Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 02/04/24...

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'I can't lie' - Jay Stansfield opens up on chaotic loan and why he didn't leave Birmingham City
Latest Birmingham City news from BirminghamLive includes Jay Stansfield on his Blues loan spell and why he stuck around in January

Jay Stansfield insists he never came close to leaving Birmingham City during the January transfer window.

Fulham had the option to recall Stansfield and loan him elsewhere at the beginning of January and Premier League chasing Ipswich Town expressed an interest in the 21-year-old forward. But Stansfield - who scored the 11th goal of an impressive loan campaign to down Preston North End on Monday - never had any intention of cutting his St Andrew's stint short.

"At the start of the season I signed for a season on loan and that was my only aim," Stansfield said.

Stansfield's decision was no doubt made easier by the appointment of Tony Mowbray in place of Wayne Rooney at the beginning of January. Mowbray was already a fan of Stansfield having tried to lure him to former club Sunderland during the summer.

"Tony is a great manager and we have missed him massively," added Stansfield. "Birmingham is such a big club and you can see all the players that have come through Birmingham in the past, the players that were in Birmingham last season that are playing in the Premier League now."

The season hasn't been as seamless as Stansfield imagined it would be when he scored a dramatic 95th minute winner on his debut against Plymouth Argyle in August. There have been bumps in the road, and no fewer than three permanent managers and three interims, in what will be a unique learning experience for the England under-21 starlet.

He admitted: "It's been a bit of a challenge, I can't lie, but you learn so much from all the different managers. I have taken a lot from every manager that has been here and I think it's turned me into a better player than I was when I joined."



https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/jay-stansfield-birmingham-city-loan-28921810

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Nottingham Forest predicted team vs Fulham... Nuno makes five changes, 21-year-old gets first start
Nottingham Forest are back in Premier League action tonight when Fulham visit the City Ground – and here is our predicted team for the important clash.

The Reds face Crystal Palace at the weekend and fought back to earn a share of the spoils. Chris Wood earned praise from Eagles boss Oliver Glasner after his equaliser in the second half.

Forest need to start winning games of football. Ultimately, draws are no good in their current predicament and another home game tonight provides another good chance.

Ahead of the clash with the Cottagers, we've had a look at who might play for the Reds and here is our predicted Forest team for tonight.

Predicted Nottingham Forest team to play Fulham
In goal, we fully expect Matz Sels to play ahead of Matt Turner and Odysseas Vlachodimos. He was raved about by Nuno Espirito Santo for his efforts on Saturday.

Ahead of Sels, we think there could be a couple of changes. Ola Aina went off on Saturday during his return to action and the quick turnaround might not help him.

As a result, we think Harry Toffolo will get the nod tonight, with Neco Williams keeping his place on the right-hand side of the Forest back four.

Elsewhere, it's rare that Felipe plays back-to-back games these days so Andrew Omobamidele could come in for a start, with Willy Boly to be assessed.

Murillo will naturally keep his place in the team and start on the left-hand side of the back four.

There could be a really bold change in midfield with Espirito Santo starting Morgan Gibbs-White in a deeper role.

It was there where he played on Saturday as Forest made the switch when Giovanni Reyna was introduced.

Tonight, he could start the number 10 there and hand USMNT star Reyna a go in the actual number 10 role.

Alongside Gibbs-White, we think Nicolas Dominguez could earn a recall to the team after being an unused substitute on Saturday.

On the flanks, Anthony Elanga could come into the fray after being a substitute at the weekend. Callum Hudson-Odoi will keep his place on the left.

In attack, there is only one man to call upon and it's Chris Wood who took his tally to 11 for the campaign in all competitions at the weekend.

Predicted Forest team:

Who else could start for Forest
We anticipated that this predicted team could go pretty close. However, there are a couple of players who will be pushing hard to start the game.

Divock Origi has started during recent games and clearly, Espirito Santo likes what he brings to the team.

In midfield, we think Dominguez will be called upon but Ibrahim Sangare and Ryan Yates started on Saturday and both will be desperate to play.

Danilo will also push hard for a place and he won't have been happy to lose his place in the eleven in recent weeks.

Defensively, Gonzalo Montiel is now fit and was back on the bench at the weekend.

Rodrigo Ribeiro will likely be on the bench once again and he will provide an option in attack should anything happen to Wood.

Nottingham Forest predicted team vs Fulham: Sels; Williams, Omobamidele, Murillo, Toffolo; Gibbs-White, Dominguez; Elanga, Reyna, Hudson-Odoi; Wood



https://www.nottinghamforest.news/2024/04/02/nottingham-forest-predicted-team-vs-fulham-nuno-makes-five-changes-21-year-old-gets-first-start/

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Surely with a full squad available we have no need to risk agrevating the minor problem with Muniz's ankle. Take the opportunity to play Broja and rest Muniz for Saturday's match.

