Thursday Fulham Stuff (12/04/12)...

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Fulham's Ruiz out for the season after foot surgery

(Reuters) - Fulham's Costa Rica striker Brian Ruiz will miss the rest of the season following surgery to repair a broken metatarsal bone, the Premier League club announced on Wednesday.

"A small operational procedure has taken place to repair the damage, and the Sports Science team advise a 10-week recovery period, prior to any form of training," said a statement on the club's website (www.fulhamfc.com).

Ruiz suffered the injury during the 3-0 away win over Bolton Wanderers on Saturday that left Fulham ninth in the 20-team standings with 43 points from 33 games.

Meanwhile, Russia striker Pavel Pogrebnyak, who joined Fulham on a six-month loan from VfB Stuttgart in January, has started talks about a permanent move to the west London club.

Pogrebnyak, who scored five goals in his first three games including a hat-trick in a 5-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers, has missed the last two matches due to an ankle injury.

Fulham boss Martin Jol has said he wants the 28-year-old to stay and Pogrebnyak is also keen to remain with the club.

"Yes, the negotiations about my contract with Fulham have already begun," Pogrebnyak was quoted as saying by Russian sports website www.sport.mail.ru earlier this week.

"My agent has already talked to the management of the club. I think there's a big chance that I will stay in England.

"Me, the coach and the management, we are all solid on the question regarding my future."

(Reporting by Mike Collett; editing by Ken Ferris)


http://in.reuters.com/article/2012/04/11/soccer-england-fulham-idINDEE83A0BO20120411?rpc=401&feedType=RSS&feedName=sportsNews&rpc=401

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Wanderers 0 Fulham 3 – It’s A Little Late, Nevertheless…
Brian – apologies for publishing your post a little late. Nevertheless, here’s Brian’s thoughts for you all to read!

I was brought up to respect authority. “Keep off the Grass” meant just that. Whilst my friends skipped freely across the forbidden turf, I hovered on the edge, held back by this forelock tugging inclination towards the powers that be. As I grew older, I became a little less respectful but I have never been a rebel. Hence, when, on my journey to the match, the Trans-Pennine road warnings in Huddersfield indicated that both the M62 and my alternative route over Buckstones were closed, my first inclination was to turn back.

I knew from the radio that there was an accident on the motorway and if there was a similar blockage on the A640, there was little point continuing. On the other hand, I wanted to be at the game so I ignored the inner voice telling me to obey the notice. More fool me; even though it proved false, I would have done better to heed the warning. The game I so wanted to see was the most dispirited and dispiriting of a generally miserable season.

Darren Pratley and Gretar Steinsson both passed fitness tests but only the former made the starting eleven. I found Steinsson’s omission puzzling as, from what I saw on the internet last week, Alonso had been the weak link in a good defensive display. I also thought Kevin Davies might have done enough to earn a recall when he came on in that game but Pratley for Klasnic was the only change in the following eleven: Bogdan; Ricketts, Wheater, Ream, Alonso; Reo-Coker, Pratley, Mark Davies; Miyaichi, N’Gog, Petrov.

Despite having one of the worst away records in the league Fulham are in a comfortable mid table position whilst we desperately needed three points, yet the visitors dictated the early exchanges. They stroked the ball around effortlessly whileBoltontoiled to get a kick and when we did have a touch we gave possession away too easily. The first warning of real danger came after fifteen minutes when Damian Duff skipped round Alonso as if he wasn’t there and produced a dangerous cross, which, thankfully, was headed clear by Wheater. Another five minutes, and Duff rounded Alonso on the other side, only to shoot just wide.

Duff’s forays apart, we appeared to have weathered the initial storm and we came more into the game. We looked most dangerous on the left where Petrov was lively and Alonso, to be fair to him, was giving the winger decent support. It was the other wide man, Miyaichi, who had our best chance, but he side footed the ball well over the bar after a decent Bolton move.

The game was interesting but lacked excitement, more like watching chess than football and the lack of atmosphere in the stadium reflected this. Whilst Duff remained dangerous, the centre backs were just about coping and the match was evenly poised. Then, on the half hour, N’Gog committed a stupid foul, thirty yards from goal. It was central and there seemed to be little danger, but Dempsey struck a brilliant free kick over the wall and beyond Bogdan’s flailing reach.
The goal seemed to inspire the American striker and he became a constant thorn in the Wanderers flesh; the other thorn, Duff, was already having a field day. We were still in the game but we couldn’t manage to produce anything to threaten the Fulham goal. If we could get to half time without conceding further, maybe we could regroup to contain the danger from the visitor’s right wing. But no, it was too much to hope for. On the cusp of half time, Duff went round Alonso on the outside and he had time to place his cross perfectly for the unmarked Dempsey to head past Bogdan.

