Saturday Fulham Stuff - 09/03/24...

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Matchday Guide | Wolves vs Fulham
Wolves return to Molineux on Saturday as Gary O'Neil's side take on Fulham in the Premier League, while the club will mark 50 years since lifting the 1974 League Cup.

For the thousands of supporters who will be attending the 3pm kick-off, here is everything you need to know ahead of travelling to Molineux...

Tickets
There are still limited tickets for this fixture available through our online ticketing website. Tickets for this game are on general sale, and available to all supporters with a ticketing account.

Season ticket holders will be able to gain entry to the stadium using their season ticket smartcard. When arriving at the turnstile, supporters should tap and hold their smartcards at the front of the reader.

Match to match tickets for this fixture were delivered as print at home tickets or uploaded to membership smartcards. If supporters have selected to upload to smartcard at the checkout when purchasing tickets, to gain entry at the turnstile you will need to tap and hold your smartcard at the front of the reader.

Print at home tickets must be printed in high quality on A4 paper or can be opened on a mobile device allowing for the QR code to be scanned at the turnstiles. Ticket holders should scan barcodes or QR codes in the mouth of the reader when at the turnstiles.

Any supporters who experience any issues relating to their tickets are advised to visit the ticket office prior to kick off.

Travel disruption
Train engineering works are happening between Shrewsbury and Wolverhampton impacting some onward services to Birmingham New Street with Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales and West Midlands Railway.

If you are travelling travel by train, please plan ahead and check before you travel as your journey might be impacted by rail replacement bus service or cancellation of services. For timetable information please visit National Rail.

The M54 will also be closed westbound between junctions three and four, with road diversions in place.   

Flags – Premier League guidance
The safety of all those attending our matches is a priority. Following the Premier League's consultation with safety and security experts, clubs, football partners and external stakeholders, supporters attending matches will not be permitted to bring Israeli and Palestinian flags into Premier League stadiums for the foreseeable future.

Kit colours
Wolves will be wearing the 2023/24 gold home shirt and black shorts, with the goalkeeper wearing the pink goalkeeper shirt and pink shorts.

Fulham will be in their black and pink third shirt with the black home shorts, with the goalkeeper wearing their green goalkeeper shirt and green shorts.

Weather forecast
Cloudy weather is forecast for Saturday afternoon. Temperatures will be at around 10 degrees Celsius.

Entering the stadium
Supporters will only be able to gain entry to the stadium using the turnstile block designated on their ticket or season ticket smartcard.

Security and bag searches will take place at the turnstiles. Bags larger than an A4 size will not be permitted. Supporters may be requested to open your own bag to allow it to be searched.

All supporters over the age of 14 will be searched by a steward when entering the stadium.

More information in regard to searching can be found in the ground regulations.

Molineux Fan Zone
The Molineux Fan Zone is located next to Block 5 of the Sir Jack Hayward stand. The Fan Zone will open at 12pm and gives an opportunity for supporters to grab food and drink whilst taking in the matchday atmosphere before making their way into the stadium.

This season will see new food and drink vendors in place at the Fan Zone, while bar units will be selling draught beer, wine, spirits and soft drinks.

With family fun and entertainment, Dicky Dodd will once again be hosting the event, which includes the usual Wolves Foundation speed cage as well as inflatable football darts and prizes to be won. Plus, junior members and season ticket holders can also collect their Matchday Passports.

North Bank Bar
The North Bank Bar is located next to block ND of the Stan Cullis stand and is accessible to season ticket holders and MyWolves members and will be open from 12.30pm. It will also be open for one hour following the final whistle.

Please note that supporters may be denied entry once capacity has been reached. Junior supporters are welcome.

Food and drink
Concourse catering kiosks will be open inside the stadium for this fixture serving food hot and cold drinks and alcoholic drinks.

A wide range of food options will be available, with both vegan and vegetarian alternatives provided.

Molineux is a cashless stadium and supporters are advised to ensure they have card or contactless payment ready when being served.

Ticket Office
The ticket office is located between the Stan Cullis Stand and Billy Wright Stand and will be open for counter sales from 9am until after kick-off.

The ticket office will then reopen following the final whistle until 5.30pm.

Molineux Megastore
The Molineux Megastore is located in the Stan Cullis Stand and will be open from 9am up until kick-off.

The Megastore will reopen after the final whistle until 6pm.

Fan Services
The Fan Services team will be reachable by phone and email from 10am on matchday to answer any matchday enquiries.

The phone line (01902 810485) will close two hours prior to kick-off at 1pm, however the [email protected] inbox will be monitored up until kick-off.

Supporters can also find up-to-date information on the Fan Services Twitter page at twitter.com/wolveshelp.

Matchday Programme
The official Wolves matchday programme for 2023/24 will be available to purchase outside Molineux before every match this season, with a special 100-page edition focusing on the club's historic 1974 League Cup triumph, as well as the latest Premier League clash and is packed full of exclusive and bespoke content and features.

As Wolves welcome Fulham to Molineux, the programme will include columns from head coach Gary O'Neil and captain Maximilian Kilman, as well as 20-page deep dive into the club's first League Cup success. There is exclusive chats with the heroes from that day, including 'King John' Richards, Kenny Hibbitt, John McAlle and Geoff Palmer.

Goalkeepers Gary Pierce and Phil Parkes also discuss their role in bringing the cup back to Wolverhampton, while current midfielder Tommy Doyle speaks about the impact his grandads Mike Doyle and Glyn Pardoe - who both played for Manchester City in the final against Wolves 50 years ago - had on his career.

The programme also includes exclusive chats with Matt Doherty and Pedro Neto, who take part in the Sports Day and Football Beginnings features.

There is also focus on the other areas of the club, as women's first-team star Summer Holmes talks about the centre midfield position before looking into the future In Five Year's Time, while we get to know under-18 goalkeeper Lewys Benjamin.

This special edition programme, priced at £6, are available to buy by from the Molineux Megastore, from the various programme sellers around the stadium and from the catering kiosks. Supporters not attending the fixture can purchase online through programme retailers Curtis Sports.



Travelling to Molineux and parking
With as many as 32,000 people trying to get to Molineux Stadium on a matchday, we are very conscious of the impact on the environment and our neighbours.

