Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 23/08/22...

[WhiteJC]

Results

Monday
Man Utd	2-1	Liverpool

[WhiteJC]

Aleksandar Mitrović, Idol

Aleksandar Mitrović was beaming at full-time of Fulham's derby with Brentford on Saturday afternoon.

For much of the afternoon it looked like Bees goalkeeper David Raya would come out on top of their personal duel, but the big man powered home a 90th minute winner to send Craven Cottage into delirium.

"An amazing, amazing feeling," he admitted. "It was a good derby day, a lot of goals, turnovers, and in the end we managed to get the win.

"We made it difficult for ourselves – we had a good 35 minutes first half, then we slowed the tempo, they were coming, then they scored two goals.

"At the end I managed to get the goal. I missed a couple of chances but I kept going, we stayed in the game, and in the end I managed to get the goal.

"[Raya] made it so hard for me. I missed a couple of chances, lots of ups and downs – the story of my life, I could say – but I never gave up.

"I believed one ball would come, and if it came I needed to be ready, and that's what happened.

"I stayed calm, kept believing. It was a great cross, a good header, and a big three points for us. Our first win this season.

"It was a proper derby, everyone enjoyed it – the fans, us on the pitch. I think our Manager didn't enjoy it that much, but at the end I'm sure he was happy!

"We are happy as well, we got that first three points, still undefeated after three games. We keep believing, keep working hard, and focus on the next one."

The victory put the Whites onto five points and temporarily had us sitting fourth in the Premier League standings, and Mitrović attributed full credit to Marco Silva.

"The Manager's changed the Club, changed the way we play, changed the way we believe," he explained. "We never give up, and we showed that.

"We started well, then we conceded two goals, but in the end we managed to get three points. We believed until the end, and we deserved three points."

Mitrović's former teammate Ivan Toney grabbed Brentford's equaliser and duly mimicked the Serb's celebration – a bold move considering there was still more than 20 minutes to play.

"Everybody has idols. He used to play with me at Newcastle and he was my boy," Mitro said. "My idol was Shearer and I am probably his idol."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2022/august/22/mitro-idol/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham form academy partnership with Basingstoke Town

Fulham have officially signed an academy partnership with Basingstoke Town, the Isthmian League South Central Division club have confirmed this morning.

Basingstoke Town say that the link up will focus on player and coach development, player care and recruitment. Basingstoke's academy will benefit from the opportunity of further playing and learning opportunities for their youngsters, including the chance to feature in tournaments organised by the Premier League club.

Town's director of football Mike Gilham said:

"We, as a club, are acting on the realisation of a shared football philosophy with Fulham FC, and that's why we felt forming a partnership was a logical step to take.

"Both clubs have similar thoughts regarding how they develop players and coaches and the partnership is mutually beneficial. The deal is based on the similar values instilled in both clubs and the shared commitments to a few important areas.

"I'd like to thank Marcus Herron and Mike Cave for approaching us and working so closely on the partnership."

Fulham's academy director Mike Cave added:

"Formalising this partnership with Basingstoke Town is great news for both clubs, whilst we sit at different ends of the Football pyramid, we recognise the existence of shared values and football philosophies at both clubs. We are very excited about the potential of this partnership by supporting the development of Basingstoke's Academy programmes and in-turn providing potential players with an initial opportunity at a Category One football academy."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/08/fulham-form-academy-partnership-with-basingstoke-town/

[WhiteJC]

Boro boss Chris Wilder wants Rodrigo Muniz to fill Chuba Akpom void

MIDDLESBROUGH have received bad news on Chuba Akpom's knee injury with the striker set to spend the next few weeks on the sidelines but manager Chris Wilder has tasked Rodrigo Muniz with filling the void.

Following his brace against Sheffield United, the 26-year-old has missed the last two games after twisting his knee in the first half of the draw at the Riverside Stadium.

Akpom had scans to assess the damage which revealed that he will be out for the next few games at least.

The addition of Rodrigo Muniz will lighten the load in attack with the Brazilian joining on loan from Fulham until the end of the season but Akpom's bright start to the campaign means manager Chris Wilder will have to cast his eye over the squad. 

Wilder said: "Chuba being out is a big miss for us because without him we lack a physical presence up front. It's a little bit of a 'this is how you've got to play' at the moment. That's a bigger miss than maybe we've felt over the last two games.

"It's looking like we'll be without him for a couple of weeks. We'll play it by ear with that one, but that's really disappointing and a big blow at the top of the pitch when you can see what we've got."

In the absence of Akpom, the Boro boss is keen to add physicalilty to his attack with new signing Muniz tasked with fulfilling that brief as he joins up with his new team mates in training this week.

Wilder continued: "A young kid (Matthew Hoppe) came on the pitch today who's still got so much work to do. Marcus (Forss) was brought in for a longer future and I thought he showed glimpses of what he can offer. But we're definitely light on a bit of power and presence at the top of the pitch.

