Sunday Fulham Stuff (02/08/15)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Chelsea target left out of Fulham's final pre-season friendly

Bettinelli absent for the Whites as interest from west London neighbours increases

Fulham goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli has been left out of Fulham's final pre-season friendly against Crystal Palace, with a tweaked hamstring.

The England U21 shot-stopper has been heavily linked with a £2.5million move to neighbours Chelsea as Jose Mourinho looks to expand his squad.

Cottagers' manager Kit Symons has brought in former Bolton goalkeeper Andy Lonergan as rumours of Bettinelli's departure have been rife throughout pre-season.

However, the Whites boss insisted the absence was due to a tweaked hamstring.

And it now appears that the young England keeper could be on the verge of a high-profile move to the Blues after being left out of Saturday's squad against Palace and also a Fulham XI side at Colchester.

Exiled Greek international striker Kostas Mitroglou makes the Fulham bench, perhaps indicating he may have a future at the Cottage if a mooted transfer to Sporting Lisbon falls through


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/chelsea-target-left-out-fulhams-9771541?

[WhiteJC]

 
Sam Walker enjoys 45 minutes of action in Colchester United's defeat to Fulham

Colchester United's final pre-season friendly of the summer ended in a narrow home defeat, at the hands of a Fulham XI this afternoon.

Moussa Dembele bagged the only goal of the game in the 30th minute. The 19-year-old Frenchman headed home from skipper Jack Grimmer's cross.

It was a slick finish from Dembele, who chalked up 15 senior appearances for the Cottagers last season, which included a brace of goals in a 5-2 home defeat to Derby in the Capital One Cup.

A crowd of just 642 were at the Weston Homes Community Stadium for this fourth pre-season game in just 11 days, following the previous visits of West Ham, Leyton Orient and Ipswich Town.

Keeper Sam Walker enjoyed 45 minutes of action in the second half – his longest stint of the summer – on his comeback from a knee injury.

And there was a good first-half display from fellow keeper Elliot Parish, who looks set to be in the squad for the opening day fixture against Blackpool next Saturday.

The U's started brightly and they forced keeper Marek Rodak into two smart saves on the seven-minute mark.

First, Rodak dived to his right to push away a rasping 20-yarder from Alex Gilbey, who had scored twice in the 3-2 win over Ipswich Town in midweek.

Seconds later and the Cottagers keeper was diving the other way, towards his left-hand post, to beat away George Moncur's low drive.

Fulham did not threaten until the 18th minute, when American midfielder Emerson Hyndman dragged a shot wide with just keeper Elliot Parish to beat.

Five minutes later and Hyndman was in the action again, although this time his rather over-optimistic 25-yarder was deflected well over the top, off a defender's boot.

The U's broke quickly at times, and Chris Porter could have done better when delaying his shot, which enabled a defender to block the U's skipper's eventual effort.

Fulham had a flurry of chances, before taking the lead on the half-hour mark.

Summer signing Parish was left in no-man's land when clearing the danger with his head, while charging out of his penalty area.

Hyndman fancied his chances of lobbing the loose ball into an unguarded net, from near the left touch-line, but his goal-bound effort was headed off the goal-line by the back-tracking Alex Wynter.

From the ensuing corner, defender Cameron Burgess' rocket shot thudded back off the bar, from 10 yards out, and the follow-up shot by Larnell Cole was beaten away by Parish.

However, Parish was finally beaten by Dembele's accurate header,

Thomas Eisfeld should have doubled Fulham's lead in the 35th minute, only to blast over the bar from just eight yards out.

A minute later and the impressive Parish did well to turn away Dembele's ferocious shot, with strong hands.

Into the second period and centre forward Matt Smith dragged his shot into the side-netting, when really he should have been celebrating Fulham's second goal.

Walker, on for Parish at half-time, was relieved to see that close-range shot fly past his post.

Gavin Massey, who had netted the winner against Ipswich, was again looking lively down the flank, and he at least tested Rodak with an angled drive on the hour mark, which the Slovakian keeper smothered.

In the 72nd minute, Rodak raced to the edge of his penalty area to save at the feet of the onrushing Moncur.

Winger Dion Sembie-Ferris, who looked lively during his 45 minutes of action, also gave Rodak problems with a cross-cum-shot which was finger-tipped over the bar, while fellow substitute Dan Holman headed over the top late on.

