News:

Use a VPN to stream games Safely and Securely 🔒
A Virtual Private Network can also allow you to
watch games Not being broadcast in the UK For
more Information and how to Sign Up go to
https://go.nordvpn.net/SH4FE

Main Menu


Wednesday Fulham Stuff - 30/10/24...

Started by WhiteJC, October 29, 2024, 11:46:30 PM

Previous topic - Next topic

WhiteJC

There's more to come from Iwobi, says Silva
Fulham head coach Marco Silva says there's even more to come from Alex Iwobi this season.

The Nigerian international scored a superb strike on his first return to Goodison Park since leaving Everton for Craven Cottage fourteen months ago – and Silva feels the versatile midfielder has hit even bigger heights this term. He told his post-match press conference after the deflating draw:

"His contribution was top drawer again from the first minute. He is improving game by game, being more important and more decisive for us. Last season was probably his best at this level but I think he's going to be even better this season. He is taking more responsibility and pushing the team forwards."

Silva also saluted the contribution of record signing Emile Smith Rowe, who set up Iwobi's opener with a sensational run.

"That's the reason we signed him. That's probably the first time away from home that he's been involved in a decisive moment for us. He needs this type of performance to give him confidence. I really believe that there is much more to come from him as well."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/10/theres-more-to-come-from-iwobi-says-silva/

WhiteJC

Smith Rowe: We'll keep our heads up
Emile Smith Rowe has urged his Fulham team-mates to use the disappointment of conceding a late equaliser at Everton to fire them up as they prepare for next week's derby against Brentford.

The Whites were minutes away from an impressive 1-0 win at Goodison Park but were pegged back by Beto's stoppage time leveller, which means Marco Silva's side have dropped ten points from winning positions already this season.

Smith Rowe said:

"The manager told us we've got to keep our heads up and go again. We're all really down at the moment – it's normal – but we've got to go again, we've got to get ready for a massive derby next week. It's really difficult [to come to terms with that result]. I thought we implemented the gameplan really well, we dominated at times, and thought we'd come away with the three points. And then in the last few minutes you have to stay switched on, and we didn't."

The club's record signing appears his own harshest critic at times – but was pleased to be much more pivotal to Fulham's play in the second half on Merseyside.

"I think I had a really slow first half, so I think it was important for me to get on the ball more in the second half, and try and inject something into the game. It was a good goal by Alex as well so I was happy with that, but then really disappointed with how it ended. [He] can do that, he can define the games. He's a really good finisher as well, so I'm happy for him to get his goal, but I think for us it was really important to get the three points, and we didn't do that."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/10/smith-rowe-well-keep-our-heads-up/

WhiteJC

Fulham set to battle with three Premier League clubs for AC Milan star Chukwueze
Samuel Chukwueze has not impressed much since he joined AC Milan, and he may have to start looking at other options

Fulham are one of four English Premier League clubs that are interested in signing Super Eagles forward Samuel Chukwueze from Fulham, Soccernet.ng reports.

Chukwueze has struggled to adjust to life in Milan since his €21.1 million transfer from Villarreal in July 2023. He had a disappointing debut campaign, as he registered three goals and three assists in 34 appearances across all competitions.

This season, his amount of game time has also not increased, and he has been quite inconsistent. He has nicked one goal and one assists in ten games. At times, he has looked really good, but on other occasions, he has been underwhelming.

Due to his struggles, there have been talks that Chukwueze will exit AC Milan in January or at the end of the season.

Now, according to Fulham News, Fulham appear to be seriously interested in signing Chukwueze. However, they would have to contest with Wolverhampton Wanderers, Aston Villa and West Ham United.

Fulham have a slight advantage, as they have Super Eagles stars Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi in their team, and both of them could influence Chukwueze's decision. However, Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has worked with Chukwueze when they were at Villarreal.

Due to the instability at Wolves and West Ham, Chukwueze might have doubts about moving there. Nonetheless, the Nigerian forward will be looking to up his ante soon and become more important at Milan.



https://soccernet.ng/2024/10/fulham-set-to-battle-with-three-premier-league-clubs-for-ac-milan-star-chukwueze.html


WhiteJC

Man Utd 'make approach for Premier League manager' along with Ruben Amorim
Manchester United are closing in on the appointment of Erik ten Hag's permanent successor, with Ruben Amorim set to leave Sporting CP to take over at Old Trafford

Fulham's Marco Silva has caught Manchester United's attention as they intensify their hunt for a new manager to take the reins from the recently ousted Erik ten Hag. Ten Hag's tenure at Old Trafford came to an abrupt end on Monday, following a string of disappointing results, capped by Sunday's 2-1 loss at West Ham.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos group pulled the plug, leaving United languishing in 14th place in the league standings. The club officially stated: "Erik ten Hag has left his role as Manchester United men's first-team manager. Erik was appointed in April 2022 and led the club to two domestic trophies, winning the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024. We are grateful to Erik for everything he has done during his time with us and wish him well for the future."

