Wednesday’s round-up: Sessegnon commits to Fulham
Ryan Sessegnon has committed his future to Fulham by signing a three-year contract.
The Roehampton-born 17-year-old’s new deal – his first professional contract – comes after months of speculation that he could leave Craven Cottage this summer.
He was linked with several Premier League clubs, including Chelsea, but opted to stay with the Whites.
“I’m excited to see what’s in front of me at this club. Hopefully we can all push on now,” he told Fulham’s website.
Sessegnon, who can play at left-back or further forward, has been at Fulham since 2008, as has his twin brother Steven.
He made his senior debut in August last year and has made a total of 30 first-team appearances, scoring seven goals.
Fulham’s vice-chairman and director of football operations Tony Khan said: “Ryan’s debut season with the first team was spectacular and we are so proud of this very special young man.”
Parker announces retirement
Scott Parker has decided to end his playing career.
The 36-year-old, whose Fulham contract expires at the end of this week, announced his retirement on Wednesday afternoon.
Parker, who spent four years at Craven Cottage, captained England during a 19-year career that included an 18-month spell at Chelsea.
He also played for Tottenham, Newcastle, West Ham and Charlton.
A statement issued by Parker explained: “The decision to retire has not been an easy one for me but having thought long and hard over it, and having discussed it with those closest to me, I believe that now is the right time to move on to the next chapter in my life and career.”
Gladwin leaves QPR
Ben Gladwin has completed his move from QPR to Blackburn for an undisclosed fee.
West London Sport recently revealed that Blackburn wanted to sign the midfielder and subsequently also revealed that the move was set to go through.
Gladwin, 25, has signed a two-year contract at Ewood Park.
Doughty likely to go as well
QPR are ready to let Michael Doughty leave for Peterborough.
West London Sport revealed in May that Posh are hoping to sign the midfielder, who has a year remaining on his contract at Loftus Road.
Following talks between the two clubs, Rangers have told the League One outfit they can sign Doughty if they are able to agree personal terms with him.
Rangers boss Ian Holloway recalled Doughty from a season-long loan at Swindon Town in January, insisting he rated the 24-year-old highly and wanted to give him a chance in the first team.
However, Doughty started just two matches under Holloway – and has made just 12 first-team appearances for Rangers in total, nine of them as a substitute.
No enquiries about Smithies
QPR have so far received no enquiries about Alex Smithies despite speculation over the goalkeeper’s future.
Smithies, who signed a new contract in February, was outstanding for the R’s last season.
His former club Huddersfield’s recent promotion to the Premier League prompted reports that he could rejoin them this summer.
He was previously linked with a number of other clubs, but there has so far been no sign of any interest in the 27-year-old.
Mackrell to face Hillsborough charge
A former QPR employee is among six people who will be prosecuted over the Hillsborough disaster.
Graham Mackrell will be accused of breaching Health and Safety and Safety at Sports Ground legislation in relation to the tragedy at Sheffield Wednesday’s ground in May 1989.
Mackrell was Wednesday’s club secretary and safety officer at the time.
He was given the role of chief operating officer at QPR by the then club chairman Gianni Paladini in August 2006, but left just three months later.
Last year, new inquests into the disaster at the Liverpool v Nottingham Forest FA Cup semi-final concluded the 96 fans who died had been unlawfully killed.
Kerschbaumer loan move
Brentford midfielder Konstantin Kerschbaumer has joined German second-tier side DSC Arminia Bielefelda on a season-long loan.
Kerschbaumer, who turns 25 this week, moved to Griffin Park from FC Admira Wacker Mödling for an undisclosed fee two years ago.
The Bees have inserted a clause in his contract, which expires in 2019, giving the club the option of extending it to 2020.
A similar deal led to Brentford recently extending Jota’s contract by a year.