When making your journey to Molineux Stadium we ask you, wherever possible, to consider travel options that will help us to reduce local traffic jams and inconsiderate parking around the stadium.

Here at Wolves, we want all our fans to be able to travel safely when using public transport, so we've partnered with Moovit, the world's number one urban mobility app, to ensure you have the most up-to-date and accurate journey planning capabilities at your fingertips.

Moovit will provide special instructions for Wolves fans about the best public transport routes to ride, including how to arrive at the dedicated fan areas and specific fan entrances. Not a Moovit user? The Moovit App is available for free on iOS, Android and Huawei AppGallery

Alternatively, supporters can simply use our new journey planner tool by clicking here to plan any journey, benefiting from real-time alerts, service alerts and more, for anywhere across the world.

Supporters can check availability for official matchday parking and book spaces here. Details of further council owned car parks in the city can be found here.

Any key travel information updates or notice of disruption will also be communicated via @WolvesHelp on Twitter assisted by Transport for West Midlands. 

Road closures
A number of road closures around the stadium as part of spectator safety measures will affect supporters on matchdays. Please refer to the road closure map here and information below for details.

Waterloo Road will be closed from the roundabout leading to ASDA up to the traffic lights at Newhampton Road from 90 minutes before kick-off up until a period at the discretion of the matchday safety officer at the end of the game – expected to be between 15 and 30 minutes.

Molineux Street and Sir Jack Hayward Way will be closed from one hour before kick-off, and Whitmore Hill will be closed from 30 minutes prior to kick-off. Road closures are detailed further on the map here. Car parks will be closed until the discretion of the matchday safety officer at the end of the game.

Away fans
Visiting supporters will be located in the Stan Cullis Quadrant for this fixture and can enter the stadium via Turnstile Block NF.

Concourse catering kiosks will be available for away fans, serving food and hot and cold drinks and alcoholic drinks.

Molineux is a cashless stadium and visiting supporters are advised to ensure they have card or contactless payment to hand. Visiting supporters will also be welcome in the Molineux Fan Zone.

Reporting incidents
Supporters can speak to a steward or text WOLVES to 07723 479887.

Here at Wolves we are One Pack, each one of us can embrace this ethos by providing an enjoyable, safe and welcoming environment to everyone at Molineux.

Discrimination, harassment and victimisation relating to gender, sex and sexual orientation as well as religion or race and disability will not be tolerated.

If you experience or witness any form of discriminatory or offensive behaviour and language including comments, chanting and gestures or are feeling unsafe at any point during a matchday, then please let us know and report the incident to your nearest steward or by text message.

Please include your location (for example, the stand you are in, row number, seat number etc), description of the person and details around the incident. We will then monitor the situation discreetly through our matchday control room or matchday staff before deciding on a suitable resolution. All information you provide will be treated in the strictest confidence.
Wolves remain proactive in our attempt to eradicate hate and abuse whether in the stadium or online.

'Not in our Pack' is a clear message that there is no room for racism, homophobia, and all forms of discrimination, sexism and anti-social behaviour, those who do not live up to the standards we expect of our supporters can be subject to a lifetime ban for ALL Wolves matches.

Please show respect to ALL of your fellow spectators, players, staff and any guests in attendance so everyone is able to enjoy their experience at Molineux.

Disabled supporters
The newly branded and renovated accessible 'Century Lounge' will be open for this fixture. The accessible lounge has two accessible toilets, chairs and tables and is a space where disabled supporters can meet others before the game and half time.

The room is located in the lower Stan Cullis stand opposite NL1. Please do not store wheelchairs in this room while the game is in progress. If you'd like further information relating to this, email [email protected]

Audio Description Commentary is provided by a specially trained team giving second by second commentary of where the ball is and what is happening in the game. It is available for supporters who need that extra help watching the game but must be pre booked by emailing [email protected]. Once booked, a set will be delivered to your seat before kick-off. This service is available to both home and away fans.

Wolves sensory room is fully booked for this game. To book for future games please enquire with the Fan Services team. If you need ear defenders, fidget toys or a safe space please ask your nearest steward to contact the Disability Access Officer.

Disabled liaison stewards will be available for your questions and support throughout your visit. The stewards will be wearing dark blue jackets. We have the specially trained stewards at wheelchair user locations in Stan Cullis, Steve Bull and Sir Jack Hayward Stands.

An in-depth guide to accessibility at Molineux can be found here.

Leaving Molineux
After final whistle at Molineux, roads leading away from the stadium are immediately very congested leading both into the city centre and outwardly too.

There are walking routes back into the city centre, where the bus, coach and train stations are located.

Official car parks will reopen around 10 to 20 minutes after the final whistle but can also change at the discretion of the Matchday Safety Officer.

Friendly stewards will also be located around the area as you leave and will be happy to answer any questions supporters may have whilst leaving the stadium.

Matchday FAQs
Supporters can view a series of FAQs relating to matchdays at Molineux by clicking here.

The Molineux match day guide for home supporters can be downloaded here.

Questions and feedback

Any supporters who have questions or need further assistance in relating to matchday should email [email protected].

We welcome your feedback on your matchday experience and you can direct and feedback to the same email address.
#WOLFUL



https://www.wolves.co.uk/news/club/20240308-matchday-guide-wolves-vs-fulham/

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Journalist reveals Fulham, West Ham and Wolves attempt to sign striker – 32 goals this season so far

When we say that Viktor Gyokeres was right under Premier League club's noses when he escaped to Portugal, it's no exaggeration.

As Radio Renascença now features a special series on the striker's fantastic start at Sporting, it's revealed that Fulham, West Ham United and Wolverhampton Wanderers all tried to sign him.

That was said by Swedish journalist Daniel Kristoffersson. He was one of those who spoke to the outlet from Gyokeres' home country, and Leonino now bring some of the quotes.

Speaking of the battle that Sporting had to sign Gyokeres, the reporter mentioned Fulham, West Ham and Wolves interest in keeping him in England.

"His agent is known for getting players into the right squads. He took Emil Forsberg to Leipzig, for example. Although it's hard to say no to the Premier League. Viktor had a lot of offers: Wolverhampton, Fulham and West Ham were interested. Everyone thought he was going to the Premier League, but he didn't."

"He went to Sporting and everyone wondered why. But now everyone has realised why. How many goals is that? 21? Now everyone knows he made the right decision."