With Wednesday's Carabao Cup clash against Leicester on the horizon, Ruud van Nistelrooy steps in as interim boss, while the Red Devils scramble to secure a full-time chief. Ruben Amorim is reportedly leading the charge for the permanent position, with reports from the Manchester Evening News suggesting a deal to bring him over from Sporting CP is close to being finalised.

United are still ironing out compensation details with Sporting, while Amorim remains a possible candidate for Manchester City, should Guardiola take his leave next year. Nevertheless, with the City job potentially tantalising for Amorim, United have Marco Silva in their sights as a high-calibre contingency plan.

According to respected football journalist, Guillem Balague, United have 'approached' Marco Silva. The Portuguese manager has done a sterling job at Fulham since his appointment in the summer of 2021, leading them to promotion from the Championship and establishing them as a solid Premier League side.

Silva was reportedly on United's radar to replace Erik ten Hag over the summer, but Ineos opted to retain the 54-year-old and offered him a new one-year extension.

However, this decision seems to have backfired, with United off to a disastrous start to the season, securing just four victories in their first 13 games across all competitions. Meanwhile, Fulham are currently outperforming the Reds in the league standings.

United are set to take on Leicester in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday before welcoming Chelsea to Old Trafford for a Premier League clash this weekend.




https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1968578/Man-Utd-Premier-League-Ruben-Amorim

WhiteJC

Man Utd 'approach' Prem manager as journalist makes shock Ruben Amorim to Man City claim
Manchester United have reportedly made an approach to Fulham manager Marco Silva, although their top target to replace Erik ten Hag remains Ruben Amorim.

The Red Devils sacked Ten Hag on Monday and moved quickly to open talks with Amorim, who has now verbally agreed to make the move to Old Trafford.

Reports suggest that the only obstacle to Amorim becoming Man Utd's new manager is the agreement of a compensation fee with his club, Sporting CP.

However, journalist Guillem Balague suggested late on Monday night that Amorim could decide to snub Man Utd and wait for his chance to manage Manchester City instead.

Amorim has been linked with the Cityzens' before, who could be forced to replace Pep Guardiola if he doesn't extend his contract beyond the end of this season.

Balague claims that Man Utd have identified Fulham boss Silva as an alternative to Amorim should they miss out on the esteemed Sporting CP boss.

"I hear from Portugal a new possibility," Balague posted on X. "Ruben Amorim might decide to wait for City if Pep leaves. But United pushing for a deal. And Marco Silva has also been approached by Manchester United."

Ruben Amorim to Man Utd close to completion
Despite Balague's claims that Amorim could decide to reject Man Utd, as he did with West Ham months ago, all the latest reports suggest that he has agreed to become the next Red Devils boss.

Fabrizio Romano has reported this morning that Man Utd will have to pay a clause of €10m (£8.3m / $10.8m) to release Amorim from his Sporting CP contract. If they agree to do so, his appointment will effectively be sealed.

"Ruben Amorim has given initial green light to Man United. He's keen on joining the club, accepting the project and the terms discussed," Romano posted on X.

"Amorim respects Sporting... and so it depends on club to club negotiation now. Exit clause for top clubs is around €10m."

Man Utd are keen to appoint a new permanent manager as soon as possible but it is unlikely that Amorim will be in charge in time for their game against Chelsea on Sunday.

Ruud van Nistelrooy has been placed in temporary charge of the club and will likely oversee Man Utd's games against Leicester City on Wednesday and the match vs Chelsea.

Man Utd then play PAOK in the Europa League at Old Trafford the following Thursday and there is a chance that Amorim will be in the dugout for that fixture.

Man Utd transfers: Zirkzee going nowhere / Lukeba boost
Meanwhile, Man Utd striker Joshua Zirkzee has been linked with a shock early move away from Old Trafford despite only joining the Red Devils in the summer.

Juventus have been named by various outlets as potential suitors for the Dutchman but according to the latest reports, he will be going nowhere.

Zirkzee to Juventus is reportedly a non-starter. In fact, Zirkzee leaving Man Utd in any guise in the winter window has no legs, with both the club and their striker determined to continue their relationship.

