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Fulham v RNK Split preview

Team news for Thursday night's Europa League clash between Fulham and RNK Split at Craven Cottage.

Bobby Zamora is fit to start Fulham's Europa League third qualifying round second leg against RNK Split despite breaking his hand.

Striker Zamora suffered a fracture in last week's goalless first leg and will wear a cast for the next few weeks.

Steve Sidwell is suspended, Simon Davies (knee) remains sidelined, but Mousa Dembele and Clint Dempsey return to the squad after missing the trip to Croatia.

Fulham (from): Schwarzer, Baird, Hangeland, Senderos, Hughes, JA Riise, Etuhu, Murphy, BH Riise, Briggs, Zamora, Johnson, Dempsey, Somogyi, Kelly, Kasami, Frei, Gecov, Dembele.



http://www.teamtalk.com/match/preview/978/7078850/Fulham-v-RNK-Split-preview? (http://www.teamtalk.com/match/preview/978/7078850/Fulham-v-RNK-Split-preview?)

 
Jol to give up on Jerome

Fulham will not up their offer for Birmingham City striker Cameron Jerome.


The Cottagers were, on Monday, reported to have made a £3million bid for the Blues centre-forward, one which Chris Hughton's recently-relegated side rejected.

Jol, on Wednesday, confirmed that a bid was made but he will not be held to ransom and is now set to look at Mexico international Aldo De Nigris instead as he looks to bolster an attack that also includes Bobby Zamora, Andrew Johnson, Moussa Dembele and the versatile Clint Dempsey.

However, with Zamora having broken a hand in last week's Europa League qualifier against RNK Split, an extra man would do no harm, -though the former West Ham man is expected to feature in this week's return leg.

"We made a bid we thought was realistic,'' Jol said of Jerome on Sly Sports News.

Jerome has also been linked with Stoke City and Bolton Wanderers and could yet join a long list of post-relegation Blues departees. Roger Johnson, Seb Larsson, Craig Gardner, Lee Bowyer, Kevin Phillips and Barry Ferguson are among those to have left already, while Ben Foster has joined West Brom on loan and Scott Dann is also expected to leave.



http://www.setanta.com/ie/Articles/2011/08/03/Jol-to-give-up-on-Jerome/gnid-102873/? (http://www.setanta.com/ie/Articles/2011/08/03/Jol-to-give-up-on-Jerome/gnid-102873/?)

 
Fulham unlikely to increase offer for Cameron Jerome
• Jol believed £3m bid to be realistic
• Hand injury to Bobby Zamora prompted interest

Bobby Zamora broke his hand in the 3-0 Europa League win over NSI Runavik last week, the Fulham manager, Martin Jol, has revealed. "He broke his hand the other day," Jol said, adding that the England striker's injury is one of the reasons that Fulham bid for the Birmingham City forward Cameron Jerome. Jol expects Zamora to be available to play in the return leg on Thursday.

Fulham's bid for Jerome has been rejected by the Championship club but Jol said he does not think Fulham will increase their offer, understood to be around £3m. "We made a bid we thought was realistic," Jol said.

Jerome, 24, was also on Stoke City's radar this summer. The Potters made a double bid for him and the centre-back Scott Dann, which was also rebuffed by Blues. City's hierarchy are believed to be willing to sell Jerome but only if the price is right.

That could force the hand of the Stoke manager Tony Pulis and other Premier League sides, including Bolton Wanderers, reportedly interested in the striker. Jol has Zamora, Andy Johnson, Moussa Dembélé and the midfielder-turned-forward Clint Dempsey at his disposal in attack and is clearly keen to add to his ranks.

Jerome is one of a handful of players at St Andrew's whose futures still remain up in the air ahead of the 31 August transfer deadline. Dann, Liam Ridgewell and Nikola Zigic have also been linked with moves away from Birmingham, who are working under tough financial constraints following May's relegation.

Craig Gardner, Roger Johnson and Barry Ferguson have already left the club, Ben Foster has been loaned to neighbours West Brom on a season-long deal while Sebastian Larsson, Lee Bowyer and Kevin Phillips were all released. Jerome could possibly be the next to depart should the Blues' valuation be matched.

The former England Under-21 international signed for the Midlands club from Cardiff City for an initial fee of £3m in the summer of 2006 and has scored 41 goals in 201 appearances during his five years in the second city. However, he managed only three league goals in 34 outings for the club last season. Jerome signed a new five-year deal with Birmingham in July 2009.



http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/aug/03/fulham-birmingham-cameron-jerome-zamora? (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/aug/03/fulham-birmingham-cameron-jerome-zamora?)

 
Fortress Craven Cottage will give Fulham the edge
Andrew Johnson is confident of Europa League success on home turf

Ninety minutes is all that stands between Fulham and a Europa League play-off spot, as the Cottagers prepare for tomorrow's third qualifying round second leg tie with RNK Split at Craven Cottage.

Martin Jol's side go into tomorrow's west London encounter off the back of a 0-0 first leg draw in Croatia, and with the game tentatively poised, Andrew Johnson is hoping he can help fire Fulham into the next round.

"It's going to be hard for us to break them down," he admitted. "They'll probably do to us what we did to them in the first leg.

"It's a bit of chess game at the moment but the advantage is all ours now, we've been scoring a lot of goals at home and it would be good to continue that on Thursday."

Johnson stressed that despite failing to score in last week's encounter, the result has to be taken as a positive against a very impressive and well-organised RNK Split side.

"They're a good team, they work well as a unit with good rotation and I think we found it difficult to cope with - but those places are always difficult to go to," insisted Johnson. "They've got good players, they get brought up with good techniques and they're obviously quite comfortable on the ball.

"We were away from home and were a bit more concerned about conceding, but knew if we kept a clean sheet, we've always got a chance at our place."

Fulham's home form proved to be the catalyst in the club's run to the Europa League final in 2010 under former boss Roy Hodgson, and Johnson is hopeful the players can replicate that in order to progress this time around.

"It's a totally different kettle of fish at our place, with our fans behind us and with the surface we've got. It's a fortress and hopefully we'll be able to maintain that home form and progress to the next round.

"We're looking forward to the task ahead on Thursday and we're confident that we can get a result."



http://www.givemefootball.com/europa-league/fortress-craven-cottage-will-give-fulham-the-edge? (http://www.givemefootball.com/europa-league/fortress-craven-cottage-will-give-fulham-the-edge?)

 
Preview: Fulham v RNK Split

Bobby Zamora has been declared fit for Thursday's Europa League clash between Fulham and RNK Split.


Zamora broke his hand during last week's goalless draw in the first leg of the third qualifying round tie, but will take to the field at Craven Cottage, sporting a cast.

Midfielder Clint Dempsey and attacker Moussa Dembélé both missed Fulham's visit to Croatia, but have been included in the squad for the home leg of the tie.

However, Fulham's options in the middle of the park will be somewhat depleted, with Steve Sidwell suspended and Simon Davies unavailable due to a knee injury.

RNK striker Bojan Golubovic, having failed to acquire a visa in time, has not travelled with the rest of his squad to London.

Stoke will have to progress past one further knockout round, should they get the better of their opponents on Thursday, if they are to find themselves in the group stages of this season's Europa League.

Fulham (from): Schwarzer, Baird, Hangeland, Senderos, Hughes, JA Riise, Etuhu, Murphy, BH Riise, Briggs, Zamora, Johnson, Dempsey, Somogyi, Kelly, Kasami, Frei, Gecov, Dembele.




http://www.setanta.com/ie/Articles/2011/08/03/Preview-Fulham-v-RNK-Split/gnid-102896/? (http://www.setanta.com/ie/Articles/2011/08/03/Preview-Fulham-v-RNK-Split/gnid-102896/?)

 
Fulham striker Bobby Zamora suffers broken wrist

BOBBY Zamora will wear a cast for the next four weeks after suffering a broken wrist.

The Fulham frontman picked up the injury in last week's Europa League qualifying draw against RNK Split.

But the problem won't stop him lining up against the Croatian outfit at Craven Cottage tomorrow night.

