Monday Fulham Stuff - 06/11/23...

[WhiteJC]

Results

Sunday 05/11
Forest	2-0	Villa
Luton	1-1	Liverpool

[WhiteJC]

Player ratings: Fulham 0-1 Manchester United
Bernd Leno: The German international was crestfallen after failing to stop Bruno Fernandes' shot that shattered Fulham's resistance in stoppage time. It was hardly Leno's fault – as the Whites had multiple opportunities to clear the danger – and the Manchester United captain's curler took a deflection that made a low near-post make trickier. It stung even more because the goalkeeper had kept the visitors at bay until then and Marco Silva's side arguably fashioned the clearer second half chances. 7

Timothy Castagne: The Belgian bested last year's injury-time heartbreaker Alejandro Garnacho with ease, by forcing the Argentine youngster wide. We learned during that demoralising defeat (which I'm still not over, by the way) that he had difficulty keeping the ball in play and Erik ten Haag's side seemed to lose confidence in giving him the ball. Castagne also frustrated Rasmus Hojlund when he went wandering into wider areas. 7

Antonee Robinson: An inconsistent and often error-strewn afternoon for the American culminated with his failure to make a simple header to alleviate the pressure that led to the winner. Robinson has been fantastic since joining Fulham for £2m after Wigan were relegated into the third tier, but he earned a silly yellow card for a rash challenge on Antony and rendered one seventy yard dash down the left academic after wildly overhitting a simple cross. 6

Calvin Bassey: Bassey overcame some early jitters to turn in another composed display on the right side of central defence, although he remains shaky when asked to pass with his weaker foot. He seemed to relish the physical battle with Hojlund and the rest of the away attackers and carried the ball up the wing impressively on a couple of occasions. He's clearly the long-term replacement for Tim Ream and is getting better with each appearance in the white shirt. 7

Tim Ream: Our American veteran was culpable for the goal just like several of his team-mates and his thrusting of a foot towards danger probably took it through Leno's grasp, but he was outstanding up until that point. Fulham won't retreat from playing football from deep into their own territory and Ream's distribution and reading of the game is superb. He was excellent in the air and offers considerable leadership throughout proceedings, too. 7

Joao Palhinha: The Observer's Jonny Liew identified the Portuguese schemer as 'the best midfielder on the pitch by an embarrassingly wide margin' and he was a titan again yesterday afternoon. Tigerish in the tackle despite being booked when contesting a 50-50 with Fernandes when the United man's foot was nearly a foot higher, Palhinha showed the other sides to his game in spreading the play superb and driving Fulham up the pitch with several surging runs. Didn't deserve to be on the losing side – but then no Fulham player did. 8

Alex Iwobi: The Nigerian added bite and a bit of creativity in central midfield, aping Harrison Reed by snapping in to snatch a few second balls early on but showed why Silva was so keen to sign him by striding into space with speed, skills and some silky footwork. There were plenty of powerful runs forward that threatened United's defence, but his long-range proved wild. An encouraging display from Iwobi. 7

Harry Wilson: This was the sort of energetic, influential and intelligent display that we saw from Wilson at the start of Fulham career and towards the tail end of last season. There was more defensive diligence to his game as worked hard to provide cover for Castagne, but the Welshman was willing to venture into central areas to offer himself as an outlet on the counter. He came into his own in the second half and was only denied the opening goal by a superb save from Onana. The Whites seemed far less threatening after he was substituted. 7

Willian: The wily Brazilian winger was always a threat and got up and down superbly to offer assistance to Robinson at both of ends of the pitch. He exploited Aaron Wan-Bissaka's willingness to get forward to good effect, especially in the first half, and – on another day – could have had more success when he cut inside. Like Wilson, Silva's side packed less of a punch in the final third when he went off. 7

