behaviour compared to other clubs but it is definitely an issue. There was a discussion around Fulham's Ful Stop Campaign and how there was to be a focus on Ful Stop at the Preston North End Game on the 19th April.

ACCOUNTS
In answer to Trust questions on the Club's accounts, AM stated that they illustrated how fortunate Fulham were to benefit from the continued investment of Shahid Khan. He confirmed that the Club expected to be fully compliant with Financial Fair Play and that the Riverside Stand should provide a pivotal alternative revenue stream in the future. AM also stated that the vast majority of the Β£60m of infrastructure spending referenced in the accounts concerned the ongoing redevelopment of the Riverside Stand.

FULHAM PIER
TG advised that the Trust had received several emails about the recent coverage of the proposed pier adjacent to the new Riverside Stand. AM advised that the Club had entered pre-application consultation, but that there were no finalised plans as yet. Some of the comments made by Ranelagh Sailing Club, including projected images, were misleading, and they and Putney MP Fleur Anderson had been made aware of this. In consultation with local residents, 80% of those who responded were in favour or a pier being used to improve accessibility and encouraging more people to travel by river. It is anticipated that a planning application would likely be made towards the end of the year.

PRE-SEASON FRIENDLIES
TG asked if the Club would be able to announce the pre-season friendlies as soon as possible to allow people to plan. AM advised that the details of opponents are being finalised and an announcement will be made soon.

AOB
Changes to kick-off times
TG asked if the Club gets the right to refuse changing kick off times to accommodate Sky. AM stated that while clubs can make representations, in practice broadcasters have an expectation that their slots will be taken with their choice of matches. TG further asked about games moved that were not for TV – citing the Coventry and Preston fixtures, which particularly inconvenienced supporters with families looking to attend an Easter Monday daytime game unable to do a weeknight evening kick off, despite the school holidays. AM explained this is done, where both clubs agree, to enable greater recovery time and preparation for the players. TG noted that at least one player expressed their frustration on social media.

Speaker system
TG raised supporters in the Putney End and Johnny Haynes Stand complaining they were unable to hear the half time presentation at the Coventry game, which is an issue which comes up reasonably often. TG asked whether there had been a particular problem for that fixture. DP will take this feedback away and investigate further.

Putney End
TG asked whether, to cater for the increased away allocations as a result of the overall capacity increasing, any Putney End season ticket holders in P4 would need to be relocated. DP responded that, as similarly to the Hammersmith End, seats had been released from Buckinghams, then there would be no need to relocate any season ticket holders next season. DP also confirmed that the stand would remain split between home and away fans, with the concourse and turnstile areas being common to both.

Catering options in the Riverside
TG asked if Fulham will look to use local suppliers for the catering options within the Riverside Stand next Season, pending the completion of the stand's catering areas. He gave the example of AFC Wimbledon who use local pop-up food stalls in the ground as a way of developing relationships with local businesses and providing more food and drink options. AM advised the Club currently uses a local coffee supplier and it is something that they would look into, but there would continue to be a main contractor for catering services around the ground (currently Delaware North).

Fan Led Review
The Trust asked the Club about its attitude to the recommendations of the Fan Led Review, which Tracey Crouch MP recently submitted to the government. AM explained that Fulham's position in relation to parachute payments was different to the EFL view, and that nobody had come up with a satisfactory alternative that was able to deal with the significantly different financial situations for a relegated club and the adjustment that has to be made.

On some of the other aspects of the Fan Led Review recommendations, AM stated he preferred the broader and regular dialogue that has developed between the Club and Trust over a number of years to something he viewed as less meaningful being imposed upon clubs. The Trust's position on a fan led review is here.


The meeting ended at 15.30




https://www.fulhamsupporterstrust.com/news/2022/04/notes-from-april-meeting-with-ffc-4/

WhiteJC

#5
April 25, 2022, 07:41:04 AM
Poor old Scott Parker

Watching yesterday's game at Bournemouth, I thought we had just the one preening narcissist to deal with – more on referee Graham Scott later – but then I read Scott Parker's post-match comments. It is possible to consider the former Fulham manager as someone with immense potential as a young coach if he learns from the mistakes he made in his first managerial job, but he will also have to stop deluding himself about why the Fulham faithful have taken a dislike to the man who wore the captain's armband and finished his career as a regular fixture in our midfield.

