I NEED THREE PLAYERS AND I AIN’T JOKAN
SLAVISA JOKANOVIC expects backing from his board to help kick-start Fulham’s promotion push.
The Cottagers are on the rise following just two defeats from the last nine games. Their resurgence has left Jokanovic dreaming of a repeat of last season’s march to the play-offs.
Now the Serb, who has previously been at odds with the recruitment strategy led by data analyst Craig Kline, will lean on owner Shahid Khan to splash the cash.
Jokanovic, ahead of tonight’s visit from Ipswich, said: “I need three players in three different positions. I know we still need to improve but if we can continue playing like we are then anything can happen. We have gradually been playing better and are now finding the results.”
Fulham are chasing a new defender, left-back and striker.
But they are determined to keep teenage wonderkid Ryan Sessegnon, who is wanted by a host of Premier League clubs.
Jokanovic (above) added: “In the past there has been interest in him but he took the decision to stay with us. He’s only 17 – he’s got plenty of time on his side.”
Ipswich striker Joey Garner will turn out at Craven Cottage tonight looking for revenge.
Fulham comprehensively outplayed Town at Portman Road in August in a 2-0 win.
“It could have been more,” said the former Rangers forward. “They gave us a good beating.
“Like us they have had an up-and-down season but they are lower than us so we need to make sure we turn up.”
Town have been hammered by injuries, especially in central midfield where they have lost Cole Skuse, Teddy Bishop, Emyr Huws and Luke Hyam.
But boss Mick McCarthy has forward options, including Kiefer Moore who will be in the squad after returning on loan from Rotherham.