Friday Fulham Stuff - 22/09/23...

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❤️ Jay Stansfield is the new Patron of the Adam Stansfield Foundation
Congratulations, Jay!



Jay Stansfield has become the new Patron of the Adam Stansfield Foundation.
"It was an obvious choice" said Andrea Parkin, Foundation Trustee and Adams sister. "Ads used to get involved off the field with charities and good causes, so to see Jay interacting with some of the young people we support and work with is not surprising. He's a natural and is showing many of the traits and attributes that made Adam such a favourite with the fans and supporters."

There is no pressure on Jay to get involved in the day to day running of the Foundation. At this stage of his career, the Foundation want to see him concentrate on his football and helping his teams progress in the leagues.

The Foundations aims are twofold. Firstly, to support grass roots football and help young people get involved and to continue to live a healthy lifestyle. In these difficult times they aim to support youngsters with the basics to enable them to participate in the game Adam loved so much.

Secondly, to raise awareness of Bowel Cancer, working independently and in partnership with other charities to ensure everyone is aware of the symptoms.

Since the Foundations inception in 2010, following Adam's passing, an incredible £400,000 has been raised with the help of some fantastic supporters, completing outrageous and demanding challenges. The kindness and generosity have been overwhelming, reflecting Adams popularity amongst fans in Yeovil, Hereford and Devon. As a Foundation they have been able to reach over 50,000 young people in football clubs, Secondary Schools and Primary Schools across the three Counties.

The Foundation continue to look for innovative ways to achieve our aims. Your ideas and support are always welcome as we strive to do so. Their website outlines our guidelines and they are always looking to support individuals, teams and schools within the three Counties: - Somerset, Hereford and Devon.

The Foundation welcome enquiries looking for support within our remit. Please visit their website for further information or contact us via email.

[email protected]
www.adamstansfieldfoundation.com



https://www.exetercityfc.co.uk/news/2023/september/stanno-foundation/

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Pereira: My broken leg sounded like 'a pencil snapping'
Andreas Pereira has revealed that his broken leg against Manchester City in April was so bad that Fulham refused to show him images of it.

The Brazilian international disclosed that the injury sounded like 'a pencil snapping' during a question and session answer with Het Nieuswblad. The 27 year-old says he felt little pain in the aftermath of Manuel Akanji's challenge due to adrenaline but the response of the club's medical staff demonstrated it was a serious problem.

"There are different types of pain in life of course. But what immediately comes to mind is my broken fibula against Manchester City on April 30th this year. I went into a duel with Mannel Akanji but felt that I would not have the ball. He hit my head, so I'm off balance and I land wrong. You know that sound of a pencil snapping? That's it.

"Strangely enough, I felt almost nothing because of the adrenaline. That's why I first thought that my ankle ligaments were sprained or something. They didn't want to show me the images. In hindsight, you know that it's not good. Should I go to the hospital then? To be honest, we still had a while there. I had doubts about it because I hardly felt any pain. It was only in the ambulance that I started to feel the pain. Slightly, anyway. Until I received the news that my leg was broken. Then I really started to feel it."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/09/pereira-my-broken-leg-sounded-like-a-pencil-snapping/

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Fulham Staff To Walk From SW6 To Spurs

On Monday 23rd October, Fulham staff will walk from Craven Cottage to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, all in the name of raising awareness around Alzheimer's.

More than 40 colleagues – across a variety of departments within the Club – will partake in the 12½ mile trek from South-West to North London, to raise funds for the Foundation's Fulham Memories programme, which provides support to those suffering from dementia.

Today, 21st September, marks World Alzheimer's Day, which aims to raise awareness around, educate, encourage support of, and demystify dementia.

Rebecca Todd, Associate General Counsel at Fulham, organised the walk.

"A diagnosis with Alzheimer's can be challenging, life changing and stressful," Rebecca said. "It is amazing to see that so many people want to take part in such a long walk. It really shows the power of the football community, and that no-one is alone in this! And hopefully three points will be waiting for Fulham at the end of the walk!"

Currently, there are almost 50 million people worldwide who are living with dementia, while one in three people born in the UK today will develop the disease at some point in their lifetime.

It's time for change.

You can support the walkers ahead of their hike to Spurs by donating at the below link, with all proceeds going towards the Fulham Memories programme.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/september/21/fulham-staff-to-walk-from-sw6-to-spurs/

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Eustace salutes Stansfield's 'outstanding talent'
Birmingham City boss John Eustace saluted Jay Stansfield's 'outstanding talent' after the young Fulham forward scored his third goal in six games since moving to St. Andrew's on loan last night.

The Tiverton-born 20 year-old blasted Blues in front at top-of-the-table Preston North End within forty seconds of the start of the second half and, even though Eustace's side left Deepdale with nothing to show for their endeavour, the City head coach was happy to wax lyrical about his special striker.

