Friday Fulham Stuff (24/10/14)...

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Fulham's 'sicknote' makes Charlton suffer

Rewind: October 16, 2006: Premier League: Fulham 2-1 Charlton Athletic


Jensen on the button: Claus scores
Anyone know what Danish is for 'sicknote'? Claus Jensen should have earned the dubious moniker during his time with Fulham.

This game turned out to be a rare triumph for a midfielder who retired after a succession of injuries at the end of the season.

He scored what turned out to be the winner against his old club, and in the last time they met in a league match when both were top flight.

For the record, the season before ended 2-1 to the Whites as well. Kit Symons will take that Friday night.


Heidar Helguson
And for fans of Heidar Helguson, he also features in our QPR retro piece this week as does Luke Young. Both were to become Rangers with varying degrees of success.

And if ever a game underlined football's merry-go-round, former Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink was then with the Addicks and went close to opening the scoring in the first half.

Darren Bent became a White on loan from Aston Villa last season, and Wayne Routledge had two spells with Hoops before moving on to Newcastle and Swansea.

The first scorer currently sits on the five-man committee chosen to decide Fulham's new manager, and netted a pearler with a sweet 20-yard half-volley just past the hour.


Life of Brian: McBride scores against Charlton
After Brian McBride's belter, Jensen raced through two minutes later and made it 2-0. They held on despite Bent's neat finish 10 minutes after that.

Charlton had the better of the first period, and should have gone ahead through Dennis Rommedahl - there was a heavy Nordic tinge to the game - but Fulham were a different proposition after the break, with manager Chris Coleman damning Jensen's virtues with faint praise.

"Claus has come on and scored a fantastic goal to win a game and he has worked hard for that on the training ground," added Coleman.

"Since we have had him we have not had a run of 10 or 15 games for him to come in and get his fitness but for someone with his talent he has more than enough ability to play in the Premiership and that will give him confidence."


Boss men: Iain Dowie embraces Chris Coleman at the end
Charlton manager Iain Dowie had previously bossed Hoops in a caretaker capacity and returned in 2008 for all of 15 games.

"We are in a dark time at the moment and we have to swing hard towards the light," said he after this latest setback.


And for all those who don't believe football is cyclical, Charlton were rock bottom at the time, and Fulham moved into the top half.

Fulham: Antti Niemi, Ian Pearce, Zat Knight, Liam Rosenior, Franck Queudrue, Wayne Routledge (Moritz Volz 79), Michael Brown, Papa Bouba Diop (Carlos Bocanegra 81), Heidar Helguson (Claus Jensen 58), Brian McBride, Tomasz Radzinski

Charlton: Scott Carson, Luke Young, Souleymane Diawara (Matt Holland 79),Talal El Karkouri, Hermann Hreidarsson, Bryan Hughes (Marcus Bent 72), Amdy Faye, Andy Reid, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink (Jerome Thomas 72), Darren Bent, Dennis Rommedahl


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulhams-sicknote-makes-charlton-suffer-7981698?

[WhiteJC]

 
RUFC - View From The Opposition - Fulham
   
Rotherham United Manager Steve Evans was frustrated and disappointed after Tuesday night's home draw with Fulham.

But The Cottagers' care-taker Boss Kit Symons said he couldn't be prouder of his side.

Speaking after the three-all draw, Symons said to BBC Radio London, 'Rotherham away on a Tuesday night is a tough place to come but I was more than happy that my team came here and got something.

'We've had a bit of illness in the camp and a bit of fatigue after Saturday's game with Norwich but these young players have got guts as well as a great deal of ability. We've got some good players who play really well and pass the ball nicely but we didn't particularly do that.

'It was an end to end game with both team having chances. I'm happy with a point but we could have won that in the second half.

'They did me proud tonight.'


Read more: http://www.rotherham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=374430#ixzz3GzeY9yyf

[WhiteJC]

 
Williams: A Great Point

George Williams insists the point gained at New York Stadium on Tuesday was a just reward for Fulham's refusal to admit defeat.

Despite trailing on three occasions, the Whites hit back immediately each time to frustrate Rotherham United and return south with a share of the spoils, and Williams praised Fulham's attitude in doing so.

"We never gave up, we always stuck together as a team and we got what we deserved," he told fulhamfc.com. "We always knew Rotherham on a Tuesday night was going to be hard; cold, windy, with them just dumping the ball in the box.

"To keep going behind but to keep pulling it back showed great character and desire. We showed what we're all about and there were times where we could have gone on and taken the lead in the game."

