|
|
|
WhiteJC
|
 |
« Reply #16 on: July 01, 2011, 08:24:38 am » |
|
Fulham 3 NSI Runavik 0: A cruise for Jol's men after 39-day restSo, this is where playing fair gets you. Club football in June, four miles from the Wimbledon tennis championships, on ladies semi-finals day? You cannot be serious. Well, 'Diddy' David Hamilton seemed serious. 'It's Showtime.' he cried over the PA system and out trotted Fulham, dressed, rather aptly, in all white. Cool finish: Murphy scores Fulham's second from the penalty spotFans at Craven Cottage must have wondered what Johnny Haynes would have made of a home kit without black shorts but the officials at the All England Club would have approved. Fulham were starting their season 39 days after the last one ended. On May 22, it was Arsenal on the banks of the Thames, in a 2-2 draw notable for Zoltan Gera's sending-off within three minutes of coming on as a late substitute. The red card proved to be not quite enough for the club to dodge what seemed to be UEFA's end-of-season booby prize, entry into the first qualifying round of the Europa League, via the Fair Play system. Way to go: Martin Jol enjoyed a comfortable win in his first in gameManager Mark Hughes, however, found a way to avoid a truncated break by refusing to renew his contract and Martin Jol was appointed in time for Wimbledon and headlines about Summer Jolidays. 'I was going to go to Wimbledon the other day, it was all organised, then it started to rain,' Jol said. 'I love tennis and I would love to see Andy Murray. It would be fantastic to see him win it, but I think it is almost impossible.' Such defeatism Murray can probably do without. This was the first game back in charge of an English club for Jol. His last came in the same competition when he was Tottenham boss, a surreal tie against Getafe when the White Hart Lane crowd discovered during the first half that their popular Dutch manager was about to be sacked. Last night, a crowd of more than 14,000 turned up in their shirt-sleeves and shades to bask in the evening sun, although there was a notable groan when four minutes added time was announced at the end. Those who came along got to share the experience of Jol's first Fulham game, an easy win against NSI Runavik from the Faroe Islands. Runavik is a shipping town of fewer than 4,000 people. They could have all squeezed in at the Putney End. As it was, only about 30 of them made it to London for what their part-time players were happy to bill the biggest game of their lives. Jol was satisfied with the result, which equals Fulham's best in European football and enabled him to consider giving the players a couple of days off before they embark on next week's voyage to the isle of Eysturoy. He picked his strongest possible team, with Mousa Dembele injured and Clint Dempsey and Carlos Salcido on international duty. Runavik tired and faded badly towards the end but they managed to keep Fulham out for half an hour before Damien Duff lashed in a left-footer on the turn from a pass by Simon Davies. Picture this: Runavik fans make the most of their trip to the capitalHungarian goalkeeper Andras Gango warmed to his role as the busiest man on the pitch, tipping over a free-kick from Bobby Zamora before half-time and saving again from the striker after the break. Andy Johnson ought to have been awarded a penalty when he was tripped but play went on. Nobody disputed it too much and, a few minutes later, they got one anyway. Helgi Petersen hacked down Davies and Danny Murphy sent Gango the wrong way. Johnson added the third with 20 minutes left. All in all, a decent start for the 2010 Europa League runners-up but this will be a long campaign if it develops as that one did. The final is another 21 games away, in Bucharest on May 9, by which time, minds in this part of London will be turning once again towards strawberries and cream. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2010109/Fulham-3-NSI-Runavik-0-A-cruise-Jols-men-39-day-rest.html#ixzz1QptfmAHR
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
WhiteJC
|
 |
« Reply #17 on: July 01, 2011, 08:26:21 am » |
|
FULHAM CRUISES TO VICTORY UNDER MARTIN JOLFULHAM last night cruised to an imposing 3-0 first-leg lead in their Europa League, first qualifying round tie against NSI Runavik, but it took 33 minutes before Damien Duff broke the resistance of the Faroe Islands minnows in this lacklustre affair. The match started like a pre-season friendly and the Premier League outfit, whose players have only recently returned to training under new manager Martin Jol, took a while to get into gear in front of a crowd of 14,910 at Craven Cottage. Eventually Simon Davies and Bobby Zamora combined to set up Duff, whose low, deflected drive found the target. Danny Murphy then slotted home a 60th-minute penalty, before Andrew Johnson scored a third for the hosts 10 minutes later. http://www.express.co.uk/football/view/256117/Fulham-cruises-to-victory-under-Martin-Jol?