Squads

COLCHESTER: Parish (sub Walker, 46), Brindley (sub Olufemi, 85), Wynter (sub Eastman, 46), Kent (sub James, 87), Vincent-Young, Edwards (sub Curtis, 73), Moncur (sub Lapslie, 73), Gilbey (sub Dunne, 81), Massey, Porter (sub Sembie-Ferris, 46), Bonne (sub Holman, 73).

FULHAM: Rodak, Grimmer, Evans, Hyndman (sub Smile, 83), Pino, Burgess, Cole, Tunnicliffe, Smith, Dembele (sub O'Halloran, 85), Eisfield.

Referee: M Bull

Attendance: 642 (91 away fans)


http://www.greenun24.co.uk/colchester-united/sam_walker_enjoys_45_minutes_of_action_in_colchester_united_s_defeat_to_fulham_1_4177680?

[PeterFFC]

No truth in Bettinelli rumours as he was sitting in the balcony of the cottage with George Williams and Sean Kavanagh at the game yesterday.

[General]

Such a shocking piece of journalism. All you have to do is go onto the Fulham site and Kit says why Betts wasn't involved. How has this person been paid to do this job? He doesn't even do it.

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham 1-1 Crystal Palace: Pape Souare levels for Eagles after Ben Pringle opener
Ben Pringle opens scoring after six minutes for Fulham
Pape Souare levels for Crystal Palace after half-time
Yohan Cabaye struggled before half-time withdrawal

Alan Pardew may have been busy in the transfer market this summer - but it was the longer serving players who impressed in Crystal Palace's final game before the start of the Premier League season.

Yohan Cabaye was the stand out name of the Palace team sheet following his £12.8million move from Paris Saint-Germain but it was Senegalese defender Pape Souare who helped Palace come from behind against Championship side Fulham after Ben Pringle had put the home side ahead.

Cabaye played the first half of the game but struggled to make an impact in a game where James McArthur, Glenn Murray and Wilfried Zaha all put forward their cases to start next week's opener against Norwich.


Ben Pringle of Fulham celebrates scoring to make it 1-0 with team-mate Jamie O'Hara


Pape Souare then finished in the second-half to level the score for Crystal Palace

With the deal to bring in Connor Wickham from Sunderland not yet complete and new loan signing Patrick Bamford not in the squad, Palace boss Pardew opted to play Glenn Murray up front on his own.

And it was Murray who had the first chance of the game when he was played in over the top, but he fired high and wide.

Palace were made to pay minutes later when one of Fulham's new signings Pringle - a free transfer from Rotherham - put the home side ahead with a low shot into the corner of the goal from the edge of the area.

Palace's marquee summer signing Cabaye started the match, but struggled to make a meaningful impact in the early stages.

Fulham frustrated Palace by keeping the ball well in the middle of the pitch, but neither side created too many chances in the first half.


Pringle (centre) with his team-mates after putting Fulham ahead early on at Craven Cottage


Fulham left back Luke Garbutt (left) battling for the ball with Crystal Palace midfielder Jason Puncheon


Fulham boss Kit Symons watching on from the sidelines at Craven Cottage on Saturday

Palace's first real chance came just before the break when Joel Ward and Jason Puncheon combined well one the right-hand side and played in Murray who knocked the ball back to Cabaye - but the French midfielder was unable to keep his shot on target.

Palace started the second half on the front foot and James McArthur forced Fulham keeper Andy Lonergan into making a smart save by tipping the ball round the post from a long range effort.

And from the resulting corner Palace were level as Souare rose at the far post to head home Jordon Mutch's cross.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-3182329/Fulham-1-1-Crystal-Palace-Pape-Souare-levels-Eagles-Ben-Pringle-opener.html#ixzz3heJT6b34
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

[WhiteJC]

 
Symons sees Fulham future for Mitroglou

Greece international could yet remain at Craven Cottage, despite being linked with exit


Forgotten man: Kostas Mitroglou

Fulham boss Kit Symons has left the door ajar for Kostas Mitroglou to play for the club again if a mooted transfer to Sporting Lisbon doesn't come to fruition.

The Greece international striker made his first appearance at Craven Cottage in a 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace, with some impressive moments of flair which delighted fans.