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Paul Merson predicts who will win tonight's Premier League clash – Nottingham Forest or Fulham
Nottingham Forest were held to a draw by Crystal Palace at the weekend and now Paul Merson has been predicting whether or not the Reds will beat Fulham tonight.

The Reds are now level on points with Luton in the Premier League. Saturday's result meant that Forest climbed out of the drop zone on goal difference and it's now time to push on.

Forest have to get a winning run together and if the team could do that then safety could actually be secured quite easily this season using a bit of hindsight.

The Reds have been deducted four points for breaching financial fair play regulations. Everton could yet have more points deducted and the race for survival is firmly in the balance.

It has to be said that Forest don't have a great record against Fulham. However, tonight is a clean slate and the hope will be that three big points can be secured.

Paul Merson predicts outcome of Nottingham Forest vs Fulham
Well, this is yet another tough game for Forest to contend with. After not beating Crystal Palace at the weekend, the pressure in on the Reds a little bit tonight given that they're the home side.

Fulham recently thrashed Tottenham and they are a dangerous side on their day. However, they were disappointing on Saturday as Sheffield United drew with them.

Merson felt contrasting views as Forest drew on Saturday. He worried for them at some periods of the game but he thinks the team might be okay if they can secure a win tonight.

He told Sportskeeda: "There were times on Saturday when I thought Forest were down, but they managed to pull out a draw. They've now got a home game against Fulham, and they could potentially go three points clear of Luton.

"If they win this football match I think they'll be alright. Nottingham Forest should have won their game over the weekend, but they picked up a valuable point. The two teams could play out a draw in this fixture."

Forest have to start doing their talking on the pitch
With Forest trailing 1-0 at half-time on Saturday, boos rang around the City Ground and fans are thoroughly fed up. Now, the talking has to stop and action is required.

Forest face a daunting-looking trip to Tottenham next weekend and a win there looks unlikely. As a result, the Reds have to gear themselves up for what seems to be a must-win game tonight.

Fulham don't really have a great deal to play for now. They won't be going down this season and it's highly unlikely that they will be getting into Europe and that gives Forest an incentive.

Saturday saw the Reds look a bit void of ideas and hopefully that won't be the case tonight. Forest must come out all guns blazing and hopefully, an improved performance and three points can be secured.



https://www.nottinghamforest.news/2024/04/02/paul-merson-predicts-who-will-win-tonights-premier-league-clash-nottingham-forest-or-fulham/

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Premier League duo to rival AC Milan for Fulham defender?
Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly ready to rival AC Milan in the race to sign Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo.

Since arriving from Manchester City in 2020, the centre-back has proven to be an astute addition to the Cottagers ranks, most notably starring in a promotion campaign from the Championship.

However, the £2m signing has gone onto make a total of 128 appearances for the West Londoners in all competitions, scoring five goals and only enhancing his reputation.

From Fulham's perspective, though, that has proven to be an issue when it comes to trying to renew the 26-year-old's contract.

Adarabioyo has now reached a point where he is in the final three months of his terms and an exit from Craven Cottage is looking increasingly likely.

How could developments go?
Whether there are any quick developments regarding the situation remains to be seen. Fulham have recently put together some of their best form of the season with Adarabioyo back in the middle of the defence.

Premier League clubs are also restricted from being able to formally open negotiations with Adarabioyo should they wish to try to sign him on a free transfer.

Reports have indicated that Milan could hold the advantage, particularly on that front with foreign clubs having been able to discuss terms with the player since the start of 2024.

Nevertheless, according to Sempre Milan, via The Sun, Liverpool and Spurs are each taking an interest in the situation.

Both clubs are currently focused on trying to achieve their goals for the season, Liverpool winning a treble in Jurgen Klopp's final season in charge and Spurs attempting to finish in the top four of the Premier League table.

Liverpool, Spurs in market for new defender
That said, acquiring a highly-regarded domestic player on a free transfer, and who was schooled at Man City, may prove too tempting to turn down.

With Joel Matip expected to leave on a free transfer, Liverpool will attempt to sign a new centre-back this summer, and Adarabioyo would theoretically fit the bill.

The same applies with Spurs who are not necessarily stocked with players on the homegrown front and require further competition for Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven.

Each move may appeal to Adarabioyo, and it is plausible that other teams will enter the race if it emerges that any of the three aforementioned clubs could hold an advantage.

