Wednesday Fulham Stuff - 09/05/23...

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Cairney: 'A great day at the Cottage'
Fulham captain Tom Cairney was delighted after the Whites routed Leicester City to end their three-match losing streak yesterday afternoon.

The Scottish international grabbed his first Premier League brace as Fulham beat the Foxes 5-3, with Leicester never recovering from a dreadful start. Cairney told FFCTV that the Cottagers looked awesome in attack throughout:

    "It was some performance, especially going forward. We created a lot of chances, obviously scored five goals but it was an entertaining game. It should have been easier than we made it, but they were pushing men forward because they've got to get results. It turned out to be a little less comfortable than it should have been but overall a good performance.

    There were some very good goals. The first one was an amazing delivery, a fantastic delivery and deserved to go in. The ones after that were good team goals with Wily's individual effort to make it five. It was a great day at the Cottage."

The Fulham number ten scored a rare goal with his right foot just before half time to make 3-0, which he later highlighted in a humorous tweet.

    "I think the defender just thought I'd either cross it or shoot with my left foot which I would expect and he's really gone for the chop. He gave me a lot of time to compose myself and find the bottom corner which, as you say, is a rare thing with my right foot."

Cairney remains adamant that Marco Silva's side deserve far more credit for staying up so comfortably, especially after the top flight trauma of recent years.

    "The firs\t half of the season was so strong that we didn't celebrate securing safety as much as we should have done. If we have stayed up on the last day, there would have been scenes and people running on the pitch and stuff. But we did it quite a well ago, but it is still an amazing, an amazing achievement because we've been involved in two relegations. To be in the position we're in right now is just a credit to the staff and the players and even the supporters and I think the performances have definitely deserved it."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/05/cairney-a-great-day-at-the-cottage/

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Taking it on the chin: The legend of Jimmy Hill, football pioneer

This Tuesday Throwback article was featured on our sister site Tale of Two Halves back in July 2018.

This week Jimmy Hill would've been ninety. If you want to know the effect Jimmy Hill had on English football, try writing its history over the past fifty years and leave him out. Jimmy Hill was very much a football pioneer.

Much of what we now call 'the product' of football can be traced back to him. You could argue he has had more of an effect, made more changes and enhancements than any other individual in world football.

With football being awash with money these days I am often critical of players who move straight into the media after they finish playing rather than putting something back into the game by moving into coaching or management. Well, Jimmy did both.  In every sense of the word, he was a pioneer.

Here's just a list of some of his achievements

    Negotiated abolition of the maximum wage, leading to footballers being paid what they're worth.
    Changed Coventry City's colours to create the brand, Sky Blues.
    Introduced first all-seater stadium at Coventry's Highfield Road.
    Pressed The FA to increase the prize for a win from two points to three.  An initiative then adopted throughout the world.
    Campaigned for the abolition of the back pass.
    Introduced the concept of a panel of pundits for TV World Cup coverage.
    Was driving force behind Match of the Day, turning it into an institution.

Born in Balham, South London on 22nd July 1928, his football career began at Brentford where he played under future England manager, Ron Greenwood, before moving to Fulham in 1952. He played an influential part in the club's journey to the FA Cup Semi-Final in 1958 when he scored in every round. He once scored five goals in a game at Doncaster, in 1958.

In 1957 he became chairman of the PFA and led a campaign to force clubs to abolish the maximum weekly wage.

Maximum Wage
Ever since the turn of the twentieth century, the Football League set a maximum amount by which players could be paid. This resulted in clubs being able to treat players exactly as they wanted. They could determine exactly how much they wanted to pay them and were also in complete control over whether the player stayed at the club or not. In short, players were treated in a way synonymous with slavery. Jimmy Hill believed this was wrong, but the clubs were so powerful they didn't take him seriously, to begin with. Not until he threatened a strike. This was unheard of in football.

There were those who believed it would be the end of footballers in touch with the public. It divided the nation. But Jimmy was adamant players deserved to be paid their worth and some players were making the clubs a lot of money and should be appropriately rewarded. He also believed they should be free to negotiate their own contracts, much like other professions.

The clubs and some of the managers were against the idea but gradually the players voted for industrial action and eventually they got their way. Many pointed to Jimmy's influence and determination in being a key factor. The much-predicted wage spiral didn't happen immediately, although Fulham's Chairman, Tommy Trinder, hit upon the publicity value in handing his star player, Johnny Haynes a £100-per-week contract. But it wasn't until players such as Jimmy Greaves and Dennis Law moved abroad that clubs realised they'd have to concede to pressure and increase the amount they were paying players.

By the end of the 1960s George Best was earning £ 1,000 per week at Manchester United. When the Premier League was launched the highest-paid player was John Barnes who was paid £ 10,000 per week, but since then wages have exploded beyond all proportion.

In the week Jimmy died there was something remarkably ironic in players of a club seeming to refuse to play for a manager so the club has little choice to sack him and find a replacement.

In later years Jimmy felt the growth in players' wages had gone too far. But then that's a matter for clubs today rather than something he needed to worry about at the time. What is plainly obvious is clubs were pocketing all the gate receipts for themselves without rewarding the players for attracting huge crowds. The players were paid £ 20 per week when the average wage in the country was £ 18 per week. You can hardly blame the players for believing the clubs considered them nothing more than bit parts in the performance in the same way they did the audience. The fans weren't flocking to football grounds for the buildings themselves, they were there to witness the performance of the players and the clubs needed to understand that.

Back on the pitch, he became an instrumental part of the Fulham side which won promotion back to the First Division in 1959 after an absence of seven years. Unfortunately, he was only able to enjoy another couple of seasons as a player and at the age of 32, he had to retire due to a long-term knee injury. He'd played 276 games in nine seasons at Craven Cottage.

