Wednesday Fulham Stuff - 08/01/25...

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I was released by Leeds United at 16 for being physically weak - now I'm a Premier League captain
Fulham ace Tom Cairney was a studio guest on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football show

Tom Cairney has opened up on being released by Leeds United as a teenager. The Fulham midfielder was a studio guest on Sky Sports' flagship Monday Night Football show.

Reflecting on his time at Thorp Arch, Cairney said: "I got released at 16. I was there (at Leeds) from seven or eight, until 16. I was a late developer, a really late developer physically. They said they didn't have the time to wait, couldn't get around the pitch.

"Physically, I was physically weak. I was small. The technical side I had but always in youth football, the strongest and fastest wins until everyone catches up."

Cairney's father played a decisive role in the player snubbing Nottingham Forest for Leeds' academy in 1998. "Leeds took me off Forest at 8, in a way if you can say that. I remember coming home from school and my dad said you're going to Leeds. 'What!' We got in the car, we drove up to Thorp Arch," Cairney said.

"You weren't allowed to live an hour outside the training ground but we did. It was chaos, my dad was a taxi driver at the time. He used to break down on the way home, it was carnage. Unbelievable memories."

Since leaving Thorp Arch in 2007, Cairney has represented Hull City, Blackburn Rovers and Fulham. His 10-year anniversary since joining the Cottagers is fast approaching and the Scotland international has racked up over 340 appearances for the West London outfit. Although Cairney remains Fulham's captain, he has started just two Premier League matches this term.



https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/released-leeds-united-16-being-30722908

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The numbers behind Fulham's centre-backs

Marco Silva potentially signalled the end of the five-at-the-back experiment by substituting Issa Diop at half time against Ipswich. This move could also signal Diop's return to the bench after deputising well for Joachim Andersen when the Dane has been out of the team. But just how well has Diop fared so far this season in comparison to Joachim Andersen and Calvin Bassey?

Joachim Andersen

Joa has featured in 12 matches this season, accumulating two clean sheets and three yellow cards, along with one red card at home against Aston Villa. The Dane has brought leadership and composure to the backline following his summer return to the club, with eight blocks, 13 interceptions and has been successful in eight out of his 11 tackles so far. He has also been a presence with 61 clearances, 30 of which were headed.

Calvin Bassey

Calvin has featured the most regularly of our centre-backs this season, playing 19 games and featuring in every game aside from our trip to Anfield, when he was suspended. Bassey has one more clean sheet than Andersen, with three, and has accumulated five yellow cards and zero red cards. He is known to be an aggressive and forward-thinking defender, and has shown that so far, having made 13 blocks (five more than Andersen), 26 tackles, which is 15 more than Joa, and one less interception than him – 12. Calvin has been successful in 16 tackles this season, which is double Andersen's total, however he has performed 57 clearances, 19 of which were headed, which is less than his Danish partner.

Issa Diop

Diop has actually featured more than Joachim Andersen (in 15 games so far this season) , however he only has one clean sheet to his name and two yellow cards. He has made the fewest blocks and the least interceptions out of the trio, (seven and five respectively), however he has made 21 tackles, showing a more aggressive and front footed-nature, similar to Bassey, with 10 of those tackles being made successfully. He has made 49 clearances, which is the fewest out of the trio, with 30 of those being headed clearances, showing the aerial prowess that we expect from him.

Analysis

It's notable that our centre-back position has not been without error this season. Calvin Bassey will quickly want to forget the goal conceded to Ipswich's Sammie Szmodics, Issa Diop will be ruing his misplaced pass that led to the equaliser at home against Bournemouth, and Joachim Andersen has shown errors, for example when he was unaware of Evanilson lurking in behind for Bournemouth's first goal.

However, these names have proved themselves to be accomplished performers so far this season, including that of Jorge Cuenca, who performed in a proficient manner in his Anfield outing. The key to many successful teams is building from a solid base, and as long as we can rid ourselves of freak errors, long may the high performances continue.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2025-01-07-the-numbers-behind-fulhams-centre-backs/

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Fulham now showing 'greater flexibility' over January exit – Offer increased by €5m
Three days ago, Globo Esporte reported Fulham and Palmeiras have set a date of January 6th to negotiate a potential deal for Andreas Pereira.

A fresh report from Globo Esporte brings the latest on the meeting between the two clubs for the midfielder.

The Fulham player likes the deal offered by Palmeiras, which doesn't exceed the salary ceiling of their current squad.