The 3-3 draw saw the 19-year-old play 90 minutes at senior level for Fulham for the first time in his career, and he caused Rotherham no end of problems in the game, most notably when his skill won the penalty from which Ross McCormack scored our initial equaliser.

"I'm happy with my performance," he admitted. "I'm still waiting for a goal but I got another assist in winning the penalty and created a few good chances so I was pleased on a personal note with how Tuesday went.

"I want to play for Fulham as much as I can. To get the start showed that the Manager has faith in me, and that's good."

Hitting back to level twice in the match was an impressive enough feat in itself, but after a Nikolay Bodurov own goal in the 86th minute looked set to hand the Millers all three points, Fulham's continued fight speaks volumes as they refused to accept the game was lost.

"It hurt every time we went behind but you can't think about that," Williams explained. "You've just got to keep going and we knew that at one down we were always still in the game, especially when we were creating so many good chances.

"We just couldn't let our heads drop and we didn't which meant we got a very, very good point. A point at Rotherham, in this league, is great. We'll take that and go again on Friday night against Charlton and we'll be looking for three points in that one at home.

"We'll be focused on Friday, and if we get four points out of our two games then that will make this a very good week."

Tickets for Friday night's game against Charlton are available for supporters to purchase on General Sale, priced from £30 adults and £15 juniors.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/october/23/williams-a-great-point?

[WhiteJC]

 
Symons may make changes

Fulham caretaker boss Kit Symons can rotate his squad for the visit of London rivals Charlton on Friday night.

Symons made five changes for the midweek 3-3 draw at Rotherham with only one of them enforced - defender Tim Hoogland missing out through illness. Hoogland will return if he passes a fitness check while strikers Bryan Ruiz and Hugo Rodallega, defender Sean Kavanagh and former Charlton midfielder Scott Parker will also be in contention after they were rested. Fernando Amorebieta is still out with a knee injury and Adam Taggart remains sidelined as he recovers from a back problem. Charlton midfielder Yoni Buyens is suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season against Bolton on Tuesday night. Winger Johann Berg Gudmundsson (ankle) and six-goal top scorer Igor Vetokele (Achilles) missed the 2-1 victory at The Valley and remain doubts, although boss Bob Peeters has not ruled them out completely. Defender Joe Gomez (ankle) and striker Simon Church (shoulder) will miss out but Chris Solly is poised to return at right-back having rested his troublesome knee in midweek with the trip to Craven Cottage in mind. Fulham know a point will see them climb out of the relegation zone while Charlton need a win to move to within a point of leaders Derby.



Read more at: https://www.clubcall.com/charlton-athletic/symons-may-make-changes-1744912.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Away fans' guide: Fulham

Read a guide for supporters making the trip to Craven Cottage on Friday evening
Ian Cartwright reports

A Friday night in Fulham. Now a lot of people may think think that this an invite to a posh bistro on the Kings Road, but no, there is a far more alluring option - watching Charlton play in what is an amazing twist of fate since our  Cup visit during our promotion season - my how times have changed.

There hasn't been a great deal of change to Craven Cottage since our last outing there, although this time we will be confined to the left side of the Putney End as you face the pitch, although we still enter via Stevenage Road at the opposite end of the stand, where you will be able to see a statue of Fulham legend Johnny Haynes.

Mercifully another piece of architecture has now been removed from the ground, though what this vile piece of art is now doing in the National Football Museum God only knows. But I digress...

It's a ground level entrance via ornate turnstiles, then a stroll at ground level to our end of the hand, passing the infamous neutral end to arrive at the far corner. It's then a climb up a structure that is not quite as wobbly as say the one at a club in Mid Kent for example, but is not concrete based.

The view is pretty much OK, albeit with a couple of poles but the legroom is not great. Indeed, it will be interesting to see how the stewards approach their seating policy as last time they ranged from over zealous to relaxed.

The concourse is open air, save for a bit of cover below the roof, which no doubt will evoke memories of when it wasn't there to some and a view was available of football on Bishops Park behind, so if the football that had been paid for was dross, at least there was an alternative.

Anyway, presuming a five-man committee has not been formed to alter things, it's not all bad. Decent food, beer only outlets and people walking around with refreshments - please, no rain!

In terms of pubs, The Eight Bells as you come out of Putney Bridge tube station to the right is fine, as are a lot of the pubs along the riverside on the opposite side to the ground. Putney High Street is OK, although all around I reckon there will a bouncer presence on doors.