Meanwhile, Clint Dempsey and Moussa Dembele will return to the squad with the tie on a knife-edge following last week's goalless draw.

However, boss Martin Jol must do without the suspended Steve Sidwell and Simon Davies, who is still sidelined with a knee injury.

"We to change things to suit our play," said Jol.

"Last we signed three centre-backs like Arsenal did 25 years ago!

"But now we will hopefully give them the problem that they tried to impose on us last week."



Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/08/03/fulham-striker-bobby-zamora-suffers-broken-wrist-82029-29171711/?#ixzz1U2NkFjlT (http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/08/03/fulham-striker-bobby-zamora-suffers-broken-wrist-82029-29171711/?#ixzz1U2NkFjlT)

 
Kelly Bid Rejected!

It looks as if it`s a hands-off as far as Stephen Kelly is concerned.

Even more so if you are only going to offer a paltry £500,000 for his services.

Reports have surfaced this morning that a bid, of that amount, has been rejected by Portsmouth.

Anyone care to guess at what price that stance may change?




Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=249468#ixzz1U2O09BLX (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=249468#ixzz1U2O09BLX)

 
Malbranque Latest

Not too long ago, about ten days or so, a rumour did the rounds that Steed Malbranque may well be returning to Craven Cottage.

The news wasn`t exactly greeted with a crescendo of applause with some of our members being openly critical of such a move.

Therefore there will probably be a round of applause when I announce that Steed will not be coming back as the thirty-one year old has agreed a move to St Etienne.



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=249470#ixzz1U2ODzNni (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=249470#ixzz1U2ODzNni)

 
Jerome Price Fluctuations?

Our continued interest in Cameron Jerome continues to generate column inches even if the waters are getting muddier by the day.

Well I say muddier but perhaps that`s just how the tabloid press tends to portray things with fuddled information, even more so when it comes to transfer prices.

Yesterday the inference was that Fulham had submitted a bid of £5 million for the Birmingham striker, today the inference (from the same bunch of tabloids) is that Birmingham want us to increase our £3.5 million offer.

Now we`re not party to what offers have been made, and never will, but we`ll conclude, today, that it sure looks as if Martin Jol wants to supplement his existing strike force by bringing Jerome to West London.



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=249471#ixzz1U2OU8EGG (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=249471#ixzz1U2OU8EGG)

 
Fulham Deaf Team Celebrate

Fulham Deaf FC (FDFC) was established in 2003 is now one of the leading deaf football clubs in the country. To celebrate eight years of success, Fulham FC Foundation is running a Fulham Deaf FC open day at Fulham's FC Motspur Park Training Ground on Sunday 14th August between 12.00pm and 5.30pm.

The open day will include a variety of different events and activities, such as: a high quality youth coaching session, followed by an adult coaching clinic, an opportunity to watch the Deaf Ladies GB team vs FDFC and the current Men's Deaf Team play ex FDFC players who will form the All Stars squad. The day will round up with a BBQ and end of season presentation ceremony.

We hope that the open day will generate interest for new deaf players to join the men's, ladies and new youth team, as well as raise the awareness of the deaf football club in the local community and showcase the great work the FDFC committee and Fulham FC Foundation do in making football accessible to young people with a hearing impairment.

FDFC was established in 2003 by Nick Beese. As a deaf young person himself with a passion for football, he was concerned about the lack of football opportunities for deaf people in South London. He started to work closely with Fulham FC's community team to set the club up.
Nick Beese who is Chairman of FDFC recently said:

"It's been an amazing eight year journey! Fulham DFC changed the deaf football landscape from the very beginning. The ladies squad, being the only deaf ladies team in the U.K, plays a very important role for GB and England Ladies teams, providing a large quota of players for the GB and England squads with five FDFC members being involved in the recent European Championships in Bulgaria.

"The men's squad has won many trophies and made a huge impression on the domestic stage. Like the ladies squad, the men's squad has provided GB with many internationals. At the recent European Championships in which GB came a credible 4th place, there were nine FDFC members in the squad and management team.

As Chairman, Nick finds his roll both challenging and rewarding. He added:

"Fundraising to keep the youth squad and adult teams running is challenging. The most rewarding aspect is seeing so many deaf footballers from different age groups and backgrounds all pull together for the same cause. It is also rewarding when any of our teams win silverware".

Please come and support FDFC on Sunday 14th August it is £5 entry for adult, £2 for children including a BBQ voucher (under 5s go free).




Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/August/FulhamDeafTeamCelebrate.aspx?#ixzz1U2OqkVbc (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/August/FulhamDeafTeamCelebrate.aspx?#ixzz1U2OqkVbc)

 
Community Champions

In April 2008, Fulham FC Foundation launched its first sports volunteering project called 'Community Champions'.

Over the past three years, the project has engaged 300 active volunteers between the ages of 14 and 25, with many volunteers dedicating a lot of their own time each year. The young person led project's primary aim was to 'use the power of football and sport to encourage young people to make a positive contribution to society' and it has well and truly achieved this objective.

The project was funded by Premier League/ Professional Footballer's Association, V's Good Match funding and Sport England's Community Investment Fund.

Our volunteers have, to date, participated in volunteer opportunities such as: sports coaching, social inclusion activities, disability projects, events, youth forum focus groups, outreach and sports administration.

There have been over 50,000 young people who have benefitting from the Community Champions volunteers via number of FFC Foundation programmes such as: social inclusion, disability and sports development sessions and external partner organisations. They all received personalised coaching and support from our Community Champions volunteers. Many volunteers undertook training and further development as part of their placement.

Community Champions has achieved many outcomes since April 2008:

A total of 591 applicants during the project
Engaged 245 male and 54 female active volunteers in the project's three years.
Of these active volunteers, many were retained from year 1 or year 2 of the project into the final year.
415 volunteers were short term volunteers who completed 8 hours or less volunteering (343 male and 72 female).
A total of 309 were part time volunteers, who completed over 8 hours
There were 4 full time volunteers who all completed 30 hours per week, volunteering for a minimum of 13 weeks.
There were 31 disabled short term and part time volunteers on the project.
77 of volunteers have been NEET (not engaged in education, employment or training).
In April 2011, the project ended however we are pleased to announce that the Premier League/PFA community fund will contributed 60% funding for a further three years until July 2014. If you would like more information on this project or are keen to get involved as a partner or volunteer please get in touch.

For further information about our exciting range of educational, volunteering and employability programmes, please do not hesitate to contact us on 0870 442 5432 or email [email protected].



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/August/CommunityChampions.aspx?#ixzz1U2PB8qQb (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/August/CommunityChampions.aspx?#ixzz1U2PB8qQb)

 
Fulham Review Round Table

Hey all!

One facet of the Fulham Review we had hoped to do was a sort of round table between a few friends and commentariat. But it got cut from the print edition for a myriad of reasons, namely my inability to edit it in a timely fashion.

Well, I finally got around to editing a few of the questions, and mainly axed conjectures about who the manager would be and whether or not Dio or Gera would still be around. (My apologies to any of the panel members that think I deleted too much.)

Anywho, I'll be posting these questions at random intervals in the lead up to the League starting next Sunday (yikes!).

Although this wasn't the first question in the discussion, it could be the most dated by this time tomorrow. So feel free read the discussion and post your own opinions after the jump.

Cheers!

What do you expect from Fulham in Europe this year? At what stage would you be pleased to see us advance to?

Rob: I hope I'm wrong but I think this year's European adventure will be swift – and a huge anti-climax. I can see us getting knocked out in the early qualifiers but would be delighted to reach the knock out stages. Considering how well we did two years ago there will be a natural expectation for us to progress and beat the long established European names but I don't think our squad is deep enough. We would need to add at least another striker – and have the kind of injury free run that helped us in the early stages of the competition last time around – to stand any chance of progressing. The fitness of Bobby and Dembele will be absolutely crucial. In that regard the fact that they have both spent a lot of time in the physio's room over the last six months may be beneficial.

Rich: I agree with Rob. Under Hodgson we had a lovely knack of playing well against notionally better teams. It was a trick we repeated over and over, playing well at home, playing well enough away. Results were ground out and we left an impressive trail of destruction behind us, all the way to the final where the season's efforts finally seemed to catch up with the players.