Andreas Pereira: A tough day for a player who was desperate to shine against his old club – in keeping with the the Brazilian's tougher second season at Craven Cottage. He was certainly trying to make things happen but spooned a shot over and misplaced a number of passes in crucial areas. The former Manchester United man didn't press the Red Devils high, which looked like a Silva instruction rather than laziness, but it was no surprise when he was hooked. 5

Rodrigo Muniz: The former Flamengo forward got the nod over Carlos Vinicius having found the net at Ipswich in midweek and did well against Harry Maguire – which made his tearful departure after trying and failing to overcome a knee injury even tougher to take. Muniz has clearly worked on his hold-up play gave the United centre halves a real battle as well as whistling a header just over the bar. Hopefully, he can hold his head high this morning through the pain. 7

Substitutes:

Carlos Vinicius: The substitute was much keener on pressing high and covered a lot of ground without being given any sort of opportunity in front of goal. 6

Sasa Lukic: The Serbian's passing was sloppy after he came on and he was one of a number of Fulham players who could have taken decisive action to prevent that depressing denouement. 5

Bobby De Cordova-Reid: Workmanlike showing from the Jamaican after he replaced the the anonymous Pereira. 6

Tom Cairney: I felt this game was crying out for Cairney's ability to keep the ball and conjure up counter-attacking opportunities much earlier than Silva did. 6

Raul Jimenez: The Mexican didn't even have time to have a touch before Fernandes found the net. 6



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/11/player-ratings-fulham-0-1-manchester-united/

[WhiteJC]

6 key passes, 4 duels won: £10m Fulham player put in under-the-radar display vs Man United yesterday
Fulham suffered a gut-wrenching defeat to Manchester United yesterday and Andreas Pereira once again failed to get one over his old side.

The Brazilian put in a very good performance at Craven Cottage but couldn't prevent Marco Silva's side suffering a 1-0 loss thanks to Bruno Fernandes's late goal.

The biggest difference in Fulham's set-up this season compared to last year is the absence of Aleksandar Mitrovic.

Fulham have scored just nine goals in their first 11 league games which is a worrying statistic.

Joao Palhinha and Bobby De Cordova-Reid are the only Fulham players with more than one league goal this season and Silva's strikers have just one league goal between them.

Rodrigo Muniz was given the nod ahead of Raul Jimenez and Carlos Vinicius yesterday and put in a decent performance before being substituted with an injury.

One of the highlights of last season for Fulham was when Andreas Pereira joined from Man United and linked up immediately with Mitrovic.

The pair caused so many issues for opposition teams, but Pereira only has one assist in the league this season.

The statistics show that Pereira has been unlucky not to have more assists to his name and that sums up Fulham's biggest problem this season.

Pereira goes under the radar for Fulham against Man United
According to Sofascore, Andreas Pereira played six key passes to his teammates yesterday before being substituted in the closing stages.

He completed 19 of his 25 passes and won four of his duels, showing he was contributing in both attack and defence.

The £10m playmaker was essential to Fulham's set-up last season but the signing of Alex Iwobi means he could now be rotated.

Pereira showcased the best parts of his game against Man United but will know he might need to contribute more goals given Fulham's struggles in that area.

He's only taken 11 shots all season in the league, with just three of them on target.

He caught Aaron Ramsdale off guard at the Emirates to score his only goal of the season and a trip to Villa Park next weekend won't be easy.

Performances are improving across the pitch, but small mistakes continue to be costly.

Fulham aren't punishing their opponents when they're gifted opportunities and that ultimately might come back to haunt them.




https://www.fulham.news/2023/11/05/6-key-passes-4-duels-won-10m-fulham-player-put-in-under-the-radar-display-vs-man-united-yesterday/

[WhiteJC]

Away Day Guide – Aston Villa
Sunday November 12th, 2PM kick-off.

Our only away trip in the Premier League in November takes us to Birmingham on a Sunday afternoon to play Unai Emery's high-flying Aston Villa. Here's our away day guide.