Adarabioyo, who has made 18 starts and three substitute outings this season, is currently focused on representing Fulham against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Tuesday night.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/liverpool/transfer-talk/news/premier-league-duo-to-rival-milan-for-fulham-defender_540348.html?newsnow

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Fulham reveals swimming pool-topped stadium alongside Thames



Football club Fulham FC has unveiled renders of its Populous-designed Riverside Stand at its Craven Cottage stadium in London that show a rooftop swimming pool.

Described as "a European football stadium first", the rooftop pool overlooking the Thames forms part of the redevelopment of the Riverside stand for the Premier League football team.


Populous is designing Fulham FC's Riverside Stand

Designed by architecture studio Populous, the stand will have a capacity of around 8,000 spectators when it completes later this year and will raise the capacity of Craven Cottage to 28,500.

Along with stadium seating, the stand will contain restaurants, bars, conference facilities, event spaces, a boutique hotel and a health club.

Renders also show a rooftop pool, which will form part of the Sky Deck on the top three floors of the stand. The images suggest that the pool will not have views of the pitch, but will instead look out to the Thames.

"Our vision for the New Riverside Stand at Craven Cottage was to create a unique experience that has not been seen before, whether in the context of football or beyond," said Populous senior principal Philip Johnson.

"It's a privilege to bring this innovative design to life, with amazing spaces set to house incredible experiences for fans and guests and a world-class terrace that will drive the atmosphere in the ground, all set in a unique location on the banks of the Thames," he added.

"This project demonstrates new ways of designing individual stands, and we are proud to be part of the club's next chapter."

Although Fulham's swimming pool is a European first, several other stadiums around the world include pools.

At Everbank Field, home of the Jacksonville Jaguars NFL team – which is also owned by Fulham FC-owner Shahid Khan – two swimming pools overlook the pitch in the north stand. While Chase Field, which is the home of Major League Baseball's Arizona Diamondbacks team, has a pitch-side pool.

In Australia, a temporary pool is often built alongside the pitch during international matches at the Brisbane Cricket Ground.

Recently plans were revealed for a baseball stadium in South Korea that will have an infinity pool overlooking the pitch.


The development will also include a riverside walkway

Craven Cottage is one of numerous stadiums that Populous has designed in the UK capital, including several for other Premier League football teams.

It designed the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for Premier League football team Tottenham Hotspur FC and the 2012 Olympic Stadium, which is now home to West Ham United FC.



https://www.dezeen.com/2024/04/02/fulham-fc-swimming-pool-stadium-riverside-stand-populous/

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Fulham in no rush to offer Muniz new deal
Marco Silva says Fulham won't be rushing to offer Rodrigo Muniz an improved contract on the back of his remarkable goalscoring form over the past six weeks.

The 22 year-old striker has scored eight goals in eight games since being reintroduced into the starting line-up at the start of February. He is the Premier League's highest scorer in 2024 and earned a below-par Fulham side a point at bottom of the table Sheffield United on Saturday with a stunning stoppage-time bicycle kick.

Reports from Brazil claim that there is growing interest in the former Flamengo forward after his sensational form, but Silva told the Evening Standard that he is not worried about keeping hold of the in-form striker.

"He signed five years in 2021 and there is an option [for another year] in the contract. Are we going to do something soon or summer or next season? We have to wait. We are calm about that situation. It's not going to be situations like contracts that will disturb his run."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/04/fulham-in-no-rush-to-offer-muniz-new-deal/

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Marco Silva drops hint about Fulham's summer transfer plans
Fulham still have eight Premier League games to go this season but there will already be considerable excitement about the summer transfer window.

Fulham came from 3-1 down to claim a 3-3 draw at Sheffield United on Saturday afternoon and have been in decent form of late.

Arsenal, Manchester United, Brighton and Hove Albion and Tottenham Hotspur have all suffered defeats to Fulham in recent months.

The quality is there and Marco Silva will have aspirations of taking Fulham further next season, the club's third since returning to the top flight in 2022.

The transfer window will be key to those hopes and Fulham appear to already have some targets in mind for the coming months...

Marco Silva on Fulham transfers
Silva has told The Athletic that the plans are already in place in terms of Fulham's transfer window.

The Fulham boss admitted that it's difficult to know some things, such as Fulham's budget, how aggressive the club want to be and whether some players stay or leave.

Silva does though believe that the 'main picture' of Fulham's transfer plans is 'already there', hinting that targets have been picked out even at this early stage.

Silva didn't name any specific positions but Fulham appear to have done plenty of homework ahead of trying to bolster the squad this summer.

"They are (in place)," he said of the club's summer plans. "But depending on what the budget is for us, and what type of approach you can have. Can you be more aggressive or not? That is not something that is decided already. But targets and what we think is going to happen is all planned and the board already knows that. That's a normal thing."