Under Hughes we didn't beat anyone from the top part of the table all season. We were probably better to watch, but Hodgson's cold blooded adherence to his principles meant that every team had to really earn anything they got from us, which was frequently nothing. Under Hughes we seemed to be a bit more hit or miss, steamrollering lesser sides but losing to better ones. We'll go out to the first good team we play.

Jamie: I wouldn't disagree, but depending on that we mean by 'good' team, that could still mean us progressing quite far. Under Hodgson we nearly lost to Amkar Perm because we were so negative away from home; with the changed style Rich describes I'd expect us to beat teams of that ilk a lot more comfortably that time around. Not that Amkar were terrible – but we were better than them and it needn't have been so tight.

Looking at our seeding we'll be helped by playing one of the 'bottom half' or teams in every round up until the groups – and even then we're likely to be seeded second out of four which gives us an advantage over last year. My (I think reasonable) hope is that we'll be in the competition until Christmas at least.

Dave: I think this Euro campaign is going to be tougher. There really isn't much time to recover from last season and get organized for the new before we start playing games. I think a lot will depend on how quickly we appoint a new manager and how many squad changes he attempts to make.

I think we may get caught cold in one of the qualifying games. It would be nice to get through these with a mixture of youth and fringe players, but as Rich points out, I doubt our depth is good enough to manage that.
I'd be over the moon if we made the group stages. That would guarantee us 6 games of interesting mid-week games and possibly at least one doozy of a tie.

Tim: Personally I think this club can make it to the group stages, and I would be pleased to see us advance there. As you say Jamie, we are seeded this year which can really make a big difference when the CL dropouts join the Europa ranks. Yet, look at how stacked the Playoff Round is. Sevilla, Roma, Lazio, Schalke, Braga, Sporting, and even Celtic start off at that round, and there's also the potential of facing Benfica, Twente, and even Rangers. If we somehow manage to face those, hopefully those clubs will decide a long Europa campaign isn't worth it. Fingers crossed...

Jamie: But those clubs will all be in the top half of the draw, with us... we won't be playing any of them.

Tim: Are we still seeded at that point in the competition though? I think hypothetically yes, but we could also not...

Jamie: There are 76 teams involved in the playoff round, so the top 38 are seeded. We are currently 51st-highest ranked team in all of Europe – so for us to be unseeded in the playoffs, 38 out of those 50 clubs above us would need to be involved. Highly unlikely I'd say, if not already impossible – most will be in the Champions League, some might have been knocked out of Europe, perhaps the odd one not qualified this year at all.

Don: Which means we'd avoid all the big guns in qualifying but would likely face at least one bigger gun should we reach the group stage. I think?

We must realize that the price of having a once-in-a-lifetime experience is that it's not going to happen every time we qualify. Two seasons ago, my wish was that we'd survive until the group stages. This coming season, I'm pretty much in the same place.

Having said that, the biggest Europa League success for me was NOT reaching the final — although that was brilliant — it was the emergence of Chris Smalling and Chris Baird. I'm hoping that this DOES repeat itself, that some of our fine young players can come to the forefront in the qualifying stages and can move on to strengthen the squad. If we can get one fringe player to make himself indispensable — like Baird — and one young player to make himself a critical part of the mix — like Smalling — then the experience will be well worth it. But, no, I don't expect us to overcome an apparently insurmountable lead from Juve again, but I'm going to be hoping like crazy that it does.

Nick: I think we have a good chance of making the Round of 32, then it's in the lap of the Gods. If we do get that far, then chuck it because of pressure of league fixtures or injuries I shall be very disappointed. In 09/10 the Europa matches helped our league form and as Don has pointed out, helped fringe players prove that they are good enough to be trusted members of the squad.

Colin: Despite the extra qualifying rounds, I actually feel a little better about our chances this time around. A decent Premier League team should be able to make the group stages in this competition, and more often than not, they do. Our team is stronger from top to bottom now. The load early on shouldn't be much different than a typical slate of pre-season friendlies – my concern is finding enough minutes for the established players in preparation for the Premier League. On the other hand, meaningful minutes early on for younger players might prove to be more beneficial long-term.

So...group stage, finishing second or third in the group sounds about right.




http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/08/03/fulham-review-round-table/? (http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/08/03/fulham-review-round-table/?)

 
Fulham v RNK Split Preview: Andy Johnson Confident of Progression

EUROPA LEAGUE THIRD QUALIFYING ROUND, CRAVEN COTTAGE. KICK-OFF 1930 BST

Don't worry Fulham fans, the qualifying is almost over. Only 90 minutes stand between Martin Jol's men and the final hurdle before they get into the Europa League proper. Which of course is a long, drawn-out group stage.

Fulham's season is already five games old, after two victories over two legs in the previous two qualifying rounds and a goalless draw in Croatia last week. And if they beat their opponents tonight they will find themselves in a play-off round, which, predictably is over two legs.

The hallmark of the away leg against the lesser-known Split side was the doggedness of Fulham's opponents – and the lack of chances the visitors had to score a valuable away goal.

Split did well to close Fulham down, especially as the team have picked up where Mark Hughes left them, playing an attractive, open style. And one positive that they could have taken away from Croatia last week is they did not concede.

EUROPA LEAGUE THIRD QUALIFYING ROUND, CRAVEN COTTAGE. KICK-OFF 1930 BST

Don't worry Fulham fans, the qualifying is almost over. Only 90 minutes stand between Martin Jol's men and the final hurdle before they get into the Europa League proper. Which of course is a long, drawn-out group stage.

Fulham's season is already five games old, after two victories over two legs in the previous two qualifying rounds and a goalless draw in Croatia last week. And if they beat their opponents tonight they will find themselves in a play-off round, which, predictably is over two legs.

The hallmark of the away leg against the lesser-known Split side was the doggedness of Fulham's opponents – and the lack of chances the visitors had to score a valuable away goal.

Split did well to close Fulham down, especially as the team have picked up where Mark Hughes left them, playing an attractive, open style. And one positive that they could have taken away from Croatia last week is they did not concede.



http://www.fanhouse.co.uk/2011/08/03/fulham-rnk-split-europa-league-preview/? (http://www.fanhouse.co.uk/2011/08/03/fulham-rnk-split-europa-league-preview/?)

 
Jol explains Jerome bid

Martin Jol has revealed an injury scare to Bobby Zamora was behind his failed attempt to sign Cameron Jerome from Birmingham.
Jol confirmed the Cottagers had this week seen a bid rejected for Blues striker Jerome, which was understood to be in the region of £3million.

Dutchman Jol has been at Fulham for less than two months but it has taken him no time at all to recognise the importance of Zamora.

The 29-year-old missed half of last season with a broken leg and the Cottagers took months to get over his absence, during which they were sucked into the Barclays Premier League drop zone.

There was a wake-up call for Jol last week when the striker suffered another break, although luckily this time it was only his hand.

Jol said: "If it would've been his foot, we would've had a problem, and that is why we made a bid for this other striker. We made a bid we thought was realistic, and they rejected that, so that was that."



http://www.eatsleepsport.com/fulham/jol-explains-jerome-bid-1251804.html?#.Tjo4Z3PHo98 (http://www.eatsleepsport.com/fulham/jol-explains-jerome-bid-1251804.html?#.Tjo4Z3PHo98)

 
Jol upbeat on chances

Fulham boss Martin Jol is confident of progressing to the Europa League playoff round with a result against RNK Split in the second leg.

The English Premier League side took a 0-0 draw from Croatia, putting them in a strong position to advance with a result at Craven Cottage on Thursday.

Jol said he was content with the first leg result last Thursday, but wanted an improved performance at home.

"I felt that of course we were satisfied with the result, but I was not happy with the performance," he said on Wednesday.

"But now we play at home. I think we have more confidence at home and we will change a few things in our approach."

"So, hopefully we can go through to the next round and play better than we did last week."

Fulham's new signings Pajtim Kasami and Marcel Gecov could both make their debuts in the second leg.

