Saturday Fulham Stuff - 31/12/22...

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Results

Friday
West Ham	0-2	Brentford
Liverpool	2-1	Leicester

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Trying to work out how and why Pele became a scout for Fulham

Trying to sum up Pele's life after football is quite difficult.

Since retiring as a professional footballer in 1977, Pele has been appointed a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador and Brazil's Extraordinary Minister for Sport, received an honorary Knighthood from the Queen, published books, appeared in films, conducted soundtracks, sued Samsung, advertised Viagra and done plenty, plenty more.

But it was with great surprise we recently stumbled upon an article that revealed Pele, the Great Pele, was once appointed scout at Fulham.

Hang on a minute...what? Pele? One of the greatest footballers of all time, Pele? Three-time World Cup winner, Pele?

The man who claims to have scored over 1,000 goals (if you include friendlies, five-a-side in training and kickabouts in the back garden), Pele? The man who had a cameo in Mike Bassett: England Manager, Pele?

He might have discovered aliens in the 1969 TV Show Os Estranhos, but we couldn't quite believe Pele had scouted for Fulham.

Alas, a quick Google search confirms it is indeed true. On October 9, 2002, the BBC published an article that declared: 'Football legend Pele has agreed to help Fulham scout for emerging Brazilian talent.'

The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner was quoted as saying: "There are many Brazilian players playing all over the world right now, especially in Holland, Spain and Italy. But, in England, there are so few and I am sure we can change that.

"I am hoping that one day we will have skilful Brazilian players turning out for Fulham and to do that we must plan. I think that can happen because my club Santos produces a lot of good players."

It was, in fact, not Pele's first association with Fulham. In the 1960s and 70s, Santos would tour Europe like football's equivalent of the Harlem Globetrotters, with Pele undoubtedly the star attraction.

In 1973, the final year the Brazilian outfit embarked on such a tour, Santos were beaten 2-1 by Fulham at Craven Cottage, with Pele grabbing their only goal from the spot.

As noted by the This Day in Football History website: "It was a hard-fought victory for the hosts; post-match reports described the Fulham players as looking exhausted, while the Brazilians appeared to have barely broken a sweat."

That night ended in acrimony when Santos, who had agreed a share of the gate receipts with Fulham, accused the hosts of fiddling the crowd numbers.

But 29 years later, Pele was back in west London, tasked by chairman Mohamed Al-Fayed with finding Fulham some of the best Brazilian players to complement a disparate group of players which contained the likes of Steve Finnan, Barry Hayles, Steed Malbranque and Louis Saha.

Al-Fayed had high hopes for the appointment, saying: "It is fantastic for Fulham. Pele is the greatest of all time – a true legend. So who better to have scouting for us in Brazil?"

As it transpired, there were probably better options to have scouting in Brazil. No samba stars arrived the following summer, although Fulham did sign a 42-year-old Dave Beasant on a free transfer from Brighton.

While there is no record of when Pele left his role, the Cottagers did not sign a Brazilian player until 2016, when Lucas Piazon arrived on loan from Chelsea.

But still, Pele, that Pele, scouting for Fulham. Is there anything that man can't do?

Actually, is there anything that man won't do?



https://www.planetfootball.com/quick-reads/trying-to-work-out-how-and-why-pele-became-a-scout-for-fulham/

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Are we underestimating Southampton?

Jack Stroudley looks ahead to our final match of 2022 as we look to end a stellar year on a high.

It's safe to say Fulham are well and truly back. A dominant 3-0 victory at Selhurst Park on Boxing Day helped cement our place in the top half and alleviated concerns that fans may have had coming back into this bizarre Premier League campaign. Next up we face a struggling Southampton side who have won one of their last 11 league fixtures.

Despite Nathan Jones having a full World Cup to get to grips with his squad, the Saints couldn't have had a worse opening game losing 3-1 at home on Boxing Day. On paper this is probably the first time this season that Fulham are expected to win by the vast majority – but are we in danger of underestimating the Premier League's bottom club?

The opposition
It's difficult to gauge how Nathan Jones will line Southampton up given that he has only been in charge for two games. But so far he's tried to overload the left-hand channel to put pressure on the opposition right-back (in our case, Kenny Tete). Southampton have struggled for possession in their two games under Nathan Jones, having 33% and 40% of the ball in those respective matches, this does have to be taken with a pinch of salt as they did face two possession-heavy sides in Brighton and Liverpool.

It's been a transitional season for Southampton with a lot of younger players coming through the door. This was apparent on Boxing Day with their starting XI averaging an age of 24.8 against Brighton, compared to our 29.1 average age against Crystal Palace. This team need time to gel and unfortunately for them, they are being punished for it. Despite all of this, the performances don't necessarily correlate the points total they have.