During the interval, we debated the changes that Coyle ought to make. Neither N’Gog nor Miyaichi were producing anything, Pratley was typically ineffective and Alonso was having a nightmare. In the event, the manager brought on Kevin Davies and Chris Eagles in place of Miyaichi and Pratley and switched to 4-4-2.

Under the circumstances, it seemed like a reasonable adjustment and, for a time after the restart, there were encouraging signs. Davies, in particular, made a difference and the crowd, at last, woke up. I felt we had to score in the first ten minutes if we were to turn the game but despite winning a number of corners and a few free kicks in promising positions, we failed to trouble Schwarcher. At the other end, Bogdan made a good save, low down, from Duff and Dempsey looked certain to reach his hat trick before shooting wide. It was end to end stuff and we were giving as good as we got but too often our moves broke down through a misplaced pass or attempts to run with the ball failed and left us exposed.

As the half went on, however, the early impetus dissipated and individual errors increased. N’Gog gave way to Klasnic, which, after the substitute’s display last week, smacked of desperation. The change made little impact and, gradually, it was apparent that the heart had gone out of our challenge. Mistake piled on mistake and the Bolton fans began to edge towards the exits. It was no surprise when, with ten minutes left, Fulham scored again. Riise made a strong run down the left wing and Diarra scored from close in.

That was that; the players continued to go through the motions but everyone knew that the game was over.
The loss and performance were bad enough but there was an incident in the second half that depressed me even more. The Fulham midfield player Ruiz, who had a fine game, suffered an injury; after attention, he was stretchered off.
Unbelievably, as the player was carried from the pitch, a small section of the North Stand booed him. These were presumably the same fans who, earlier, had chanted Muamba’s name and received a gratifyingly sympathetic response from the handful of visitors in the opposite stand. I cringed; in the light of recent events, it was disgusting.

As for the players, no one distinguished themselves. Bogdan made some good saves and, despite Lawrence’s suggestion on MOTD that he might have prevented the first goal, he had little chance with any of them. His kicking, however, was something else. It must be deflating when the team are pushing for a goal, the goalkeeper kicks a clearance into touch. Petrov had a good first half but along with everyone else, deteriorated as the game progressed. The main problem was at left back. Alonso had his moments going forward but he completely failed in his principal role. A full back’s job is to prevent the winger crossing the ball or cutting inside for a shot; Damien Duff did both without significant hindrance. Allowing the winger too much space is a common failing in our full backs but Steinsson must have been bewildered that he wasn’t introduced to relieve the hapless Spanish player.

As the ninety minutes dragged by, we looked increasingly like a team destined for the drop. The manager has made much of taking nine points from the last three games but we were generally insipid against QPR and lucky against Wolves. In between these games, we had the deserved victory against Blackburn inspired by the emotion generated by Muamba’s ill fortune. Where was that emotion in this game? Fulham not only outplayed us, they outfought us as well.

Other results meant that we are still above the bottom three but this was a game that offered a chance. There aren’t too many of those in the remaining fixtures, especially if we perform like this and there is no sign that the management know what to do about it. It’s probably too late for experiment and too many of the players on show here were not good enough. Prospects are grim.

Finally, if any of you can enlighten me as to what Darren Pratley contributes to the team I’d be grateful if you would let me know. I clearly have a blind spot; I just can’t see any merit in him.


http://voiceofbolton.com/blog/2012/04/11/wanderers-0-fulham-3-its-a-little-late-nevertheless/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+VoiceOfBolton+%28Voice+Of+Bolton%29

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Five thoughts on the SW6 derby

I think we should petition the F.A. to have all Fulham v Chelsea games to be played at 8:00 on a Bank Holiday from now on. Keegan once remarked that the atmosphere at Craven Cottage under floodlights could be a bit special and combined with a day off and the visit of our nearest neighbours this made for an electric atmosphere.

1. Even at 1-0 down, with our efforts to score looking increasingly unlikely and time slipping away, I felt it had been a cracking game. Though the subsequent stats slightly disprove this, I thought we’d dominated possession and certainly looked like the most likely winners. When the equalizer finally arrived it was almost as good as a winner, the ground united in joy, the reduced Chelsea contingent silent.

2. DEMPSEY DEMPSEY DEMPSEY! Clint never fails to impress does he? Five years on and he just keeps getting better. If the big clubs come calling this summer it will be a sad day for our club but who could argue he hasn’t given us more than we could possibly have hoped for. A terrific player who is finally getting the plaudits he deserves. That said I really hope that we get to see him claim a testimonial in another 5 years time. How many players are likely to achieve that these days?