Forward Bobby Zamora should also be available, despite fracturing his hand in the goalless draw.

Jol revealed Fulham's bid for Birmingham City striker Cameron Jerome, believed to be in the region of three million pounds, had been rejected.

He said that although he could see Jerome being a useful addition to his squad, it was unlikely the club would make an improved bid.

"He is not well known for being a big goalscorer, but then again he is probably in a different system and I think he is a useful player - good in the air, quick," Jol said.

"I think he would be a good back-up for, for example, Bobby Zamora."

Swiss midfielder Kasami, 19, said he was excited about the clash against RNK Split.

"I think it is very important because Fulham is a club with big ambitions and tomorrow will be a tough game, but we are looking forward to it," he said.




http://www.soccerway.com/news/2011/August/03/jol-upbeat-on-chances/? (http://www.soccerway.com/news/2011/August/03/jol-upbeat-on-chances/?)

 
Jol not interested in Dutch duo

MARTIN Jol has rubbished rumours linking him with a move for Dutch duo Wesley Verhoek and Lex Immers.

The Fulham boss has reportedly made a £1.5million bid for ADO Den Haag winger Verhoek, who is also wanted by Ajax, while he is keen to sign midfielder Immers on loan.

However, Jol insists there's no truth in the rumours.

He said: "As everybody knows I'm from Den Haag and so are they. Everybody is making an assumption but there's no truth in it."



Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/08/03/jol-not-interested-in-dutch-duo-82029-29173239/?#ixzz1U2QlOmqz (http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/08/03/jol-not-interested-in-dutch-duo-82029-29173239/?#ixzz1U2QlOmqz)

 
Fulham boss rules out move for West Ham frontman

MARTIN Jol has ruled out a move for West Ham striker Carlton Cole.

The Fulham boss is in the market for another frontman as back-up to Bobby Zamora, and has seen a £3million bid turned down for Birmingham City's Cameron Jerome.

But he insists Cole is not on his radar.

He said: "We haven't made a bid for him.

"I hope this won't sound harsh, but we are not interested in him at the moment."

Craven Cottage chief Jol insists they are unlkely to up their offer for Jerome, adding: "We made a bid we thought was realistic.

"We do not think we will be back with another bid."



Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/08/03/fulham-boss-rules-out-move-for-west-ham-frontman-82029-29172160/?#ixzz1U2QzOoXC (http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/08/03/fulham-boss-rules-out-move-for-west-ham-frontman-82029-29172160/?#ixzz1U2QzOoXC)

 
Sunderland eye out-of-favour Man City winger Wright-Phillips

Sunderland have enquired about Manchester City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips, 29 with Bolton, Wigan and Fulham having also shown interest.

Manager Steve Bruce is keen on England winger Adam Johnson but City would prefer to sell Wright-Phillips first. Everton are still keen on a loan for Johnson.

Meanwhile, Steed Malbranque's move to St Etienne moved closer after he passed a medical.



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2021975/Sunderland-set-bid-Manchester-City-winger-Shaun-Wright-Phillips.html#ixzz1U2RKAMha (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2021975/Sunderland-set-bid-Manchester-City-winger-Shaun-Wright-Phillips.html#ixzz1U2RKAMha)

 
Zamora to play through pain barrier despite broken wrist

Bobby Zamora broke his left wrist in Split last week — but will play through the pain for Fulham.

The striker sustained the injury in the west London club's 0-0 Europa League first-leg draw with RNK Split but will start the second leg at Craven Cottage.

Zamora will have to wear a cast for at least three weeks but he should also be available for England's friendly against Holland on Wednesday.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/08/03/article-2022141-0D1B929D00000578-564_468x347.jpg)
No break: Despite his bone fracture Zamora (right) willl feature for the Cottagers

Fulham manager Martin Jol said: 'Bobby Zamora broke his wrist the other day and we had a slight worry.

'It's not very serious. Somebody stood on it and he played on. He can play on Thursday.'

Zamora, 30, missed six months of last season with a broken leg and his recent injury record has led Jol to look for replacements.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/08/03/article-2022141-0B37A9F1000005DC-52_224x423.jpg) (http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/08/03/article-2022141-0D20DC5200000578-809_224x423.jpg)
New home? Jerome and Cole (right) are both targets for Cottagers boss Jol

He admitted the club are unlikely to increase their £3.5million bid for Cameron Jerome, which was rejected by Birmingham, but could make a move for West Ham's Carlton Cole.

Jol said: 'If it had been Bobby's foot, we would have had a problem, so that's why we made a bid for this other striker (Jerome).

'Carlton Cole's someone who has interested me in the past. We haven't made a bid, but it may be a bit harsh to say we're not interested in him.'

Fulham (4-4-2): Schwarzer; Baird, Hughes, Hangeland,  JA Riise; Duff, Murphy, Etuhu, Dempsey; Johnson, Zamora.




Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2022141/Zamora-play-pain-barrier-despite-broken-wrist.html#ixzz1U2RbKxj9 (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2022141/Zamora-play-pain-barrier-despite-broken-wrist.html#ixzz1U2RbKxj9)

 
Zamora to play on with broken hand

Bobby Zamora has been passed fit to play in tonight's Europa League return leg against RNK Split despite breaking his hand in last week's first-leg 0-0 stalemate.

The striker will wear a cast on his hand for the next few weeks for Fulham who had a £3m bid for Birmingham's Cameron Jerome rejected yesterday.

Steve Sidwell is suspended and Simon Davies (knee) remains sidelined, but Moussa Dembélé and Clint Dempsey return to the Londoners' squad.



http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/zamora-to-play-on-with-broken-hand-2331247.html? (http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/zamora-to-play-on-with-broken-hand-2331247.html?)

 
Finishing the Job

RNK Split certainly impressed many with the way they performed against Fulham in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League qualifier in Split but, speaking at the pre-match press conference, Fulham Manager Martin Jol is hopeful that his side will be able to finish the job at Craven Cottage on Thursday.

"They [Split] played in a different way - probably like Arsenal 25 years ago with three centre backs, two wingbacks and three strikers and that was different," said Jol as he reflected on the encounter last week in Split.

"The game was a bit of a problem because we couldn't press them with the two [strikers] because they always had a spare man all the time and in midfield they did the same. So we try to cope with that now, take the initiative more and we'll give them hopefully the same problem we got when we played them. I still think 0-0 was ok in the away match but now we have to finish it."

Ivan Katalinic, the RNK Split manager, was hopeful of a result at the Cottage, "It was a surprise result," he said after last week's draw. "I think my team can score at Craven Cottage because they now have belief."

The stakes will certainly be high on Thursday evening but Jol is relishing seeing his side facing stern opposition.

"It's not only good for me but for the team to play at a different level, a competitive level and that will be the case in the Premier League all the time," Jol explained.

"The other games [against Runavik and Crusaders] were ok but the level was not good enough to say before the game that we have to compete."

Fulham will be boosted by the return to availability of Mousa Dembele and Clint Dempsey, however Steve Sidwell will be missing through suspension whilst Simon Davies only re-joined full training this week.



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/August/JolRNKPreview.aspx?#ixzz1U2Sbm9Yo (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/August/JolRNKPreview.aspx?#ixzz1U2Sbm9Yo)

 
Bobby Zamora to play with cast to face RNK Split tonight

Bobby Zamora is fit to start Fulham's Europa League third qualifying round second leg against RNK Split tomorrow despite breaking his hand.

The striker suffered a fracture in last week's goalless first leg and will wear a cast for the next few weeks.

Steve Sidwell is suspended, and Simon Davies (knee) remains sidelined, but Mousa Dembele and Clint Dempsey return to the squad after missing the trip to Croatia.

Fulham have had a bid for Cameron Jerome, the Birmingham striker, rejected by the Championship club, Martin Jol, the manager, has confirmed.

Jol said he did not think the Premier League club would increase their offer, understood to be around £3 million (Dh18m).

"We made a bid we thought was realistic," said Jol. The manager said that Zamora's injury was one of the reasons they made a bid for Jerome.