Even though Coventry City didn't get promotion to the Premier League in the 2022/23 season, Gyokeres had a very good campaign with them, scoring 22 goals in the Championship.

That convinced Sporting to spend €20m on his signing, and the results were immediate. He already has 32 goals and 11 assists at the Portuguese club.

Gyokeres is obviously linked to a Premier League move now, but with a €100m release clause protecting Sporting, it's much less likely that Fulham, West Ham or Wolves would manage to sign him now.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/journalist-reveals-fulham-west-ham-wolves-attempt-sign-striker-32-goals-season-far/

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Premier League club laughed at Tottenham after Daniel Levy made £5m bid to sign their player on loan
Wolverhampton Wanderers laughed at Tottenham Hotspur after what they did to try and sign Adama Traore.

The Spaniard plays his football at Fulham these days, but he seemed to be destined to sign for a huge club a couple of years ago. Tottenham were heavily linked at the time, and the details of their attempt to get him have now emerged.

Wolves laughed at Tottenham's bid to sign Adama Traore on loan
Adama Traore was absolutely incredible in his last two years at Wolves.

The Spaniard was one of the most feared forwards in the entire Premier League. He was unstoppable when he was in full flow and caused problems to almost every team.

Tottenham were heavily linked with a move to sign Traore when Antonio Conte was their manager. Everyone felt the Spaniard would've been a brilliant fit in Spurs' counter-attacking system.

However, no move materialised at the time, and that led to problems between Conte and Daniel Levy.

Now, The Athletic have shared what really happened when Spurs made a move to sign Traore from Wolves.

It has been claimed that Daniel Levy tabled a bid of £5 million to sign the speedster on loan. Wolves were far from impressed with the offer and the report claims they laughed at it before rejecting it.
Tottenham Adama Traore Wolves

Adama Traore has struggled with injuries at Fulham
Adama Traore had the potential to become a world-beater, but things have just not worked out for him.

After leaving Wolves on a free transfer last year, the Spaniard joined Marco Silva's Fulham. He has missed a big chunk of the season due to a hamstring injury and has played just 79 minutes of football in the Premier League as a result.

Fulham fans are still hoping that Traore will come good, and he definitely has the ability to set the Premier League on fire.

However, there is little confidence that he will be able to do that in the coming months.



https://tbrfootball.com/premier-league-club-laughed-at-tottenham-after-daniel-levy-made-5m-bid-to-sign-their-player-on-loan/

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The work of the Fulham Lillies



Trust board member and Fulham Lillie's Chair, Sarah Keig, takes the opportunity to explain in more detail the amazing work that the Fulham Lillies are focused on as they aim to grow the female Fulham supporter base and foster more inclusion within the men's and women's game.

International Women's Day occurs globally on the 8th March every year. It honours the amazing women who campaigned for women's rights and those who continue to do so today. Here at Fulham we are lucky enough to have a number of women who campaign to give female supporters and their allies a voice within the club and encourage and promote a more diverse fanbase.

Women and football is not a new thing. However, while it is becoming far more accepted to watch a football match as a woman, that doesn't mean that it's a completely safe environment. From sexist abuse to poor toilet facilities, merchandise sold as unisex, when it's really a men's fit, feeling safe walking to and from a game, the modern game still has a long way to go to make women feel completely welcome.

Formed in July 2022 the Fulham Lillies are a female run supporters group who have created a space which encourages more women and young girls to actively support Fulham as well as giving them a voice within the Club. For women and girls, football stadiums can be overwhelming places. The Lillies want to ensure that no female fan feels they can't attend a live game. We organise meet ups before home games at The Teahouse in Bishops Park. These allow female fans to meet in a safe environment and talk to others about their love of Fulham, and also provide an opportunity to walk to games together in a group with other female supporters. Through a generous donation from Joe Bryan, we were able to purchase two season tickets in the Hammersmith End. The tickets are offered to Lillies members through a ballot as well as local organisations such as women focused charities and female football teams.

Working closely with the club, we have been involved a number of initiatives including a women's fit for the 2nd and 3rd kits and next season all three kits will be sold with the option of a female size. There are free sanitary products in the female toilets and the club are working towards improved toilet facilities and baby changing facilities.

We've also been working on a report around accessibility of football for young children (read here) and are working with Fulham and the Football Supporters Association (FSA) to encourage all clubs to adopt their recommendations.

We also have big ambitions regarding Fulham Women. In recent years, the club has put a lot of focus on creating a women's team and a pathway that will hopefully allow them to be competitive in the WSL. The Lillies have worked to increase the visibility of the women's team, lobbying the Club for a women's match to be held at the Cottage last season, which they did. It was so successful they held another game at the Cottage this season and over 3,000 people attended. This included 16 adults and 32 children from a local Fulham primary school who received tickets donated by the Fulham Lillies. The Lillies are hopeful that this will now become a regular event for the Fulham Women's Team. It's been from conversations with the club that instrumental in last season's International Women's Day celebrations including Rachel Yankey becoming the recipient of the Forever Fulham award.

Outside of the club the Lillies are members of the FSA and have mentored a number of new female supporters groups. Providing support and advice to those starting up their own female led supporters group. Through the FSA they have been involved in the Karen Carney review of the women's game, attended sustainability meetings with Pledgeball and one of the Lillies travelled to Belgium to take part in a 2-day workshop on the future of football, that looks at ways to get more young people to participate in supporters organisations as part of an initiative run by Football Supporters Europe. We've regularly featured in various media outlets and on podcasts spreading the word of female fandom and have become a positive addition to the Fulham supporter community.

It's free to join the Fulham Lillies just head to the website to sign up.



https://www.fulhamsupporterstrust.com/news/2024/03/the-work-of-the-fulham-lillies/

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Fit-again Adama Traore makes Fulham vow ahead of Wolves reunion
Summer signing out to build on first goal for club in win over Brighton


Adama Traore opened his Fulham account last time out

Adama Traore has pledged to return to his best after finally recovering from a hamstring injury that has disrupted his season at Fulham.

The winger signed as a free agent in the summer from Wolves, who the Cottagers face at Molineux tomorrow.

Traore's involvement this season has been limited to eight substitute appearances, but he has featured in Fulham's last four games and scored his first goal in last weekend's win over Brighton.

