Monday Fulham Stuff - 29/01/24...

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Chelsea have now rejected £20m offer for player, club are expected to return
Chelsea have reportedly turned down an offer from west London rivals Fulham for Armando Broja.

Fulham made a loan with an obligation to buy offer worth £20m, but it was rejected by Chelsea, according to journalist Simon Phillips.

"I understand Chelsea have knocked back an initial proposal," he wrote on his Substack.

However, Phillips has also claimed that Fulham are expected to make another offer for Armando Broja.

The 22-year-old is the only recognised centre-forward Mauricio Pochettino currently has available to him, with Nicolas Jackson at the Africa Cup of Nations. But the Blues still seem prepared to sell him this month.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, there is a real possibility of Broja leaving Stamford Bridge before the window shuts.

Chelsea knock back Armando Broja offer
It would not be a shock if Chelsea really did reject Fulham's proposal of a loan with an obligation to buy for £20m.

A report from The Telegraph earlier this month claimed that Chelsea wanted around £50m. If that is the case, then an offer such as the one above is never going to be accepted.

However, if the Blues do want to offload the Albania international this month, then they are certainly going to have to lower their demands.

Broja is a young forward — still developing — and has just come back from a really bad injury. The kind of money Chelsea are said to be asking for, no one is going to pay it. £30m seems viable, though, especially if Fulham were prepared to pay £20m at the end of an initial loan.




https://www.thechelseachronicle.com/transfer-news/chelsea-have-now-rejected-20m-offer-for-player-club-are-expected-to-return/

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Preview: Fulham vs. Everton - prediction, team news, lineups
Fulham and Everton will both be out for a slice of redemption after FA Cup eliminations when they lock horns in Tuesday's Premier League fixture at Craven Cottage.

Marco Silva - pitting his wits against his old club - oversaw a 2-0 loss to Newcastle United on Saturday, a few hours after the Toffees went down 2-1 to Luton Town.

Match preview
Even with Newcastle enjoying a 14-day pause from competitive action before an FA Cup fourth-round tie with Fulham, who only had three days to recuperate from their EFL Cup exit at the hands of Liverpool, the Magpies' performance at Craven Cottage left a lot to be desired.

Nevertheless, Silva's toothless side lacked the required cutting edge to beat Martin Dubravka - barring Willian's disallowed goal early in the second period - and efforts from Sean Longstaff and erstwhile Cottagers defender Dan Burn did the damage in West London.

However, Fulham were up in arms when Longstaff's strike sailed into the net, having believed that the ball deflected into the midfielder's path via the arm of Bruno Guimaraes, but the VAR room saw no reason to disallow the goal, and the wall of green shirts held firm against Fulham's pitiful attacks in the second period.

Reeling from two cup exits in the space of a week, Fulham's only focus between now and June is escaping an unlucky 13th place in the Premier League table, having seen their top-half aspirations take a significant hit over the winter period with four losses from five top-flight outings.

Silva's men were full value for their terrific win over Arsenal on New Year's Eve, but fixtures with Chelsea, Bournemouth, Burnley and Newcastle have ended with the Cottagers failing to glean one point or even score one goal. However, 18 of their 24 points this season - and 19 of their 28 goals - have been accrued at Craven Cottage.

In fact, not since sinking Everton at Goodison Park on the opening weekend of the season have Fulham come up trumps on the road, and the Toffees faithful were coincidentally subjected to more Merseyside misery when Luton paid a visit for the weekend's FA Cup contest.

Four months on from suffering a 2-1 league defeat to the Hatters on their own turf, Luton lightning struck twice for Sean Dyche's dejected crop, who were denied a place in the fifth round by virtue of Vitaliy Mykolenko's own goal and Cauley Woodrow's injury-time winner either side of a fortuitous Jack Harrison equaliser.

By succumbing to Luton's superiority, Everton relinquished their unbeaten streak and unblemished defensive record which had stood since the turn of the year, although holding Aston Villa to a goalless draw either side of stunting Crystal Palace in successive FA Cup fixtures was no mean feat.

That point against the Lions represents Everton's only one from the last 12 on offer, though - a disheartening sequence which leaves the 17th-placed Toffees just one point clear of the drop zone - all the while the threat of additional Financial Fair Play-related sanctions loom over their heads.