"(Rodrigo) Muniz will come in and give us that because Chuba gave us it. Hopefully another one we're looking to bring in will give us that as well."

Following the weekend defeat to Reading, Boro have a free week on the training ground ahead of their next Championship game against Swansea City at the Riverside Stadium. 



https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/20681321.boro-striker-chuba-akpom-spend-couple-weeks-knee-injury/

[WhiteJC]

Games for Mid-week 23/08
We're off to Crawley for a Carabao Cup game...

Seems very early in the season to be having a cup game?, still we're off to the People's Pension Stadium to take on Crawley Town who are. managed by a Fulham old boy Kevin Betsy. Kevin played 15 games for us between 1998-2002 and scores 1 goal.

We've only played Crawley a couple of times that I could find, winning both games, both games were "friendlies".

Team selection for this game is tricky, we don't really want to risk "key" players however I'm sure that Marco will want to keep the good results going?

I've selected players from the under 21's and "fringe" players who Marco has made clear have no part in the first team this season, perhaps this could be used a shop window?, my team would be...

COYW's

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=2328

[WhiteJC]

Basingstoke Town ties up with Premier League club Fulham


Basingstoke Town's director of football Mike Gilham (left) with Fulham FC's academy director Marcus Herron

BASINGSTOKE Town Community FC have officially formed an academy partnership with Premier League club Fulham FC to help aid the development and progress of both clubs.

The new and exciting partnership has been agreed to place emphasis on player and coach development, player care, and recruitment.

The Basingstoke club said the deal is based on a shared footballing philosophy in many key areas.

Players and coaches will benefit from the partnership, gaining professional knowledge and experiences which will ultimately help both clubs.

With a large focus on academy recruitment, the collaboration with Fulham is expected to open up many opportunities for Basingstoke Town.

Basingstoke Town's director of football Mike Gilham said: "We, as a club, are acting on the realisation of a shared football philosophy with Fulham FC, and that's why we felt forming a partnership was a logical step to take.

"Both clubs have similar thoughts regarding how they develop players and coaches and the partnership is mutually beneficial. The deal is based on the similar values instilled in both clubs and the shared commitments to a few important areas.

"I'd like to thank Marcus Herron and Mike Cave [from Fulham] for approaching us and working so closely on the partnership."

Mike Cave, academy director at Fulham FC, said: "Formalising this partnership with Basingstoke Town is great news for both clubs, whilst we sit at different ends of the football pyramid, we recognise the existence of shared values and football philosophies at both clubs. We are very excited about the potential of this partnership by supporting the development of Basingstoke's Academy programmes and in-turn providing potential players with an initial opportunity at a Category One football academy."

Basingstoke Town's chairman Jack Miller said: "It's outstanding for Basingstoke to form this alliance with a club so high up the footballing pyramid in Fulham and we're excited to feel the effect that this new relationship will bring throughout our club."

Basingstoke's Academy will be a chief beneficiary of the partnership with increased playing and learning opportunities for young prospects. There will also be chances for Basingstoke Town's junior teams to participate in friendly tournaments organised by Fulham.



https://www.basingstokegazette.co.uk/news/20681710.basingstoke-town-ties-premier-league-club-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham's Aleksandar Mitrovic: 'I belong in the Premier League, I'm probably Ivan Toney's idol'

Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic has said he is "probably" Ivan Toney's "idol" after the Brentford striker replicated the Serbia international's celebration on Saturday.

Toney scored Brentford's second goal in their 3-2 loss at Craven Cottage and celebrated by mimicking Mitrovic's distinctive celebration, which sees the 27-year-old rotate his fingers around his ear.

But, far from being offended, Mitrovic commented after the match that Toney likely copied his celebration because the striker considered him to be his "idol".

"Everybody has idols. He used to play with me in Newcastle and he was my boy," said Mitrovic, who spent time with Toney on Tyneside earlier in his career. "My idol was (Alan) Shearer and I am probably his idol."

Mitrovic also asserted that he belongs in the Premier League after his strong start to the new season.

Mitrovic, who has three goals from three games, scored a record 43 Championship goals last season — breaking Toney's previous record of 31 goals — but found opportunities limited during his last spell in the Premier League with Fulham.

He registered three goals in 27 matches during the 2020-21 campaign, having fallen out of favour under Scott Parker.

"I don't care about the critics," Mitrovic said after Fulham's win. "I always know I belong here.

"I feel good. I am enjoying the Premier League and I am happy. Helping the teams and working hard is all I am looking for.

"The critics are always going to have different opinions. I don't really care about it."