"I hadn't had an injury that long in my career, so it was tough and lonely", Traore said.

"When you are out for a long time, all you want is to help the team, and first of all come back to the pitch and have that feeling of being back with your teammates.

"It was frustrating. I was close to coming back, then I had some problems."

He said of his form: "I'm feeling good. I think I can keep growing, keep getting the rhythm of the game. It's not many minutes I've played [yet], but I feel I can keep improving. I'm going to get back to my best.

"Every player wants to start games, but that's the decision of the manager."



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/adama-traore-fulham-fc-wolves-b1144015.html

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Interest in 'underrated' Fulham star 'definitely' expected, says transfer journalist
Fulham are bracing themselves for interest in Joao Palhinha.

That's according to transfer journalist Dean Jones, who believes the Portuguese midfielder will 'definitely' have interest from other clubs once the summer transfer window opens at the end of the season.

Previously a top target for Bayern Munich, Fulham's number 26 saw a last-minute January transfer to the Allianz Arena collapse.

Joao Palhinha could leave Fulham in summer
However, while the Bundesliga giants may opt against reigniting their interest, Jones is still expecting Palhinha, who he considers to be one of Europe's most 'underrated' defensive midfielders, to be wanted by other top clubs.

"There will definitely be interest in Palhinha," he told GiveMeSport.

You can see from Tony Khan's recent comments that it's not impossible that he leaves Fulham. £50m to £60m would be an unbelievable deal for one of the best defensive midfielders in Europe.

"I still feel like Palhinha is generally underrated in the game. It'll be interesting to see whether the Bayern option remains on the table."

If Fulham were able to sell Palhinha for £60 million, after signing him from Sporting Lisbon for just £17 million (Sky Sports), it would be a huge financial success story for the Cottagers. And while fans may not see it that way, the club could help cushion their supporters' initial disappointment by investing that money back into the squad in the hopes of improving upon their mid-table position next season.

As for Palhinha, regardless of what happens with him in the summer, he has been a real asset to Marco Silva. The 28-year-old, who has up to four-and-a-half years left on his contract, has directly contributed to eight goals in 68 games in all competitions, and as Jones pointed out, is certainly among Europe's most impressive holding midfielders.



https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/03/08/joao-palhinha-interest-expected/

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Wolverhampton Wanderers v Fulham

TEAM NEWS
Wolves duo Jose Sa and Pedro Neto could both feature despite being substituted against Newcastle last weekend with minor injuries.

Forwards Hwang Hee-chan and Mateus Cunha remain sidelined with hamstring problems.

Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha is available after a one-match ban.

Striker Raul Jimenez is back in training after a hamstring issue but is not yet fit enough to return so won't feature against his former club.

MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head

    Fulham are winless in 17 league and cup trips to Wolves since a 4-0 victory in the old Division Two back in March 1985. (D5, L12).
    The London side failed to score in any of their past four Premier League fixtures at Molineux.
    Three of the goals in the reverse fixture, won 3-2 by Fulham, came from the penalty spot, including the home side's stoppage-time winner.
    Fulham could complete their first league double over Wolves. This is the 44th league campaign in which they have met.

Wolverhampton Wanderers

    Wolves lost 3-0 at Newcastle last weekend; they won their next Premier League fixture after each of their previous four defeats this season.
    They have already equalled last season's final tally of 11 league wins.
    Gary O'Neil's side have only failed to score in one of their past 20 Premier League home games, a 2-0 defeat by Brentford last month.
    Wolves are the only team not to have scored a Premier League goal from outside the penalty area in 2023-24.
    Wolves' next Premier League goal will be their 400th.
    Pedro Neto, who turns 24 on Saturday, has nine Premier League assists this season, equalling the club record set by Adama Traore in 2019-20.

Fulham

    Fulham could win three league games in a row for the first time this season.
    They ended an 11-match Premier League away winless run with a 2-1 victory at Manchester United a fortnight ago.
    Rodrigo Muniz has scored five goals in his last five league games for Fulham.
    Willian has been involved in four goals in his last five Premier League matches against Wolves, including scoring twice in Fulham's 3-2 victory in this season's reverse fixture.
    Adama Traore is aiming to score in successive Premier League appearances for the first time, having made 202 appearances in the top flight.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/68455050

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Jacqui Forster Award 2024: Winner announced

The Jacqui Forster Memorial Award, an award that celebrates the work of women in the supporter movement, has returned for 2024 and after receiving a strong list of candidates we are announcing the winner today – on International Women's Day 2024.

The award is named after Jacqui Forster, who worked for Supporters Direct (SD) one of the FSA's predecessors from 2003 until 2018, when she sadly passed away, following a long battle with cancer. SD was one of the forerunner organisations which eventually became the FSA.

And the winner of this year's Jacqui Forster Memorial Award is: Sarah Keig from Fulham Lillies and Fulham Supporters' Trust.



Sarah (pictured above) was nominated for her work in establishing and developing Fulham Lillies, a fan group at the west London club dedicated to growing the supporter base of Fulham's women's team and the presence of women at Fulham games.

The Lillies have also been vocal about the growing problem of ticket prices at Fulham, backing campaigns run by Fulham Supporters' Trust to make Craven Cottage more affordable. The #AffordableFulham campaign culminated in demonstrations and in-stadium protests towards the end of 2023.

Sarah said: "I am so honoured to be this year's recipient of the Jacqui Forster Award. This is a very proud moment for me and I am so grateful to have been nominated for an award which celebrates women in football.

"I am lucky to work with so many talented people within the football community and I recognise that I am only able to receive this award because of their help and support."

Sarah was recently elected onto the FSA National Council and is already contributing to the our work at a national level by informing supporter groups across the country about the issues facing fans at Craven Cottage and their wider implications for the Premier League.

Led by Sarah, the Fulham Lillies also have been looking at matchday inclusion particularly around young families and mothers with very young children. It examined the barriers facing new parents who want to take babies and infants to football.

The report – titled You're not welcome anymore – explores how and why clubs can make stadiums safe for young children to attend with their parents.

Sarah said: "I'd like to say a huge thank you to the FSA for this award as well as to my fellow Fulham Lillies, who work tirelessly as volunteers to ensure more women and girls have access to watching or playing football."