Nevertheless, the Toffees travel to the capital with five Premier League away wins under their belt this season - more than in the 2021-22 and 2022-23 campaigns combined - but they have suffered four losses from their last five against Fulham, who prevailed in a nail-biting penalty shootout in last month's EFL Cup quarter-finals.

Fulham Premier League form:

    W    L    L    L    W    L

Fulham form (all competitions):

    W    W    L    L    D    L

Everton Premier League form:

    W    W    L    L    L    D

Everton form (all competitions):

    L    L    D    D    W    L


Team News
None of Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi or Fode Ballo-Toure have completed their Africa Cup of Nations commitments just yet, and Tuesday's game will surely come too soon for Adama Traore, whose thigh problem is yet to fully heal.

As was the case on Saturday, Silva will ring the changes amid another unforgiving 72-hour turnaround, and the beneficiaries of such rotation will be Raul Jimenez, Joao Palhinha, Tosin Adarabioyo, Timothy Castagne and Bernd Leno.

In contrast, no injuries were added to insult for Everton during their FA Cup exit to Luton, where Ashley Young was back on the bench, and fellow full-back Seamus Coleman (thigh) has an outside chance of coming back for the trip south too.

Andre Gomes is more of a doubt owing to his latest calf setback, though, while Dele Alli (groin) and Abdoulaye Doucoure (hamstring) are still in the care of the physios, and Idrissa Gueye remains on AFCON duty for the time being.

Wholesale changes will not be on the cards for the Toffees, whose only alteration may very well be Jordan Pickford for Joao Virginia in goal if Dyche is loath to throw Young - an unused substitute on Saturday - straight back into the starting lineup.


Fulham possible starting lineup:
Leno; Castagne, Adarabioyo, Ream, Robinson; Palhinha, Cairney; Decordova-Reid, Pereira, Willian; Jimenez

Everton possible starting lineup:
Pickford; Patterson, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Harrison, Onana, Garner, McNeil; Calvert-Lewin, Beto

We say: Fulham 1-0 Everton
There may have been no way through for Fulham against Newcastle in the cup, but Silva's men can often be trusted to come up with the attacking goods on home turf, and the hosting manager should reintroduce several revered and re-energised big-hitters back into the first XI.

On the other hand, Everton's fatigued starters from Saturday should not be handed any respite, and even though Dyche's men have made a habit of winning away from home, their returning offensive problems could prove costly at Craven Cottage.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/preview/preview-fulham-vs-everton-prediction-team-news-lineups_535135.html?cQx=NN&newsnow

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Chelsea could look to raid London rivals for 26-year-old defender
Chelsea are reportedly keeping tabs on the Fulham defender Antonee Robinson.

The 26-year-old left-back has established himself as a key player for Fulham and his performances have been quite impressive in the Premier League.

It will be interesting to see if Chelsea follow up on their interest with an official proposal to sign him at the end of the season. Marc Cucurella has not been able to live up to the expectations since joining Chelsea in a big-money move from Brighton and Hove Albion. The Blues could look to replace him in the coming months and Robinson would be a quality alternative.

The United States international could battle it out with Ben Chilwell for the starting spot at Stamford Bridge next season. Journalist Sami Mokbel has confirmed Chelsea's interest in the player in a podcast with SPTC.

A move to Chelsea would be a step up in the United States international's career and he will look to compete at the highest level with them. The Blues have the resources to compete for major trophies in the coming seasons and they have a talented squad at their disposal. The opportunity to join them will be an attractive proposition for him and he would get to work with a top class manager like Mauricio Pochettino as well.

The 26-year-old defender has a contract with Fulham until the summer of 2028 and the London club will not want to lose him cheaply. Chelsea might have to pay a premium in order to secure his services in the summer.



https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/01/28/chelsea-could-look-to-raid-london-rivals-for-26-year-old-defender/

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Fulham get referee 'explanation' after ITV confusion and there's no Newcastle conspiracy
Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff fired his side in front against Fulham and the goal was not chalked off because the ball accidentally struck the arm of team-mate Bruno Guimaraes in the build-up rather than the goal scorer himself

Newcastle United's opener against Fulham stood because goalscorer Sean Longstaff did not handle the ball.

