Saturday Fulham Stuff - 04/05/24...

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Results

Friday 03/05
Luton	1-1	Everton

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Spanish press sing praises of Fulham's rising star – Atletico Madrid will be kicking themselves
Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz has been hailed a 'revelation' of the Premier League, with Atletico Madrid sorely regretting their decision not to sign him.

Sport cover the Fulham star today and how he has become 'one of the most lethal forwards' in the competition this season for Marco Silva's side.

They say he is an example of how you must insist and fight for what you want, no matter how many obstacle or insecurities there are along the way.

That's something he's certainly done, having risen from obscurity and a disappointing loan spell at Middlesbrough last season to be the leading man for Fulham this season.

Atletico will be kicking themselves as they had the chance to sign him from Flamengo, where he was very highly rated as a youngster, for a mere €8m.

That's something Muniz himself has confirmed, detailing earlier this year how Filipe Luis had tried to talk him into the move. It never happened and he 'escaped them' and instead landed at Fulham.

His initial period there didn't offer much hope but he's not wasted his opportunity this year, with the gap left behind by Aleksandr Mitrovic needing filling and him stepping into the breach.

Now Sport say he is 'one of the best forwards in the entire league' and very much a player Atletico are looking at wistfully, considering what might have been.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/spanish-press-sing-praises-fulhams-rising-star-atletico-madrid-may-kicking/

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Before The Whistle: Brentford v Fulham

It's time to sting the Bees.

Well, it's about time anyway. Brentford have had the better of us in the last two meetings – and we can't let them do the double over us.

So here we are. We're both safe (us mathematically, them realistically) and so have nothing really left to play for. But after Palace last weekend, we know that doesn't necessarily translate to a classic.

It looks like Tosin's done, despite Marco's protests to the contrary. The centre-back is definitely leaving this summer, and the latest reports claim he's off to Newcastle. That means Bassey will partner Issa Diop again at the back.

Willian may come back in after a few games out and then on the bench, while it's a toss-up between Harrison Reed and Sasa Lukic in the middle.

The Bees have long been the media darlings since their promotion to the top flight. But they've done nothing of note this term. It'd be so sweet to bloody their nose and at least have them twitch going into the final two games of the season. Let's hope the boys do it. You Whites. "

ℹ️ MATCH DETAILS

Kick-Off: Saturday, 3.00PM
Stadium: Brentford Community Stadium
Competition: Premier League
TV Channel (UK): None

🚦 LEAGUE FORM

Brentford: ⬜ ⬜ ⬜ ✅ ✅ ❌
Fulham: ⬜ ❌ ❌ ✅ ❌ ⬜

⚖️ MATCH PROBABILITY

Brentford: 43.6%
Draw: 28.2%
Fulham: 28.2%

🥊 MOST RECENT MATCHES

Aug 23: Fulham 0-3 Brentford
Mar 23: Brentford 2-3 Fulham
Aug 22: Fulham 3-2 Brentford
Oct 20: Brentford 3-0 Fulham



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2024-05-03-before-the-whistle-brentford-v-fulham/

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Bully Ray Says This AEW Star Should Replace Tony Khan As Head Booker

AEW President Tony Khan is a very busy man. He runs two wrestling companies, is a strategist for an NFL team, and is the director of football for Fulham F.C. in the English Premier League, so it's no surprise that people have speculated on whether Khan could hand his booking pencil to someone else in order to make his life easier. WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray touched on this topic and who could potentially replace Khan as AEW's booker when he was a recent guest on Eric Bischoff's "Wise Choices" podcast.

"I'm not suggesting that anybody be the booker instead of Tony Khan," Bully said. "What I'm suggesting is Tony Khan be more open-minded to the veterans and the creative minds that are around him, and been there, and done that." Bully explained that he sees Khan as less of a booker and more of a matchmaker in that Khan puts together fantastic matches for one-off pairings, with Will Ospreay and Bryan Danielson's match from AEW Dynasty being used as an example, but he can't seem to plan too far ahead.

Bully also stated that all the great bookers throughout wrestling history have sat under the learning tree of another booker, something Khan hasn't done. So when coming up with someone who could replace Khan, Bully looked to someone he has shared many a locker room with. "If there was a gun to my head and I had to hand Tony's pencil to another person, I would hand it to somebody who had experience as a booker, or somebody who had sat under the learning tree of a booker. I.E. Dustin Rhodes." Khan has said he has no intention of stopping anytime soon, but has acknowledged he can't keep up his current workload forever.



Read More: https://www.wrestlinginc.com/1573794/bully-ray-says-aew-star-replace-tony-khan-head-booker/

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Devan Tanton wins 23/24 Johnny Haynes trophy



On Saturday, April 28th, 2024 just before the Crystal Palace game, and in front of 24,000 fans, Academy Under 21's team member, Devan Tanton, received this year's Johnny Haynes trophy.