The winner of the Jacqui Forster Award is selected by an FSA panel consisting of FSA elected representatives and FSA staff.

"Each year we have so many amazing women doing incredible work, making the job of picking a winner such a difficult task," Jacqui's widow Pete Baker said. "This year's winner is certainly deserving – doing amazing work that Jacqui would have related to. Sarah has all the qualities that Jacqui herself possessed and is a deserved winner."



https://thefsa.org.uk/news/jacqui-forster-award-2024-winner-announced/

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'I can' - Adama Traore sends Wolves warning ahead of emotional Premier League return
Adama Traore is yet to start a Premier League game since joining Fulham due to injury

Adama Traore has revealed he is almost back to full fitness ahead of his return to Wolverhampton Wanderers this weekend.

A frustrating season has resulted in the winger suffering several hamstring setbacks. Traore was rarely on the treatment table at Molineux but has endured an injury-hit campaign at Fulham.

He is yet to start a Premier League fixture - playing just 79 minutes all season. Marco Silva has eased the 28-year-old into action from the bench since returning from a lengthy lay-off last month.

Traore is yet to break down and, ironically, could be in line to start against Wolves on Saturday. The Spain international - who bagged his first goal for the Cottagers last weekend - spent five years in the West Midlands before seeking pastures new last summer.

Reports suggested Traore, whose contract had expired, rejected a fresh deal at Wolves before penning a two-year deal with Fulham. Speaking ahead of an emotional Molineux return, the wideman warned his former teammates that he is nearing peak fitness again.

"I hadn't had an injury that long in my career," Traore said. "So it was tough and lonely. When you are out for a long time, all you want is to help the team and, first of all, come back to the pitch and have that feeling of being back with your teammates.

"It was frustrating. I was close to coming back, then I had some problems. I'm feeling good. I think I can keep growing and keep getting the rhythm of the game. It's not many minutes I've played (yet) but I feel I can keep improving. I'm going to get back to my best. Every player wants to start games, but that's the decision of the manager."



https://www.birminghamworld.uk/sport/football/wolves/i-can-adama-traore-sends-wolves-warning-ahead-of-emotional-premier-league-return-4548045

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The amount Wolves offered Adama Traore to stay at Molineux has now been revealed
Wolves attempted to keep Adama Traore before he left Molineux last year and now it has been revealed how much they offered him to say.

During his best years at Wolves, Adama Traore was one of the most exciting players to watch in the Premier League.

His incredible pace, mazy dribbles and Hulk-esque strength made him impossible to stop when he was in full throttle.

Previously lauded as "unplayable" by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, the 28-year-old could terrorise defences but often failed to deliver the most important part of any player's game and that was the end product.

Traore would often breeze past multiple defenders, get into a promising position to cross or finish a chance and fluff his lines or fail to find a teammate.

This was the most frustrating part of his game, as he would have had the whole footballing world at his feet if he could combine his absurd strength, pace and power with quality in the final third.

The only exception to this was when he reached the peak of his powers in the 2019/20 season. At the age of 23, the Spaniard produced four goals and supplied nine assists in the league – his best season to date.

Sadly, he never kicked on from there and he joined Premier League side Fulham on a free transfer last summer, despite Wolves' best attempts to keep him.

Wolves offered Adama Traore £100k-a-week
Last season, Traore was still on the five-year contract that he initially signed when Wolves were promoted to the top flight in 2018.

He earned £40,000 a week and while that is an unfathomable amount of money, some of his teammates were earning three times as much.

According to the Athletic, Wolves offered the powerful winger a £100k-per-week contract, an amount that was reportedly offered to him some years earlier when he was at the height of his greatness.

Unfortunately, when a book-balancing fire sale ensued at Molineux last summer, Traore was one of the players to leave and many are left wondering what could have been if he had the chance to properly work with Gary O'Neil.

Gary O'Neil could have got the best out of Traore
O'Neil has significantly improved the fortunes of so many players at Molineux, the biggest being Matheus Cunha and Rayan Ait-Nouri, who were a shadow of their current selves under previous managers.

If the Wolves boss had the opportunity to work with Traore properly, perhaps a similar success story would have unfolded.

After all, he has proven he can get the best out of his squad of players and whilst it wouldn't have been a given with the Spaniard, he could have certainly improved under O'Neil.

Despite scoring his first goal for Fulham last time out, he has only made eight appearances in the top flight this term as a hamstring injury kept him out for most of the season.

Traore, who is in line to face his former club for the first time since leaving tomorrow afternoon, maybe would have been better off staying at Molineux.



https://www.molineux.news/news/the-amount-wolves-offered-adama-traore-to-stay-at-molineux-has-now-been-revealed/

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Wolves Matchday Preview
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Fulham | Saturday 9th March | 3pm | Molineux | #WOLFUL

The opposition

    Gary O'Neil's first season in charge at Wolves is going very well indeed, with the club sitting in the top half going into the weekend. A win for Fulham, though, would see us replace them in 10th spot.
    There have been a number of impressive results for Wanderers under O'Neil, notably taking six points off both Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea, as well as defeating Manchester City back in September.
    Wolves also have an FA Cup Quarter-Final to look forward to next week. They host Coventry City at Molineux, having knocked Brentford, West Brom and Brighton out of the competition so far.

Wolves team news

Hwang Hee-Chan and Matheus Cunha have plundered 19 Premier League goals between them this season – including one each at Craven Cottage in the reverse fixture – but both will miss the weekend's clash with hamstring injuries. João Gomes was absent for the defeat at Newcastle United last time out, a game in which Jose Sa and Pedro Neto both had to be withdrawn at half-time, but O'Neil has confirmed that all three will be fit for the weekend. Centre-back Craig Dawson is managing a groin complaint and will need a late fitness test.

Fulham team news

Raúl Jiménez has returned to training but Saturday will likely come too soon for the striker, though João Palhinha will travel having served his two-game suspension.

Tickets

Fans can continue to buy tickets over the phone (0203 871 0810) or in person up until 3pm on Friday. There will be no sales on the day.

Weather

There is a small chance of drizzle come kick-off, with temperatures around 11 degrees.

Player insight

Adama Traoré is looking forward to seeing some old friends on his return to Molineux, but insists it will be business as usual during the 90 minutes on the pitch.