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
WhiteJC
|
 |
« Reply #18 on: July 01, 2011, 08:27:57 am » |
|
FULHAM 3 NSI RUNAVIK 0: FUL SPEED AHEAD FOR MARTIN JOL'S BOYSFULHAM 3 -- NSI RUNAVIK 0MARTIN JOL has had car problems recently but his Fulham side ended the night in cruise control as they set out on the road to the Europa League final. New Cottagers boss Jol’s start to the new season was disrupted when he had his car towed away last week. And dogged part-timers NSI Runavik threatened to put another spanner in the works as Fulham stalled during the first-half of last night’s Europa League first-round qualifier. But Jol’s men stepped on the gas after the break in his first game in charge. And next week’s second leg should be a formality after goals from Damien Duff, Danny Murphy and Andy Johnson gave them a 3-0 lead to take to the Faroe Islands. Fulham – 2010 Europa League finalists – booked their spot in this season’s competition via the Fair Play League. But their ‘reward’ was a return to competitive action just 39 days after their final game of last season. Starting the new season while their Premier League rivals still had their feet up and Wimbledon was still going on a few miles away seemed more like punishment for their good behaviour than a prize. But Jol is well up for trying to repeat the heroics of Roy Hodgson’s side two seasons ago with another European adventure. The Fulham chief named his strongest possible side and the message seemed to be, ‘Let’s get this tie wrapped up tonight.’ But that proved to be easier said than done against an NSI side who defended in numbers and were determined not to be embarrassed. Fulham spent most of the first half-hour camped in NSI territory but failed to really test keeper Andras Gango. And it was NSI who almost struck first after a rare forward raid. Justinus Hansen almost gave NSI’s 30-strong travelling band of fans something to remember when he let fly from 25 yards, only to see his speculative volley dip just wide. Instead it was Fulham celebrating first when Duff found the bottom corner from 18 yards in the 32nd minute after being teed up by Simon Davies. Bobby Zamora was then denied twice either side of the break by Gango. But NSI’s overworked keeper was beaten for a second time on the hour when Murphy scored from the spot after Davies was tripped in the box. And Johnson wrapped up the win when he lashed home Fulham’s third 10 minutes later after linking up with fellow striker Zamora http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/198758/Fulham-3-NSI-Runavik-0-Ful-speed-ahead-for-Martin-Jol-s-boys/?
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
WhiteJC
|
 |
« Reply #19 on: July 01, 2011, 08:30:27 am » |
|
Europa League: Fulham 3 - 0 NSI Runavik - Damien Duff goal sparks Fulham win in Europa League openerFULHAM took their first step towards further Europa League success with a comfortable victory against Faroese minnows NSI Runavik in Martin Jol's first match at the helm. Damien Duff, Danny Murphy and Andrew Johnson netted the all-important goals at Craven Cottage last night as the west Londoners look to repeat their run to the final in 2010. While a further 22 matches still stand between them and another appearancADVERTISEMENT e in the finale, Fulham already seem to have dispatched NSI with a clinical display in the first leg of their first qualifying round clash. Duff was unfortunate not to net the game's first goal in the 23rd minute, twisting and turning on the edge of the box before unleashing a right-footed drive that went just wide. Justinus Hansen almost gave NSI a shock lead with a thumping effort that caught Mark Schwarzer unawares and bounced just wide. That seemed to spur Jol's side into life and Duff thumped home from inside the 18-yard box in the 33rd minute. After the break, Petersen upended Simon Davies in the box, allowing skipper Murphy to slot home from the penalty spot. And Johnson wriggled free in the box and angled a shot into the bottom corner for the third. Fulham: Schwarzer, Baird, Hangeland, Hughes, Briggs, Davies, Murphy, Etuhu, Duff, Andrew Johnson, Zamora. Subs: Stockdale, Kelly, Sidwell, Senderos, Riise, Dalla Valle, Greening. NSI Runavik: Gango, Jens Joensen, Mortensen, Justinus Hansen, Klaemint Olsen, Helgi Lamhauge Petersen, Lakjuni, Mikkelsen, Frederiksberg, Debes Danielsen, Christian Hogni Jacobsen. Subs: Kristian Joensen, Magnus Olsen, Liknargotu, Sorensen, Fredriksberg. Referee: B Brugger. Attendance: 14,910 http://sport.scotsman.com/sport/Damien-Duff-goal-sparks-Fulham.6794083.jp?