He published his first book called "Striking for Soccer" and in it, he revealed many suggestions he had for revolutionising the game, which today have become and part and part of football, but back then were seen as something from another planet.

He advocated the introduction of a super league, a winter break and regular midweek evening games played under floodlights. He also saw television playing more of a role in broadening the popularity of the game. He argued one game each weekend should be played live in front of cameras, perhaps on a Friday night. Most of these ideas are now just part of the game.

Coventry City
In 1961 he took up the manager's job at Coventry City, who were languishing in Division Three (League One, today). They had spent time in Division Two either side of the war but then they fell back and even spent a season in Division Four in 1958.

Backed by his chairman, Derrick Robbins, he set about implementing many of his other ideas such as providing better facilities and more entertainment for supporters. He was the first man in football to really consider the spectators as customers of the club and therefore he set about improving the match day experience, something every club does these days. He introduced the first electronic scoreboard, launched the first glossy match magazine, brought in the first pre-match entertainment any ground had seen in England and provided free soft drinks and snacks for children. He continued the change of image for the club by launching what was known as, the "Sky Blue Revolution". He changed their home kit from navy and white back to colours they used to use fifty or so years before, sky blue. He gave them their nickname and a club song, as well as organising the club's own rail service for fans to get to away games.

For the players, he lifted a ten-year club ban on them talking to the press and demanded they call him "JH" rather than sir, boss or gaffer. He did not sign anybody above the age of 25 and brought in a more analytical approach to training.

In 1965 he set up the first 'beam-back' broadcast when City's midweek game at Cardiff City was watched by over 10,000 supporters back at Highfield Road.

It wasn't long before improvements were seen on the pitch too, and in 1964 they won the Division Three title and then three years later, won Division Two to move into English football's top division for the first time in their history. Their first two seasons were tough as they narrowly avoided relegation by a point each time but in 1970 they finished sixth, their best-ever top-flight finish. But by this time Jimmy had stepped down as manager to take up a role at London Weekend Television as head of sport.

Television
He didn't wait long before making changes there too. These were pioneering days for football on television and the 1970 World Cup in Mexico was going to be the first one where football showed a whole host of live games. In preparation, Jimmy hit upon the idea of a panel of pundits to debate what they were about to watch and then chew the fat over what they had just seen. Ever the visionary, Jimmy soon understood the effect of having some big personalities and egos in the studio together, would have on the viewing experience for those at home. The arguments between Derek Dougan, Malcolm Allison, Paddy Crerand and Bob McNab became compulsory viewing and the format has been retained ever since.

Jimmy was one of those visionaries who could see the impact television was likely to have on the game and this was where he concentrated his energy. In 1972 he moved back to the BBC to present Match of the Day. The programme had begun in 1964 but spent much of the sixties convincing the clubs it was not going to steal their audience. Jimmy again brought his creative juices to the concept and encouraged slow-motion replays, using them as a way of showing goals as well as illustrating certain key moments in a game which may garner discussion for the watching public. Jimmy would often criticise refereeing decisions and was able to use television to prove his theories.

In a time when live broadcasts of matches were still confined to the FA Cup Final, England v Scotland and the odd international match, Jimmy was one of the first to be used as a summariser during a match. But not in a way where people today talk almost as much as the commentator, but during the cup final he would be asked his views on how the game was going about every fifteen minutes.

The 1983-84 season saw the advent of another of Jimmy's ideas when Match of the Day showed a live league match on the BBC for the first time. It was two months after ITV had shown theirs but still, Manchester United v Tottenham on 16th December 1983 was historic at any rate.

During his broadcasting career, Jimmy returned to Coventry as managing director and eventually becoming chairman. In 1981 Jimmy's proposal to convert Highfield Road to an all-seater stadium was realised. It was the first ground in England to move to all-seater and given what was suggested by the Taylor report in 1989, it was another example of Jimmy being ahead of his time.

Unfortunately, the all-seater project was abandoned two years later when standing room was re-instated. What hadn't helped the plan was Leeds fans ripping out several hundred seats just months after they'd been put in.

When Highfield Road closed its doors for the last time in 2005, Jimmy received a hero's welcome from the crowd and fans voted for a bar at the new ground, Ricoh Arena, to be named "Jimmy's" in his honour.

Other Notable Achievements
Unlike today where Match of the Day pundits watch all live matches at the same time from a control room at the studios, when Jimmy was preparing for the programme he had to be at a ground to be able to summarise it that evening. Often he would get a private plane to fly him back to the studio.  During one match at Highbury in September 1972, the linesman pulled a muscle and couldn't continue. As the match couldn't be continued without a qualified official there was an appeal over the tannoy to see if anyone in the crowd could help. Step forward Mr Hill, who confirmed himself to be a qualified referee and so he donned a sky blue tracksuit and ran the line.

At the beginning of the 1980's, there were discussions around how to improve football and raise the attendances at league grounds. One of Jimmy's ideas was to change the points awarded for a win from two to three. He argued many matches can end up turgid, dour affairs with neither side wanting to make a mistake and risk losing the point they were on course for. Jimmy's suggestion promised to offer a greater prize for the side willing to give it everything right up to the final whistle, turning one point into three. In 1981 the FA formally adopted the new system for league matches.  Few major nations followed until Italy brought it in, in 1993 and then UEFA used it for the Euro '96 qualifying campaign. Nowadays it is used globally around all leagues.