"He is an outstanding talent. We know he can play in a number of positions. He took his goal fantastically well. It was a great move and a great ball from Koji (Miyoshi). It's something we have been working on. We have good footballers in the team and tonight we showcased that we can actually play football as well."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/09/eustace-salutes-stansfields-outstanding-talent/

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Cairney: Keeping Palhinha was 'vital'
During an assured punditry debut on Sky Sports' Soccer Special last night, Fulham captain Tom Cairney said keeping hold of Joao Palhinha was 'vital' for the club's fortunes.

Cairney, who was in the Sky studio to provide updates on his former club Blackburn Rovers' Championship clash with Sunderland, told presenter Jools Warren that the Portuguese midfielder was pivotal to Fulham's success under Marco Silva.

"You lose that many goals in your team it's difficult to replace"

Tom Cairney on Fulham losing Aleksandar Mitrovic and the impact Joao Palhinha has had ⚫⚪ pic.twitter.com/0NeCVApqaE

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 20, 2023

"It [keeping Palhinha despite deadline day interest from Bayern Munich] is vital. He's probably the best off the ball central midfield player I've ever seen. His reaction as soon as we lose it is second to none. The tackles he makes ... he doesn't just get there and put pressure on, he goes and wins the ball. He's bit an old school – you wouldn't class him as Portuguese would you, really the way he flies in? He's been a breath of fresh air to the Premier League and if you get linked with Bayern Munich in your first season, you know you've done something special".



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/09/cairney-keeping-palhinha-was-vital/

[WhiteJC]

Stadium royalty & European ambitions: a full guide to Fulham

Crystal Palace are back at Selhurst Park on Saturday, 23rd September (15:00 BST) as they welcome Fulham to south London – find out all you need to know about our visitors below...

Factfile
    Manager: Marco Silva
    Last season: 10th
    Nickname: The Cottagers
    Ground: Craven Cottage
    Founded: 1879 (144 years ago)

What's the story?
After a turbulent transfer window, Fulham will be glad to turn their full focus back to the weekly grind of Premier League action with a settled and – given the circumstances – ambitious squad.

With speculation around the future of manager Marco Silva quashed, the visitors were rocked by the departure of Aleksandar Mitrović to Saudi side Al Hilal, after six successful seasons at the club scoring 111 goals. They looked poised to lose talismanic defensive midfielder João Palhinha, too, before a deal to sell the Brazilian to Bayern Munich collapsed at the last minute.

On the pitch, results have been mixed – but there are positive signs. The club have kept Willian, added Raúl Jiménez, Adama Traoré, Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi, and victories against Tottenham Hotspur and Everton this season have demonstrated their quality. Even more telling was their recovery from a goal down away at Arsenal recently, despite playing the final 20 minutes with 10 men.

A 5-1 defeat at Manchester City was humbling, although VAR controversy surrounding City's second goal will still rankle with the game finely balanced heading into half-time.

Now, with a tough run approaching – including fixtures against Spurs, Manchester United, Aston Villa and Chelsea by the start of November – Fulham must show the same fight and determination that secured them a top-half finish last season.

The boss
Marco Silva's confidence in his Fulham project was underlined when he turned down a series of enormously lucrative approaches from Saudi Arabia this summer, determined to improve on last season's top-half finish. This is his seventh season in the English game, having managed Hull City, Watford and Everton in the past.

Transfers

IN

    Raúl Jiménez (Wolves)
    Calvin Bassey (Ajax)
    Adama Traoré (Wolves)
    Timothy Castagne (Leicester City)
    Steven Benda (Swansea City)
    Alex Iwobi (Everton)
    Fodé Ballo-Touré (AC Milan, loan)

OUT

    Shane Duffy (Norwich)
    Paulo Gazzaniga (Girona)
    Neeskens Kebano (Al Jazira)
    Steven Sessegnon (Wigan Athletic)
    Ivan Cavaleiro (Lille)
    Aleksandar Mitrović (Al Hilal)
    Anthony Knockaert (Valenciennes)

Record against Palace
Palace won three consecutive games against Fulham between 2018 and 2020 but haven't earned three points since.

Boxing Day last season saw Palace reduced to nine men in a fiery encounter at Selhurst Park, while sunnier skies prevailed in May at Craven Cottage as Joel Ward's late equaliser saw the Eagles claim a point.

Next five [Premier League]

    2nd Oct: Chelsea (H)
    7th Oct: Sheff Utd (H)
    23rd Oct: Spurs (A)
    29th Oct: Brighton (A)
    4th Nov: Man Utd (H)

Did you know?
Fulham were founded by worshippers as St Andrew's Church Sunday School in 1879 – just 18 years after Crystal Palace – and began their days in the local West London League, initially sporting shirts of half red and half white.

They moved to their current Craven Cottage ground in 1896, a stadium steeped in history. The cottage itself was built in 1780 by William Craven, the sixth Baron Craven, and stood on the old hunting grounds of Anne Boleyn; Queen Victoria, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Florence Nightingale are among the famous names reputed to have stayed there.