There were 39 minutes on the clock of the FA Cup fourth-round tie when Lewis Miley's hooked pass struck the arm of Bruno Guimaraes. The ball then fell to Longstaff, who volleyed Newcastle in front at Craven Cottage.

Fulham players quickly surrounded referee Jarred Gillett to appeal for handball and Lee Dixon, who was co-commentating for ITV, said he 'could not see how it can come off his hand...and it not have an effect'. Colleague Clive Tyldesley, meanwhile, suggested Fulham will wonder 'why it's been allowed' on a night the hosts suffered a 2-0 defeat against the Magpies.

So why didn't VAR intervene? Well, the accidental attacking handball offence only applies to the goal scorer. The fact the ball hit the arm of Bruno, whose limbs were in a natural position, did not matter.

There was no conspiracy at play here and, in fact, Fulham benefitted from this very rule last season when Aleksandar Mitrovic headed the ball on to his hand and into the path of Harrison Reed to score in a 3-0 win at Crystal Palace last season. Just as that goal stood, so, too, did Longstaff's on Saturday because the goalscorer, himself, did not handle the ball.

"That was the explanation," Reed told the club's website. "The argument from some was that the referee saw the handball in the first place so why didn't he blow it?

"By the letter of the law, the person who handballs it doesn't score. They check it and the goal stands. You conceded just before half-time. It's a tough one to take."

Fulham boss Marco Silva simply stated it was a 'handball' after the game and questioned whether it was, indeed, 'accidental'. Eddie Howe, for his part, was just relieved the goal stood.

"I don't want to be too clever with this," the Newcastle head coach added. "In an ideal world, I don't want to see handball in those situations, whether that's for or against me.

"As long as the arm is not raised and not away from the body and Bruno's, I've only seen it live but it was by his side. It probably did hit his arm. You might get a different answer if we were on the receiving end, but I like to see goals like that given to be honest."



https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/newcastle-fulham-itv-referee-conspiracy-28526285

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Chelsea may have to wait for two loans to become transfers before they can follow up Fulham interest
Antonee Robinson's profile keeps rising, and Chelsea are now the latest side linked with the Fulham full back.

Robinson almost secured a move to AC Milan a few years ago when he was just a teenager, which raised a few eyebrows given he was playing in the Championship at the time. But those scouts were on the ball – in the years since he's established himself as a really reliable and versatile player for the Whites.

Now Chelsea are interested, along with with a few other top teams, according to an interview on Simon Philips' Substack.

Robinson is able to play on both sides, meaning he would be a great backup for Ben Chilwell as well as being able to cover for the injury prone duo of Reece James and Malo Gusto on the right.

We can't see a move coming in January, while we're still scrambling to get FFP in order, but once the sales of Lewis Hall and Ian Maatsen go through in the summer, we can see something happening.



https://www.chelsea-news.co/2024/01/chelsea-may-have-to-wait-for-two-loans-to-become-transfers-before-they-can-follow-up-fulham-interest/

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Fulham Women bring in Beaver
Fulham Women have signed experienced central defender Cat Beaver until the end of the season on a dual registration deal with Milton Keynes.

The former Oxford United stalwart will bring both defensive durability and considerable leadership qualities to Steve Jaye's squad as Fulham gear up for a crucial run of fixtures in their push for the only promotion place available from the London and South East Regional Premier Division.

Beaver, who made more than a hundred appearances in two spells with Oxford, has also represented Nottingham Forest and played for the Royal Air Force's first team. She could make her debut in Fulham's home fixture against Sutton United at Motspur Park tomorrow afternoon.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/01/fulham-women-bring-in-beaver/

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Tim Ream opens up on 'tough' injury lay-off as USMNT star makes Fulham return in FA Cup defeat to Newcastle
USMNT star Tim Ream has opened up on his "tough" injury lay-off at Fulham, with the veteran defender sitting out several weeks of action.

    Defender out of action since early December
    Returned in cup defeat at Craven Cottage
    Hoping to retain place for Premier League action

WHAT HAPPENED?

