Wednesday Fulham Stuff - 04/05/22...

[WhiteJC]

Aleksandar Mitrovic sends goal records tumbling in title-sealing Fulham rout... but can he step up this time?

A 7-0 win, a century of goals and a brace for the man who has now scored 43 of them to clinch a Championship title that rarely looked like ending up anywhere else. If there was ever a night to sum up Fulham's season, this was it.

Marco Silva's side had already sealed a third promotion to the Premier League in five seasons with victory over Preston last month, but that came in the midst of a slack run of just one win in five games that hardly did justice to the way they have carried all before them this term, first topping the table in August and making all but a brief stint of the running since mid-November.

This was more like it, the Cottagers using their final home game of a multi-record-breaking season as the setting for what Sheffield United, who host the champions on the last day and are not yet sure of a play-off place, hope will prove one final blowout.

This was the third time Fulham have won by seven goals this season, more than the other 91 teams in English League football have managed between them. The rout was started, fittingly, by long-serving skipper Tom Cairney and finished, even more so, by Aleksandar Mitrovic.

Cairney's goal was Fulham's 100th of the campaign and by the time Kenny Tete, Fabio Carvalho, Bobby Decordova-Reid, Jean-Michael Seri and Mitrovic (twice) had added their names to the scoresheet the tally was up to 106, with the record of 108 set by Kevin Keegan's Manchester City in 2001/02 now in sight ahead of Saturday's trip to Bramall Lane.

The seventh goal in a 7-0 does not often warrant a shirt-off celebration, but Mitrovic's second, which came in stoppage time, was the most significant of the bunch, taking his tally for the season beyond Guy Whittingham's second-tier record for a 46-game campaign.

"I always try to say I don't think about the record, but everybody spoke about it and today it happened," the Serbian said. "It's very special. We really wanted a big win in front of the crowd and to break the record is perfect."

Mitrovic has been simply devastating, perhaps best emphasised by comparison to his nearest rival, Dominic Solanke, the Bournemouth striker who, with two games to play, has scored 29 goals this season, within two of the previous Championship record set by Brentford's Ivan Toney only a year ago, yet has not been in the same league.

Unsurprisingly named the division's player of the season last week, attention is already turning to whether Mitrovic can replicate this form in the top-flight next, having struggled and then been ostracised by Scott Parker in the Premier League last time around.

"He will be more confident next season and we need to be that as a club as well," Silva said. "All of us have to improve every single year."

The daunting task ahead in trying to dodge a third straight yo-yo seemed, rightly, far from the minds of the fans who flooded the Craven Cottage pitch at full-time, deserving of this kind of stress-free, carnival promotion, having endured a tense play-off final at Wembley in 2018 and another behind their sofas at home two years after that.

Their team have been a joy to watch for the neutral, too, and the way in which they secured this crown might have served up one final gift in the damage done to sixth-placed Luton's goal difference, which adds renewed jeopardy to the race for the play-offs on the final day of the season and offers renewed hope to Middlesborough and Millwall below. Whoever follows Fulham up will not have done it in anything like the same style.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-aleksandar-mitrovic-premier-league-b997678.html

[WhiteJC]

'I want to be a Premier League player' – Fulham loanee Neco Williams has his say on his future at Liverpool

Liverpool's Neco Williams, who is on loan at Fulham, has said that he wants to play regular first-team football in the Premier League.

The right-back joined Fulham on a six-month loan deal during the January transfer window, and has been a revelation for Marco Silva.

The Cottagers confirmed promotion to the Premier League over a week ago, and last night wrapped up the Championship title with a staggering 7-0 win over Luton Town.

Williams has featured in 14 league games since his arrival, and has netted two goals and set-up two from defence.

The 21-year-old has made 33 appearances in all competitions for his parent club in Liverpool, and is a very highly-rated young man at the European giants.

Fulham fans will no doubt want to see Williams back at Craven Cottage for their Premier League run-in next season.

Here is what the Welsh international had to say on his future ahead of returning to Merseyside in the summer...

"Right now, I just want to play football week in and week out," he told the Liverpool Echo.

"I want to play as much as possible and gain as much experience as possible, and so far it has definitely helped me.

"I've gone from starting a Champions League game against AC Milan and beating them 2-1 to playing Barnsley. So I have gained quite a lot of valuable and varied experience at such a young age.

"I want to be a Premier League player. For me, I think it's the best and the toughest league in the world. And you always want to be playing against the best players in the world, you always want to play in the best league in the world."

Can a deal be done?

There has been speculation recently of Williams returning to Fulham, but since, the defender himself has said that his preference would be to stay with Liverpool and fight for a first-team spot.