"We don't know what will happen with some players — some are out of contract that we are trying to renew. So depending on what happens there may change some things. But the main picture is already there," he added.

Which positions could Fulham bolster?
A centre back will surely be wanted given that Tosin Adarabioyo is out of contract this summer and looks set to leave despite Fulham's attempt to keep him.

Tim Ream isn't getting any younger and another centre back to challenge Ream, Calvin Bassey and Issa Diop is likely to be a priority if Adarabioyo moves on.

Left back is a tricky one; Antonee Robinson has attracted interest from Chelsea and backup Fode Ballo-Toure is only on loan from AC Milan but hasn't even started a Premier League game.

Timothy Castagne's ability to play at left back is helpful but Fulham would be wise to have a number of left back options in mind in case Robinson leaves and if Ballo-Toure is sent back to Milan.

Joao Palhinha is bound to have lofty suitors once again this summer and defensive midfield targets must be identified in case the Portugal international lands a big transfer.

Willian is out of contract this summer and could move on, leaving Fulham to potentially target another left-sided winger as a replacement.

Armando Broja's loan move from Chelsea will come to an end this summer and we can't see him sticking around for next season.

Another striker to supporter Rodrigo Muniz and Raul Jimenez will be considered but Jay Stansfield's return from Birmingham City will be a factor.

Fulham are never going to be one of the top spenders in the Premier League but Silva will be hoping for some key additions, even if he is ultimately having to wait to find out the future of some of his own players in a number of scenarios.



https://www.fulham.news/2024/04/02/marco-silva-drops-hint-about-fulhams-summer-transfer-plans/

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Billionaire NFL and Fulham owner's son was branded 'clown' by WWE legend before he quit
WWE superstar CM Punk revealed what he said to AEW president Tony Khan before quitting the wrestling company minutes before a match at Wembley


Tony Khan is the son of billionaire Shahid Khan, who owns both the Jacksonville Jaguars and Fulham (Image: All Elite Wrestling)

CM Punk revealed he called Tony Khan a "clown" when quitting AEW minutes before taking part in a match at a packed Wembley Stadium.

The wrestling icon - who returned to WWE last November after nine years - was a guest on The MMA Hour on Monday (April 1) as he discussed his controversial departure from Khan's company with the show's host Ariel Helwani.

Tony is the son of billionaire Shahid Khan, who owns NFL franchise the Jacksonville Jaguars as well as Premier League side Fulham. The American became the owner and president of All Elite Wrestling in 2019, which has since become the second biggest wrestling organisation in the world.

Punk, 45, joined AEW in 2021 after seven years away from the wrestling business and became a two-time world champion in the organisation.

However, rivalries with a number of fellow wrestlers soured his time at AEW which came to a head at the company's pay-per-view event All In at Wembley last August.

Prior to his match with Samoa Joe, Punk got into it with wrestler Jack Perry who aimed an indirect jab at him during his match as he admitted the situation became physical between the pair.

He told Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour: "Jack came back from his match, I was the next match, and I've got people with me. I'm not going to say who they are, because I've got a lot of friends that work there and I don't want them to be punished for being friends with me.

"I walk up and I'm like, "why do you insist on doing this dumb internet s*** on TV?" And he was like 'well if you've got a problem do something about it' and I'm like 'come on man, I'd f***ing kill you, what are we doing?'"



https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/us-sport/cm-punk-tony-khan-wwe-32492704

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Luke Harris: Exeter City loanee can add more goals to his game

Luke Harris joined Exeter City on loan in January

Exeter City's Fulham loanee Luke Harris needs to add more goals to his game says Grecians boss Gary Caldwell.

The 19-year-old Wales Under-21s player scored just his second senior goal in 2-1 win at Cheltenham Town on Monday.

The Jersey-born forward got Exeter's equaliser at Whaddon Road as City consolidated 15th place in League One.

"He's a brilliant player. I think he's developing all the time, I think he's a player that still needs games at this level," Caldwell told BBC Radio Devon.

"But his play from box-to-box has been brilliant, it's just goals that he needs to add to his game.

"He's done that recently with a goal at Shrewsbury and a goal today, but he's another young player that is developing with us and really improving every game."

The win extended Exeter's unbeaten run to five matches in League One as they continue to put to bed any relegation fears after overcoming a bad run at the end of last year.

Their only loss in the last seven games came away at promotion-chasing Peterborough United and they have taken 10 points from the last 12 available after wins over Shrewsbury Town and Burton Albion, as well as a draw with Charlton Athletic.

"I think we can still improve," added Caldwell, after his side came from a goal down to record an eighth away win of the season.

