Saturday Fulham Stuff - 30/12/23...

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Tim Ream, Fulham agree to 1-year contract extension
LONDON — United States defender Tim Ream and Fulham agreed Friday to a one-year contract extension through the 2024-25 season.

The 36-year-old from St. Louis joined the Cottagers for the 2015-16 season. On Oct. 7, Ream became the 28th player to make 300 appearances for the club, the first since Simon Morgan on April 5, 1997.

"To be somewhere for as long as I have, it takes a lot of hard work," Ream said in a statement. "To be able to say you are looking at being at a place like this for 10 years is not something that happens very often these days. To be someone who has that opportunity is a great feeling. It fills me with pride to continue to adapt, to continue this rollercoaster that is football."

Ream has been with Fulham for three promotions to the Premier League and two relegations. Fulham is in the top tier for the second straight season.

A member of last year's U.S. World Cup roster, Ream has made 55 international appearances dating to 2010.



https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2023/dec/29/tim-ream-fulham-agree-to-1-year-contract-extension/

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Tim Ream agrees contract extension with Fulham
USA international Tim Ream has agreed to extend his contract with Fulham until the summer of 2025.

The defender's previous deal was set to expire at the end of the current season, but he has now signed an extension to keep him at Craven Cottage for an additional year.

"It's nice to get this done," Ream told FFCtv. "To be somewhere for as long as I have, it takes a lot of hard work.

"To be able to say you are looking at being at a place like this for ten years is not something that happens very often these days.

"To be someone who has that opportunity is a great feeling. It fills me with pride to continue to adapt, to continue this rollercoaster that is football."

Ream is currently in the middle of his ninth campaign at Craven Cottage after joining the club from Bolton Wanderers in 2015.

The 36-year-old has made over 300 competitive appearances during his lengthy association with the West London side.

Ream has helped the team win three promotions to the Premier League, while he played his part in a top-half finish last season.

The experienced centre-back has featured in 15 competitive games this season, including 13 appearances in the top flight.

Fulham vice-chairman and director of football operations, Tony Khan added: "Tim Ream embodies what Fulham stands for, and I am delighted that with this new contract, he will reach a decade with the Club in 2025.

"He is a huge character on the pitch and in the dressing room and a very important part of Marco's squad. Ream is a great favourite among our fans too, and I'm sure that you'll all join me in saying congratulations and thank you, Tim!"

Ream is currently recovering from a calf issue that has forced him to miss Fulham's last five matches across all competitions.

Marco Silva will remain without Ream's services for Sunday's tricky fixture against title-chasing Arsenal at Craven Cottage.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/transfer-talk/news/tim-ream-agrees-contract-extension-with-fulham_532429.html?newsnow

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Silva: 'We've shown we can match Arsenal'
Marco Silva feels Fulham can take confidence from their 2-2 draw with Arsenal at the Emirates earlier this season as they prepare to take on the Gunners on Sunday.

The Whites round off 2023 looking for a boost after two disappointing defeats to Burnley and AFC Bournemouth over the festive period. The Fulham boss knows that Mikel Arteta's side will pose a formidable challenge at Craven Cottage, but wants his side to draw strength from the point they picked up in North London in August with ten men.

Silva told his pre-match press conference at Motspur Park this afternoon:

"They are a really strong side, some weaknesses they have we'll try to explore. We have shown this season already that we can match them. Before the West Ham result it was just us and Tottenham to take points from Arsenal at home, which shows that we know how to match them and play against them and we know what to do. For sure we have to play at our best level because we can then compete with Arsenal."

The Portuguese head coach insisted he was fully focused on the forthcoming fixture and denied that the club had received any offers for Joao Palhinha.

"I'm not even speaking with the board about it. Until now I can say to you 100% sure we haven't received anything, any approach about any player from our squad. We have full focus in the games and in these tough December fixtures. We are looking to strengthen the squad and not to lose important players."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/12/silva-weve-shown-we-can-match-arsenal/

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New Year's Eve: Arsenal vs Fulham Preview

Craven Cottage: Arsenal's Final 2023 Act
As the curtain draws to a close on 2023, Arsenal aim to ascend from their recent stumble and crown the year with victory at Craven Cottage against Fulham. The North Londoners, caught off guard by West Ham in their previous fixture, showed a rare lack of sharpness, both in their defensive guard and in seizing opportunities to score. This slip means they now trail the relentless pace set by Liverpool, who command the summit of the Premier League by a mere two points.

Eager for Triumph at Craven Cottage
The stage is set for a dramatic New Year's Eve clash, with Fulham hosting Arsenal at the historic Craven Cottage. This 2pm fixture on the final day of the year offers the Gunners a chance to leapfrog Liverpool and claim the top spot, albeit temporarily, as their Merseyside rivals are set to play Newcastle the following day.

Broadcast Details and Viewing Guide
Fans can tune in to this high-stakes encounter via Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League, and the visually stunning Sky Sports Ultra HDR, with coverage rolling out from 1pm. Those on the move can catch every play through the Sky Go platform, ensuring not a moment is missed.

Team Dynamics and Anticipated Line-Ups
The home side is eager to see Willian dash down the wings once more, pending a late fitness test, after a hamstring setback sidelined him for three matches. Arsenal, meanwhile, welcome back the dynamic Kai Havertz from suspension, a timely boost to their midfield options. Injury woes persist for both sides, keeping a few key players as mere spectators for this encounter.

Predicting the Outcome
History leans in favour of the visitors, with memories of triumphs at Craven Cottage fuelling their confidence. Yet, Fulham, undeterred by their recent form, remain hopeful to recreate the upset of January 2012, their last victory over Arsenal on home soil.

As the Premier League's tapestry unfolds, this match promises to be a poignant footnote to the year's footballing saga, with both Fulham and Arsenal desiring nothing less than to end their year on a celebratory note.



https://eplindex.com/101389/new-years-eve-arsenal-vs-fulham-preview.html