Saturday Fulham Stuff - 10/09/22...

[WhiteJC]

Fulham: Rutzler reveals why club missed out on Brereton Diaz

Peter Rutzler, of The Athletic, recently claimed Fulham missed out on the signing of Ben Brereton Diaz as they were priced out of a move by his club.

Deadline day was a busy day for the Cottagers as they picked up Carlos Vinicius, Willian, and Daniel James to bolster their attacking options in order to help their chances of surviving the Premier League season.

However, one key player they were after and failed to get a deal done for was Brereton Diaz, who has shonee in the Championship for Blackburn Rovers over the last couple of seasons and is in the last year of his contract.

Rutzler told the Fulhamish podcast that Blackburn were looking for £15m or £20m for the striker which forced Fulham out of a move and the two teams could not come to an agreement before the deadline.

"Blackburn's asking price was far too high. I think that was a long and the short of it. I think they wanted between £15m-£20m that's sort of the numbers being bandied around I think it may have been higher than that," he said.

"Which for a player in the final year of his contract, it's never going to be met. And I think for them realistically and maybe the last time they could get such fees. And I think to me anyway, Brereton Diaz would have been a great signing ticked a couple of boxes. Winger and striker can play both positions, goal scorer, still young, international".

"Depending on how things go in January, or next summer, one to sort of keep an eye on and see where he goes next."

TIF Thoughts on Brereton Diaz to Fulham...
Fulham have started incredibly well this season so far, currently sitting 10th in the table after six games with two wins, two draws, and two losses with nine goals to their name while also conceding nine goals.

Their star striker Aleksandar Mitrovic has been on impressive form so far with six goals in six games, but the addition of Brereton Diaz would have helped take the team to a new level this season.

So far this season the Chilean international has picked up four goals and one assist in their opening eight games from the left-wing position. Last season, however, he played primarily in the striker role and bagged 22 goals in the second tier of English football.

With just a year left on his contract, it is absurd that Blackburn are asking for a fee of around £20m, while he is a great player it is hard to see him resigning from the team so therefore teams know they can approach him on a free deal in January. However, Fulham will regret not paying the fee if he opts to sign for another team, he is truly talented.



https://thisisfutbol.com/2022/09/blogs/premier-league/fulham-peter-rutzler-ben-brereton-diaz-deadline-day-deal-transfer/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham backed for big achievement this season – Belief they are "slowly finding almost forgotten strength"

Fulham have been backed to establish themselves among 'the best of the rest' in the Premier League under Marco Silva.

That's according to former striker Mladen Petric, who believes his old side are finding an old, almost forgotten strength under the Portuguese boss.

Fulham returned to the Premier League this season after shining under Silva in the Championship last season, finishing top of the table with 27 wins rom 46 games and 106 goals scored.

They spent the summer window recruiting smartly spending £60m on players such as Joao Palhinha, Issa Diop, Andreas Pereira and Bernd Leno.

They've subsequently enjoyed a solid start to the season, with two wins, two draws and two defeats from six games so far.

More importantly, key man Aleksandar Mitrovic has continued his fine goalscoring form from last season, scoring six goals in six games to sit second behind Erling Haaland in the goalscoring charts.

It's sparked hope of a strong season this year, and Petric is one of those backing them to do just that.

"I'm still very interested in Fulham's games. I really like the development," he told Sport Buzzer.

"The way they are performing this season, they give the impression that they are slowly finding almost forgotten strength.

"In my time, they had the goal to belong to the "best of the rest", i.e., to establish themselves behind the six top clubs. I believe they can achieve this.

"They have stability in the team and, with Aleksandar Mitrovic, a striker who can score one goal after another and always pull the cart out of the mud in difficult games."



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-backed-big-achievement-season-belief-slowly-finding-almost-forgotten-strength/

[WhiteJC]

7 free agents available to Crystal Palace, West Ham, Fulham and Brentford

Crystal Palace, West Ham United, Fulham and Brentford can still sign players

Premier League clubs can still sign players on free transfers despite the transfer window shutting.