Match details

    Saturday, 23rd September
    15:00 BST
    Selhurst Park
    Live audio commentary on Palace TV+




https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/match-previews/crystal-palace-premier-league-fulham-opposition-in-focus/

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New book explores the Al-Fayed era at Fulham FC

No sooner had sportswriter Tony Banks sent his new book about the Al-Fayed era at Fulham FC to the printers, than news broke that the Egyptian former owner of the club had died at 94.

As a result, the book – titled The Great Adventure: Al-Fayed's Rollercoaster Ride with Fulham FC – will still appear in the shops in two weeks' time. But to read the final chapter of Al-Fayed's life story, you'll need to go online.

Tony, 64, interviewed dozens of the people who were at the club in the 16 years between 1997 and 2013 when Mohamed Al-Fayed was chairman.

Roy Hodgson, Chris Coleman, Lawrie Sanchez, Ray Lewington and 1990s player-manager Micky Adams all contributed their memories of an extraordinary time in the history of London's oldest professional football club, helping piece together what really went on behind the scenes.

"I've always loved Fulham as a club and have been following them since the early 70s, and I thought the Al-Fayed era was a fascinating period in the history of the club, and a story that needed to be told," said Tony, whose 35-year journalistic career has spanned The Sun and the Express, the Star and the Mirror.

His life
Harrods owner Mohamed Al-Fayed bought Fulham FC in 1997 for £6.25million, pledging to reach the Premier League in five years. He did it in just four.

Along the way, Fulham had two promotions, got through 10 managers, put up – in 2011 – a bizarre multi-coloured plaster-and-resin statue of Michael Jackson outside Craven Cottage, and travelled on an amazing journey to the Europa League final in 2010.



Among Tony's sources for the book was Michael Cole, right-hand man to Al-Fayed, who was once reputed to be among the world's richest men.

Al-Fayed's successor as owner of the Whites, Shahid Khan, said of the flamboyant Egyptian: "The story of Fulham FC cannot be told without a chapter on the positive impact of Mr Al-Fayed as chairman."

Fans will get more than just a chapter with the new book, which concentrates on the time Al-Fayed rode into town and replaced Adams with a pairing of Ray Wilkins and Kevin Keegan to help steer the Cottagers upwards.

His death
Mohamed Al-Fayed died on 30 August, and was buried the next day alongside his son at a plot in the grounds of his Surrey home, 26 years after Dodi's death in the Paris car crash which also killed Princess Diana.

"I've written a bonus chapter, covering Al-Fayed's death, which readers can link to when they buy the book," said Tony.

The controversial £2.3million statue of gloved singer Michael Jackson (commemorating the fact that the pop star had attended one solitary Division Two match at the Cottage) attracted derision when it was placed on its riverside plinth.

In 2013 – four years after Jackson's death – it was removed from Fulham, eventually finding a new home at the National Football Museum in Manchester. But in 2019, with Jackson's reputation tarnished by child sex abuse stories, the statue was removed and placed in storage.

The Great Adventure: Al-Fayed's Rollercoaster Ride with Fulham FC is released in hardback on 2 October (£18.99 from Pitch Publishing).



https://www.lbhf.gov.uk/articles/news/2023/09/new-book-explores-al-fayed-era-fulham-fc

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Report: Fresh Ink, Yet Uncertain Stay For Fulham Star?
Palhinha's Future at Fulham: Speculations Arise Amidst Bayern Interest

Despite penning a new deal with Fulham, doubts cloud Joao Palhinha's future beyond the winter market. The midfielder's position at Craven Cottage seems more complex than what meets the eye.

Although Palhinha, now 28, has committed himself till 2028 to the London-based outfit with an option to further elongate his stay by a year, insiders whisper that it doesn't cement his stay beyond January.

Interestingly, the past summer window saw the Portugal maestro attracting attention from West Ham and was on the brink of a move to Bayern Munich. However, Fulham's inability to latch onto a worthy successor saw the deal crumble. Football Insider shares this intriguing insight.

Bayern's Unwavering Interest
Even after the transfer setback, Bayern's appetite remains undiminished. The Bavarian giants are rumoured to still be interested, and with Palhinha's fresh contract, it's expected Fulham will raise their asking price. Delving deeper, a trusted source informed Football Insider that the new contract doesn't carry a release clause.

Premier League Contenders
Football Insider also shed light on a surprising revelation. Manchester United showed significant interest in Palhinha during the summer window. Yet, the Red Devils retracted their claws, opting for Sofyan Amrabat on a loan-to-buy deal, presumably finding Fulham's terms too steep.

Palhinha's Growing Influence
The Fulham talisman isn't just making headlines off the pitch. On the field, he's already graced the pitch four times this season, notching a goal against Arsenal in a pulsating 2-2 draw. Last season saw Palhinha play a pivotal role, featuring in 40 matches, as Fulham clinched a respectable 10th place under Marco Silva. A reminder that Fulham acquired this dynamic midfielder from Sporting CP in 2022 for a mere £20 million.



https://eplindex.com/96749/report-fresh-ink-yet-uncertain-stay-for-fulham-star.html

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Going to the game?: Palace v Fulham matchday guide
Crystal Palace are back in action at home as they welcome Fulham to Selhurst Park on Saturday, 23rd September (15:00 BST).

