Transfer News: Fulham still keen on signing Ajax midfielder Eyong Enoh
(http://e1.365dm.com/13/03/660x350/Enoh_2919932.jpg?20130324164612)
Eyong Enoh: During his loan spell at Fulham last season
Fulham have held talks with Ajax about re-signing Eyong Enoh, but have yet to agree a deal.
Enoh joined Fulham in January and spent the latter part of the campaign on loan at Craven Cottage.
The 27-year-old featured nine times and impressed in midfield for Martin Jol, who is keen for him to return.
However, Jol is not willing to match Ajax's price tag - believed to be near £3million.
Enoh's agent Stephan Brandli confirmed to Sky Sports that talks were ongoing between the two clubs.
"As I understand there have been talks between the two clubs, however, Martin Jol, who knows Ajax very well, is not willing to pay the current price," Brandli said.
"Eyong enjoyed his time at Fulham and did well, and of course he would love to go back.
"Ajax coach Ronald de Boer has gone public to say that Enoh can leave, and he does not want to sit on the bench at Ajax so he is hoping that something can happen."
Brandli did admit that there was interest from elsewhere in England, and added: "We have heard of a few more teams in the UK are interested."
http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11661/8868560? (http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11661/8868560?)
Premier League preview - Fulham
Last season:
Premier League: 12th
FA Cup: Fourth round
League Cup: Second Round
It has been a momentous summer off the pitch for Fulham. After 16 years as the head honcho on the banks of the Thames, the charismatic, unique Mohamed Al Fayed sold the club to American billionaire Shahid Khan.
(http://static.adifferentleague.co.uk/images/articles/khan130813.jpg)
It seems impossible to imagine a match taking place at Craven Cottage without the 84-year-old Egyptian waving a Fulham club scarf to the supporters in the stands but as illustrated by Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement at Manchester United, the club Al Fayed promised to emulate upon his arrival in west London back in 1997, all things do come to an end as the Cottagers now prepare to begin their maiden season under Khan's stewardship.
However, it has also been a period of flux on the pitch. After a mish-mash of a 2012/13 season which saw Fulham often flirt with a concerted push for a top-half finish largely thanks to the efforts of the brilliant Dimitar Berbatov, they eventually finished 12th and only secured their Premier League status in the final few weeks of the season.
A feeling of lethargy often seemed to reside at Craven Cottage as both the team and the manager Martin Jol seemed unable to recover from the double body-blow of the departures Moussa Dembele and Clint Dempsey. Jol often seemed disinterested and non-committal on his future, even going as far as to flirt with vacant managerial positions in the Bundesliga.
Indeed, the Dutchman was often quick to question the club's ambition to push on and the lack of funds available appeared to be demonstrated by the spate of short-term free transfers and loan signings in January.
However, at the dawn of the new campaign, Jol remains the club's manager and there is a feeling that Fulham have actually done some very decent transfer business so far this summer.
Stalwarts Mark Schwarzer, Chris Baird and Simon Davies, as well as Mahamadou Diarra and Mladen Petric have been allowed to depart, though only the veteran Australian goalkeeper represents a significant loss.
However, it is the arrivals that have sparked optimism. The majority of the club's business was conducted early and importantly, appears to be strategically dealing with the problem positions of goalkeeper, central defence and central midfield.
Dutch international Maarten Stekelenburg has plenty of pedigree and represents an upgrade on Schwarzer, while in Fernando Amorebieta, a free transfer from Athletic Bilbao, the Cottagers may finally have located a central defensive partner for skipper Brede Hangeland.
In midfield, Derek Boateng finally arrived from Dnipro after months of speculation and the Ghanaian should provide the muscle Fulham often lacked last season while Adel Taarabt, who was brought to England at Tottenham by Martin Jol, could prove an inspired loan signing, particularly if he can establish a connection with Berbatov, whose talents up front will continue to win some games single-handed.
Weaknesses do remain, particularly at full-back and across the squad as a whole depth-wise, while there are also questions over the team's mentality when the chips are down. However, this season could just represent a very comfortable one for all involved at Craven Cottage.
(http://static.adifferentleague.co.uk/images/articles/jol130813.jpg)
Manager - Martin Jol: It is a slight surprise that the Dutchman is still at Fulham after looking almost certain to leave at various points last season. However, if he has re-found the infectious passion that endears him so much to supporters, then his ability to get the best out of the likes of Berbatov and Taarabt could just bode well for the campaign ahead.
Key signing - Fernando Amorebieta: Brede Hangeland will remain the side's defensive mainstay but Venezuela international Amorebieta could finally become the Norwegian's first consistent partner since age began to take its toll on Aaron Hughes. A member of the Athletic Bilbao side that reached the Europa League final in 2012, he was linked with a move to Arsenal last January.
Key sale - Mark Schwarzer: The departure of the long-serving Australian represented another move away from the Roy Hodgson era. Though last season was not his best for the club, there will still be sadness at Schwarzer's move to West London rivals Chelsea. However, Fulham do seem to have reacted well to bring in Maarten Stekelenburg as his replacement.