Jerome, 24, was on Stoke City's radar earlier this summer when they made a double bid for him and the centre-back Scott Dann, which was also rebuffed.

Birmingham's hierarchy are believed to be willing to consider selling Jerome, but only if their valuation is met.

That could force the hand of Tony Pulis, the Stoke manager, and other Premier League sides, including Bolton Wanderers, reported to be interested in the pacey frontman.

Jol has Zamora, Andrew Johnson, Dembele and the midfielder-turned-forward Dempsey at his disposal in attack, and is keen to add to his ranks.

Jerome is one of several players at St Andrew's whose futures remain up in the air ahead of the August 31 transfer deadline.

Dann, Liam Ridgewell and Nikola Zigic have also been linked with moves away from Birmingham, who are working under tough financial constraints following May's relegation.


Craig Gardner, Roger Johnson and Barry Ferguson have already been sold, and Ben Foster has been loaned to neighbours West Bromwich Albion on a season-long loan while the likes of Sebastian Larsson, Lee Bowyer and Kevin Phillips were all released.

Jerome could possibly be the next to join that list should Birmingham's valuation be matched.

The former England Under 21 international has scored 41 goals in 201 appearances during his five years in Birmingham.



http://www.thenational.ae/sport/football/bobby-zamora-to-play-with-cast-to-face-rnk-split-tonight? (http://www.thenational.ae/sport/football/bobby-zamora-to-play-with-cast-to-face-rnk-split-tonight?)

 
West Ham poised to move for £2m Fulham striker Johnson

West Ham are to offer Fulham £2million for Andy Johnson.

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce wants two strikers with John Carew also on his list.

He will make a firm offer for the 30-year-old on Thursday. Johnson has one year left on his Craven Cottage contract.

Johnson is also still on the radar of West Brom boss Roy Hodgson who will enter the bidding if he cannot persuade Baggies' chairman Jeremy Peace to spend £8m on Shane Long.




Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2022185/West-Ham-poised-2m-Fulham-striker-Andy-Johnson.html#ixzz1U2TDc1cn (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2022185/West-Ham-poised-2m-Fulham-striker-Andy-Johnson.html#ixzz1U2TDc1cn)

 
Wife charged after pro soccer player's car rammed at Palm Coast hotel

PALM COAST -- The wife of Eddie Johnson -- a former Flagler Palm Coast High School soccer star who was on the preliminary U.S. roster for last year's World Cup -- was accused of ramming a Jeep Cherokee into Johnson's rental car after seeing him at a hotel with a woman, according to a deputy's report.

Janelle Johnson, 25, of Palm Coast, was charged with felony criminal mischief and felony child abuse because the couple's 5-year-old daughter was in the vehicle with her at the time, according to a report from the Flagler County Sheriff's Office.

Janelle Johnson was released from the Flagler County jail after posting $3,000 bail.

Eddie Johnson, 27, who was born in Bunnell, played for the U.S.A in the 2006 World Cup. Johnson, who gave deputies a Palm Coast address, also played with Major League Soccer teams in Dallas and Kansas City from 2001 to 2008. He also competed in the prestigious English Premier League, where he played with Fulham and later Cardiff City from 2008- '09, and Preston North End. He also played in Greece.

A man who answered a phone call Wednesday from The News-Journal at first said he was Johnson but then said it was the wrong number and declined to comment.

Here's what happened according to a report from the Sheriff's Office, which was called about 3:30 a.m. Tuesday to the Hampton Inn near State Road 100 and Interstate 95 in Palm Coast:

Janelle Johnson received a call from a friend that her husband was at the Hampton Inn. She drove there early on Tuesday with their child in her white Jeep Cherokee.

Janelle Johnson said she spotted her husband's rented red Chevy Camaro parked at the rear of the hotel. She tried to call him but he did not answer his phone. Janelle Johnson told deputies she saw her husband walking with a woman and "became upset."

Eddie Johnson said he was in an upstairs room at the Hampton Inn when his wife rammed the rented Camaro.

Deputies said Janelle's daughter's eyes "were red and she appeared to have been crying."



http://www.news-journalonline.com/news/local/flagler/2011/08/04/wife-charged-after-pro-soccer-players-car-rammed-at-palm-coast-hotel.html? (http://www.news-journalonline.com/news/local/flagler/2011/08/04/wife-charged-after-pro-soccer-players-car-rammed-at-palm-coast-hotel.html?)

 
Cottagers wait on striker bid

Fulham are awaiting the outcome their attempt to buy at least one unnamed striker after Birmingham rejected their £3million offer for Cameron Jerome.

Cottagers boss Martin Jol on Wednesday revealed he had hedged his bets when moving for Jerome by identifying an alternative centre-forward to act as understudy to Bobby Zamora. An injury scare suffered by Zamora prompted Jol to act to bolster his squad, with the former breaking his hand a week ago.

"If there is a problem with Bobby, I have to create another formation," said Jol, revealing his failure to land Jerome had not spelt the end of his search.

"Of course, there are always players. Even abroad, there are one or two players we had a look at. We made a bid as well.

"If they accept it then we've got a new player. But if they don't, we go on like it is."

Jol admitted Zamora's injury record was a concern but denied his game time would need to be managed in the same way as Tottenham defender Ledley King

"Bobby's probably injured occasionally," said former Spurs boss Jol.

"Ledley King was different. Ledley King was out for seven months when I was there in the second year. That was a structural problem. With Bobby, it's not a big problem."

Zamora is a former White Hart Lane team-mate of King and has been linked with a return there in a swap deal with Peter Crouch.

Jol rubbished this, adding: "I would be silly to look for somebody else for him as a back-up player and then sell him."

Press Association



http://www.independent.ie/breaking-news/sport/cottagers-wait-on-striker-bid-2839405.html? (http://www.independent.ie/breaking-news/sport/cottagers-wait-on-striker-bid-2839405.html?)

 
Jol determined to sign striker
Fulham manager Martin Jol has no intention of ending his search for a striker after failing in his bid to land Birmingham's Cameron Jerome.

Bobby Zamora broke his hand a week ago and, although the 29-year-old is fit to play, the incident was a wake-up call for Jol, who knows how badly Fulham struggled in the striker's absence with a broken leg last season.

Jol is not short of frontmen, but he has only one target man.

"If there is a problem with Bobby, I have to create another formation," he said, revealing his failure to land Jerome had not spelt the end of his search.

"Of course, there are always players.

"Even abroad, there are one or two players we had a look at. We made a bid as well.

"If they accept it then we've got a new player.

"But if they don't, we go on like it is."

Jol admitted Zamora's injury record was a concern but denied his game time would need to be managed in the same way as Tottenham defender Ledley King

"Bobby's probably injured occasionally," said Jol.

"Ledley King was different. Ledley King was out for seven months when I was there in the second year.

"That was a structural problem.

"With Bobby, it's not a big problem."

Zamora is a former White Hart Lane team-mate of King and has been linked with a return there in a swap deal with Peter Crouch, speculation Jol dismissed.

He said: "I would be silly to look for somebody else for him as a back-up player and then sell him."

Zamora suffered his latest injury in last Thursday's Europa League third qualifying round first leg at RNK Split after someone stood on his hand.

He will wear a cast in Thursady night's second leg at Craven Cottage, which will be Jol's first real test since taking charge, with the tie currently goalless.

"I think it's good for the team to play at a different level, a competitive level," Jol said.

"I still think 0-0 is good in an away match, but now we have to finish it."




http://www.football365.com/news/21554/7079685/? (http://www.football365.com/news/21554/7079685/?)

Trouble and strife

(http://cravencottagenewsround.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/ej.png?w=600&h=202)

Old friend Eddie Johnson's had a spot of bother.  Never mind that though – I like the caption above: "local soccer pro Eddie Johnson kicks a soccer ball".   Which is a) delightfully descriptive, b) not necessarily correct (he's heading it, isn't he?) and c) just nice anyway.  It would be good if all football photos had such captions.

(http://cravencottagenewsround.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/cd.jpg?w=150&h=143)
International soccer player Clint Dempsey shouts while running.