TICKETING INFORMATION
As of October 30th, tickets are now on general sale to supporters with a previous booking history, maximum four per person. Adult tickets for this match are priced at £30, with Over 65's and Under 21's tickets priced at £29.50, Under 18's priced at £23 and Under 14's priced at £16.50.

GETTING TO VILLA PARK
BY CAR
Exit the M6 at Junction 6 and take the slip road signposted 'Birmingham (NE)'. Take the fourth exit from the roundabout, towards City Centre/Aston/Star City and follow the signs for Villa Park. At the second set of traffic lights on Lichfield Road turn right on Aston Hall Road, which will take you to the ground.

Fulham fans who are planning to drive should be advised that there is very little parking in the vicinity of Villa Park. The closest available car park is at the Star City Leisure complex, around 30 minutes' walk from the ground.

BY TRAIN
Most Fulham fans will arrive via Birmingham New Street station. Take a connecting train from there to either Aston or Witton train station. Witton is closest to the away fans' entrance. Head left out of the exit of the station towards a roundabout, where you turn left into Witton Lane and the away entrance will appear on your right. It is about a ten minute walk from Aston station to the ground and extra trains serve the entire route on a matchday.

BY COACH
Coaches will depart from Motspur Park & Craven Cottage at 8:45am on matchday. Coach tickets for Season Ticket Holders & Members are priced at £20 for adults and £15 for juniors. For all other supporters Coach Tickets are on General Sale priced at £25 for adults and £20 for juniors.

AWAY PUBS
The Witton Arms (458 Witton Road, Handsworth, Birmingham, B6 6SN) is now the designated away pub at Villa Park and is about two minutes' walk from the away fans' entrance. The pub usually charges a £2 entrance fee.

The Bartons Arms (144 High Street, Birmingham, B6 4UP) offers both CAMRA Beer Guide worthy real ale and excellent Thai food as well as an enthusiastic welcome to away supporters.

Other options include The Yew Tree (Brookvale Road, Witton, Birmingham, B6 7AS), the Ruskin Hall Social Club (Victoria Road, Aston, Birmingham, B6 5HP) or, for those intending to remain within the city centre for a while, The Briar Rose (25 Bennetts Hill, Birmingham, B2 5RE), The Square Peg (115 Corporation Street, Birmingham, B4 6PH) and The Shakespeare (Lower Temple Street, Birmingham, B2 4JD).



https://www.fulhamsupporterstrust.com/news/2023/11/away-day-guide-aston-villa/

[WhiteJC]

The most loyal fans are being priced out of watching their football team – it's a disgrace
Football is about to kill its golden goose


I took part in the protest this weekend during Fulham's match against Manchester United (Photo: Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty)
I took part in arguably the world's politest protest this weekend. In the 18th minute of Fulham's match against Manchester United, Fulham fans flashed yellow laminated cards which read: "Please don't price us out". The 18th minute was because Fulham's season ticket prices have gone up on average by 18 per cent over last season. The "please" was very Fulham, but there was a serious point: ordinary fans simply cannot afford ticket prices any longer and we are all fed up with price-gouging.

It was way back in 2000 when Roy Keane coined his immortal criticism of fans in luxury boxes and who enjoy corporate hospitality who, he argued, were ruining Manchester United home games: "they have a few drinks and probably the prawn sandwiches, and they don't realise what's going on out on the pitch". The "prawn-sandwich brigade" came to epitomise football in the Sky Sports-led Premier League era, during which fans who actually attend games gradually became less significant than armchair fans watching Sky, TNT, ITV, BBC, Amazon and the rest.

A one-off match ticket for our game ranged from £67 to an eye-watering league record of £160 in our spanking new Riverside Stand – still incomplete after half a decade. The most expensive tickets there are now up for grabs at an astonishing £3,000 a pop – the costliest season tickets in the country. This is for Fulham, a small family club by the River Thames, once famous for its local working-class fanbase. We barely survived in the lower divisions until Mohamed Al-Fayed rescued us. Today, Fulham is owned by billionaire Shahid Khan, whose family also owns All Elite Wrestling and the NFL Jacksonville Jaguars.