Keep an eye out for - The Michael Jackson statue: The silver statue of the late King of Pop has been a cause of laughter and derision from both Fulham and football supporters across the land. Upon selling the club, Mohamed Al Fayed promised that the statue of his great friend would still remain. Will new owner Shahid Khan agree?
http://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/p6_0_21490_-.html#.UgsykBa_wds (http://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/p6_0_21490_-.html#.UgsykBa_wds)
Season preview: Fulham
With the Premier League season beginning this weekend, Sports Mole has cast its eye over Fulham's summer and their prospects for the 2013-14 campaign.
In:
Fernando Amorebieta (Athletic Bilbao, Free), Derek Boateng (Free), Sasha Riether (Cologne, £1.3m), Maarten Stekelenburg (Roma, £4.8m), Ange-Freddy Plumain (Free), Adel Taarabt (Queens Park Rangers, Loan)
Out:
Chris Baird (Released), Simon Davies (Released), Mahamadou Diarra (Released), Thomas Donegan (Released), Corey Gamiero (Released), James Musa (Released), Richard Peniket (Released), Mladen Petric (Released), Mark Schwarzer (Released), Alex Smith (Swindon, Free), Csaba Somogyi (Released), Dan Burn (Birmingham City, Loan)
Last Season: 12th
Manager: Martin Jol
Three key players:
Maarten Stekelenburg - Since 2008, Fulham had been in the relatively safe hands of Mark Schwarzer between the posts. The veteran Aussie has moved down the King's Road to Chelsea now, leaving the responsibility to Stekelenburg. The 30-year-old is no novice though, having played for the two of Europe's big names (Ajax and Roma), as well as keeping goal for the Netherlands in the 2010 World Cup final. At 6'5", the Haarlem-born keeper is a commanding figure, which should mean that he is able to collect high balls into area, easing the pressure on his side in the process.
Derek Boateng - While nobody can question the quality possessed by some of Fulham's midfielders in recent years, Steve Sidwell aside, not many have been renowned for breaking up opposition attacks. That is something 30-year-old Boateng thrives on doing. It's important that the Ghana international shows a level of discipline as he goes about his work - something that Sidwell lacked on occasions last term. Having been handed only a one-year deal, Boateng will need to produce some decent form to earn an extension.
Dimitar Berbatov - Everybody knows by now that the Bulgarian will not chase defenders to force mistakes. At times, he won't even look bothered at all! Give him the ball at his feet though and he can cause damage. In his first season with the Whites following his 2012 arrival from Manchester United, he found the net an impressive 15 times. His ability to score all types of goals makes him difficult for the opposition to deal with and on his day he is a proven match winner.
First game: Sunderland (A), Complete fixture list
Sports Mole says: The term 'halfway merchants' could have been coined for Fulham last season. They finished 12th in the end, but never looked like being sucked into relegation trouble. At the same time, it always looked unlikely that they would mount a push for a Europa League spot. Jol has made some smart acquisitions, although it will be interesting to see how the egos of Berbatov and Adel Taarabt fit into the same dressing room. There should be a handful of weaker teams than Jol's this time around, but as with the last campaign, there are also much stronger squads. If they avoid injuries and suspensions to key players, a push towards the top half is not out of the question.
Predicted finish: 13th
http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/news/season-preview-fulham_98362.html (http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/news/season-preview-fulham_98362.html)
Fulham: Premier League preview 2013/14 – Stekelenberg and Taarabt join the Cottagers
fanatix previews Fulham's season...
Manager's job safety: This all depends on how trigger happy new owner Shahid Khan is! Martin Jol was much loved by Mohamed Al-Fayed, and as long he keeps Fulham above the relegation zone he'll probably be fine for the time being...
Captain: Brede Hangeland
Last season: 12th
Summer signings:
In: Maarten Stekelenburg (Roma, £4.76m), Sasha Riether (Cologne, £1.27m), Fernando Amorebieta (Athletic Bilbao, Free), Derek Boateng (Dnipro, Free), Ange-Freddy Plumain (Lens, Free), Adel Taarabt (QPR, Loan).
Out: Mark Schwarzer (Chelsea, Free), Alex Smith (Swindon, Free), Dan Burn (Birmingham, Loan), Ryan Williams (Oxford, Loan)
Released: Chris Baird, Simon Davies, Mahamadou Diarra, Thomas Donegan, Corey Gamiero, Giorgos Karagounis, James Musa, Richard Peniket, Mladen Petric, Csaba Somogyi.
Aims: Fulham will be hoping to push on from last season's 12th finish, and possibly even break into the top half of the table. Taarabt, Stekelenberg and Amorebieta seem like astute signings, and if they can settle in quickly, Fulham will hope their usually impressive home record fires them way clear of the bottom three early on.
Key Player: Dimitar Berbatov – 'The world's best walking footballer', Berbatov simply oozes class, and will be Fulham's key man once again this season. Bagged 15 in the league last term, which is even more impressive considering the Bulgarian was also the side's main creator. At 32-years-old, still has at least one more big season left in him.