In front of goal, they are nowhere near as clinical as their xG suggests, scoring 15 goals despite having the chances to have scored 19. Che Adams has helped with the bulk of those goals scoring eight so far this season, but he isn't supported by the remainder of his side with midfielder James Ward Prowse and defender Romain Perraud both getting on the scoresheet more than once. Joe Aribo has also scored twice this season but other attackers like Djenepo and Elyounoussi have struggled so far this campaign.

It's the same story in defence, where despite conceding 30 this season they are only expected to have conceded 25 so far. The main reason for this so far is young keeper Gavin Bazunu who is statistically in the bottom 1% of keepers in Europe. Difficulties in both boxes have led to Southampton's downfall who are currently sitting in 20th despite being 15th in the xG table.

How do we prepare?
I'll keep this short and sweet; we keep it exactly the same as Crystal Palace. Barring any fresh injury concerns we are unaware of, there is no need to make any changes to the starting eleven from Boxing Day. The only potential players who could be brought in for rotation are Tosin or Harry Wilson, but I can't see Marco Silva dropping any of Issa Diop, Tim Ream, Bobby Decordova-Reid or Willian who all performed excellently at Selhurst Park.

The final verdict
This is an extremely unusual position for Fulham; being the clear favourites in a Premier League game is a bit of an alien concept – but we have warranted it. Our performances this season have been sensational and barring any silly mistakes, I am confident we will approach Southampton in the same vein as Crystal Palace and come away with a similar result.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2022-12-30-are-we-underestimating-southampton/

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Fulham loanee Steven Sessegnon missed Charlton's Oxford trip due to 'swelling' on his knee

Steven Sessegnon missed Charlton's trip to Oxford United due to swelling on his knee, Addicks boss Dean Holden has revealed.

The Fulham loanee was absent from the squad for the trip to Oxfordshire as new manager Holden made a total of four changes from the side that drew with Peterborough on Boxing Day.

Scott Fraser, Ryan Inniss and Miles Leaburn were all benched for the trip to the Kassam Stadium, although the latter two were both introduced with the Addicks trailing 2-0 at the break.

"Sess has got some swelling in his knee," said Holden.

"He wasn't able to be fit for this one. Chinny came in for him. It's an historic injury he's had. He's sometimes suspectable when he puts his body through a game like he did at the weekend, sometimes there's a little bit of swelling and sometimes there's not.

"On this occasion it swelled up a little bit. Nothing to worry about, I'm sure it will be fine in the next day or two. It's just something we have to manage."

"I look at the squad," added the Addicks boss, when asked for the reasoning behind his changes to the side.

"Young Miles, he's been out of the squad for three months. He played against Brighton and he played again Saturday. To ask him to go again and on Sunday [at Portsmouth] as well, we don't want to break him. He's been out for a long time. He's a fantastic player, the future of this football club.

"Ryan Inniss has had horrendous injury problems so that was something we needed to manage. And I thought Aaron Henry deserved a shot in there from what I've seen before I came to the club and what I saw in training. A fantastic young player, the future of this club. So, Scott Fraser sat this one out."



https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/fulham-loanee-steven-sessegnon-missed-charltons-oxford-trip-due-to-swelling-on-his-knee/

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Southampton handed major selection boost for Fulham clash amid Premier League suspension fears

Mohammed Salisu has picked up more cautions in the Premier League than any of his Southampton teammates and will serve a one-game suspension if he receives another in the next three matches

Southampton manager Nathan Jones will be pleased that he still has centre-back Mohammed Salisu available for selection on New Year's Eve against Fulham.

The Ghanaian defender, who has started all but one of Saints' 16 Premier League games this season, is the most booked player for the club this season with four yellow cards.

After getting yellows against Leeds United and Chelsea in September, the 23-year-old then went six games without a caution before being booked against Crystal Palace and, most recently, Liverpool in November.

That means he's one yellow away from a one-match suspension, which all players in the Premier League receive if picking up five bookings before the end of the team's 19th league game of the season.

To avoid a ban before the threshold changes, Salisu needs to go the next three games without getting booked. He'll have to avoid a caution against Fulham on New Year's Eve, Nottingham Forest at St Mary's (January 4), and Everton at Goodison Park(January 14).

Here is a full list of Southampton players and how many yellow cards they are on heading into the game with Fulham.