In the US, price-gouging is even starker. Last month, I was lucky enough attend a Boston Celtics vs New York Knicks basketball game in Boston. Seat tickets were more than $200 (£162) each, a Samuel Adams beer in the arena was an astonishing $16.95 (£13.70), which made the £6 Camden Ale at Fulham's Craven Cottage seem a bargain.

The cheapest green Celtics replica vest was a mind-boggling $110 (£89). Throw in parking and hot dogs and, as my frustrated Boston cousin, said: "For a family of four, it's now a $1,000 night. What the f**k?"

Despite these prices, seats for the four main Boston sports teams – the New England Patriots, Boston Red Sox, Boston Bruins and the Celtics – are among the toughest in the US to obtain. Who is going to matches this expensive? Certainly not the working-class supporters that built these fanbases, when teams like the Patriots were losing.

Fan protests can work. The £30 away ticket price cap on Premier League games was introduced in 2016 after campaigns to ensure away fans, and the atmosphere they bring, could be sustained.

Premier League attendances topped 15 million in 2022, the Championship 11 million. But, if you went to many stadiums today, the atmosphere is just not what it was two decades ago. "Football in a library" is a derisory chant that has become reality. If price inflation persists, then football will kill its own golden goose.



https://inews.co.uk/opinion/loyal-fans-priced-out-football-disgrace-2733864?ITO=newsnow

[WhiteJC]

Fulham Women survive Clapton scare
Fulham Women survived a serious scare to reach the second round of the League Cup winning 4-1 at Clapham Community FC this afternoon – having conceded a sixth-minute own goal.

Steve Jaye's side made a contribution to the fan-owned community club's big coat appeal on their arrival at the Old Spotted Dog Ground but their generosity continued onto the pitch when Olivia Dale's backpass bobbled over the boot of Libby Stratton to give the tier six side the lead. The Whites had failed to heed a warning about the dangers of playing out from the back on a tricky playing surface when Stratton's short ball put skipper Mary Southgate in all sorts of trouble and the terrific Teju Callisto, whose purposeful pressing typified the hosts' high tempo start, lifted an audacious lob onto the roof of the net.

Fulham took a while to settle but their probing passing did begin to press Clapton back, with Georgia Heasman and Ede Buchele linking up nicely only for the young forward to fire a good chance over as the ball reared up off Daisy Davies. Heasman hammered an effort over herself before Megalie Mendes tested Chelsie Sparks with a curler having cut inside onto her right foot.

Chances continued to come for the visitors but Clapham's commitment kept them at bay. Alex Hayman headed a deep cross from the impressive Madi Parsonson wide before a lengthy stoppage for an injury to Allana Scobbie allowed Jaye to issue instructions to his charges. The visitors eventually drew level just after the half way mark when Buchele burst onto a through ball and progressed down the right before picking out Heasman, who picked out the far corner precisely. There was a slight delay as the winger's unerring finish had sent the ball through a hole in the net – but Fulham were level.

Fulham could easily have gone in front before the interval. Hayman had a couple of shots in quick succession after Clapton failed to clear a corner – with Lily Smith heading the second strike heroically away from underneath her own crossbar. The lively Lilly Lambird danced through the Clapton midfield before the bringing the very best out of Sparks, who palmed the effort around the post at full stretch.

Becky Stormer replaced Emily Bird at half time and Fulham were fired up after an impassioned team-talk. They took the lead within a minute of the restart when a cross-shot from Mendes looped over the unfortunate Sparks and Stormer extended the advantage four minutes later with an emphatic header from Parsonson's perfect corner. The left wing-back, arguably Fulham's most consistent performer, was unlucky not to score herself – rattling the crossbar with a rasping drive from distance.