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Needs to improve: Steve Sidwell – The battling English midfielder let himself down last term with a poor disciplinary record, getting sent off immediately after returning from a three-match-ban. Fulham fans will hope he finds the form that encouraged Jose Mourinho to sign him from Reading way back in 2007.
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Big summer signing: Maarten Stekelenburg – Roma £4.76m – For many, losing experienced Australian Mark Schwarzer on a free was a big loss for Fulham, but they've gone and replaced him brilliantly with the Dutch goalkeeper. Echoes Edwin Van Der Sar's transfer back in 2001.
(http://maxcdn.fanatix.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Maarten-Stekelenburg-Roma.jpg)
One to watch: Adel Taarabt – Who else? The QPR loanee possibly matches Berbatov in terms of talent, but has so far failed to fulfil his huge potential. Struggled with QPR in the Premier League last term after mesmerising the Championship the previous season. Perhaps playing in a mid-table side could benefit the mercurial Frenchman. Then again, he could equally be dire... One to keep an eye on nonetheless!
(http://maxcdn.fanatix.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Adel-Taarabt-QPR.jpg)
What do they need? Have never properly replaced Danny Murphy after the midfielder left in 2012. He was the creative influence in the middle of the park, and a deep-lying playmaker of similar ilk would be a welcome addition to Craven Cottage.
fanatix Prediction? 11th With Bryan Ruiz, Hugo Rodallega, Berbatov and Taarabt all capable of scoring goals, we think Fulham are too good to be pulled into a relegation battle. Expect Amorebieta to form a strong partnership with Hangeland at the back, too, and with Stekelenberg between the stick, Fulham will finish comfortably in mid-table this season. If they can pick up some wins away from home, expect them to finish even higher.
http://www.fanatix.com/news/fulham-premier-league-preview-201314-stekelenberg-and-taarabt-join-the-cottagers/137398/ (http://www.fanatix.com/news/fulham-premier-league-preview-201314-stekelenberg-and-taarabt-join-the-cottagers/137398/)
Post Parma Pessimism ?
by barryhaylesgoalmachine
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When you watch your team a week before the start of the season the least you are hoping for are a few assurances that everything is on course to be ready for the big kick off. After the defeat to Parma I still felt unsure as to how we would line up at Sunderland and could only speculate on the staring eleven based on some of the sub par performances I had witnessed throughout the previous 90 minutes.
In what was not an unfamiliar site from last season, Berbatov played as the lone striker with Ruiz in behind. Mesca started on the left following another impressive pre season while Ashkan Dejagah started on the right. Sidwell and Boateng continued in the middle and at the back Richardson was preferred at Left Back to Riise. Aaron Hughes also came in alongside Hangelend in the absence of Amorebieta.
As was common place last term, Our 4-4-1-1 quickly changed to a 4-6-0 with Berbatov holding the ball up in midfield areas and no white shirts in front as options. Ruiz was playing his usual role in between the midfield and Dimi which essentially put him level with Sidwell and Boateng. It is understandable how he sometimes gets lost in the midfield when Berbatov plays so deep, Giving less chance to exploit his final ball and more time playing short passes in a crowded area. There is no doubt his combativeness has improved but it is hard to appreciate him winning the ball back when more often than not it is he who is dispossessed in the first place. As much as I am not one who believes that he is be a viable option in centre midfield , I believe he would stand more of a chance if Berbatov was to hold a higher line. There is not a chance in hell that Hugo Rodallega will score 10 goals this season but what he did so well last year,when partnering Berbatov, was dragging the Bulgarian up the pitch and playing on the last defender. With a couple of targets to aim for, Ruiz would be much more effective and bring creativity without the need to constantly look for a one two in his own half.
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u7RMsCwKMbE/UgqdxiqetXI/AAAAAAAAAI0/35opj-YNCzM/s320/parma2.jpg)
Mesca, on the left against Parma from the start may well feature against Sunderland given the injury to Kacaniklic. The fact that Kerim Frei was an unused sub on Saturday seems to add to the general consensus that he will be leaving the club shortly and that Mesca has done enough in training to move above him in the pecking order. The youngster looked lively again throughout although seemed to constantly receive the ball with his back to goal rather than having the opportunity to run at the full back. The one occasion this did happen not only showed the benefit of giving Ruiz a longer pass but also what Mesca's pace brings to a team that has so lacked in this area in recent seasons.
Central midfield seemed solid enough although still lacks any depth. Most seem to feel a new signing is needed to play alongside Derek Boateng instead of Sidwell given his performances in pre season. Despite being substituted just after the hour mark Boateng was for me the stand out player for us against Parma and was it not for an excellent block on the line in the first half we would have found themselves going in level at the break.
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Of course it was Sidwell who provided the goal in the first half following a lot of harsh criticism from our own fans this summer. By no means am i saying that we can't buy a better quality partner for Derek but Sidwell is undervalued. He brings a great work rate to the team and is very much going to play a big part this season for us. He doesn't have the same excitement and flair that Taarabt or Ruiz do but when it comes to the mid week games on a rainy night in Hull, It will be the likes of Sidwell who you will always rely on to give 100%.