(http://cravencottagenewsround.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/jb.jpg?w=150&h=133)
Controversial English football pro Jimmy Bullard increasingly resembles a snooker player down on his luck.

(http://cravencottagenewsround.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/ms.jpg?w=150&h=112)
Australian goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer saves floodlight.

I wonder where Eddie's career will take him next. Even a reserve player in the Premier League will have earned relatively serious money, so presumably our man is set for some time. He needs to find himself somewhere where he can score some goals though, eh?

Thanks to El Steve for the link.



http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/08/04/trouble-and-strife/? (http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/08/04/trouble-and-strife/?)

 
Andy Johnson, John Carew or David Ngog?
Reports yesterday suggested that West Ham have abandoned the attempt to sign Reading's Shane Long.  Instead, Sam Allardyce's attention seems to have shifted to Fulham's Andy Johnson.  Johnson is in the final year of his contract at Fulham and West Ham have allegedly submitted an initial £2m bid.  However, it has been reported that WBA are also interested in acquiring Johnson, if they cannot manage to strike a deal for Long.  Will Johnson return to the West Midlands (he is a former Birmingham City player?) or can Sam Allardyce persuade him to drop down to the Championship to give West Ham's promotion push the extra cutting edge that it needs?

Other reports have suggested that West Ham retain an interest in landing former Villa centre forward John Carew on a free transfer.  If so, it is currently unclear whether this will mean an exit for Cole or Piquionne?  Within this context, Stoke City are supposedly still interested in striking a deal for Cole, while Sunderland have apparently made an enquiry about Piquionne's availability.  It seems that any real prospect of a deal with Stoke City, for Cole's services, are gone; and I would not be at all surprised if he remains at the club next season.  However, perhaps the club might be tempted to cash in on Piquionne if the transfer fee, offered by Sunderland, was substantial enough?

An intriguing third possibility mooted yesterday in the media, was a £3.5m move for Liverpool striker David Ngog.  Ngog is way down the Liverpool striking pecking order and could be a realistic Hammers target, perhaps in tandem with Andy Johnson?

Sam Allardyce has stated that reinforcing his attack is his number one priority.  He appears to be reasonably happy with the rest of his squad, but needs to boost the strike force.  Are Johnson, Carew and Ngog the right calibre of potential target?  Can they be instrumental in firing West Ham back to the PL?  Or are there better alternatives out there?

SJ. Chandos.



http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2011/08/04/andy-johnson-john-carew-or-david-ngog/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+WestHamBlog+%28West+Ham+Till+I+Die%29 (http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2011/08/04/andy-johnson-john-carew-or-david-ngog/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+WestHamBlog+%28West+Ham+Till+I+Die%29)

 
Frei Called-Up

Kerim Frei has been selected to represent Switzerland's U19s in their game against Sion FC U21s on Wednesday 10th August.



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/August/FreiCalled-Up.aspx?#ixzz1U3gOCjF4 (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/August/FreiCalled-Up.aspx?#ixzz1U3gOCjF4)

 
Farewell, Edwin! Legends of the game turn out in tribute to retired keeper Van der Sar

For a man renowned for his cool head and steady hand, Edwin van der Sar was noticeably emotional as stars from the world of football turned out in tribute to the recently retired goalkeeper.

The Amsterdam Arena, home to Van der Sar's first club, Ajax, was packed with 53,000 adoring fans who were treated to an evening of celebrations in honour of the former Manchester United custodian.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/08/04/article-2022262-0D49169C00000578-493_468x301.jpg)
Legend: Football paid tribute to Dutch goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar in Amsterdam

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Family affair: Van der Sar's son Joe, who is on Manchester United's books, featured in an early game

A Dream Team XI featuring the likes of Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs, Dirk Kuyt, Edgar Davids, Rio Ferdinand and Dennis Bergkamp took the field to play the current Ajax crop, with the Arsenal great getting on the scoresheet along with Louis Saha in a 2-1 win.

Speaking to the crowd afterwards, Van der Sar, who left the field to a standing ovation shortly before the end, said: 'I want to thank everyone in the stadium, thanks for your support down through the years. I will never forget this night.'
Others were quick to praise the 40-year-old.

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Who's who: Legends from Dutch football, including cyrrent Ajax boss Frank de Boer and his brother featured

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'He is not a normal keeper,' United great Sir Bobby Charlton said. 'The players in front of him always can have the thought: we still have Edwin. He has got so much talent and a strong character. Maybe he is the best goalkeeper United ever had, but we also had Schmeichel. But Van der Sar is unique.'

Goalscorer on the night Bergkamp also hailed his fellow countryman.

'He is a winner,' he said. 'Even in training, he always played 100 per cent. When you deliver in England like he did, you will be received in the arms of the fans.

'I experienced that too. They really, really appreciate you when you are a professional. That's something different than in Holland.'

One of Van der Sar's international managers, Guus Hiddink, added: 'The unique thing about Edwin is that he thinks always simple, it's based on quality and serenity. In the dressing room he corrected something always very smoothly. He was much appreciated by all his colleagues.'

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/08/04/article-2022262-0D490B8100000578-787_468x313.jpg)
Everyone's invited: The entire Van der Sar family, including daughter Lynn, wife Annemarie and son Joe were in attendance

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Everyone's invited: The entire Van der Sar family, including daughter Lynn, wife Annemarie and son Joe were in attendance

And Rio Ferdinand took to social networking site Twitter to pay tribute to the Dutchman.

'Great crowd + great appreciation for a great servant of the game. It was a pleasure to play alongside him. Respect #edwinvandersar,' it read.

Earlier in the evening two teams for which van der Sar played - Ajax, with whom he won the Champions League in 1995, and the Dutch national side that were World Cup semi-finalists in 1998 - played each other.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/08/04/article-2022262-0D49163200000578-677_468x498.jpg)
United we stand: Wayne Rooney led several of Van der Sar's old Manchester team-mates

Patrick Kluivert, Marc Overmars, Frank Rijkaard, Frank de Boer and his brother Ronald, represented Ajax while Bergkamp and Giovanni van Bronckhorst were among the players representing the national side.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/08/04/article-2022262-0D490B9100000578-263_306x465.jpg)
Up for the cup: We salute you, Edwin van der Sar

'Ajax fans thank Edwin van der Sar,' a banner draped on the stands read.

Van der Sar won the Champions League with Ajax in 1995 and Manchester United in 2008, four Premier League titles and four Dutch league titles.

The 40-year-old also holds the Premier League record of 1,311 minutes without conceding a goal during the 2010/11 season and a Dutch record for 130 caps.

He started his career at Ajax (1990-1999) before moving on to Juventus (1999-2001), Fulham (2011-2005) and Manchester United (2005-2011), playing his last official match at Wembley on May 28 during the Champions League final loss to Barcelona.

His son Joey, also a goalkeeper, opened the festivities with a training match between Manchester United D1 and Ajax D1.




Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2022262/Edwin-van-der-Sar-testimonial-PICTURE-SPECIAL.html#ixzz1U3goRkyF (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2022262/Edwin-van-der-Sar-testimonial-PICTURE-SPECIAL.html#ixzz1U3goRkyF)

 
Four things to expect from the new season: Aston Villa, Fulham, QPR & Blackburn

A couple of weeks ago there was some fairly damning opinions on this site about Villa, and while some of those are still valid, there is at least some reason for optimism.

Ashley Young's departure for Manchester United was six months in the making, so when no obvious plan seemed to exist for replacing him alarm bells were ringing loud and clear. Similarly with Stewart Downing, Villa seemed to be stripping their parts and selling them off for no apparent reason. Charles N'Zogbia's arrival has done a bit to temper fears around the quality in the first team, but as ever with N'Zogbia the fear will always be that good performances will soon lead to him agitating for a move to a bigger club – he's just that kind of personality. Unfortunately for him, his off-the-field persona has sometimes overshadowed quite how good a player he can be – there's no doubt that a forward trident of him, Gabriel Agbonlahor, and Darren Bent is exciting on paper, so let's hope that it produces.