With Trent Alexander-Arnold being the first-choice right-back and showing signs of one of the best in the world at the moment, Williams will have to show something special to get into Liverpool's starting XI.

With Fulham now in the Premier League for next season, the move will always be on for Williams, who may change his mind and return to London to get regular Premier League football.

His contract with the Merseyside club expires in 2025, so another loan deal may be on.



https://the72.co.uk/272176/i-want-to-be-a-premier-league-player-fulham-loanee-neco-williams-has-his-say-on-his-future-at-liverpool/

[WhiteJC]

Games for the Weekend 07/05
Our last game of the season we travel to Bramall Lane to take on Sheffield Utd

Well the game against Luton was more like it! what a team performance, the 3rd time we've scored 7 this season, thats 106, ONE HUNDRED AND SIX goals in a season, we're the first team in 20 years to hit 100. We're also the first team in 60 years to score 50 goals both home and away.
It was fitting that Tom scored the 100th, and quite astounding that 6 players, Cairney, Tete, Carvalho, Mitro (2), DeCordova-Reid and Seri got on the the score sheet.
Mitro's couple takes him past Guy Whittingham's 42, what was Parker thinking last season?

Oh and by the way we're Champions.

This should have been a game between my two favourite Fulham managers of recent years, unfortunately Slaviša's term at Sheffield was cut short, didn't they know his teams take a while to get started? I guess as they've a reasonable chance of staying in the play-offs they'd argue they made the correct decision.

Curent form:
Sheffield Utd – DLDWW
Fulham – LWDLW

Our recent record against the Blades is a quite good with 4 wins, 2 losses and 2 draws.

Assuming no injuries my team would be...

COYW's

Games of interest...
Saturday 7th
Bournemouth v Millwall
Huddersfield v Bristol City
Hull v Forest
Luton v Reading
Preston NE v M'borough
Sheff Utd v Fulham
Swansea v QPR

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=2185

[WhiteJC]

Fulham's Aleksandar Mitrovic voted The72's Championship Player of the Season for 2021/22

Fulham's Aleksandar Mitrovic is The72's Championship Player of the Season for the 2021/22 campaign, having recieved more than 25% of the votes in our recent poll.

This season, we have seen one of, if not the best individual season in Championship history, with Mitrovic having an eye-opening campaign.

The Serbian has been the shining light in a Fulham team who have just confirmed the second tier title earlier this week before playing the last game of the season.

27-year-old Mitrovic has smashed the record for most goals scored by a player in a Championship season, netting 43 goals in 43 games –  a quite staggering stat.

That means the striker has contributed to 40.5% of Fulham's record breaking 106 goals this campaign, and there's no doubt that the Cottagers wouldn't be at the summit of the table without him.

It is by far his best season in his career, with the last Championship campaign in 2019/20 coming the closest to it, where he scored 26 league goals in Fulham's play-off winning season.

Mitrovic has never really found his feet in the Premier League, scoring just 24 goals in 104 appearances, but with him hitting new heights this season, is it finally the time where we see the talisman make an impact in the top tier of English football?



https://the72.co.uk/272157/fulhams-aleksandar-mitrovic-voted-the72s-championship-player-of-the-season-for-2021-22/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham figure discusses pending Liverpool transfer agreement

Fulham have had a successful season this year, winning the Championship title and claiming a spot back in the Premier League for the next campaign.

One blow for the side in spite of all these achievements is that it looks like Fabio Carvalho could be off to pastures new in the summer transfer window – and the club's owner Tony Khan has now admitted to The Athletic that he 'would have loved' to have kept him at Craven Cottage.

Carvalho has been instrumental in getting Fulham back into the Premier League this season, with his 35 league outings producing 11 goals and seven assists. That's despite still being a teenager – and shows the level of his talent and potential.

He managed only four games previously for the Cottagers when they were last in the top flight but has been heavily relied upon back in the Championship and has really caught the eye with his level of performance.

One such side to pay attention to him is Liverpool, with some reports suggesting a deal has been put in place already that would see him move to Anfield this summer. The fee itself could be a huge seven-figure fee for the youngster – and now owner Khan has seemingly confirmed to The Athletic that he will be heading elsewhere this offseason.

They won't want to lose him – but with the fees potentially being thrown around, they may have no choice but to let him leave and head off to a new challenge with the Reds soon.

Speaking about the player, Khan said: "I really like Fabio.

"He's a player we have always rated, coming out of the academy, and we would have loved to have kept him. But we have made a deal that is best for the club and, since that agreement, it's worked out wonderfully because he has been such a valuable part of the promotion."

The Verdict

Fabio Carvalho looks like he wouldn't be out of place in the Liverpool squad already, especially based on the performances he has put in so far with Fulham in the Championship.