The 36-year-old centre-half was back in action for the Cottagers as they suffered an FA Cup fourth-round defeat at home to Newcastle. The result may not have been what Ream was looking for, as the Magpies ran out 2-0 winners on the day, but he is delighted to be fully recovered from a calf complaint.

WHAT REAM SAID

After making his first appearance since December 3, Ream told Fulham's official website: "I'm a little fatigued, but it's good to be back out there. It's been a tough six to seven weeks. Rehabbing and making sure I'm fit to play and able to contribute. Unfortunately it comes in a loss, but happy to be back and be part of the team."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Ream's return has come at a good time for Fulham, with Calvin Bassey away on international duty with Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations. He added on that boost: "For sure. We need competition everywhere. That's something the manager has always preached. Being able to come back and play 90 minutes in the first game puts that competition in place and gives different options for how we want to play. That's what we want to have. It keeps other teams on their toes as well, so I'm happy to be back."

WHAT NEXT?

Fulham have endured a tough week, crashing out of the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, and they will be back in action on Tuesday when playing host to Everton in the Premier League – with Ream looking to retain his place in Marco Silva's plans for that fixture.



https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/tim-ream-injury-usmnt-star-fulham-return-fa-cup-defeat-newcastle/blt0cf6b2a15607e976#cs07c78e3dceaa800d

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Fulham player ratings from 2-0 FA Cup defeat to Newcastle – Cup hopes fade for Whites following injury to lively Harry Wilson
A 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United condemned Fulham to their second cup exit in the space of four days, as they bowed out of the FA Cup at the fourth round stage on Saturday.

A goal late in the first half from Sean Longstaff was followed up by a second-half effort from former Fulham man Dan Burn, as the Whites were unable to make the most of several of their own promising chances to score.

Here are Dan Evans' player ratings from Craven Cottage.

Marek Rodak – 6

Not a great deal he could have done about either goal. Left with no chance from Longstaff's powerful effort and initially did very well to save Sven Botman's header before Burn turned home. Held everything else that came his way.

Kenny Tete – 6

Was quite often caught the wrong side of Anthony Gordon, allowing Newcastle to counter attack. Still put in five tackles though and offers a lot with the ball, as evidenced by his two key passes.

Issa Diop – 5

Made two tackles but was largely untested throughout the game as Alexander Isak operated closer to Tim Ream. Made a real mess of trying to clear along with Bobby De Cordova-Reid for Newcastle's opener. Taken off at 2-0 down to rest his legs for Tuesday's game against Everton.

Tim Ream – 6

A solid return to the team for the veteran, yet it now feels as though Fulham's defence is more secure with alternative options in the side.

Antonee Robinson – 6

Yet another good showing defensively, putting in three tackles, two interceptions and two clearances. Not able to join in at the other end as much as he would usually like, only producing four crosses.

Harrison Reed – 6

A solid showing from a midfielder who can feel unfortunate to have been relegated to something of a stand-in this season. His runs down the right wing helped stretch the Newcastle defence and he also put in two tackles and an interception before being replaced by Joao Palhinha.

Sasa Lukic – 6

Had big shoes to fill taking up Palhinha's regular role at the base of midfield and was fine.

Made five tackles and an interception but perhaps lacked the precision and tempo in his passing to get Fulham going, particularly when they were chasing the game.

Harry Wilson – 7

Was bright in Fulham's promising opening to the game, linking well with Harrison Reed down the right and setting up Rodrigo Muniz for a chance that was well saved by Martin Dubravka. Has an impact whether he starts games or comes off the bench, so was a blow for Fulham to see him forced off at the end of the first half after suffering a shoulder injury.

Andreas Pereira – 6

Made three key passes but never really troubled the Newcastle defence to any great extent. Was replaced by Tom Cairney not long after the visitors had scored their second goal.

Bobby De Cordova-Reid – 5

Most of Fulham's best play came down the opposite side when De Cordova-Reid was on the left and then the right following Wilson's substitution. Was not necessarily his fault as much as it was down to how Silva's side structured their attacks. Replaced by Raul Jimenez in the final 20 minutes, having been culpable alongside Diop for the first goal.

Rodrigo Muniz – 6

Was good in the first half, testing Dubravka with a low effort before seeing a nice turn and shot deflected wide. Not as involved in the second period and looked far more effective with big spaces to work in rather than trying to do anything too cute.