Fulham continue their season on Saturday when they travel to Arsenal. Brentford, meanwhile, host Everton.



https://theathletic.com/3527602/2022/08/22/aleksandar-mitrovic-fulham-premier-league/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham target PSG defender Layvin Kurzawa in late transfer push amid Neal Maupay battle


Fulham are eyeing a move for PSG full-back Layvin Kurzawa / Getty Images

Fulham want to sign Paris Saint-Germain defender Layvin Kurzawa as they target several new recruits before the summer transfer deadline.

The Cottagers have made an unbeaten start to life back in the Premier League, with a last-gasp win over west London rivals Brentford and spirited draws against Liverpool and Wolves offering hope of finally ending a frustrating cycle of promotion and relegation.

Fulham have been active in the transfer market over recent weeks after a slow period post-Championship success that frustrated manager Marco Silva, who has been able to add seven new faces to his squad in Joao Palhinha, Issa Diop, Andreas Pereira, Kevin Mbabu, Bernd Leno, Manor Solomon and Shane Duffy.

But more new signings are expected to arrive before the window shuts on September 1, with PSG left-back Kurzawa now the focus of attentions on the defensive front, Standard Sport understands.

Fulham are also trying to land the signing of Brighton striker Neal Maupay amid rival interest from the likes of Nottingham Forest and Everton.

They also remain keen on Hwang Ui-jo at Bordeaux, but Forest, Wolves and Greek giants Olympiacos are also pushing for the South Korean forward.

Fulham are still trying to complete protracted talks over the loan signing of Dutch winger Justin Kluivert from AS Roma.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-transfer-news-kurzawa-maupay-kluivert-b1020103.html

[WhiteJC]

Pereira pulls the strings

The performance of Andreas Pereira might have gone a little lost in the outpouring of joy that followed another late header from Aleksandar Mitrovic. Beating Brentford, especially after Marco Silva's side looked to have blown a two-goal lead, has the potential to give Fulham's season a real shot in the arm. A last-gasp local derby win is the ideal fillip heading into a tough run of fixtures with more capital clashes, against Arsenal, Tottenham, Chelsea and West Ham to come, and a midweek meeting with in-form Brighton also looming. The confidence the squad will take from the quality of the football they played to establish such a commanding cushion in the first half – and that it didn't end up proving merely academic – will be huge.

Pereira was pivotal to how Fulham unsettled Brentford from the outset. There may have been concerns about his ability to perform consistently in the Premier League, but the Brazilian banished any doubts with a virtuoso performance against our neighbours. Just like Harry Wilson, who found a new home last season after becoming frustrated with a lack of first-team opportunities at Liverpool, Pereira looks reinvigorated by moving from Manchester United to Craven Cottage, having spent four of his last six seasons with the Red Devils out on loan.

His penchant for a defence-splitting pass and desire to run at the defenders tells you just why Marco Silva was so keen on plucking the Belgium-born attacking midfielder from Flamengo's clutches to replace the departing Fabio Carvalho. Pereira appears the ideal fit for the number ten role in Fulham's system, able to be influential on the ball but to lead an intense press from behind Aleksandar Mitrovic that befuddles even the most confident of teams in possession. He adds another dimension with the quality of his dead-ball delivery. Fulham scored from one set play, when Pereira's perfectly delivered corner was powered home by Joao Palhinha, and almost found the net from another in the second half, after the Brazilian pulled himself up from the turf after seeing an enterprising run crudely curtailed just outside the area and forced a fine reflex save from David Raya at the ensuing free-kick.

Pereira's energy offers benefits to the Whites both in and out of possession. At a time when Brentford were beginning to get a foothold in the contest, his bursts forward occupied centre halves who were far happier being playmakers at the start of visiting attacks. Pontus Jansson didn't enjoy seeing the Fulham number eighteen surge after the half way with the ball and the hosts should arguably have made more of an opportunity that only arrived because of Pereira's devastating dribbling. As well as creating four clear-cut chances, Fulham's constant creative hub kept hold of the ball intelligently – completing 81% of his passes, often looking to switch the play out to the flanks.

It is well worth noting that Pereira's versatility – he moved out to the right flank after Jay Stansfield had run himself into the ground – created the conditions for Fulham to go on and win the contest. Tom Cairney contributed a crucial cameo from the bench himself, popping up in spaces left vacant as Thomas Frank's charges got giddy and committed numbers forward to try and find a third. They were punished by a perceptive pass from Cairney and a brilliant cross from Mbabu that matched the majesty of Mitrovic's header. The only reason that the former Newcastle full back was able to put a ball in with such freedom was the presence of Pereira occupying two Bees' defenders ten yards ahead of the new signing.

Just like Silva, Pereira is fired up to prove his worth in the Premier League. He feels he has unfinished business in the English top flight, having made just 45 league appearances in eleven years with United – and he has already began to prove his detractors wrong. Keep up this sensational start and the Brazilian international might be considered one of the bargains of the summer.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/08/pereira-pulls-the-strings/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham can replicate Mitrovic masterclass by signing Neal Maupay
Fulham have had a strong start to their Premier League campaign as they are still unbeaten from three games played.