There's a question of course as to whether he could make the jump up to top flight football having never really played there before but he would be in good hands with the Reds. Jurgen Klopp, like Pep Guardiola, has done well in the past in bringing through some of the young talents in his teams.

Carvalho might not get as much action at Anfield as he would with Fulham if he stays there but it does seem the next logical step for the player to head to a much bigger team.

If it doesn't happen this summer, then it is bound to happen at some point soon – and it does appear as though the club are already preparing for life without the forward.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-figure-discusses-pending-liverpool-transfer-agreement/

[WhiteJC]

Marco Silva: Fulham boss almost went to club abroad before taking job

Marco Silva's team have 90 points as they go into the final round of Championship games as champions

Fulham boss Marco Silva revealed he almost moved to coach a club abroad before taking the Craven Cottage job last year.

The 44-year-old completed his goal of winning the Championship with a 7-0 demolition of Luton on Monday.

His focus immediately switches to securing Premier League survival in west London next season.

But he has revealed it was a "big decision" for him to drop down to manage in the Championship.

"The first chat I had with the owner [Tony Khan] was really important for me because in that moment I had almost my decision made to start working in a different country," he told BBC Radio London after victory against Luton.

"My aim was always to come back to [the] Premier League and I came to the Championship with the full desire to do well [in] my job, to help these players and of course it's a fantastic feeling to go back to the best competition in the world with this football club."

The Portuguese manager had previously worked at Hull City, Watford and Everton in the Premier League but had not experienced England's second tier before moving to west London.

Under his stewardship, Fulham have scored 106 goals and won 90 points in 45 games, winning the title with a game to spare and scoring five goals or more on seven occasions.

The club's last two promotions to the top flight have been followed by swift relegations back to the Championship.

Striker Aleksandar Mitrovic broke Guy Whittingham's 42-goal modern record for the second tier with his brace against Luton and Silva will be looking to his star man to replicate that deadly form next season.

"Even when he [Mitrovic] is scoring goals for fun he is always the next day the same guy, same professional, working hard and trying to learn in every single moment," Silva added.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61309039

[WhiteJC]

Marco Silva: Fulham boss fined £2,000 for red card at Bournemouth

Marco Silva's complaints came in the 95th minute after Bournemouth were awarded a penalty

Fulham boss Marco Silva has been fined £2,000 by the Football Association following his red card in last month's 1-1 draw at second-placed Bournemouth.

Silva admitted improper behaviour after being sent off in the 95th minute after the Cherries were awarded a late penalty in the match.

Dominic Solanke scored the spot-kick to secure a point for Bournemouth.

Meanwhile Fulham have been charged with failing to control their players in their loss to Nottingham Forest.

It is alleged the club failed to ensure their players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion in the 95th minute of the 1-0 defeat on 26 April.

Fulham secured the Championship title on Monday night after an impressive 7-0 win over play-off chasing Luton Town.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61311210

[WhiteJC]

Aleksandar Mitrovic breaks Portsmouth legend's record as Fulham seal Championship title

Portsmouth legend Guy Whittingham's record of 42 goals was set during the 1992/1993 season, but Fulham's Aleksandar Mitrovic has surpassed that after a brace against Luton Town

Guy Whittingham's 29-year stay as the highest scorer in a single Championship season has come to an end after Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic scored his 43rd in a 7-0 thrashing against Luton on Monday night.

Whittingham's scored 42 goals during the 1992/1993 season in the Championship for Portsmouth, which is the most goals scored in the current 46 league game format, despite Whittingham breaking the record during that time, the club ironically missed out on automatic promotion to the Premier League, on goals scored.

During his time at Pompey, Whittingham scored 99 times in 173 league appearances and was nicknamed "Corporal Punishment" during his tenure at Fratton Park.

The talks about Mitrovic reaching Whittingham's record have been going on for the majority of the season as the Serbian has been a constant goal-scoring machine for Fulham, and his brace in the match against Luton confirmed his status and also clinched the Championship title for the Cottagers.

Only former Middlesbrough player George Camsell has more goals than the Serbian, when he notched a staggering 59 goals back in 1927/28 season, when the Championship was under a different format.

The Fulham striker now has one more game to further extend his record at the top, when he and his team travel to Bramall Lane to play Sheffield United this weekend to round off a stellar season.

Mitrovic will also be looking to carry his fine form in front of goal into the Premier League. Having spent seven years in English football, he has either been promoted or relegated in every single season he has played in.



https://www.hampshirelive.news/sport/football/football-news/mitrovic-breaks-guy-whittingham-record-7030165

[WhiteJC]

Frustrated Liverpool defender Joe Gomez on wanted list at Fulham

Fulham wrapped up the Championship title on Monday and have already started planning for life in the Premier League with a move for Joe Gomez, claims a report.