Subs:

Willian – 6

Saw plenty of the ball after coming on for Wilson but was often crowded out and unable to stir any sort of comeback in the second half.

Tom Cairney – 6

Steered wide with a late chance from a Tosin pull back. Was otherwise as tidy on the ball as is to be expected.

Tosin Adarabioyo – 6

Made a great run to set up that Cairney chance. Had no major defensive work to do with Fulham already 2-0 down by the time of his introduction.

Joao Palhinha – 6

Still managed to make one big tackle in the middle of the pitch despite only being on the field for 20 minutes.

Raul Jimenez – 6

Almost brought Fulham back into the game with a determined header from a Tete cross. Operated on the right wing and did not look out of place.



https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/fulham-player-ratings-from-2-0-fa-cup-defeat-to-newcastle-cup-hopes-fade-for-whites-following-injury-to-lively-harry-wilson/

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Sutton United 1 Fulham 3
Sutton gave London & South East Regional League leaders Fulham a stern test this afternoon and although ending up on the wrong end of the scoreline gave new manager Lucy Clark plenty of encouragement for the remainder of the season.

In a home game that was switched to Fulham's Motspur Park ground, Sutton gave a performance much improved on recent weeks, without the injured Fern Colepio and Ella Meehan and with Chloe Francis suspended having been shown a red card after the final whistle in last week's game against Actonians.

Fulham led 2-0 at half time, a deflected cross being headed over Zoe McNulty for the opener, but U's were unhappy about the second goal, feeling that McNulty was impeded by a player in an offside position as she tried to prevent a Fulham player shooting in after she had made a good initial save.

Sutton came out strongly in the second half and were rewarded with the best goal of the game as Toni-Anne Bussey's header allowed Caitlin Savage to run at the home defence before playing a perfect pass across to Jaz Backhurst, whose shot (above) was too strong for the Fulham goalkeeper.

Fulham restored their two goal lead three minutes later with a close range header from a corner, and although they hit the post with a long range effort near the end they were made to work all the way by U's before being able to claim the points.

Defender Justine Buckmire made her debut after her move from Actonians, putting in several well judged tackles to thwart Fulham attacks.

Sutton: Z McNulty, M South, S Modak, J Buckmire, H Talbot-Smith, A Measures, H Thomas, M South, C Savage, L Malcolm, T Bussey, J Backhurst. Subs A Cutler, A Tyrer, M Frances-Creaser, E Spear.

Congratulations to Lily Dent, a member of our team last season, who made her WSL debut for Brighton on Saturday, coming on as a substitute in the televised game against Chelsea.

The next game for the first team is in a fortnight's time away to Millwall Lionesses.

A Skye Bailey goal gave our development side a 1-0 win against Reigate and moved us up to second in the Surrey Division One table in the South East Counties League. There is no game next week. The reserves had no game today but play away to AFC Crawley Reserves in the Surrey Divisional Cup next Sunday at Copthorne, kick off 1.30pm.



https://www.suttonunited.net/news/2024/january/fulham-3-sutton-united-1/

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Fulham prepare new offer for Chelsea star Pochettino will sell; Blues demand £10m more after previous rejection
Chelsea are willing to part ways with Armando Broja for the right price this month and a number of Premier League sides are interested.

As previously revealed by TEAMtalk, Fulham, Aston Villa, Wolves, West Ham and Crystal Palace have identified the striker as a target.

Broja has failed to nail down a spot in the Chelsea starting XI this season after scoring just one Premier League goal so far, but he does possess quality.

Fulham seem the most likely team to get a deal done at this stage, with Marco Silva keen to bring in competition for Raul Jimenez.

They made an offer to sign Broja on loan on Saturday, with an obligation to buy included in the deal, but it fell short of Chelsea's demands.

The Cottagers included a £25m obligation to buy in their offer but the Blues want a figure closer to £35m.

Fulham prepared to launch new offer for Broja
TEAMtalk sources close to Fulham have confirmed that they are set to re-open talks with Chelsea as they look to get a deal done for Broja in the coming days.

They are prepared to launch a new offer, with Silva determined to add the striker to his squad.