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
WhiteJC
|
 |
« Reply #20 on: July 01, 2011, 08:32:59 am » |
|
Fulham 3 - 0 NSI RunavikWas there any doubt? Well, maybe for a moment when the score was still level and Janus Hansen caught a glimpse of goal from afar and tried his luck. A bit wide, much to Mark Schwarzer's delight. But that was that and Martin Jol's life at Fulham got off to a pleasant start with a 3-0 victory in the first leg of Fulham's Europa League qualifying round tie with NSI Runavik. Damien Duff opened the scoring for Fulham in the 33rd when he slotted home from the edge of the box, finally cracking the defensive shield that NSI had desperately held onto since the start of the match. Danny Murphy doubled the lead from the spot in the 61st after Simon Davies was fouled in the box. Andy Johnson's sliding finish gave Fulham a third shortly after. Shots were, predictably, 21-4 in Fulham's favor and the Londoners held an even more daunting edge in corners at 14-1. Possession numbers, which I don't have handy, will be similarly tilted. The match not only served as an introduction for Jol, but, in the 78th minute, Lauri Dalla Valle made his senior debut as well, coming on for Bobby Zamora. Kristian was at the match and should be able to shed more light than I can from recollecting Twitter updates and goving over match reports from my office. Still, not a bad way to start a season or, if you happened to be at the Craven Cottage, spend a summer's evening. http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2011/7/1/2253351/fulham-3-0-nsi-runavik?
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
WhiteJC
|
 |
« Reply #21 on: July 01, 2011, 08:35:00 am » |
|
Jol opens with comfortable Europa winFulham 3 NSI Runavik 0 The new Fulham manager Martin Jol greets the home fans before last night's matchFulham took the first step on a lengthy Europa League road with a comfortable 3-0 victory against the Faroese minnows NSI Runavik in Martin Jol’s first match at the helm. Fulham took the first step on a lengthy Europa League road with a comfortable 3-0 victory against the Faroese minnows NSIRunavik in Martin Jol’s first match at the helm. Damien Duff, Danny Murphy and Andy Johnson scored the goals at Craven Cottage as the west Londoners sought to repeat their run to the final in 2010. While a further 22 matches still stand between them and another potential appearance in the final, Fulham already seem to have dispatched NSI after a clinical, effective display in the first leg of their first qualifying-round tie. http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/jol-opens-with-comfortable-europa-win-2305268.html?
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
WhiteJC
|
 |
« Reply #22 on: July 01, 2011, 08:35:55 am » |
|
Duff hits first goal of season... and it was still only JuneIT'S the beginning of a season that Damien Duff hopes will end at the European Championships in Poland and Ukraine, and last night , on the final day of June, the Fulham midfielder gave himself a good start with the first goal of the season for an English club. Duff will certainly face tougher opponents than NSA Runavik over the course of the season, but last night's 3-0 victory against the Faroe Islands minnows at Craven Cottage can't harm the winger's confidence. The Dubliner was part of the Fulham team which made it all the way to the Europa League final in 2010 before losing to Atletico Madrid and if he is to make it that far again, he will still be in action for the Londoners in 314 days' time. Duff's last goal in the month of June was followed by his famous celebration in Ireland's 3-0 win against Saudi Arabia in the 2002 World Cup. Irish Independent http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/duff-hits-first-goal-of-season-and-it-was-still-only-june-2810933.html?