The 23-year-old wants to stay in the Premier League and prove himself and has plenty of time to do so, given he's under contract until 2029.

In other news, Man Utd are considering a move for another new centre-back despite signing Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro over the summer.

One player reportedly on their shortlist is RB Leipzig star Castello Lukeba, who has also been linked with Liverpool and Chelsea in recent weeks.

Lukeba has just signed a new contract with Leipzig but according to reports, it includes a new release clause and Fabrizio Romano has refused to rule out him moving next summer.

IN FOCUS: Erik ten Hag vs Marco Silva in the Premier League

Silva and Ten Hag's records in the Premier League



https://www.teamtalk.com/manchester-united/man-utd-approach-prem-manager-as-journalist-makes-shock-ruben-amorim-to-man-city-claim

WhiteJC

Fulham player set for big step – Buying club with help from rapper
In recent days, Fulham's Joachim Andersen has been spoken about in Denmark for reasons that aren't related to his skills on the pitch.

The defender joined Fulham from Crystal Palace in the summer for around £30m and the Danish centre-back is now looking to make a mark in the game off the pitch as well.

The centre-back, as per TipsBladet, is now set to become a shareholder in Danish club Vendsyssel.

The outlet state that while Andersen will buy some shares in the side, his father will remain a minority shareholder.

On top of that, one of the new owners at Vendsyssel, if everyone passes the test, is 24-year-old Colombian rapper and entrepreneur Blessd, whose actual name is Stiven Mesa Londoño.

He is joined by investors from Latin America and the USA and they must now pass the Danish regulations to buy the second division club.

Andersen's father has been a shareholder at Vendsyssel for three years now and this came after a conflict with the previous owners, who were a Switzerland based fund.

It clearly seems as if the Fulham man will carry forward the ownership of the second division outfit and it is very much a family affair.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-player-set-for-big-step-buying-club-with-help-from-rapper/


WhiteJC

Tim Sherwood suggests Man Utd could bring in manager Fulham sacked to help Ruud van Nistelrooy
Ruud van Nistelrooy is set to take charge at Manchester United on an interim basis.

After the sacking of Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford, Van Nistelrooy has been given the reins for the Red Devils.

Of course, as we've seen before with the likes of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, interim bosses can often become permanent managers under the right circumstances.

However, if Van Nistelrooy is to succeed at Old Trafford, he may need some help.

Speaking on the Seaman Says Podcast, Tim Sherwood has been discussing Manchester United's options in terms of Van Nistelrooy's backroom staff, and he says that Rene Meulensteen could be an option to come and help Van Nistelrooy.

Rene Meulensteen tipped for Manchester United return
Sherwood suggested that Meulensteen could come in and help Van Nistelrooy settle at Old Trafford.

Meulensteen was actually a part of Alex Ferguson's coaching staff at Manchester United for a long time before pursuing a managerial career of his own.

Meulensteen briefly managed in the Premier League with Fulham, but he was ultimately sacked by the Cottagers after just three months in charge.

"Do you think he will bring anyone in to help him, Ruud?" Sherwood was asked.

"I think so, possibly, Rene Meulensteen would be out there, a Dutch guy who will know Ruud. It's key to get a good group around him. I think he's just taken it until the end of the season, so maybe not," Sherwood said.

Meulensteen return seems unlikely
Bringing Meulensteen back to Old Trafford seems like a good idea on paper. After all, he's a top coach who knows the club well.

Indeed, the Dutch coach has seen it all at Manchester United, he won the Champions League as a coach, while Meulensteen even had a training ground bust-up with Wayne Rooney.

However, this move at this moment in time does seem unlikely.

Ruben Amorim looks like he could take charge at Old Trafford shortly, while even if Van Nistelrooy was to stay, Jim Ratcliffe seemingly wants to distance United from the relics of their past.

Alex Ferguson himself has just been sacked as a club ambassador, so it's hard to imagine that Ratcliffe will want to bring back one of Ferguson's former coaches as the club finally looks to step out of Fergie's shadow.

This is a smart idea in a lot of ways, but Meulensteen is unlikely to be back in the Old Trafford dugout anytime soon.



https://tbrfootball.com/tim-sherwood-suggests-man-utd-could-bring-in-manager-fulham-sacked-to-help-ruud-van-nistelrooy/

WhiteJC

Silva to Man Utd - what Fulham boss already said about future amid 'approach' to replace Ten Hag
Manchester United are reportedly looking at Fulham manager Marco Silva as a potential Erik ten Hag replacement.