3. The Penalty & Lampard. I’ve still not seen a replay of the penalty but at the time (from just behind the incident) I thought it was Stephen Kelly’s rash challenge that had caused the offending contact. Difficult to know how great a connection he made but mates who have seem it on TV suggest it was dubious at best. Lampard’s reaction after scoring suggests that our humorous jibes about him being porky are actually having a bit of an effect. What really annoys me is that celebrating the way he did in front of the home fans did not draw an automatic yellow card. Players taking their shirts off or celebrating too wildly with their own fans get a card every time yet a player rubbing it in doesn’t? How can that be right. Either way, we got our own back on the night and I reckon we’ve got under the skin of fat Frank which should make his next visit just as fun.

4. Formations. Whilst I’ve moaned previously about our inconsistency this season it has been nice to see Marten Jol comfortable changing formations and tactics to suit available personnel and opposition. With Pogrebnyak, Ruiz and Johnson all injured our options up front were limited and the switch to a 5 man midfield almost inevitable. The central triangle of Murphy, Diarra & Dembele worked wonderfully. I think Diarra had his best game yet and surely this was in part thanks to the extra cover Murphy & Dembele provided. In fact it seemed whoever pushed forward could rely on at least one of the other two to hold back and provide that much needed cushion of safety if we lost the ball. It seems there’s always a surprise inclusion in our team against Chelsea and this time round it was the return of Karim Frei. Interesting that after Kacaniklic had so impressed against Norwich & Bolton he wasn’t chosen for this game. Perhaps this was just done to keeping the team fresh but I also wondered if, with only Dempsey up front, Jol wanted Frei’s ability to hold onto the ball over Kacaniklic’s ability to put in a cross. Whatever the reason, it certainly worked and Frei deserved his man of the match award.

5. Good things followed Swansea.  My friend Mark made an interesting point that the performance against Swansea may have worked in our favour. If nothing else it has seen the return of Aaron Hughes to central defence and (I may be biased regarding this) I think this has made us more solid again at the back. Hughes was excellent on the night and Hangeland looks more confident with his old comrade alongside. I shouldn’t get carried away of course but we seem to have gained a little boost with the changes in personnel and I’m feeling positive for the last five games of the campaign. Onwards and upwards.


http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2012/04/11/five-thoughts-on-the-sw6-derby/?

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Manchester United Need to Blow Past Arsenal and Sign Clint Dempsey


Clive Rose/Getty Images

Manchester United are locked in a fierce battle with cross-town rivals Manchester City for the league title. If the Red Devils can hold on, it will be their fifth piece of league silverware in six years.

But there's a battle being waged behind the scenes—the kind of tussle that VPs of finance have with club presidents in back rooms until well after midnight.

It's the battle for transfer players.

The debate is surely being had at Old Trafford between Sir Alex Ferguson and the Red Devils' front office—is Fulham striker Clint Dempsey a good fit for Manchester United?

Arsenal has reportedly taken the lead in deciding if the 29-year-old forward would look good in a Gunners uniform. The Daily Express has said that Arsenal "could make a £10 million summer move" for the American.

Just as important as the battle for Premier League supremacy is the battle for roster supremacy. It's what gets you to the kind of lead this late in the season that Manchester United is enjoying.

In my opinion, Ferguson and the rest of the Manchester United brass need to go after Dempsey if they have any chance at securing the title next season.

There are many who are of the opinion that staying a big fish in a small pond like Fulham has been the catalyst for Dempsey's meteoric rise. I agree—Fulham provided regular starting opportunities in the Premier League and helped hone his game.

Many bigger clubs would have taken Dempsey when he was a star with the New England Revolution, but would he have been given the 40-plus starts he's enjoyed at Craven Cottage in three of the last four seasons?

Certainly not. As an unproven MLS player, Dempsey would have been given a dozen league starts and appeared in several low-level Europa League or Champions League fixtures.

But Dempsey has grown into a proven Premier League star, netting 21 goals in all competitions for Fulham and making headlines all over the world for his performance over the season.

Those two hat tricks against Charlton and Newcastle in January—they ain't nothing to sneeze at.

But back to Manchester United's need to wrestle Dempsey away from Arsenal. For one, the Red Devils don't need their second-biggest competitor for the league title (behind City, of course) nabbing one of the hottest prospects in this summer's transfer window.

The Gunners are already averaging nearly three goals a match without him. Pairing Dempsey with the likes of Robin Van Persie, Theo Walcott and Alex Song would make United's climb up the league mountain all the steeper next season.

Also, does Ferguson—and the rest of the Red Devils organization for that matter—need the embarrassment of letting another great player slip through their fingers? £10 million seems like a reasonable price to pay, especially for a club with as deep a pockets as United, to experiment and see if Dempsey pairs well with Wayne Rooney.