Chair of the Fulham Supporters Trust Simon Duke and Board Member Tamara Dragadze presented the yearly trophy which the Board had created for an Academy male graduate. The criteria were that the recipient should be chosen by his peers as well as the staff.

It is now in its sixth year, with many previous trophy holders having gone on to play professional football, including Fabio Carvalho and Jay Stansfield.

It is the recent scouting genius of Fulham Football Club, both at First team and Academy level, which has resulted in bringing the likes of Rodrigo Muniz and also our Devan Tanton to Fulham.

Devan Tanton was born in Texas to a Columbian mother and an American father. They moved to  Orlando, Florida, where at the age of 8 he joined the FC Elite Academy with his brother, who quickly lost interest, while his commitment became total. Only a year later when he was at a Barcelona Academy camp in Florida, he was invited to the Spanish side Cornella (third tier) and he moved to Spain.  He played internationally for the United States, though switched to Columbia in 2022.

In an international Under-16 game, US against England, at the St George's Park National Football Centre, remarkable Fulham scouted him and he joined the academy in January 2021 as a first year scholar. He was 16 years old. And it was Covid time. He toughed it out and it is yet another aspect of his dedication.

Finally, Marco Silva gave his professional debut in our 3-1 EFL Cup win over Ipswich Town on 1st November, 2023.

The staff noticed how hard he worked on all aspects of his game as he adjusted to English football. Across the U21 games he has maintained a high level of performance.

The criteria for the voting amongst the Academy staff is based on a player's performance and conduct on and off the pitch.

Staff felt that Devan encapsulates the Academy values of honesty, humility and hard work.

Dan Thomas, Academy head of player development said: "He has worked really hard to make significant improvements in his defensive positioning, 1v1 defending and heading in particular. He is a credit to the Academy and staff".

Off the pitch, Devan is quiet and unassuming, however focussed he is on his football. With fellow scholars, however, he has forged some good friendships. They had no difficulty in choosing him for the Trophy. It was great to see that his friends Alex Borto and George Okkas accompanied him to the Cottage for the trophy presentation.

Devan was deeply moved, after the trophy handover, by the Fulham fans' warm reception, standing and applauding him as he made his way round the pitch.

What happens to him next? He is committed to Fulham, we hear, and might do the well -trodden path for young graduates to go out on loan for a year. But who knows... His position as a Right Back is a coveted one, and we at the FST will be keenly watching to see where he goes from now. We all wish him the huge success which he deserves.



https://www.fulhamsupporterstrust.com/news/2024/05/devan-tanton-wins-23-24-johnny-haynes-trophy/

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Fulham, West Ham United vying for Jota Silva

Fulham and West Ham United are reportedly interested in signing 24-year-old Portuguese winger Jota Silva from Vitoria SC.
According to reputed Italian journalist Rudy Galetti, a move to the Premier League might be on the cards for Jota Silva. Fulham and West Ham United are among the prospective suitors for the 24-year-old Vitoria SC winger. Meanwhile, the attacker has a release clause worth €20 million in his contract with his club.

Who is Jota Silva?
Jota Silva has had to bide his time before rising in prominence in his homeland. A native of Gondomar, he began his youth career at UD Sousense before graduating from the FC Paços de Ferreira youth division. However, short stints with a few clubs failed to yield the desired results before the Portuguese winger joined Vitoria SC in July 2022.

Since then, the player has gone from strength to strength, becoming a regular in the final third. The 24-year-old has come into his own this season, contributing to 22 goals in 39 appearances across all competitions thus far, finding the back of the net 15 times while providing seven assists.

Meanwhile, Silva's progress at Vitoria SC has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several well-known clubs outside Portugal. In addition, he is a target for SL Benfica. However, a move to the Premier League might be on the cards for the player, with Fulham and West Ham United interested in him.

London calling?
Fulham's interest in Jota Silva is understandable. While the Cottagers will primarily focus on signing a striker amid their links with Semih Kilicsoy, Willian's advancing age means they can do with a productive winger. So, the Vitoria SC wide attacker has emerged as a viable target for Fulham.

As for West Ham, they are scouring the market for a wide attacker heading into the summer transfer window. Lucas Paqueta faces an uncertain future at the London Stadium, and his exit can allow the Hammers to employ a recognised left-winger. Several wingers, including Jamie Leweling, have emerged on West Ham's radar, with Silva also an option worth considering.

The 24-year-old Portuguese winger will not cost a bomb, with his contract with Vitoria SC having a release clause worth €20 million. However, competition from Benfica means Fulham and West Ham face nervy days ahead in the race to secure Jota Silva's services.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2024/05/03/fulham-west-ham-united-vying-for-jota-silva/

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Brentford v Fulham

TEAM NEWS
Neal Maupay is available for Brentford, having been ineligible to face parent club Everton last weekend.

Aaron Hickey, Rico Henry, Ben Mee and Joshua Dasilva are all long-term absentees.