When Coventry City won the FA Cup in 1987, their only major honour ever, joint managers George Curtis and John Sillett were keen to point out the excellent groundwork Jimmy put in which they believed had gone a long way to contributing to the club's success. Both Curtis and Sillett were players at the club when Jimmy was manager. Having never ever been in Division One until promotion in 1967 under Jimmy's management, Coventry then spent thirty-four seasons in England's top division. By the time they eventually succumbed to relegation, in 2001, only Arsenal, Everton and Liverpool had spent a longer unbroken spell there.

He returned to Fulham as chairman in 1987 where he staved off the threat of bankruptcy and a merger with Queen's Park Rangers before setting the club up for a more successful period under new owner, Mohamed Al Fayed.

He was awarded the OBE for services to football in 1994. In 1999 Jimmy moved from the BBC to Sky Sports and fronted a new programme, Jimmy Hill's Sunday Supplement, a weekly discussion between Jimmy and three football journalists conducted over breakfast. He chaired the programme for six seasons before his co-presenter, Brian Woolnough took over and Jimmy was no longer a regular on our screens.

Some may have viewed Jimmy by then as a man of the past, a dinosaur, stuck in the past. In fact, during his broadcasting career, he was continually criticised for his outspoken views. Yet this is what attracted the viewers and after all what is the point of a television programme if you cannot get anyone to watch it?

Above all, Jimmy was ridiculed for his chin which protruded somewhat. In fact, when I was at school there was a fashion to rub your chin when you were being told something you didn't quite believe, saying 'Jimmy' in a rather sarcastic voice just to confirm the disbelief.

Des Lynam recalled, "we were at a ground and all 30,000 people started chanting at him, but not quite in his favour. I asked him how he put up with it and he simply said 'that's fame for you'. He was not going to be beaten by a chanting crowd".

For a man who achieved so much in football, it must have appeared odd why he would be subject to such ridicule but Jimmy clearly loved the game and seem to revel in any debate about it.

Shortly after his final appearance for Sky Sports, he was diagnosed with the early stages of Alzheimer's. This seems a particularly cruel disease for a man with so much to be proud to remember. His last public appearance came in 2011 when he unveiled a statue of himself at the Ricoh Arena. In 2012 he was moved to a nursing home where he spent his last three years.

His Death and Legacy
Jimmy Hill died on 19th December 2015 aged 87. He can honestly be considered to have lived a full life and much of it in the service of others. His love of football was obvious and whether you agreed with him or not, you cannot deny he had the game's best interests at heart.

All footballers these days owe a debt of gratitude to Jimmy every time they negotiate a new contract and look at their bank balance. Every supporter who enjoys the comfort of a matchday experience can largely tip their hat to Jimmy for having the foresight to consider them when other clubs were just content to pack as many people in for the match itself. When you watch coverage of football from the comfort of your home, you can thank Jimmy for pioneering many ideas to improve the viewing experience. There are many other things for football to be thankful to Jimmy for and we will never know what might have been had he not been around. Given the events at FIFA recently, one feels certain the organisation would not have got into such a mess had he been involved. His sense of fair play and concern for the paying spectator would have given the international game a completely different look.

As it is we can be thankful for being around when Jimmy was and thankful there are people who can relay his story. In a time when football and footballers have never been richer, football is poorer for his loss.



https://footballbh.net/2023/05/09/jimmy-hill-football-pioneer/

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Aston Villa: Emery targets Joao Palhinha
Aston Villa are willing to break their transfer record for Joao Palhinha

Aston Villa are eyeing a sensational summer swoop for Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha.

What's the latest on Joao Palhinha to Aston Villa?
According to Football Insider, Unai Emery's side are "willing to match" Fulham's £60m price tag and are prepared to table an offer that would break the club's record transfer fee.

However, it will be an extremely difficult deal for the Midlands outfit to complete, due to the Portuguese's insurmountable importance to Fulham and the interest of other clubs including Tottenham, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Chelsea.

Nevertheless, this outlet previously revealed that Villa are confident that they have the financial resources to compete with the Premier League giants.

Emery is understood to be a "huge fan" of the player, who he views as an upgrade to his current starting line up and the board is willing to support the coach with a host of ambitious signings.

Villa are currently on the cusp of European football, and the promise of this and regular first-team action could be enough to tempt the coveted talent to join their ranks.

Although Palhinha is contracted until 2027, the west Londoners have grown "increasingly worried" that the player may be inclined to depart Craven Cottage.

Why does everyone want Joao Palhinha?
The 27-year-old joined the Cottagers from Sporting Lisbon for a modest fee of £20m and has quickly established himself as one of the league's most commanding and influential gems.

In his debut season in England, the 20-cap international has made 32 Premier League appearances, notching three goals and an average rating of 6.98, which is the second-highest in the Fulham squad.

The powerhouse has emerged as a formidable midfielder and indeed as one of the top-flight's most effective and authoritative pivots as he has made the most tackles (139) in the division, and is over 40 tackles ahead of Moises Caicedo in second (93).

This has also meant he ranks in the top 1% in Europe's top five leagues among his positional peers for tackles per 90, as well as the highest 8% for clearances and aerials won per 90, according to FBref.

The signing of Palhinha would certainly be a player reminiscent of Idrissa Gueye who was a graceful yet bullish prospect in the middle of the park.

In his one season with Villa in 2015/16, the ex-PSG man averaged a mammoth 4.1 tackles per game, only marginally edged by the former Sporting Lisbon man at 4.3 for the same metric.

Both players occupy a protecting role in front of defences and are widely recognised for their ball recovery and ability to break up play.

Gary Neville has described the titan as "fantastic" and he has emerged as the spearhead of a Fulham side that is massively overachieving in their debut campaign back in the Premier League after their promotion last year.



https://www.footballfancast.com/aston-villa-emery-joao-palhinha-premier-league-update-news/

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Player has Fulham offer 'in hand' – Midfielder tempted by lucrative proposal from elsewhere

It seems Fulham are about to miss out in the race for Porto midfielder Matheus Uribe.