At the very least, it's a good insurance policy. Far less embarrassment in signing an underwhelming player than letting an overwhelming one go to another club.

All that said, this isn't just about saving face and keeping Dempsey away from Arsenal.

Dempsey's best suited for a role as a winger, attacking midfielder or striker. United is loaded with those types of players right? Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck, Javier Hernandez, Ashley Young, Nani, Antonio Valencia—the list goes on.

But with the exception of Rooney, are any of these players better than Dempsey?

Welbeck and Hernandez have been inconsistent as of late, the former because of form and the latter because of injuries.

Young has played well as of late, coming on strong against Blackburn and Tottenham, but that's two opponents in the last two months the midfielder has excelled against. He played all 180 minutes of both legs against Athletic Bilbao and managed just two shots on goal.

Nani hasn't scored since before Christmas and is, by his own admission to ESPN, not at his best and in need of recovering his dropped form.

Valencia has been a force to be reckoned with in recent weeks, but how long will the Ecuadorian last at this high a level? Besides, Valenica isn't a goalscorer—he's a goal-supporter. His 14 assists in all competitions for the Red Devils far outshines his six goals. Valencia has never collected more goals than assists in his nine-year career.

But besides the need to keep him out of Arsenal's clutches and the need to give Rooney someone a notch above his current attacking partners, Dempsey realizes his need to take the next step in his career in the Premier League.


http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1135882-manchester-united-needs-to-blow-past-arsenal-and-sign-clint-dempsey?

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Clint Dempsey 'tops Arsenal transfer target list for new season'
Fulham forward Clint Dempsey has shot himself to the top of Arsenal’s summer wish list, after impressing Arsene Wenger’s scouts with a series of inspiring performances.

The USA international has hit 22 goals this season – his best ever return for the Cottagers – and with his contract set to expire in 2013, Dempsey is expected to be at the centre of a bidding war at the end of the season.

Arsenal, Newcastle and Liverpool are believed to be the front runners for his signature, while Fulham will also try to tempt the 29-year-old into signing a new deal, but it’s the Gunners who are expected to act first, after Dempsey allegedly drew favourable reports from their chief scout Steve Rowley.

With a deal for Cologne’s Lukas Podolski all-but tied up, Arsenal will still be in the market for another striker, and Dempsey’s versatility, maturity and eye for goal have reportedly impressed Gunners’ spies.

On-loan forwards Nicklas Bendtner, Carlos Vela and Andrei Arshavin are all likely to leave the Emirates in permanent deals this summer, and with the futures of Marouane Chamakh and Park Chu-Young still in doubt, Dempsey has been identified to Wenger as the perfect new recruit.

The former New England Revolution star would command a fee in the region of £8million, and he has already hinted he will look at the contract options available to him in the close season.

‘We will see what happens. It is one of my best memories of being at Fulham, this season, and I have one more to go,’ said Dempsey.

‘I am talking with the club but we will have to see what happens in the summer.

‘I want to focus on this season and my football and other stuff can take care of itself after the season.’

Arsenal are also paying close attention to Oliver Giroud of Montpellier, and Anderlecht forward Matias Suarez.


Read more: http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/football/895852-clint-dempsey-tops-arsenal-transfer-target-list-for-new-season#ixzz1rndpD2qO

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Chairman Statement

Fulham Chairman Mohamed Al Fayed has spoken out by writing to both the Football Association and the Premier League, demanding, on behalf of all clubs, an immediate review of refereeing practices and the process of decision making.

Following the obvious penalty missed at Old Trafford on 26 March 2012 the Chairman felt compelled to outline, again, grievances felt regarding the entire operation surrounding the officiating of matches that are all too readily accepted by football’s governing bodies and wrote strong letters to both. However, the increasing inconsistencies and blatant errors made by Referees and officials at Premier League matches even more recently, has left the Chairman incensed.

Voicing his concerns of the costly mistakes that are happening all too frequently, he said: ‘The FA’s problem in addressing this pivotal situation is that it has too much power. Where else can decision-makers (referees) escape all responsibility to admit serious and blatant errors and have the protesters (the football clubs involved) fined on charges of misconduct?'

He continued: ‘The losses that we incur from such careless decisions have a huge impact and can have calamitous consequences. Referees are all too easily influenced by the more powerful clubs and individual owners which calls into question the integrity of both them, and the governing body that they report to.’

Mr. Al Fayed has been increasingly angered by further mistakes made more recently which could have huge consequences for the clubs involved and believes that the time to seek action regarding this issue is long overdue.

