Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 19/03/24...

[WhiteJC]

Away Day Guide – Sheffield United
Sheffield United don't *seem* like the most difficult of opponents currently, but we all know what happens when we think that usually. Still, here's to an excellent away day, courtesy of our away day guide.

GETTING TO BRAMALL LANE
BY CAR
Exit M1 at Junction 33 and follow the A630 into Sheffield City Centre. At the inner ring road, follow signs for A621 Bakewell. Bramall Lane is located on the A621, almost a quarter of a mile away on the other side of Sheffield City Centre.

The closest car parking is the Ant Marketing Building on Bramall Lane, heading away from the ground, which charges £5 per vehicle. Supporters should be advised that they will need to arrive early as this car park frequently fills up around a hour and half before kick off.

The best option could be to park at Meadowhall Railway Station and take the tram into the city centre, from where you can walk to the ground. Parking at the station is free, you can take the yellow tram (£4 return journey) and complete the journey on foot.

BY TRAIN
Sheffield station is about a mile from Bramall Lane. It should take fifteen minutes to walk there. If you opt to walk, walk up the slope and cross at the traffic lights before turning left. Continue along Shoreham Street past BBC Radio Sheffield and the University Engineering Centre on the right. Cross over at the traffic light junction, head right along St. Mary's Road, walking past the Church and turn left into Bramall Lane. You will find the visiting turnstiles on your left after about 200 yards.

AWAY PUBS
Fulham fans will do well to reach Sheffield in time to enjoy more than a swift pint in any of these venues, but they should be able to toast a terrific season in any of these establishments after the game. Please be advised that all pubs in the immediate vicinity of Bramall Lane are strictly home fans' only.

The Sheaf Island (Ward's Brewery, Ecclesall Road, Sheffield S11 8HW), a Wetherspoon's outlet, regularly welcomes home and away fans without a hint of trouble. It will be open from 8am on Sunday.

The Beer Engine (17 Cemetery Road, Highfield, Sheffield S11 8FJ) is a popular real ale option after the game as it will be open at 2pm.

The Globe, near Sheffield station (54 Howard Street, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield S1 2LX) will also be a good destination after the game as it opens at 11.45am on Sunday.

The Howard (Howard Street, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield S1 2LW) would be a post-match possible as it opens at 12pm and has welcomed Fulham fans in the past.

The Sheffield Tap – inside the station – may be a useful pre-return journey drinking point as it will open at 12 noon (1b Sheaf Street, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield S1 2BP).

Of course alcohol will be available inside Bramall Lane, including Heineken (£4), Bulmers Cider (£4) or John Smith's (£4).



https://www.fulhamsupporterstrust.com/news/2024/03/away-day-guide-sheffield-united/

[WhiteJC]

Notes from March meeting with FFC
A message from your FST board

The notes from our regular meeting with the Club last Wednesday follow this message.

Thank you to the large number of members who responded to our recent survey about ticket prices. We presented the headline results of that survey to the Club at our meeting, and members will see from the notes that the Club and the Trust and its members are very far apart in their views.

The Trust board will now carefully consider what our next steps should be, including with the still-to-be-formed Fan Advisory Board (FAB), which the Club are finally setting up. The Trust will have a seat on the FAB, but the majority of FAB Members are being selected by the Club itself, unlike the majority of other clubs who have used a more independent selection process. Trust members can however rest assured that we will continue to promote their views. We will try to get the Club to listen more to the real concerns you are firmly expressing not only on ticket prices and processes, but also on infrastructure and safety and all things that make up the experience of watching a match at the Cottage.

Notwithstanding our strong disagreements with the Club, as we make clear in the notes, the Trust board also wants to underline that we continue to condemn, and will not condone, personal attacks in any form including banners and media posts.

We were told at the Club meeting that the FAB might well run its own survey of the fan base. We will want to shape and promote such a survey to cover a wide range of views working alongside the rest of the FAB and other fan groups. So supporters are not inundated with too many surveys, we will however hold off sending out our own recent survey to non-Trust members.

Also many clubs have now announced their season ticket prices for 24/25, and we may wish to run a specific survey on whatever the Club come up with – they know our views!

One clear message from our members is that we should all continue to get behind the team with our difficult run-in to the end of the season. That is something we can all agree on.


On Wednesday 13 March at 13.30, the Fulham Supporters' Trust (FST) met with Fulham FC via video conference.