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
WhiteJC
|
 |
« Reply #23 on: July 01, 2011, 08:37:01 am » |
|
JOL: WE COULD HAVE WON BY MOREFulham manager Martin Jol was disappointed not to net more than three goals in Thursday night's Europa League qualifier against Faroese team NSI Runavik. The west Londoners' passage to the Europa League second qualifying round seems virtually secure after Damien Duff, Danny Murphy and Andrew Johnson scored in a comfortable 3-0 win at Craven Cottage. However, wayward finishing and a superb performance from NSI goalkeeper Andras Gango prevented the home side ending with a scoreline that would have better reflected their dominance. "We started off brightly the first five minutes and then it was difficult to find the spare man up front," said Jol. "The second half was better. "If there was no possibility to play it up to Andy or Bobby [Zamora] you have to play down the flanks and the second half was better. "The only disappointing thing that we only scored three goals but I will forgive them because they were a bit tired. "We have had a good week and trained hard. "If I say [it is job done], you will tell everyone I said the job was done so I will say it's a good score." Fulham will have to play a further 22 matches if they are to repeat their 2010 heroics, when they upset the odds to secure a place in the final against Atletico Madrid. Tonight's game against NSI marked the start of an 11-month season for Jol and his troops, which some fear could see them struggle in the Barclays Premier League. Some have also questioned the logic in starting the competitive season so early but Jol took a philosophical view of it all. "Yes [it is early] but on the other hand all the other teams will play their first friendly game soon," he said. "You have to approach it as a serious game but if you play a friendly game you do that after six or seven days and that's exactly what we did [last night] so I don't think it has a big difference." He added: "[Extra games] could be a problem but if you have 20 or more players I think you can cope with it." http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/11/07/01/SOCCER_Fulham_Jol.html&TEAMHD=soccer&BID=165
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
WhiteJC
|
 |
« Reply #24 on: July 01, 2011, 08:38:20 am » |
|
Fulham Manager Martin Jol Anticipating Quiet Summer in Transfer MarketMartin Jol said he would treat his Fulham players to "a little holiday" after their 3-0 Europa League first qualifying first leg victory over NSI Runavik. Which was fitting, considering the time of year, because that is exactly what his players should have been doing rather than playing competitive football. Jol himself might have been expected to be formulating transfer targets for his team, which, if they take the Europa League seriously, could be in for a season in excess of 60 games – even without taking into account domestic cup runs. But he looks likely to be able to put his feet up as well this week, giving him an opportunity to indulge in his other sporting passion, tennis, after revealing there will be precious little movement of players into the club. His predecessor Mark Hughes was interested in signing Eidur Gudjohnsen, who spent the second half of last term on loan at Craven Cottage, but when Jol was asked whether that was now dead in the water, he simply folded his arms and nodded. Similarly when Birmingham's Liam Ridgewell was mentioned, as he has been linked with a move to the west London club, Jol merely smiled and said: "No." So are there any players coming to Craven Cottage? In short, it seems not, because Jol is happy with who is already there. His two strikers on Thursday night Andy Johnson and Bobby Zamora looked sharp and could have had at least a couple of goals each against the Faroe Islands outfit of NSI Runavik if it wasn't for the form of keeper Andras Gango. And afterwards Jol was effusive about that pair, as well as Mousa Dembele, the Belgian forward who is currently nursing an ankle injury. When asked whether there was any transfer news in the offing to make fans happy, Jol said: "I think we will make them happy anyway. We have a good squad here. Andy and Bobby were good tonight, they are both terrific players. And you cannot forget Mousa. He is a very good player, a good talent. I am happy I can pick two players from them." He is right: Hughes did leave him with a decent squad, especially when Clint Dempsey ("he was last season's most productive player," said Jol) and Mexican left-back Carlos Salcido return from international duty. So it seems that it will be quiet at Fulham this summer, to match the suburban surroundings of their Motspur Park training ground. The only man who Jol would say may make an arrival at Craven Cottage is Hungarian goalkeeper Csaba Somogyi, who the manager already knew about while at Ajax. Jol said: "He came in when I was at Ajax and the goalkeeping staff said he was terrific, but I had four keepers. But I thought he is worth a look here." http://www.fanhouse.co.uk/2011/07/01/fulham-manager-martin-jol-anticipating-quiet-summer-in-transfer/?