Fulham's Harrison Reed could be out after suffering a knock against Crystal Palace.

Tosin Adarabioyo isn't injured but he was omitted from the matchday squad last weekend amid speculation on his future at the club.

MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head

    Fulham have lost six of their last seven away games against Brentford in all competitions, with the exception a 2-0 Championship victory in November 2016.
    Brentford defeated Fulham 3-0 at Craven Cottage last August through goals by Yoane Wissa and a brace from Bryan Mbeumo. The Cottagers had Tim Ream sent off.

Brentford

    Brentford have only earned one point from their last six Premier League London derbies, directly following a 14-game unbeaten run (W8, D6).
    The Bees are vying to win back-to-back home league games for only the second time this season, having beaten Burnley and West Ham in October and November.
    They have conceded 19 headed goals in the top flight this season, more than any other side. It accounts for a league-high 32% of their overall goals conceded.
    Ivan Toney has gone nine league matches without a goal, his longest run since a streak of 10 with Peterborough United between February and April 2019.

Fulham

    Fulham have earned a club record 15 points in Premier League London derby matches this season (W4, D3, L4).
    The Cottagers have taken seven points from their last five away league games, as many as in their first 12 this season.
    They are looking to win back-to-back away league matches for the first time in 16 months.
    Rodrigo Muniz, who turns 23 on Saturday, has scored nine Premier League goals this season and could become only the fourth player to reach 10 in his debut campaign for Fulham, emulating Andy Cole (12 in 2004-05), Dimitar Berbatov (15 in 2012-13), and Aleksandar Mitrovic (11 in 2018-19).
    Joao Palhinha has 13 Premier League yellow cards this season, one shy of the record he shares with eight other players. No-one has been booked 14 times in multiple seasons.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/68910651

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Brentford Matchday Preview
Brentford v Fulham | Saturday 4th May | 3pm | Gtech Community Stadium | #BREFUL

The opposition

    A tough run of results in February and March had led to the Bees nervously glancing over their shoulder, after they took just one point from six matches.
    But a solid unbeaten run in the subsequent games has secured their Premier League safety, as they followed up successive draws against Manchester United, Brighton and Aston Villa with vital wins against relegation rivals Sheffield United and Luton.
    Last time out, they travelled to Goodison Park, succumbing to a 1-0 defeat which meant that Everton joined Brentford in locking in their Premier League status for 2024/25.

Brentford team news

The Bees have struggled with injuries this season, with Josh Dasilva, Rico Henry, Ben Mee and Aaron Hickey all long-term absentees.

Fulham team news

Harrison Reed picked up a knock last time out but is back training with the group and will be assessed again before a decision is made on his involvement.

Tickets

Fulham has sold out our entire away allocation, meaning there will be 1,725 fans supporting the boys at the Gtech.

Weather

There is a 50/50 chance of rain during the game, with temperatures around 16 degrees.

Player insight

Calvin Bassey wants to use the 3-0 defeat by Brentford at Craven Cottage as motivation when the sides meet again on Saturday.

Speaking to FFCtv, the defender said: "I think we should use the 3-0 loss as fuel, but [since that fixture] we've improved so much as a collective and it should be – or it will be – a better game for us."

Coverage

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

Form

Brentford: DDWWL

Fulham: LLWLD

Top scorers

Brentford: Yoane Wissa (10)

Fulham: Rodrigo Muniz (9)



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/may/03/brentford-matchday-preview/

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Marco Silva confirms Fulham expect to lose in-demand Tosin Adarabioyo this summer
Cottagers head to rivals Brentford on Saturday

Marco Silva has admitted he expects Tosin Adarabioyo to leave Fulham this summer but said the defender could still face Brentford this weekend.

The 26-year-old was left out of Silva's squad for last weekend's 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace after reportedly telling the club he would not sign a new contract, with his current deal expiring at the end of next month.

Asked about Adarabioyo's situation on Friday, Fulham boss Silva said the player will "probably not" be at the club next season, but he remains part of the first-team squad for now.

"Last weekend my decision was a technical decision," Silva said. "I know all the noise around him and his future of course.

"Of course I have been speaking to him, I have a really close relationship like with all the players and everything is clear between myself and him, like all the other players, and from him to me and my staff as well.

"If Tosin is going to be on the pitch he's going to be on the pitch, he's going to be in the squad if I'm going decide for him to be in the squad. Nothing has changed from last week.

"When it starts to come, the news that he's not going to be with us next season, I know what he told me, I prefer to keep that between us. Of course, that's a decision from the player. But apart from that Tosin is ready to play or to be in the squad if I decide for him to be there."

Adarabioyo joined Fulham in 2020, having come through the ranks at Manchester City and spent time on loan at both West Brom and Blackburn.

The former England youth international has been linked with Newcastle and a number of other clubs in recent days.