Mauricio Pochettino rates the Albania international very highly but Chelsea need to tread carefully around the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules (PSR).

This has led to rumours that Broja or even stand-in skipper Conor Gallagher could be sold before the window slams shut.

Exit talk only increased on Friday when Pochettino did not field a recognised striker against Middlesbrough in the Carabao Cup semi-final, before Broja came on late in the game.

The Blues were initially asking for £50m for the 22-year-old but TEAMtalk can confirm they have since dropped their demands.

As mentioned, if Fulham agree to pay £35m for the forward at the end of the season, that should be enough to secure a deal.

While they are currently leading the race, one of Broja's many other suitors could still swoop in for a late offer.



https://www.teamtalk.com/news/fulham-prepare-new-offer-for-chelsea-star-pochettino-will-sell-blues-demand-10m-more-after-previous-rejection

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Fulham U21s fall to Liverpool defeat
Jayden Danns and Louie Komas scored the goals as Liverpool consigned Fulham's under 21s to a first league defeat in four months on a bracing Merseyside afternoon.

The hosts' first goal arrived against the run of play when Danns dispossessed Alex Borto after leading a ferocious Liverpool press on twenty minutes and, although Hayden Mullins' men pushed for an equaliser, the clinical Louie Koumas made sure of all three points when he buried an emphatic finish past Fulham's American goalkeeper after being played through on goal by a precise pass from Kaide Gordon.

Mullins' starting eleven had a slightly different look to it. Luc de Fougerolles returned to the under-21 side for the first time in months having come through the FA Youth Cup stroll at Swansea, whilst Caelan Avenall earned a full debut at this level starting at right back after several encouraging cameos off the bench. Aaron Loupalo led the line in a fluid 4-3-3 and the Whites made the better chances early on.

Australian midfielder Chris Donnell saw a rising drive sting the fingertips of Fabian Mrozek before Terrell Works rifled a shot agonisingly wide of the far post. The bright start counted for little when eighteen year-old Danns seized on a heavy touch from Borto score his second goal in three games for Liverpool's under 21s and his nineteenth of an astonishing campaign. The Reds could easily have increased their advantage with Borto making a sprawling save from Koumas and Gordon grazing the post having pulled the trigger following excellent hold-up play by Danns.

Fulham probed for an equaliser but struggled to create a clear-cut opening in the rest of the first half and came out on the front foot after the interval. Adrion Pajaziti put Donnell through on goal and the Australian rounded Mrozek but shot wide of the far post before the goalkeeper saved well from Loupalo-Bi, who was belatedly flagged offside. Pajaziti powered an effort straight at the Polish youth international, before Liverpool scored the second.

We showed signs of threat but went in at the break a goal down at a chilly LFC Academy.

Gordon surged nearly sixty yards with the ball after his quick feet had carried him away from danger inside his own half and picked out Koumas, who finished with a modicum of fuss. Gordon almost got one of his own when a 30-yarder flew fractionally over the bar before Danns and substitute Trent Kone-Doherty spurned good chances to make the scoreline more emphatic.

Matt Dibley-Dias came off the bench to make his first appearance for the under-21s since November after an untimely injury prevented the midfielder from winning a first senior cap for New Zealand. In stoppage time, promising full back Stefan Parkes made a welcome return from his own injury lay-off. Fulham will look to return to winning ways at Burnley on Monday in the Premier League Cup.

LIVERPOOL UNDER 21s (4-3-3): Mrozek, Lucky (McLaughlin-Miles 45), Scanlon, Pinnington, Nallo; Pilling, Davidson, Nyoni (Spearing 80′); K. Gordon (Kone-Doherty 89), Koumas, Danns. Subs (not used): O. Kelly, Pennington.

GOALS: Danns (19), Koumas (61).

FULHAM UNDER 21s (4-3-3): Borto; Avenall (Amissah 45), Esenga, de Fougerolles, Araujo; King, Pajaziti (Parkes 90+2), Donnell (Dibley-Dias 73); Works (L. Gordon 67), Sekularac, Loupalo-Bi. Subs (not used): Kaiser, Gordon.

BOOKED: Dibley-Dias.