Hayman hit the side netting as fatigue finally caught up with the hosts and Buchele saw a clever curler brilliantly tipped round the post by Sparks. The Fulham centre forward was not to be denied, though, as she pounced to power high into the net from four yards out after Heasman had struck the angle of post and bar after another excellent run down the right. The Whites eased through to the second round in the end, but Clapton's spirit and the unique atmosphere at the capital's oldest football ground made for an incredible afternoon.

CLAPTON COMMUNITY FC: Sparks; Scoble, Steiner, Davis, Callisto, Casanovas; Mendonco; Boiro; Phillips; Smith, Spoons. Subs: Holmes, Link, Natalia.

GOAL: Dale (o.g. 6)

FULHAM FC WOMEN (3-4-3): Stratton; Bird, Dale, Southgate; Parsonson, Mendes, Barron-Clark, Lambird; Heasman, Hayman, Buchele. Subs: Parker, Tagliavini, Lewis, Stormer, Adamson.

GOALS: Heasman (31), Mendes (46), Stormer (51), Buchele (83).



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/11/fulham-women-survive-clapton-scare/

[WhiteJC]

Tottenham now 'ahead of two London rivals' in race for Santiago Gimenez
Tottenham Hotspur are preparing to get involved in a transfer tussle for Feyenoord striker Santiago Gemini

    Tottenham Hotspur have been earmarked as one of the frontrunners to sign Feyenoord frontman Santiago Gimenez by his consultant.
    Spurs are facing competition from the likes of West Ham United and Fulham, along with numerous overseas outfits.
    Transfer insider Dean Jones has revealed the figure Tottenham will need to pay in order to acquire Gimenez's services.

Tottenham Hotspur are ahead of West Ham United and Fulham in the race to sign Santiago Gimenez as a move to Hotspur Way is 'a lot more plausible', and transfer insider Dean Jones has told GIVEMESPORT the fee Feyenoord will demand for their sought-after talisman.

Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou has made a record-breaking start to his reign, becoming the first manager to pick up 26 points from his first 10 games in the Premier League, and it has resulted in supporters dreaming of a potential title push.

But, having sold first-choice striker Harry Kane to Bayern Munich in a £100million deal just days before the campaign got underway, the former Celtic chief has set his sights on securing additional firepower during the fast-approaching January window.

Gimenez has widespread interest amid prolific form
Tottenham and La Liga heavyweights Real Madrid are the frontrunners to sign Gimenez, his consultant Morris Pagniello has said in an interview with Italian media outlet TuttoMercatoWeb, but there are plenty of clubs circling ahead of the transfer market reopening at the turn of the year.

The report suggests Inter Milan, AC Milan, Lazio and Napoli are also interested in luring the striker, who went into Feyenoord's clash with RKC Waalwijk on Saturday having scored 15 goals and registered a further three assists in just 12 appearances this season, to Serie A.

It is understood that Inter have attempted to steal a march on their Italian rivals by requesting more information on what it would take to persuade Gimenez to head to the San Siro, but his price tag is expected to be a major stumbling block to overcome.

West Ham and Fulham are also keeping tabs on the Mexico international ahead of potentially pouncing in January, although the Cottagers would have to shatter their transfer record in order to get the deal over the line as Feyenoord are adamant that they are not interested in sanctioning his departure midway through the campaign.

Barcelona are further admirers of Gimenez, with the reigning La Liga champions sending scouts to watch him in action and their interest intensifying due to his prolific form reminding them of former Nou Camp favourite Luis Suarez.

But Feyenoord are in a strong negotiating position and can set lofty demands as the former Cruz Azul man's contract, which is worth slightly more than £20,000-per-week, is not due to expire until the summer of 2027.

Dean Jones update - Santiago Gimenez
Jones understands that Tottenham's impressive start to the campaign means they are a more likely destination than West Ham or Fulham as Gimenez, who has been described as 'out of this world', has ambitions of remaining in the Champions League.