‘We need brave, pioneers in the Premier League, the FA and within the Premier League shareholder group. In the past I wrote to highlight the need for the Premier League to lead the way with the introduction of video technology. After many years, it appears that the Premier League has admitted I was correct all along.

‘It is time for the Premier League to wake up. They have been in a coma for a long time. Lots of clubs are suffering from such stupid decisions. Advanced technology is available and it is evidently being used in other sports.

‘Once again I call for action to review the standard of officials, and the transparency of the processes by which referees are allocated to games,’ he concluded.   



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2012/April/ChairmanStatement.aspx?#ixzz1rne8BPoq

[WhiteJC]

 
Match Report: Fulham 1-1 Chelsea (Fulham Fan’s Perspective)

Coming off of an impressive victory against Bolton on the road on Saturday, Fulham were back in action Monday Night at Craven Cottage against Chelsea in a West London Derby. Could Fulham pull off the upset victory against their neighbors? Well, they gave an effort that warranted all 3 points, but in the end a controversial call leads to a 1-1 draw for Fulham against Chelsea.

With Pavel Pogrebnyak still out because of injury, Clint Dempsey would be put up front once again as the lone striker. He would be a major factor in this match, but the player that really shined in the first half was 18 year old winger Kerim Frei.

He was weaving through several Chelsea players on many occasions. In the 26th minute, he got past a few Chelsea defenders to get a decent shot off that Petr Cech had to lunge to make the save on.

Fulham really played well in the first half, but it would be Chelsea that would get the first goal, courtesy of a very controversial call in the 45th minute. Salomon Kalou went down in the box, and referee Mark Clattenburg called for a penalty kick. Frank Lampard scored as he kicked the ball past Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer.

This was a rough call to make against Fulham, and very possibly should not have been called a penalty at all. Replays looked like to myself that neither Stephen Kelly nor Danny Murphy touched Kalou. However, the referee did make this decision, and the first half ended with Chelsea leading 1-0 against Fulham at Craven Cottage.

The second half was a little sluggish at times as both clubs looked somewhat tired from playing on Saturday. To Fulham’s credit though, they kept pushing for the equalizer going late into the match.

Fulham had a great opportunity to score in the 81st minute on a corner kick. Damien Duff sent a great ball into the box, and Aaron Hughes got off a wonderful header that was unfortunately saved by Cech.

However, they would get their equalizer in the very next minute. Fulham would have another corner kick which Dempsey would head into the back of the net from another tremendous Duff corner kick. Fulham and Chelsea were then level at 1-1 with less than ten minutes to go in the match.

The match would end with the 1-1 draw, but honestly it felt more like a win for Fulham as they showed anyone that watched the match, that they can play with any club in the Barclay Premier League. Fulham got another point, but probably deserved more from this match with Chelsea.


http://www.itsroundanditswhite.co.uk/2012/04/11/fulham-1-1-chelsea-fulham-fans-perspective/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=fulham-1-1-chelsea-fulham-fans-perspective

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Al Fayed wants refereeing reform
Cottagers chief blasts Football Association and Premier League

Fulham chairman Mohamed Al Fayed has hit out at the bodies in control of English football, demanding a review of both refereeing practices and the decision making process.

The Egyptian businessman has written to the Football Associationand Premier League seeking an immediate review, which he says is on behalf of all clubs.

Al Fayed has spoken out after Fulham recently suffered a 1-0 loss at Manchester United, where Danny Murphy was bundled over a minute from time but 27-year-old referee Michael Oliver waved away the penalty claims.

Frustrated

The Cottagers chairman has been frustrated by the recent inconsistencies and errors as well as the whole operation of officiating matches, which he believes are all too readily accepted by football's governing bodies.

In a statement on the club's official website Al Fayed said: "The FA's problem in addressing this pivotal situation is that it has too much power.

"Where else can decision-makers (referees) escape all responsibility to admit serious and blatant errors and have the protesters (the football clubs involved) fined on charges of misconduct.

"The losses that we incur from such careless decisions have a huge impact and can have calamitous consequences.

"Referees are all too easily influenced by the more powerful clubs and individual owners and calls into question the integrity of both them, and the governing body that they report to."

Al Fayed has also urged the relevant bodies to immediately embrace video technology as he believes English football is lagging behind.

"We need brave, pioneers in the Premier League, the FA and within the Premier League shareholder group," he said.

"In the past I wrote to highlight the need for the Premier League to lead the way with the introduction of video technology.

"After many years, it appears that the Premier League has admitted I was correct all along.

"It is time for the Premier League to wake up. They have been in a coma for a long time.

Stupid

"Lots of clubs are suffering from such stupid decisions. Advanced technology is available and it is evidently being used in other sports.