Parker's suggestion that his Fulham side and the one that Marco Silva has led to promotion were 'very similar if not identical seemed to stretch credulity,' but the Bournemouth boss verged on the preposterous after the final whistle claiming to be deeply hurt by the opprobrium of the visiting support. His actions at the end of a cagey encounter between the division's two leading sides firmly established the ex-England captain believes the world revolves around him. There he was holding back Silva after the Portuguese coach had been sent from the field – having previously aimed barbs in his direction – and he even inched towards the Fulham fans to applaud them after Dominic Solanke had equalised with the contentious stoppage-time spot-kick.

Parker is a masterful manipulator of the media, which seems to be a pre-requisite in modern management if not in Downing Street these days. He also writes a good line in revisionist history. When he claimed to have taken Fulham over in complete despair, he neglects to mention his own role in backroom upheaval ahead of Fulham's return to the top flight, when his decision to return to Craven Cottage from Tottenham displaced the popular Stuart Gray. Parker pushed to succeed Slavisa Jokanovic in the run up to the sacking of the Serbian and before the club's hierarchy disastrously plumped for Claudio Ranieri.

He deserves credit for turning round a losing mentality and guiding the Whites up via the Championship play-offs, but his safety-first approach sucked all the life out of what might have been an enterprising Fulham side. Parker's pragmatism turned a team that, having recruited the likes of Ivan Cavaleiro, Anthony Knockaert and Bobby Decordova-Reid to supplement Aleksandar Mitrovic, plodded their way to promotion rather than putting their opponents to the sword. It was telling that the early-season romp over Millwall, lauded for Fulham's scarcely-believable possession statistics, proved to be an anomaly rather than the norm. In what now looks like an ominous foreshadowing of what was to follow, Mitrovic scored 26 goals but hardly looked the fulcrum of a ponderous attack.

Parker still firmly believes that he gave everything to improve Fulham and did a good job. The puff pieces in the media that increased in regularity when the Whites looked like winning their battle against the drop might maintain that pretence, but the evidence to contrary is compelling. A squad comprising Alphonse Areola, Kenny Tete, Joachim Anderson, Tosin Adarabioyo, Andre-Franck Anguissa, Harrison Reed, Ademola Lookman, Fabio Carvalho and Mitrovic should have made a much better fist of staying up but were suffocated by Parker's pre-occupation with keeping things tight. It suits Parker to suggest that he left Fulham in a good place, but the opposite is the only accurate way to assess the shambles that Silva inherited last summer.

Fulham were relegated having scored just nine home league goals and the fewest points at home of any club in Premier League history. Parker had ostracised a number of key players, with the veteran Tim Ream – rarely a man to offer public words of condemnation – demoted to the sidelines alongside Mitrovic, who was excluded in favour of not just Josh Maja but the woeful finishing of Ivan Cavaleiro, and Joe Bryan. Morale was low enough after Fulham folded from a position of strength built by two wins on Merseyside, but Parker's flirtation with Bournemouth – well known in football circles for much of last season – not only impacted upon the denouement of an underwhelming season but their preparations for another Championship campaign.

The pretty straight sort of guy angled for a pay-off whilst making eyes at his future employers. He took virtually the entire Fulham first team coaching set-up to the south coast after trying to encourage Fulham to sell the likes of Mitrovic and Tom Cairney in favour of another ruinous rebuild. It was a wholly unedifying episode, but Parker's departure ultimately benefited the Whites immeasurably. Whilst his sterile and limited football has been transported to Dorset, Fulham have become an adventurous outfit under Silva and shouldn't be unduly perturbed by yesterday's stoppage time setback. It is difficult to dislike Bournemouth's knowledgeable, generous and pleasant fan base but Parker's presence in the Dean Court dugout means Fulham fans will always have a reason to. We'll have to live with the fashionista's enduring pain.