Mohammed Salisu - 4

Lyanco - 3

Stuart Armstrong, James Ward-Prowse, Romain Perraud, Joe Aribo, Mohamed Elyyounoussi, Kyle Walker-Peters, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Romeo Lavia - 2

Ibrahima Diallo, Armel Bella-Kotchap, Theo Walcott, Duje Caleta-Car, Moussa Djenepo - 1



https://www.hampshirelive.news/sport/football/football-news/southampton-fulham-premier-league-suspension-7979521

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Tolworth goalie dies at 82



Tributes have been paid to a Tolworth goalkeeper who has died at the age of 82. Memorably, he played just the once in the shadow of Tolworth Tower, in a warm-up game at the Decca sports ground, across the road from the bowling alley. But he did also win three World Cups.

Footballing legend Pele, whose death has been announced in a Sao Paulo hospital, was driven to Surbiton with his Santos side to do some light warm-up work on the morning of a match against Fulham while on a world tour by the Brazilian team.

As well as a stint in the outfield, he took a turn as goalie on March 12 1973 in Tolworth, the day of a friendly at Craven Cottage against 2nd Division Fulham.

Good Life reader Jonathan Quy supplied this snap of the great man wearing his goalkeeping gloves at Tolworth. Young Jon is the only one of his six-strong gang of friends pictured, just to the right of the pram, who was bothering to watch!

The Decca sports ground's clubhouse is also in the picture; the social and sporting hub for the New Malden record company's cricket, rugby and football teams, built in 1959. Rugby survives to this day, played at Tolworth Court, alongside the original ground which is now home to the Goals five-a-side centre.

TV presenter Jimmy Hill (who later became Fulham chairman) was in attendance at Tolworth in 1973 to view the Brazilians' training session. Jimmy had hosted the BBC's coverage of the 1970 World Cup, won by Pele's Brazil, where the man himself received the Golden Ball as player of the tournament in Mexico.

Pele played in the friendly at Fulham that evening, and scored a penalty after being felled in the area by Whites keeper Peter Mellor, watched by a crowd of 21,464 at the Cottage – the biggest Fulham attracted the entire season.

Fulham actually won the Monday evening game 2-1, with Alan Pinkey and Steve Earle on target for the Whites. At the age of 31, it was the first match Pele had played in London as all Brazil's 1966 games had been staged at Goodison Park, Everton.

Santos were on a world tour in the spring of 1973, playing a dozen matches, with Fulham inflicting one of only two defeats.

Fellow Good Life reader Steve Burniston was also watching at Tolworth on March 12. "It was a treasured moment," he said, adding that he still has the autographs he collected that day, of Pele (pictured) and Carlos Alberto. "To see Pele and his clubmates up close was wonderful," he said. "I'm glad I've kept that autograph book for nearly 50 years as proof!"

It was, said Steve, a magical time to live in Tolworth where, a year before Pele's appearance, David Bowie had launched Ziggy Stardust at the Toby Jug, just across the road from the Decca sports ground.



https://thegoodlifesurbiton.co.uk/2022/12/30/tolworth-goalie-dies-at-82/

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TC: Do It For George

Tom Cairney knows that a strong end to 2022 and start to 2023 could have very positive repercussions for Fulham.

Currently sitting just two points off a European place, the Whites host Southampton on New Year's Eve before travelling to Leicester three days later.

"They're big games in the fact that if we win them it can really shoot us up [the table]," Cairney stated.

"Obviously our target is still the same target as before and we're not getting carried away.

"Southampton are bottom of the league but they're still capable of doing good things, so it's a bit of both really, being optimistic but keeping our feet on the floor at the same time."

Saturday's meeting with Saints will see the Club pay tribute to George Cohen, a man our Captain had the pleasure of meeting.

"I've been at Fulham a long time so I've had a few conversations with him," TC said. "What a man.

"He's one of Fulham's greatest ever players, a World Cup winner. I think he played every minute of the World Cup as well, and clubs don't get that very often.

"He was an icon. He came to a lot of our games and, as I said, I got to have a lot of conversations with him.

"It was a sad day for Fulham, but it will be great if we can give him a good send off and the respect he deserves for what he did."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2022/december/30/tc-do-it-for-george/

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Club chief 'negotiating' player exit with Fulham – Deal can be done for €5-6m

Two days ago, Calciomercato.it reported Fulham are pushing hard to sign Rick Karsdorp and he is ready to leave AS Roma in the winter market.

The right-back has been on the exit ramp for a while after his fallout with José Mourinho at the Serie A side.

Lawyer Salvatore Civale, who works with the 27-year-old's agent, has been critical of the Giallorossi.

Earlier this week, he launched a scathing attack against the former Chelsea manager and the Italian club had left the latter surprised.

That's according to Friday's Il Tempo, who discusses Fulham's interest in the defender.

It's said Roma chief Tiago Pinto is 'negotiating' with Marco Silva's side for the Dutchman's sale in the upcoming window.