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
WhiteJC
|
 |
« Reply #25 on: July 01, 2011, 08:39:58 am » |
|
Martin Jol rues wayward Fulham finishing despite win  Fulham manager Martin Jol was disappointed not to net more than three goals in last night's Europa League qualifier against Faroese team NSI Runavik. The west Londoners' passage to the Europa League second qualifying round seems virtually secure after Damien Duff, Danny Murphy and Andrew Johnson scored in a comfortable 3-0 win at Craven Cottage. However, wayward finishing and a superb performance from NSI goalkeeper Andras Gango prevented the home side ending with a scoreline that would have better reflected their dominance. "We started off brightly the first five minutes and then it was difficult to find the spare man up front," said Jol. "The second half was better. If there was no possibility to play it up to Andy or Bobby [Zamora] you have to play down the flanks and the second half was better. "The only disappointing thing was that we only scored three goals but I will forgive them because they were a bit tired. We have had a good week and trained hard. "If I say [it is job done], you will tell everyone I said the job was done so I will say it's a good score." Fulham will have to play a further 22 matches if they are to repeat their 2010 heroics, when they upset the odds to secure a place in the final against Atletico Madrid. Tonight's game against NSI marked the start of an 11-month season for Jol and his troops, which some fear could see them struggle in the Barclays Premier League. Some have also questioned the logic in starting the competitive season so early but Jol took a philosophical view of it all. "Yes [it is early] but on the other hand all the other teams will play their first friendly game soon," he said. "You have to approach it as a serious game but if you play a friendly game you do that after six or seven days and that's exactly what we did [last night] so I don't think it has a big difference." He added: "[Extra games] could be a problem but if you have 20 or more players I think you can cope with it." http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/football/article-23966276-martin-jol-rues-wayward-fulham-finishing-despite-win.do?
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
WhiteJC
|
 |
« Reply #26 on: July 01, 2011, 08:41:07 am » |
|
One down, 22 to go for new Fulham boss JolFULHAM took their first step towards further Europa League success with a comfortable victory against Faroese minnows NSI Runavik in Martin Jol’s first match at the helm. Damien Duff, Danny Murphy and Andrew Johnson netted the all-important goals at Craven Cottage as the west Londoners look to repeat their run to the final in 2010. While a further 22 matches still stand between them and another appearance in the finale, Fulham already seem to have dispatched NSI with a clinical display in the first leg of their first qualifying round clash. Jol hinted he would blood in youngsters during the early rounds but named a side packed with experience. Read More http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/amateur-football/2011/07/01/one-down-22-to-go-for-new-fulham-boss-jol-100252-28974946/?#ixzz1QpyJQd00
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
WhiteJC
|
 |
« Reply #27 on: July 01, 2011, 08:42:44 am » |
|
Player DeparturesFulham Football Club can confirm that the following players have left the Club, having reached the end of their contracts. - Zoltan Gera - Eddie Johnson - Diomansy Kamara - John Pantsil - Matthew Saunders - Pascal Zuberbuhler The Club would like to thank the players for their services to the Club, having played their part in some truly historic victories in recent years. Fulham Football Club wishes each and every player the very best success for the future. Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/June/OutofContractPlayers.aspx#ixzz1QpygFurZ
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
WhiteJC
|
 |
« Reply #28 on: July 01, 2011, 08:55:50 am » |
|
A summer night by the river... To watch some football Simon Davies swings in a corner as Fulham get their season off and running under unseasonly cloudy June skiesPutney can seldom have looked better. Warmed by the early evening sunshine, office workers are heading for the bars down by the Thames. In Bishop's Park joggers and cyclists jostle for space on the riverside path whilst drifting on the breeze is the unmistakable smell of frying onions. It's the first sign that six and half weeks before the first goal of the Premier League season will be scored, the 2011/12 season is about to kick off at Craven Cottage. The Cottagers are about to begin their bid to qualify for the Europa League with a clash against the Faroe Islands minnows NSI - so I've headed along to find out what football in England in June is like. PRE-MATCH There is a distinct lack of tension at The Cottage. One bookmaker in Putney is quoting Fulham at 100/1 ON to win. After all Runavik have lost 11 of their previous 12 games in Europe. It's time to meet some of the 50 or so yellow and black clad fans they have brought with them. It turns out that most are friends of relatives of the players and all agree that this is the biggest game in the club's history. I want to know how they all got so tanned on an island stuck half way between the Shetlands and Iceland. The Fulham line-up is impressively strong - and so are their physiques after only a week of