Being a London game, there is always the choice of staying central, getting off the tube or train etc and as someone that works in Westminster near the District Line that's my school of thought.

Indeed, that is also my recommended mode of transport, as is the case for all London games. The District Line to Putney Bridge is one option, basically cross the bridge, enter the park past the church and keep going.

An alternative is to travel via the overground train to Putney, do a right then walk down the High Street, cross the bridge then left into the park.

If you are driving the post code is SW6 6HH, but good luck trying to find a reasonably close spot to park as there are loads of residents schemes and no car parks. Best option: public transport or Valley Away.



Read more at http://www.cafc.co.uk/news/article/20141023-fulham-away-fans-guide-2034371.aspx#yKWhxi70I3o2Ozh1.99

[WhiteJC]

 
Sky Bet Championship: Fulham v Charlton team news

Tim Hoogland; Should return for Fulham

Fulham caretaker boss Kit Symons can rotate his squad for the visit of London rivals Charlton on Friday night.

Symons made five changes for the midweek 3-3 draw at Rotherham with only one of them enforced - defender Tim Hoogland missing out through illness.

Hoogland will return if he passes a fitness check while strikers Bryan Ruiz and Hugo Rodallega, defender Sean Kavanagh and former Charlton midfielder Scott Parker will also be in contention after they were rested.

Fernando Amorebieta is still out with a knee injury and Adam Taggart remains sidelined as he recovers from a back problem.

Charlton midfielder Yoni Buyens is suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season against Bolton on Tuesday night.

Winger Johann Berg Gudmundsson (ankle) and six-goal top scorer Igor Vetokele (Achilles) missed the 2-1 victory at The Valley and remain doubts, although boss Bob Peeters has not ruled them out completely.

Defender Joe Gomez (ankle) and striker Simon Church (shoulder) will miss out but Chris Solly is poised to return at right-back having rested his troublesome knee in midweek with the trip to Craven Cottage in mind.

Fulham know a point will see them climb out of the relegation zone while Charlton need a win to move to within a point of leaders Derby.


http://www1.skysports.com/football/live/match/313927/preview?

[WhiteJC]

 
Why Kit Symons isn't necessarily the man to lead Fulham forward

Brian Burnie with his then wife.

There was a programme on TV recently in which comedian Jon Richardson looked to get to the bottom of some heavy life issues. One of the three programmes was about money and our attitudes towards having or not having it. In this programme he met a man named Brian Burnie who had amassed a fortune, then essentially gave it away to start his own charity. His wife wasn't very happy about this and didn't appear. But his daughter did. Richardson asked her how she felt, the angle being that she would have been in line to inherit this vast fortune, but now was not.

The daughter, a teacher, was fine. She said that at this point in her own life she feels quite content. She is made happy by life's little things. An example: when you are cycling in the rain and get wet socks. (If you have cycled at all you know what she's getting at: wet socks can be horrible.) The feeling you get when you get indoors into the warm and take off the wet socks is briefly a magnificent one. In itself the feeling of changing socks isn't much, but actually, in this context, it's a good example of a small victory.

I think of Felix Magath's time at Fulham as a pair of increasingly wet socks. We've taken them off and feel better.

The trick here is whether the socks we're now wearing are what we need.

Here's why. If you take the old rule of thumb for what Fulham ought to achieve we were clearly not there under Magath. This rule of thumb? That in home games we can expect to beat all but the very best teams in the division, and in away games we will lose to the very best opponents and draw with the rest. This is clearly not *right* in that these things are never so predictable, but if we consider the top six teams the "top teams" that would give us 17 home wins, 6 home draws, 6 away draws and 17 away defeats. Again, it's not supposed to be a prediction but it works for us here.

So by this reckoning we dropped 8 points under Magath and are exactly break even under Symons. We weren't doing what we should have done then; we are now.

An added wrinkle here is a new-fangled statistic called TSR, or total shots ratio. I'm not going to make any claims for this above and beyond the following from the man who invented it:

http://jameswgrayson.wordpress.com/2012/12/02/introducing-tsr2-4/

http://jameswgrayson.wordpress.com/2011/10/31/predicting-future-performance-revisited/

http://jameswgrayson.wordpress.com/2013/10/30/the-relationship-between-tsr-and-points-over-9-games/

This isn't me going all weird with stats, it's someone who has looked at something and established various facts.  You can dismiss these things or you can buy into them – your choice – but for those of us who are even less certain than we were in the past, objectivity can be helpful.

TSR, is short for total shots ratio and in short is the proportion of shots in a game that a team takes. James has tested various things and found it to be the best predictor of future performance he's come across.