The newspaper insist that Pinto has no intention to let the fullback leave on loan.

The sale seems to be the definitive solution and for a bid of €5-6m, Karsdorp's troubled time at Roma can be closed forever.

Fulham would be made aware of this considering they are already in discussion with Pinto over a potential deal for the player in January, so they know exactly what they need to do.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/club-chief-negotiating-player-exit-fulham-deal-can-done-e5-6m/

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Fulham Consider Move For Serie A Defender But Won't Meet Price Tag

Fulham are interested in signing Roma full-back Rick Karsdorp, but will not meet the Serie A giants' asking price for the player.

Marco Silva has impressed this season and has taken a promoted Fulham side to ninth in the Premier League table.

But the Fulham boss is not keen to rest on his laurels and is pushing to further strengthen his squad in the winter transfer window.

The Portuguese wants more full-back options in his squad and is interested in signing Cedric Soares from Arsenal in January.

But according to Italian outlet Tutto Mercato, Fulham also have their eyes on Roma's Dutch right-back Karsdorp.

He has been a bit part player in Jose Mourinho's squad this season and wants to move on from Roma in the winter transfer window.

A move to Fulham appeals to him and Roma are also prepared to let him go in January for a good offer.

However, Fulham are not ready to meet Roma's €10m asking price for the defender at the moment.

It has been claimed that Roma could cash in even if they receive a fee in the region of €6m next month.



https://insidefutbol.com/2022/12/30/fulham-consider-move-for-serie-a-defender-but-wont-meet-price-tag/589186/

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Fulham forward insists they will not take Southampton lightly

FULHAM forward Bobby De Cordova-Reid insists they will not take Saints "lightly" and added "you can't look at the table too much," ahead of the New Year's Eve clash.

Nathan Jones's charges will visit Craven Cottage (3PM kick-off) in the Premier League for the final match of 2022, sitting bottom of the division.

A point could lift them above Nottingham Forest only but there is still 66 points to play for before the end of the season at St Mary's versus Liverpool in May.

De Cordova-Reid netted the opener for Fulham in their 3-0 demolition of Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Boxing Day – a fixture that Saints lost 1-0 and brought forward the end of former manager Ralph Hasenhuttl.

However, despite sitting ninth in the division as Aleksander Mitrovic powers them home week after week, the Bristol City product insists they will not take anything for granted.

"You can't look at the table too much, we all know it's tight between a lot of positions," he told club media ahead of the meeting.

"We know they will come with a lot of energy, it's a young squad. But at the same time, we are in a good position and we have to take confidence from our own performance."

De Cordova-Reid added: "We don't take anyone lightly, first and foremost we have to look after ourselves and concentrate on what we do on the pitch.

"If we put in a performance we are happy with then ultimately we can get three points We've got a lot of confidence going into the game so hopefully we can put in a performance."



https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/23220489.fulham-forward-insists-will-not-take-southampton-lightly/

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Southampton FC predicted team lineup vs Fulham in Premier League

NATHAN Jones has already been given a number of problems to solve with very little time to solve them ahead of a relegation fight in 2023.

This year ends with a trip to Marco Silva's Fulham, who are red-hot in ninth after promotion to the Premier League this season.

Aleksander Mitrovic is the most dangerous of a team full of threats, and the Serbian scored a hattrick against Jones's Luton last campaign.

After Brighton & Hove Albion spoiled the festive spirit at St Mary's on Boxing Day, with a comfortable 3-1 win, Saints supporters are increasingly anxious.

Jones lamented injury concerns he has had ever since taking over in November and he is not clear of them yet, either.

With what he has to choose from, this is how we think Jones will line up for his third Premier League match as manager of Saints.

Goalkeeper

Gavin Bazunu's position as number one is under contention for the first time this season. The youngster's two errors in defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion are not the first.

There is plenty of belief within Saints that the summer signing from Manchester City will go on to big things but this might be the first time in his career he has been under fire.

Alex McCarthy missed out last time out due to a rolled ankle and if he is not fit, it leaves only Willy Caballero as competition. Bazunu could get another chance at Fulham.

Defenders

Saints have one of the worst defences in the Premier League despite a list of defenders that should not give you any real concerns.

Kyle Walker-Peters, Mohammed Salisu and Romain Perraud are likely to be assured of their places but Armel Bella-Kotchap could come in for Lyanco.

The German international was benched versus Brighton as Jones cited sharpness issues, but could come back in for this one.

Midfielders

Romeo Lavia was all but ruled out for the trip to Craven Cottage by Jones and after Ibrahima Diallo was hooked at half-time, it should leave Ainsley Maitland-Niles.