Richardson seemed fairly solid at left back and will more than likely be our first choice full back in the first few games as long as he can keep off the treatment table. Riise is rumoured to be leaving the club in the near future to get his wages off the budget and it appears Matthew Briggs will once again be loaned out so we are likely to see a new face come in from somewhere.
The second half was testament to the fact that if Berbatov was to get injured this season then with the current squad we would have little in the way of a replacement option. The Bulgarian went off at half time with a "knock" (Hopefully just precautionary) and was replaced by Rodallega who failed to register a single effort on or off target in 45 minutes of football. We have all been crying out for a "Dembele replacement" for a long time but given the Taarabt loan surely now another Striker is the main priority. I have always been of the belief that a forward was the priority even prior to the addition of the Moroccan. I can't see this being in place before the weekend but i can imagine a new goal scorer is to far away. As the window draws near even those adamantly against Darren Bent being the right man seem to be looking at the deal with more sympathetic eyes. The feeling now is anyone will do although I still get the feeling a couple of late unmentioned options may emerge.
Throughout the 2-1 defeat there were a few shaky moments defensively but nothing overly concerning. It may sound harsh but i really felt Aaron Hughes was the weak link for us. There is no doubt he has been a fantastic servant over the years but he seems to have lost another yard of pace and at times his anticipation of the ball was not as we have come to expect. Amorebieta has looked good in pre season particularly when having the ball at his feet so I can't look past him as Hangeland's main partner this season. Stekelenburg had little to do bar a good save in the first half and picking two headers out of his net. Being in the Hammersmith end I didn't have the best view of who's man it was although I have been informed on both occasions it was the aforementioned Northern Irishman.
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There were some positives to take away from The Cottage and no more so than the Taarabt cameo. On several occasions he gave us a taste of what is hopefully to come with some nice touches and demonstrating his ability to beat a man with relative ease. His debut was nearly crowned with the chance to grab a late equaliser but despite some tidy footwork he was unable to get a shot away. It again remains to be seen where we intend to play him and if he will even start against Sunderland. He may well be preferred to Mesca on the left if deemed match fit although i suspect it may well come to soon. Chris David also made a brief appearance and produced one of our better chances in the second half when he whipped an inviting freekick across the six yard box.
It would be fair to say that we will not exactly be brimming with confidence come next Saturday at 3 pm even if there is a flurry of transfer activity before then. With the exception of Amorebieta in for Hughes I can't see much changing in terms of how we kick off our season. Whether or not we are able to tweek the system to prevent becoming so narrow remains to be seen and while we may struggle to create chances , If Boateng plays as well as he has been then we won't be shipping them at the other end either. As he was last year Berbatov will be key to the outcome on Saturday. His goals are priceless but as is the line that he holds. In Mesca, Dejagah and Kacaniklic we have pace on the wings that may lend itself to a counter attacking style of play which could see us get more points on the road. This can only work though if our forward men are on the end of the delivery.
We have the basis of a good side and a few more new names will evidently renew the positivity we felt back in July. In a way the lack of spending since the change of ownership has served well to keep expectations in place for the season ahead. I have a feeling we will nick a point on Saturday in what will be a relatively low scoring game safe in the knowledge that a 1-1 will bag us the illustrious 11.50pm slot on MOTD and the synopsis from all involved that Fulham will be "fine" again this year.
COYW !
http://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=375 (http://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=375)
Fulham and Everton Want Dann?
Blackburn Rovers defender Scott Dann is proving to be pretty popular at the moment with interest being shown from both Fulham and Everton.
Dann wants to return to the Premier League so the rumours have it and this is despite being made captain for both league games so far this season, according to the Daily Mail.
The paper also says that Rovers would be willing to let the player go out on loan, that would lower the wage bill but it would be no long term solution.
Dann joined Rovers in 2011 from Birmingham and has made 82 appearances or the club.
http://www.fansonline.net/blackburnrovers/article.php?id=782 (http://www.fansonline.net/blackburnrovers/article.php?id=782)
Transfer news: Tottenham, Fulham and West Ham linked with Troy Deeney
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Troy Deeney: Premier League trio linked with in-form Watford striker
Sky Sports understands Premier League trio Tottenham, Fulham and West Ham are tracking Watford striker Troy Deeney.
Deeney has started the new season in red-hot form and his goalscoring exploits have alerted several Premier League clubs.
Tottenham are thought to be actively monitoring his progress at Vicarage Road with Andre Villas-Boas in the market for striking reinforcements, especially if Jermain Defoe and Emmanuel Adebayor leave White Hart Lane.
Fulham boss Martin Jol and his West Ham counterpart Sam Allardyce have both admitted they are looking to bring in a new striker before the close of the transfer window and Deeney is thought to figure highly on their wanted list.
Representatives from Fulham and West Ham are both thought to have watched Deeney in action last weekend when he scored a superb hat-trick in the 6-1 win over Bournemouth.
The 25-year-old is now widely regarded as the best striker outside the Premier League having scored 20 goals last season.
Watford are desperate to keep hold of their prize asset as they look to mount a bid for promotion to the Premier League, but manager Gianfrano Zola admitted after the win over Bournemouth he was wary of clubs making moves to sign Deeney.