"We have to get better in those moments when we are on top where we can be more ruthless and kill games off.

"But the players were brilliant - to concede a goal and with Cheltenham shooting down the hill into their own fans it was always going to be a test.

"I thought we defended the box brilliantly at times in that period and then slowly grew back into the game and deserved to win from the whole 90 minutes."



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/68713780

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Report: Spurs are in a three-horse race for 26-year-old centre-back this summer
The Sun have revealed that Tottenham Hotspur might have to see off competition from both Liverpool and AC Milan to land Fulham centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo this summer.

The rumours linking Adarabioyo with a move to Spurs are not new but they show no signs of dissipating ahead of the summer transfer window, with the centre-back's current deal at Craven Cottage running out in June.

Last week, Football.London's Alasdair Gold named the Englishman as one of the names on Tottenham's wishlist ahead of the summer.

Spurs in a three-way battle for Adarabioyo
The Sun now say that Fulham have not given up hope of tying down Adarabioyo to a new deal and have even offered him a 'lucrative new deal'.

However, they now face serious competition from some of Europe's best clubs for the defender, with Spurs named as one of three clubs keen on the player.

Liverpool are also said to be eyeing a move for Adarabioyo as there is thought to be uncertainty about the futures of both Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip.

Finally, it is alleged that AC Milan have identified the Fulham centre-back as one of their top targets to replace Simon Kjaer, who is expected to leave San Siro this summer.

Spurs Web Opinion
I would be quite shocked if Adarabioyo agrees to join Spurs as he will know that he is not likely to be a regular starter at N17. The centre-back is going to have a lot of clubs to choose from as a free agent this summer and he will want to go somewhere he is guaranteed to play.



https://www.spurs-web.com/spurs-news/report-spurs-are-in-a-three-horse-race-for-26-year-old-centre-back-this-summer/

[WhiteJC]

Reporter claims Liverpool want in-form Fulham star this summer
Fulham are surely bracing for interest in handful of players this summer but few could have expected Rodrigo Muniz to be on the radar of top clubs.

It's difficult to remember a rise quite like Muniz's in a Fulham shirt.

The Brazilian was barely a factor in the first half of the season and struggled on loan at Middlesbrough last term.

Few would have been remotely surprised if Fulham had loaned Muniz out again in January in order to give him consistent playing time.

Marco Silva remained committed to Muniz and his development though, and that faith has now paid off.

Muniz's acrobatic strike against Sheffield United on Saturday was his eighth goal in his last eight Premier League outings.

Few strikers can match Muniz's form right now and maybe it shouldn't be a surprise that speculation over his future is now emerging...

Rodrigo Muniz rumours
Brazilian reporter Mauro Sant Anna has claimed on social media that Chelsea and Liverpool are both showing an interest in Muniz.

Sant Anna mostly reports on Muniz's former club Flamengo, so may well have some sources close to the striker even if his reliability is unclear.

We would be minded to suggest that it's a little too early for this kind of speculation.

Yes, Muniz is in blistering form right now and rumours of interest from elsewhere was always going to happen.

We think Muniz would be better off staying at Fulham and continuing his development in a settled environment.

There are still aspects of Muniz's game which need to be improved and honing his craft at Craven Cottage rather than leaving after an eight-game run could be the best step for the long-term future of his career.

No Muniz talks planned
Some may wonder if these rumours would spark Fulham into offering Muniz a new contract.

However, boss Silva has told the London Evening Standard that talks are not in the plans and that Fulham are relaxed about the situation.

Muniz is contacted until 2026 and there is a one-year option in the deal, meaning Fulham can extend his contract until 2027.

Muniz's wages are described as being 'modest' terms but Silva doesn't want to rush into talks and potentially 'disturb his run' in front of goal.

"He signed five years in 2021 and there is an option [for an additional year] in the contract," said Silva. "Are we going to do something soon or summer or next season? We have to wait. We are calm about that situation. It's not going to be situations like contracts that will disturb his run," he added," he added.

We can't see Chelsea or Liverpool coming in with big cash this summer but if Muniz ends the season in this kind of form, a new deal will surely come his way soon enough.



https://www.fulham.news/2024/04/02/reporter-claims-liverpool-want-in-form-fulham-star-this-summer/

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Marco Silva tells Portuguese media he's everyone's 'best friend' at Fulham – But there's another side too
Ahead of Fulham's clash against Nottingham Forest tonight, the Portuguese media features a fresh interview with Whites' boss Marco Silva.

The coach had a long conversation about the work he's been doing at the London side, explaining that he's taken the club to a new level.

Speaking to DAZN, Silva talked about that process and discussed how his future will be seen at Fulham in a few years.