The Arsenal loanee will likely be supported by captain James Ward-Prowse, who is struggling himself, and Moi Elyounoussi.

Attackers

Samuel Edozie has written himself on the team sheet with an impressive first Premier League start, winning the penalty for the consolation goal amongst other positive involvements.

He will look to make things happen for lone striker Che Adams, who is becoming increasingly frustrated on the pitch with having to venture all over for touches of the ball.

The final attacker could be Stuart Armstrong, who was left on the bench after missing a day of training last week ahead of the Brighton game, for Moussa Djenepo, with Joe Aribo used as a substitute central midfielder by Jones.

Full predicted team

Bazunu; Walker-Peters, Bella-Kotchap, Salisu, Perraud; Maitland-Niles, Ward-Prowse, Elyounoussi; S Armstrong, Edozie, Adams.



https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/23220128.southampton-fc-predicted-team-lineup-vs-fulham-premier-league/

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Mitrovic ready to start but Fulham duo 'need time' – Silva

Fulham boss Marco Silva says Aleksandar Mitrovic is still not 100% fit but will be ready to start against Southampton.

The striker has been managing a foot injury which he sustained in September while playing for Serbia.

He was forced to miss game time before the break for the World Cup, including the defeats by Manchester United and Manchester City, but played for Serbia during the tournament and scored as Fulham got their Premier League season back under way with a 3-0 win over Crystal Palace on Boxing Day.

Mitrovic is still not training with the team every day, Silva says, but is getting closer to being able to do so.

"He will be ready to start," Silva said.

"Last Friday was the first day he trained with the team and of course we had doubts whether he could play or not (against Palace).

"I'm not saying that he's 100% fit from his foot problem but of course he is getting better with more sessions and the game we played last week, he did fantastic.

"He's really important for us and it's a good sign for us that he is working more with the team and is more involved with us now.

"Even if he is not 100%, he will be in a condition to start the game.

"We are not taking a risk. Mitro is saying the same, that he is not fully fit. Of course, when you're not training every single day, you are not in your best physical condition.

"The situation after the match is that instead of one day, he needs more time to recover from the game. All those situations, we have to manage.

"It's something where he's not training properly every single day to be in his best physical condition but I hope in the next few weeks it becomes a bit more normal for him to be every single day with me."

Manor Solomon and Layvin Kurzawa, however, are not yet ready to return to the side.

Solomon has been out since the opening day of the season after undergoing surgery on his knee and suffered a setback prior to the Premier League season resuming.

Kurzawa has played just once since joining the club in the summer, having suffered a calf injury, and is now rebuilding his fitness following another injury setback.

"Kurzawa trained with the team this week after the Boxing Day match," Silva said.

"He needs more time and training sessions to be ready but he's training with the team and Manor is the same.

"It was a small injury, nothing really (serious) after that calf problem he had before the World Cup break. It was a small issue for West Ham, it was a knock, and now it's to get as match fit as he can and of course with the training sessions he will get there.

"Solomon had the small setback in the West Ham week, the friendly match, after that he started again with the team and he's working with the team.

"Now it's a matter of time for him to be more involved and to have more sessions for him to be as best as he can to play."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/mitrovic-ready-to-start-but-fulham-duo-need-time-silva

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Pre-Southampton Press Conference

The curtain will come down on Fulham's 2022 in poignant circumstances on Saturday, as we pay tribute to George Cohen at Craven Cottage.

The Fulham family will join together ahead of kick-off to celebrate the life of one of our greatest sons, prior to our clash with Southampton.

Our guests arrive in London currently sitting at the bottom of the standings, but when asked if it represents a good opportunity to end the year on a high, Silva replied: "I don't see it in this way, sorry.

"The Premier League is the Premier League. I understand the question, the last few results for them were not the best.

"Of course, they changed the manager. The manager had the break, four weeks at least to prepare the team well, and they will be ready.

"The last one was not the best result for them but they will want to react. In the Premier League, you cannot think that will be an easy game. Never. And if you think that, you are going to lose in that moment.

"We respect Southampton, like we would respect them if they were first in the table. The way we prepare is as if we were playing the team who is first in the table.

"We have to be really strong to play at our best level to win the football match, because they want to react. We want a reaction from ourselves from the good game we played, and of course we want to keep the same level, if we cannot do better.

"And if we are at our best level, we will have chances to win. At home, with our fans behind us, the atmosphere in our stadium will be special because of all the things [in honour of George] before the kick-off.

"The year has been so special for us, the fans will be there to enjoy with us, and they will play a key part in that game."

There was a lovely moment at full-time on Monday when Roy Hodgson – having been a pundit during Fulham's victory over Crystal Palace – politely asked Marco if he could attend the Club's tribute for Cohen.