Parker even sought to question whether the goal-line technology was at fault for Mitrovic's opener yesterday, which was audacious even for a peddler of alternative facts. Bournemouth ultimately profited from Graham Scott's strange officiating – however stupid Harry Wilson was to give the referee a decision to make right at the death, and I wonder if he might have quibbled with that had it occurred in the other penalty area. The ex-Old Abingdon official's presence on the PGMOL select group list, branded a mistake by the legendary Keith Hackett, is a curiosity given that he was set to be demoted at the end of a poor first season and was only saved by a personal appeal. Scott, of course, is another man who thinks we have all paid to watch him: as demonstrated by the way he ruined what might have been an intriguing contest by chucking cards around like confetti.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/04/poor-old-scott-parker/

WhiteJC

#6
April 25, 2022, 07:42:17 AM
Update emerges in Fulham's pursuit of German defender

Three Premier League clubs sent scouts out to watch Fulham target Timo Hubers in action against Arminia Bielefeld yesterday afternoon, as per a Twitter update from Pete O'Rourke.

A Mail Online report from earlier in the month credited the Cottagers with an interest in the 25-year-old, whilst Crystal Palace, Leeds United, Southampton and West Ham were also mentioned in the original article.

Hubers has featured 17 times in the Bundesliga this season, seeing more regular minutes as the season has progressed.

Joining from Hannover 96 in the summer, Hubers has emerged as an important figure for the German outfit this season, and whilst he did net an own goal yesterday, he performed well in front of the watchful eyes of the Premier League scouts.

In what has been his first proper season of Bundesliga football, Hubers has certainly impressed at FC Koln.

The verdict

With promotion to the Premier League already confirmed, Fulham are rather wisely planning for next season, with Hubers certainly appearing to be a player who could adapt to the rigours of Championship football.

Possessing lots of ability on the ball, Hubers is a composed defender who brings the ball forward well and has a good passing range to help progress the play.

He is also someone who tends to dominate his defensive and aerial duels, whilst he also reads the game very well.

It will be interesting to see if Fulham or any other Premier League club strikes a transfer agreement with FC Koln in the summer, with a high number of teams already in pursuit.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/update-emerges-in-fulhams-pursuit-of-german-defender/

WhiteJC

#7
April 25, 2022, 07:44:14 AM
Games for mid-week 26/04
Time for the rearranged home fixture against Nottingham Forest
I had hoped to see another Mitro hat-trick and 3 points that would have confirmed us as Champions, oh well, I should have known that wouldn't happen as I've followed Fulham for far too long?
Over on the forum bobby01 pointed out that, before yesterday, Fulham had the least yellow cards, Fulham 65, Reading & Blackpool 68, Hull 70 and Huddersfield 71, most cards Blackburn 99, Cardiff 94, M'boro 94, Stoke 88 and Bournemouth 87, yet somehow Fulham got 7 yellows, Bournemouth got 3, and Marco sent off, how could we have gone from 1.6 a game to 7? somebody needs to have a close look at the referee, wasn't he the same ref' who sent off Joachim Andersen and award a penalty last season? Andersen's red card was later rescinded.
Anyhow, a least Mitro's goal takes him closer, definitely over the line, to breaking another record and Fulham closer to 100 goals for the season.

Forest are on a really good run and will be looking for automatic promotion, they'll be full of confidence and hoping to overtake Bournemouth for the second slot. If Bournemouth loose their remaining games (4) and Forest win 2 or theirs (4), then they'll overtake them and join us in the Premier League next season.
However we'll still need the points to secure/confirm Champion status, one more win and Bournemouth can only catch not overtake us, and as our goal difference is 31 more than them, then we'd be Champions.

Curent form:
Fulham – WLLWD
Forest – WWLWW

Our record against Forest is reasonably even with 6 wins, 4 losses and a draw, we won the away fixture 0-4.

Assuming no injuries, I'd give Tete another run out, my team would be...


COYW's

Games of interest...
Tuesday 26th
Fulham v Forest
Swansea v Bournemouth

Wednesday 27th
M'borough v Cardiff

come on over to the forum and join in the conversation...
https://www.friendsoffulham.com/forum/index.php?board=36.0



http://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=2180

WhiteJC

#8
April 25, 2022, 07:44:52 AM
AFC Bournemouth 1-1 Fulham: Player ratings

Marek Rodak: Barely called upon until the 98th minute where he went the wrong way for Solanke's penalty. There's really nothing more to say here, goalkeepers generally don't get called upon too much when playing Scott Parker's teams. 5