Despite recent stories saying the Whites would like to sign the 32-year-old, whose contract with the Dragons expires this summer, reports say he's going somewhere else.

UOL writes that Qatari side Al-Sadd are 'very close' to landing Uribe. It's said there are 'advanced talks' for him to join them.

The same story claims the midfielder has offers from Flamengo and Fulham 'in hand', but the player seems eager to turn down both of them.

According to UOL, Uribe gave 'positive signs' to Al-Sadd's bid, which is for a yearly salary worth €3.5m, plus a signing bonus of €4m.

The story claims that the midfielder even opened talks for a renewal with Porto, but chose to take a new path.

It's not made clear whether Fulham's bid is not good enough. The chance to feature in the Premier League could certainly attract the player, but in case the Whites can't officially compete with that salary offer, then it could be hard to convince him indeed.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/player-fulham-offer-hand-midfielder-tempted-lucrative-proposal-elsewhere/

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The old guard put Fulham on the front foot
Fulham's fantastic display against Leicester City was a timely reminder of how the good the Whites' return to the Premier League has been. Marco Silva's side had seen the momentum of their campaign jolted by the fallout from their FA Cup exit at Old Trafford, especially losing the services of Aleksandar Mitrovic for some eight games, but they bounced back from three narrow defeats at the hands of teams vying for European places with a performance that blew the relegation-threatened Foxes away.

It was fitting that in a season where Silva has coaxed consistency out of a number of players who you might have considered to be likely bit-part performers in the top flight that two of the old timers took centre stage. The head coach waxed lyrical about the qualities of the wily Willian, whose signing on a free transfer prompted plenty of sniggers after his dismal season with Arsenal and a failed return home to Corinthians. The 34 year-old has followed the example of Tim Ream before the veteran American defender fractured his arm in playing with the vitality of a man at least ten years his junior.

The majesty of Willian's performances on the wing have made the Brazilian one of the first names on Silva's teamsheet. He might not be blessed with prodigious pace but he still has the turn of speed to trouble a full back and remains quick in his head, where the crucial first yard always is. Yesterday afternoon, he took set piece responsibility in the absence of Andreas Pereira and whipped a devilish delivery that his compatriot would have been proud of. That it went straight in from all the way out on the left wing was a black mark against Daniel Iversen, but it set the tone for a glorious afternoon.

Willian was at the heart of much of what made Fulham tick as the Foxes fall apart in the first half. The hosts looked like scoring every time they came forward and the winger totally terrorised poor old Victor Kristansen to the point where the Danish full back had to be taken out of the firing line. By then, Willian had added his second goal – a superb strike from 25 yards that saw him pick his spot inside the far post where Iversen wouldn't be able to stop it, cleverly using the overworked Leicester defenders as a shield.

As well as the ageless Brazilian, there was further evidence of the importance of Tom Cairney to Silva's plans. Plenty of pundits believed that the silky Scottish international, Fulham's creative hub for nine years now, was too timid for the top flight and that his legs wouldn't last. For some, he symbolised the club's recent yo-yoing between the top divisions: too good for the Championship, but not cut out for the Premier League. But Cairney has already proved the neighsayers wrong but returning from ten months out with a troublesome knee injury to breathe new life in Silva's side in the Portuguese coach's first campaign at the Cottage and he has been sensational as a substitute this season.

He has slotted seamlessy into the first team following Pereira's season-ending injury and the quality of his performances could fool you that he has been there all season. After 280 appearances Fulham, we all know what Cairney is going to do but he still finds ways to surprise us. There was a wonderful shimmy and finish with his right foot to fire the Whites into a three-goal lead before the break, before he finished off a flowing move with his left foot seven minutes later as the Foxes defeat appeared to part in front of him. That second goal was typical Cairney: bursting into the box with a trademark late run to provide the rampaging Kenny Tete with a goalscoring option but, as ever with the Fulham skipper, his game was about more than a first Premier League brace.

The Fulham number ten is so comfortable on the ball that, as Dan has pointed out before, he gives the Whites another five per cent position simply by using it intelligently. Anyone who thinks his legs have gone should be made to watch the video of this superb showing. Cairney's influence was not just limited to the final third; he came and collected the ball from the back line, dropped into deep positions to start attacks, and was always available for his team-mates when in possession. That made it almost impossible for Leicester's midfield to pick up the Nottingham Zidane, even if Youri Tielemens appeared to be phoning it in for much of the afternoon.

There was a fitting symmetry about how Cairney picked his moment to frustrate John Terry, Leicester's recently-installed defensive coach, after ending his playing career on that magical day almost five years ago at Wembley. The Hammersmith End choir certainly enjoyed reminding Dean Smith's sidekick of how he cried on the telly and repeatedly enquired as to what the score was. Tom Cairney really is everything to me and his timing has always been impeccable – on his four hundredth league appearance, this was a performance to prove that there's plenty more to come from Fulham's midfield maestro.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/05/the-old-guard-put-fulham-on-the-front-foot/

[WhiteJC]

Marco Silva targets Fulham record after smashing five past Leicester

Willian and Tom Cairney both bagged a brace at Craven Cottage, with Carlos Vinicius also on target, against the relegation-threatened Foxes.

Fulham now face Southampton, Crystal Palace and Manchester United to close out a remarkable Premier League return that began amid relegation predictions but will end in impressive mid-table security.

Fulham sit 10th, with 48 points, five shy of their current Premier League-high tally.

"We don't hide that it's our clear goal to achieve that," said Whites boss Silva. "That points target would make the season even more brilliant.