And Silva was more than happy to extend an invitation to our New Year's Eve fixture.

"It will be a pleasure for us to have Roy with us," he said. "It's important for him to be there, but he's always really welcome at our football club.

"And he's always welcome from me personally as well because he's one person that I really respect. Since I joined the Premier League, every time I played against him we always had good conversations.

"He's a real gentleman, and someone that I have all the respect for and who will always be welcome. In this moment, even more, because it's an important moment for us, but I know that it's a really important moment for him to be there.

"It will be an emotional moment before the match, for sure, with what we're doing for George, like it was [at Crystal Palace], but this time at home with our fans it will be much more.

"It is a moment for us to be all together again before the kick-off."

It has been a sensational calendar year for the Whites, something that Silva recognises while still aiming even higher.

"It's been really special for our football club," he admitted. "Not because of the promotion, but the way we did it – the title, the way we were so dominant all that season.

"After that, we knew that we it was important for us to start this Premier League chapter in the same way. We knew it was really important to keep the momentum, in a different competition of course, a completely different challenge for us.

"There have been special moments for us in 2022 but we want more, and we want the next one, if possible, to be even better."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2022/december/30/pre-southampton-press-conference/

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Fulham v Southampton

Nathan Jones could become the first Southampton manager to lose his first three Premier League matches since Nigel Adkins in 2012

TEAM NEWS
Fulham top scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic is likely to again play through the pain of an ongoing foot problem.

Neeskens Kebano remains sidelined with an Achilles injury, while Layvin Kurzawa and Manor Solomon are not yet match fit.

Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy, who has been nursing an ankle issue, may be fit, while Theo Walcott's calf problem will also be assessed.

Armel Bella-Kotchap could be recalled to the starting line-up.

The centre-back was an unused substitute in the defeat by Brighton, with manager Nathan Jones explaining the German lacked match sharpness after the World Cup.

CHRIS SUTTON'S PREDICTION
I need to apologise to Fulham fans because I have been writing them off all season and it's become apparent that they are a very well-balanced team who deserve to be where they are in the top half of the table.

Fulham got a brilliant win at Crystal Palace and that was not the first time they have surprised people this season - they are not just well organised defensively, they always carry a threat too.

Southampton, in contrast, have got big problems. They are bottom for a reason.

The alarm bells were ringing when I heard their new boss Nathan Jones talk about how easy his side made it for Brighton after Saints had lost his first game in charge. He has got a lot of work to do.

Prediction: 2-0


Only Arsenal and Spurs, who have both netted in 15 fixtures, have scored in more different Premier League matches than Fulham this season

MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
    Fulham have won just one of their last 11 games against Southampton in all competitions.
    But Southampton have won just one of their last 16 away league matches against Fulham (D7, L8) - that was back in 2014.

Fulham

    Fulham have won just one of their last five home matches in the Premier League (D2, L2).
    They have scored 82 goals in 39 league games in 2022 - it's their highest number of league goals in a single calendar year since netting 85 in 2000.
    The Cottagers have scored 27 Premier League goals in the current campaign, equalling their final total in 2020-21, their most recent season in the top flight.
    Fulham's final league game over each of the last four calendar years have produced a total of just three goals.
    Aleksandar Mitrovic has scored 31 goals in 35 league appearances in this calendar year, more than any other player in the top four tiers of English football.

Southampton

    Southampton have lost their last four Premier League games.
    They have lost eight of their last 10 Premier League away matches, and kept just one clean sheet in their last 22 on the road.
    Saints have won just two of their last 15 Premier League fixtures in London (D4, L9).
    Nathan Jones' side can fail to score multiple goals for a club record-equalling 12th successive top-flight match.
    They haven't won their final league game in any of the last 11 calendar years (D6, L5), last doing so in a 4-1 win against Huddersfield in 2010.
    The only season Southampton were bottom of the top-flight table at the turn of the year was in 1991-92 but they went on to finish 16th and avoid relegation.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/64083700

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Marco Silva wants more from Fulham after a 'special' 2022

Marco Silva has challenged his Fulham side to get even better after a "special" 2022.

The Craven Cottage outfit are ninth in the Premier League and host Southampton on Saturday eager to end the year on a high.

Silva's side stormed to the Sky Bet Championship title last season, scoring 106 goals and have adapted well to life back in the top flight but their Portuguese manager is not ready to settle.

He told a press conference: "It's been really special. The way we got the title, the way we were so dominant.

"After that, we knew it was important to start this Premier League chapter in the same way.

"There have been special moments for us in 2022 but we want more."

A key figure in the Whites' memorable 12 months has been Tim Ream, who signed a new deal with the club on Monday after scoring in the 3-0 win at Crystal Palace.