"Tosin has to be clear about his future when he decides to be clear about his future, and he has to talk about it," Silva added. "Of course we are here to try to prepare as best we can the future of the football club.

"We haven't hidden that situation that we try to renew with him, not just him but other players near the end of their contracts and it's not been easy.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/tosin-adarabioyo-fulham-fc-transfer-news-premier-league-2024-b1155625.html

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Pre-Brentford Press Conference
Marco Silva did not understate the importance of Fulham's trip to local rivals Brentford on Saturday in his pre-match press conference.

And while stating that his preparation remains the same, our Head Coach acknowledged how much these fixtures mean to the supporters.

"When you talk about derbies, I prefer to talk about fans, because we know all these type of games are special for them," he said.

"Myself, as a manager, I like to prepare my team and my players the best we can for all the matches, [but] of course derbies always have something different, there's always something special there.

"These games are special for the fans and we want them to have a good feeling after the match, with the rest of the weekend in a good mood.

"This season we have a big number of London derbies because we have seven London clubs, but for this football club – and for Brentford – this clash is important. We have Chelsea, our neighbours, that is an important derby for us as well.

"Recently, these derby games are a bit different, and probably before I arrived in the football club as well because of some seasons in the Championship with good fights between them, and [the fixture] became a little bit different.

"We are here to play the game, knowing that it is a special game for the fans, and we want to make them proud and happy. That is the main thing."

Results last weekend confirmed Brentford's Premier League survival with three fixtures to play, and Silva paid tribute to the work Thomas Frank has done in Hounslow.

"Since last season, every time we play against each other, it's been good moments, good conversations between us," he said. "Very good guy, very good manager, too, and it's going to be another good clash.

"It's going to be nice to see him again, and let's hope we can get a different result to the game at the Cottage beginning of the season. But, yes, he's doing a very good job.

"That club is now clearly a Premier League club and the work from everybody – the players and, of course, Thomas – is playing a big, big part in it."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/may/03/pre-brentford-press-conference/

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Brentford vs Fulham: Preview and Prediction

Brentford will host Fulham at the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday, looking to bounce back from the disappointing defeat to Everton.
Brentford are unbeaten in five of the last six matches, and they will be eager to pick up a positive result when they welcome Fulham to the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Meanwhile, Fulham have been quite inconsistent in their recent outings, and they have picked up just one win from the last six Premier League games. Matches between these two London clubs have been evenly matched, and this one could be another cracking contest.

Neither side are in impressive form right now, and they will be desperate to bounce back with a strong performance this weekend. It will be interesting to see who comes out on top. The last six matches between these two sides have seen both teams win three each.

Team News & Tactics
Brentford
Joshua Dasilva misses out with a knee injury, while Aaron Hickey misses out with a thigh injury. Rico Henry will not play again this season because of a knee injury, and Ben Mee has an ankle problem.

Brentford will shape up in a 4-3-3 formation, with Mark Flekken in goal. Mads Roerslev and Sergio Reguilon will start as the full-backs, and they will look to contribute at both ends of the pitch. Ethan Pinnock will start at the heart of the defence alongside Nathan Collins.

In the middle of the park, Vitaly Janelt will start as the defensive midfielder, and he will look to break up opposition attacks and win the ball back for his side. Mathias Jensen will add defensive cover and physicality to the side, while Mikkel Damsgaard will look to add creativity. Ivan Toney will lead the line for Brentford, with Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa on either side of him.

Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Flekken; Roerslev, Collins, Pinnock, Reguilon; Jensen, Janelt, Damsgaard; Mbeumo, Toney, Wissa

Fulham
Fulham do not have any injury concerns heading into this game, and they are likely to shape up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Bernd Leno in goal.

In the back four, Timothy Castagne and Antonee Robinson will start as the full-backs. They will look to help out in the attack and protect the central defenders. Tosin Adarabioyo and Calvin Bassey will start as the centre-back against Brentford.

As for the midfield unit, Sasa Lukic should start alongside Joao Palhinha in the double pivot. The duo will look to add defensive cover and physicality to the side. Andreas Pereira will start as the central attacking midfielder here, and he will look to create goalscoring opportunities in the final third.

 Alex Iwobi and Willian will likely feature in the wide areas. They will look to add flair and creativity from the flanks. Finally, Rodrigo Muniz will lead the line for Fulham against Brentford on Saturday.

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

Key Stats

    Brentford are undefeated in their last five home matches against Fulham in all competitions.
    Brentford have scored at least two goals in their last five matches against Fulham in all competitions.
    24 goals have been scored in the last six meetings between these two sides.
    Fulham are winless in five of the last six Premier League matches.
    Brentford has picked up two wins from the last three Premier League matches.

Player to Watch
Ivan Toney
Brentford will look to pick up all three points here, and they will need their star striker Ivan Toney to step up and produce a strong performance here. The 28-year-old is one of the best strikers in the Premier League, and he could take advantage of Fulham's defensive vulnerabilities and punish them. Toney will look to help Brentford finish the season strongly, and he is our key player to watch out for.