Kenny Tete: Unsure why Neco Williams wasn't in the line-up today but it was good to see Tete back in the team after rumours of a bust up with Silva. He did well defensively but didn't make much of an impact going forwards. 6

Tosin Adarabioyo: Looked really solid and Bournemouth rarely looked like breaking our defence down, Tosin stood tall and remained focussed throughout, he very nearly got a goal to make it 2-0 but saw his header tumble off the bar. 7

Tim Ream: A really solid performance again from Ream, he matched Tosin's solidity and concentration to make it hard for Bournemouth to gain an upper hand. 7

Joe Bryan: Didn't look too bad but after committing a number of fouls and receiving a yellow card it would have been risky to leave him on for the second half hence him being replaced by Robinson at the break. It's worth noting that in Bryan's last six starts, we've only conceded twice whilst he's been on the pitch (both away at Derby). 5

Harrison Reed: The Bournemouth game brought up a century of Fulham appearances for Harrison Reed and his performances rarely dip from the levels he has set since arriving at Craven Cottage; Mr. Consistent and once again he provided brilliant cover in front of the defence. 7

Tom Cairney: This was a game of possession with neither team doing a lot with it. Cairney helped us hold the ball from that point of view which helped nullify Bournemouth. On the other hand, he struggled to be the catalyst for anything more creative. 6

Harry Wilson: I'm not sure what it is with Wilson in the last few moments of games, he's missed two open goals with the potential to win us games and he made a stupid challenge to give away the penalty this time. I don't want to be too harsh given his overall form and contributions but it was a really disappointing way to end the game. Some have said it was a soft penalty but all game long Graham Scott was trigger happy with his whistle so it was no surprise to see it given as he came through the back of Smith. It was his deep cross which provided the assist for Mitrovic. 5

Fabio Carvalho: I can't recall too many moments where he got on the ball and he certainly didn't provide us with the sublime ball carrying ability which we've seen countless times this season but he helped to keep the midfield balanced in what can only be described as a game of chess. 5

Neeskens Kebano: The entire forward line struggled to create opportunities or beat their men and Kebano's performance wasn't any different. He was unable to get on the ball and find his form. 5

Aleksandar Mitrovic: Goalscorer once again and we have technology to thank for this one. A goal is a goal and it was over the line but without goal line technology I'd be very surprised to see that one given. Not a single player or fan really thought it had gone in which led to a very delayed but still fantastic celebration. Aside from that moment Mitrovic wasn't provided with much service and struggled to hold the ball up as effectively as usual. 6

Substitutes:

Antonee Robinson: He looked decent when he came on at half time. We didn't see many runs forward but at 1-0 up against a possession based team like Bournemouth this was probably a sensible approach. 6

Nathaniel Chalobah: He replaced Reed fairly late on and gave a good account of himself today, his physicality and fresh legs were a useful asset to have towards the end of the game. 6

Jean Michael Seri: A change in the last 10 minutes for Tom Cairney and he didn't have much time to make his mark on the game. 5



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/04/afc-bournemouth-1-1-fulham-player-ratings/

WhiteJC

#9
April 25, 2022, 07:45:34 AM
Fulham keeping close eye on Hubers

Fulham sent scouts to watch Koln defender Timo Hubers yesterday as the Whites prioritise defensive reinforcements ahead of their return to the Premier League.

The Championship leaders, who made certain of their place in the top flight with a comprehensive win over Preston at Craven Cottage on Tuesday night, have identified the 25 year-old as a potential acquisition with Tim Ream, Michael Hector and Alfie Mawson poised to leave SW6 this summer. Fulham will have competition for the 6ft 3in centre back, with Leeds and Crystal Palace also monitoring his progress.

The ball-playing Hubers has had a fantastic first season with Koln, making twenty appearances and scoring a single goal, after signing from Hannover in July. Hubers learnt his trade with Hannover before heading to Koln as a teenager and returning to the Reds a year later. His outstanding displays at the heart of Stefan Baumgart's defence have been a key reason why the Billy Goats are surprise contenders for Europe.

Hubers, who impressed in a 3-1 win over Bielefeld on Saturday, could be available for Β£6.7m at the end of the season according to the release clause in his contract.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/04/fulham-keeping-close-eye-on-hubers/

WhiteJC

#10
April 25, 2022, 07:46:14 AM
Four Fulham players in Championship team of the year


Four Fulham players have been named in the Championship team of the year, which has been announced at this evening's EFL Awards ceremony.