This gives the likes of Crystal Palace, West Ham United, Fulham and Brentford the chance to add the finishing touches to their squad if they wish to.

The London quartet all brought in players over the summer as they prepared for the 2022/23 campaign.

Here is a look at seven free agents that remain available...

Jason Denayer
Jason Denayer left Lyon at the end of the last campaign and is still weighing up his options.

The centre-back has Premier League experience from previous spells at Manchester City and Sunderland and has racked up over 250 appearances in his career to date.

Dan-Axel Zagadou
Dan-Axel Zagadou, who is 23-years-old, parted company with Borussia Dortmund when his contract with the Bundesliga giants expired at the end of June.

The defender spent five years there and played 92 times, chipping in with four goals from the back.

Xeka
For teams still needing more depth in the middle of the park, Portuguese midfielder Xeka is a decent option.

He helped Lille win the Ligue 1 title in 2021 but left them earlier this summer after five years and continues to hunt for a new home.

Zakaria Labyad
Zakaria Labyad is an attacking midfielder who has spent the past four years on the books at Ajax under the now Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag.

The ex-PSV, Sporting Lisbon and FC Utrecht man had a loan stint at Fulham back in 2016 but only played twice for the Cottagers.

Danny Rose
England international Danny Rose became a free agent on 1st September after his contract with Watford was mutually terminated.

The left-back's career needs to get back on track and he has a big decision to make on where to go next.

Ryan Thomas
Ryan Thomas is a New Zealand international with 19 caps under his belt for his country.

Thomas, who is 27-years-old, joined PSV in 2017 after catching the eye with fellow Eredivisie outfit PEC Zwolle but left the Philips Stadion a couple of months ago.

Edgar Ié
Edgar lé made history with his previous club Trabzonspor after they won the Turkish Super Lig title last term.

However, the centre-back left when his deal expired and remains unmatched.

The Portugal international has also played for the likes of Barcelona, Lille and Feyenoord in the past.



https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/crystal-palace/7-free-agents-available-to-crystal-palace-west-ham-fulham-and-brentford-3837604

[WhiteJC]

Chelsea Fixture Postponed

Fans are advised that Saturday's fixture against Chelsea has been postponed.

The Premier League have issued the following statement:

At a meeting this morning, Premier League clubs paid tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. To honour her extraordinary life and contribution to the nation, and as a mark of respect, this weekend's Premier League match round will be postponed, including Monday evening's game.

Richard Masters, Premier League Chief Executive, said: "We and our clubs would like to pay tribute to Her Majesty's long and unwavering service to our country.  As our longest-serving monarch, she has been an inspiration and leaves behind an incredible legacy following a life of dedication. 

"This is a tremendously sad time for not just the nation but also for the millions of people around the world who admired her, and we join together with all those in mourning her passing."

Further updates regarding Premier League fixtures during the period of mourning will be provided in due course.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2022/september/09/chelsea-fixture-postponed/

[WhiteJC]

England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland call off weekend's football following death of Queen Elizabeth II

Queen Elizabeth II, the UK's longest-serving monarch, died at Balmoral aged 96, after reigning for 70 years

All English, Welsh and Northern Irish football and senior Scottish football has been postponed this weekend as a mark of respect following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Ten Premier League and six Scottish Premiership fixtures were scheduled.

English Football League games were due to take place on Friday and Saturday, with six Women's Super League fixtures on Saturday and Sunday.

England's National League, FA Trophy and grassroots football is also off.

Play will resume in England's cricket Test against South Africa on Saturday and the women's Twenty20 match between England and India will go ahead.

Golf's PGA Championship will restart on Saturday after play was halted on Thursday.

British horse racing will return on Sunday, with rugby union's Premiership season beginning on Saturday after two fixtures on Friday were postponed.