Fulham hammered Luton 7-0 at Craven Cottage to crown their promotion with the league title. Fabio Carvalho, who has agreed to join the Reds from the Cottagers, was among the six different scorers. But it's in defence where Fulham will most likely look to strengthen.

The Cottagers were relegated from the top flight with three games to go last season. And Marco Silva will be aiming to stop their yoyo status between the divisions.

With that in mind, Football League World say that Fulham are interested in moving for Gomez.

Fulham are said to be "monitoring Gomez and his situation" with a view to making a move for him this summer.

Ordinarily, Fulham would be considered mad to be trying to lure such a figure from Anfield. But their plan may not be as far fetched as first thought when you consider Gomez's game time.

The 24-year-old has made only 10 starts all season, and just three of those have come in the Premier League.

He did in fact start the last game at right back. With Trent Alexander-Arnold rested, the former Charlton star played the full 90 minutes.

But in truth Gomez has been a bit-part player at Anfield this season. The arrival of Ibrahima Konate has effectively knocked him down the pecking order. And Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip and Konate are all preferred to him by Jurgen Klopp.

Gomez's England career has also stuttered due to his limited game time. And the defender has not appeared for the Three Lions for almost two years.

Joe Gomez 'what a game'

Klopp though is a master at keeping all his squad players happy and he heaped praise on Gomez after his stellar display at Newcastle.

"The impact we have from the bench is outstanding," said the German boss. "Joe Gomez, what a game. Naby Keïta, what a game. James Milner, what a game. Diogo Jota — my god, what a game."

Klopp also insisted Gomez had a future at Anfield only last month.

"He's an outstanding ball player and he will play a lot of games in his career, he will play here a lot of games, definitely," Klopp told the Liverpool Echo.

With Alexander-Arnold a cert at right-back and Van Dijk the first name on the team sheet at centre-back, Gomez is realistically chasing one spot at centre-back.

So Gomez, who is under contract for two more years, may well be considering his long-term future this summer. And he might not be patient enough to wait and get those games at Liverpool.

There is also a good rapport between the clubs, with Carvalho heading north at the end of the season. While Neco Williams was loaned to Fulham this term, while Harry Wilson moved from Liverpool to Fulham last summer.



https://www.teamtalk.com/liverpool/joe-gomez-transfer-news-fulham-interested-in-summer-move

[WhiteJC]

"We'll see what happens" - Fabio Carvalho talks about joining Liverpool

Fulham starlet Fabio Carvalho has spoken about rumours linking him with a move to Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool side.

Speaking after Fulham were crowned winners of the Championship, as cited by Anfield Watch's Twitter account, Carvalho was asked about joining Liverpool, to which he responded by saying 'we'll see what happens'.

"We'll see what happens," said Carvalho. "Right now, I'm just trying to enjoy the moment and I can't thank these fans enough. We'll see what happens."

His teammate, Aleksandar Mitrovic, also commented about his move away from Fulham, saying that he has 'enjoyed' playing with him this season.

"What can I say? I can't find the words to describe him," said Mitrovic. "I know he is a little bit shy and I'm not going to praise him so much, but he is an amazing young boy who loves football so much.

"He always wants to learn, he is so calm and I want to say it's a big future ahead of him but we will see what happens. I hope we play a few more games together, I enjoyed this season playing next to him."

Anfield Watch Verdict

Despite only being 19-years-old, Carvalho has been key for Fulham's Championship-winning side this season.

In yesterday's 7-0 thrashing of Luton Town, Fabio helped Fulham be crowned Champions with a goal and an assist, taking his total tally for Fulham to 10 goals and eight assists this season.

Carvalho to Liverpool is already a done deal according to Fabrizio Romano, who said in his exclusive column with Anfield Watch that he visited the AXA Training Centre before completing his medical with the club.

Liverpool will pay around £5m plus £2.7m in add-ons, including a sell-on clause for 20% of Carvalho's future sale. A great deal considering the Reds were facing heavy competition from a lot of other top clubs.



https://anfieldwatch.co.uk/well-see-what-happens-fabio-carvalho-talks-about-joining-liverpool/

[WhiteJC]

Talking Points: Luton

100 goals!

Fulham's first of the evening was our 100th league goal of the campaign, and so it was fitting that it was scored by a real Club stalwart. Tom Cairney's rising, curling strike was vintage TC, and it was highly poetic that such a vital goal came from a left foot which has provided Fulham Football Club with so many wonderful moments over the years.