"We really want to finish the season with a big stamp, and the stamp will be to get that certain amount of points, and we are going to fight for it.

"We will enjoy and embrace the challenge to achieve it."



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/silva-fulham-leicester-record-b1079706.html

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"We will talk" – Fulham man planning transfer conversation in summer, contacts already underway

Fulham defender Kevin Mbabu has admitted he will talk to the club this summer about his future and a move away from Craven Cottage.

The full-back has been speaking to Blick as he nears the end of a loan deal at Swiss club Servette.

He joined them in the January transfer window after a disappointing first few months at Fulham, who he joined last summer in a €5.5m deal from VfL Wolfsburg.

Mbabu had arrived to be a regular in Marco Silva's side but would only manage seven appearances and 224 minutes of action before being dropped on Boxing Day last year and then not returning to the side.

That led to the move back to his homeland until the end of the season, although that switch has not turned out how he and the club might have wished.

The deal does not include a purchase clause for Servette, meaning he is set to return to Fulham at the end of the season, at which point he admits he will sit down with the Premier League side.

"At the moment my focus is on the last four games of the season," he said.

"I just want to give everything for the club, for Geneva, for the city. And then I'll have all of June to think about it.

"We are in contact. Not regularly, but we are in contact. At the end of the season, we will talk together about how to proceed."



http://sportwitness.co.uk/will-talk-fulham-man-planning-transfer-conversation-summer-contacts-already-underway/

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Clubs queuing up to sign Middlesbrough loanee Rodrigo Muniz
Ahead of the upcoming transfer window, Muniz has become the subject of interest from Brazil.

Middlesbrough loanee Rodrigo Muniz is attracting transfer interest from Brazil, according to TNT Sports.

It is understood that Gremio are one of a number of Brazilian clubs who are believed to be interested in making a move for Muniz this summer.

Muniz began his career at Flamengo before sealing a switch to Fulham in 2021.

After making 25 appearances for the Cottagers in the Championship during the 2021/22 campaign, Muniz was loaned out to Middlesbrough last year.

When is Rodrigo Muniz's loan spell with Middlesbrough set to end?
The 22-year-old's temporary spell with Boro is set to reach a crescendo later this month.

Muniz will be hoping to play a role in Middlesbrough's quest to secure promotion via the play-offs.

The forward made his 17th league appearance of the season in Boro's defeat to Luton Town last month and has been included in the club's match-day squad for each of their last four games.

Middlesbrough are set to take on Coventry City in the semi-finals of the play-offs.

The two sides could not be separated on the final day of the regular campaign as this particular meeting at the Riverside Stadium ended in a 1-1 draw.

Boro will head to the Coventry Building Society Arena to face the Sky Blues on Sunday before hosting Mark Robins' side on May 17th.

The winner of this semi-final will take on Luton or Sunderland at Wembley Stadium on May 28th.

Would a move back to Brazil be beneficial for Muniz in terms of his career?
When you consider that Muniz has only managed to score twice for Middlesbrough since sealing a loan switch to the club, it could be argued that a return to Brazil may be exactly what he needs at this stage of his career.

Due to the presence of Carlos Vinicius and Aleksandar Mitrovic, Muniz will find it extremely difficult to force his way into Fulham's side next season.

The Cottagers may even decide to bolster their options in this particular area of the pitch, which could lead to Muniz dropping further down the pecking order.

By completing a move to Gremio, or another Brazilian side, Muniz could go on to feature week-in, week-out in the coming seasons.

As for Middlesbrough, they may need to draft in a new striker this summer as Muniz, and fellow loanee Cameron Archer are both set to return to their parent-clubs following the completion of the play-offs.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/brazilian-outfit-eyeing-summer-swoop-formiddlesbrough-loanee-rodrigo-muniz/

[WhiteJC]

West Brom and Burnley now face transfer battle with Portuguese giants

West Brom are now facing competition from the Premier League and Portugal for Max Johnston with Sporting Lisbon joining Burnley and Fulham in the race for the Motherwell youngster.

With another season of Championship football now confirmed – Carlos Corberan's Baggies finished ninth following a hectic final day – focus now will turn to creating a side capable of going a few steps further in 2023/24.

And, with two goals and six assists in all competitions from right-back this season, teenager Johnston would be well received by the West Brom supporters hoping for a more attack-minded option on the flank.

"He's been brilliant," former Scotland and Rangers winger Neil McCann tells the BBC. "I've been really impressed with him since he's come in.

"The one thing you're always judged on in a wide area is your delivery. And I think he's got fantastic delivery."

Is Max Johnston heading to the Premier League or the Championship?
Johnston's contract expires this summer.

The Daily Record report that Portuguese giants and Europa League quarter-finalists Sporting Lisbon have sent scouts to watch the Middlesbrough-born 19-year-old this term. They will now look to open talks.

Sporting face competition from Burnley, Fulham and, according to the Scottish Sun, West Brom. Of course, the Baggies' may be viewed as outsiders for Johnston's signature. They cannot offer Premier League or European football, after all. But the prospect of regular first-team action at the Hawthorns is something that is unlikely to be matched at Turf Moor, Craven Cottage or the Estadio Jose Alvalade.

At Burnley, Johnston would face a battle trying to oust Conor Roberts or Vitinho. At Fulham, meanwhile, Kenny Tete has been one of this season's most impressive right-backs.

"There has been a (contract) offer made to the player," Motherwell manager Stuart Kettlewell explains.

"I understand that he might want to take time over that. But the simple message to Max was that we need him to go and keep performing how he has been of late, and show how good a player he is.