And the Welshman has failed to rule out Mitroglou starring for the Whites in their upcoming Championship campaign.

"To be perfectly honest, no idea at the moment," Symons responded to questions over the future of the club's record signing.

"He's come in, done a couple of weeks of pre-season training with us and he's worked hard. You could see in some flashes today, he's a quality footballer."


Strike: Ben Pringle scored in the 1-1 draw with Palace

The star forward was signed in January 2014 from Olympiacos in a bid to help Fulham survive the Premier League drop - but he only made three appearances that season, all of which were away.

Against Palace, Mitroglou looked at his majestic best - getting heavily involved in play and weaving his way through defenders despite only playing 25 minutes.

And Symons has said he would not shy away from playing the Greek enigma again if he stays at Fulham.

"Whether he's going to remain with us or not i'll say we have to wait and see, but if he is we'll look to utilise him.

"I think he's quite enjoyed himself to be honest. We'll have to wait and see."


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/symons-sees-fulham-future-mitroglou-9773308?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham boss gives transfer update as deal for Brighton defender nears completion

Cottagers' boss on a mission to improve his squad before September 1st


On the hunt: Fulham manager Kit Symons

Fulham are hoping to bring in more summer signings before the end of the transfer window, according to manager Kit Symons.

The Cottagers have acquired six new players ahead of the season opener next weekend against Cardiff - with Ben Pringle and Tom Cairney amongst those brought in.

But Symons has insisted that there is still work to be done in order to complete his squad before the transfer deadline.

"I'm able to bring in my own players now, which does help certainly, without a doubt," reflected the boss after his side's 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace, as Kostas Mitroglou made his first Craven Cottage appearance since signing for a club record fee in January 2014.

"In my opinion we'll be a lot more competitive come the start of this championship season than at the start of the last one."


Nearly signed: Brighton centre-back Lewis Dunk

New signing Pringle made an impact on his Craven Cottage debut after scoring from 20 yards, but the hosts were made to rue a defensive lapse which cost them the game.

And they have been linked with defensive reinforcements with a move for Brighton's Lewis Dunk set for completion this week.

But with Chelsea interested in goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli, who missed the match against Palace through injury, there is much work to be done as Fulham seek to bolster their squad for a promotion push in the forthcoming season.


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/fulham-boss-gives-transfer-update-9774025?

[WhiteJC]

 
Manager Reaction

Kit Symons believes the workout which Crystal Palace gave the Whites in the 1-1 draw was the perfect dress rehearsal for the Sky Bet Championship.

Fulham travel to Cardiff City on Saturday August 8th and the Whites Manager highlighted the physical element of the Eagles' game, which was something he expects to see over the course of the season.

"[Crystal Palace] are a quality side and have got a lot of good players and a lot of physicality about them as well," Symons said.

"Going into the Championship season I think they're the perfect team for us to play. They're a top 10 Premier League side, they have a lot of quality and ability but also as I said a lot of physicality about them and can be quite direct sometimes which is what we are going to have to expect in the Championship."

When asked to assess the team's progress over pre-season, Symons was delighted with the team's physical progress but also emphasised how well the team have bonded.

"The team spirit in pre-season has been brilliant and the boys have been digging in. We've got some real quality talented footballers, but they're willing to work hard for the team as well," he continued.

"A combination of the two gives you a great chance. I had a couple of promotions playing for Fulham and on both occasions the team spirit was tremendous as well as the work ethic. That's what we're starting to get now."

Fulham's most recent signing Luke Garbutt was substituted on 70 minutes. Symons says it was a precautionary measure, and also commented on the fitness of Kostas Mitroglou, who was introduced after 66 minutes.

"Garbs tweaked his ankle a little bit so we are not sure how bad that is but he did a similar thing at Everton the day before he came into us," added Symons.

"I think it's a minor thing so touch wood its ok. [Kostas] has come in, done a couple of week's pre-season training with us and I think he has quite enjoyed himself to be honest, so we will have to wait and see.

"We've seen some flashes today that he is a quality footballer. Whether he is going to remain with us as I said we're going to have to wait and see. If he is, we will look to utilise him."

Marcus Bettinelli missed the match after suffering a hamstring problem, and Sean Kavanagh and Adam Taggart also were forced to sit the final pre-season friendly out.