Another Mitro record

With the games running out, Aleksandar Mitrović still found himself two goals shy of the second tier record. Guy Whittingham bagged 42 in a single season for Portsmouth in the early 90s, a long standing record for goals scored in a 46-game season, but Mitro managed to match that total on Monday night, before going on to eclipse it in stoppage time.

Harry's hat-trick

Harry Wilson grabbed three assists against Luton, setting up Tom Cairney for the opener, providing a delightful flick for Fabio Carvalho's strike, and teeing up Aleksandar Mitrović for his second goal of the evening. He also set up Mitro's first, but does not get the assist as the initial shot was blocked. Nevertheless, Wilson has now moved onto 19 assists in the Championship, six more than anyone else in the division.

Marco Silva's man

Jean Michaël Seri has become a firm fan favourite this season, so the faithful naturally took a lot of joy in seeing him lash in a stunning strike from long range. As did his teammates, who gleefully hoisted him aloft in celebration. "Everyone has scored this season, [but] Reedy, me and Chalo didn't score," Mika told FFCtv afterwards. "So I wanted to score, and Boa told me that if I get it I should shoot, and then I will score, so I tried!"

Oi oi oi

Just before half-time, the news broke that Denis Odoi would be brought out at the break to be presented with the Forever Fulham award, and fans understandably were giddy at the prospect. It was a lovely moment as it gave Denis the chance to thank the supporters properly, while he also gave a speech in the dressing room at full-time and was pulled up onto the platform by Mitro to join in the trophy presentation.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2022/may/03/talking-points-luton/

[WhiteJC]

Ex-Nottingham Forest player emulates John Terry after huge win, fans found it hilarious

Former Nottingham Forest loanee Anthony Knockaert claimed another promotion for his CV last night as Fulham returned to the Premier League.

The Cottagers bounced back from losing to Forest by thrashing Luton 7-0 at Craven Cottage to win the league title.

After the game, Knockaert did something that earned him some ridicule from a number of supporters on social media.

He channelled his inner John Terry and donned a full kit to join in the celebrations, despite not being named in Marco Silva's squad.

In fact, first-team football has been seriously difficult to come by this season. He's played just seven times in all competitions, with just 32 minutes of action coming in the league.

Knockaert has found the 2021/22 campaign hard. He's had a number of injuries and he's simply not been able to force his way into a winning side.

Last season, the French winger played plenty of football. He was snapped up by Chris Hughton having thrived under the former Forest boss during his time at Brighton.

He made 32 appearances during his time on Trentside, scoring three goals and claiming two assists during a pretty underwhelming campaign at the club.

Former Forest man Knockaert wins promotion

It remains to be seen what is next for the 30-year-old. He has a year to run on his current deal but it seems unlikely that he will feature much in the Premier League.

As a result, his future looks uncertain and the club might look to get his £35,000-a-week salary away from the wage bill.

Last night he did cop some flak for sticking a full kit on and prancing around the Craven Cottage turf.

Clearly, he holds Fulham close to his heart but after his average time of things at Forest, he's unlikely to have too many suitors queuing up to take him.



https://www.nottinghamforest.news/2022/05/03/ex-forest-man-anthony-knockaert-wins-promotion-with-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

Club Statement | Supporter treatment at Fulham

Luton Town Football Club has received numerous complaints from supporters who attended yesterday's match over their treatment by police and stewards at Craven Cottage.

As has been reported and indeed witnessed by fellow supporters, members of our Club staff and Club stewards who were invited to attend the game, for children and senior supporters to be stewarded so aggressively, is disappointing and unacceptable.

We would like to reassure those who have raised issues that Club officials will be in contact with Fulham and the Met Police to ensure they are investigated fully.

Meanwhile, we would like to offer a huge thank you to the near 2,000 fans who supported the team in their usual passionate, yet impeccable manner. You did your Club proud under disappointing circumstances and we look forward to seeing you all back home at the Kenny for a huge game on Saturday against Reading.

Any further feedback, please contact: [email protected].



https://www.lutontown.co.uk/news/2022/may/statement/

[WhiteJC]

22/23 Season Tickets

Up The Fulham!

2022/23 Season Tickets will go on sale from 1pm on Wednesday 4th May.

Get set for another big season and bring your support to Craven Cottage as Fulham take their place back in the Premier League.

Season Ticket sales for brand new purchasers will also open on Wednesday for remaining available seats within the ground, with existing Season Ticket Holders' seats held for renewal until 5pm on Tuesday 31st May.

Following the Seat Hold Deadline and subsequent movers window on Wednesday 1st June, any unrenewed seats will become available for general sale from 10am on Thursday 2nd June.

With Season Tickets in the new Riverside Stand Lower Tier now sold out, don't delay in securing your seat to watch the Champions in action next season!