However, the respected journalist is aware that Feyenoord will not entertain allowing the 22-year-old to embark on a fresh challenge unless a bid worth close to £60million is put on the table, while competition from Real Madrid and Barcelona means Postecoglou is facing an uphill task in his pursuit.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT:


    "Santiago Gimenez is causing all sorts of fuss at the moment, and a lot of recruitment teams across the Premier League are tracking his situation. From what I have been able to gather so far, a move to Tottenham would be a lot more plausible than a move to West Ham or Fulham because this is a player that is already used to the Champions League and feels he has a place at the very top of the game.

    "But there are big teams that Spurs are also going to have to win over if they make their interest firm, including Real Madrid. I'm told they are more likely than Barcelona as a landing spot at this moment and, when we start talking about these sorts of things, it's pretty clear why a club like Fulham might have their work cut out to sign him.

    "He's also going to cost big money - I think somewhere towards £60million. But Feyenoord don't even want to talk about that until the season is over."


Tottenham in talks over renegotiating fee for £100k-a-week star
Everton are in discussions with Tottenham after setting their sights on renegotiating a £10million appearance clause which was written into the deal that took Dele Alli to Goodison Park, according to the Telegraph, as the creative midfielder looks to get his career back on track.

The report suggests the Toffees are hoping to restructure the agreement as they would be due to pay an eight-figure sum if the 37-cap England international, whose £100,000-per-week contract is due to expire next summer, makes another seven appearances.

It comes after A View From The Bullens podcast presenter Benj Winstanley recently told GIVEMESPORT that Everton cannot afford to pay a fee for Dele due to their precarious financial situation, meaning he is currently facing up to the prospect of being unable to break into boss Sean Dyche's plans.

The 27-year-old headed to Merseyside in a deal which would see the Toffees fork out £10million after making 20 appearances, while the deal could rise to £30million if team and individual-related add-ons are triggered during his time on the club's books.

Dele remains a favourite within the Tottenham fanbase, having scored 67 goals and provided a further 61 assists for his teammates over the course of a 269-game career in north London.



https://www.givemesport.com/tottenham-hotspur-transfer-news-ahead-london-rivals-race-santiago-gimenez-hotspur-way/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham defender reveals cause of optimism after costly lapses
Calvin Bassey is backing himself to overcome the teething problems he is experiencing at the heart of Fulham's rearguard - and says he is buoyed by the manager's faith.

As a naturally left-footed player, the 23-year-old Nigerian - a £19m summer acquisition from Ajax - has not found it so easy taking up a position on the right side of defence alongside Tim Ream.

While he has looked sound in repelling attacks, distribution has been a problem and he acknowledges he was at fault for stray passes which went punished in a 2-0 defeat at Spurs last week.

Another mistake almost led to a goal for Man United in the Saturday lunchtime defeat at Craven Cottage.

But the Italian-born Bassey has the confidence to tough it out and says Marco Silva's trust is key.

"The Premier League's one of the best leagues and when you make a mistake - like two mistakes in the Tottenham game, it's two goals," he said. "But I just get better each time and I'm just happy that the manager still trusts me.

"I'm just trying to improve and get better each game. I just back myself really to give my best. It's good here. The boys are top. As I've said before, it's like a family, and we try to keep the family together.

"Of course it's different [in my new position]. With each game I think it's getting better you know - picking which passes to make, when to make them.

"Obviously when I'm opening up on my dominant side, it's a bit less natural, so it's about picking the times when to open up, when to play the short one or go a bit longer."

Like his team-mates, Bassey was left cursing Fulham's luck as a late lapse by Joao Palhinha gifted a winner for Bruno Fernandes in injury time. The Whites had been the better said but paid the price for a lack of a cutting edge.

"It's always annoying, just when we thought we were going to leave with something, it gets shattered right at the end," Bassey said.

"The boss reminded us that we were very unlucky both games last season [against United] and that it was time to re-write history, sort of. But again we were unlucky. It's just the fine details.