"Yes, that last part of the question is very important to me, to feel the dynamic of the club that we have built and cemented in this club, which was not used to it. We have to understand that when we arrived, the state in which the club was and the great transformation that we made," said Silva.

"People always have to decide how they look at me, or how they will think of me in the future. I know that one thing is certain, everyone, not just my staff, but the players who are around me, all the staff in the club, one thing that they know, is that they have the best friend here, absolutely for everything, but also the person who has to demand more of them. They have the two things, I am the person who always has the door open to talk, but at the same time they also know that I am the person who will demand more of them, because that's the only way you can win in this life."

Silva also talked about a couple of players individually, as he was asked about Fulham strikers Raul Jimenez and Rodrigo Muniz. He's happy that the Mexican managed to find the end of his goalscoring drought, while the Brazilian has been in great form this season.

"Getting Raul to a high level was very good, because Raul hadn't scored for more than 12 or 13 months in the Premier League and we managed to get him to score. And then, when he got injured, Rodrigo has really come on at an impressive time. He's been scoring goals, but not just goals. The way he's been playing has been very good for us, for him too, he's been developing, and I feel there's a lot more to develop in him. It's good when you have a 22-year-old who you give a chance and he can play the way he's been playing. Above all you realise that there's still so much to improve and clearly to get him to a higher level."

Currently standing 12th in the Premier League table, Fulham can still dream of getting some positive results in the final fixtures in order to try for a place in the Conference League next season. After tonight's match against Nottingham Forest, they'll have a couple of decisive games for that objective, as they'll be facing Newcastle United and West Ham United.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/marco-silva-tells-portuguese-media-hes-everyones-best-friend-fulham-theres-another-side/

[WhiteJC]

Koji Miyoshi makes Jay Stansfield admission after Birmingham City winner
Koji Miyoshi picked up another assist, this time against Preston North End, in what is proving to be a fruitful first campaign at Birmingham City

Koji Miyoshi admits he wasn't expecting to pick up an assist with his through ball for Birmingham City teammate Jay Stansfield, as the loanee striker fired Blues to a significant victory over Preston North End at St Andrew's on Easter Monday. Miyoshi, recalled to the starting XI, played a forward pass for Stansfield to latch onto in the second half, although the Fulham striker still had plenty to do.

Skilful Miyoshi collected the ball inside his own half and after seeing Stansfield making a run, Blues were afforded some timely luck when Preston centre half Liam Lindsay slipped. It gave Stansfield with the opportunity to press forward with the ball unopposed and, although there was still plenty to do, he duly bore down on goal and picked out the corner to give Blues the lead and, ultimately, the victory.

Miyoshi admitted he wasn't anticipating the ball to hit the back of the net seconds after he'd picked his pass for Stansfield, although he puts that down in no small part to the quality that the forward possesses - that's 11 goals in a Blues shirt for the striker this term and Miyoshi hopes that the toppling of North End can stand Blues in good stead as they head across the Midlands to Leicester City this weekend.

"It was brilliant - finally, we win at home. We feel like we can start again from here, this win. We need to keep right on," Miyoshi told BCFC.com. "I didn't think it could be a goal from there from my pass, it was lucky but it was quality from Jay. If I make the right pass for him, he can make something good for us. I need to continue like this.

"Always a win will bring us a lot of confidence. We need to keep going like this and prepare for the next game because sometimes we can win but we to focus for every game."



https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/koji-miyoshi-makes-jay-stansfield-28924738

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Preview: Forest and Fulham's Crucial Clash

Forest vs Fulham: Premier League Clash to Watch
An Engaging Premier League Encounter

As Nottingham Forest and Fulham prepare to face off in the Premier League, anticipation builds for what promises to be an intriguing match-up. Under Marco Silva's guidance, Fulham has shown resilience and flair, epitomized in their recent comeback against Sheffield United. Despite challenges, they are in contention for another top-half finish, a testament to their consistent performance.

Fulham's Striking Power
Silva's Fulham possesses a formidable asset in Rodrigo Muniz, one of the league's most in-form strikers. His presence upfront adds a layer of threat, elevating Fulham's attacking prowess. Muniz's role becomes increasingly pivotal as they eye European qualification, instilling confidence within the squad.

Nottingham Forest's Battle for Survival
For Nottingham Forest, the stakes are high. Their fight against relegation imbues this fixture with added significance. The City Ground will be a cauldron of emotion and determination as Forest aims to secure vital points in their survival bid.