Zola, who is a big fan of Deeney and has previously admitted the player could make the step-up to the Premier League, said at the weekend: "The transfer window is still open - and that could be a problem."
http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11686/8868696? (http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11686/8868696?)
VIEW FROM THE ENEMY: Fulham fan on lazy Berbatov and left back Richardson
Continuing with our fan previews, Kristian Balkin of The Technical Area, who also writes for The Metro, talks about all things Fulham related.
Scott: How did you rate 2012-2013 for your club?
Kristian: It was quite disappointing if I'm honest, if only for the fact we had such a tremendous start to the season. You can never read too much into an opening day 5-0 win over Norwich City, but we played such fluent, progressive football that it seemed that this would be the season that things finally came together.
It wasn't to be, though. Losing Clint Dempsey, and more importantly, Moussa Dembele, killed our early rhythm and before long we were looking over our shoulders at the relegation zone.
There were some positives, of course, not least Dimitar Berbatov. The fact that we continued to look relatively safe despite spending little-to-no money over the past few years bodes well, too.
Scott: Who was your best player?
Kristian: Many, many Fulham fans will dislike me for this, but I say Dimitar Berbatov. The reason for potential disdain from my peers is because Sascha Riether was so superb for us, and in that there is no doubt. For me, though, Berbie was the difference between relegation fodder and sustainable mediocrity.
A man that can turn a game on its head in an instant is invaluable to any club, but for us he has been superb. Knowing such a talent is spearheading your attack makes being a Fulham fan that little bit more pleasurable.
Scott: Which player are you expecting most important in 2013-2014?
Kristian: I think Brede Hangeland will be very important simply because we need to get our defensive record back on track. Only a matter of years ago we were infamous for our defensive solidity and while it's not the most flattering or entertaining trait, it was something to be proud of, and something that helped us pick up points, obviously.
Under Jol though, such defensive aptitude has dissipated and we've been conceding left, right and centre. One man who can help out there is captain Hangeland and having signed a new two-year deal, much to the surprise of most of us, he should be more committed to the cause than ever.
Scott: If you could take one United player, who would it be?
Kristian: Even though we're already blessed with your old boy Berbatov, I'd happily take Robin van Persie on board. He'd be brilliant up top alongside, or ahead of, the Berb and would make us particularly potent.
Saying that, what we really crave is a talented, creative central midfielder so we'd happily taker Michael Carrick off your hands.
Scott: Are you pleased Fergie's retired?
Kristian: No, not really. I understand he ruffled a few feathers and wasn't amazingly popular among the rest of the league's fans, but I have always seen him as something of an elite when it comes to British managers.
Despite his age, he had an uncanny ability to renovate your United side and encouraged many, many evolutions in his time at Old Trafford, not just in playing staff but in the way you played and approached football. Most manages, it must be said, just stick with their tried and tested formulas and, I feel, if Sir Alex is to be praised for one thing, it's his ability to embrace change. He will be missed.
Scott: Where do you think your club will finish this season?
Kristian: It all depends on where we go in the transfer market, really. With a brand new owner you'd hope we will be investing quite heavily but I don't think that'll be the case. We will probably just invest as prudently as we usually do and for that reason, we'd do well to finish tenth.
That said, we can still spend wisely and fill the right holes in our squad – centre midfield, up front, perhaps at full back. That could see us break the top ten and maybe grab eighth or ninth place.
Scott: Where do you think United will finish?
Kristian: I've struggled to place you guys whenever I've considered how the table will look come next May. You'll certainly finish in the top two – you're just too good to drop out.
But I just don't feel 100% persuaded that David Moyes has the nous to carry you straight to the title in his first season. That's not to say he never will, or that he's not a good manager, but the buzz at Chelsea with Jose Mourinho, or the sheer spending power of Manchester City, may see you ousted to a second, consecutive Premier League trophy. So, in summary, a close second for me.
Scott: How did you rate Berbatov's first season at Fulham?
Kristian: As you've inevitably gathered, I'm a big fan of Berbatov. He's had his bad moments, and he has faced the wrath of some fans that confuse his languid style of play with laziness, but on the whole he has been one of our best signings in many, many years.
His ability is just so natural and though his demeanour can be somewhat stroppy, sometimes irritable, he is an asset we cannot afford to lose now. We all know that he is a particularly large fish in an otherwise small pond but we're content with that and, seemingly at least, so is he.
Scott: What do you think of Richardson?
Kristian: I like him. He's had a mixed season, blighted by both injury and form, but he's showed glimpses of what I'd loosely label as a 'competent player'. That's not to say he's not of first team quality, just that he hasn't had the chance to show his full potential.
At left midfield he looked, at best, awful. At left back, however, I thought he produced his best football and that's quite encouraging given John Arne Riise's questionable displays. For me, he's our number one left back but we will have to wait and see if Martin Jol feels the same way.
http://therepublikofmancunia.com/view-from-the-enemy-fulham-fan-on-lazy-berbatov-and-left-back-richardson/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=view-from-the-enemy-fulham-fan-on-lazy-berbatov-and-left-back-richardson (http://therepublikofmancunia.com/view-from-the-enemy-fulham-fan-on-lazy-berbatov-and-left-back-richardson/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=view-from-the-enemy-fulham-fan-on-lazy-berbatov-and-left-back-richardson)
Tell Us Your Story
All Season Ticket packs should have arrived with Season Ticket Holders by the end of this week, so keep an eye out for yours in the post.