Concerns obviously still exist in midfield, because out of Petrov, Delph, Bannan, Albighton, Makoun and Ireland, there's not a lot that would trouble the 'good' teams in the league. As with N'Zogbia, Stephen Ireland is a very capable player when he's focused, Marc Albrighton is growing into a very solid Premier League performer, and Jean Makoun was once earmarked for big things in the game which he's yet to achieve. These are the 'what ifs' with Villa, and if the stars align then it's not inconceivable that they'll be in the 7th to 9th range come May 2012.

At the back Shay Given has come in to replace Brad Friedel, and that might be more disruptive than anybody imagines. Friedel, despite his age, is an organiser at the back – his shot-stopping and ball-handling are welcome additions to that. He fits a team like Tottenham, because after Heurelho Gomes' season they craved stability over more spectacular ,but unreliable, goalkeeping. Shay Given will rarely make mistakes, that's the good news, but he is more of an outstanding shot-stopper than he is an all-round elite Goalkeeper. He thrived at Newcastle because that was an environment where he was peppered with shots, which plays to his strengths – but at Man City, where the more controlling and authoritarian attributes of goalkeeping were at a premium... not so much. That may very well turn into a 'something of nothing' comment as the season goes on, but it would be a concern, because it's Given's perceived inability to manage a defense that's cost him a move to a very big club in the past.

There's nothing conclusive here obviously, and add in the new manager-factor and it's very hard to predict what kind of season Villa will turn in. There are far more positives than most imagine, the biggest of all being the guarantee of goals through Darren Bent. They'll be hard-working which is good news, but I hope that Alex McLeish doesn't turn Villa into the negative side that Birmingham were – because there's far more talent in this squad, and his best bet would be to take the reigns off and get his wide forwards involved at every possible opportunity. Who knows.

Blackburn will really struggle

What's happening to Blackburn at the moment should be used as a testcase for preventing foreign-owners entering English football without a clear set of objectives.

Venky's management of the club is explored at greater length elsewhere, but the sum of their transfer activity looks very unimpressive. If Christopher Samba does head, as expected, to London, then outside of Junior Hoillet there are not very many positives left in that squad. They're light up-front, they're vulnerable at the back, and they're not particularly imposing or creative in midfield. David Goodwillie may turn into the goalscorer that Rovers need him to be, but you can't gamble on goalscoring records in Scotland – the standard of play outside of the Old Firm is so poor as to render them meaningless. Goodwillie is a good player, but not one that really fits into the mould of 'global brand expansion' that was promised by the Indian owners.

It would also be surprising if Steve Kean was still in a job at Christmas time. For all the upheaval and negative press the club incurred for dismissing Sam Allardyce, his replacement has only really taken the club backwards. The only thing that really protects Kean is that removing him would be a very embarrassing u-turn for the owners, and one that they would want avoid at all costs. But what you can't escape, is that if you have a under-talented squad, then you need a motivating and experienced manager with proven credentials – Blackburn have only the former, so you have to think they're going to struggle. It's a shame, because the fans deserve far better, this is a proud football club and yet the way it's being managed is self-destructive.

Martin Jol will do a great job at Fulham.

Martin Jol is the kind of manager that players love to play for, he's a father figure and a motivator. This is someone, after all, that took Tottenham to the brink of the Champions League with a team containing Paul Stalteri and Jermaine Jenas.

What Fulham can expect, is a return to the way the club performed under Roy Hodgson. You always got the impression that Mark Hughes never really had his heart in the job during his year-long tenure, but you'll get completely the opposite with Jol – he's may not be the most tactically-astute manager, but he'll get the very best out of what's there.

It's not as if the squad is short on talent either; Damien Duff, Bobby Zamora, Clint Dempsey, Moussa Dembele and Brede Hangeland are all very much good enough to be playing in the top half – and John-Arne Riise is a quality addition at left-back despite his age.

Nothing to fear on the River Thames this year, they'll play some attractive football and knock-off some big teams at Craven Cottage – Jol is a perfect fit for a mid-level team that wants to step-up a level.



Adel Taarabt needs to have discipline if QPR are to stay in the Premier League

The phrase 'luxury player' is banded about all too liberally, but Taarabt is the picture underneath the dictionary entry. If you haven't seen him before, he plays ridiculously low-percentage football; he passes when he wants to pass, he takes on defenders when he doesn't need to, and he'll never track back. To be fair to the Moroccan, he's absurdly-talented, and so for Neil Warnock to build his entire team around him is fully-justified. However, the problem with this at Premier League level, is that you can't give the ball-away like you can in the Championship. QPR are very much Taarabt plus ten other Championship-level players, and so surrendering possession will not lead to anything good. What Warnock must achieve is a situation where his playmaker's penchant for the ridiculous is curbed slightly, whilst not sacrificing his level of influence – it's a catch 22, and almost certainly impossible given how unmanageable the Moroccan is.

It's quite a rare situation to have, but QPR's hopes of survival rest almost entirely on Taarabt. He has the capability to be both the player that keeps them in the league, yet is also the one that most threatens their survival. Expect an awful lot of show-boating, probably some August bandwagon-jumping from Match Of The Day, and at least one goal of the month contender.



http://thepremierleagueowl.com/2011/08/04/four-things-to-expect-from-the-new-season-aston-villa-fulham-qpr-blackburn/? (http://thepremierleagueowl.com/2011/08/04/four-things-to-expect-from-the-new-season-aston-villa-fulham-qpr-blackburn/?)

 
Alexander Doni reveals he spoke to Fulham's John Arne Riise about joining Liverpool
Goalkeeper has revealed that he spoke to the former left-back before making up his mind to join the Merseyside club, and now hopes to experience the atmosphere at Anfield

Alexander Doni insists that he could not turn down an opportunity to join Liverpool, after speaking about the club with his former Roma team-mate John Arne Riise.

Riise spent seven years on Merseyside before moving to Roma, and has returned to the Premier League with Fulham this summer.

Now the Brazilian insists that his talks with the Norwegian convinced him that joining the 2005 Champions League winners would be an offer he would not be able to refuse.

"I spoke a lot about Liverpool with John and he told me what a special club it was," Doni said on according to the club's official website.

"He spoke about the supporters, the way Liverpool play and this is a very big challenge for me.

"I couldn't turn down the opportunity to come to the Premier League, especially signing for Liverpool which is a huge club in Europe."

Now the 31-year-old keeper hopes to experience the atmosphere at Anfield first hand, as he said: "I can't wait because I've heard some great things about how fantastic Liverpool supporters are, especially with the way they get behind the team at Anfield."



http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2011/08/04/2604358/alexander-doni-reveals-he-spoke-to-fulhams-john-arne-riise-about-? (http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2011/08/04/2604358/alexander-doni-reveals-he-spoke-to-fulhams-john-arne-riise-about-?)

 
Fulham await outcome of mystery striker bid

Fulham were today awaiting the outcome their attempt to buy at least one unnamed striker after Birmingham rejected their £3million offer for Cameron Jerome.

Cottagers boss Martin Jol yesterday revealed he had hedged his bets when moving for Jerome by identifying an alternative centre-forward to act as understudy to Bobby Zamora.

An injury scare suffered by Zamora prompted Jol to act to bolster his squad, with the former breaking his hand a week ago.

The 29-year-old is fit to play but the incident was a wake-up call for Jol, who may not have been at Fulham last season but knows all too well how badly they struggled during Zamora's four-month absence with a broken leg.

Jol is hardly short of strikers but he has only one target man.

"If there is a problem with Bobby, I have to create another formation," he said, revealing his failure to land Jerome had not spelt the end of his search.

"Of course, there are always players.

"Even abroad, there are one or two players we had a look at. We made a bid as well.

"If they accept it then we've got a new player.

"But if they don't, we go on like it is."

Jol admitted Zamora's injury record was a concern but denied his game time would need to be managed in the same way as Tottenham defender Ledley King

"Bobby's probably injured occasionally," said former Spurs boss Jol.

"Ledley King was different. Ledley King was out for seven months when I was there in the second year.

"That was a structural problem.

"With Bobby, it's not a big problem."