Prediction
Brentford 1-1 Fulham
Brentford have been very difficult to beat in recent weeks, and they are likely to put up another strong performance here. Fulham have not been at their best, and this will be a tricky contest for them. The two teams are quite evenly matched, and it will not be a surprise if they end up cancelling each other out. A 1-1 draw seems quite likely.



https://thehardtackle.com/round-up/2024/05/03/brentford-vs-fulham-preview-and-prediction/

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Sunderland must create new twist in Kieffer Moore and Jay Stansfield saga: View
The pair could have moved to the Stadium of Light in January

    Sunderland's forwards have struggled this season, with only 3 of 52 league goals coming from strikers.
    The failed deals for Moore and Stansfield reveal the club's need for an experienced number nine.
    Signing Moore or Stansfield in the summer could boost Sunderland's attacking options and aim for a playoff spot.

It is no secret that Sunderland's strikers have struggled in front of goal under their three different managers this season.

 Despite signing Nazariy Rusyn, Mason Burstow, Eliezer Mayenda and Luis Semedo last summer, just three of the Black Cats' 52 league goals have been scored by forwards so far.

None of their frontmen have been able to replicate the scoring form of Ross Stewart, who netted 34 league goals across two seasons at the Stadium of Light before joining Southampton last summer.

The club did not dip into the transfer market for a new forward in January, but BBC journalist Nick Barnes recently revealed that both Kieffer Moore, then at Bournemouth, and Birmingham loanee Jay Stansfield have been close to a move to Wearside.

He said: "The assumption is that they have not tried to get an experienced number nine into the building. As I understand it, they had agreed a deal with Bournemouth for Kieffer Moore but that fell through because of a wrangle over wages and Ipswich came in through the back door.

 "They also had a deal in place for Jay Stansfield, but that was not rubber-stamped, for whatever reason."

Both Moore and Stansfield have shone on loan at Ipswich and Birmingham respectively this season, and would likely have been a hit at the Stadium of Light, with Sunderland fans desperate for a prolific striker.

With both possibly on the move from their respective parent clubs Bournemouth and Fulham in the summer, Sunderland should certainly be looking at going back in the market for either player.

Moore and Stansfield's seasons
Kieffer Moore made just eight appearances in the Premier League for Bournemouth in the first half of the season before joining promotion-chasing Ipswich Town in January, with Sunderland unable to agree wage demands with the 31-year-old.

 The Wales international has scored seven goals in 17 games for the Tractor Boys in their push for promotion, with a point needed against Huddersfield Town on the final day to confirm their place in the Premier League for next season.

His experience of leading the line would have been valuable to Mike Dodds' side in the second-half of the season, with Nazariy Rusyn their current oldest striker at 25-years-old.

 Jay Stansfield joined the Blues on loan from Fulham last summer, after impressing in League One with Exeter City in 2022/23.

He has netted 13 goals and notched three assists in 46 games in all competitions this season, leading his club's goalscoring charts as they look to stave off relegation.

 Stansfield could have added pace and clinical striking ability to the Black Cats' ranks, but the move fell through, with intricate details unclear as to the reason why.

He would have fit into the club's transfer strategy of signing young players that they can improve, possibly sign for a smaller fee then sell on for profit - but Birmingham have instead benefitted from his talents this season.

Sunderland's striking woes
Sunderland have relied on goals from wingers and midfielders to push them away from the relegation zone, in what has been a disappointing season after failing to build on their sixth-placed finish in 2022/23.

 Jack Clarke is the club's leading league scorer, with 15, whilst Jobe Bellingham has seven and Pierre Ekwah has five and Nazariy Rusyn is the leading marksman for the strikers, with two.

Chelsea loanee Mason Burstow has only netted once, while Luis Semedo and Eliezer Mayenda have not scored so far this season in 30 appearances combined.

Central midfielder Bellingham has even been deployed as a striker at times in Mike Dodds' search for goals.

 From next season, Rusyn, Semedo and Mayenda will be the only senior strikers contracted to the club, and Sunderland will definitely need to sign a first-choice striker, if not two.

After coming so close to their signatures this season, Sunderland should try to sign either Moore or Stansfield for next season as they look to push back into the top-half and fight for the play-offs.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/sunderland-must-create-new-twist-in-kieffer-moore-and-jay-stansfield-saga-view/

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Silva looks ahead to 'special derby'
Marco Silva has underlined the importance of Saturday's trip to Brentford as he looks ahead to 'a special derby' on Saturday afternoon.

The Fulham boss scotched any suggestion that his side have little to play for and wants his charges to put in a better performance against their local rivals than they managed during a desperate 3-0 defeat by the Bees at Craven Cottage in their first home game of the season.