One player that has already shown how important he is to the team is striker Aleksandar Mitrovic.

Having scored both goals in the west London club's 2-2 draw against Champions League finalists Liverpool in their first league game, the Serbian's late strike against Brentford last weekend saw the Cottagers pick up their first win of the campaign.

Fulham originally signed the centre-forward on a loan deal from fellow Premier League side Newcastle United in the 2018 January transfer window before securing him on a permanent deal in the following summer window for a reported fee of £22m.

With 180 appearances for the Cottagers under his belt, the 27-year-old has a whopping 99 goals and 19 assists to his name.

Before the window closes, the club could well replicate the masterclass they pulled off to land Mitrovic by signing another striker on the books of a Premier League side.

It was reported last week that Marco Silva's side have been in talks with Brighton & Hove Albion over a potential £15m move for Neal Maupay.

Having made a combined total of 204 appearances for Brighton and his previous club Brentford, the 26-year-old has scored 68 goals and supplied 22 assists along the way.

Last season saw the £50k-per-week Frenchman score eight league goals in 32 appearances, making him the joint top goalscorer at the south coast club.

He also ended the campaign with the second-highest number of shots at goal (59), showing how much of a handful he can be for opposition goalkeepers and defenders, just as Mitrovic was last season in the Championship as he had more shots at goal (198) and shots on target (91) than any other player in the division.

Hailed as an "exceptional" signing for Brighton by journalist Andy Naylor, Maupay could be a very smart acquisition for Fulham, as Mitrovic certainly turned out to be for them after leaving a top-flight rival.

The Brighton striker has not seen a single minute of league action for the Seagulls this term, so perhaps a move to the capital could be an exciting new chapter for him at Craven Cottage.

Furthermore, with Rodrigo Muniz recently joining Middlesbrough on loan, this could pave the way for the west London club to add a new centre-forward to their squad before the transfer window closes.



https://www.footballfancast.com/fulham-fc-transfer-rumours/fulham-aleksandar-mitrovic-neal-maupay-transfer-news-ffc-premier-league-marco-silva-update-gossip-rumour

[WhiteJC]

Fulham keen on Kurzawa

Fulham are lining up a move for Paris Saint-Germain left back Layvin Kurzawa, according to a report in the Evening Standard this afternoon.

The Whites are considering bringing in cover at full back after Joe Bryan broke his hand in a freak accident just before the start of the season. Antonee Robinson has been outstanding in Fulham's first three games, but the American international is currently Fulham's only fit senior left back. The only other options would be Ziyad Larkeche, who has yet to feature for the under 21s this season because of his own injury problems, and eighteen year-old Stefan Parkes.

Kurzawa, who has won thirteen full international caps for France, came through the Monaco youth system, making his senior debut in 2010 and going on to play 96 games for the senior side, scoring eight goals. He helped Monaco win Ligue 2 in 2012/2013 before joining PSG in a £23m deal in 2015. The 29 year-old has won four league championships and sixteen domestic trophies with the Parisian giants, with whom he finished runners-up in the 2020 Champions' League.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/08/fulham-keen-on-kurzawa/

[WhiteJC]

'It's ridiculous and disrespectful... they talk about "football family" but there is NO family': Shakhtar Donetsk accuse Fulham of reneging on a £6.8m deal - after FIFA told footballers they could leave war-torn Ukraine without a transfer

    Shakhtar Donetsk have accused Fulham of reneging on a £6.8m deal for Manor Solomon
    The Israeli winger joined Marco Silva's side for nothing due to a FIFA ruling
    The rule allows foreign-based Ukranian players to temporarily leave their clubs
    Fulham had reportedly agreed a transfer fee before taking Solomon for nothing
    A similar situation happened with Brazilian winger Tete who joined Lyon for free
    Shakhtar recently announced they are suing FIFA for £43m worth of damages

Shakhtar Donetsk have slammed Fulham and accused them of reneging on a £6.8million deal for winger Manor Solomon.

The Israeli international joined the Cottagers on a one-year-deal this summer after a FIFA rule was extended that allowed Ukrainian-based foreign players to suspend their contract and temporarily go elsewhere without penalty.

The ruling came into place when the Ukrainian season was suspended in March due to the ongoing war in the country and will now remain in place for the entire 2022-23 season.


Shakhtar Donetsk chief executive Sergei Palkin has accused Fulham of reneging on a £6.8m agreement for Manor Solomon


The Israeli winger joined Fulham this summer after a FIFA ruling was extended that allows foreign players to temporarily suspend their contracts with Ukrainian clubs

However, Shakhtar had been negotiating an exit for Solomon throughout the summer and claim they had agreed a £6.8m fee with Marco Silva's side before the FIFA ruling which means Fulham signed Solomon for nothing.