"It's a special place for me, having many years there," he told FFCtv. "Many memories, many people who I still know there, but in my mindset, it's a competition.

"After the game, before the game, we can share and talk, but in the game I'm playing for one team and they're playing for another team."

Coverage

FFCtv subscribers can listen to live commentary from Gentleman Jim and Jamie Reid.

Form

Wolves: LWWWL

Fulham: DWLWW

Top scorers

Wolves: Hwang Hee-Chan (10)

Fulham: Bobby De Cordova-Reid, Raúl Jiménez, Rodrigo Muniz (5)



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/march/08/wolves-matchday-preview/

[WhiteJC]

Wolves vs Fulham: Preview and Prediction

Wolves will welcome Fulham to the Molineux on Saturday, looking to bounce back from the defeat against Newcastle United.
Wolves are tenth in the Premier League table, and they will look to secure their place in the top half when they host Fulham at the Molineux on Saturday afternoon.

Meanwhile, Fulham are 12th in the standings, and they are in impressive form right now. The Cottagers have picked up three wins and two draws from their last six league matches, and they will look to get into the top half with a positive result here.

The two teams are quite evenly matched, and this should be an exciting contest between them. Both sides will likely fancy their chances of winning here. The last time these two sides met in November, Fulham picked up a narrow win, and the West London club will be hoping for more of the same.

Team News & Tactics
Wolves
Wolves will be without Hwang Hee-chan because of a thigh injury, and he is set to be sidelined for six weeks. Matheus Cunha is sidelined with a similar issue, and the Brazilian international will likely return later this month.

Wolves are likely to shape up in a 3-4-2-1 formation, with Dan Bentley in goal. In the back three, Max Kilman will start alongside Craig Dawson and Toti Gomes. Nelson Semedo and Rayan Ait-Nouri will be deployed as the wing-backs, and they will look to help out at both ends of the pitch.

Mario Lemina should start alongside Boubacar Traore in the central midfield pairing. The two players will look to add defensive cover and physicality to the side. Pedro Neto and Pablo Sarabia will start as the wide players, and they will look to add creativity and flair in the final third. Finally, Jean-Ricner Bellegarde will lead the line for Wolves against Fulham.

Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1): Bentley; Kilman, Dawson, Toti; Semedo, Lemina, Traore, Ait-Nouri; Neto, Sarabia; Bellegarde

Fulham
The visitors will be without Raul Jimenez because of a thigh injury, and he will be out for a month. Fulham are likely to shape up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Bernd Leno taking his place in goal.

Timothy Castagne and Antonee Robinson will start as the full-backs. They will look to help out at the back and provide support during counter-attacking opportunities. Tosin Adarabioyo will start in the central defensive unit alongside Calvin Bassey.

In the midfield pivot, Joao Palhinha will look to add defensive cover to the side and break up opposition attacks. Sasa Lukic will likely start alongside the Portuguese international, and he will look to add drive and physicality.

Andreas Pereira will start as the central attacking midfielder, and he will look to create goalscoring opportunities for his teammates. Harry Wilson and Alex Iwobi should start in the wide areas. The two players will look to take on defenders and open up the Wolves defence with their trickery and pace. Finally, Rodrigo Muniz will lead the line for Fulham against Wolves.

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Leno; Castagne, Adarabioyo, Bassey, Robinson; Palhinha, Lukic; Wilson, Pereira, Iwobi; Rodrigo

Key Stats

    Wolves are undefeated in their last 14 home matches against Fulham in all competitions.
    Wolves have kept a clean sheet in their last four home matches against Fulham in all competitions.
    Fulham are undefeated in five of their last six league matches.
    Ten goals have been scored in the last six meetings between these two sides.
    Wolves have lost three of their last six league matches.

Player to Watch
Pedro Neto
The 23-year-old Portuguese winger has done quite well in the Premier League this season, amassing two goals and nine assists in 17 starts thus far. He will look to create goalscoring opportunities for his teammates with his creativity, flair and pace from the wide areas.

Meanwhile, Neto's progress has piqued the interest of several top Premier League clubs. Wolves will look to him in order to break down the Fulham resilience at the back and that is why he is our key player to watch out for.

Prediction
Wolves 2-2 Fulham
Both teams are quite evenly matched, and this will be a cracking contest. Although Fulham are in better form right now, Wolves have an impressive record against them at home. It will not be a surprise if the two teams cancel each other out and share the spoils. A draw between Wolves and Fulham seems quite likely this weekend.



https://thehardtackle.com/round-up/2024/03/08/wolves-vs-fulham-preview-and-prediction/

[WhiteJC]

Marco Silva confirms Raul Jimenez set for Fulham return in time to face Tottenham before international break
The forward has been ruled out of this weekend's trip to former club Wolves

Raul Jimenez is back in Fulham training and set to return to action when they host Tottenham at Craven Cottage next weekend.

The Mexican, 32, joined the club in the summer on a £5.5million move from Wolves, who Fulham visit on Saturday.

Jimenez has scored five Premier League goals in his first season for Fulham but has missed the last five games due to a hamstring injury, and will again miss out at Molineux.

But manager Marco Silva said on Friday: "Raul has been involved in the training sessions.

"It's probably too early for him to be involved. Next week he's going to be available and fully fit to help the team."

Fulham head to Molineux in strong form, having beaten Manchester United and Brighton in their last two league fixtures. Particularly notable has been the form of striker Rodrigo Muniz, who has registered five goals and one assist in their last five games.

Silva said of the in-form 22-year-old Brazilian: "The potential that I see in him is the same as when I decided to sign him and brought him from Brazil.

"At that age, at 20, at Flamengo, he had the same potential right now. Now it's two and a half years, and it's a normal process. He's a young striker that needs time, needs confidence and goals.

"The first season was really positive, for someone aged 20, without speaking English. It was a good season for him considering we had a striker who scored 40 goals [Aleksandar Mitrovic]. Last year was not the best for him.

"We decided to send him on loan to play more games. [He didn't end up going], but he grew in a different way. It showed him that life is not that easy and you have to be on the top level when the chance comes and be ready."

Silva added: "This season, he finally got the chance and is showing his quality. Apart from the potential he has, he's a very good boy, trying to learn. He's stepped up and now we have to keep supporting him the same way as before.