If you're going to the game, please check this guide – which will be kept up-to-date with the latest matchday information – before travelling.

Before you travel
Season Ticket holders should ensure they have downloaded their new pass via the Official Crystal Palace app or the email they have been sent.

Season Ticket holders should also ensure that their pass is not showing as 'expired'. To do so, open your Wallet app, tap 'View Expired Passes', select the relevant pass and tap 'Unhide'.

Please ensure you read our latest supporters' guide here.

Away fans can find a stadium guide here.

All ticket holders are encouraged to arrive early to ensure quick access into the Stadium.

Travel Disruption
Due to planned engineering works, there will be no London Overground services calling at Norwood Junction on Saturday, and no GTR services from Norwood Junction to London Bridge, Bedford and East Croydon.

Services will only run from Norwood Junction to London Victoria via Crystal Palace and Epsom via West Croydon.

Supporters are advised not to travel via Norwood Junction. Fans are advised to check their journeys before travelling, and to leave in plenty of time.

TICKETS
Tickets for this match are sold out. Season Ticket holders and Members can purchase resold tickets if available here.

We want to ensure every seat in Selhurst Park is full, ready to get behind the team.

If you are a Season Ticket holder who cannot make Saturday's match, please allow someone to take your seat: find out how to resell your match ticket by following the steps listed here.

Alternatively, Season Ticket holders can share their tickets by following the steps listed here. Please note: you can only share tickets with supporters listed as Friends & Family on your ticket account. Restrictions apply.

FANZONE
There will be a collection point for South Norwood Community Kitchen in the Fanzone, with supporters encouraged to bring what they can to help the cause - in particular:

    Toileteries
    Cereal
    Tinned food
    Rice
    Pasta
    Oil
    Washing powder
    Nappies
    Baby wipes

FOOD & DRINK OFFERS
Don't forget to arrive early to take advantage of our Early Bird offer: enjoy a discounted burger or pie, plus a beer, available up until 45 minutes before kick-off.

There will also be a 50% discount on hot food following the final whistle, with bars closing 10 minutes following the conclusion of the match.

Bike racks
New bike stands/racks for 10 bicycles have been installed behind the Fanzone at Selhurst, will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

LOVE FOOTBALL, PROTECT THE GAME
A safe matchday environment for all is vital for protecting the game we love.

Supporters are reminded to keep off the Selhurst Park pitch at all times. Perpetrators may be prosecuted.

Recent pitch invasions have resulted in football bans (both domestically and abroad); police prosecution; and criminal records, which can impact employment, education and international travel.

From fans, to stewards and players, we all have a role to play in keeping each other safe on matchdays – so please be mindful of your fellow fans.

CONDUCT
For the safety of all supporters, it is illegal to use flares, flash bangs and other pyrotechnics at the stadium.

Supporters are also reminded that smoking and the use of e-cigarettes is prohibited inside Selhurst Park.

To challenge the totally unacceptable presence of football tragedy abuse, this season, tough new measures have been introduced which will see people who are found guilty of offences face stadium bans and criminal prosecution.

Strong measures remain in place to tackle antisocial and criminal behaviours within grounds, including throwing objects, drug use and discriminatory behaviour.

Please respect our staff at all times. Abuse of staff will not be tolerated.

REPORTING ABUSE AT SELHURST PARK
Crystal Palace are committed to promoting equality and diversity across the whole club. We want to ensure that the environment on a matchday is welcoming to all, and that supporters feel safe. We will not tolerate racial or homophobic chants or discriminating comments towards a particular individual or group of individuals at Selhurst Park.

You can report discrimination on a matchday by using the Anti-Social Behaviour Text Alert Service: the number is 07507 477 669 (+44 7507 477 669).

Please include as much relevant information as possible, for example: FOUL LANGUAGE, RACISM, SMOKING, HOMOPHOBIA etc. Please include the stand, block, row and seat number you are in, and also identify the location of the anti-social behaviour, being as precise as possible. Please state if you wish to remain anonymous in your message.

Security staff will make every effort to deal with the issue. If they are unable to resolve the issue, each text will be followed up and investigated by a club staff member. You can also contact your nearest steward to report issues, who will do their best to help.

MATCHDAY PROGRAMMES
Matchday programmes will be available from vendors in and around Selhurst Park for just £3.50.

Saturday's issue features the thoughts of Chairman Steve Parish and manager Roy Hodgson and an in-depth interview with Ebere Eze, who reveals his approach to inspiring the next generation!

There are also a whole host of other features – including a look back at how Doc Brown came to cast captain Joel Ward as a greengrocer, and updates on our successful Academy and Women's teams – and the chance to get your hands on the latest Selhurst Starz, our new collectible card game!

Alternatively, read the digital version from 15:00 BST on Friday, 22nd September.