"[Bettinelli] only did it yesterday in training," Symons said. "So, hopefully that won't be too long. Touch wood there are no long term injuries we need to worry about, so that is quite positive."

An alternative Fulham XI beat Colchester United 1-0 under the watchful eye of Under-21s Manager Peter Grant and Chief Football Officer Mike Rigg and Symons will catch up on the match as soon as possible.

"We deliberately did it that way today, it was two first team fixtures we were putting out. Matt Smith played up at Colchester, we put a strong team out," he said.

"We wanted people to get 90 minutes against quality opposition, because obviously Colchester have a nice stadium and a good pitch.

"I've not yet got the run down on how that one went but it was the right thing to do and the big thing was come Cardiff next Saturday that everyone's got the right amount of game time and is ready for selection.

Symons signed off with his take on the Club's transfer business over the summer so far.

"I would like there to be a little bit more, but I'm pleased with what we've got and the acquisitions we've made.

"But, if we can get a couple more that can make us better then we will bring them in."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/august/01/manager-reaction

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham 1 Crystal Palace 1
   
At Craven Cottage yesterday afternoon, Fulham continued their pre-season friendly programme with a game against Premier League opposition Crystal Palace.

With the season just a week away, Fulham showed that their preparations are coming along nicely by holding their own against Alan Pardew`s Premier League outfit.

Fulham, pushing forward from the kick-off, went ahead after just six minutes when Ben Pringle scored his first goal for the Cottagers, with our summer signing scoring with a low-drive.

Pardew`s side pushed for an equalizer and it was to come in the second half when Jordon Mutch delivered a corner into the danger area and Pape Souare was on hand to head home.

On reflection a draw was a fair result, Kit Symon`s side have now completed their run of pre-season fixtures and the final preparations will now take place before we open our Championship campaign against Cardiff City next Saturday.

COYW`s


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=407485#ixzz3heLkkpxM

[ffc73]

Such a shocking piece of journalism. All you have to do is go onto the Fulham site and Kit says why Betts wasn't involved. How has this person been paid to do this job? He doesn't even do it.

Houghton at Brighton consistently said Dunk was missing from their early pre season fixtures because he was injured.  Did not stop the speculation about him having a medical with us

[WhiteJC]

 
Pringle: Good To Go

Ben Pringle believes a solid performance against Crystal Palace proves the Whites are ready for the 2015/16 season.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNi1mLjfrSg

http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/august/02/pringle-reaction

[WhiteJC]

 
Mitroglou in Shock Fulham Appearance
   
One big surprise yesterday afternoon, when Fulham entertained Crystal Palace in a pre-season friendly, was the appearance of Kostas Mitroglou in the Fulham starting eleven.

It`s fair to say that the vast majority of us had confined Mitroglou to the waste bin and labelled as an expensive flop.

But play he did and although he didn`t get on the score-sheet the striker showed some decent touches that had the Craven Cottage faithful applauding.

However, it remains to be seen whether Mitroglou remains at Craven Cottage for the coming season and it would appear that Kit Symons is none the wiser as to whether the player will, being quoted in the local media vehicle getwestlondon

"To be perfectly honest, no idea at the moment.

"He`s come in, done a couple of weeks of pre-season training with us and he`s worked hard. You could see in some flashes today, he`s a quality footballer."

Are we about to witness the second coming of Kostas Mitroglou or is it another false dawn?


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=407486#ixzz3heMIvNj3

[WhiteJC]

 
Are Chelsea Still Interested in Bettinelli
   
Yesterday, with Fulham entertaining Crystal Palace, at Craven Cottage, there was one notable absentee from the Fulham starting eleven.

Marcus Bettinelli was conspicuous by his absence.

Our young goalkeeper, a first team regular, had earlier this summer been linked with a move to our West London rivals, Chelsea.

With our neighbours having already signed Asmir Begovic as the new deputy to Thibaut Courtois, we had hoped that any Chelsea interest in Bettinelli had completely dissipated.

Unfortunately that may not be the case with my suspicions being that although the official reason for Bettinelli`s absence yesterday was a minor injury, I can`t help feeling Chelsea still have this desire to add the player to their bulging squad, especially with Marcus falling into that home-grown category.

Let`s hope I`m wrong shall we!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=407487#ixzz3heMT936i