The deal, which would have been a financial lifeline for Shakhtar and deliver a vital cash injection to a club who have had their accounts battered by the war with Russia, has caused much anger from the 13-time Ukrainian champions.

'They just talk about the football family,' Shakhtar chief executive Sergei Palkin told the New York Times. 'But in real life there is no football family.'

The anger surrounding Solomon has not been helped by Lyon doing something similar with exciting Brazilian midfielder Tete, after the club had agreed a fee worth double Solomon's proposed sale for the 22-year-old.

Like Fulham, the French side reportedly informed Palkin that they were scrapping the multi-million pound deals after the FIFA ruling and would instead take the player for nothing.

A Lyon spokesperson said the club disputed Palkin's recounting of events, but declined to provide details, while Fulham declined to comment.

While both teams abided by the rules which allows foreign stars who no longer understandably wish to return to Ukraine to move elsewhere, it has created resentment at Shakhtar.


A similar situation happened with Lyon and the signing of Shakhtar's 22-year-old winger Tete


Shakhtar announced earlier this summer that they would sue FIFA for £43m worth of damages

The club announced in July that they will sue FIFA for £43m in damages which they say is the value of transfer fees they have missed out on due to the ruling being extended.

The frustration for Palkin is that it is a long way from all the support and solidarity Shakhtar received when Russia's invasion of Ukraine initially began, while he has been left with a bitter taste for the way some clubs have treated sides like his.

This has been demonstrated with Lyon reportedly recently offering Shakhtar £2.54m for Tete which is less than 20 per cent of what the Ukrainian club believe they had agreed on a fee for him earlier in the summer.

Palkin, who turned down the Ligue 1 side's offer, said: 'It's ridiculous. It's peanuts. It's not respectful from FIFA or the clubs.'

FIFA claim their position of extending the ruling and allowing players to play elsewhere temporarily is better than alternative measures such as players breaking their contracts.

But, with no sign of an end to the war, it looks unlikely that these foreign players will ever play for their Ukrainian clubs again.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/sportsnews/article-11134321/Shakhtar-Donetsk-accuse-Fulham-reneging-6-8m-deal-FIFA-ruling.html

[WhiteJC]

Aleksandar Mitrovic takes aim at Ivan Toney with cheeky "idol" comment

Two in-form strikers going at it.

Aleksandar Mitrovic has taken aim at Ivan Toney with a cheeky comment, after the Brentford striker appeared to mock his celebration on Saturday.

Toney cupped his ear and twisted his hand after seemingly scoring for Brentford against Fulham on Saturday, before the goal was disallowed by VAR.

He then stuck the ball in the net again, and this time it counted, and he wasted no time in doing Mitrovic's celebration a second time, just to make sure he got his point across.

    Imitation is the most sincere form of flattery. pic.twitter.com/M6U02HqOrd

    — Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) August 20, 2022

It was Mitrovic who had the last laugh though, as he scored an incredible header to win the game for his Fulham side, pushing Marco Silva's side into 7th place.

Aleksander Mitrovic vs Ivan Toney

Speaking after the game, Mitrovic said that he doesn't blame Toney for copying his celebration, as he was paying tribute to his idol.

He said: "Everybody has idols. He used to play with me in Newcastle and he was my boy. My idol was (Alan) Shearer and I am probably his idol."

Mitrovic continued by saying that he doesn't care about the critics he has had in the past, explaining:"I always know I belong here.

"I feel good. I am enjoying the Premier League and I am happy. Helping the teams and working hard is all I am looking for.

"The critics are always going to have different opinions. I don't really care about it."

    That winning moment. 🔥#FFC pic.twitter.com/m1aDlSwtR3

    — Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) August 20, 2022

Knowing Toney, this is probably something that he will respond to in the near future. Either that or we'll have to wait until the reverse fixture in 2023.

Both strikers have had an excellent start to the Premier League season, with them both having scored two goals and performed strongly in general.

Newcastle may regret letting both of them go, especially if Callum Wilson is to pick up an injury later in the season.



https://punditarena.com/football/rudi-kinsella/aleksandar-mitrovic-ivan-toney-idol-celebration/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham Keen On Snapping Up Multiple French Title Winner

Fulham are keen on a move for Paris Saint-Germain left-back Layvin Kurzawa, according to the Evening Standard.

There are only ten days left in the ongoing window but boss Marco Silva is still eyeing to bolster his squad with multiple signings.

The Cottagers have already added no fewer than seven new players to their ranks, adding depth across the board but defence is still one area where Silva wants more options.

Fulham's hierarchy are backing their boss and they are expected to bring in several new faces through the door before the transfer deadline on 1st September.

And the Londoners could land Kurzawa, who has won the Ligue 1 title on no fewer than four occasions.

Fulham are keen on a move for PSG left-back Kurzawa, who has been linked with leaving the club throughout the window.