And remember, all Gold, Junior Eagles Gold and International Members receive free digital copies of the programme in their inbox before every home match this season.

Take Back Control
Club partner GAMSTOP, the national online gambling self-exclusion scheme, are encouraging people to #TakeBackControl this week.

GAMSTOP is a free, quick and easy-to-use tool which enables supporters to self-exclude from gambling websites for a period of your choosing; find out more here.

OTHER POINTS TO NOTE
Please note that Selhurst Park is a cashless stadium. Selhurst Park's food and drink concourses are cashless – so bring your payment card. Apple Pay and Google Pay are accepted.

If you are travelling to the match by train, you can now book your train tickets through Train Hugger; a tree will be planted here in the UK every time a booking is made by a Palace fan.

MEMBERSHIPS
Looking for more benefits? Demand for match tickets last season stood at an all-time high with all matches selling out, so make sure you sign-up as a Gold or Junior Gold Member to get 72-hour priority ticket access and secure your tickets to the biggest games throughout another exciting campaign.

What's more, in select packages, you'll gain access to a Palace TV+ subscription, digital matchday programmes and more! Explore our 23/24 Memberships here.

MATCH DETAILS


    Saturday, 23rd September

    15:00 BST

    Selhurst Park

    Live audio commentary on Palace TV+



https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/information/crystal-palace-fulham-premier-league-matchday-guide/

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'Unique experience' gives USMNT star Tim Ream memories to last a lifetime as Fulham defender becomes a leader for club & country

Tim Ream admits that the "unique experience" of captaining the USMNT in his home town of St. Louis has given him memories to last a lifetime.

    Skippered his country in friendly date
    Enjoyed a comfortable win
    Watched on by friends and family

WHAT HAPPENED?
The 35-year-old defender – who fills the armband for Premier League employers Fulham - was given the honour of leading the United States out during a friendly date against Uzbekistan. That contest took place at CITYPARK Stadium in what was once Ream's backyard growing up.

WHAT THEY SAID
Ream skippered his side to a 4-0 victory on the day and is delighted to have experienced something that few players – even those in his privileged position – get to enjoy over the course of a career. He has told Fulham TV: "It was a unique experience. I don't know how many guys have had the opportunity to captain their national team in their home town. For me, to be able to do that – obviously represent a country, but then you break it down even more and you represent friends, family, ex team-mates, coaches that have helped you along the way – so to be able to have that opportunity was a special moment within a lot of special moments in a career. It's one I will be able to cherish for a long time."



https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/unique-experience-usmnt-tim-ream-memories-last-lifetime-fulham-defender-leader/blt9852a16c7e60da93#csa94413a3efc85898

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Ream: 'Fulham are in a very good position'
Fulham centre back Tim Ream feels that the Whites 'are in a very good position' having taken seven points from their first five games.

The American centre back is looking forward to Saturday's trip to Crystal Palace, where he followed scoring his first Premier League goal by confirming a contract extension after a 3-0 win at Selhurst Park on Boxing Day. Ream told FFCTV that Marco Silva's side have taken confidence from eventually being able to break down a stubborn Luton Town outfit at Craven Cottage last weekend.

"You can look at it from an outsider's perspective and say it was a boring, slow game and we felt that as players. It is difficult when teams change their system a little bit – for us it was having to be patient. Credit to Luton. They came with a game plan and they stuck to it for pretty much the entire match. You really felt there was only going to be one goal in it. Thankfully, Vini comes on and tucks away a rebound – in the right place at the right time as most strikers need to be.We said if we take a chance earlier on and put one away, then it's a completely different game. We have to find ways to win games, come away with three points and a clean sheet – which is always a nice little bonus and move on to Palace.

Ream is content with Fulham's start to the season, especially considering the calibre of the opposition the Cottagers have already faced and some of the decisions that haven't gone their way.

"I think last year we were at eight points after five games so we are not far off where we were last year and with who we've played I don't think we can complain. Maybe some of the decisions that aren't under our control we can complain about, but coming away with seven points – I think we're in a very good position going forward and puts us in a great place."

The 35 year-old, who captained the United States in his home town of St. Louis during the international break, has fond memories of Fulham's last visit to Selhurst Park.

"A first Premier League goal for myself was a good memory and having the contract announcement right after that was a pretty whirlwind six hours. Both teams have had relatively good starts and happy to be in the positions we are in. Roy's obviously a very good manager, he's been around for a long time for a reason. He came here last season and they played very well – kept things did – and that's the way we expect the game to go. It is going to be about who takes their chances. We're looking forward to it: all these games are difficult and we're working hard on the training pitch to try and get one over on them this weekend."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/09/ream-fulham-are-in-a-very-good-position/

[WhiteJC]

Marco Silva admits he 'cannot control' Joao Palhinha's future at Fulham amid renewed Bayern Munich interest

The midfielder was in Munich on deadline day to complete a move to Bayern but had to fly back as Fulham failed to find a replacement

Marco Silva admitted he "cannot control" where Joao Palhinha's long-term future lies, amid reports that Bayern Munich will continue their pursuit of the player in the January transfer window.