"Sometimes everything else going on in the background can be a bit of a distraction. But he gets full marks from me with how he has handled himself in this situation.

"I can assure people that we would love to have him here next season. We are working really hard on it."



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2023/05/09/west-brom-and-burnley-now-face-transfer-battle-with-portuguese-giants/

[WhiteJC]

Vini: Bright & Happy Afternoon

At the end of an eventful afternoon at Craven Cottage, Carlos Vinicius was just pleased that Fulham claimed the three points.

On a record breaking day for goals in the Premier League, the Whites put five past Leicester City to move that bit closer to our points target of at least 54.

"The victory was very important," Vini said. "An afternoon with many goals for us which was very good for the team, but also for our fans. In addition to the goals, the victory and the three points at home are very important.

"It was a bright and happy afternoon for everyone, but in the end what counts is the three points. A wonderful afternoon for our fans, and us, but the three points are the most important thing, and we have to keep going."

Vinicius now has three goal involvements in as many matches, finding the net coolly against the Foxes after a fine Harry Wilson pass picked out his run.

"The group's contribution was important for the goal," he explained. "It was a joint effort that we have been perfecting for some time, and thank God the passes all connected and the finish for the goal was good.

"I was very happy to contribute to the team. The work I put in is always in favour of the team, and I was happy for my contribution with a goal and an assist. As I said, I'm here to help the team."

Aleksandar Mitrović can now return to the matchday squad, and when asked about needing to continue our momentum in Southampton on Saturday, Vini replied: "Of course! That is also a demand of the fans, to win the game.

"Our enthusiasm for the game is even greater, and the team will continue to work towards maintaining this offensive power, and also work on the defensive side, because without conceding goals we are closer to victory.

"Mitro is a great addition. We know his goalscoring ability, he is in a good moment and he will be a good addition for us, and together we will fight for the three points away from home."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/may/09/vini-bright-and-happy-afternoon/

[WhiteJC]

Wolves and Fulham reportedly want 21-goal star but star plays down rumours

Wolves and Fulham have held talks with Raphael Veiga's representatives as the Premier League pair weigh up summer bids for Palmeiras' Brazil international.

That is according to IG Esporte, anyway.

Whether there is truth to the rumours, though, remains to be seen.

Veiga, the report adds, is a target for a number of English clubs heading into the summer transfer window, including Wolverhampton Wanderers and a Fulham side who hammered Leicester City 5-3 on a goal-filled, prime-Barclays Bank Holiday Monday.

The legitimacy of these claims, however, remains more than a little uncertain. According to Brazilian reporter Jorge Nicola, some at Palmeiras feel the speculation is merely 'agent driven'. 

"I checked with the people at Palmeiras and I said; 'Wow, Veiga is wanted by everyone!'. The people from Palmeiras warned that there was no official offer or even an enquiry," Nicola explains.

"The Verdao are convinced that this whole plot has been divulged by an agent."

Is Raphael Veiga really a target for Wolves and Fulham?
Veiga himself, meanwhile did not exactly pour petrol on the fire when quizzed about claims that he was on his way to Molineux a couple of weeks back.

"I think it's funny," the attacking midfielder told Bolavip. "Things come out about me on the internet and on television that I watch...

"I wonder if the people know more than I do. Will it be a surprise?"

So, at the risk of raining on many a parade, we'd recommend Wolves and Fulham supporters do not get too carried away just yet.

What cannot be disputed, however, is Veiga's talent. The 27-year-old has picked up more silverware than the kitchen department of John Lewis during his time at Palmeiras; rewarded with a first-ever Brazil cap after scoring 21 goals from midfield during 2022. 

If he does end up following former Palmeiras team-mates Danilo and Gustavo Scarpa to England, it will be well deserved.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2023/05/09/wolves-and-fulham-reportedly-want-21-goal-star-but-star-plays-down-rumours/

[WhiteJC]

28-year-old Fulham man now admits he's about to hold talks about his future

Fulham defender Kevin Mbabu has admitted he's set to hold talks at the end of the season about his future.

Mbabu was interviewed by Swiss outlet Blick after a tough first season at Craven Cottage.

The 28-year-old joined Fulham for £6.4m and was one of the first signings made by Marco Silva on their return to the Premier League.

With Neco Williams signed by Nottingham Forest after his loan spell last season, Fulham needed competition at right-back.

Steven Sessegnon was also loaned out to League One Charlton, leaving the Whites short in that position.

Kevin Mbabu made his debut off the bench against Wolves and provided a valuable assist for Aleksandar Mitrovic in the final seconds against rivals Brentford.

Unfortunately, his time at Fulham didn't go to plan.

An embarrassing defeat to Crawley Town was followed up by being hooked at half-time against Newcastle.

The Swiss international was sent on loan to Servette in January when Cedric Soares was signed from Arsenal.

Now, Mbabu admits he will hold talks with Fulham shortly about his future.

His time back in the Premier League may come to an end barely after it began.

Mbabu to hold Fulham talks
Asked about his future by Blick, Mbabu said: "At the moment my focus is on the last four games of the season.

"I just want to give everything for the club, for Geneva, for the city. And then I'll have all of June to think about it.

"We are in contact. Not regularly, but we are in contact. At the end of the season, we will talk together about how to proceed."

Kenny Tete's exceptional form at right-back meant opportunities were always going to be limited for whoever acted as his backup.

However, even when called upon Mbabu never looked like he was able to get up to speed at Fulham.

A move away from the club in the summer would be in the best interest of all parties.

Fulham will likely open talks with other right-backs, allowing Mbabu to take the next step in his career.

In a season where Fulham got so many of their transfer decision right, the Swiss defender was a rare miss.