It's claimed the situation with Pereira is 'practically resolved' and Palmeiras have to agree a deal with Marco Silva's side to sign him in the winter market.

From Monday's meeting, the 29-year-old's camp have understood that there's 'greater flexibility' from Fulham, despite earlier claims stating otherwise.

Last weekend, Marco Silva left the player out of the starting lineup against Ipswich Town. The report says this is a 'clear signal' from Fulham that they are ready to negotiate, and the deal could 'move forward at any time'.

Palmeiras fear the deal could collapse if they put too much pressure on the London club and will continue negotiations without any rush.

Globo add their offer includes a €20m fixed fee plus bonuses, of which some are easily achievable.

Meanwhile, journalist Jorge Nicola, relayed by Bolvaip, claims Palmeiras have made a 'new proposal' and have increased their last offer by €5m. Their new bid is €25m and it's not clear whether this includes or excludes bonuses.

Palmeiras' offer to Fulham should be clarified soon if the negotiations were to progress further.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/club-practically-resolved-deal-with-fulham-player-make-new-proposal-to-marco-silvas-side/

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The importance of being hard to beat

Fulham have got through the Christmas period – and got through it unbeaten.

In December, Fulham have sometimes managed to pull a rabbit out of the hat, but a Boxing Day win has been hard to come by in recent times. In December 2023, the results consisted of two famous 5-0 wins, before losing three in a very unconvincing manner and ending the month by beating Arsenal on New Year's Eve. Fulhamish inconsistency at its finest.

This December, however, has proved to be something different altogether. Fulham haven't lost a game. Are we becoming a team that's hard to beat? I for one thought Ipswich were well on for three points on the weekend. Our unbeaten run looked under threat and we hadn't done enough to win the game. There was a tangible lack of cutting edge in the first half, and a gung-ho effort to salvage a point was needed to keep the unbeaten run going. Many fans will look at that game before a ball is kicked and say we should be looking to take three points. But historically, that is the kind of game that Fulham have actually gone on to lose. Notably, Burnley beat us 2-0 at home last December in a game where the Clarets took their chances as Fulham squandered possession and lacked a threat against a low block.

A new resolve

The unique thing about this run of fixtures is the way the games have gone and who we have played. In each of the games since the 1-4 loss to Wolves, Fulham have been pegged back and could have easily lost control once more, but notably haven't done so (I'm aware of the possibility of this article being the kiss of death here).

Spurs took the lead but couldn't beat us. Brighton were pushing for a Champions League space when they equalised, but Fulham came out victorious. Arsenal scored in the second half but failed to get over the line, their dominance of possession couldn't break a stubborn defensive line. Liverpool came back twice with 10 men, but they never got a decisive grip of that game. Southampton never look like scoring even when playing their best football this year, against us they barely got a look in. Chelsea looked to have victory well within their sights when Cole Palmer routinely struck early in the first half. Bournemouth have caused everyone problems this year, Fulham kept going to ensure they were in the team in the ascendancy. Ipswich was no different, they were dogged but in the end they couldn't ever really capitalise and kill the game. The point is Fulham remain capable of staying in control with and without the ball for large portions of 90+ minutes against any opposition.

Shift perspective

Many fans are saying that this season has been a season of "what ifs". Everyone is looking at the points dropped from winning positions. However, the points dropped from winning positions stat is misleading when measuring the overall season. We really should be talking about the underlying numbers in performance. Results are important and each point is valuable. However, performance across a campaign is what drives results. And on the whole, Fulham aren't performing badly.



This shows us that "what ifs" are slightly hypothetical, and Fulham are still, remarkably, in the hunt for European space. Yes, Fulham are taking fewer possession-based risks against small teams from time to time, but overall, there are more attacking actions. This has led to the increase in the number of defensive actions and therein lies the weakness. Fulham have taken more attack-based risks and so far it is paying off because the defensive actions have been just about firm enough (Fulham have scored 30 goals and have conceded 27). Needless to say, we all hope this continues. But that is the stat that remains, just about, in Fulham's favour.

To my point about the underlying numbers being net positive, I would like to pose a different set of "what ifs". What if Fulham are just getting started? What if Fulham are going to be peaking at the end of the season, rather than halfway through it or two thirds of the way through it? What if Fulham are resting Emile Smith Rowe so his fitness and performance are at peak level with less than five games to go? What if we are constantly rotating Raul Jimenez and Rodrigo Muniz because Marco Silva wants to ensure each player can score a game-defining goal? What if Fulham have finally got over their penalty issue? What if Fulham's ability to play with both a back four and back five leads to an increased ability to see out games? What if squad togetherness sees us finish in the top half this year?