"Once again I call for action to review the standard of officials, and the transparency of the processes by which referees are allocated to games."

Both the FA and the Premier League declined to comment on Al Fayed's views when contacted on Wednesday night.



http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7666092/?

[WhiteJC]

 
The Week Column - Chairman steps up but won't be heard

The world of English football is a strange one. It's full of complexities and convoluted rules and yet, despite these, it is portrayed as a somewhat shoddy establishment, incapable of sensible judgement and, at times, sensible refereeing. The problem has always been, however, that when these illogical judgments are made and when illogical referees are witnessed, there is no means for complaint. If you do, you contravene the rules.

As such, from where do we source progression? Where and when do these mistakes get, if not punished, but at a minimum, recognised? The media do a fine job but the F.A have the uncanny ability to swipe them away, like a mere fly on their shoulder. Managers often try, but rather than having the other side listen, perhaps even take notice, they fine, condemn and bemoan. How irritating.

Maybe someone eccentric is needed to step forward. Maybe someone who likes the odd outlandish shirt, and, just in passing, places a Michael Jackson statue at the ground of his favourite football club. Yes, Mohamed Al Fayed. And he already has.



His statement was quite succinct and, in quite palpable parts, blatantly bias, but it didn't fail to hide his most agreeable point. Refereeing in the Premier League has always been casually concerning but over the past few weeks the phenomenon of unsanctioned mistakes has blown out of all comprehensible proportion and something, we all have to admit, must be done.

On Fulham's part, there is the penalty that never was at home to Manchester United under a month ago. United midfielder Michael Carrick undoubtedly caught Danny Murphy on his penetrating run into the box but nothing was given. It was therefore a point not won, as the game was lost 1-0, and while the consequences were not great for Martin Jol's side, the story is different for the likes of Wigan Athletic, who deserved a point, if not three, against Chelsea after two poor offside decisions. They are fighting relegation, doggedly, but while they do everything within their will to avoid demotion, nothing can be done about poor refereeing. The money they will lose were they to go down is impossible to authentically predict, but it usually stretches beyond £50 million. £50 million, lost, because there is no way to correct errors? Stupidly unfair.

Some say that the bad decisions average out over a campaign and that, come season's end, you've had your advantages and your disadvantages and we're all the same for it. Even so - and I, to no extent, believe that idea is true - need it be necessary? Why can't it be right first time? Why must English football, one of the most heavily funded, supported and followed leagues in all of sport, rely on the law of averages to dish out the fairness? The men in suits, often so keen to promote equality, should be doing that.

Al Fayed, though, will not be heard. "We need brave pioneers," he said, but we have none of those. "It is time for the Premier League to wake up," he said, but they'll just keep snoozing. "Advanced technology is available," he suggested, but it seems only he, and everyone else outside of football, knows of this.

As such, the clock will just keep ticking and nothing will be changed. His statement will pass, perhaps with an intangible amount of hype to surround it, but no-one worthy will react. Clubs will be relegated and they could rightfully blame some trivial refereeing decisions, but they won't, because the scenario just worsens.

At least our chairman has stepped up, though, because it had to be done. All we can hope now is that Fulham FC won't be fined for his actions. Yet I wouldn't put it past them.


http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2012/4/11/2941607/the-week-column-chairman-steps-up-but-wont-be-heard?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham chairman says league "in coma" over bad officials

(Reuters) - Outspoken Fulham Chairman Mohamed Al Fayed has slammed the Premier League and its officials after a series of controversial incidents involving the London club and others in recent weeks.

Relegation-threatened Wigan Athletic are the latest team to suffer from some poor decisions while Fulham had a strong shout for a penalty turned down at Manchester United last month.

"It is time for the Premier League to wake up. They have been in a coma for a long time. Lots of clubs are suffering from such stupid decisions," Al Fayed said in a statement.



http://uk.reuters.com/article/2012/04/11/uk-soccer-england-fulham-idUKBRE83A1BB20120411?rpc=401&feedType=RSS&feedName=sportsNews&rpc=401

[WhiteJC]

 
With millions of pounds at stake, why are the refs getting it so wrong?

The Problem
There is a major issue with the perception of refereeing in the Barclays Premier League. Kenny Dalglish has talked of conspiracy theories and a question of integrity. Roberto Martinez says match officials are not up to standard and Mark Hughes claims managers have lost faith in them.

These comments hurt, as I was proud to be one of the first professional referees who served the Premier League for 14 seasons. Mike Riley, the referees’ chief, was compelled to issue Martinez with his third apology of the season after two clearly offside goals for Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. But why single out Martinez? 