The American centre-back was hailed by Silva and has regularly worn the armband this season.

"He's been unbelievable since I joined the football club," Silva insisted.

"It's been a really impressive 18 months for him. Many people doubted him in the Premier League, but he's playing at the same level he did last season.

"He deserved another year on his contract."

Saturday's fixture with Southampton will be Fulham's first at Craven Cottage since World Cup winner George Cohen died.

The club are set to honour the England great and will have former boss Roy Hodgson in attendance, after Hodgson asked Silva during his punditry role with Amazon Prime on Monday if he could come to the match.

Silva added: "Roy is always very welcome at our football club. He is someone I have all the respect for.

"It will be an emotional moment, a moment for us to be all together again (for Cohen)."

Aleksandar Mitrovic was a doubt for the Boxing Day fixture at Palace with a foot injury but starred with a goal and two assists in a 3-0 win and will lead the line against Southampton.

"He is ready. I'm not saying he's 100 per cent fit, but he's getting better," Silva confirmed.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-fc-mitrovic-injury-latest-marco-silva-premier-league-2022-b1050043.html

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Silva seeks more 'special moments'
Marco Silva is wary of the challenge posed by bottom of the table Southampton at Craven Cottage tomorrow – and has set his squad the challenging of creating more 'special moments' after a sensational 2022.

The Portuguese head coach has enjoyed a superb start to live in SW6 – following up a flawless Championship campaign where the Whites won the league in serious style by inspiring Fulham to soar to ninth in the top flight. He told his press conference at Motspur Park this afternoon that he looks back with great pride at his first year in charge.

It's been really special. The way we got the title, the way we were so dominant. After that, we knew it was important to start this Premier League chapter in the same way. There have been special moments for us in 2022 but we want more."

Silva also singled the form of veteran defender Tim Ream for particular praise.

He's been unbelievable since I joined the football club. It's been a really impressive 18 months for him. Many people doubted him in the Premier League, but he's playing at the same level he did last season. He deserved another year on his contract.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/12/silva-seeks-more-special-moments/

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Fulham in talks with AS Roma for Karsdorp

According to reports in Italy, Rick Karsdorp may depart AS Roma this January for the Premier League.

The Dutchman is set to depart AS Roma in January after a falling out with head coach Jose Mourinho just before the World Cup break.

Il Tempo is reporting that the right-back has several options with one of those being Fulham, who are in talks with AS Roma over their asking price.

The Serie A side is asking for €12 million which Fulham are not willing to pay. They are in discussions over a compromise.

Karsdorp is still under contract until 2025.



http://www.football-oranje.com/fulham-in-talks-with-as-roma-for-karsdorp/

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Rick Karsdorp offered to Fulham

Fulham offered the chance to sign AS Roma outcast Rick Karsdorp

According to The Daily Mail, Premier League side Fulham have been offered the opportunity to sign AS Roma star Rick Karsdorp in the upcoming January transfer window.

The 27-year-old has been with the Italian giants since 2017 but appears to have played his last game for the club. Jose Mourinho appears to have had enough of the player and is extremely keen to move him on.

The bust-up between the pair last month appears to have been the final straw for the Portuguese tactician. It is fair to say that none of the Dutchman's transgressions of late have made his position at the club any better.

A January exit would be the best option for all parties. However, as things stand, Fulham are unwilling to meet Roma's £10 million asking price for the 27-year-old.

There is little doubt that Karsdorp would be a good addition to Marco Silva's high-flying side, especially mid-season. An excellent passer and a formidable defender, he would offer the Cottagers proven quality in a key position on the field.

Fulham are in the market for a right-back but appear to be preferential to Arsenal's Cedric Soares. However, the Gunners are in the title race at the moment and it remains to be seen if they will allow any senior players to leave mid-season.

While Mourinho may have reasons to be annoyed, his treatment of the player appears to have been a tad too heavy-handed. However, the Portuguese manager has made the right calls in the past, most recently the example of Dele Alli comes to mind.

Whether Fulham are willing to take a risk on a player accused of not giving it his all remains to be seen. The Cottagers have played their hearts out this season and have a very good shot at finishing in the top half of the Premier League table. Signing the wrong player could prove to be detrimental, possibly even affecting squad morale.

However, there is also the chance that Karsdorp will want to prove his detractors wrong. Should that be the case, Silva and co could land themselves an experienced player with much to offer.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2022/12/31/rick-karsdorp-offered-to-fulham/

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Southampton At Fulham The Preview

A big big game for Nathan Jones who has to take his team to West London rock bottom of the Premier League and take on a Fulham side who know a win will see them go 13 points clear of Saints and only a couple of wins away from Premier League safety.