So? Well here's the thing: Fulham's TSR under Magath and under Symons hasn't changed at all. Fulham under Magath were massively under-performing their TSR, which might be bad luck but was probably a function of, well, everything. But the underlying indicators told us that this team wasn't nearly as bad as it looked. We knew that – those of us who weren't screeching at the internet about wanting our football team back anyway – but it's still instructive. Magath would argue that this is evidence that the team would have improved in time, and the sensible conclusion is that he's probably right, or he would be if the aforementioned "everything" wasn't in the way. (is seven games too small a sample? Yes, perhaps, but James shows here that TSR works quite well in limited datasets too.)

Symons' team has done what it should. Fulham have taken off their wet socks and are enjoying a welcome cup of tea on the sofa.

So has Symons taken Fulham forward? Yes, in the sense that it was in a very bad place when he arrived. Honestly, I'd probably argue that almost any manager could have achieved the same, but Symons had the advantage (of his own making) of knowing the squad and particularly its young players, so he was able to stabilise the ship almost instantly. That's to his immense credit. We also have to acknowledge that he's working with another man's squad. Magath did a very thorough job of refurbishing the losing squad from last season but got carried away to the point where we didn't have a lot left. Enough, sure, but not a great deal. This derailed our early season form (to a degree: TSR still thinks we were an alright team getting bad results) and Symons has had to work with the same issue. Again: it looks to all the world as if he's got Fulham back to exactly where they should be. Well done him.

This is different to taking the club on a level, though, and here lies the problem for Khan's Headhunters. They have two choices really:

a) the easy way out is to say "give the job to Kit Symons, a Fulham man who the fans like."
b) the hard choice is to say "Kit's been brilliant but we think we've found someone who can take Fulham to another level."

I think really they have to take a combination of the two. They identify candidates who would work under scenario B but recommend that Symons keeps his job until at least the end of the season. If Fulham continue to improve steadily Symons is given the job on a permanent basis. If Fulham drop below the current baseline then you thank Kit and move to plan B, which has been teed up for this very purpose.

Kit Symons has done everything right. He has brought a stability to selection; the team is playing in a sensible fashion; the team is selecting its best players; the team is playing quite well. The job of the committee is to look at these achievements and try to value them and establish what they mean in a slightly longer term context.  I don't think it's as easy as it sounds.



http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2014/10/23/why-kit-symons-isnt-necessarily-the-man-to-lead-fulham-forward/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Cottagers keen to maintain momentum

Kit Symons could move a step closer to landing the permanent Fulham manager's job with victory over Charlton on Friday.

Symons has guided the Cottagers to four wins from seven matches since taking over on a caretaker basis from the sacked Felix Magath last month. Chairman Shahid Khan has a five-man committee to advise him over the club's next managerial appointment, with names such as Chris Hughton and Steve Clarke thought to be on the shortlist along with Symons. But while Danny Murphy, Brian McBride and Co mull over the options, Symons has quietly gone about transforming a side who had collected just one point from their previous seven Sky Bet Championship games under Magath. One player benefiting from the former Fulham defender's spell in charge is Dan Burn, whose late equaliser secured a dramatic 3-3 draw at Rotherham on Tuesday. The 22-year-old told the club website: "We just had the desire to at least come away with something. We took a point - yes, we wanted it to be three, but it wasn't a defeat so it means we can build on that going into the Charlton game on Friday. "You can't keep getting a win, a defeat, a win, a defeat - you've got to keep the momentum going so it's really important we didn't get a defeat on Tuesday. We've got a lot of games coming up, so hopefully we can carry on." Symons will hand a late fitness check to defender Tim Hoogland, who missed out in midweek through illness, while captain Scott Parker will return to the starting line-up to face his old club. A point would lift Fulham out of the relegation zone for the first time this season, while Charlton are looking for a win which would move them to within a point of leaders Derby. But Addicks boss Bob Peeters is well aware of the stark contrast between Magath's confidence-drained team and the in-form side he will face at Craven Cottage. "I saw them in one of the last games under Felix Magath, (a 1-0 defeat) at home to Wolves, and at that time they were struggling, there was no mentality, nothing in the team," he said. "Then I saw them against Bolton at home and it was another team completely - they won 4-0. So it's going to be a very tough night for us, especially because it's a proper derby." The visitors will be without suspended midfielder Yoni Buyens, while winger Johann Berg Gudmundsson and six-goal top scorer Igor Vetokele are injury doubts.