Where to Watch the Action
For those eager to catch every moment of this Premier League showdown, the game will be televised on TNT Sports 3. Coverage commences at 7pm BST, leading up to a 7.30pm kick-off. Additionally, TNT Sports subscribers can enjoy a live stream via the Discovery+ app, ensuring they don't miss a beat of this pulsating encounter.



https://eplindex.com/107954/preview-forest-and-fulhams-crucial-clash.html

[WhiteJC]

Jeff Stelling and Ally McCoist blown away as Fulham target hits 29th goal of the season
Fulham are likely to be in the market for an attacking signing this summer and one rumoured target is just going from strength to strength this season.

Fulham saw Aleksandar Mitrovic leave the club last summer and some were a little surprised to see Raul Jimenez come in as his replacement.

Jimenez has chipped in with goals this season though, and Fulham have seen Rodrigo Muniz become a goalscoring machine out of absolutely nowhere.

Armando Broja is only on loan from Chelsea though and it's unlikely that the Albanian will be staying for next season.

That means that Fulham will be assessing potential attacking additions ahead of the summer transfer window.

Boss Marco Silva has already admitted that Fulham's transfer plans are mostly in place but could change depending on the budget available in the end.

Fulham may even look into the Championship for reinforcements and one recent rumour is now looking very interesting...

Sammie Szmodics on fire
Reports in March suggested that Fulham have been scouting Blackburn Rovers attacker Sammie Szmodics ahead of the summer transfer window.

Szmodics can play as a striker or as a number 10 and that kind of versatility may well appeal to Fulham and Silva.

The Republic of Ireland international is on fire this season and added two more goals to his tally in the 5-1 thrashing of Sunderland on Monday.

Szmodics even added an assist too, setting up Andrew Moran to score from close range to make it 5-1.

That is now 29 goals and four assists in 42 games this season with Szmodics having the season of his life.

Fulham appear to be watching closely and Szmodics is receiving huge praise off the back of another outstanding display.

Ally McCoist on Fulham target Szmodics
Pundit Ally McCoist has been speaking about Szmodics on TalkSPORT with both he and Jeff Stelling blown away by his numbers this season.

McCoist admitted that he is 'loving' Szmodics this season and felt that he actually should have scored a hat-trick having scuffed the ball towards Moran for the fifth goal.

The Scot was blown away by Szmodics and his ability to break into the box, praising the timing of his runs into the penalty area.

"Sammie Szmodics, let's have a chat about him. I'm loving him! You just mentioned his goal tally and if I was going to be slightly critical of him this morning, he probably should have been walking away with the match ball," said McCoist.

"His first two goals were terrific, just timing, late arrival in the box, great finishes, and I thought the one where he came in at the back post for the fifth goal, he probably should have connected better. But what a return, what a return!"

Host Stelling was similarly impressed, branding Szmodics as 'incredible, absolutely incredible'.

Fulham are unlikely to be the only Premier League team in the mix for Szmodics this summer but Silva and co may well be hoping to win the race to bring the 28-year-old to West London.



https://www.fulham.news/2024/04/02/jeff-stelling-and-ally-mccoist-blown-away-as-fulham-target-hits-29th-goal-of-the-season/

[WhiteJC]

"Everything is open" – Fulham player drops transfer hints, insists his best is yet to come
It seems there's a real chance Kevin Mbabu will end up staying at Augsburg following his loan from Fulham.

German newspaper Schwabmünchner Allgemeine today shares a long story about the fullback, praising his latest performances for the Bundesliga side and wondering about his future.

It's recalled that when Augsburg signed him from Fulham, the Whites even committed to paying part of his wages, but did not include a buying option in the deal.

Now as the German club's sporting director Marijo Jurenddic talks about the situation, he leaves that possibility open.

"We have no access to Kevin as far as the option is concerned. He has a contract with Fulham. That's a fact.

"Kevin had the big goal of returning to the national team. This goal happened via FC Augsburg. He is extremely valuable to us this season. We are happy to have him. We'll see what the future holds."

Mbabu insisted it's Fulham who'll have the final decision on what happens to him.

"Everything is open, I feel good here, but it's not just about me, Fulham also have an important say. I have one year left on my contract plus a one-year option. There are no talks at the moment, I'm focussing on my job at FCA.

"I try everything to help the team. I've always said that the best Kevin is yet to come. I showed today that I am one of the best full-backs in this league."

Mbabu gets much praise from Schwabmünchner Allgemeine, with the outlet claiming he's been doing very well in this second part of the season.

The fullback, who now has 21 appearances for Augsburg, is currently valued by Transfermarkt at €3.5m. We shall soon see how much Fulham will demand for his permanent departure, in case they do accept to negotiate the sale.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-player-hints-therell-negotiations-leave-club-insists-best-yet-come/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham announce £26m loss
Fulham Football Leisure Limited have this afternoon announced a £26m loss in the last financial year after filing their accounts at Companies House.