Keep Your Season Card

As communicated at the start of the current campaign, the Club will no longer be providing new cards each season.

Supporters who subsequently renew for the 2022/23 season will be required to keep the same card. New cards will be issued only to those who move seats or change age bands.
Support the Fulham FC Foundation

Since 2002, Fulham FC Foundation has built a community of supporters and a dedicated team with years of experience to deliver sustainable impact.

Investing money raised into solutions-focused projects, the Foundation tackle some of the biggest challenges facing our community today such as social isolation and health inequalities.

Supporters can opt to make a donation to Fulham FC Foundation when purchasing a Season Ticket. Simply select a one-off donation option of £2, £5, £10 or £20, or alternatively any other amount you may wish to give, during the checkout process. Thank you for your support.
How To Buy

Supporters renewing should visit tickets.fulhamfc.com and log in with their OneFulham Account. Once logged in, your available seats will be displayed on the Tickets homepage, under Your Reserved Tickets. Simply follow the steps to complete your payment purchase.

New sales can be purchased online from the seat map at tickets.fulhamfc.com

Alternatively, fans can visit the Fulham FC Ticket Office in person at Craven Cottage (Monday-Friday 9:30am-4:30pm) or call on +44 (0) 203 871 0810 (lines open Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm).

More Information

Further details, including a full list of benefits and FAQs can be found at fulhamfc.com/seasontickets

https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2022/may/03/22-23-season-tickets/

[WhiteJC]

Silva fined £2,000 after sending off

Fulham head coach Marco Silva has been fined £2,000 following his sending off at Bournemouth after accepting an FA charge of improper conduct – but he will not serve a touchline ban.

The Portuguese head coach was dismissed from the touchline after remonstrating with referee Graham Scott following his decision to award the Cherries' a stoppage time penalty that cost Fulham all three points against their promotion rivals.

Separately, Fulham have been charged with 'failing to control their players' in the 95th minute of the 1-0 defeat by Nottingham Forest at Craven Cottage last month. The home side were incensed at not being awarded a penalty and they have ten days to respond to the charge.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/05/silva-fined-2000-after-sending-off/

[WhiteJC]

Opinion: Fulham must avoid the mistakes of the past to maintain Premier League survival

Fulham earned their third promotion in five years in April and sealed it with a league title to boot on Monday evening.

An emphatic 7-0 demolition of play-off chasing Luton Town was the perfect performance to set the tone for a celebratory night in Craven Cottage.

But the achievement isn't as fun as it sounds in the context of two relegations from two previous attempts to establish the side in the top flight.

The club's director of football Tony Khan has addressed this problem in a recent interview with The Athletic, where he claimed: "I don't want Fulham to be a yo-yo club, I just want us to be a yo club."

However, while his penchant for big name signings may work in other industries in football it has left the Cottagers high and dry.

In the unscripted world of football, the Fulham hierarchy have struggled to establish an identity on the pitch, or a vision for what the team is supposed to look like.

This has led to disjointed thinking, hasty managerial decisions and over-expensive signings left on the bench.

The likes of Jean Michael Seri, Andre Zambo Anguissa and Alfie Mawson arrived in 2018 to much fanfare but completely failed to deliver any kind of excitement on the pitch.

When the team was inevitably relegated that season, the team did well to rally and earn promotion again straight away.

However, the same mistakes were made in 2020, with big name players like Joachim Andersen, Anthony Knockaert and Mario Lemina arriving.

Another relegation ensued, without even much of a fight as the team slumped to a meagre 28 points.

With Silva now at the helm, and a more convincing Championship campaign which gained promotion, the hope will be that there is a much more solid foundation to the team this time round.

That makes it even more important that the transfer committee don't fall into the same trappings as previous summers.

The team as it is has proven capable of comfortably gaining promotion and should be trusted to maintain survival in the top flight.

While the loss of Fabio Carvalho does mean some spending will be needed, Fulham must be more thorough in their research and the processes involved in finding a replacement.

Silva, too, should be trusted even if the team initially struggles, given the work he has done to create such a dominant side.

While the instincts might be to spend, spend, spend, those must be reined-in this summer to avoid the same mistakes of the past.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/opinion-fulham-must-avoid-the-mistakes-of-the-past-to-maintain-premier-league-survival/

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Tom Cairney reflects on memorable Fulham night with social media message

Fulham captain Tom Cairney revealed his delight after lifting the Championship trophy at Craven Cottage yesterday.

Marco Silva's side have been promoted for a few weeks but they needed to beat Luton Town to secure the title. And, they did that in emphatic style, producing a brilliant display to win 7-0, with Cairney opening the scoring with a great left-footed finish.

Fans ran on at full-time to celebrate with the players, with the pitch then cleared to allow Cairney and his teammates to be presented with the trophy.