Fulham manager Marco Silva is in the running to replace Erik ten Hag at Manchester United after the Dutchman was sacked by the Premier League outfit on Monday.

The Red Devils sit 14th in the top flight after the opening nine fixtures but there had been unrest and questions over Ten Hag's future for months before the 2024/25 campaign despite both a Carabao Cup in 2023 and a FA Cup win in 2024. Manchester United have now begun the search for a new head coach.

In a club statement on Monday, United said: "Erik ten Hag has left his role as Manchester United men's first-team manager. Erik was appointed in April 2022 and led the club to two domestic trophies, winning the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024.

"We are grateful to Erik for everything he has done during his time with us and wish him well for the future. Ruud van Nistelrooy will take charge of the team as interim head coach, supported by the current coaching team, whilst a permanent head coach is recruited."

Machester United 'approach' Fulham manager
Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim has emerged as an early frontrunner for the vacant Manchester United job but Fulham boss Marco Silva has also emerged as an option being looked at by the Red Devils.

The Manchester Evening News reports that Amorim has agreed a deal with Manchester United but journalist Guillem Balague adds that the Premier League club has also approached Marco Silva to enquire about his interest in the job.

The Portuguese coach has impressed with the job he has done at Fulham with the London club enjoying an impressive start to the season. The Cottagers sit 10th in the table and have been praised for their style of football so far this term. Silva was said to be on Manchester United's list to replace Ten Hag in the summer before Ineos decided to keep the 54-year-old, handing him a new one-year extension.

Marco Silva contracted at Fulham until 2026
Silva is currently contracted at Craven Cottage until the end of the 2025/26 season thanks to a deal signed last October. Speaking as he put pen to paper a year ago, the former Everton and Watford boss said: "I'm really pleased to sign a new contract as it was something we had been discussing for some time. It's always a good sign when both parties are happy and want to continue working together.

"I feel that the business is not done yet, we've had two great seasons, and the goal is clearly there to sustain this Club in the Premier League. This is key for the future of this Club, and we are working hard to achieve it.

"It is important to feel the trust and have the support of our owners. My relationship with them, and with Fulham Football Club as a whole, has been really important in this decision and the success of the last two seasons.

"The commitment and ambition that these players have demonstrated since day one has been the key to what we have achieved, and that will always continue to be the case, along with the unconditional support of our fans, who are fundamental. Let's continue together on this long journey."

Silva - "I have a contract, simple as that"
As Fulham finished the last Premier League campaign with a 4-2 win over Luton Town at Kenilworth Road, Silva was once again asked about his future at the club. He replied: "I have a contract. That's it, simple as that.

"It's been another successful season for this football club, 100% sure. What we have been achieving the last three years and have three seasons in the Premier League is probably something that didn't happen in the last 10 to 15 years of Fulham Football Club. The way we have been getting this job done has been really enjoyable for our fans.

"Being a successful season, I cannot hide to you that in one moment of the season, I expected us to fight for something more. I'm always really ambitious as a person, not because of just who I am as a person but what I see every day in training sessions."



https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/fulham/marco-silva-to-man-utd-fulham-boss-on-future-4844820

WhiteJC

Birmingham City player ratings vs Fulham as Ayumu Yokoyama and Jay Stansfield lead rout
Birmingham City hammered Fulham in their final Group A game in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy at St Andrew's @Knighthead Park tonight

Birmingham City strode masterfully into the knockout stages by underlining the step up between senior and Under 21 football.

Two first half goals from Jay Stansfield, two in the second from the dazzling Ayumu Yokoyama - and a silky team move for Alfie May put Blues into the last 32 of a tournament they won when they were last in it in 1995.

Late strikes from Keshi Anderson and Lyndon Dykes' first for the club rounded off a magnificent 7-1 victory.

Having been in a genuine contest for most of the first half, when they scored a couple of goals but also gifted Fulham opportunities, Blues asserted control after the break and looked levels above their callow opponents.

Chris Davies made seven changes to the side that drew at Mansfield – but lost nothing in terms of attacking rhythm as his side played out an entertaining and at times thrilling first half.

They went in to the break 2-1 up as the Willum Willumsson and Stansfield partnership paid handsome dividends with the Iceland international providing two assists for his young team-mate.

The first came in the 17th minute when Willumsson played Stansfield into space to the right of the penalty spot and the striker hammered low, through Alex Borto in the visitors' goal.

The second came two minutes before the break after a flowing attack from Blues, Willumsson once again rolled Stansfield into a shooting position and watched as he unerringly found the inside of Borto's post.