The Frenchman is deemed surplus to requirements at the Parc des Princes and the Cottagers are focusing on getting a deal over the line for him.

Kurzawa did not play a single minute of football for PSG last season in Ligue 1 or in Europe and the club are keen to offload him this summer.



https://insidefutbol.com/2022/08/22/fulham-keen-on-snapping-up-multiple-french-title-winner/574769/

[WhiteJC]

Aleksandar Mitrovic hails Marco Silva changes after Fulham's positive start
The Londoners head for League Two strugglers Crawley in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday evening.


Striker Aleksandar Mitrovic has praised the belief head coach Marco Silva has brought to Fulham (Bradley Collyer/PA)
(PA Wire)

Aleksandar Mitrovic has saluted the belief Marco Silva has brought to Fulham as they prepare to launch their Carabao Cup campaign against Sky Bet League Two Crawley.

The Cottagers will head for the Broadfield Stadium on Tuesday evening brimming with confidence having secured a first Premier League victory since their return when they beat Brentford 3-2 on Saturday.

Serbia international Mitrovic snatched victory at the death with his third goal of the campaign to date, much to the relief of head coach Silva.

The former Anderlecht and Newcastle frontman told the club's official website: "It was a proper derby, everyone enjoyed it – the fans, us on the pitch. I think our manager didn't enjoy it that much, but at the end I'm sure he was happy.

"We are happy as well, we got that first three points, still undefeated after three games. We keep believing, keep working hard, and focus on the next one."

That next one is the trip to struggling Crawley, who slipped into the League Two relegation zone as a result of Saturday's 2-0 home defeat by AFC Wimbledon.

It would be no surprise if Silva used the depth of his squad in West Sussex – summer signings Kevin Mbabu and Shane Duffy, as well as experienced midfielder Tom Cairney, are yet to start a game this season, while Issa Diop awaits his debut – but Mitrovic is confident the mentality the Portuguese has instilled since his arrival at Craven Cottage in July last year will serve them well whoever plays.

He said: "The manager's changed the club, changed the way we play, changed the way we believe. We never give up."

Crawley boss Kevin Betsy will be forced to make at last one change, with defender Tony Craig suspended following his red card at the weekend.



https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/marco-silva-aleksandar-mitrovic-fulham-carabao-cup-league-two-b2150212.html

[WhiteJC]

Fulham 'trying' to land former Brentford man as Marco Silva eyes more signings

The latest Fulham news and rumours on Monday.

Fulham are keen to see off competition from elsewhere to sign striker Neal Maupay from Brighton and Hove Albion.

The Cottagers are interested in luring the attacker to Craven Cottage before the end of the transfer window.

Maupay, 26, is yet to make an appearance for Graham Potter's side in their opening few games of the new Premier League season.

As detailed in a report by the Evening Standard, Fulham are 'trying' to land him ahead of Nottingham Forest and Everton.

Where would he fit in at Fulham?
Marco Silva has given Rodrigo Muniz the green light to head out the exit door for Championship side Middlesbrough which leaves a vacancy to fill in attack.

The London club need somebody who can compete and provide strong back-up for key man Aleksandar Mitrovic up front, especially if the Serbian ace gets injured.

Maupay fits the bill as he has proven in the past that he can score goals at the top level.

Brighton swooped to sign him back in 2019 after he caught the eye playing in the second tier for Brentford and he has since scored 27 goals in 109 appearances in all competitions.

He is out of contract next summer meaning the Seagulls need to sell him this month or in January to avoid losing him for nothing, assuming they don't offer him an extension.

Other news
In other Fulham news, they have reportedly joined the race to sign Blackpool winger Josh Bowler, according to journalist Alan Nixon on his Patreon.



https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/fulham/fulham-trying-to-land-former-brentford-man-as-marco-silva-eyes-more-signings-3815393

[WhiteJC]

Fulham could sign £20m forgotten man who hasn't played in 12 months

Premier League Fulham have turned their attention to PSG's Ligue 1 champion Layvin Kurzawa, as reported by The London Standard, after being turned down by Italy international Luca Pellegrini.

Heading into their latest top-flight campaign, there were two positions Marco Silva's Championship champions seemed intent on strengthening; left-back, and left centre-back.

But if Antonee Robinson and Tim Ream were fearing for their futures, it's fair to say they are responding in the best possible way. Alongside Joao Palhinha and Alexandr Mitrovic, the USA internationals have been two of Fulham's best performers during the first few weeks of the new campaign.

So much so that it's Tosin Adarabioyo, rather than Ream, who now looks more likely to make way for Issa Diop. And if Layvin Kurzawa was to arrive from Paris Saint-Germain, he'd have quite the battle snatching Robinson's place in the starting XI.

Will Layvin Kurzawa leave Paris Saint-Germain for Fulham?