Fulham were denied a clear penalty at Old Trafford and Manchester United were awarded one when Ashley Young was allowed to run through from an offside position. Arsenal’s Alex Song luckily escaped serious injury when Mario Balotelli caught him with six studs under the watchful gaze of Martin Atkinson.

And fortune favoured Michael Oliver as Norwich won despite the promising young referee missing two blatant penalties for the Canaries at Tottenham.

The Referees
There are currently only 16 referees on the select list after Stuart Attwell was demoted and Peter Walton retired. That is not enough.

They have to referee all 10 Premier League games, act as fourth officials and are appointed to selected Football League games every weekend. Seven of the 16 are international referees, travelling to an average of eight UEFA matches per season.

Howard Webb, the No 1 official, has refereed 42 games already this season and been fourth official at many others. At the other end of the spectrum is Oliver, a really bright young prospect.

He erred in not awarding Fulham that penalty at Old Trafford, then had to officiate at Peterborough later that week and at Liverpool and Tottenham over Easter — missing penalties in both games. There is a clear training and development need which appears to be ignored as the PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Ltd) need him out doing games.

Fitness
Referees must be fit for this workload and concerns have led the management to increase the levels of fitness required. Why don’t you try this in the gym?

Set the running machine at 18km/hr. Run on it for 30sec, straddle the belt and rest for 30sec, then repeat 20 times. That’s what refs have  to do so they really are fit enough.

Next season, Mark Halsey will be 51 and Chris Foy and Phil Dowd will hit 50. Even if they can pass the new test, mental fatigue will be an issue.


Cause to complain: Martin Jol

When I refereed I ‘busted a gut’ to get into optimum viewing positions and challenged myself to improve whenever I had erred.

I question whether all of the current list do the same and the fitness test does not check this. The management of PGMOL have never found a ‘fit for purpose’ test — something that replicates running at a variety of speeds, while making decisions under intense pressure.

The Management
When a footballer in your team plays badly you expect him to be dropped, and when most players are underperforming you look at the job your manager is doing.  Refereeing should be no different.

Riley is a nice enough guy but has been too quiet and not supportive enough, which erodes confidence. Video analysis at meetings is not decisive and there is a lack of strength and clear direction in the management of the group.

I used to know where I stood and what was expected of me; I’m told that is not the case now.

Foreign referees
With freedom of movement in Europe, could we attract better officials than we develop domestically? Without a doubt, but that would undermine the entire pyramid system and cause mayhem through football at all levels.

While an exchange for key, pivotal matches would do no harm at all, it would only paper over the cracks and solve the occasional problem - not the root cause.

Technology
Referees will welcome goal-line technology when it is introduced but there are so few examples of the ball crossing the line and not being detected. It’s just one small issue.

Make assistants pros
There is always an issue over releasing funds for refereeing, despite the game being awash with money. Issues this week have mainly been caused by assistant referees, still amateurs in a professional game.

Working on concentration techniques and having decent rest periods to prevent fatigue must help. Guys working in 9-5 jobs and then doing their best will always provide an inferior service.

Summary
There is a clear and tangible issue with refereeing. It is not merely that we see more angles and replays highlighting the errors. There are not enough officials and promotion to the select group is hard.

The current list appear weary and lacking motivation — perhaps even complacent and too sure of their positions. The League Managers’ Association and Professional Footballers’ Association should be asked for more input, using their experience to help and support, rather than criticise and undermine.

We have some great referees, but we need to ensure they perform to the best of their abilities.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2128384/Graham-Poll-Why-referees-getting-wrong.html#ixzz1rp9lH1zA

[WhiteJC]

 
Eggs-clusive: Cost saving on food is up the pecking order at Fulham's training base

Fulham have bought 12 hens to live at their training ground to help cut costs.

This isn't a yoke or a poultry effort but a real coop as the club attempts to save £5,000 a year on catering.

Martin Jol’s squad, including deep-laying centre forward Pavel Pogrebnyak, go through 90 eggs a week at their Motspur Park base in Surrey.   


Chicken Cottage: Fulham have employed 12 hens at their training ground


Laying something? Martin Jol

Fry-day is known to be particularly popular as the team toast their cluck for Saturday's big match.

Someone suspected fowl play but at least we now know what is eggs-scelerating top-scorer Clint Dempsey's accuracy in front of goal this season.

Defender Chris Bird is also said to be a particular fan of the new scheme.

The club's hierarchy has shelled out on organic, free range hens because they're convinced it's an eggs-cellent idea.

Fulham certainly are not afraid of making turkeys of themselves in the scramble to save a bit of cash.

The top flight club, who have done well on their own patch with only four Premier League defeats at Chicken Cottage this season, also have plans for fruit trees and a vegetable garden.