The Club was represented by:

    Alistair Mackintosh (Chief Executive Officer, AM)
    David Daly (Non-Executive Director, DD)
    Matt Lowery (Chief Marketing Officer, ML)
    Carmelo Mifsud (Communications Director, CM)

The FST was represented by:

    Simon Duke (Chair, SD)
    Jerry Cope (Treasurer & Membership Secretary, JC)
    Sarah Keig (Board Member, SK)
    Jakub Krupa (Board Member, JK)

Background

At the Trust's request this meeting focussed, with a senior Club audience, on the results of the recent survey of Trust members. Other issues received from Trust members are being taken up directly with the relevant Club officers.

You can access notes of all previous meetings on our web site, including the most recent information on key topics not covered at this meeting.

SD opened the meeting by explaining that the recent survey of Trust members was undertaken to gauge member feeling on the back of what have been a number of challenging situations this season, mainly season ticket prices, matchday ticket prices, ground facilities/safety and the plans for the Fan Advisory Board (FAB). The Trust remain passionate about our Club but are very uncomfortable with the current relationship between us. The Trust's desire is to work with the Club to find solutions to the current challenges to enable a return to positive and constructive dialogue which we believe requires action on both sides.

The survey results

Prior to the meeting it had been agreed that JK, as the Trust spokesperson for today, would run through the results of the survey first, then SK and JC would discuss and ask questions. JK emphasised the following points:

Two thirds of active Trust members responded to the survey, 98% of whom held or had previously held a season ticket or Club membership; only Trust members are included in the results;

65% said that the increase in ticket prices had negatively affected their view of the Club, but 59% said that their attitude towards the Club remains positive;

Only 6% felt Fulham had adequately responded to concerns about ticket prices;

92% said that protests, if any, about prices should not disrupt the team, with limited support (22%) for disrupting games and less than half (44%) supporting mass walkouts. 65% supported boycotting Club merchandise; even more supported continuing media campaigns;

The three key areas of concern to Trust members remained ticketing, engagement with fans and infrastructure/safety investment.

The Club response and further discussion

AM replied that he thought the survey seriously flawed, asked too many leading and biased questions, and was primed with the word 'protest', when advertised. He agreed, in response to SD, that the relationship between the Trust and the Club had deteriorated markedly, but the Trust consistently undervalued the enormous financial support that the current owners had given the Club. Support and season ticket sales were at a record high for recent times and the Club was now selling out for nearly all games. He stressed that the owners had invested hugely in the new Fulham Pier and Riverside development in an effort to make the Club sustainable financially.

SD commented that the commitment of the owners is not in question and the Trust, and the fans, remain very appreciative of their financial support. The strong feeling is however that the current approach to pricing is misplaced.

AM continued that going forward he saw the new Fan Advisory Board as a potentially more productive way to engage with a wide range of fans, although meetings with the Trust would also continue albeit with appropriately reduced frequency. He said that the FAB might well do its own survey. The first meeting of the FAB is expected to take place before the end of April.

SK stressed that, notwithstanding the significant current differences between the Trust and the Club, both personal and general abuse was totally unacceptable, and she was happy to record the help that the Club gave to those abused, not least on Twitter (X). But, she added, the strongly held views of long-term fans needed to be acknowledged by the Club – the Trust was not expecting the Club to agree with everything the Trust suggested, but it did expect much clearer communication about why many of its ideas were not followed through.

AM thanked SK for her constructive feedback.

SD added that on individual operational matters, the Trust received excellent help from the ticket office, the supporter relations manager, the safety officer and many others, the issue was with unexplained Club policies.

JC emphasised that the Trust board and its members did not feel listened to, and that many members wanted the Trust to be much more forthright with the Club about some of its policies.

AM disagreed – the Club did listen, but the Trust did not seem to understand that the Club had to be made sustainable.

In response SD said sustainability was a shared objective and the Trust invariably appreciated, as already said, the significant financial support that the Club had received from the owners.

It was agreed in conclusion that both the Club and the Trust had expressed their views strongly at the meeting, but there was clearly a large difference of views around the table.

The meeting closed at 14:30.



https://www.fulhamsupporterstrust.com/news/2024/03/notes-from-march-meeting-with-ffc-5/

[WhiteJC]

Chelsea 'serious' £35m summer target levels impressive record
The Fulham player was the star of the show as his Cottagers side stunned Tottenham Hotspur on the banks of the Thames.