This year, the Club would like supporters to tell us their story of the season and there will be some great prizes on offer at each of the 19 home Barclays Premier League matches for the best ones!
Within your Season Ticket pack you'll find a pencil and notebook (alongside those all important Season Ticket cards). These notebooks are your the chance to give a fan's eye view of what happens at the Cottage this season.
For every home game, you can score the players' performance, select your Man of the Match, sum up the action and share your highlights.
Once you've written your story, tear off the sheets and put them in the boxes provided at Craven Cottage once the final whistle has blown.
Season Ticket Holders will also be able to submit their stories online at fulhamfc.com/tellusyourstory for every home match, starting with Fulham v Arsenal on Saturday 24th August.
http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/august/13/tell-us-your-story? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/august/13/tell-us-your-story?)
Re Jol in the preview article. "infectious passion that endears him so much to supporters". Not so sure about that. More like 'as stubborn as they come and a deep rooted inability to get over the letter D or employ the letters B and C as in plan B and C'
Good article and at last the key man is somebody else ...... although we haven't seen much of Ambro yet. How typically Fulhamish.
Negotiations On But Fulham Boss Martin Jol Not Ready To Shell Out Ajax Asking Price on Eyong Enoh
Fulham have begun negotiations with Ajax over on-loan midfielder Eyong Enoh but the transfer fee has already thrown up a brick wall according to the Algemeen Dagblad.
Enoh is understood to be keen to continue his stay with Fulham, where he spent half of last season and played nine Premier League games as well as two Under-21 clashes.
He had fallen out of favour at Ajax from last year onwards – despite being a regular in previous seasons – and Cottagers coach Martin Jol is eager to complete a permanent deal.
However, Ajax's asking price of €3.5m does not find favour with Jol despite the fact that Enoh is a full Cameroon international and also boasts UEFA competition experience.
The player's agent Stephan Brandli was quoted as saying: "I understand that the two clubs are busy discussing.
"Martin Jol, whom Ajax know well, will not pay out at the current price. Eyong has enjoyed his time at Fulham and would like to stay."
The 27-year-old has a healthy 98 Eredivisie games under his belt, and has two years left on his current Ajax contract.
Read more at http://www.insidefutbol.com/2013/08/13/negotiations-on-but-fulham-boss-martin-jol-not-ready-to-shell-out-ajax-asking-price-on-eyong-enoh/95242/#vKjype7JCpAOsKRc.99 (http://www.insidefutbol.com/2013/08/13/negotiations-on-but-fulham-boss-martin-jol-not-ready-to-shell-out-ajax-asking-price-on-eyong-enoh/95242/#vKjype7JCpAOsKRc.99)
The Tony Gale Column
There's now just a matter of days before the new Barclays Premier League season gets underway, so in my first column of the campaign I thought I'd look ahead to what I'm sure will be another exciting nine months for Fulham.
As is usually the case, transfer dealings have been dominating the news over the summer and, I must say, I've been quite pleased with Fulham's business. I've actually done a piece on Sky Sports about the five best signings of the season so far and I put Maarten Stekelenburg as one of them because I think he's that good. I'm just hoping that he proves to be as big a success as the other Dutch keeper we had, Edwin van der Sar, all those years ago.
I saw him quite a bit when he was playing for Ajax in the Champions League and I was really impressed with him so I was pleasantly surprised when we signed him. I don't want to put the mockers on it and have him make mistakes early on now I've said that, but I think we've got a really good goalkeeper and I think he's one of the best signings of the season.
Of course Maarten isn't the only new face in SW6, and while I don't know a lot about Derek Boateng or Fernando Amorebieta, I'm very much looking forward to seeing them play. Derek's obviously a midfielder and it's important that he's come in because we needed a midfield player, and we've been further helped in that department by Giorgos Karagounis signing for another year. It's also good to get Fernando in because even though we've got Brede Hangeland, Hughes and Senderos back there, you do need four central defenders over the course of a busy calendar.
Then we've got our most recent arrival, as Adel Taarabt made the short journey from Loftus Road to Craven Cottage and, I tell you what, he's got so much ability that it will be interesting to see where Martin Jol wants to play him. I saw that Harry Redknapp tried him in a few positions at QPR; in midfield, in a free role behind the striker, he also played him on the left, he also played him on the right. So it's going to be very difficult and I think Martin's got to find the right position for him. This signing could be one of those that proves to be inspirational as Adel is like a free spirit and, when he's on form, can be one of the top players, without a doubt.
I don't think we're done in the transfer market, though. After the Parma game Martin came out and said we needed a bit more pace up front, and I'd definitely agree with him there. Last year when we played with Berbatov and Ruiz up front, I think that teams, as the season progressed, began to twig it and they were playing a higher and higher line knowing that we're not going to get the likes of Berbatov and Ruiz in behind – even though they're very, very skilful players.