Fulham's turnover stood at £182.3m as of June 2023, up more than £11m on the previous set of accounts, whilst the lost was down on the £57.6m from June 2022.

A statement on the club's official website attributed both the increase in revenue and drop in losses to Marco Silva's side finishing tenth in the top flight last season.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/04/fulham-announce-26m-loss/

[WhiteJC]

Nottingham Forest on 'quality' street but Fulham boss makes better claim after 5-0 thrashing
Latest Nottingham Forest news from NottinghamdshireLive as Marco Silva previews City Ground clash and references heavy Reds defeat at Craven Cottage

 Marco Silva believes Fulham are even better now than when they thrashed Nottingham Forest 5-0 in December. The defeat prompted then Forest boss Steve Cooper to admit he was "embarrassed" – and soon after he was sacked and replaced by Nuno Espirito Santo.

As for Fulham, they proved the victory was no flash in the pan by thumping West Ham by an identical scoreline a few days later.

Out of the Premier League drop zone on goal difference, Forest's bid to give themselves some breathing space from the bottom three will be tested on Tuesday by the visit of Fulham, whose head coach Silva delivered an ominous warning ahead of the game.

He said: "As a team, I have to say that we are stronger right now, we are in a better moment than December when we played against them.

"That was a really strong week for us, with two back-to-back 5-0s at home. They were two impressive performances and results for us.

"They are in a position that they don't want to be, and it's a team that is going to fight really hard to get out of that position. We know that but, at the same time, we want to fight for the points because we want to keep climbing the table and go for the higher positions in the table if we can."

Fulham are all but assured of their top-flight status after collecting three wins in four matches before a 3-3 draw at Sheffield United, where the west Londoners hit back from two goals down to ensure a share of the spoils.

And while Forest have won just once in the Premier League in their last 10 matches, Silva believes they are better than that faltering run suggests.

He explained: "When you can play in your attacking line with (Chris) Wood, with (Anthony) Elanga, (Callum) Hudson-Odoi, (Morgan) Gibbs-White, (Divock) Origi, you see the quality, the individual quality they have.

"Of course, we are aware of it, it's a game that is going to demand ourselves to be at our best level to be able to win the game."



https://www.nottinghampost.com/sport/football/football-news/nottingham-forest-quality-street-fulham-9201475

[WhiteJC]

Good Tottenham and Fulham news as Newcastle United hit with hammer blows
Newcastle United face Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur in the next couple of weeks but continue to struggle with injury worries.

Newcastle United continue to be plagued by injuries ahead of their meetings with Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur this month. The Magpies will be without a number of key players due to long-term problems, which were exacerbated as they faced West Ham last weekend.

Eddie Howe's side play Everton at St James' Park tonight before travelling to Craven Cottage on Saturday. After that, the Tyneside club welcome Spurs to the North East on Saturday, April 13.

Newcastle United will be without club captain Jamaal Lascelles for those fixtures after the centre-back was substituted in the first half against West Ham due to injury. Lascelles isn't the first name on Eddie Howe's teamsheet, but it comes as a significant blow after Sven Botman was ruled out for six to nine months with an ACL injury late last month.

The Magpies since confirmed that Lascelles had suffered a 'rupture to the ACL in his right knee' during the match and would need surgery that would also rule him out for up to nine months. Fabian Schar and 32-year-old Paul Dummett, who hasn't started a Premier League game since January 2022, are the club's only fit centre-backs.

The news will come as a boost for London sides Fulham and Spurs ahead of their meetings with Newcastle United, who will be depleted defensively and face a battle to stop the likes of Rodrigo Muniz and Son Heung-min from finding the back of the net.

Those injuries add to a treatment list that includes Matt Targett, Kieran Trippier, Joelinton, Callum Wilson and Nick Pope.

Speaking after beating West Ham 4-3 in a top flight thriller, Eddie Howe said: "I always think there's no such thing as bad luck, I think you create your own luck. We play a really high-intensity style and a real physical game. Naturally, if we didn't play that style and played a different way, the physical cost on our players would be less.

"But when you look at some of the injuries we've had this year, and we've analysed and reanalysed them, then for a lot of them, you can't put them into any category other than bad luck, even though I don't really believe in it.

"I could go through injuries, and it's been a really strange one. Even [against West Ham], that's been the case with some of the injuries we've got. I know some of the players have been away on international duty, and that puts an extra load on them, and I think you could see with West Ham, some of their players were going down as well. The speed of the game is definitely getting quicker, week on week."



https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/spurs/good-tottenham-and-fulham-news-as-newcastle-united-hit-with-hammer-blows-4576901