Chelsea summer transfer target Antonee Robinson made headlines with a 'phenomenal' performance for Fulham at the weekend and equalled an impressive record in the process. The Cottagers stunned Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 in an impressive outing on Saturday evening.

The full-back was the star of the show - earning a 10/10 rating from LondonWorld for his performance - and was hailed by football fans online. The former Everton man was also named Player of the Week by The Guardian.

The outlet reported: "Robinson's prodigious speed and touch have always overshadowed the fact that he is a smart player, with an elite feel for the game. But speed amplifies other skills. The energy from Robinson's fast breaks ripples throughout the rest of the pitch – opening up space for his teammates and collapsing an opposition's carefully crafted defensive set-up."

The high praise comes just weeks after GiveMeSport reported that Robinson had become a 'serious' summer transfer target for Chelsea come the end of the season. The report suggested that the Blues have been scouting the USA international for a year and would be willing to splash £35 million on the 26-year-old.

Recruiting in the left-back position is said to be a Chelsea priority with injuries blighting the influence of England international Ben Chilwell.

With Fulham reportedly going to take some convincing to let the star go, that fee could be even higher than the £35 million targeted by Chelsea with performances like the one he showed against Tottenham Hotspur. Outings of that calibre are becoming a regularity for the star too.

Robinson picked up an assist on Saturday with a brilliant cross teeing up Rodrigo Muniz. It was the player's sixth assist of the season, which saw him equal former Fulham man Clint Dempsey's record of the most Premier League assists in one campaign by an American - and Robinson has nine more outings left this season to beat that.



https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/chelsea/chelsea-serious-ps35m-summer-target-levels-impressive-record-4559121

[WhiteJC]

Fulham set to scale back dialogue with Supporters' Trust
Fulham have suggested that they may scale back their dialogue with the Fulham Supporters' Trust, suggesting that they will favour further dialogue with the soon-to-be-established Fan Advisory Board (FAB).

The development is detailed in the notes from the Trust's latest meeting with Fulham Football Club, where chief executive Alistair Mackintosh queried the methodology of what he felt was a 'flawed' Trust survey that revealed only 6 per cent of fans felt Fulham had adequately responded to concerns about ticket prices. Mackintosh also suggested that the Trust had not fully appreciated the scale of investment made by chairman Shahid Khan to keep Fulham competitive.

A reduction in the frequency of meeting between club officials and representatives of the Trust, the democratically elected voice of Fulham fans, would contravene a memorandum of understanding signed by the parties in December 2017, which committed the club to a monthly meeting. The club's fan advisory board, developed following instructions from the Premier League, will be handpicked by Fulham officials following an application process advertised on Fulham's official website.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/03/fulham-set-to-scale-back-dialogue-with-supporters-trust/

[WhiteJC]

Five Fulham players in Premier League team of the week
Five Fulham players featured in the WhoScored Premier League team of the week after Marco Silva's side humbled Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.

Full backs Timothy Castagne and Antonee Robinson, who set up the first two goals in Fulham's 3-0 London derby victory, are included alongside midfielder Sasa Lukic, who scored his first goal for the club. Alex Iwobi, who was a constant menace having been moved onto the right flank for this fixture, is also named in the team whilst Rodrigo Muniz – who bagged a brilliant brace to put the Whites in the driving seat – was selected up front.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/03/five-fulham-players-in-premier-league-team-of-the-week/

[WhiteJC]

Premier League talking points: Fulham's misfiring striker finds the net
Rodrigo Muniz's double helped secure a 3-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur

London — While most of the focus over the weekend was on the FA Cup quarterfinals, Fulham's Brazilian striker Rodrigo Muniz grabbed some of the headlines with his rise from zero to hero.

Fulham were looking to offload the misfiring striker in January, but the club have changed their mind after another excellent outing against Tottenham at the weekend where he scored a brace to take his tally to seven goals in as many games.

These and other talking points from the weekend in the Premier League.

Fulham's Muniz repaying Silva's faith: Without a Premier League goal to his name, Brazilian forward Muniz's days at Fulham looked numbered in January with the club apparently open to offers for the 22-year-old.

A remarkable transformation, however, has made him become one of the top-flight's most in-form strikers with seven goals in his past seven league appearances.