"I don't want to take credit for the players. We are there to do our job. He was a player that, when I joined the football club, we saw in Brazil. No one knew him. He was really young. We saw some games and noticed there was something there that we could work with to develop him. I am pleased with him if he's doing well."



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/marco-silva-raul-jimenez-fulham-injury-news-tottenham-b1144123.html

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Silva expects Jimenez to return for Spurs game
Raul Jimenez looks likely to return to the Fulham squad for the London derby against Tottenham next weekend.

The striker has resumed training following a hamstring injury but is not expected to be involved in Saturday's match against his former club Wolves.

Whites boss Marco Silva explained: "Raul has been involved in training. It's probably too early for him to be involved. Next week he will be back involved fully fit."

Both teams will be looking to maintain their excellent recent form in the game at Molineux.

Fulham have enjoyed back-to-back wins, while Wolves are 10th in the Premier League table and pushing for a European place.

"They have been strong. It's going to be a very good challenge for us and after back-to-back wins. We want more," said Silva.

"We are getting more consistent. That's really important and really difficult at the level we're playing.

"The last few weeks have been very good in terms of results and performances."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/silva-expects-jimenez-to-return-for-spurs-game

[WhiteJC]

Arsenal to replace outgoing star with £51m Brazilian attacker; Newcastle and Fulham pose threat
Arsenal are reportedly tracking 18-year-old Atletico Mineiro attacking midfielder Alisson Santana ahead of a possible summer move.

The teenager is considered to be one of the most exciting young talents in South America and is on the radar of a number of top European clubs.

Arsenal's links with Alisson come amid rumours that Emile Smith Rowe could be sold this summer, with Mikel Arteta willing to offload him for the right price amid interest from Aston Villa and West Ham.

Alisson could therefore be brought in as a replacement for him. The youngster has only made 10 first-team appearances for Atletico Mineiro so far, but he has stood out a mid when playing for the club's youth teams.

Arsenal, Newcastle and Fulham are all reported to be keeping a close eye on Alisson's situation, while Bayer Leverkusen and PSV Eindhoven are also interested.

It's also claimed that two Spanish teams and one English team watched the promising star in action on Saturday as he set up a goal in a 3-0 win over Ipatinga in Belo Horizonte.

As per Scouts in Attendance on X, Arsenal's new scout Paulo Xavier lives in Belo Horizonte, which could give them the upper hand in the race.

Arsenal tipped to launch summer offer for Alisson Santana
According to reports from Brazil, Alisson is under contract with Atletico Mineiro until 2027 and has a £51m release clause included in his deal.

Atletico Mineiro will no doubt be keen to get as much money from the youngster as possible given they consider him to be their most sellable asset.

It will be interesting to see if Arsenal, or indeed Newcastle or Fulham launch bids for Alisson in the upcoming transfer window.

Mikel Arteta is keen to build a squad fit for the future but is also keen to bring in players who can immediately add quality to his squad.

A new striker and winger is thought to be the manager's priority.

In terms of centre-forwards, Arsenal are thought to be admirers of Brentford's Ivan Toney and Napoli's Victor Osimhen. Both players will be expensive, though, with price tags of £100m and £111m respectively.

As for wingers, Arsenal are keen on Wolves star Pedro Neto, but he too would be an expensive addition with a valuation of approximately £80m.

Barcelona duo Ferran Torres and Raphinha have also been linked in recent weeks.



https://www.teamtalk.com/news/arsenal-to-replace-outgoing-star-with-51m-brazilian-attacker-newcastle-and-fulham-pose-threat

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Pre-Wolves Press Conference
Marco Silva is a fan of the work Gary O'Neil has done with Wolverhampton Wanderers this season.

Appointed just five days before their first match of 2023/24, O'Neil has led Wolves into the top half of the Premier League – though a victory for Fulham on Saturday would see us replace them in 10th.

"They have been doing really well," Silva admitted. "It was a difficult pre-season for them – I think some days before the Premier League started they changed their manager.

"Of course, he tried to get everything in as quick as he could, about the ideas, about the model, the main principles of the team. And the reality is that they have been doing really well.
Marco Silva applauds the Fulham fans

"He made an impact in that football club, looks to be a great connection with the players, looking from outside, and of course achieving results always helps settle everything in football.

"They have been strong at home, and away, too. It's always difficult to play at Molineux. Great support, all that stuff, and it's going to be a very good challenge for us."

Victory in the West Midlands on Saturday would mark three consecutive wins for Fulham for the first time this season.

And while acknowledging that will be no easy task, Silva only has one outcome in his mind as we approach the game.

"Of course, after the back-to-back wins, we want more from the next game, and we are going to go in this direction to fight for the three points, knowing that it's going to be difficult and of course recognising that they have the quality to create problems for us, too.

"Our ambition is clear. It's the way we prepare the players, knowing that they are a team that in any moment can punish you as well. Players like [Pedro] Neto, [Pablo] Sarabia and all the players that they have in the attack line.

"Of course, Hwang [Hee-Chan] is not going to start [due to injury], but they have the quality to do it. Quality players on the sides, two wing-backs supporting well their attack.

"Of course, [Mario] Lemina and João [Gomes] in the middle can be solid enough, but at the same time they can arrive from a second line in the box.

"They have this quality, we are aware of everything, but for sure they know our quality, too, and they know that it's not going to be easy for them."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/march/08/pre-wolves-press-conference/

[WhiteJC]

Dembele dropped, Stansfield starts and Jutkiewicz decision: Our Birmingham City XI for Millwall
Alex Dicken has put together his Birmingham City XI for this weekend's Championship clash with Millwall at The Den

Mark Venus will again make changes to his line-up at Millwall as Birmingham City kickstart a crucial trio of fixtures before the international break.

Millwall, Middlesbrough and Watford lie in wait for Blues, who secured a point at Hull City in midweek courtesy of Lukas Jutkiewicz's thumping header. Jutkiewicz is one of the players hoping for a start at The Den, where he scored the goal that secured Blues' Championship status last season.

"I don't believe every footballer can play every minute and their performance level would be the same," said Venus, suggesting that more changes will be made. In an ideal world, Blues wouldn't go to Millwall and field Emanuel Aiwu and Lee Buchanan at centre-back, but that is the only option if Marc Roberts isn't fit to return.