training. Not a beach belly in sight - how do they do that? FIRST HALF It's a great crowd with the Hammersmith End completely full - mind you, £10 a ticket with kids for a quid helps. You don't get that in the Premier League. You don't get Justinus Hansen either, but the Runavik midfielder lashes a 30-yard volley just wide after 25 minutes. It's the best chance of the game so far. Surely Runavik can't ….. can they? No they can't, Damien Duff, 1-0. HALF-TIME Fulham's legend on the microphone, David Hamilton, has let me down for once. Not a word on the scores from the other matches in the competition. Surely I can't be the only person wanting to know how Rad are getting on against Tre Penne? Then there's Banga versus Quarabag and IF v KR. The suspense is killing me. SECOND HALF Runavik's Hungarian keeper Andras Gango looks a level above the Faroes Premier League. He makes a great block to deny Andrew Johnson and then spends as much time as he can holding his head after a collision with Bobby Zamora - impressive time-wasting worthy of a higher stage. An hour gone and it's just beginning to feel a bit, well… pre-season, when Helgi Petersen trips Simon Davies. The ref says no penalty, the linesman puts him right and Danny Murphy puts it in. Summer or winter, I can still summon up a cliché: the plucky part-timers are running out of steam as Andrew Johnson turns to hit a third with 20 minutes to go. Martin Jol allows himself a smile. POST-MATCH It ends 3-0 and everyone seems happy, Fulham are all but assured a place against Crusaders of Northern Ireland in the second qualifying round, Runavik have actually recorded one of their better results away from home in Europe and those of us who have found a month with no football tough have had our fix. Now I'm off to find out how Honka got on against Kalju. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/13987196.stm?
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
WhiteJC
|
 |
« Reply #29 on: July 01, 2011, 08:57:22 am » |
|
Jol buoyed by first game at FulhamMartin Jol commended his side for a "bright start" to their UEFA Europa League campaign as Fulham FC marked their first game under the Dutch manager with a 3-0 win against NSÍ Runavík. Fulham manager Martin Jol was all smiles after his side's UEFA Europa League qualifying victory against NSÍ Runavík ©Getty ImagesMartin Jol commended his side for the "bright start" they made to their UEFA Europa League campaign on his first game in charge of Fulham FC, even if he felt the 3-0 first qualifying round first leg triumph against NSÍ Runavík could have been more emphatic. "The only disappointing thing was that we only scored three goals," said the Dutchman. Jol could barely disguise his delight when he returned to the Premier League as Fulham coach last month and he was again all smiles after the west Londoners kicked off their European adventure with a comfortable win against the Faroese visitors. Goals from Damien Duff, Danny Murphy and Andrew Johnson earned the hosts a three-goal first-leg lead and the former Tottenham Hotspur FC and AFC Ajax coach was satisfied with his lot. "If I say it is 'job done', you will tell everyone I said the job has been done so I will just say that it's a good score," said Jol. "We started off brightly in the first five minutes and then it was difficult to find the spare man up front. The second half was better. If there was no possibility to play it up to Andy Johnson or Bobby Zamora you had to play down the flanks and in the second half was better." A pleasing victory was mitigated by missed chances that could have led to a more flattering scoreline, but Jol suggested that ring-rustiness had a part to play for a side for whom pre-season training has only just begun. "The only disappointing thing was that we only scored three goals but I will forgive them because they were tired. We had a hard week's training and the players worked very hard. Most of them are not match fit yet." Jol shared his Craven Cottage debut with Lauri Dalla Valle, the 19-year-old who made his Fulham debut as a 78th-minute substitute and almost marked the occasion with a goal, narrowly failing to connect with a low Matthew Briggs cross. "For his age group he's a good finisher," explained Jol. "He could have scored tonight but it sends a message to the others that even if you're young, if you work hard you can get a game here." For his part Dalla Valle was enthused by his first run-out for the club he joined from Liverpool FC as part of the deal that took Paul Konchesky to Anfield last August, as this is a competition he holds close to his heart. "The manager is talking a lot to all the players in training, including the younger ones," he said. "It gives younger players a lift when he speaks to you and gives you advice, so it's all very positive. "When I was at Liverpool I played in the Europa League, so I think it's a very good competition. If we progress to the group stage, which of course I hope we do, then it gives us the chance of more games throughout the season. That can only give young players like myself even more of a chance to show what we can do." Dalla Valle will be hoping for another chance to shine on 7 July when his side travel to the Faroe Islands for the return leg. The overall winners face Crusaders FC in the second qualifying round, on 14 and 21 July. http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/newsid=1648393.html?
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|