His double helped Fulham to an impressive 3-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday and manager Marco Silva said Muniz, who hardly shone during a loan spell at Middlesbrough last season, was proving him right.

"It hasn't been easy for him, but he hasn't given up and when he has been presented with a chance he has taken it. There is much more to come from him too, I'm sure," he said.

Postecoglou plays down top-four obsession: Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou does not buy into the Premier League obsession of a top-four finish, insisting achieving it does not keep him awake at night.

His side had the chance to move into fourth spot on Saturday but capitulated to a 3-0 defeat at Fulham.

Presented with a post-match question from a reporter about Tottenham falling back into their old ways when a golden prize was at stake, the Australian bristled.

"I don't see fourth as the prize," he said. "I don't want to finish fourth if we haven't grown as a team and developed as a team. If nobody believes me then that's fine."



https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/sport/soccer/2024-03-18-premier-league-talking-points-fulhams-misfiring-striker-finds-the-net/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham 'to rival Luton Town, Brentford for Blackburn Rovers' Sammie Szmodics'
Fulham have reportedly joined Luton Town and Brentford in the race for Blackburn Rovers attacker Sammie Szmodics ahead of the summer transfer window.

Following the departure of Ben Brereton Diaz to La Liga giants Villarreal at the conclusion of last season, Rovers were in desperate need of attacking firepower.

Luckily for them, Szmodics has stepped up to the goalscoring plate at Ewood Park this term, netting 21 goals in just 36 Championship appearances for the Lancashire side.

The 28-year-old's best-ever campaign in terms of goals before this year arrived at third-tier Peterborough United in 2020-21, when he made the net ripple on 15 occasions in League One.

Last week, it was reported that two Premier League strugglers had registered their interest in Szmodics as the season approaches its business end.

Both top-flight newcomers Luton and Thomas Frank's Brentford are said to be keen on a summer swoop for Blackburn's leading marksman, although there are several factors that could impact a potential switch, especially to Kenilworth Road.

The Hatters' pursuit for Szmodics is dependent on their ability to retain their first-tier status, with Rob Edwards's men currently sitting inside the Premier League relegation zone.

As for Brentford, they are already planning for life after Ivan Toney, who has been linked to the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea in recent months.

However, in a new twist to an emerging transfer saga, journalist Alan Nixon is claiming that Fulham have also joined the race for Szmodics ahead of the 2024-25 term.

It is believed that Marco Silva's Cottagers sent one of their chief scouts - Brian Talbot - to cast an eye on the 28-year-old when Blackburn faced Plymouth Argyle on March 9.

The ex-Peterborough man netted his 21st of the Championship campaign against Ian Foster's Green Army, but a late Morgan Whittaker goal meant that Rovers had to settle for a share of the points.

In an unusual set of circumstances for a player leading the second tier's Golden Boot race, Szmodics is embroiled in a relegation battle at Ewood Park this season.

Since the arrival of John Eustace to replace Jon Dahl Tomasson as manager in February, Blackburn have drawn six and lost two of their eight Championship contests, leaving them just three points ahead of 22nd-placed Huddersfield Town.

Looking to secure his maiden success as coach of the Ewood Park outfit, Eustace and Blackburn will welcome top-two chasing Ipswich Town to Lancashire following the international break.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/transfer-talk/news/fulham-to-rival-luton-brentford-for-blackburns-szmodics_539239.html?newsnow

[WhiteJC]

Alasdair Gold thinks Spurs 'might even look at' 22-year-old Premier League striker
Alasdair Gold has predicted that Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz, who netted a brace against Tottenham on Saturday, could be a potential transfer target for the Lilywhites.

Even though Richarlison has been among the goals lately and Son Heung-min has impressed as a number nine, it has been widely reported over the last month or so that Spurs will prioritise signing a marquee centre-forward when the transfer window opens in June (Football Insider).

The name most often mooted as a target for Ange Postecoglou's men is Ivan Toney, with various sources suggesting that the Lilywhites are ready to step up their pursuit of the Brentford star, who will enter the final year of his contract this summer (GiveMeSport).

Meanwhile, Feyenoord's Santiago Gimenez has also been heavily linked with a move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium since last year (The Mirror).

Rodrigo Muniz could end up on Spurs' radar
Gold has confirmed that while Toney and Gimenez are on Tottenham's wishlist, he revealed that the North London club are also watching Muniz closely.