Optimism

A lot of what ifs, but as a season ticket holder of 22 years this season has felt different. The first away win at Chelsea for 45 years certainly felt different. Having something to play for will always be better for sport psychology purposes, whether that applies in terms of game management or in the league itself doesn't matter. Especially if Fulham remain in contention for a European tour come the season's close. Bigger picture, each game has significance for us, that is not something we could always say at certain parts of last year. It also bodes well for next season.

Naturally it will take a while for Fulham to be at their peak. So maybe, just maybe, Fulham will peak at the right time this season or flourish next season. Even if it doesn't work out, and Europe becomes an unrealistic dream, we will hopefully be able to look back at this season and smile. Knowing that 2025/26 will lead to a European dream that can become a more realistic prospect if we don't make it this time. Marco has always been creating a project at Fulham; did I hear someone say trust the process?

Christmas is usually a period of the season that defines the season's conclusion. Manchester City tend to come alive over the Christmas and New Year period, they usually begin a run of 13 straight wins or something similarly wild. Fulham being unbeaten in eight over the same congested run of fixtures is not comparable, but does it show a steel and nerve required to finish the season strongly? Hold on to your hats. If Fulham keep being hard to beat and pick up half a dozen more wins, we will be fighting for points at the right end of the table come May. Can someone get us some popcorn please?



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2025-01-07-the-importance-of-being-hard-to-beat/

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Join us under the lights for Watford

Tickets start from just £5!
Secure your seat for Emirates FA Cup action in SW6 as we take on Championship side Watford in the Third Round on Thursday 9th January, kick-off 7:45pm.

2024/25 Season Ticket Holders have access to exclusive pricing for this fixture and can secure seats anywhere in the ground for £20.

All junior tickets for this fixture are priced at just £5!

Full pricing breakdown for this fixture can be found below.

Age Category	Season Ticket Holder Price (1 Ticket Per Person)	Non-Season Ticket Holder Price
Adult	£20	£30
65 & Over	£15	£25
18-21	£15	£25
17 & under	£5	£5

Tickets for this fixture are now on General Sale. All supporters are eligible to purchase up to six tickets for this fixture, so bring your friends & family along to enjoy the magic of the Cup!

Further matchday information can be found here.

SECURE YOUR SEAT
How to buy

    Online - Visit fulhamfc.com/tickets
    By phone - Call the Fulham FC Ticket Office on 0203 871 0810 (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm)

https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2025/january/06/join-us-under-the-lights-for-watford/

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Preview: Fulham vs. Watford - prediction, team news, lineups
Fulham will put Premier League duties to one side when they welcome Championship outfit Watford to Craven Cottage for a third-round tie in the FA Cup on Thursday night.

The two teams meet for the first time since April 2019 when the Hornets secured a 4-1 victory at Vicarage Road in the top flight.

Match preview
Fulham have put together an eight-game unbeaten run in the Premier League, but they have drawn six of those matches and most recently salvaged a solitary point in a 2-2 draw with Ipswich Town last Sunday.

Only Brighton & Hove Albion (10) have shared the spoils on more occasions in this season's top flight than Fulham (nine), who had Raul Jimenez to thank against the Tractor Boys as he converted two second-half penalties to help the Cottagers come from behind twice and avoid defeat.

Marco Silva vented his frustration post-match and said that the performance of referee Darren Bond "was not at the level the Premier League demands" after Ipswich's Leif Davis avoided a red card for a last-man foul in the first half. Nevertheless, Fulham sit ninth in the table and are only six points behind the top four.

Before preparing for favourable-looking league fixtures against West Ham United and Leicester City, Fulham will endeavour to progress from the third round of the FA Cup for the sixth successive season when they face Watford on home soil.

The 1975 runners-up have advanced from 13 of their last 16 third-round ties and have progressed from each of their previous four FA Cup ties against lower-league opposition, but they have failed to win any of their last six competitive meetings with Watford (D3 L3), conceding 14 goals in the process.

After making a promising start to their third consecutive season in the Championship, Watford have fallen out of the playoff spots and down to ninth place following a run of four defeats in their last five matches.

The Hornets have been beaten by Cardiff City, Queens Park Rangers and Sheffield United in their last three games, losing 2-1 at home to the latter last weekend, while they have failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their last seven fixtures.