Silva told his pre-match press conference earlier this afternoon:

"When you talk about derbies, I prefer to talk about fans, because we know all these type of games are special for them. Myself, as a manager, I like to prepare my team and my players the best we can for all the matches, [but] of course derbies always have something different, there's always something special there.

These games are special for the fans and we want them to have a good feeling after the match, with the rest of the weekend in a good mood. This season we have a big number of London derbies because we have seven London clubs, but for this football club – and for Brentford – this clash is important. We have Chelsea, our neighbours, that is an important derby for us as well.

Recently, these derby games are a bit different, and probably before I arrived in the football club as well because of some seasons in the Championship with good fights between them, and [the fixture] became a little bit different. We are here to play the game, knowing that it is a special game for the fans, and we want to make them proud and happy. That is the main thing."

Silva knows the Whites won't have it easy at the GTech this weekend – and heaped praise on Brentford manager Thomas Frank.

"Since last season, every time we play against each other, it's been good moments, good conversations between us. Very good guy, very good manager, too, and it's going to be another good clash. It's going to be nice to see him again, and let's hope we can get a different result to the game at the Cottage beginning of the season. But, yes, he's doing a very good job. That club is now clearly a Premier League club and the work from everybody – the players and, of course, Thomas – is playing a big, big part in it."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/05/silva-looks-ahead-to-special-derby/

[WhiteJC]

Premier League preview: Brentford host Fulham in West London showdown
Brentford are preparing for what is surely their most important game remaining- a West London derby against Fulham in the Premier League at the Gtech Community Stadium.

In August's reverse fixture, Brentford emerged 3-0 victors at Craven Cottage.

Yoanne Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo (2) scored the goals on a memorable day for Bees fans, with Brentford looking to complete a league double over Fulham for the first time since 2020.

Final few games

Brentford will aim to finish the season strongly, just as they did last year.

Five wins in their six games- including notable victories against Man City, Spurs and Chelsea ensured a 9th place finish.

This season has been dictated by an injury crisis and key players missing, with Premier League survival mathematically secured as late as last week.

A 1-0 defeat against Everton last week perhaps highlighted a lack of concentration, with Bees boss Thomas Frank keen to keep his team focused.

"I had to speak to a few players after the Luton game," said Frank.

"It's important that we keep training well because if we start lacking in training, it's natural to take that into the game.

"I've spoken to a few of the senior players to ensure the whole squad is training well. High intensity and high quality."

Toney talk

The 3-0 victory at Fulham was Brentford's first away game of the season, where the question about the squad was how they could cope without the suspended Ivan Toney.

Toney has been available since late January, but interestingly, the Bees haven't won any of the last ten games he has featured in.

Despite this factor, and the fact Toney didn't feature in the successful reverse fixture in August, Frank is sticking by his star man, who is set to receive plenty of attention in the summer transfer window.

When asked if he considered switching back to the system that was successful in August, Frank replied: "No, not really.

"I think our style of play doesn't change if it's Neil (Maupay) or Ivan (Toney) as the nine.

"It's more individual bits because they're different players.

"We will still try to take control of the game, try to press high, and try to be aggressive."

Players knocking on the door

Toney was missing for Brentford's 5-1 demolition of Luton Town at Kenilworth Road two weeks ago, a game where there were plenty of standout performances.

Mikkel Damsgaard played 71 minutes, with Kevin Schade also coming off the bench to score.

Both players found themselves benched for the defeat against Everton, with Frank ensuring minutes will be allocated as evenly as possible.

"Kevin (Schade) is looking better and better.

"He's been out for six months, which is a long time without any football. He's building and looking sharper, so I'm pleased with what I'm seeing.

"Dams (Damsgaard) has also been progressing well and is definitely pushing for a start.

"He did well in that run of three starts, but there have been three consistent starters in midfield for me this season: Christian (Nørgaard), Vitaly (Janelt) and Mathias (Jensen).



https://sportsgazette.co.uk/premier-league-preview-brentford-host-fulham-in-west-london-showdown/

[WhiteJC]

Chelsea rival Newcastle United in Tosin Adarabioyo chase

Chelsea will reportedly compete with Newcastle United for 26-year-old soon-to-be-free Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo.
According to reputed Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Tosin Adarabioyo is the subject of interest from Chelsea. The Blues are scouring the market for a centre-back heading into the summer transfer window. But the West London club will face stiff competition from Newcastle United for the 26-year-old Fulham defender.

Tosin Adarabioyo at Fulham: The story so far
Tosin Adarabioyo has been a dependable performer since joining Fulham from Manchester City in October 2020. A native of Manchester, the former England youth international has found a stable footing at Fulham, going from strength to strength in the last four years at the West London club.

The 26-year-old has turned out 132 times thus far for Fulham, chipping in with five goals and two assists. However, Adarabioyo's stint with the West London club will end in the summer transfer window, as he will become a free agent in July. Such a situation has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs, including Chelsea and Newcastle United.