Servette may be keen to make his loan move permanent given the fantastic second-half of the season they've had with Mbabu in the team.



https://tbrfootball.com/28-year-old-fulham-man-now-admits-hes-about-to-hold-talks-about-his-future/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham and QPR to feature in Hong Kong event

Fulham and QPR are to send Under-21 teams to the HKFC Citi Soccer Sevens tournament in Hong Kong later this month.

The annual invitational seven-a-side event is organised and hosted by Hong Kong Football Club and will see clubs compete in a 16-team competition.

Group matches will comprise of two seven-minute halves with a one-minute half-time break, with the knockout games made up of two 10-minute halves with a three-minute half-time break.

Brighton, Leicester, Newcastle, Glasgow Rangers, Aston Villa will also take part along with teams from around the region.

Fulham have been drawn in a group with Hong Kong Premier League champions Kitchee, Must CPK from Macau and Singapore FC.

QPR will face Brighton, a Hong Kong select side and Singapore Cricket Club.

Previous winners include Villa, Newcastle, Manchester City, Atletico Madrid, Celtic and Arsenal.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/qpr/fulham-and-qpr-to-feature-in-pre-season-event-along-with-newcastle-and-aston-villa

[WhiteJC]

Fulham U21s set to join Hong Kong tournament
Fulham's under 21s are set to join local rivals Queens Park Rangers in the HKFC Citi Soccer Sevens tournament in Hong Kong later this month, according to West London Sport.

The Whites and QPR will be part of the sixteen-team seven-a-side tournament that will also include sides representing Brighton and Hove Albion, Leicester City, Newcastle United, Glasgow Rangers and Aston Villa. Fulham have been drawn in a group alongside the Hong Kong champions Kitchee, Macau outfit Must CPK and Singapore FC.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/05/fulham-u21s-set-to-join-hong-kong-tournament/

[WhiteJC]

Vinicius beaming after 'happy afternoon'
Carlos Vinicius downplayed his role in Fulham's rout of Leicester City at Craven Cottage yesterday afternoon – despite his well-taken finish putting the Whites firmly in control.

The Brazilian striker was delighted to end a run of three frustrating defeats and help the Whites move closer to reaching the club's record Premier League points tally. Vincius told the club's official website:

    "The victory was very important. An afternoon with many goals for us which was very good for the team, but also for our fans. In addition to the goals, the victory and the three points at home are very important. It was a bright and happy afternoon for everyone, but in the end what counts is the three points. A wonderful afternoon for our fans, and us, but the three points are the most important thing, and we have to keep going."

Vinicius praised his team-mates for their part in his fourth Fulham goal that saw him pick his spot past Daniel Iversen after being played in by Harry Wilson.

    "The group's contribution was important for the goal. It was a joint effort that we have been perfecting for some time, and thank God the passes all connected and the finish for the goal was good. I was very happy to contribute to the team. The work I put in is always in favour of the team, and I was happy for my contribution with a goal and an assist. As I said, I'm here to help the team."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/05/vinicius-beaming-after-happy-afternoon/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham boss Marco Silva talks up 'top quality player' Tom Cairney

Fulham boss Marco Silva praised his captain Tom Cairney after watching him score two goals in the thumping win over Leicester on Monday.

Cairney has made only 23 starts in the Premier League this season but took full advantage of his inclusion against the relegation-threatened Foxes, registering his first league goals of the campaign and putting in a fine all-round performance.

The 32-year-old swept in his side's third goal of a 5-3 rout of Dean Smith's team on the stroke of half-time, before adding his second after the break with a deft first touch and finish from Kenny Tete's cross.

It kept Fulham in the hunt to register their highest-ever points tally in the Premier League, with two wins needed from their final three matches to break the club record of 53 set by Roy Hodgson's team in 2009.

Silva said he was pleased to see Cairney working in midfield to help the team out of possession while also instilling the calm in the first half that ultimately helped them to sweep away Leicester before the break.

"Tom is always a player that can give us the calmness to start the game, even some moments under pressure he can give us what we need," said Silva.

"Of course he knows I am pushing him to arrive in certain areas, to be between the lines.

"In some moments, first and second phase, we need players like him to start well, but when the game goes forward and we are in our defensive half, we need him to arrive in certain areas as well.

"Two great finishes, two great goals from him. Top quality player. We know his quality on the ball, everything that he can do.

"I'm pleased to see him working hard off the ball, understanding the moments, understanding the moments to press higher with Vini (Carlos Vinicius), the moments that he should drop to help the other midfielders as well. It was a very good performance from him and I'm really pleased for him.

"He deserves it and he's having a good season, even if he's not playing every time from the start. All of the last season for him has been good."

The victory ended a run of three straight losses that had effectively ended Fulham's hopes of qualifying for Europe next season.

Despite the disappointment, Silva remained optimistic that they can still record the club's best tally for a top-flight season.

They will have Aleksandar Mitrovic back for the trip to struggling Southampton on Saturday and will relegate Saints with a victory, before hosting Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage and finishing with a visit to Old Trafford to play Manchester United.

"It's really important we don't hide that it's our clear goal to achieve the target points that we want, to make the season even to be more brilliant, if I can say," said Silva.

"We want really to finish the season with a big stamp, and the stamp will be to get that certain amount of points. We are going to fight for it definitely.

"We don't know if it's going to happen. But we are going to work hard and fight really hard and to enjoy to embrace the challenge to achieve it."



https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/fulham-boss-marco-silva-talks-up-top-quality-player-tom-cairney/1860701524.html

[WhiteJC]

EXCLUSIVE: Marco Silva has a £6MILLION release clause in his Fulham contract with West Ham eyeing the Portuguese boss as a potential successor to David Moyes... but the high-flying Cottagers remain hopeful of agreeing a fresh deal

    Marco Silva is in talks over a new Fulham contract after their excellent season
    The Portuguese boss looks set to guide the promoted side to a top half finish
   
Marco Silva has a £6million release fee in his Fulham contract amid interest in the Portuguese coach ahead of what is set to be a summer of managerial upheaval.