The Brazilain showed his quality against Postecoglou's men on Saturday, netting a brace in Fulham's 3-0 win, thus taking his tally to eight goals across all competitions this season.

Gold pointed out that the 22-year-old, like Toney, is represented by CAA Base, who Spurs have a good relationship with.

He wrote on Football.London: "Ivan Toney will be courted by plenty of clubs as he reaches the final year of his contract and his price tag drops.

"Various Premier League sides are looking at Feyenoord's free-scoring Mexico international Santiago Giminez, with his 21 goals in 24 Eredivisie matches this season and two goals and an assist in four Champions League matches.

"Among others, Spurs might even look at Fulham's 22-year-old Muniz, who has come out of nowhere somewhat this season after a disappointing loan at Middlesbrough to score seven goals in his past seven Premier League matches.

"The Brazilian only had 18 touches against Tottenham but made them count with his brace of goals. Muniz is represented by CAA Base, who have a strong and deep presence at Spurs, while Toney is part of the CAA Stellar stable, who also have done plenty of business with the north London club in recent years."

Spurs Web Opinion
One can understand why Spurs are looking at Muniz, given his ability to press from the front and make runs in behind, but his goal record is quite modest and the jury is out on whether he will be an upgrade on Richarlison.



https://www.spurs-web.com/spurs-news/alasdair-gold-thinks-spurs-might-even-look-at-22-year-old-premier-league-striker/

[WhiteJC]

Report: Premier League Giants Eye Fulham's Record Breaker

Liverpool, Man City Linked USMNT Star Equals Premier League Record After Superb Performance
In an electrifying display of skill and prowess, Fulham's left-back Antonee Robinson has not just caught the eye of the Premier League's titans but has also etched his name alongside USMNT legend Clint Dempsey in the annals of the league's history.

Record Equaling Feat
Robinson, in a stellar performance against Tottenham, provided his sixth assist of the season, tying him with Dempsey for the most Premier League assists by a US player in a single campaign. This achievement underlines not only his offensive capabilities but his defensive solidity, contributing significantly to Fulham's impressive clean sheet record.

Core to Fulham's Ambitions
At the heart of Fulham's tactical setup, Robinson's consistency and health have been pivotal. Missing just one game through a minor injury, his importance to Marco Silva's squad cannot be overstated. As Fulham aims for a strong season finish, Silva will be banking on Robinson's form to continue its upward trajectory.

Attention from Premier League Giants
"Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea have all been linked with moves for Robinson in recent months which is testament to the quality he's shown at Craven Cottage," notes TEAMTalk. This interest from the league's heavyweights not only highlights Robinson's elevated performances but also signals a looming battle for his signature.

A Price Tag That Speaks Volumes
With an existing contract extending to 2028, Fulham are in a strong position to negotiate. "Transfermarkt value Robinson £20m but he will certainly command a much bigger fee than that should a big club come calling for him in the summer," TEAMTalk adds. Indeed, "Fulham slapped a £35m price tag on the defender last summer, so it's likely that they'll demand in excess of that amount to sanction a sale," indicating the club's valuation of the defender's integral role.

Breaking Records and Setting Standards
As Robinson eyes Dempsey's assist record, his trajectory suggests a new benchmark for American talent in the Premier League. With the spotlight firmly on him and the interest of England's elite clubs, the summer transfer window could herald a new chapter for the defender.



https://eplindex.com/107192/report-premier-league-giants-eye-fulhams-record-breaker.html

[WhiteJC]

'We believe we can qualify for Europe,' says Lukic
Sasa Lukic says Fulham's fabulous victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday night shows that the Whites have the quality to qualify for Europe this season.

The Serbian midfielder, who opened his Fulham account with the vital second goal as Marco Silva's side eased to an impressive victory over Champions' League-chasing Spurs, told the Evening Standard that his team-mates can continue springing surprises until the end of the season.

"Yes, of course. We believe we can qualify for Europe. We have a good squad, good depth in the squad. We take it game by game and hopefully we can do better than last season. I believe we can. There is depth in the squad.

There are no easy games in the Premier League, whether we play top teams like Tottenham or Manchester United or smaller teams. It doesn't make any difference, you always have to give your best."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/03/we-believe-we-can-qualify-for-europe-says-lukic/

[WhiteJC]

Rodrigo Muniz shares exactly what he told Antonee Robinson before beating Tottenham
Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz has admitted asking left back Antonee Robinson to feed him against Tottenham Hotspur.