Kurzawa is one of the names on Fulham's radar heading into the final few days of the window.

The £20 million France international, a five-time Ligue 1 champion, is not part of the plans at PSG. In fact, he's played just nine minutes of football since the start of last term; his most recent appearance coming in the 1-0 Trophee des Champions victory over Lille in August 2021, 12 months ago.

Kurzawa is the latest left-back in Fulham's sights this summer.

The Cottagers had hoped to bring in Luca Pellegrini from Juventus. He rebuffed their advances, however, before taking Filip Kostic's place at Europa League winners Eintracht Frankfurt. Alex Moreno was also a target, but he is staying at Real Betis.

PSG, try as they might, have been unable to shift Kurzawa during a series of windows; his hefty contract posing a problem for potential suitors. West Ham United, Chelsea, Newcastle and Barcelona all showed an interest in January, before ultimately deciding against making a move.

Kurzawa has not been part of the PSG squad for any of their Ligue 1 games so far this term. He



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2022/08/22/fulham-could-sign-20m-forgotten-man-who-hasnt-played-in-12-months/

[WhiteJC]

Silva set to rotate at Crawley

Marco Silva is set to ring the changes for the first time this season in Fulham's League Cup second round tie at Crawley Town tomorrow night.

With the squad still on a high after Saturday's dramatic win over Brentford and with another London derby ahead at Arsenal on Saturday, the Whites are likely to field an experimental side for their first competitive game against Crawley, managed by former Fulham winger Kevin Betsy. There should be a first appearance for Issa Diop since his move from West Ham earlier this month, whilst Shane Duffy and Kevin Mbabu – both substitutes at the weekend – could start in a new-look back four.

Silva's side should also include several of the club's promising academy graduates. Jay Stansfield should keep his place after an impressive first Premier League start against the Bees, although the teenager could lead the line rather than operate from the right flank. Luke Harris, the 17 year-old attacking midfielder who has been on the bench for two of the senior side's first three league matches, is also in line for a debut after starring for Fulham's under 23s and under 21s in recent seasons.

The Fulham head coach said this afternoon:

"The Carabao Cup is really important, the FA Cup even more important in this country and for us as well. The Premier League is the top competition for us. But if you ask me if I would like to have a very good run in this competition, definitely yes.

Sometimes people are confused that you say that the game is really important and you change several players. [It is] because you have other things to prepare [for], you have some players to give minutes to, because we want them at their best."




https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/08/silva-set-to-rotate-at-crawley/

[WhiteJC]

Stansfield: 'I have to keep making my Dad proud'

There's a lovely little interview with Jay Stansfield in today's Times ahead of Fulham's visit to Crawley Town in the League Cup this evening.

Jon West says that the young striker 'is making a name for himself at Fulham,' before conceding that Stansfield is already a household name in the south west, following the achievements of Jay's much-missed father Adam, at Yeovil and Exeter City in particular. The teenager hasn't talked much about his father, who tragically died of cancer aged only 31 in 2010, in public. He does touch here on how difficult his first Fulham appearance – when he came on as a substitute to help the Whites, then of the Championship, beat Premier League Aston Villa in the FA Cup third round a couple of years ago – with Adam firmly in thoughts.

    "When I made my debut, it was quite emotional because I wanted him to be here when I was achieving this. Sadly he is not but hopefully he is looking down on me and proud of me. I don't remember too much as I was quite young. I have had stories from my family: my mum always tells me how he dealt with things. I listen to people who were close to him. A lot of his close mates are managers, either in an academy or whatever, I talk to them quite a bit. I watch videos back as well. I have to keep pushing on and making him proud."

Stansfield has certainly done that. He followed up an impressive cameo from the bench at Wolves with a display full of determination – and no mean skill – against Brentford at Craven Cottage on Saturday, where he was so unfortunate not to open his Premier League goalscoring account when a desperate challenge by Ben Mee diverted his finish onto the crossbar. Bobby Decordova-Reid tucked away the rebound to give Fulham a fantastic start inside the first minute.

You wouldn't have known that Stansfield isn't a right winger from the working over he gave the highly-rated Rico Henry, with the youngster's work ethic exemplified by a lung-busting run of fully seventy yards to prevent the left-wing back from equalising in the second half. The teenager's determination to make the most of his opportunity to impress – after injury to Neeskens Kebano saw a spot in Marco Silva's starting line-up open up – was evident.

    "When I saw my name in the [pre-match team] meeting I knew I was ready to go out and perform. On Friday night I had the best night's sleep ever. I knew I had to be on top form for my first start in such a high league. The fans were brilliant, their support is always noticed."