Read more at: https://www.clubcall.com/fulham/cottagers-keen-to-maintain-momentum-1744922.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham v Charlton

SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP
Venue: Craven Cottage, London Date: Friday, 24 October Kick-off: 19:45 BST
Coverage: Watch highlights on The Football League Show, text commentary on the BBC Sport website

Fulham caretaker boss Kit Symons may rotate his squad for the visit of London rivals Charlton.

Ex-Charlton midfielder Scott Parker is back in contention after being rested for Tuesday's 3-3 draw at Rotherham.

Addicks midfielder Yoni Buyens is suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card against Bolton in midweek.

Winger Johann Berg Gudmundsson (ankle) and top scorer Igor Vetokele (Achilles tendon) missed the 2-1 win and are doubts for the trip to Craven Cottage.

Fulham know a point will see them climb out of the Championship relegation zone, while Charlton need a win to move to within a point of leaders Derby.

Match facts

Head-to-Head
Fulham won the last meeting 4-0 at Craven Cottage in the FA Cup in January 2012.

The last league meeting ended as a 2-2 draw at The Valley in the Premier League in December 2006.

Fulham are unbeaten in the last six meetings in all competitions, winning three. Charlton's last win was 2-1 at The Valley in the Premier League in December 2004.

Fulham are unbeaten in the last 10 meetings at home in all competitions, winning seven. Charlton's last win there was 3-0 in the old Division Two in April 1986.

Fulham
Fulham have lost only one of their last six games in all competitions, winning four and drawing one. Their only defeat since 20 September was 2-0 at Middlesbrough in the Championship on 4 October.
Fulham have won their last three home games in all competitions, against Doncaster, Bolton and Norwich.

Charlton
Charlton have lost only one of their 13 games in the Championship this season. Their only league defeat was 1-0 at Bournemouth last Saturday.
Charlton have won only one of their seven away games in all competitions this season. Their only win on the road was 1-0 at Norwich in the Championship on 30 September.


http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/29655296

[WhiteJC]

 
Peeters expects 'proper derby'
Charlton boss Bob Peeters is wary of revived Fulham, saying they look like "another team completely" under Kit Symonds.

The Addicks boss takes his side to Craven Cottage on Friday night for a "proper derby" against a Fulham side who have won four out of seven games under caretaker manager Symonds.

Charlton have been in fine form themselves this season, but Peeters is well aware of the stark contrast between Magath's confidence-drained team and the in-form side Symonds will select on Friday.

"I saw them in one of the last games under Felix Magath, (a 1-0 defeat) at home to Wolves, and at that time they were struggling, there was no mentality, nothing in the team," he said.

"Then I saw them against Bolton at home and it was another team completely - they won 4-0. So it's going to be a very tough night for us, especially because it's a proper derby."

One Fulham player benefiting from Symond's spell in charge is Dan Burn, whose late equaliser secured a dramatic 3-3 draw at Rotherham on Tuesday.

The 22-year-old told the club website: "We just had the desire to at least come away with something. We took a point - yes, we wanted it to be three, but it wasn't a defeat so it means we can build on that going into the Charlton game on Friday.

"You can't keep getting a win, a defeat, a win, a defeat - you've got to keep the momentum going so it's really important we didn't get a defeat on Tuesday. We've got a lot of games coming up, so hopefully we can carry on."


http://www.football365.com/championship/9530286/Sky-Bet-Championship-Reinvigorated-Fulham-impress-Charlton-manager-Bob-Peeters?

[WhiteJC]

 
Kit Symons can move closer to being named Fulham manager IF his side beat Charlton at Craven Cottage on Friday
Symons has improved Fulham's results since taking over in temporary role
He has four wins from seven since stepping in after Felix Magath sacking
A draw against Charlton would lift them out of the relegation zone

Kit Symons could move a step closer to landing the permanent Fulham manager's job with victory over Charlton on Friday.

Symons has guided the Cottagers to four wins from seven matches since taking over on a caretaker basis from the sacked Felix Magath last month.

Chairman Shahid Khan has a five-man committee to advise him over the club's next managerial appointment, with names such as Chris Hughton and Steve Clarke thought to be on the shortlist along with Symons.


Kit Symons (above) has four wins from seven games since becoming caretaker manager at Fulham


Former Norwich manager Chris Hughton (above) has also been linked with the vacancy at the London club

But while Danny Murphy, Brian McBride and Co mull over the options, Symons has quietly gone about transforming a side who had collected just one point from their previous seven Sky Bet Championship games under Magath.