A man in demand
Chelsea's interest in Adarabioyo is understandable. The West London club will part ways with Thiago Silva in the summer transfer window once the veteran Brazilian defender's contract expires. In addition, Trevoh Chalobah faces an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge after coming close to leaving Chelsea earlier this season.

So, it behoves Chelsea to invest in a centre-back in the summer transfer window, with Tosin Adarabioyo emerging as a viable target. And Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Chelsea and Newcastle United are among the clubs informed on the soon-to-be-free centre-back. In addition, several clubs are asking for conditions of potential free signing, but he does not have a formal offer.

Meanwhile, Newcastle United's interest in Adarabioyo stems from the crippling injury crisis at St. James' Park. Eddie Howe has lost Sven Botman, Fabian Schar, and Jamaal Lascelles to long-term injuries. So, Newcastle United can do with a centre-back this summer, with the Fulham defender emerging as a viable target.

Other Premier League bigwigs are also keen on securing Tosin Adarabioyo's services in a Bosman move this summer. So, Chelsea should step up the efforts to sign the 26-year-old soon-to-be-free defender and beat the competition to his signature.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2024/05/03/chelsea-rival-newcastle-united-in-tosin-adarabioyo-chase/

[WhiteJC]

Up next: Brentford (a)
Fulham's season might not have much more riding on it – but a derby at Brentford this weekend offers an opportunity for the Whites to finish with a flourish. Marco Silva certainly talked a good game during yesterday's press conference – highlighting the importance of the fixture to the fans and the need to deliver both a better performance and result than they managed against the Bees at Craven Cottage in August on the same day that Aleksandar Mitrovic finally departed for Saudi Arabia.

Fulham's season has been far more successful than we all feared when the Serbian finally forced through his transfer – and much of that is down to what Silva has managed to magic up from a well-drilled squad. The proof of a top coach comes for me in making the most of their existing resources and there are a couple of shining examples of the genius that the Fulham fans laud in Silva in two players who have become key figures during the second half of the season. Mitrovic's compatriot Sasa Lukic had endured a tough introduction to English football, largely introduced as a substitute and struggling to hold down a regular place following his move from Torino, but he has been brilliant in the engine room since coming back into the side earlier this year.

Lukic's renaissance has hardly grabbed half as many headlines as that of Rodrigo Muniz, who had been written off by most before he was selected for the trip to Burnley at the start of February. The Brazilian had been a promising understudy to Mitrovic in the Championship but barely featured on loan at Middlesbrough after Tony Pulis was replaced – and there was little sign that he was about to hit a purple patch, never mind become the Premier League's player of the month or submit goal of the season contenders like the astonishing bicycle kick at Sheffield United. Only Cole Palmer and Phil Foden have managed more league goals since February than Muniz's nine – and the former Flamengo forward is now Silva's first choice striker on merit.

Captain Tom Cairney admitted last week that there is a sense that Fulham's campaign is rather fizzling out, especially after the pedestrian start against Crystal Palace last Saturday was followed by Jeffrey Schlupp's superb late equaliser that meant the Whites had to settle for a point despite a much improved second half showing. A derby does offer a unique opportunity to put things right – and Fulham are definitely due a win at Brentford, having lost six of the last seven away trips. The skipper actually scored the decisive second goal at the very end of the Whites' last win – which came at Griffin Park eight years ago.

Silva hailed the influence of his opposite number Thomas Frank during his press-match conference. There is no doubt that the Dane has endured the toughest season of his tenure at Brentford this term, but his side have scrambled clear of the relegation zone – easing any worries with a thumping win over Luton that pushed their opponents closer towards the drop zone. They have found derby matches a little tougher to crack than in previous seasons, having gained just a single point from their last six meetings with London rivals, but tend to raise their game against Fulham. Ivan Toney, a regular scorer in this fixture, will be looking to end one of the longest barren runs of his carer: the England international, whose future is once again the subject of feverish speculation, hasn't scored in nine league matches. The Whites will need to keep him quiet again this afternoon.

MY FULHAM XI (4-2-3-1): Leno; Castagne, A. Robinson, Diop, Bassey; Palhinha, Lukic; Willian, Iwobi, Pereira; Muniz. Subs: Rodak, Tete, Ream, Reed, Cairney, Wilson, De Cordova-Reid, Traore, Jimenez.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/05/up-next-brentford-a-3/

[Stoneleigh Loyalist]

Devan Tanton wins 23/24 Johnny Haynes trophy



On Saturday, April 28th, 2024 just before the Crystal Palace game, and in front of 24,000 fans, Academy Under 21's team member, Devan Tanton, received this year's Johnny Haynes trophy.

Chair of the Fulham Supporters Trust Simon Duke and Board Member Tamara Dragadze presented the yearly trophy which the Board had created for an Academy male graduate. The criteria were that the recipient should be chosen by his peers as well as the staff.

It is now in its sixth year, with many previous trophy holders having gone on to play professional football, including Fabio Carvalho and Jay Stansfield.