The playmaker reflected on that by sharing four images from the night on Twitter, whilst he also sent a message to the support.

"Champions!!!! Lifting a trophy at the cottage 🤯🖤"

That capped off what had been another impressive year for the former Blackburn man at this level, with Cairney scoring three times and registering four assists in the 26 games he played, with injuries restricting the impact he has been able to make.

Cairney will hope to stay fit and be a key player under Silva in the top-flight next season.

The verdict

This was the perfect night for all connected to Fulham and Cairney once again was key to the win, scoring the crucial opener and helping the hosts control the game throughout.

To seal the title in front of the fans and then to celebrate with them as they did means this will live long in the memory for Cairney, which is evident by his post.

Even though they still have one game to play, the Fulham players will surely still be celebrating after what has been an excellent year.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/tom-cairney-reflects-on-memorable-fulham-night-with-social-media-message/

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About last night

The scenes at Craven Cottage last night will live long in the memory. Fulham had rather stumbled towards the finishing line after earning promotion against Preston North End last season, but they finally secured the Championship title in the sort of sensational style that they started the season. Luton Town, who would have clinched a play-off place of their own with a win in SW6, were completely swept aside for the third swashbuckling 7-0 win of a superb season – which brought up both a century of league goals and, most magically of all, Aleksandar Mitrovic's 43rd goal to surpass Guy Whittingham's second division post-war record.

The tone was set from the outset by the decision of the Fulham hierarchy to place commemorative scarves, rather than the much-maligned clappers, on each seat. The home support's swirling of these scarves before kick-off, with the stunning visuals that created, as well as what Marco Silva described as the best atmosphere he's heard inside the Cottage, gave the evening even more of a party feel. After Fulham's last two false starts, there was an edginess around the ground as a feisty Luton side sought to disrupt Fulham's rhythm but everything felt right once Tom Cairney banged in the opener.

It was fitting that our classy captain, who many had written off as withered by injury before a ball had been kicked, got the festivities underway. That Cairney cracked in the crucial opener with his right foot – which many have suggested is superbly for standing on – was wonderful and there was plenty of emotion in his own celebration at the Putney End. There was never any questioning of his prodigious talent but the Scottish playmaker has grown into a towering figure with this club, writing his name into Fulham folklore by leading us out three times at Wembley. Legendary status was long since assured: Cairney is now just enhancing his legacy with more memorable moments.

When Kenny Tete borrowed from the Cairney copybook and leathered in a left-footed long-ranger, you knew it was going to be a good night. Any angst about a Luton comeback disappeared when Fabio Carvalho, outstanding on what might have been his final Fulham appearance at the Cottage, found the far corner with a fabulous finish and there was a deserved goal for Bobby Decordova-Reid, whose work ethic has always been first class. Sandwiched between Mitrovic's magnificent brace was a low strike from distance by Jean Michael Seri, whose emergence as a midfielder that Silva can depend upon has probably surprised even the Ivorian himself.

The party was in full swing long before Mitrovic made history by making a tough finish appear straightforward in stoppage time. The Serbian had shown serious desire to fish the loose ball out of the net and sprint back to the centre circle in search of another opportunity at 6-0 and he gobbled up the chance fashioned for him by another wonderful Harry Wilson assist with absolute relish. You just run out of superlatives for Mitrovic at this point: he's a phenomenal competitor and it is a joy to see an adventurous side build around him, rather than one that excludes him entirely. We are very lucky to be watching a master at work.

The carnival only continued after the final whistle and following the inevitable pitch invasion. There was a lovely moment when the Championship trophy was brought onto the pitch by the Fulham women's captain Mary Southgate, who recently made his 100th appearance for the club, and as a lifelong fan demonstrated her impeccable H5 credentials by heading straight for H5 with the cup when she got her hands on it. It was brilliant to see Marco SIlva's backroom staff celebrating joyously on the pitch and for a superb squad to celebrate with a packed Craven Cottage.

The questions about whether Fulham can break the promotion/relegation cycle can't wait. Silva was at pains to point out that London's oldest professional football club doesn't win trophies very often: a tradition he wants to break. This side will go down as one of the best in the club's history – and certainly one of the most stylish. It is some achievement for a new manager to imbue both his personality and philosophy right across a club within nine months. Silva has not only managed that but he has forged a special bond with his players and the fans; it is hard to disagree with him when he says 'we have built something special'.

We should savour these days and this team, because they don't come around too often.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/05/about-last-night/

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Transfer News: Tottenham, Leeds United, Fulham interested in signing Malcolm Ebiowei

Tottenham, Leeds United and Fulham are reportedly set to go up against one another in their pursuit of Derby County's teenage sensation Malcolm Ebiowei.