Having guided the Cottagers to promotion from the Championship last season, Silva has led his team through an excellent Premier League return with the club on-course for a top half finish.

Silva is in talks over a new deal at Fulham with his existing contract due to expire at the end of next season and there is hope that an agreement can be reached.

However, his work at Craven Cottage has not gone unnoticed by rival clubs ahead of what is set to be an interesting summer on the managerial circuit.

And Mail Sport understands the terms of Silva's existing deal allows him to be released from his deal for a price of £6m.

Silva is understood to be on the list of candidates to replace David Moyes if the Scot leaves the London Stadium this summer.

However, the Hammers are unlikely to be the only club looking to appoint a new boss this summer.

Tottenham, Crystal Palace, Leeds, Nottingham Forest, Leicester and Southampton could all be in the market for a new head coach ahead of next season.

Silva is likely to be a candidate for those jobs at the end of the season which could complicate Fulham's attempts to tie him to a long-term contract, although the former Watford and Everton boss is understood to be happy in west London and is open to signing an extension.

Fulham want to build on the success of this season and ensuring Silva stays as manager is central to their plans.

Keeping key midfielder Joao Palhinha will also be one of the club's priorities heading into the summer amid growing interest in the Portugal international. Fulham were contacted for comment.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-12064335/Marco-Silva-6MILLION-release-clause-Fulham-contract.html

[WhiteJC]

West Ham reportedly keen on Fulham boss Marco Silva with contract release clause revealed
West Ham have a big decision to make regarding David Moyes' future this summer as they weigh up their options

West Ham are reportedly interested in Fulham boss Marco Silva. The 45-year-old has done an impressive job since taking over at Craven Cottage and is believed to be a wanted man.

According to the Daily Mail, the Hammers have him on a 'list' of potential candidates for if they decide to cut ties with David Moyes this summer. He is also said to have a release clause of £6million with his current club keen to extend his stay.

Fulham turned to him back in 2021 after they were relegated from the Premier League and he guided them to an immediate promotion from the Championship. His side have since adapted well to life in the top flight again and are currently sat in 10th position above rivals Chelsea.

Silva first moved to England in 2017 when Hull City came calling. He wasn't able to keep the Tigers up but did enough to earn a move to Watford that summer.

The former Estoril, Sporting Lisbon and Olympiacos man was then lured away from Vicarage Road after only a matter of months by Everton. However, his time at Goodison Park didn't work out and he was eventually sacked.



https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/west-ham/west-ham-reportedly-keen-on-fulham-boss-marco-silva-4136009

[WhiteJC]

Fulham confident of keeping Silva at Craven Cottage
Fulham remain confident of agreeing a new contract with head coach Marco Silva at Craven Cottage, despite reports of interest from London rivals West Ham.

The Portuguese head coach has enjoyed an outstanding first two years with Fulham having returned the Whites to the top flight at the first time of asking, winning the Championship title in style and then making a mockery of the pre-season predictions by leading the Londoners into the top half of the Premier League. Silva has fourteen months left on his existing deal in SW6 and he is currently engaged in discussions with club officials about a proposed new contract.

Fulham's confidence about retaining Silva's services is based on the strength of his personal relationship with chairman Shahid Khan and his happiness to continue his progress at Craven Cottage. Any suitors would have to spend £6m to prise the former Hull City, Watford and Everton manager from the Cottagers and Silva is expected to feature on the shortlist of a number of Premier League clubs who will be considering changing their manager this summer.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/05/fulham-confident-of-keeping-silva-at-craven-cottage/

[WhiteJC]

Silva salutes 'quality' Cairney
Fulham head coach Marco Silva has hailed the quality of captain Tom Cairney after the midfielder shone in yesterday's 5-3 thrilling win over Leicester City.

The Scottish international has made 27 appearances from the bench this term but has thrived since being restored to the starting line-up after Andreas Pereira's season-ending injury. The midfielder was influential in Fulham's narrow defeat at Anfield in midweek and he put together a man-of-the-match performance in scoring his first Premier League brace as the Foxes were plunged deeper into relegation trouble.

Silva said:

    "Tom is always a player that can give us the calmness to start the game, even some moments under pressure he can give us what we need. Of course he knows I am pushing him to arrive in certain areas, to be between the lines. In some moments, first and second phase, we need players like him to start well, but when the game goes forward and we are in our defensive half, we need him to arrive in certain areas as well.

    Two great finishes, two great goals from him. Top quality player. We know his quality on the ball, everything that he can do. I'm pleased to see him working hard off the ball, understanding the moments, understanding the moments to press higher with Vini, the moments that he should drop to help the other midfielders as well. It was a very good performance from him and I'm really pleased for him.

    He deserves it and he's having a good season, even if he's not playing every time from the start. All of the last season for him has been good."

The Fulham boss has urged his side to follow up the thumping win over Leicester by beating Southampton at St. Mary's on Saturday as he aims to set a new club record points tally in the top flight.

    "It's really important we don't hide that it's our clear goal to achieve the target points that we want, to make the season even to be more brilliant, if I can say. We want really to finish the season with a big stamp, and the stamp will be to get that certain amount of points. We are going to fight for it definitely.

    We don't know if it's going to happen. But we are going to work hard and fight really hard and to enjoy to embrace the challenge to achieve it."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/05/silva-salutes-quality-cairney/