Centre back Tosin Adarabioyo and left full back Antonee Robinson have been picked in the Championship's team of the season. Welsh winger Harry Wilson, who has enjoyed an outstanding first campaign at Craven Cottage, is joined in the team of the year by Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, who has scored 41 league goals in 41 games for the league leaders.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/04/four-fulham-players-in-championship-team-of-the-year/

WhiteJC

#11
April 25, 2022, 07:46:57 AM
Mitrovic named Championship player of the year

Fulham forward Aleksandar Mitrovic has been voted the Championship player of the season at tonight's EFL awards ceremony in central London.

The Serbian striker, jettisoned by Scott Parker as the Whites dropped out of the top flight last term, has scored 41 goals in 41 league games under Marco Silva as Fulham surged to the top of the second tier and clinched an immediate return to the Premier League last week.

Collecting his award, Mitrovic said:

"It's been an amazing season on a personal level, and on a team level. I'm glad Fulham are back in the Premier League, where this club should be."

Fellow Fulham player Harry Wilson was nominated for the top award – whilst Fabio Carvalho was pipped to the young player of the year accolade by Nottingham Forest's Brennnan Johnson.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/04/mitrovic-named-championship-player-of-the-year/

WhiteJC

#12
April 25, 2022, 07:47:47 AM
Fulham's Aleksandar Mitrovic named Championship player of the season

Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic has been named Championship player of the season.

Mitrovic has been in superb form for Fulham, scoring 41 league goals in as many games as his side secured promotion to the Premier League with games to spare.

The 27-year-old beat out Bournemouth's Dominic Solanke, scorer of 27 Championship goals for the second-placed side, and team-mate Harry Wilson, who leads the league with 16 assists.

In February, Mitrovic broke the Championship record for most goals in a season β€” the 31 strikes set by Brentford's Ivan Toney last campaign β€” with 14 matches still to play.

Mitrovic has helped Fulham secure promotion at the first time of asking under new head coach Marco Silva, having been relegated last season under Scott Parker. His double in the 3-0 win against Preston North End on April 19 confirmed Fulham's place in the Championship's top two.

Fulham can win the division on Tuesday, when they play promotion-chasing Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth face Swansea. Silva's side lead Bournemouth by nine points.

Forest's 20-year-old midfielder Brennan Johnson won the league's young player of the year award. Team-mate Djed Spence and Fulham's Fabio Carvalho were also nominated.



https://theathletic.com/news/fulhams-aleksandar-mitrovic-named-championship-player-of-the-season/IfySNM1RAGGX/

WhiteJC

#13
April 25, 2022, 07:51:59 AM
Aleksandar Mitrovic named Sky Bet Championship Player of the Season


Fulham's Aleksandar Mitrovic put his name to the Sky Bet Championship Player of the Season at tonight's EFL Awards 2022.

The League's leading marksman, who surpassed the 40-goal mark at the weekend, taking his tally to an impressive 41 strikes for the season, scooped the accolade and beat Harry Wilson and Bournemouth's Dominic Solanke to the award.

The Serbian international broke the record for the most goals scored in a Championship season since the division was recast in 2004.

"It's been an amazing season on a personal level," he explained. "As a striker, you try to score as many goals as you can. You always want to score more and more. There's a few more games so let's see.

"Since the new manager's come in, we've created our style of place and it's perfectly suited for me and every player in our squad. He gets the best out of his players.

"After the last season in the Premier League, it's hard when the mentality is down. We know how hard this league is, it's not easy to come to the Championship. We showed that we wanted to be top of the League from the first game."



MK Dons ace Scott Twine claimed the Sky Bet League One Player of the Season, seeing off competition from Sheffield Wednesday's Barry Bannan and Rotherham United's Michael Smith.

Having hit double figures for both goals and assists this campaign, the midfielder has impressed as MK Dons continue to press at the top end of the table.

"It's a chance I've been working towards for at least a year or so," he said. "This year, I just wanted to kick on from that and make sure it wasn't a fluke or a one season thing.

"I can't speak highly enough of the Club from the way they made me feel from day one - it honestly feels like I've been here five or 10 years. Everyone there has made me feel welcome from the first minute."