Boxing's world title fight between Savannah Marshall and Claressa Shields has been postponed with a provisional new date of 15 October, while all British Boxing Board of Control tournaments have been postponed for the weekend.

Sunday's Great North Run will go ahead as planned, with organisers saying it is "an opportunity to come together and express our condolences while celebrating the life of our extraordinary Queen", and that the event would be "more subdued out of respect".

And next week's Davis Cup Finals tennis tournament in Glasgow, including Great Britain and the USA, will be played at Emirates Arena from 13 to 18 September.

Manchester City's Champions League game with Borussia Dortmund at Etihad Stadium on Wednesday will go ahead as planned, as will Manchester United's Europa League tie with FC Sheriff in Moldova next Thursday.

Queen Elizabeth II, the UK's longest-serving monarch, died on Thursday aged 96, after reigning for 70 years.

The government's national mourning guidance advised that cancelling fixtures was not obligatory, leaving the decision to individual sports.

Government guidance for the day of the funeral also advised that cancellation was not obligatory, but suggested events could be rescheduled so that they do not clash with the timings of the service.

Cricket, golf and rugby to play on
International, domestic and recreational cricket in England will go ahead on Saturday.

In golf, the PGA Championship will resume at 06:40 BST on Saturday and the event will now be contested over 54 holes rather than 72.

The rugby union Premiership match between Bristol and Bath has been moved from Friday evening to 17:30 BST on Saturday, while Sale v Northampton will be played on Sunday at 15:00 BST.

All other Premiership matches on Saturday and Sunday will go ahead as scheduled, but senior rugby in Wales has been suspended.

Formula 1 held a minute's silence with all teams prior to practice on Friday for the Italian Grand Prix, with the race weekend to proceed as planned.

At the tennis US Open in New York, there was a moment of silence before the first women's semi-final match on Thursday with the first men's semi-final on Friday.

In rugby league, the Super League play-off between Catalans Dragons and Leeds is on Friday, with Huddersfield and Salford playing on Saturday. The Championship fixture between Sheffield Eagles and Dewsbury Rams has been postponed.

The British Elite Ice Hockey League said the weekend's season-opening games would go ahead as planned.

Football pays respects to Queen's 'indelible legacy'
The Football Association said fixtures between 9 and 11 September are postponed, adding that as a "long-standing patron" of the FA the Queen "has left a lasting and indelible legacy on our national game".

The Premier League and EFL have confirmed that all fixtures will be rescheduled.

While policing was not a factor in postponing this weekend's Premier League games, it is understood it could be a consideration in next weekend's games depending on state funeral arrangements.

There is confidence fixture congestion can be solved in the second half of the season and a meeting will be held next week to discuss the calendar with relevant bodies.

The Premier League took the decision to honour the Queen's "extraordinary life and contribution to the nation" and said updates on future fixtures during the period of mourning "will be provided in due course".

The Women's Super League season was to start this weekend with record ticket sales following England's Euro 2022 success - Spurs were due to host Manchester United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and Chelsea were to take on West Ham at Stamford Bridge.

In Scotland, postponements include the Scottish Professional Football League, Scottish Women's Premier League and Scottish Highland and Lowland Football Leagues, as well as Women's Scottish Cup fixtures.

Queen's 'enduring and unique' relationship with racing honoured
British racing has been cancelled on Saturday but will resume on Sunday, while the St Leger at Doncaster has been put back 24 hours.

Chepstow is also set to go ahead on Sunday, but Musselburgh's meeting has been called off because of the Queen lying in state in Edinburgh.

British Horseracing Authority chief executive Julie Harrington said the Queen had "an enduring and unique" relationship with the sport, and that the running of the St Leger - won by the Queen's horse Dunfermline in 1977 - would enable racing to "pay its respects to Her Majesty".