Fulham picked up another hugely impressive win on Saturday evening, beating Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 at Craven Cottage.

Striker Rodrigo Muniz was, once again, the star of the show as he added two more goals to his tally.

Sasa Lukic also found the net between Muniz's two goals, handing Fulham an impressive win over the Champions League hopefuls.

Rodrigo Muniz on Antonee Robinson
Muniz stole the headlines again as he made it seven goals in his last seven Premier League games.

The Brazilian has become a goalscoring sensation out of absolutely nowhere, terrorising Premier League defenders in the process.

Muniz's first against Tottenham was a cool finish, sweeping home Antonee Robinson's pinpoint cross.

A scruffy second for Muniz handed Fulham a 3-0 lead and secure all three points.

Muniz has now admitted speaking to to left back Robinson before the game as he wanted chances to score.

The striker told Fulham's official media channels that he urged Robinson to find him, believing that he only needed one ball in to score.

Muniz was proven right in the end and added that Robinson's performance was 'really good'.

"I said to him before the game 'I just need one ball' and he gave and I scored – really good," said Muniz.

If Muniz and Robinson keep playing like this, other Premier League clubs will start to pay very close attention.

Teams are always looking for left backs who can make a real impact in the final third and strikers who can finish chances.

Robinson and Muniz tick those boxes and Tottenham found that out on Saturday as they combined with devastating effect.

We would love to see more of this connection at Craven Cottage and hope that the vultures don't circle Fulham this summer.



https://www.fulham.news/2024/03/18/rodrigo-muniz-shares-exactly-what-he-told-antonee-robinson-before-beating-tottenham/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham date confirmed
West Ham United's home Premier League meeting with Fulham will now take place on Sunday 14 April.

Although the game against the Cottagers has not been selected for live broadcast in the UK, it moves back a day due to our UEFA Europa League quarter-final first leg against Bayer Leverkusen taking place the preceding Thursday.

Kick-off is set for 2pm BST and tickets for this sold out match are available on the Ticket Exchange, as Season Ticket Holders who cannot attend relist their seats for other supporters to buy. Click here to check the latest availability.

Meanwhile, our away Premier League match at Crystal Palace, currently scheduled for the following Saturday, 20 April, is set to move to Sunday 21 April due to the second leg of the Bayer Leverkusen tie taking place the preceding Thursday.

Confirmation of this fixture, along with the remaining broadcast selections for April, will follow in due course.



https://www.whufc.com/news/fulham-date-confirmed

[WhiteJC]

"An eight-figure sum" - Fulham and Brentford in transfer tussle for key Blackburn Rovers man
Blackburn should be able to command a decent fee for Sammie Szmodics if he leaves this summer amid interest from Fulham and Brentford.

    Sammie Szmodics has been outstanding for Blackburn this season, scoring 21 goals in the Championship.
    Fulham, Luton Town, and Brentford are reportedly interested in signing Szmodics due to his impressive form.
    Blackburn should demand around £10m for Szmodics, considering his age and productivity, to secure a good fee.

This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Blackburn Rovers have had a tough season so far, but it's been an outstanding individual campaign for Sammie Szmodics.

The 28-year-old enjoyed a decent first season for Rovers after his arrival from Peterborough, but he has gone up a level this time around, as he has hit 21 goals for Blackburn as they battle to stay in the Championship.

Not only has Szmodics shown a clinical edge in front of goal, but he is a constant threat with his ability on the ball and his movement.

Unsurprisingly, such form has caught the eye, and it has been claimed that Fulham are the latest club to show an interest in the forward, with Luton Town and Brentford previously thought to be monitoring Szmodics.

Around £10 million feels like the maximum Blackburn Rovers will get for Sammie Szmodics
Of course, Rovers won't want to lose their star man, but the reality is that it's difficult for any Championship side to retain someone who has put up numbers like Szmodics has.

So, with that in mind, how much should Blackburn demand for Szmodics, who is under contract for another two years? Here our writers share their thoughts...

Chris Gallagher
It has to be around the £10m mark.

Some may feel that's cheap given Szmodics' productivity this season, but the reality is that his age is going to stop clubs putting up substantial sums this summer. Plus, Blackburn's financial situation means that they aren't in a position to demand a huge fee.

Szmodics is going to be 29 a few months into next season, so he is already at his peak, so where you might be looking at £15m upwards normally, that factor will drop a few million on the price tag.