And Kane Wilson has been named the Sky Bet League Two Player of the Season over Forest Green Rovers team-mate Matty Stevens and Newport County's Dom Telford.

Having already secured a historic promotion from the division for the first time in the Club's history just 24 hours prior, the full-back added to his silverware in winning the award.

"It feels surreal at the moment," he smiled. "It's not sunk in just yet. "There's two very good strikers out there in Dom Telford and Matty Stevens. With the season they've had, I didn't think I'd deserve it, but they've chose me and I appreciate it.

"With the season I've had this season, I hope I've done it justice. If a wing-back is going to win it, I'm pleased I did it how I did it!"



In the Championship, Nottingham Forest starlet and Welsh international Brennan Johnson has been awarded the Young Player of the Season.



Fleetwood Town's Paddy Lane, who was plucked from the non-League pyramid by the Cod Army in the summer, has been named League One's Young Player of the Season.

"From pre-season, I was trying to break into the first-team squad and trying to impress," he affirmed. "I've tried to take every game as it came. If someone had told me this at the start of the season, I'd have told them to get out.

"I've been in non-League until literally this season. I was playing Saturday-Tuesday-Thursday and working during the week, so it's been a massive change. I've had so many jobs but it's been worth it."



And Newport County loanee Finn Azaz completed the set to claim the League Two Young Player of the Season accolade.

"It feels really good," the attacker, who joined on a temporary basis from Aston Villa, said. "It's been an enjoyable season and when you enjoy your football, you play your best stuff. I'm buzzing - it's a great thing for my CV and a milestone in my journey. My target was to win it for the season and I've done that.

"I should've got better stats last season but it just so happens that I got them this season. I just tried to keep on scoring and assisting.

"This year, I've had a little bit more freedom with the role that the manager has given me at Newport. It's been nice to have that freedom to express myself a little bit more."



Sheffield Wednesday captain Barry Banan's late entry for the Goal of the Season snatched the accolade, with his stunning strike against promotion rivals MK Dons earlier in the month.

The skipper's lob from 45 yards which set the Owls on their way to a 3-2 victory over the Buckinghamshire team and on his way to the accolade.

"Growing up as a kid, you always watch TV and see amazing goals, so for me, Goal of the Season is something that I've wanted to do since I was a kid - scoring that goal that everyone remembers," he said.

Reliving the effort, he continued: "It was a mix up between the goalkeeper and the centre-back because the goalkeeper was on his way out of the box to pick it up but the defender headed it so I went to try and win the header. I was just focusing on getting my touch and my connection right. Nine times out of 10 it goes into the crowd!"



Coventry City's Ryan Howley claimed the first of a trio of LFE awards, scooping the Championship LFE Apprentice of the Season.

"I was just training with the first-team at the back end of last season then came into this season not knowing if I'd be with the first-team or Under-23s, but I've pressed the gaffer and been with the first-team," he recalled. "I've really kicked on the last few weeks and got my debut against Nottingham Forest.



Charlton Athletic's Deji Elerewe claimed the League One Apprentice of the Season, having come through the ranks with the South London Club to make his senior bow.

"I was nervous at the start but when I got it, it felt amazing," the Addicks youngster noted. "I've been playing Under-18s stuff but the first-team is very different. The gaffer has given me the opportunities to play."



And Colchester United's Junior Tchamadeu claimed the League Two LFE Apprentice of the Season.

"It's been a good transition from youth team to first-team football," the defender said. "I've gained a lot of experience which has been great for me. I feel I've taken that opportunity and taken the chances and establiehd myself in the team."






https://www.efl.com/news/2022/april/aleksandar-mitrovic-named-sky-bet-championship-player-of-the-season/

WhiteJC

#14
April 25, 2022, 07:53:42 AM
EFL Awards: Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic wins Championship player of the season


Aleksandar Mitrovic (centre) has scored 41 goals in 41 league games so far this season

Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic has been named the Championship's player of the season for 2021-22.

The Serbia international has enjoyed a remarkable season for the already promoted Whites, with 41 goals so far.

Two more will see the 27-year-old break Guy Whittingham's post-war second-tier record of 42 in a season.

League One player of the season went to MK Dons midfielder Scott Twine and the League Two award was won by Forest Green full-back Kane Wilson.