Palhinha joined Fulham for £17million last summer, and has been the club's best player by some distance ever since.

He was allowed to fly to Munich on deadline day this month but Fulham maintained they would only sell him if they found a replacement defensive midfielder. They never did, and so he flew back despite Bayern lodging a £56m bid for him, which would have been Fulham's all-time record sale if it had been accepted.

Fulham announced a fortnight ago that Palhinha had signed a new long-term contract at the club, and Bayern manager Thomas Tuchel refused to answer when asked on Wednesday whether the Bavarian giants remain interested in the Portugal international.

"I cannot control the future — and not just about Joao," Silva admitted on Thursday. "When you receive some big offers, and the size of that club, there will be more noise around. What is going to happen in January or next summer I cannot control. The club has the control. He can keep playing and be a key player for us."

Silva confirmed Sasa Lukic remains sidelined with a knee injury and will be one of a number of absentees when Fulham visit Crystal Palace on Saturday.

The Fulham boss: "Sasa Lukic is going to be still out. Back, we hope, against Norwich [next Wednesday] or Chelsea [on October 2]. Let's hope he can start to train next week.

"Tosin [Adarabioyo], from last season, had a problem with his groin last season. He had a small surgery and it's going to be probably six or seven weeks.

"Adama [Traore] has a muscle injury. The player didn't have a pre-season. Almost all pre-season he was training alone with his personal physio. We had a behind-closed-doors game during the international break here and he felt his hamstring."

Silva added: "As for the others, they are going to be back. Antonee Robinson is back. He's training with the team since the beginning of the week and he's going to be ready."

New signing Raul Jimenez is still yet to score since joining this summer from Wolves, and Carlos Vinicius scored Fulham's winner three minutes after coming off the bench for Jimenez against Luton on Saturday.

Silva was coy on who would start up front against Palace "You'll have to wait until the game," he said. "We have three players that can play there in Carlos, Raul and Rodrigo Muniz. It's up for me to decide.

"It's always important for a striker to have an impact," Silva added of Vinicius, "but Raul helped the team during the minutes that he played."



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/marco-silva-joao-palhinha-fulham-bayern-munich-transfer-news-b1108655.html

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Fulham defender Tosin set stint on the sidelines
Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo could be sidelined for up two months after undergoing groin surgery.

The former Manchester City centre-back, who saw a move to Monaco fall through last month, has only featured as an 89th-minute substitute against Arsenal this campaign and Whites boss Marco Silva said the 25-year-old has been dealing with the problem for some time.

"It was something he was nursing for the last few games of last season," Silva said.

"So he has he had a small surgery and he is going to be out for for six to seven weeks."

Midfielder Sasa Lucic will also miss Saturday's game at Crystal Palace as he also recovers from a groin problem that has kept him out for over a month but Silva said he could feature in next week's Carabao Cup match against Norwich.

Winger Adama Trarore is also unavailable due to a hamstring injury.

"Sasa should back against Norwich, or the Chelsea game, It was something in his groin that he felt in the game at Arsenal," Silva said.

"Adama has a muscle injury, these things can happen when a player doesn't have a full pre-season.

"Almost all of his pre-season he was training alone with a private physio but it is completely different to when you are in with a team doing a proper pre-season.

"We had a behind-closed doors game during the international break and his felt something in his hamstring."

Antonee Robinson has been cleared to return after missing last week's 1-0 win over Luton.

"We have another session tomorrow, but Robinson has been training with the team since the beginning of the week and he will probably be ready," Silva said.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-defender-set-for-long-stint-on-the-sidelines

[WhiteJC]

Fulham play genius Joao Palhinha move – It could result in SERIOUS cash
Fulham have secured a new contract for Joao Palhinha. The deal will run until 2028 with an option to keep the midfielder at Craven Cottage for a further year upon expiry, according to Football Insider. But since, there has been a development.

Palhinha was very closely linked to a move away from Fulham in the summer transfer window. It was thought at one stage that Bayern Munich were going to sign him. However, in the end, the Portugal international remained a Fulham midfielder and has started the season well, scoring a goal in the draw against Arsenal.

Fulham could still sell Joao Palhinha
According to the source Football Insider, the new contract doesn't necessarily mean that Palhinha will play the whole season at Craven Cottage. Indeed, it's still likely that Bayern will pursue the midfielder when the January transfer window opens. What it does mean, though, is that Fulham aren't under the onus of a release clause and they can negotiate a higher price with Bayern.

It remains to be seen whether Bayern are convinced to pay over the odds for Palhinha, but he's certainly high on their wish list. Either way, securing a contract extension for one of your best players is never a bad move, therefore, this is smart business from Fulham.