According to The Sun, Tottenham Hotspur, Leeds United and Premier League-bound Fulham are all set to go up against one another in their pursuit of Derby County wonderkid Malcolm Ebiowei in the upcoming summer transfer window.

The 18-year-old came through the youth ranks at Arsenal and Rangers before moving to Derby County in 2021. Ebiowei spent a year in the club's youth academy before making the move to the first team a year later. He made his first-team bow for Derby in February 2022, making 15 appearances since.

Ebiowei's return of one goal and two assists is decent at best, but he did showcase enough to suggest that he has what it takes to fight it out with experienced stars. With the Rams now relegated to the third division, vultures are circling to land the side's top prospects this summer.

A stint in the top flight could be in the offing for Ebiowei, with Tottenham, Leeds and Fulham all interested. With his contract expiring in the summer, clubs have the opportunity to secure the 18-year-old's services for cheap.

A move to Tottenham would be the biggest step the youngster can take at the moment, but it hardly will guarantee him regular playtime. Harry Kane continues to be the club's first-choice striker and will be the de facto primary choice next term. More so, Tottenham's inability to get the best out of Troy Parrott could act as a warning for Ebiowei. Whether his former allegiance to Arsenal also plays a role in his decision remains to be seen.

Leeds, for their part, do need another striker. Patrick Bamford has been injured this campaign, while Rodrigo Moreno has flattered to impress. Jesse Marsch has shown the aptitude to develop young talents from his time at Red Bull Salzburg and could get the best out of Ebiowei at Elland Road. However, Leeds are still in danger of relegation, and it remains to be seen where they will ply their trade next season.

A move to Craven Cottage could prove to be the best bet for the 18-year-old. Marco Silva's side will play in the Premier League next season and have put together an exciting young team. With Fabio Carvalho set to move to Liverpool, there is an opening in their attack for another promising youngster. While Ebiowei will need to adapt, there is a higher chance of him making the cut with the Cottagers.

Despite his contract expiring, Ebiowei's age means that Arsenal, Rangers and Derby, all stand to be compensated should he move elsewhere. Time will decide where 18-year-old attacking sensation eventually ends up, with Tottenham, Leeds and Fulham all hot on his trail.



http://www.thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2022/05/03/transfer-news-tottenham-leeds-united-fulham-interested-in-signing-malcolm-ebiowei/

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"On the way to being a Premier League footballer" – Fulham eye Derby County transfer raid: The verdict

This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Fulham have joined the race for Derby County winger Malcolm Ebiowei, according to a report from The Sun.

The 18-year-old's contract at Pride Park expires next month and there are a host of clubs said to be interested, including Leeds United, Tottenham, and the Craven Cottage outfit.

But would he be a good signing for Fulham? And do they need him?

We quizzed our FLW writers for their thoughts...

Marcus Ally

Malcolm Ebiowei needs to have the right people around him at this time, to ensure that the best club for his development is chosen this summer.

Ten league starts in senior football is such a small sample size to try and judge where he should go, however, it has been made abundantly clear in his performances, that the 18-year-old is a capable Championship winger.

Therefore, if the Cottagers sign him this summer, it should be with the view to loaning him to the second tier next season.

Ebiowei is not Premier League ready just yet, he is still too raw and would not be suited to a team that could have as little of the ball as Fulham may have next season.

But long term it would be a great coup and regular game time in the Championship should be the priority next term.

George Dagless

He's obviously a bright talent but I would say he has to be considered one for the future rather than one that's going to come into Fulham's attacking line-up from next season in the Premier League.

The Lilywhites have some top attacking players in their ranks and so it's difficult to obviously see Ebiowei moving one of them out of the side at the moment.

Even so, he clearly has lots of talent and I think he is on the way to being a Premier League footballer, so Fulham appear wise to be getting this one lined up.

There is competition for him, though, so we'll have to see who actually gets him in.

Alfie Burns

In the short-term it's probably not a signing that Fulham need to be putting too much focus on.

Heading back into the Premier League, their recruitment is going to be absolutely vital and there's going to have to be a heavy focus on making sure they are equipped to survive.

That being said, Ebiowei wouldn't be a bad signing at all, he's showing some excellent traits at Derby and has some really good moments in the final third despite his tender age.

In the long-term he'd be a great coup for Fulham, it just can't be a priority signing that sees them miss out on others.

If it came to a point where Fulham had done what they needed to do and Ebiowei was still available, you'd be saying 100%.

However, with where Fulham's priority should be and the other clubs interested, they might well miss out.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/on-the-way-to-being-a-premier-league-footballer-fulham-eye-derby-county-transfer-raid-the-verdict/