Mitrovic won the Championship prize ahead of team-mate Harry Wilson and Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke.

Wales international Harry Wilson, 25, has scored 10 goals and assisted a further 16 for the champions-elect, while England cap Solanke, 24, has scored 27 goals for the second-placed Cherries.

Twine, 22, has been pivotal to Milton Keynes' challenge for promotion to the Championship, scoring 16 goals and assisting 13.

He was picked ahead of Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Barry Bannan, 32, and Rotherham striker Michael Smith, 30.

Former Scotland international Bannan did, however, win the award for goal of the season for his stunning long-range strike against MK Dons earlier this month.

Defender Kane Wilson, 22, has missed just one league game for Forest Green, who confirmed their first-ever promotion to the third tier on Saturday, so far this campaign.

Nottingham Forest forward Brennan Johnson, 20, was named Championship young player of the season and manager of the season was won by Luton Town boss Nathan Jones.

Other EFL award winners
League One young player of the season

Paddy Lane - Fleetwood Town

League Two young player of the season

Finn Azaz - Newport County

Apprentices of the season

Ryan Howley - Coventry City (Championship)

Ayodeji Elerewe - Charlton Athletic (League One)

Junior Tchamadeu - Colchester United (League Two)

Community club of the season

AFC Wimbledon

PFA Player in the community

Ryan Innis - Charlton Athletic

Contribution to league football

Ben Robinson - Burton Albion

Sustainability award

Cambridge United

Diversity award

Blackburn Rovers

Sir Tom Finney award

Jobi McAnuff

Championship team of the season

Team: Lee Nicholls (Huddersfield Town), Joe Worrall (Nottingham Forest), Lloyd Kelly (Bournemouth), Tosin Adarabioyo (Fulham), Djed Spence (Nottingham Forest), Antonee Robinson (Fulham), Philip Billing (Bournemouth), Ryan Yates (Nottingham Forest), Harry Wilson (Fulham), Aleksandar Mitrovic (Fulham), Dominic Solanke (Bournemouth)

Manager: Nathan Jones (Luton Town)

League One team of the season

Team: Michael Cooper (Plymouth Argyle), Jack Whatmough (Wigan Athletic), Michael Ihiekwe (Rotherham United), Harry Darling (MK Dons), Wes Burns (Ipswich Town), James McClean (Wigan Athletic), Barry Bannan (Sheffield Wednesday), Dan Barlaser (Rotherham United), Scott Twine (MK Dons), Michael Smith (Rotherham United), Ross Stewart (Sunderland)

Manager: Leam Richardson (Wigan Athletic)

League Two team of the season

Team: Jojo Wollacott (Swindon Town), Jon Guthrie (Northampton Town), Peter Clarke (Tranmere Rovers), Jordan Turnbull (Salford City), Kane Wilson (Forest Green Rovers), Nicky Cadden (Forest Green Rovers), Timothee Dieng (Exeter City), Finn Azaz (Newport County), Harry McKirdy (Swindon Town), Dom Telford (Newport County), Matty Stevens (Forest Green Rovers)

Manager: Rob Edwards (Forest Green Rovers)



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61209416

WhiteJC

#15
April 25, 2022, 07:55:37 AM
Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic named Championship player of the season after scoring staggering 41 goals, while Nottingham Forest's Brennan Johnson wins young player award

Β  Β  Aleksandar Mitrovic's goals have been key to Fulham securing promotion
Β  Β  Serbian scored his 41st league goal this season at Bournemouth on Saturday
Β  Β  Nottingham Forest's Brennan Johnson was chosen as young player of the year

Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic has been crowned the Sky Bet Championship player of the season at the EFL Awards on Sunday night.

The Serbian's prodigious goalscoring has been key to the Cottagers securing a return to the Premier League at the first attempt, hitting his 41st league goal of the campaign at Bournemouth on Saturday.

His Fulham team-mate Harry Wilson had also been shortlisted for the award, along with Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke.


Aleksandar Mitrovic's goals have been key to Fulham securing promotion to Premier League

Nottingham Forest's Brennan Johnson was chosen as the second tier's young player of the year, reaching double figures for goals and assists to keep the east midlands club in contention for automatic promotion to the Premier League.