But, Blackburn should still be able to hold out for an eight-figure sum because players who score goals are hard to find, and Szmodics has the ability to play in a fluid attack, which will appeal.

Obviously, Blackburn need to stay up to get the best possible fee, as relegation to League One would weaken their negotiating power as well.

After losing Adam Wharton in January, Szmodics' departure would be a big blow for Rovers, but the chance to play in the Premier League is going to appeal, and it would cap off a remarkable story for the player, who will have worked his way up the Football League.

Ned Holmes
I can't see Blackburn Rovers getting much more than £10 million if I'm honest.

Sammie Szmodics has had a fantastic season and his goalscoring antics are all the more impressive given Blackburn Rovers' struggles this season but I'm not convinced that the 28-year-old's game would translate to Premier League level all that well.

He doesn't have the physicality needed to play as a striker in the top flight and he's not particularly effective out wide either, so we're talking about a player that has to be in quite a specific position in a fairly specific system to succeed.

There's clearly a market for him and he deserves a crack at the Premier League on the back of an outstanding season in front of goal but even with a contract that runs until 2026, and has a one-year option, I don't see any of the interested clubs really splashing out on him.

We've seen the likes of Alex Scott and Adam Wharton sold for big fees, while the feeling is Jack Clarke and Jon Rowe would be worth similar if they move on, but those are players with big potential and higher ceilings than Szmodics.

Blackburn will rightfully want to be well compensated were the attacker to move on this summer but I don't think we're talking anything above £10 million and that would likely be with incentives.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-and-brentford-transfer-tussle-blackburn-rovers-sammie-szmodics/

[WhiteJC]

West Ham trip switched to Sunday
Fulham's Premier League fixture at West Ham United next month has been switched to Sunday afternoon – after the Hammers qualified for the Europa League quarter finals.

David Moyes' side reached the last eight of the Europa League after their second leg victory over Freiburg last week. They will play Bayer Leverkusen on Thursday 11 April – and that necessitates the London derby being moved from the previous date, Saturday 13 April, to 2pm the following day.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/03/west-ham-trip-switched-to-sunday/

[WhiteJC]

Boa Morte To Leave Fulham

The Club can confirm that Luis Boa Morte will leave Fulham at the end of the season to take up a position as Head Coach of Guinea-Bissau.

Boa Morte – who already held legend status at Craven Cottage after scoring 54 times in 250 appearances during his playing days – returned to the Club as First Team Coach following the appointment of Marco Silva in the summer of 2021.

An integral part of the backroom staff that saw us win the Championship in that first season, Boa Morte was then part of the team that helped re-establish Fulham as a top flight outfit as we finished 10th in the Premier League.

Everyone at Fulham would like to thank Boa for his efforts since his return to the Club, and wishes him the best of luck in this next chapter when he departs following our season finale away to Luton Town.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/march/18/boa-morte-to-leave-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

Liverpool and Tottenham race to sign Tosin Adarabioyo – sources
Liverpool and Tottenham are keen on a potential deal for Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo this summer, sources have told Football Insider.

The defender, 26, is available on a free transfer in June – when his contract at Craven Cottage comes to an end.

Tottenham are long-term admirers of Adarabioyo and tried to sign him last summer (2023), while Liverpool are also keen to add him to their defensive ranks.

Monaco also made a move for the former Man City ace but couldn't agree a deal – and they remain interested as his contract with Fulham dwindles.

A well-placed source has told Football Insider that several Italian Serie A sides are also monitoring the centre-back's situation.

Fulham ace Adarabioyo wanted by Liverpool, Tottenham, Monaco & Italian sides
European sides have the advantage over the likes of Tottenham and Liverpool as they can sign a pre-contract agreement with Adarabioyo outside of the transfer window.

However, it is believed the former England Under-21 star is set to keep his options open until the end of his contract – when he becomes a free agent.

Adarabioyo has made 20 appearances across all competitions this season after recovering from groin surgery earlier in the 2023-24 campaign.

He joined Fulham from Man City in 2020 and has made 127 appearances for the London club – 73 of which have come in the Premier League.



https://www.footballinsider247.com/liverpool-and-tottenham-race-to-sign-tosin-adarabioyo-sources/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham confirm unexpected departure as Marco Silva suffers major blow
Fulham boss Marco Silva has been dealt a huge blow with Luis Boa Morte set to leave the club at the end of the current season.