It's only officially Nathan Jones second game in charge of Saints in the League, but already the knives are out for him and Southampton supporters are questioning his ability to manage in the Premier League.

They cite the fact that as he approaches two months in the job and working with virtually a full squad during the World Cup break, that we appear a team with no direction and seemingly unable to work out just what the manager wants.

Those that wanted Ralph Hasenhuttl out are seeing that the grass is not always greener on the other side, the Austrian's side may have lacked something at times, but they didn't lack team spirit and those that have seen Jones's two games in charge since the break, see a disjointed side who lack just about everything a good football team needs.

However they also see players who have the potential and are just not showing it and there are some who feel that although he has managed only three games for Southampton FC that he has had a lot of time to coach his squad but has not not connected with it.

Comparisons are being made with Paul Sturrock who although took over for the final part of the 2003/04 season was sacked only a few games into the following season as it was felt he was clearly out of his depth.

Jones's accusers level this at him, and also claim he has an arrogance that his career so far has no right to have, they say that if we are to stay up then Sport Republic have to act now rather than later and bite the bullet and make the change.

The reality is that this game has taken on an immense significance, if Jones wins it suddenly it will look a lot different, it could pull Saints out of the bottom 3 and more importantly get them within hitting distance of those in mid table.

But lose it and we are in big big trouble and really should not be and to be blunt it will turn the situation toxic, on a manager who are sizable proportion of the fan base have already decided isn't up to the job.

Certainly Jones seems to have lacked man management skills, some public statements about his players, should really have been kept behind closed doors, public comments about not knowing who his current number 1 keeper is did little for Gavin Bazunu's confidence and we paid the price for that against Brighton.

Also players who were our best performers pre Jones, now seem to be out of favour and that does not bode well for not only the squad spirit, but also the manager's judgement.

God knows what side or formation the manager will play, in goal I would not be surprised to see Alex McCarthy return, but after that James Ward Prowse and to a lesser extent Che Adams, there is literally no one else from the defeat to Brighton who is guaranteed to start in this one.

Personally I think it has to be about putting square pegs in square holes and playing our best players, keep it simple 4-4-2, a formation that the team know, Armando Bella-Kotchap, Sytuart Armstrong and hopefully Romeo Lavia would make a hell of a difference.

My worry is that this is too simple for Jones, he has that arrogance that seems to say he has to do something different, when in this position it is all about doing the basics.

By Saturday night we will either be seeing chinks of light at the end of the tunnel, or we will be in perhaps the most toxic situation the club has ever known.



https://www.fansnetwork.co.uk/football/southampton/news/59227/

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Sheffield Wednesday boss spells out stance on transfer clamour for former Chelsea and Fulham man – drops huge update on Dominic Iorfa

Defence is an area Sheffield Wednesday will consider strengthening when the January transfer window opens next week – though their numbers at the back are beginning to improve.

The Owls have been light on the ground in defence since injuries to Akin Famewo, Ben Heneghan and Michael Ihiekwe overlapped. Heneghan has had knee surgery and could miss the rest of the campaign, while Ihiekwe is expected to be making strides towards recovery sometime in January.

Famewo has played less than half an hour of football for Wednesday having signed in the summer from Norwich City but is fit again and back in contention having come through a managed return in the Owls under-23 programme.

And there's great news on the potential return of Dominic Iorfa, who after assessment this week is set for an early return after concerns within the club he could be facing an extended spell on the sidelines.

Owls boss Darren Moore told The Star: "It is a potential area we will look at but we're pleased to have Akin Famewo back. He's ready and waiting. We're pleased that Dominic Iorfa won't be too far back, he should be back within the next seven days. We've still got adequate cover there.

"The way those three are going at the back with those three; McGuinness, Palmer, James, they've been absolutely exceptional.

"Defence is a possible area we'll look to but we're assessing our possible options with those two on the way back."

One man they will not be pursuing is Wednesday's 2018/19 player of the season Michael Hector.

The fan favourite centre-half has been without a club since the summer and has failed to nail down a further contract after trials with Championship sides Reading and Luton Town.

Given the Owls' injury woe in defence in recent weeks, fans have speculated online as to the possibility of bringing the Jamaican international back to the club where he played 39 times on loan from Chelsea.

"We've not considered any [free agent] defenders," Moore said. "I know he [Hector] is someone that has been linked with the club but we've not considered anything because we wanted to wait and see what was going to happen with our injured players."



https://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-wednesday/sheffield-wednesday-boss-spells-out-stance-on-transfer-clamour-for-former-chelsea-and-fulham-man-drops-huge-update-on-dominic-iorfa-3970186