One player benefiting from the former Fulham defender's spell in charge is Dan Burn, whose late equaliser secured a dramatic 3-3 draw at Rotherham on Tuesday.

The 22-year-old told the club website: "We just had the desire to at least come away with something. We took a point - yes, we wanted it to be three, but it wasn't a defeat so it means we can build on that going into the Charlton game on Friday.

"You can't keep getting a win, a defeat, a win, a defeat - you've got to keep the momentum going so it's really important we didn't get a defeat on Tuesday. We've got a lot of games coming up, so hopefully we can carry on."


Dan Burn (right) is desperate for Fulham to continue their improvement against Charlton

Symons will hand a late fitness check to defender Tim Hoogland, who missed out in midweek through illness, while captain Scott Parker will return to the starting line-up to face his old club.

A point would lift Fulham out of the relegation zone for the first time this season, while Charlton are looking for a win which would move them to within a point of leaders Derby.

But Addicks boss Bob Peeters is well aware of the stark contrast between Magath's confidence-drained team and the in-form side he will face at Craven Cottage.


Scott Parker (right) is set to return to Fulham's starting line-up at home to Charlton on Friday

"I saw them in one of the last games under Felix Magath, (a 1-0 defeat) at home to Wolves, and at that time they were struggling, there was no mentality, nothing in the team," he said.

"Then I saw them against Bolton at home and it was another team completely - they won 4-0. So it's going to be a very tough night for us, especially because it's a proper derby."

The visitors will be without suspended midfielder Yoni Buyens, while winger Johann Berg Gudmundsson and six-goal top scorer Igor Vetokele are injury doubts.



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2804848/Kit-Symons-closer-named-Fulham-manager-beat-Charlton-Craven-Cottage-Friday.html#ixzz3GziQvUMn
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham handed boost ahead of Charlton clash

Duo back in contention for tomorrow night's Craven Cottage clash


Back in the fold: Hugo Rodallega is expected to return to the squad
Fulham are boosted by the return of Hugo Rodallega and Tim Hoogland for tomorrow night's London derby against Charlton.

The duo missed Tuesday night's 3-3 draw at Rotherham United, but resumed full training this morning.

And the pair are in contention to return to the side for the Craven Cottage clash after coming through the session unscathed.

"Hugo got a niggle in training last week. It's an ongoing thing but he was still feeling it after the Norwich game," said Kit Symons.

"After speaking to the medical guys it was the wise and sensible thing to rest him.

"But the boys are in pretty good shape and the manager might have a few selection problems."

Fernando Amorebieta (knee) is still out, while Adam Taggart is still battling to overcome a long-term groin problem.


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-handed-boost-ahead-charlton-7986652?

[WhiteJC]

 
Addicks leading scorer to miss out Fulham game

Charlton will again be without star striker Igor Vetokele for tomorrow evening's London derby clash at Fulham.

The 22-year-old Angolan international is the club's top scorer with six goals, but was withdrawn at half-time in last Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Bournemouth because of an Achilles injury.

That kept him out of Tuesday's 2-1 success over Bolton and head coach Bob Peeters this lunchtime confirmed Vetokele will also miss the televised Fulham encounter.

"No, Igor is not going to be involved," the boss said.

"We kept on playing him because he was an important player for us, but at this moment he is getting better with his Achilles but we won't risk him for tomorrow.

"I think George Tucudean and Franck Moussa did a good job on Tuesday.

"Hopefully Tucudean, with the goal he scored and the assist he gave, his confidence was lifted and given a boost."

Charlton were also without Johann Gudmundsson and Chris Solly midweek and it looks likely only Solly will return for the west London trip.

With Yoni Buyens suspended, Peeters was asked whether Jordan Cousins could return to the centre of Charlton's midfield having been used primarily as a wide player so far this season.

"Perhaps," responded a tight lipped Peeters.

"We will see tomorrow at 7.45pm."


http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/sport/11555255._/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Symons in limbo as Fulham manager decision drags on

Fulham caretaker boss Kit Symons is hopeful a decision is close over whether he is the right man to lead the club forward on a permanent basis.

The Craven Cottage cult hero has been at the helm since Felix Magath's sacking in September but the Fulham board have yet to decide who the full-time successor to the German will be.

Symons has turned the fortunes around at the west London club as Fulham have taken 10 points from their last five Championship matches.

"I just have to keep going. I want the job, that's not going to change, hopefully I will get it soon," he said ahead of the Whites' home clash against London rivals Charlton on Friday night.