REFEREE: Paul Marsden.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/01/fulham-u21s-fall-to-liverpool-defeat/

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Fulham Women see off Sutton
Sasha Adamson, Georgia Heasman and Chloe Christison-McNee got the goals as Fulham Women overcome a spirited Sutton United side 3-1 at a sunny Motspur Park this afternoon to stay on top of the London and South Eastern Regional Premier Division.

Steve Jaye included new signing Cat Beaver on the bench after the centre back arrived from Milton Keynes this week, but Fulham initially struggled to break down a well-drilled Sutton side, managed for the first time by Lucy Clark. United, with former Fulham defender Sophie Modak wearing the captain's armband, made light of the absence of Fern Colepio, Ella Meehan and Chloe Francis despite the hosts enjoying the lion's share of possession from the outset.

Megalie Mendes whipped a free-kick right across the face of goal from the left but no white shirt was able to profit from the excellent delivery before Jaz Backhurst tested Fulham goalkeeper Ellie Parker with an audacious effort from distance. The home side hit the front on thirteen minutes when a good move down the left saw Heasman get to the byline and send in a cross that looped up off the legs of a defender for Adamson to head past Zoe McNulty.

Ella Tagliavini almost made it two with a downward header that McNulty did well to keep out before the Sutton keeper superbly denied Sophie Manzi and Adamson with a brilliant double save. Fulham's pressure did eventually lead to a second on 33 minutes when substitute Ede Buchele sauntered down the right and cut the ball back into a crowded penalty area. Heasman made no mistake with an accurate finish, although McNulty vehemently protested that she had been impeded by a Fulham forward in an offside position. The referee conferred with his assistant before giving the goal.

Chloe Christison-McNee, in the midst of a dominant display in central midfield, required lengthy treatment after being the victim of a wild lunge from Laila Malcolm, who was very fortunate to only receive a yellow card. Manzi and Olivia Dale were cautioned after the interval before Clark's side fought their way back into the contest midway through the second half. The clever Caitlin Savage sped away from a couple of challengers after latching onto a flick on from Toni-Anne Bussey and had the vision to pick out Backhurst, who found the bottom corner with a precise finish after Fulham's defence was caught horribly square.

But Fulham restored their two-goal advantage within three minutes when Christison-McNee rose highest at the far post to head home a Mendes corner. The Scottish midfielder, who has shown such resilience to battle back from a serious injury, was mobbed by her ecstatic team-mates as celebrated the goal with a delirious dive.

Tessa Allen returned to first-team action from the bench before Beaver made her first Fulham appearance in the final fifteen minutes. Sutton defended stoutly to keep Fulham at bay in the closing stages with McNulty smothering two Buchele efforts before Adamson went close to scoring her second of the afternoon when her 25-yarder hit the top of the far post.

The Whites remain top of the table, with Dulwich Hamlet and Dartford – who both won this afternoon and have games in hand – breathing down their necks. There is a break from the battle for promotion next Sunday when Dulwich visit Motspur Park in the League Cup.

FULHAM FC WOMEN (3-4-3): Parker; Dale, Tagliavini, Southgate; Bird, Mendes, Christison-McNee, Lambird; Heasman, Adamson, Manzi. Subs: Todd-Warmouth, Allen, Beaver, Murtagh, Buchele.

BOOKED: Dale, Manzi.

GOALS: Adamson (13), Heasman (33), Christison-McNee (67).

SUTTON UNITED WOMEN: McNulty; Modak, Measures, South; Malcolm, Talbut-Smith, Backhurst, Buckmire-Monro, Bussey, Thomas, Savage. Subs: Cutler, Tyrer, Frances-Creaser, Spear.

BOOKED: Malcolm.

GOAL: Backhurst (64).

ATTENDANCE: 160



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/01/fulham-women-see-off-sutton/

[WhiteJC]

Warren Feeney backing former Northern Ireland, Rangers, Southampton, Aston Villa and Fulham star Steven Davis to succeed in management
Warren Feeney believes former Northern Ireland teammate Steven Davis has all the attributes required to enjoy a successful career in management.

The 39-year-old retired from playing on Thursday after making 742 appearances for top-flight clubs in England and Scotland while also hanging up his boots as the most-capped British player of all-time having represented Northern Ireland on 140 occasions, including 82 as captain.