In between Fulham equalised, with a quite stunning curling strike from Martial Godo. Midway through the period Blues stood off and allowed the winger to pick out the underside of Bailey Peacock-Farrell's crossbar.

In truth Davies' men could have been out of sight by half-time with Yokoyama, May and Willumsson himself all going close.

Fulham actually started the second period quite well but they were soon swept away by more brilliance from Blues. Ten minutes in Yokoyama went past his marker, sat him down and thumped a rising shot in off the near post. It was a moment of emphatic power.

Just before the hour came the goal of the evening as Gardner-Hickman slid Stansfield in for his hat-trick on the inside left of the area. Unselfishly he tried to return the compliment and lay one on for Willumsson, even more unselfishly the attacker squared for May to side-foot home.

Blues made it 5-1 with a quarter of an hour to go as Yokoyama grabbed his second - a vicious volley that flew past Borto. The rout was completed as the game entered stoppage time as Keshi Anderson was released by Ben Davies and converted well.

Or so we thought, a magnificent seven was brought up when Alfons Sampsted squared for Dykes deep into injury time.

Here's how we rated Blues' players.

Peacock-Farrell 7

Had zero chance with Godo's goal, his only other first half task was to smother a Fulham attack near the byline. One cross to claim in the second half and otherwise a bystander until one late save from King.

Sampsted 7

A touch sloppy in the opening period, didn't make the most of his crossing opportunities and gave the ball away in a dangerous position. Did OK in the second, moved over to left back and nearly scored with a beauty. Assisted for Dykes.

Klarer 8

Some commanding play, one galloping run that deserved better support. Rarely troubled by Fulham's youngsters.

Sanderson 7.5

Played one errant pass that was intercepted in midfield but otherwise looked composed enough. A solid showing from last season's captain.

Cochrane 7.5

Like the rest of the defenders, played one horrible pass that landed his team in trouble - but that was probably his only error in an adventurous game. Supported Yokoyama well before being subbed off.

Leonard 8

Provided some lovely play in the first period, his body feint to open up space in the build up to the second goal oozed class. A generally high quality showing against limited opposition, although did overplay once or twice.

Gardner-Hickman 8.5

Nice to see him in midfield where his power comes into play, went close to opening the scoring. Really exerted control in the second period. Very, very assertive.

Willumsson 9

If Leonard oozed class, the Icelander was a torrent of clever passes, neat footwork and admirable vision. Won the ball and delivered a sumptuous pass for Stansfield's opener, set him up for his second and laid Alfie May's goal on a plate. Quite brilliant.

May 8

Bright in the opening period. Good with the ball, good on the press, if only his lob had been as good as his first touch after a ball over the top from Willumsson. Never stopped harrying Fulham on a very good evening which deserved his goal.

Yokoyama 8.5

Showed some very bright moments in the first half, forced one good save from Borto. Ripped Fulham apart in the second though and provided two of the most thunderous finishes you'll see.

Stansfield 8.5

Two clinical finishes will have felt very sweet against his old pals. Unselfishly helped set-up May's goal. Looked several levels above his former team-mates.
Substitutions

Dykes (for Stansfield, 60) Pretty effective and on the spot to finish 7.5

Anderson (for Willumsson, 60) Buzzed about dangerously and finished well 7.5

Laird (for Cochrane 70) Bright 7

Davies (for Klarer, 70) Some lovely distribution 7.5

Not used: Allsop, Paik, Iwata

Opposition
FULHAM (4-3-3): Borto; Gofford (De Jesus, 78), Nsasi, Amissah, Esenga; Nwoko (Works 64), King, Donnell; Sekularac (Gordon, 78), Osmand (Loupalo-Bi 63), Godo. Subs: McNally, Park, Ali Wahid,

Goals
Blues: Stansfield (17, 43), Yokoyama (54, 74), May (59), Anderson (90+4), Dykes (90+6)

Fulham U21: Godo (22)

Referee: Dale Baines

Attendance: 6,900 (67 away)



https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/birmingham-city-player-ratings-vs-30257098


filham

Fulham have Silva under cotract for a couple of seasons but we all know that if Man.U. decide they want him as their next manager he would move there and be in charge inside a couple of weeks. We would be desperately looking for a new manager.

Where the big clubs are concerned contracts are meaningless.

WindyCity

Quote from: filham on October 30, 2024, 10:23:14 AMWhere the big clubs are concerned contracts are meaningless.

Copy that, whether for managers or players.  Money talks........

hovewhite

We all ,after any length of time managers move on or are moved on hopefully we keep Marco for another couple of seasons as he could be our most successful of all in the PL.