"You always try to take advantage [when opponents are off form] but we just wanted to go out there with our game plan and do what we'd prepared.

"I thought we did that well at times. We had a couple of chances as well. Collectively we could have done better for the goal, that's how we look at it."



https://www.capitalfootball.co.uk/single-post/fulham-defender-reveals-cause-of-optimism-after-costly-lapses

[WhiteJC]

Bassey boosted by Silva's faith
Calvin Bassey felt Fulham were unfortunate not to take something from Saturday's game with Manchester United and revealed that he has grown in confidence from Marco Silva's support despite a tough start to his Premier League career.

The Nigerian international, who was sent off on his first top flight start against Arsenal in August and was culpable for Tottenham's two goals earlier this month, believes he is getting better with every appearance having been asked to play in the unfamiliar right-side centre back role following untimely injuries to Issa Diop and Tosin Adarabioyo.

Speaking after Fulham were cruelly beaten by Bruno Ferndandes' stoppage-time strike at Craven Cottage on Saturday, the former Ajax defender said:

"The Premier League's one of the best leagues and when you make a mistake – like two mistakes in the Tottenham game, it's two goals. But I just get better each time and I'm just happy that the manager still trusts me. I'm just trying to improve and get better each game. I just back myself really to give my best. It's good here. The boys are top. As I've said before, it's like a family, and we try to keep the family together.

With each game I think it's getting better you know – picking which passes to make, when to make them. Obviously when I'm opening up on my dominant side, it's a bit less natural, so it's about picking the times when to open up, when to play the short one or go a bit longer."

Bassey admitted to being annoyed by the manner in which the Whites were beaten at the death.

"Collectively we could have done better for the goal, that's how we look at it. It's always annoying, just when we thought we were going to leave with something, it gets shattered right at the end, The boss reminded us that we were very unlucky both games last season [and that it was time to re-write history, sort of. But again we were unlucky. It's just the fine details.

You always try to take advantage [when opponents are off form] but we just wanted to go out there with our game plan and do what we'd prepared. I thought we did that well at times. We had a couple of chances as well.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/11/bassey-boosted-by-silvas-faith/

[WhiteJC]

Paul Parker blasts Fulham's 'obscene' ticket prices
Former Fulham full back Paul Parker has blasted the club's ticket pricing policy as 'obscene'.

Parker, who made 182 appearances for the Whites in two spells at Craven Cottage having broken into the first-team under Malcolm Macdonald, attacked the Fulham hierarchy for profiteering off the backs of loyal supporters after the home fans protested before and during the narrow defeat to Manchester United, for whom he also played on Saturday.

The England international, who was part of the side that reached the 1990 World Cup semi-finals under Fulham legend Sir Bobby Robson, provided punditry for BBC Radio London at the weekend's game and said:

"I cut my teeth as a player at the club in the early 80s. They are not a 'Big Six' club in the Premier League, but the die-hard fans are among the best I played for during my career. I am angry because I feel they deserve to be treated better. I'm delighted they held up yellow cards in protest during the game against the price hikes – and I was pleased to see the Manchester United fans joined in too.

The game itself was so drab and heading for one of the worst goalless draws you could ever watch until Bruno Fernandes' late winner for United. You watch 0-0 or 1-0 games and they can be end to end and lift you out of your seat. This one was awful. It just annoys me that fans are expected to pay the rate however high clubs set the prices – and then have to witness a bore fest like Saturday.

If I paid £140-£160 to go to a show or concert at the Royal Albert Hall, I know I'd be royally entertained. I just don't feel it's fair for the football fan to have to cough up these extreme prices to watch a second rate game of football for what should be an elite sporting event. How can they justify increasing the price of tickets by 18 per cent – with the way the cost of living is today in this country?

Of course it would be the perfect protest by boycotting games, but I know that will never happen. Football fans – and the Fulham supporters in particular – are incredibly loyal."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/11/paul-parker-blasts-fulhams-obscene-ticket-prices/