It is the recent scouting genius of Fulham Football Club, both at First team and Academy level, which has resulted in bringing the likes of Rodrigo Muniz and also our Devan Tanton to Fulham.

Devan Tanton was born in Texas to a Columbian mother and an American father. They moved to  Orlando, Florida, where at the age of 8 he joined the FC Elite Academy with his brother, who quickly lost interest, while his commitment became total. Only a year later when he was at a Barcelona Academy camp in Florida, he was invited to the Spanish side Cornella (third tier) and he moved to Spain.  He played internationally for the United States, though switched to Columbia in 2022.

In an international Under-16 game, US against England, at the St George's Park National Football Centre, remarkable Fulham scouted him and he joined the academy in January 2021 as a first year scholar. He was 16 years old. And it was Covid time. He toughed it out and it is yet another aspect of his dedication.

Finally, Marco Silva gave his professional debut in our 3-1 EFL Cup win over Ipswich Town on 1st November, 2023.

The staff noticed how hard he worked on all aspects of his game as he adjusted to English football. Across the U21 games he has maintained a high level of performance.

The criteria for the voting amongst the Academy staff is based on a player's performance and conduct on and off the pitch.

Staff felt that Devan encapsulates the Academy values of honesty, humility and hard work.

Dan Thomas, Academy head of player development said: "He has worked really hard to make significant improvements in his defensive positioning, 1v1 defending and heading in particular. He is a credit to the Academy and staff".

Off the pitch, Devan is quiet and unassuming, however focussed he is on his football. With fellow scholars, however, he has forged some good friendships. They had no difficulty in choosing him for the Trophy. It was great to see that his friends Alex Borto and George Okkas accompanied him to the Cottage for the trophy presentation.

Devan was deeply moved, after the trophy handover, by the Fulham fans' warm reception, standing and applauding him as he made his way round the pitch.

What happens to him next? He is committed to Fulham, we hear, and might do the well -trodden path for young graduates to go out on loan for a year. But who knows... His position as a Right Back is a coveted one, and we at the FST will be keenly watching to see where he goes from now. We all wish him the huge success which he deserves.

https://www.fulhamsupporterstrust.com/news/2024/05/devan-tanton-wins-23-24-johnny-haynes-trophy/



A neighbour of mine as said he is certainly a quiet and unassuming lad. Good luck to him.
He lives with Alex and George.

[WhiteJC]

Joao Palhinha Would be a 'Surefire Fit' for Liverpool
Liverpool could be looking to sign an additional midfielder in the summer transfer window, and they've been urged to bring Joao Palhinha to Anfield.

    Liverpool should consider signing Joao Palhinha as a defensive midfielder in the upcoming transfer window, as he is seen as a 'surefire fit'.
    Current midfielders like Endo and Mac Allister have needed time to adapt, suggesting Palhinha could make an immediate impact.
    Klopp's varied use of players in deeper midfield roles indicates a specialist defensive midfielder like Palhinha could benefit the squad.

 Liverpool have been urged to sign Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha by Sky Sports pundit Dougie Critchley ahead of the summer transfer window, with the Portuguese international described as a 'surefire fit' for the Reds.

Bringing in an additional player in the middle of the park might not appear to be an immediate priority for the Merseyside outfit after rebuilding their midfield last summer. With the Reds likely to fall short in the Premier League title race, Liverpool's recruitment team might feel that no area of the squad is untouchable.

Throughout the season, Klopp has utilised different players in a slightly deeper role in midfield, including Wataru Endo, Alexis Mac Allister, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, so Liverpool could benefit from signing a specialist defensive midfielder.

Liverpool Urged to Sign Joao Palhinha
He would be a 'surefire fit'

Speaking on the Saturday Social, pundit Critchley has named Fulham midfielder Palhinha as a player that Liverpool should be looking to bring in during the summer transfer window...

"He also just slots straight in. There's no adaptation time. There's no Endo taking three or four months to get used to it. There's no Mac Allister playing out of position. He's one of the outstanding defensive midfielders in the league. I don't think there's going to be as much competition for him this year. I think he's an absolute surefire fit."

Palhinha is a player that has piqued the interest of the Merseyside club in the past, with journalist Dean Jones revealing to GIVEMESPORT back in December that Liverpool have had their eye on him for over a year. The Fulham midfielder was close to making the move to Bayern Munich last summer, but a deal collapsed on deadline day as the Cottagers failed to bring in a replacement.

Shortly after his failed transfer to the Bundesliga, Palhinha signed a new deal at Craven Cottage, keeping him at the club until 2028, with Fulham having the option to extend his stay until 2029. As a result, the capital club are in a strong negotiation position if someone like Liverpool does arrive with an offer on the table to prise him away.



https://www.givemesport.com/liverpool-transfer-news-joao-palhinha-premier-league/

[WhiteJC]