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/62846756

[WhiteJC]

Graham Potter unveiling postponed as Fulham vs Chelsea decision made by Premier League

The Premier League's weekend fixtures have been called off, with new Chelsea manager Graham Potter's unveiling also cancelled, with questions remaining over their next game

Chelsea have cancelled their press conference to unveil new head coach Graham Potter and preview their clash with Fulham. The Blues' new boss was set to face the press for the first time having been announced as Thomas Tuchel's replacement on Thursday.

However, following the passing of the Queen, the club did not feel it was appropriate to continue with their media plans on Friday.

Chelsea said: "As the nation enters a period of mourning following the passing of Her Majesty the Queen, we do not feel it is appropriate to proceed with media scheduled for today. "We have therefore made the decision to cancel this press conference.

"We apologise for any inconvenience this causes, particularly to those who may have already started travelling to the training ground."

Their decision was followed by the Premier League announcing that the divisions fixtures this weekend would be postponed for the same reason.

The Premier League's statement said: "At a meeting this morning, Premier League clubs paid tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

"To honour her extraordinary life and contribution to the nation, and as a mark of respect, this weekend's Premier League match round will be postponed, including Monday evening's game.

"Richard Masters, Premier League Chief Executive, said: "We and our clubs would like to pay tribute to Her Majesty's long and unwavering service to our country.

"As our longest-serving monarch, she has been an inspiration and leaves behind an incredible legacy following a life of dedication.

"This is a tremendously sad time for not just the nation, but also for the millions of people around the world who admired her, and we join together with all those in mourning her passing."

"Further updates regarding Premier League fixtures during the period of mourning will be provided in due course."

Questions remain over Chelsea's Champions League clash at Stamford Bridge against RB Salzburg, with UEFA telling football.london on Thursday evening that "any impact on upcoming fixtures will be announced in due course."



https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/news/graham-potter-chelsea-press-conference-24975200

[WhiteJC]

When Fulham vs Chelsea could first take place after Premier League postpone fixtures

The Premier League has cancelled this weekend's fixtures to pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

Chelsea's Premier League match against Fulham this weekend has been postponed, with the following match against Liverpool also in doubt.

In a meeting on Friday morning, stakeholders came to the decision to delay the seventh round of games to pay tribute Queen Elizabeth II following her passing. The Department of Culture, Media and Sport had earlier announced the sports had no obligation to cancel or postpone events, but acknowledged they may wish to consider such action on the day of the State Funeral. The latter could coincide with Chelsea vs Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.

The division has yet to make an announcement any further in advance that the coming gameweek, however.

A statement released by the Premier League read: "At a meeting this morning, Premier League clubs paid tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. To honour her extraordinary life and contribution to the nation, and as a mark of respect, this weekend's Premier League match round will be postponed, including Monday evening's game.

"Further updates regarding Premier League fixtures during the period of mourning will be provided in due course."

The 2022/23 has already seen fixture scheduling difficulties with the season starting earlier before having a break in November and December to accommodate the World Cup. Chelsea are already set to have 13 matches across a six-week period once October gets underway with no room to facilitate any games that need rearranging.

The likelihood is that the Premier League waits until action once again gets underway following the international tournament, and while the fixture list remains hectic to start with from Boxing Day, some gaps do open up when January arrives.

At the moment, Chelsea have three Premier League fixtures scheduled in the month, though there will also potentially be two FA Cup rounds to accommodate in the calendar should the Blues progress. Currently, the midweek periods of January 4/5th (if it is deemed not to close proximity for those playing January 2nd), 10/11th, 17/18 and 24/25th remain free for games to be scheduled.

However if Chelsea continue to progress in the Carabao Cup, the 10/11th and 24/25th could be come unviable, while there is also the possibility for FA Cup replays - with replays being scrapped from the fifth round onwards.