Head coach Tom Cleverley has acknowledged that his team have shown their "fragilities" in recent weeks and has admitted that turning the club's fortunes around is both a "big ask" and "probably the biggest challenge I've ever faced in this industry".

Encounters with Cardiff, Derby County and Preston North End are on the horizon later this month, but they will first shift their attention to the FA Cup, a competition that they have been runners-up in twice in 1984 and 2019.

Watford may have progressed from only one of their last five FA Cup third-round ties - a 2-1 win over Chesterfield last season - but there is reason to be optimistic of success on Thursday, as they have won three of their last four meetings with Fulham and have not lost any of their previous three visits to Craven Cottage.

Fulham form (all competitions):

    D    D    D    W    D    D

Watford form (all competitions):

    W    L    W    L    L    L

Team News
Fulham's Sander Berge has an outside chance of returning from an ankle injury, but Reiss Nelson (hamstring), Kenny Tete and Harrison Reed (both knee) are all set to remain in the treatment room.

Silva will consider rotating his team in a few positions and will weigh up whether to stick with a three-at-the-back system or revert to a four-man defence. Jorge Cuenca and Ryan Sessegnon are two names who will be pushing to start at the back.

Emile Smith Rowe could be handed a start in midfield after making two substitute appearances since recovering from injury, while attacking duo Adama Traore and Rodrigo Muniz will be hoping to force their way into the first XI.

As for Watford, goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann is ruled out for up to three months with an ankle ligament injury sustained in the closing stages of last weekend's defeat to Sheffield United. Jonathan Bond is therefore set to start between the sticks.

Tom Dele-Bashiru is closing in on a return from a knee injury but remains doubtful, while fellow midfielder Imran Louza recovered from illness to play the full 90 minutes last time out, and defender Angelo Ogbonna played for just over an hour after almost 12 weeks out with a hamstring problem.

Jeremy Ngakia scored his first senior goal for Watford last weekend and is in contention to continue at left wing-back, while the likes of Ryan Porteous, Moussa Sissoko, Tom Ince and Vakoun Issouf Bayo will all be pushing for a recall.

Fulham possible starting lineup:
Leno; Castagne, Diop, Cuenca, Sessegnon; Pereira, Lukic; Traore, Smith Rowe, Iwobi; Muniz

Watford possible starting lineup:
Bond; Porteous, Pollock, Sierralta; Andrews, Kayembe, Sissoko, Louza, Ngakia; Bayo, Baah

We say: Fulham 3-1 Watford

The previous three FA Cup meetings between Fulham and Watford have all required replays to determine a winner, with the Hornets winning the first two (1932 and 1983) before the Cottagers triumphed in 2005.

There are no replays in the competition this time around, though, and although another tight affair could be in store on Thursday, we are backing the home side to take advantage of the visitors' poor run of form and secure their spot in the fourth round, even if Silva opts to make multiple changes.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/fa-cup/preview/preview-fulham-vs-watford-prediction-team-news-lineups_562243.html

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West Ham Miss Out on Marco Silva Over £8m Fee
West Ham United reportedly approached Fulham for manager Marco Silva to take over from Julen Lopetegui.

Earlier today, C&H broke the news that the Hammers had a contingency plan should a move for Graham Potter fall through. We told you that Paulo Fonseca had been interviewed by David Sullivan last Friday but now it has been disclosed that Silva was also on the Irons hit-list.

The revelation came from Hammers ITK ExWHUEmployee, who claims the West Ham board were deterred by the £8m compensation package required to release the Portuguese coach from his Craven Cottage contract.

This news will come as a bitter blow to fans, considering Silva has Fulham flying high and playing an exciting, swashbuckling brand of football this season.

While the £8m fee might seem steep, it pales in comparison to the sums the club regularly spends on transfer fees, loan deals, and agents' payments.

If West Ham are serious about progressing, those responsible for managerial appointments must stop treating the head coach role as a budget option. True ambition requires significant investment in coaching as well as playing staff.

Although Claret & Hugh have not received confirmation of any approach for Silva, if the rumours are accurate, it's disheartening to think the club turned down a quality manager for less than the cost of a Jordan Hugill.



https://www.claretandhugh.info/west-ham-miss-out-on-marco-silva-over-8m-fee/

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Fulham leading the race to sign £30m Brazilian striker this month with Arsenal and Chelsea also keen
TBR Football can exclusively reveal that Fulham are the frontrunners to sign a Brazilian striker who is attracting interest from a plethora of other Premier League clubs.