The question is: which idea came first?


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2128425/Fulham-12-hens-training-ground-cut-costs.html#ixzz1rpAOvrIG

[WhiteJC]

 
Multiple European Clubs Have Reported Interest in Clint Dempsey

Clint Dempsey’s magical season has raised eyebrows around Europe and has sparked ample transfer speculation. Much of this speculation has been deductive reasoning through and few firm rumors linking him to a club have emerged until now. Goal.com claims they have a list of six clubs that have reached out to Dempsey. Only one of them is English.

Here is Goal.com’s list: Arsenal, Schalke 04, Roma, Malaga, Valencia and Sevilla. Details are scarce. The list could be complete crap, though on paper each club seems at least plausible.

Arsenal: The Gunners are the English club most often linked and Dempsey would be on the radar of Chief Executive Ivan Gazidis, last employed by MLS. He would be useful, though it would be out of character for Arsene Wenger to pay peak value for a player turning 30.

Schalke 04: The Bundesliga has been American-friendly in recent years. With Dutchman Klaas Jan Huntelaar and, potentially, Raul gone next season, the German club will need to replace goals. Schalke almost surely will qualify for the Champions League next year. Demspey could be a solid signing for them.

Roma: Links to Donovan and Dempsey have been flying, because Roma now have an American owner. The Italian club could use Dempsey’s versatility and fresh legs, with Totti turning 36 in September. The trouble is the Champions League. Roma likely won’t get there this season. With just Champions League places for Serie A, they will have a hard time qualifying next year as well.

Malaga, Valencia, Sevilla: Dempsey has the technical quality to play in Spain. He’s been rumored to speak a bit of Spanish. The issue there will be cost. Malaga, on paper, have wealthy Qatari owners but received a transfer ban last January, amidst multiple complaints over outstanding debts. Valencia, caught out by the housing crisis, have been dumping players, cashing in on David Villa, David Silva and Juan Mata in recent seasons. Sevilla may be the best option, though presently in 9th, it’s unlikely they return to the Champions League in 2012.

If Dempsey’s salary demands are reasonable, the likely hangup will be the transfer fee. Don’t rule out a club with cash like Tottenham, Liverpool or Newcastle flying in with both feet and overpaying for him.


http://thebiglead.com/index.php/2012/04/11/multiple-european-clubs-have-reported-interest-in-clint-dempsey/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Etheridge, Caligdong ready for Nepal tilt

FILIPINO-BRITISH Neil Etheridge and midfielder Emilio Caligdong will reinforce the Philippine ‘Azkals’ men’s football team in the Asian Football Confederation Challenge Cup on March 9 to 13 to strengthen their campaign in the tournament.

Etheridge, a 6’3 goalkeeper of the Philippine team since the Suzuki Cup two years ago, was allowed by the English Premier Football League Team Fulham to play for the Challenge Cup, where
the Philippine team is set to battle North Korea, India and Tajikistan.

Etheridge is expected to arrive in Kathmandu on Wednesday, two days before the team’s first game against North Korea.

After sustaining a knee injury a month ago, Caligdong said he finally got a go-signal to play in the Challenge Cup from his doctors.



http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/sports/top-sports-news/18615-etheridge-caligdong-ready-for-nepal-tilt?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham looking to complete permanent deal for Pogrebnyak

This is from ESPN, so a pretty good source. They report that Fulham and Stuttgart have began negotiations to finalise a permanent deal for on-loan forward Pavel Pogrebnyak.

Good, because it would have left a sour taste in the mouth had the Russian used Fulham as a stepping stone into English football – allowed the South West Londoners to take all the risk – and then done a runner to a bigger club at the end of his loan contract.

I don’t think there’s anybody who hasn’t been impressed by the forward since he arrived in January, and you have to think that with a pre-season under his belt, he’s going to be even more impactful next year – and that can’t be bad considering he already resembles a footballing version of a Rocky villain.

“Yes, the negotiations about my contract with Fulham have already begun. My agent has already talked to the management of the club and I think there’s a big chance that I will stay in England.

Me, the coach and the management, we are all solid on the question regarding my future.”

The article does point out that there’s some interest from Aston Villa, but frankly, who in their right mind wants to go there at the moment? No money, no players, no ambition, no point.

Some keys to the off-season for Fulham…

– Get this deal done.

– Keep hold of Moussa Dembele and Clint Dempsey.

– Get a new right-back.

If those three get ticked off, Martin Jol is going to be a long-way towards making a mockery of Mark Hughes’s decision to leave the club – if he hasn’t already done that.



http://thepremierleagueowl.com/2012/04/12/fulham-looking-to-complete-permanent-deal-for-pogrebnyak/?