If the game is not rearranged until February, further decisions will have to be made regarding FA Cup, Champions League and EFL Cup dates. Should the Blues progress from the group stages of the Champions League, the knockout stages will get underway either on February 14th/15th or February 21st/22nd, depending on the draw.



https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/news/fulham-chelsea-premier-league-postpone-24976347

[WhiteJC]

Bowie reveals his preferred position and says he's already improved at Cobblers after joining on loan from Fulham
'I would like to play up front and I feel like I have done well there but it just depends on how the gaffer sees it.'

Kieron Bowie is hoping for more opportunities as a central striker for the Cobblers after his impressive performance during last Saturday's excellent 3-1 win over Barrow.

There were candidates all over the pitch as Cobblers bounced back from successive defeats with a well-earned win against an in-form team who had started the day in second place.

Sam Hoskins scored his eighth of the season with a crisp low finish and seemed to pop up everywhere, Tyler Magloire capped a dominant defensive display with a towering header and Shaun McWilliams ran relentlessly for 100 plus minutes.

But, for most, pipping them all was Bowie.

The 19-year-old has primarily played out wide since arriving on loan but he operated in a more central role against Barrow and demonstrated why he feels it's his best position.

His dynamic, powerful running and trickery on the ball was a feature throughout and he crowned a fine performance with a well-taken header, planting Ali Koiki's first-time cross into the bottom corner just 38 seconds after the restart.

"In previous games I have played out on the right but this was my first game up top and I think that just shows my versatility," said Bowie.

"I can play in different positions. I had a conversation with the gaffer last Thursday and he was just asking me what I feel is my best position and I said I wasn't really sure!

"I feel like I can play in so many different positions but the fact I can play up front or on the right shows that I'm able to do different things and help the team in different ways and mix my game up."

Bowie gave the classic answer of being happy to play anywhere as long as he's in the team, but when pushed for his preferred position, he replied: "Obviously I want to start as many games as possible and I will play wherever I'm told to play.

"I would like to play up front and I feel like I have done well there but it just depends on how the gaffer sees it.

"If he wants to keep me there, I'll play there and if he wants to put me on the right, I'll play there as well. I'm not too bothered."

The teenager was sent to Sixfields on loan from Fulham to develop his game, and already he feels he has improved under Jon Brady and Colin Calderwood.

"I definitely feel like I am developing and progressing," he continued. "It's a very different style of football from under-23s because playing for for the first-team is definitely more physical and that's benefitting me a lot.

"I enjoy working with Colin and Jon. They are teaching me a lot and helping improve my knowledge of the game and I feel like I have got better working with them."

Bowie's second goal of the season on Saturday helped Cobblers to a timely win.

After back-to-back defeats, including the 6-0 thumping at Ipswich, it was important to stop a minor blip turning into something more concerning.

"It was a good way to respond," Bowie added. "It wasn't our best performance last weekend and Tuesday was obviously disappointing so we knew we had to react and we have done that.

"Barrow are at the top end of the table but we managed the game well and it's a great win for us."



https://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/sport/football/bowie-reveals-his-preferred-position-and-says-hes-already-improved-at-cobblers-after-joining-on-loan-from-fulham-3838344

[Logicalman]

7 free agents available to Crystal Palace, West Ham, Fulham and Brentford

Crystal Palace, West Ham United, Fulham and Brentford can still sign players

Premier League clubs can still sign players on free transfers despite the transfer window shutting.

This gives the likes of Crystal Palace, West Ham United, Fulham and Brentford the chance to add the finishing touches to their squad if they wish to.

The London quartet all brought in players over the summer as they prepared for the 2022/23 campaign.

Here is a look at seven free agents that remain available...

Jason Denayer
Jason Denayer left Lyon at the end of the last campaign and is still weighing up his options.

The centre-back has Premier League experience from previous spells at Manchester City and Sunderland and has racked up over 250 appearances in his career to date.

Dan-Axel Zagadou
Dan-Axel Zagadou, who is 23-years-old, parted company with Borussia Dortmund when his contract with the Bundesliga giants expired at the end of June.

The defender spent five years there and played 92 times, chipping in with four goals from the back.