Fulham were ambitious in the summer transfer window, signing the likes of Emile Smith Rowe, Joachim Andersen, Sander Berge, Ryan Sessegnon and Jorge Cuenca while adding Reiss Nelson to their ranks on loan.

Marco Silva has made excellent use of the Cottagers' squad, who sit in ninth place in the Premier League table and he could further be rewarded in the winter window as well.

Fulham frontrunners in race to sign Igor Jesus
TBR Football's chief correspondent Graeme Bailey can reveal that Fulham are leading the race to sign Botafogo striker Igor Jesus.

TBR Football has previously confirmed that Igor Jesus has caught Arsenal and Chelsea's attention as well as the likes of Newcastle United, Everton and Brentford. TBR Football also revealed previously that West Ham ran background checks on Jesus.

However, Fulham, who are in the lead amongst the teams in pursuit of the 23-year-old's signature are ready to allow Rodrigo Muniz to return to Brazil as a part of a deal this month, as has been told to TBR Football.

Ipswich Town interested in £30 million Fulham target Igor Jesus
TBR Football also understands that Ipswich Town have entered the race to sign the Brazilian, who is valued at £30 million.

Kieran McKenna's side are looking to add at least one more striker to their roster.

TBR Football have revealed Ipswich have considered signing Haji Wright and Emmanuel Latte Lath to back McKenna.

It seems like Kieran McKenna and Co are ready to attack the winter market in a quest to survive in the league by the end of the campaign.



https://tbrfootball.com/fulham-leading-the-race-to-sign-30m-brazilian-striker-igor-jesus-this-month-with-arsenal-and-chelsea-also-keen/

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Fulham Yet To Respond To Offer For Cottagers Star
Fulham have yet to respond to a new offer for one of their players, as the pressure is increased from an interested club.

Marco Silva's side sit comfortably in the middle of the Premier League table and, just five points off fifth place, could have a fruitful second half of the season.

Silva will be keen to make sure he does not come out of the January transfer window with a weaker squad than he went into it with.

However, the Cottagers are increasingly being tested for midfielder Andreas Pereira by Brazilian club Palmeiras.

According to Goal Brasil, Palmeiras have now gone in with an offer of €20m plus add-ons of €2m; they initially offered €20m.

Fulham have yet to respond to the Brazilian side about the proposal put on the table, though they have been unwilling to consider a sale.

Palmeiras will be hoping that the deal is enough to tempt Fulham into cashing in on Pereira.

The player is claimed to be excited by the project on offer back in his native Brazil and is tipped to agree to the move if a deal is thrashed out between the two clubs.



https://insidefutbol.com/2025/01/07/fulham-yet-to-respond-to-offer-for-cottagers-star/669742/

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Ex-Man Utd star Andreas Pereira dons 'MILF' shirt to Fulham training as Brazil international tells critics to 'say less'
Ex-Manchester United star Andreas Pereira donned a 'MILF' shirt to Fulham training as the midfielder told his critics to "say less".

    Pereira been criticised of late
    Fulham star dons 'MILF' shirt
    Tells critics to "say less"

WHAT HAPPENED?

Off the back of transfer links with Palmeiras and Marseille, and being dropped by Fulham manager Marco Silva recently, the 29-year-old has sent a message to his detractors on social media.

WHAT ANDREAS PEREIRA SAID

At Fulham training, Pereira wore the lewd shirt next to team-mate Calvin Bassey and wrote in an Instagram story: "Say less". On this occasion, 'MILF' stood for 'man I love Fulham'.



THE BIGGER PICTURE

Silva left Pereira out of last month's draw at Tottenham due to a "technical decision" and denied the midfielder's absence was related to an interview where the ex-United man was quoted as saying it would be "very cool" to play for Marseille under Roberto De Zerbi. The Brazil international, who was criticised off the back of this, called the interview "malicious and inaccurate" on Instagram and appears focused on delivering for Fulham - going by this latest post.

WHAT NEXT?

Pereira, who was the subject of a rejected offer from Palmeiras in January, could next feature for Fulham on Thursday as they begin their FA Cup campaign against Watford in round three of the competition.



https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/ex-man-utd-star-andreas-pereira-dons-milf-shirt-to-fulham-training-as-brazil-international-tells-cri/bltcb4ff2902038e01e?utm_id=fa3iys5y8hyz9ezk&utm_source_platform=newsnow#cs5784a35f3d6d0361