Bayern Munich got off to winning ways in their opening Champions League match against Manchester United last night. It looks likely they will make it out their group, meaning Palhinha could be playing in the knockout stages of the Champions League come next year.



https://thetopflight.com/2023/09/21/fulham-genius-joao-palhinha-move-cash/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham handed defensive injury boost ahead of Crystal Palace trip
Marco Silva confirmed that Antonee Robinson has returned to training ahead of Fulham's Premier League game against Crystal Palace on Saturday.

The defender missed last weekend's 1-0 win against Luton Town with a muscle injury, with new signing Timothy Castagne taking his place at left back.

However, the USA international has been back in training and is set to return to the squad at Selhurst Park.

Adama Traore will miss out, though, having been absent against Luton, and Sasa Lukic remains sidelined with a groin injury.

"All the others (players) are going to be available," confirmed the Fulham boss. "Antonee Robinson is back. We have another session tomorrow, but he has been training with the team since the beginning of the week."

Silva would not be drawn on whether Carlos Vinicius was likely to start at Selhurst Park after the Brazilian came off the bench to score the winner against Luton.

Raul Jimenez is yet to find the net for Fulham after joining from Wolves in the summer and Rodrigo Muniz has featured more often than Vinicius so far this term, but there was no indication that the decisive goal from the 28-year-old has changed Silva's thinking.

"We have three players that can play [upfront]," said Silva. "It's up to me to decide what we want for the match with the strategy.

"It's always important for a striker to score, to have an impact, to be decisive. They can have this impact from the beginning, they can have it from the bench. I want them to help the team.

"Even without scoring, Raul worked for the team in the minutes that he played."

"We have to share the goals like we did last season. Last season, 15 players in our squad scored goals and we have to do the same this season.

"I would like to have a top man in the attacking line that can score more than 10, 20 goals but we have to provide for them as well. Until now, we haven't provided enough for our strikers, we haven't created enough chances to score."

Fulham recorded an impressive 3-0 win away at Palace last season, but Silva is expecting a tough test at Selhurst Park this time round.

Former Whites' boss Roy Hodgson is set to return to the dugout for Palace, having missed last weekend's defeat at Aston Villa, and Silva has been impressed with the job he has done since returning in March.

"[It] Will be a tough one," said Silva. "[They are] a quality team, well managed by Roy. It's great to see him back in the dugout again.

"They have quality players that can decide the match in any moment. It's always tough with the environment [at Selhurst Park] and the quality they have.

"They have a player behind the striker in Eze, who is a top, top level and can always make a difference."



https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/fulham-handed-defensive-injury-boost-ahead-of-crystal-palace-trip/

[WhiteJC]

Games for the weekend 23/08
We travel to Selhurst Park to take on Crystal Palace for a 3 o'clock kickoff

I was really pleased for Vinicius, to come on as a sub against Luton and get a goal, you can't ask much more of him, I think he'll start against Palace.
Iwobi also had a very good game, could he end up our star signing this season?
Ream was back to his best, Bassey will have to go some to displace him, either player would be a good partner for Diop.
Overall João, once again, had a fantastic game the best player on the pitch by a country mile, no sign of sulking or petulance, with both him and Reed signing new contracts a welcome bit of news. I still expect he'll go next summer if not January but lets enjoy him in a Fulham shirt while we can.

Palace have reported that Roy is back from a short bought of illness at the weekend, hopefully he won't get 3 points as a "tonic" this week, stay well Mr Hodgson.

our recent record against Palace is reasonably even with 2 wins, 3 losses and 4 draws

Assuming no further injuries, my team would be

COYW's

Games of Interest...
Saturday 23rd
Chelsea v Villa
Palace v Fulham
Brentford v Everton

Sunday 24th
Arsenal v Spurs
Liverpool v West Ham
come on over to the forum and join in the conversation...
https://www.friendsoffulham.com/forum/index.php?board=36.0



http://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=2905

[WhiteJC]

Pre-Crystal Palace Press Conference
Marco Silva is always wary of the difficulties that await teams at Selhurst Park.

Crystal Palace away was a fantastic trip for Fulham last season as we saw off Patrick Vieira's team 3-0 on Boxing Day, but we're all fully aware of how disciplined a team Roy Hodgson – who will be back on the touchline following illness – coaches.

"A really tough one, as we expected last season as well," Silva replied when asked what sort of match he's anticipating on Saturday. "Of course, the game [last season] went really well in our way.

"After the World Cup break, it was a very good restart from ourselves. But even that game we expected to be really tough, and this game is going to be the same.

"They're a quality team, well managed as well by Roy, and it's going to be nice to see him back in the dugout again.

"Quality players, individual quality players up front who can decide a game in any moment of the match.

"The quality in their attack line is in a very good level, with a player behind the striker who is, in my opinion, a top, top player, [Ebere] Eze, who is always a difference on the pitch.

"They have two central defenders [Joachim Andersen & Marc Guehi] who feel really comfortable with the ball as well and start to create. It's a very good squad and it will be a very good challenge for us.

"It's always tough to play there, with the environment and the quality they have, but we like this type of challenge and it will be a good challenge for us after a tough win, but a good win, for us."