"Until I am told otherwise I will keep my head down and keep working hard. I am loving every minute of it and long may it last.

"There have been good discussions, I am trying to get my views across to the owner and he has been asking pertinent questions. Hopefully I can get across the way I want the football club to be run and be organised."


Read more at http://talksport.com/football/symons-limbo-fulham-manager-decision-drags-141023120427#gswOdYjT45S5Mo3K.99

[WhiteJC]

 
Charlton boss eyeing 'quality' January signings to aid play-off push

Charlton manager Bob Peeters is hoping to make some waves in the January transfer market if the Addicks have a promotion chance.

Currently sitting just outside the play-off spots, the Addicks have exceeded early expectations after a summer overhaul which saw their new boss stamp his authority on the club.

Owner Roland Duchâtelet has provided Peeters with the funds to add the necessary quality already, but the south London club may turn to their own again in the new year for some added help.

Peeters wants some fresh blood in January and is eyeing quality additions to push Charlton on to the next level.

If a play-off push is still on the cards in two months' time, which it should be, Peeters may well be on the phone to Duchatelet quite a lot.

"I think he is backing us up anyway, we have brought some good players in already," Peeters told us.

"If we are in this situation around the new year I think one or two quality players will come in. For me it is important that if we bring in players they must be of the required quality.

"We had a meeting over dinner on Monday, he was at the game Tuesday, and we had a good conversation about everything to do with Charlton.

"He knows what we want and hopefully he can provide it.

"We only have 18-19 players and we agreed not to have a too bigger squad. We want a group of 20 good quality players.

"It is no use bringing quantity-wise players in, we have some positions where we need certain players so we will see in January. "


http://www.london24.com/sport/football/clubs/charlton/charlton_boss_eyeing_quality_january_signings_to_aid_play_off_push_1_3818030

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Kit's Charlton Preview

Kit Symons has confidence that Fulham can continue to show the same combination of quality and resilience that has recently earned them results when they take on Charlton Athletic on Friday evening (7.45pm).

The Addicks currently sit in seventh position and are kept out of a Play-Off position by goal difference alone. Given that a win or a draw on Friday would take Fulham out of the relegation zone, it promises to be a closely fought match.

"I think it will be a great game. Obviously they're a very good side. They only recently lost their unbeaten start to the season," said Symons in Thursday's press conference.

"They don't score a lot of goals, but they don't concede either, they're very, very tough to beat. You've got to give full respect to what they're going to bring to the party on Friday night.

"Both teams are in a decent run of form, but derby games can be a leveller. It's going to be a tough game of football. Fulham against Charlton has a bit on it, but it should be good.

"We need our boys to step up to the plate and put in a really good performance which I've got no doubt in my mind they will do."

The confidence of Symons is backed up by recent performances including a victory against former league leaders Norwich City and a hard-fought draw against Rotherham United on Tuesday night which the Caretaker Manager states came down to "resilience, guts and trust in each other."

He continued: "I was delighted with the character we showed as a team. We've got undoubted quality but if you can match it with character and resilience then you're onto something good.

"We've got some fantastic talent, but what they showed as well is that they weren't kids the other night, they were young men the other night, and very talented ones at that.

"It feels like I've been doing this job for ages and we've been getting great results and we're still third from bottom. It's unbelievable really.

"Ultimately we are where we are so we need to get out of there sharpish. We will and when we do it will be a fantastic feeling for everyone connected with the football club. There's a strong belief now. Getting out of the bottom three will be massive and hopefully it will come on Friday night."

Fans can still secure their seat at the Cottage on Friday, with tickets available from £30 adults and £15 juniors.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/october/23/kits-charlton-preview?

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Fulham's kids have matured into young men, says Symons

Young guns have got to grips with physical demands of Championship football


Man at the top: Fulham caretaker manager Kit Symons
Kit Symons reckons Fulham's young guns have got to grip with the demands of Championship football.

Former boss Felix Magath flooded the side with the club's academy graduates earlier in the season as the Cottagers made a disastrous start.

However, caretaker manager Symons says his kids have matured into young men and proved they can cope with the rough and tumble of England's second tier.

He said: "In the early part of the season a few of them struggled. I set every player up to succeed - I won't out people into a situation where they might struggle.

"I know these young boys inside out. We've got some fantastic talent. They were young men against Rotherham the other night and stood up to the physical challenge. If we had played a team of kids we would've got beaten soundly.

"We played a team of talented young players who were fully committed and relished the physical challenge."


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulhams-kids-matured-young-men-7987903?