Zamora is a former White Hart Lane team-mate of King and has been linked with a return there in a swap deal with Peter Crouch.

Jol rubbished this, adding: "I would be silly to look for somebody else for him as a back-up player and then sell him."

Zamora suffered his latest injury in last Thursday's Europa League third qualifying round first leg at RNK Split after someone stood on his hand.

He will wear a cast in tonight's second leg at Craven Cottage, which will be Jol's first real test since taking charge, with the tie currently goalless.

"I think it's good for the team to play at a different level, a competitive level," Jol said.

"I still think 0-0 is good in an away match, but now we have to finish it."

Source: PA



http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/fulham-await-outcome-of-mystery-striker-bid-2331650.html? (http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/fulham-await-outcome-of-mystery-striker-bid-2331650.html?)

 
Reserves Face Casuals

Fulham's Reserves will face Walton Casuals on Tuesday, 9th August 2011 (Kick-off 19:45) at the Waterside Stadium.

Ticket prices to be confirmed.

Address details:

Walton Casuals FC
Waterside Stadium
off Waterside Drive
Walton-on-Thames
Surrey
KT12 2JG



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/August/ReservesFaceCasuals.aspx?#ixzz1U3jmBkpM (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/August/ReservesFaceCasuals.aspx?#ixzz1U3jmBkpM)

 
A Swap?

One leading tabloid is running with an article that could see a striker leaving Craven Cottage and another arriving.

The inference being that Fulham and West Ham could be looking at doing a swap with Andrew Johnson going to Upton Park and Carlton Cole coming to Craven Cottage.

Martin Jol hasn`t exactly poured cold water on the suggestion by giving the media the following comment,

"Cole`s someone who has interested me in the past. We haven`t made a bid for him but it may be harsh to say we are not interested in him."

So, is it a good idea or a bad idea?

Would you prefer Carlton Cole in our squad to Andrew Johnson?



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=249558#ixzz1U3k1EIIC (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=249558#ixzz1U3k1EIIC)

 
Fulham v RNK Split tickets

UEFA Europa League Qualifier
Date: Thursday 4th August
Kick-Off: 7:30pm

Catch the action live at Craven Cottage by purchasing your tickets now for the Whites' UEFA Europa League 3rd Round Qualifier home leg against RNK Split.

Supporters will be able to buy tickets on the gate.

Please note that Season Ticket and Membership cards will be loaded with this fixture on purchasing a seat for this match, you will not receive a paper ticket.

Fans who purchase their tickets after 3pm on Tuesday, 2nd August (the last postage date for tickets) will be expected to collect them from the Ticket Office before noon on the day of the match or after 6pm from the Ticket Collection booths on Stevenage Road.

Buy tickets online

On-sale dates

Season Ticket Holders: Now on sale (unlimited)
General Sale: Now on sale (unlimited)
Loyalty points: 6 (more info)

As you may be aware, UEFA regulations mean that we are required to make special alterations to the ticketing arrangements for all European matches being held at the Cottage. To minimise the impact these alterations have on stadium access & egress, the Club have elected to house visiting supporters in Blocks H - K & HL - KL of the Johnny Haynes Stand. 

Buy tickets online

How to Buy Tickets

Pay on the Gate
buy tickets online  - 7 days a week, 24 hrs a day. Save on booking fees by booking online*
by phone on 0843 208 1234 (option 1) - 7 days a week, 24 hrs a day
in person from the Ticket Office: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm; non-match day Sat 10am-12pm
* Lower booking fees compared to telephone booking

Prices

NB: Blocks A and AL are a designated Family Area and are not available to book online. To book, call the Ticket Office on 0843 208 1234 opt 3 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm).



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Tickets/Games/SplitHome.aspx#ixzz1U3kHSnzv (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Tickets/Games/SplitHome.aspx#ixzz1U3kHSnzv)

 
Jerome Bid Explained!

It`s something that has been bubbling under for a week or so now!

Already we`ve run three, maybe four, articles on our apparent interest in the Birmingham striker, Cameron Jerome.

Now, on the eve of our Europa League Qualifier with RNK Split, Martin Jol has enlightened us as to why the club has shown some interest.

It appears that it is all down to the possibility of Bobby Zamora getting injured.

Following on from the injury Bobby suffered last season, Jol appears to have been worried by the wrist injury Bobby will be playing with tonight, tying that in with the quest to sign Jerome by remarking,

"If it had been Bobby`s foot, we would`ve had a problem, and that is why we made a bid for this other striker."

"We made a bid we thought was realistic and they rejected it, so that was that."

"He`s good in the air, quick and he would be a good back-up for Bobby."

So with Martin`s last words in that second sentence, are we to assume that any deal is off?



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=249557#ixzz1U3kbWyrQ (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=249557#ixzz1U3kbWyrQ)

 
Dempsey and Dembele available for Fulham


Martin Jol has Clint Demspey and Mousa Dembele available for the second leg of Fulham's Europa League qualifier against RNK Split.
Both players failed to make the journey to Croatia last week when Jol's men were fortunate to escape with a 0-0 draw.

However Steve Sidwell will be forced to sit out tonight's tie at Craven Cottage after he picked up a suspension following his yellow card in the first-leg , his second of the competition.

Looking ahead to the game Jol was confident his side would get through but admitted that RNK surprised him a little with their formation last week.

"They [Split] played in a different way - probably like Arsenal 25 years ago with three centre backs, two wingbacks and three strikers and that was different," he told the club's official website.

"The game was a bit of a problem because we couldn't press them with the two [strikers] because they always had a spare man all the time and in midfield they did the same.

"So we try to cope with that now, take the initiative more and we'll give them hopefully the same problem we got when we played them.

"I still think 0-0 was OK in the away match but now we have to finish it."



http://www.eatsleepsport.com/fulham/dempsey-and-dembele-available-for-fulham-1252341.html?#.TjqSbHPHo98 (http://www.eatsleepsport.com/fulham/dempsey-and-dembele-available-for-fulham-1252341.html?#.TjqSbHPHo98)

 
West Ham's England Striker Wanted by London Rivals

Fulham have emerged as potential suitors for West Ham United striker Carlton Cole who is keen to return to the Premier League as soon as possible.

The England international struggled with both injuries and form last season as the Hammers suffered relegation, but the powerful forward still has plenty of admirers.

The 27-year-old had been strongly linked with a move to Stoke but it appears as though interest has cooled and Fulham could now be the club to hand Cole a chance.

New Fulham manager Martin Jol is looking for cover up front and is contemplating pairing Cole with former teammate Bobby Zamora who missed much of last season with a broken leg.

"Carlton Cole's someone who has interested me in the past," Jol told tribalfootball.com. "We haven't made a bid, but it may be a bit harsh to say we're not interested in him."

Cole scored 10 league goals for West Ham in consecutive seasons and made his full international debut for England against Spain in 2009, but last season managed just five Premier League goals.

Despite his difficult spell, Fulham struggled for goals for much of last season and are aware that they may be able to tempt the player to leave by offering regular first team football in the Premiership.



http://www.sportsvibe.co.uk/news/football/west-ham-s-england-striker-wanted-by-london-rivals-9753/? (http://www.sportsvibe.co.uk/news/football/west-ham-s-england-striker-wanted-by-london-rivals-9753/?)

 
Jol denies interest in Cole


Fulham manager Martin Jol has dismissed speculation linking him with a move for Carlton Cole.
The Cottagers boss is known to be in the market for a centre-forward as he doesn't want to be in a position similar to Mark Hughes last season when Bobby Zamora missed much of the season.

The 27-year-old England striker is expected to leave West Ham before the end of the transfer window following their relegation, but according to Jol he won't be arriving at Craven Cottage.

"We haven't made a bid for him," he told London 24. "I hope this won't sound harsh, but we are not interested in him at the moment."



http://www.eatsleepsport.com/fulham/jol-denies-interest-in-cole-1252424.html?#.Tjq0ynPHo98 (http://www.eatsleepsport.com/fulham/jol-denies-interest-in-cole-1252424.html?#.Tjq0ynPHo98)