Xeka
For teams still needing more depth in the middle of the park, Portuguese midfielder Xeka is a decent option.

He helped Lille win the Ligue 1 title in 2021 but left them earlier this summer after five years and continues to hunt for a new home.

Zakaria Labyad
Zakaria Labyad is an attacking midfielder who has spent the past four years on the books at Ajax under the now Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag.

The ex-PSV, Sporting Lisbon and FC Utrecht man had a loan stint at Fulham back in 2016 but only played twice for the Cottagers.

Danny Rose
England international Danny Rose became a free agent on 1st September after his contract with Watford was mutually terminated.

The left-back's career needs to get back on track and he has a big decision to make on where to go next.

Ryan Thomas
Ryan Thomas is a New Zealand international with 19 caps under his belt for his country.

Thomas, who is 27-years-old, joined PSV in 2017 after catching the eye with fellow Eredivisie outfit PEC Zwolle but left the Philips Stadion a couple of months ago.

Edgar Ié
Edgar lé made history with his previous club Trabzonspor after they won the Turkish Super Lig title last term.

However, the centre-back left when his deal expired and remains unmatched.

The Portugal international has also played for the likes of Barcelona, Lille and Feyenoord in the past.



https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/crystal-palace/7-free-agents-available-to-crystal-palace-west-ham-fulham-and-brentford-3837604

I wonder how many of these might not pass muster for the rules to get a permit to play, given some of their lack of games more recently?

[Bassey the warrior]

7 free agents available to Crystal Palace, West Ham, Fulham and Brentford

Crystal Palace, West Ham United, Fulham and Brentford can still sign players

Premier League clubs can still sign players on free transfers despite the transfer window shutting.

This gives the likes of Crystal Palace, West Ham United, Fulham and Brentford the chance to add the finishing touches to their squad if they wish to.

The London quartet all brought in players over the summer as they prepared for the 2022/23 campaign.

Here is a look at seven free agents that remain available...

Jason Denayer
Jason Denayer left Lyon at the end of the last campaign and is still weighing up his options.

The centre-back has Premier League experience from previous spells at Manchester City and Sunderland and has racked up over 250 appearances in his career to date.

Dan-Axel Zagadou
Dan-Axel Zagadou, who is 23-years-old, parted company with Borussia Dortmund when his contract with the Bundesliga giants expired at the end of June.

The defender spent five years there and played 92 times, chipping in with four goals from the back.

Xeka
For teams still needing more depth in the middle of the park, Portuguese midfielder Xeka is a decent option.

He helped Lille win the Ligue 1 title in 2021 but left them earlier this summer after five years and continues to hunt for a new home.

Zakaria Labyad
Zakaria Labyad is an attacking midfielder who has spent the past four years on the books at Ajax under the now Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag.

The ex-PSV, Sporting Lisbon and FC Utrecht man had a loan stint at Fulham back in 2016 but only played twice for the Cottagers.

Danny Rose
England international Danny Rose became a free agent on 1st September after his contract with Watford was mutually terminated.

The left-back's career needs to get back on track and he has a big decision to make on where to go next.

Ryan Thomas
Ryan Thomas is a New Zealand international with 19 caps under his belt for his country.

Thomas, who is 27-years-old, joined PSV in 2017 after catching the eye with fellow Eredivisie outfit PEC Zwolle but left the Philips Stadion a couple of months ago.

Edgar Ié
Edgar lé made history with his previous club Trabzonspor after they won the Turkish Super Lig title last term.

However, the centre-back left when his deal expired and remains unmatched.

The Portugal international has also played for the likes of Barcelona, Lille and Feyenoord in the past.



https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/crystal-palace/7-free-agents-available-to-crystal-palace-west-ham-fulham-and-brentford-3837604

I wonder how many of these might not pass muster for the rules to get a permit to play, given some of their lack of games more recently?

Diego Costa hasn't played since January.