After making the difference against Luton Town in his first appearance of the season, Carlos Vinicius will be hoping for more game time at the weekend.

Raúl Jiménez has been given the nod in every Premier League game so far and, though yet to find the net, has impressed, while Rodrigo Muniz provides an alternative option.

Keeping his cards close to his chest regarding who will lead the line against the Eagles, Silva said: "We have to wait until the game. We have three players that can play there – Carlos, Raúl and Rodrigo.

"And it's up to me to decide regarding what we want for the match, the strategy, the opposition, and it's up to me to decide.

"It's always important for a striker to score, to have an impact, to be decisive. They can have this impact from the beginning, [or] coming from the bench ready to help the team, which is what Vini did last game.

"Three minutes after he came in, he scored. But, even without scoring, that's what Raúl did as well for the team, trying to help the team in the minutes that he played."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/september/21/pre-crystal-palace-press-conference/

[WhiteJC]

Join Us At Motspur Park This Sunday!

Be there for all the action this weekend as Fulham FC Women face Millwall Lionesses on Sunday 24th September, kick-off 2:30pm.

The Whites are looking for their fourth consecutive win as they welcome the South London side to Motspur Park, so bring your friends and family along to show your support!

Join us for an afternoon of fun, with a face-painter, balloon modeller and food & drink for all the family to enjoy.

Tickets for this fixture are priced at just £5 for Adults and £1 for Juniors.

SECURE YOUR SEAT
HOW TO BUY

Supporters can purchase their tickets online at tickets.fulhamfc.com, over the phone by calling 0203 871 0810 (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm) or in person from the Fulham FC Ticket Office (Monday-Friday, 9:30am-4:30pm).

Tickets will be available to purchase on the door, subject to availability.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/september/21/join-us-at-motspur-park-this-sunday/

[WhiteJC]

Robinson returns for Palace
Antonee Robinson will be available for Fulham's London derby at Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon after recovering from the muscle injury he sustained during international duty.

The American left back was replaced by Timothy Castagne for last weekend's narrow win over Luton but head coach Marco Silva confirmed that Robinson has resumed training this week and is in contention to make his return to the starting line-up at Selhurst Park.

"We have another training session tomorrow but he has been training with the team since the beginning of the week and will probably be ready."

The news is less good regarding some of Fulham's other injury concerns. Serbian central midfielder Sasa Lukic will miss out again as a result of the groin problem that forced him off at Arsenal in August, whilst new signing Adama Traore has picked up a muscle injury.

"Lukic has a groin issue that he felt during the match against Arsenal. Adama is a muscle injury. These type of things can happen. Almost all of his pre-season was playing alone. He was training with a personal physio but it is completely different if you are in a team doing a proper pre-season. He started to be involved in games, and we had a behind-closed-doors game during the international break here (Motspur Park) and he felt his hamstring."

Central defender Tosin Adarabioyo – likely to be missing for most of the two months – has had surgery on a groin problem that troubled him last season.

Silva also has a selection dilemma over who to start up front. He continues to praise Raul Jimenez and believes the Mexican will break his duck for Fulham short, but the predatory instincts of Carlos Vinicius – who scored within three minutes of replacing the former Wolves forward against Luton – make for a tricky decision against the Eagles.

"We have to wait until the game. We have three players that can play there – Carlos, Raúl and Rodrigo – and it's up to me to decide regarding what we want for the match, depending on the strategy and the opponent. It's always important for a striker to score goals and be decisive. They can have this impact from the beginning or the bench. They have to help the team. That is what Vinicius did last game, after three minutes. But without scoring, that is what Raúl did as well when he played, working for the team."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/09/robinson-returns-for-palace/

[WhiteJC]

Dibley-Dias earns New Zealand call up
Fulham starlet Matt Dibley-Dias has been called up to the New Zealand senior squad for the first time ahead of their international friendlies next month.

All Whites head coach Darren Bazeley has rewarded Dibley-Dias' progress at Motspur Park by including the Wellington-born midfielder in his plans for the matches against DR Congo in Spain on 13th October and a Trans-Tasman clash against Australia four days later, which will be staged at Brentford.

Dibley-Dias, who was voted the winner of the Johnny Haynes' academy player of the year award in association with the Fulham Supporters' Trust after a stellar year with the under-21s, has been named on Marco Silva's bench several times, including on the opening day of the season at Everton. The teenager told Fulham's official website:

"It's a great opportunity for me to play against senior level players and it can help give me a platform to perform against first team opponents. Hopefully it will help open more doors for me and I'm just looking forward to seeing what it's like."

Bazeley confirmed that the New Zealand coaching and scouting staff have been keeping a close eye on Dibley-Dias' development at Motspur Park.

"Matt is a player we have been tracking for a while and he has made really good progress over the last year, getting closer to the Fulham first team. It will be great to bring him into camp for the first time and give him a taste of senior international action, especially ahead of a big year with events like the Paris 2024 Olympics."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/09/dibley-dias-earns-new-zealand-call-up/