Davis has already had a taste for management after being appointed into the interim role at Rangers, where he won 10 major honours as a player across two stints, following Michael Beale's departure earlier this season.

Having failed to recover from an ACL injury suffered in December 2022, Davis could have a significant impact in the next chapter of his career and Feeney says people like the ex-Southampton midfielder are needed in the game.

"Absolutely (he can succeed)," he said. "He's very respectable and with what he's done in the game why would he not?

"People talk about experience this and experience that, but where do you start? You have to give people a chance and he's one that I'm sure whether it's with Rangers or someone else that will do well.

"When I write my book there will be some stories coming out about him! He typifies Northern Ireland and being the most capped player in the UK says it all.

"He's a very humble boy, a fantastic player with a great family and it was a celebration for me when I heard it.

"He has given everything for his clubs and country and I wish him all the best in the future.

"He's someone who will definitely be staying in the game because a character and people like him are needed.

"I sent him a text and told him when he's over to come and have a cup of tea at The Oval.

"He's a great person and it did bring a tear to my eye to be honest."

Davis' retirement has brought memories flooding back for Feeney, including the famous September night in 2005 when the former Aston Villa man supplied the assist for David Healy's goal as Northern Ireland defeated an England since which included the likes of David Beckham and Wayne Rooney.

"I'll never forget the night he put the ball over the top for David, but also the trips away in Slovenia and Latvia are the ones I liked - it brought back a lot of memories," he added. "It was a good group we had then.

"We were at 22 or 27 in the world at that time and it was a campaign where (results against) Latvia and Iceland killed us.

"We had a good group and he was a massive part of that. We had a great team spirit and I wish him all the best."

Feeney also believes Davis belongs in the same conversation as Northern Ireland greats like George Best and Pat Jennings after making such an impact.

"There's no doubt about it," he said. "140 caps is phenomenal but also the career he's had.

"It's the type of person he is for the people that know him.

"He's not a flash person, he respects everyone and he's just a boy off the street. He deserves everything he got."



https://www.newsletter.co.uk/sport/football/northern-ireland/warren-feeney-backing-former-northern-ireland-rangers-southampton-aston-villa-and-fulham-star-steven-davis-to-succeed-in-management-4495630

[WhiteJC]

Fulham and Everton in transfer battle for Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka
The Bees are receiving major interest from the continent and inside the Premier League for their midfielder

Brentford are weighing up multiple approaches for midfielder Frank Onyeka but will not let him leave on loan to a Premier League rival.

Girona, who are part of Manchester City's City Football Group, have joined Everton and Fulham in the race for the Nigeria international, who is currently away at the Africa Cup of Nations.

The 26-year-old could help boost Girona's bid to shock Real Madrid and Barcelona and win their first ever LaLiga title.

Reims have also joined the race to sign Onyeka on loan until the end of the season amid a push to qualify for Europe in the French top flight.

Fulham and Everton are also interested, but Brentford are unwilling to help a domestic rival by allowing a cut-price loan deal while just six points above the relegation zone themselves.

Any interested Premier League clubs would need to make a permanent offer to sign the midfielder, who joined Brentford from Midtjylland in 2021.

Onyeka has played 18 times for the west Londoners this season, but the majority of his appearances have been from the bench.

Brentford seem ready to let Onyeka leave if the right offer should arrive before the transfer window closes on 1 February.

Onyeka is keen to play a more prominent role at a new club upon his from Africa's showpiece winter tournament in the Ivory Coast.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-fc-transfer-news-brentford-everton-onyeka-b1135346.html

[filham]

I think the Newcastle goals against us were good and no way should the ball hitting a players arm be given as handball. However to say that it would have been given as handball by the goal scorer but not by the player that assists seems ridiculous.

[Bill2]

I think the Newcastle goals against us were good and no way should the ball hitting a players arm be given as handball. However to say that it would have been given as handball by the goal scorer but not by the player that assists seems ridiculous.

I believe they changed the rule after our goal against Spurs a few seasons ago when this happened and the goal was disallowed.

[Thames Bank 1]

It was changed after Tottenham v Newcastle when Carrol headed onto arm of Dier