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Give it to Kit

So one week on from a so called imminent decision on the vacant manager's position at Craven Cottage and we continue to remain in the dark over any potential appointment. A hard fought 1-0 home win over top of the table Norwich was clearly deemed insufficient enough to give Kit Symons the job, and a 3-3 draw at Rotherham has similarly failed to wake Shahid Khan from his slumber.

We are still by no means a force to be reckoned with, but at the same time no one can argue that Kit hasn't started taking us in the right direction. Some of the comments following a game where we successfully came from behind three times to secure a draw smacked of arrogance in berating others for revelling in failing to win away at the likes of Rotherham. As a club we have indeed had a fantastic decade and a half in the Premier League, but at the same time we know where we came from and sometimes after a sustained period it is necessary to take one step back to make those two steps forward.

The very thing that characterised those now legendary Fulham sides in the Premier League era was the work rate, team spirit and never say die attitude. Needless to say this has been exactly what has been lacking over the last two years and results have reflected that. The past month or so under Kit Symons has seen more in these departments than we have in a long time. Yes he has made a few strange substitutes and at times his tactics have not always been perfect, but his inexperience can be forgiven when taking into account the atmosphere and positivity he has ushered in, not to mention the results!

We certainly rode our luck against Norwich but it was clear the players were playing for their manager. Tuesday's draw further emphasised that point and was achieved with a number of changes to the line-up. The Championship is a competition where rotation is a necessity and as a club we do have the quality in depth to do it. The reign of terror that saw Felix seemingly chop and change on an hourly basis was perhaps a contributing factor to the pessimism surrounding Kit's choices at the New York Stadium but keeping the likes of Parker, Ruiz and Rodallega fresh for the forthcoming run of games made perfect sense. It has been vitally important for a stable XI to finally be established, but with that, we need to utilise the squad around it.

By no means am I saying that the corner has been completely turned and I am sure there will be times where Symon's lack of experience will cost us, but it has been a real rarity to watch Fulham where the positives outweigh the negatives and we need to cherish that.

A few wins however should not see expectations suddenly sky rocket. The old cliche is that anyone can beat anyone in this league and that is certainly still true. Beating Norwich does not make Rotherham away a given and we should fully expect to have to battle for every point earned. The basics are back in place and now we need to focus on maintaining them while continuing to improve as a team.

Another three points at home to Charlton on Friday night and Khan should announce Kit at the final whistle..COYW!!


http://www.shoot.co.uk/category/news/give-it-to-kit/

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Fulham boss ponders loan swoop

Caretaker manager Symons exploring different options

Kit Symons has been given the green light by Fulham chiefs to dip into the loan market.

The caretaker boss has changed the club's fortunes since taking over from Felix Magath in September, and could get the job on a permanent basis if they beat Charlton tomorrow night.

And Symons says he has been given the go-ahead to strengthen his squad.

He said: "The club would back me if I wanted to bring someone in on loan. We've had lots of discussions already and I'd always be open-minded and look at the different options available.

"Anyone who comes in has got to be an exceptionally good player, and equally as important, an exceptionally good character, because we've got a great group of lads who are very unselfish and work hard for each other."


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/fulham-boss-ponders-loan-swoop-7988421?

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Scott Parker hopeful Fulham have reached turning point

Scott Parker is hopeful Fulham have turned the corner following their awful start to life in the Championship.

They were bottom and seemingly in danger of a second successive relegation before Felix Magath was sacked as manager and results improved under caretaker boss Kit Symons.

"Hopefully that tricky period is behind us now and we can keep grinding out results," Parker told BBC London 94.9.

"When you win games, confidence breeds from that."

Fulham were among the pre-season favourites for promotion and spent big to bring in striker Ross McCormack from Leeds United.

However, their new-look side also included several youngsters and players from overseas, and their performances under Magath led to the German losing his job.

Symons has managed to steer them off the bottom of the table with three wins from his six league games in charge.

A key player
Parker has featured in all 15 of Fulham's matches this season.

"It's been a difficult time for us. It's been a period of adaption really," said Cottagers midfielder Parker.

"We've got a very young squad and since we've come back for this season it's been pretty difficult for us.

"It's not nice, it's obviously a different league with different challenges and we've an inexperienced squad.

"Even players who have experience in terms of playing time haven't experienced the English league or played in a league like the Championship, so at times it's been difficult.

"But I'd like to think there have been some positives over the last few weeks, some positive results and something we can build on.

"Kit's come in, put his stamp on things and people seem to be enjoying things a little bit more."


http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/29745568