Scott Twine of MK Dons won the League One player of the year award. His goalscoring form from midfield has put the Dons in promotion contention, and helped him claim the award ahead of Sheffield Wednesday's Barry Bannan and Rotherham's Michael Smith.

Fleetwood's Paddy Lane took the League One young player of the year prize.

Forest Green full-back Kane Wilson won the League Two player of the year accolade, with the Gloucestershire club sealing promotion to the third tier with a goalless draw against Bristol Rovers on Saturday. Newport's Finn Azaz secured the division's young player honour.

Jobi McAnuff's long and distinguished EFL career was recognised as he was chosen to receive the Sir Tom Finney award. The 40-year-old made almost 700 senior appearances in his playing career, before his retirement at the end of last term.

League One team Burton picked up the award for the best community project of the year after their work in setting up a coronavirus vaccination clinic at the Pirelli Stadium, while their chairman Ben Robinson received the contribution to league football award.

AFC Wimbledon, also in the third tier, were named the community club of the season. The Dons' Local Action Group was initially formed in response to the Covid-19 pandemic and provides support to those in need in the local community via the provision of food banks and other services.

Charlton's Ryan Inniss won the PFA player in the community award. The defender has contributed significantly to PL Kicks sessions run by his club. The other nominees for the award were Millwall's Billy Mitchell and Omar Beckles of Leyton Orient.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-10749509/Fulham-striker-Aleksandar-Mitrovic-named-Championship-player-season-scoring-41-goals.html

WhiteJC

#16
April 25, 2022, 07:56:28 AM
A joyful pitch invasion at Fulham and despair at Oldham show that football transcends sport to define our mood
For so many fans, football is the most important thing that we know doesn't matter but, actually, that does – and greatly so

"There are people on the pitch. They think it's all over... It is now." Kenneth Wolstenholme's immortal commentary from England's 1966 World Cup victory always come to mind in April and May. Otherwise rational people become so emotional about something that shouldn't really matter and find themselves running on to football pitches or seen on television crying in stands. Yes, folks, it's the end of the football season, with its promotion and relegation dramas. And I was one of those "pitch invaders".

Explaining the emotional rollercoaster of being a fan to someone who isn't is a real challenge. Our cultural tastes are among the grace notes of our lives, providing a focus for our ambitions, hopes, feelings of community and expression. For millions of people this takes the form of supporting a local football club.

For contrasting reasons, fans of Fulham FC and Oldham Athletic invaded their teams' pitches this week. The Hatfields and seat neighbours of all ages sauntered on to the hallowed turf at Craven Cottage after Fulham's victory over Preston secured promotion to the Premier League. There were tears of joy, unbridled elation and memories forged that will last a lifetime.

But why? Objectively, all that has really happened is that we will be playing a different set of teams next season. Some will be bigger, wealthier and better than those we played this season. Fulham will likely lose more fixtures. The God-like Serbian genius that is Aleksandar Mitrovic is unlikely to score more than 40 goals. There are fewer matches to attend, so our season tickets provide less value for money and broadcasters will put games on at silly o'clock. Why does this all evoke such joy?

For Oldham, being relegated from the Football League after 115 years means it has become the first club to have played in the Premier League to have dropped out of the top four divisions. Objectively, they will play another set of teams in the National League. Why should this result in such anger and sorrow that furious fans who had unveiled a "Get Out Of Our Club" banner on the Boundary Park pitch forced their game against Salford to be abandoned for two hours and eventually concluded behind closed doors?

To non-football fans these are logical questions; for those that care the answers are bewilderingly obvious. For so many fans, football is the most important thing that we know doesn't matter but, actually, that does – and greatly so. The fortunes of "our club" define our moods, help bind together our local communities, provide us with a sense of shared identity. We feel a clear sense of ownership of something that we do not own. We know that players, managers and owners may come and go, but the fans will remain.

Dennis, my octogenarian Fulham seat neighbour, has been coming to matches for 60 years. He travels to and from Lincoln, and for midweek evening games too! Those two hours we share together plus many more we spend talking about it are a blessed and necessary escape from the reality of fuel bills and health issues. Why does it matter? That really is a rhetorical question.



https://inews.co.uk/opinion/joyful-pitch-invasion-fulham-despair-oldham-football-transcends-sport-define-our-mood-1591728?ITO=newsnow
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