Fulham fans have been enjoying the last few days, celebrating Saturday's superb 3-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur.

Marco Silva's side were exceptional throughout, blowing Tottenham away with a stunning performance.

Fulham claimed another scalp having also beaten Manchester United and Brighton and Hove Albion in recent weeks.

Everything has been going so well, but boss Silva has been been hit with a huge blow.

Luis Boa Morte leaving Fulham
Fulham have confirmed that assistant manager Luis Boa Morte will be leaving the club at the end of the season.

Boa Morte has decided to become the new boss of Guinea-Bissau and will take the reins over the summer.

This isn't exactly an easy job; Guinea-Bissau lost all three of their games at the Africa Cup of Nations in January.

A number of Portuguese players will be eligible for Guinea-Bissau and Boa Morte may hope to tempt some of them into switching nationality moving forward.

This is exciting for Boa Morte but Silva will have some mixed feelings.

Of course, he will be proud to see his assistant land an international job and will be backing him to excel.

There will be major disappointment as well though as the pair have been close for a long time now.

Silva and Boa Morte crossed paths at Sporting in the 2014-15 season before reuniting at Everton in 2018.

When Silva became Fulham boss in 2021, it only made sense that Boa Morte made the move.

Not only do Silva and Boa Morte work well together, but Boa Morte was already a popular figure at Craven Cottage from his time as a player.

Seven years as a player, three years as a coach, Boa Morte has been a great servant to the club for a long time now.

The 46-year-old leaves with everybody's well-wishes and the door will surely be open for his return down the line, should he wish to make another emotional comeback.



https://www.fulham.news/2024/03/18/fulham-confirm-unexpected-departure-as-marco-silva-suffers-major-blow/

[WhiteJC]

Boa Morte To Leave Fulham For Guinea-Bissau National Team Role
March 18, (THEWILL) – Fulham's first-team coach, Luis Boa Morte, will depart the English Premier League club at the end of the 2023/2024 season to take over as the manager of the Guinea-Bissau national team. The announcement came from Fulham on Monday.

The 46-year-old Portuguese has been part of Marco Silva's coaching staff since 2021, following a successful playing career that included stints at Fulham, Arsenal, Southampton, and West Ham United. During his time as a player at Craven Cottage between 2000 and 2007, Boa Morte scored 54 goals in 250 appearances for the club.

Fulham expressed their gratitude for his contributions since his return, wishing him the best in his new role with the Guinea-Bissau national team. The former forward's final game with the London club will be the EPL season finale against Luton Town.
Glo

Boa Morte's appointment as the Guinea-Bissau manager marks a significant step in his coaching career, as he takes charge of an international side aiming to make their mark on the global stage. His experience and knowledge of the game are expected to provide valuable guidance to the West African nation's players.



https://thewillnews.com/boa-morte-to-leave-fulham-for-guinea-bissau-national-team-role/

[WhiteJC]

Liverpool and Tottenham eyeing bargain deal for Premier League star with 127 appearances
The future of Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo remains up in the air as the summer transfer window draws closer, with Liverpool and Tottenham believed to be keen on a potential deal.

The 26-year-old has been at Fulham since 2020 and has made 127 appearances for the London club – 73 of which have come in the Premier League.

His time at Craven Cottage may be coming to an end though as the centre-back is out of contract at the end of the season and is currently set to become a free agent.

Tosin has been offered a new contract but according to Fabrizio Romano, the player will take his time over a decision and the transfer journalist doesn't expect one anytime soon.

There is interest in the Fulham star from England, Italy, and Germany with Liverpool and Tottenham two clubs said to be eyeing up a move for the 26-year-old.

Liverpool and Tottenham interested in Fulham's Tosin Adarabioyo
According to Football Insider, Tottenham are long-term admirers of Adarabioyo and tried to sign him last summer, while Liverpool are also keen to add him to their defensive ranks ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

The Fulham star already has plenty of Premier League experience and would make a very solid back up for the defences of both English giants.

However, European sides have the advantage over the Premier League clubs as they can sign a pre-contract agreement with Adarabioyo outside of the transfer window.

It remains to be seen what happens with the future of the player but it is clear that the 26-year-old has acquired a lot of interest and has a big decision to make over the coming months.



https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/03/18/liverpool-tottenham-tosin-adarabioyo/