It is always nice to know as fans that our support helps a young player. As I've already written, Stansfield's progression into the Fulham senior side is very special to me – but I'm sure we are all looking forward to seeing him pull on the Fulham colours again tonight.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/08/stansfield-i-have-to-keep-making-my-dad-proud/

[WhiteJC]

Up next: Crawley Town (a)

The second round of the League Cup – which has proven fairly difficult for the Whites to navigate in the recent past – has thrown up an intriguing meeting between Marco Silva's side and a Cottager from yesterday. Kevin Betsy, a promising youngster who both benefited and then felt the flip side of Mohamed Al-Fayed's millions being bumped into the white side of SW6, is looking forward to welcoming his old side to his new stomping ground at Crawley Town this evening. A sold out crowd awaits the unbeaten Premier League newcomers at Broadfield Stadium, with the hosts grateful of the distraction from a difficult start in League Two this season.

Betsy, who followed up his twenty appearances for Fulham by returning to Motspur Park to begin his coaching career, was a bold appointment by the pair of cryptocurrency investors who took over Crawley in April. When faced with the need to replace John Yems after he was found guilty of racial discrimination, the Reds offered a first managerial opportunity to a man, who had built a fine portfolio of coaching success, first with the younger age groups at Fulham, then in the England youth development set-up at St. George's Park and finally with Arsenal's under 23s. Betsy might not have had the ideal start in West Sussex – his only win in six games was a gutsy success in the first round of the League Cup against Bristol Rovers – but the 44 year-old spoke passionately about the long-term nature of his project, putting together plans to knit his philosophy into Crawley's progress alongside the new ownership group in the build up to this game.

Betsy has fond memories of this competition from his playing days, having been handed his senior debut by Kevin Keegan when third tier Fulham went to Anfield and almost shocked Liverpool on a night when Paul Peschisolido scored a stunning equaliser in front of the Kop. He credits Jean Tigana both with his development as a footballer and a man, with the French maestro advising him to convert a loan move at Barnsley into a permanent deal, as his first-team chances in west London receeding as the Whites established themselves in the top flight. Betsy is right to assert that Crawley's performances have merited more than the single league point they have mustered so far this term, especially in a painful home defeat by Northampton last week, where the Cobblers' late winner came courtesy of Fulham loanee Kieron Bowie.

The first competitive meeting between these two clubs will see both sides alter from their first choice line ups. Crawley's changes are unlikely to be quite as dramatic as the refresh undertaken by Marco Silva, but the hosts will certainly be without veteran centre back Tony Craig after he was sent off in the 2-0 defeat at AFC Wimbledon on Saturday. Ben Wells, who joined the Reds after a successful summer trial, may make his first appearance for his new side as Craig's replacement, having come through the acclaimed West Ham academy to captain the club's youth sides before moving to QPR. Jake Hessenthaler, son of former Gillingham and Dover legend Andy, could come into midfield whilst Ashley Nadesan, who has made more than a hundred appearances for Town, may lead the lead with Tom Nichols, who scored the goal that eliminated his old club Bristol Rovers in the first round.

Being sandwiched between a pair of London derbies against Brentford and Arsenal always meant that this fixture would probably provide an ideal opportunity for squad rotation for Marco Silva. Confidence will be high following a fabulous start to life back in the top flight that has taken plenty by surprise, although injuries and only an incrementalist approach to recruitment mean the Fulham head coach's starting line-up this evening is likely to have a very youthful look. it will be interesting to see whether Marek Rodak, who started Fulham's first two league matches, returns in goal with Bernd Leno given the night off ahead of his return to the Emirates this weekend or if the German needs more match practice following his debut on Saturday.

A reshaped back four seems a certainty with perhaps only American Antonee Robinson, who has been outstanding so far this season, surviving from the starting line-up against our near neighbours. Shane Duffy should make a first start in Fulham colours following a couple of cameos from the bench alongside another recent arrival in Issa Diop, with the towering French centre back having had to be patient given the continued excellence of Tim Ream. Tom Cairney's introduction as a late substitute on Saturday altered the momentum of a contest that appeared to be ebbing away from Fulham and the club captain could be deployed in a deeper midfield role to allow Luke Harris, the Welsh teenage sensation, a senior debut.

The 17 year-old has been a regular scorer for Fulham's under 18s and under 23s over the past eighteen months and compiled a brilliant hat-trick for Steve Wigley's under 21s against Chelsea last week. Ollie O'Neill, the Irish under-21 international who has captained Wigley's charges well on their return to the PL2 top flight, could be another pushing for a first senior start, with Jay Stansfield – so impressive in that right wing role against the Bees – set to lead the line as he did to great affect in this competition at Birmingham City last year.

MY FULHAM XI (4-2-3-1): Rodak; Mbabu, A. Robinson, Diop, Duffy; Francois, Cairney; Jasper, O'Neill, Harris; Stansfield. Subs: Leno, McAvoy, Ream, Odutayo, Chalobah, Pajaziti, Decordova-Reid, Ablade, Sanderson.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/08/up-next-crawley-town-a/