It goes without saying that Blues could do with a bit of extra aerial power against Millwall, although the Lions are not as physically imposing as they once were. Centre-backs Japhet Tanganga and Jake Cooper are the only two players who fall into that category in the Millwall XI that started at Blackburn on Tuesday.

Millwall are, however, the team which has won the most aerial contests in the Championship this season and only Cardiff and Ipswich have scored more set piece goals. Only six teams have conceded fewer set piece goals than Millwall, too.

Blues are expected to have the lion's share of the possession. In their three games under Harris, Millwall have averaged 27 percent possession. Maybe Venus will pack Blues' line-up with technicians in the hope of dominating the ball to such an extent that set pieces become a sidestory.

In the absence of Marc Roberts, the only other player who could offer Blues the same aerial power is Jutkiewicz. He hasn't started a Championship game since Tony Mowbray was appointed manager and Blues would sacrifice pressing power by playing Jutkiewicz over one of their more mobile forwards.

Jay Stansfield will almost certainly return to the XI after being rested at Hull. Alex Pritchard could start too after two impressive appearances from the bench. Siriki Dembele and Tyler Roberts are likely to drop out.

Jordan James appeared jaded in Hull and Ivan Sunjic was ineffective in midfield. Koji Miyoshi didn't feature against Hull but could come back into the XI, while Paik Seung-ho has played his way back in. George Hall starred at the MKM Stadium but a start for him this side of the international break feels unlikely after all his hamstring troubles.

With Marc Roberts...
(4-2-3-1): Ruddy; Drameh, Aiwu, M Roberts, Buchanan; Dozzell, Paik; Miyoshi, Pritchard, Bacuna; Stansfield

Without Marc Roberts...
(4-2-3-1): Ruddy; Drameh, Aiwu, Buchanan, Laird; Dozzell, Paik; Miyoshi, Pritchard, Bacuna; Stansfield



https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/birmingham-city-lineup-millwall-stansfield-28783079

[WhiteJC]

Traore: 'I'm going to get back to my best'
Adama Traore promises there's more to come after he opened his Fulham account in last weekend's win over Brighton and Hove Albion.

The Spanish international is set to feature against former club Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday after enjoying a sensational return to Marco Silva's side having finally overcome the hamstring issues that have dogged the start to his Craven Cottage career. Traore set up Alex Iwobi's winner at Old Trafford after coming off the bench at Old Trafford before rounding the scoring in the 3-0 success over the Seagulls.

He told FFCTV this afternoon:

"I hadn't had an injury that long in my career, so it was tough and lonely. When you are out for a long time, all you want is to help the team, and first of all come back to the pitch and have that feeling of being back with your team-mates. It was frustrating. I was close to coming back, then I had some problems.

"I'm feeling good. I think I can keep growing, keep getting the rhythm of the game. It's not many minutes I've played, but I feel I can keep improving. I'm going to get back to my best. Every player wants to start games, but that's the decision of the manager."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/03/traore-im-going-to-get-back-to-my-best/

[WhiteJC]

Silva wants 'more' after back-to-back wins
Marco Silva wants to build on back-to-back wins – but knows that Fulham will find it far from straight forward when they travel to Wolverhampton Wanderers tomorrow afternoon.

The Whites followed up a stunning stoppage-time success at Manchester United with a comfortable home win over Brighton and Hove Albion and the Fulham boss told his pre-match press conference this afternoon that he wants to continue the winning run at Molineux this weekend.

"Of course, after the back-to-back wins, we want more from the next game, and we are going to go in this direction to fight for the three points, knowing that it's going to be difficult and of course recognising that they have the quality to create problems for us, too.

Our ambition is clear. It's the way we prepare the players, knowing that they are a team that in any moment can punish you as well. Players like [Pedro] Neto, [Pablo] Sarabia and all the players that they have in the attack line. Hwang [Hee-Chan] is not going to start but they have the quality to do it. Quality players on the sides, two wing-backs supporting well their attack.

Lemina and João [Gomes] in the middle can be solid enough, but at the same time they can arrive from a second line in the box. They have this quality, we are aware of everything, but for sure they know our quality, too, and they know that it's not going to be easy for them."

Silva showered Wolves boss Gary O'Neill with praise after the former Bournemouth head coach's achievements this season.

"They have been doing really well. It was a difficult pre-season for them – I think some days before the Premier League started they changed their manager. Of course, he tried to get everything in as quick as he could, about the ideas, about the model, the main principles of the team. And the reality is that they have been doing really well.

He made an impact in that football club, looks to be a great connection with the players, looking from outside, and of course achieving results always helps settle everything in football. They have been strong at home, and away, too. It's always difficult to play at Molineux. Great support, all that stuff, and it's going to be a very good challenge for us."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/03/silva-wants-more-after-back-to-back-wins/

[WhiteJC]

Marco Silva sets Fulham three-match target as he hails Rodrigo Muniz's potential
Fulham travel to Wolves on Saturday looking to make it three Premier League wins in a row for the first time since their return to the top flight

Marco Silva believes three consecutive wins would be a step forward for Fulham ahead of their Premier League clash with Wolves on Saturday.

Fulham have picked up back-to-back victories in the league for the first time since December with a 2-1 triumph at Manchester United, followed by a 3-0 win over Brighton.

Silva is keen to continue that run at Molineux. "We're getting more consistent, which is really important and something which is really difficult at this level," he said in a press conference.

"Two wins in a row, and the way we did it, gave us confidence and the mood has been growing and getting better every week. And when you go into this direction you always want more.

"The third in a row is something we have not done so far, so it is clear the challenge for the next one. It would be another step forward, it is our ambition. We also want to improve our away form by being more solid and consistent."

Rodrigo Muniz's strike last week extended his scoring form to five goals in his last five games. Silva praised the 22-year-old Brazilian forward for his ability in front of goal.

"He's showing the same potential I saw when I signed him from Brazil," Silva said. "It is a process for a young striker who needs time and confidence. He has got the chance and now he's showing his quality and I'm really pleased for him. He's a very good boy, he's working hard, he's trying to learn everything and now he's stepped up."

"We have to keep supporting him and developing him more because the potential is there."



https://www.football.london/premier-league/marco-silva-sets-fulham-three-28784003