What we've got now is Taarabt, Ruiz and Berbatov – three really good players on the ball – and we need a little bit of pace up there to stretch teams. If central defenders know that a striker hasn't got pace, they play higher up to make them condense the play and it becomes difficult for Fulham. But that quick striker would move the defenders back maybe another 10 yards.
First up is Sunderland away on Saturday and it's not a fixture that the fans will have been too pleased with first as it's one of the long away trips, but it's one of those games that I think is a 50/50 shot. Paolo Di Canio, I think, has got a lot to prove and he's been busy on Wearside over the summer bringing in a lot of new players. He came in last season and did well initially but they still ended up surviving by the skin of their teeth so I think it's a good time to play them before their new players have bedded in.
I think we're every bit as good – probably better – than Sunderland. I would tip us to be higher than Sunderland in the league come the end of the season, definitely, so I'd be disappointed if we lost the game on Saturday. It would be nice to make a positive start because I would say that in terms of targets we've got to aim to have a better season than last season. I wouldn't go mad and say we've got to be challenging for a UEFA Europa League spot and things like that but, when you look around at other teams, I think eighth, ninth, tenth is where we've got to be aiming.
Finally, I couldn't do this column without a word about Mohamed Al Fayed, who sold Fulham in the summer after 16 incredible years. He absolutely turned our Club around. I only wish he was about, not from my own perspective, but for the Club's gain, when I was playing because Fulham would have been in the Premier League (or the First Division as it used to be called) at a much earlier stage. We'd be even more established and we wouldn't have had all the problems that we had in the years after that. My tribute is that Fulham would never have been Fulham without Mr Al Fayed, and we owe every thank you in the world to him.
http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/august/13/the-tony-gale-column? (http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/august/13/the-tony-gale-column?)
Fulham 2013/14 season predictions: Watch for youngsters Kacaniklic, Frei and Na Bangna – and Berbatov too
Yet another season is upon us at Craven Cottage and with our new owner, Shahid Khan, excitement is high and expectations are growing. We know we must keep our feet on the ground, though, ahead of what will be a tightly contested Premier League campaign.
1. Hopes for the season?
To improve on last year, establishing ourselves in the top half along the way. For many years now we've been bouncing between the higher and lower ends of mid-table and it'd be nice to break into the top eight at some point.
We also need a cup run because the slog of Premier League mediocrity can get to you after a few years. I'd take a run to the final of the Capital One Cup and would love to see us make the semis in the FA Cup. One or the other, though; I'm not that greedy.
2. Predicted finish?
If we handle the transfer window well we could break into the top half easily. So far this summer, we've brought in some good quality players and haven't lost anyone vital, meaning we're already taking steps in the right direction. There are still cosmic holes in the squad, however, and they need to be filled if we're to see any improvement from 2012/13. A good striker, central midfielder and left back could see us make eighth.
3. Biggest worry for the season?
That we fall apart at various stages of the season, as we so often do. Last season, for example, we were rampant in the early weeks yet abysmal over the Christmas period, and repeated the trend at the end of the campaign. Another concern is the possibility of losing our best player, but Shad Khan should see that it doesn't happen.
4. Key player this season?
It has to be Dimitar Berbatov, simply because of his palpable influence in everything good that we seem to do. There is no doubt he's a big fish in a small pond but we don't mind that, and it doesn't concern him either. He's both creative and clinical – two things we've lacked since losing Moussa Dembele and Clint Dempsey.
5. One to watch
Alex Kacaniklic should finally cement his place in the first XI after dipping in and out last year. At 22, this is his best chance to prove himself as a capable winger despite the fact he's amongst a wealthy contingent of wide midfielders. He'll have to fight off the likes of Ashkan Dejagah, Damien Duff and other youngsters Kerim Frei and Buomesca Tue Na Bangna. Keep an eye on that final pair, too.
6. Match-day tip for Craven Cottage?
Without sounding like an old romantic, take the walk through Bishop's Park to get to the ground. A nice stroll alongside the river sets you up nicely for a game of football at an historically beautiful ground. Best stand is the Hammersmith End, most picturesque is the Johnny Haynes stand with its wooden seats.
http://metro.co.uk/2013/08/13/fulham-201314-season-predictions-watch-for-youngsters-kacaniklic-frei-and-na-bangna-and-berbatov-too-3921646/? (http://metro.co.uk/2013/08/13/fulham-201314-season-predictions-watch-for-youngsters-kacaniklic-frei-and-na-bangna-and-berbatov-too-3921646/?)
Bent Puzzle
Our quest for a striker to assist us in achieving our ambitions next season is starting to prove puzzling.
Many suspected that negotiations relating to the possibility of Darren Bent coming from Aston Villa might come to fruition, but they didn`t.
Instead we read this morning that Bent could, instead, be about to land on Crystal Palace`s doorstep on a season long loan.
Is there anyone out there who can shed light on why Palace can, potentially, get their man and we can`t?
Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=328557#ixzz2bvby06cq (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=328557#ixzz2bvby06cq)
Season Preview 2013-14: Fulham
Being asked to write about Fulham is like being asked to write about the sky – it's just always there. In the last four seasons, they've finished; 12th, 9th, 8th and 12th again. Mid-table consistency. New seasons arrive with no real fear of being relegated and no optimism of anything more than a cheeky cup run. Fun.
(http://ballsybanter.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Fulham1213-1024x718.jpg)
But this season, fun has arrived in the shape of a very impressive moustache. Mohamed Al-Fayed sold Fulham this summer after 16 years as the owner. His relationship has had its snags, but he has taken this club from the third tier to the top flight and into Europe – even a not-so-major European final! The incoming chairman is the owner of NFL franchise, the Jacksonville Jaguars, a team that are comfortably one of the poorest teams in the National Football League. Fulham fans will be hoping his football team from this side of the pond doesn't follow suit. It was no surprise that Khan picked Fulham; the Jaguars are London's 'adopted' NFL team, signing for four years to play a 'home' game in London, so it was always going to be in the English capital where he would buy, and Fulham seems like a great fit.
Plenty of fans will be hoping for the injection of cash that other foreign owners are bringing in to the Premier League. But when looking at Fulham's transfer deals this summer, the capture of Maarten Stekelenburg is the only one that's really worth writing home about. The highly-rated Dutch international keeper will be the perfect replacement for Mark Schwarzer who managed bag himself a move to that other club in West London. Otherwise, is Adel Taarabt really the answer to Fulham's problems? Well, they have missed that creative influence since the departure of Moussa Dembele, but he's hardly a player you can rely on, is he?
(http://ballsybanter.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Taarabt.jpg)
Is a striker what they need? Perhaps they do rely on Dimitar Berbatov too much, and you're not going to get many goals out of Hugo Rodallega these days. There has been plenty of speculation over Darren Bent going to Fulham, with the Englishman being linked with the Cottagers, as well as Newcastle. At the right club, Darren Bent can score 20+ goals in the Premier League, while Martin Jol has said that the club want another striker and it's clear that the Aston Villa man is the one he wants. But with Fulham's transfer record still being Steve Marlet back in 2001 for £11.5m, Cottagers fans are surely hoping for a marquee signing soon. Will Bent's signature suffice?
KEY PLAYER: Bryan Ruiz
(http://ballsybanter.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Bryan-Ruiz-Fulham-1024x682.jpg)
We're near the end, so I should be positive now. Bryan Ruiz has looked, at times, a real talent, and he could be a big player for the club this season. If he gets a relationship going with Dimitar Berbatov, then Fulham could – and I stress could – surprise a few people this season.
PREDICTED POSITION: 8th
http://ballsybanter.com/2013/08/13/season-preview-2013-14-fulham/? (http://ballsybanter.com/2013/08/13/season-preview-2013-14-fulham/?)
Fulham Make Bid For Cresswell
Fulham have made a £3.3million move for Ipswich left back Aaron Cresswell, according to sources in London.
While Everton and Wigan have also been linked it appear Martin Jol is the first to show his hand and Marcus Evans is mulling over the bid from the London club.
It is likely Town will reject the initial bid for the player Mick McCarthy has been talking up, but the Cottagers are likely to test their resolve with a higher bid.
Although Cresswell has made it clear he is happy at Ipswich there is no doubt a switch to the top flight appeals and it would be no surprise, although a big shame if our player of the year left.
Read more: http://www.ipswich.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=328572#ixzz2bvcqMqlI (http://www.ipswich.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=328572#ixzz2bvcqMqlI)
Acting swiftly and decisively
This is really interesting:
The way it's looking, just a week away from the start of the new Premier League season, it's clear to me that Spurs, along with Manchester City, are the teams who on paper look radically stronger than last year (though an eventual sale of Bale will obviously weaken Spurs).
I for one doubt it's a coincidence that the only two teams in the Premier League with genuine sporting directors (or technical directors or directors of football, if you like) are the ones who have appeared the most prepared, structured and with clear strategies in their work in the summer transfer market. Of course, that's an obviously predictable opinion coming from someone with my background – as readers will no doubt remind me – but if you compare their work with those of arch rivals Arsenal and Manchester United this summer, you may even concede I have a point.
They have acted swiftly and decisively – with City completing most of their summer deals by the end of July – in identifying the players they wanted, and getting the deals done. This is the way business tends to happen in continental Europe, where sporting directors are the norm. They predominantly secure their targets early in the window, unless it's a big transfer which requires more time (for instance with all the game playing seen in the Luis Suárez and Bale sagas – it's natural that such deals drag out). They want their squads ready in ample time for the start of the season.
Now, to be very general, Premier League clubs on the whole seem rather reactive in their general approach to transfer dealings: reliant on agent offers, wanting to wait and see in the summer what's available, rather than having a wish list with multiple options and aiming even for those players that at first appear unavailable by sounding out potential interest early. Some even stick to the dated approach of "taking a late punt". Without wanting to sound disrespectful – I'm a great admirer of English football and the Premier League on the whole – I do feel the approach to the transfer market is more haphazard in England, which may be put down to a weakness in the managerial system that rarely finds the space or the culture for high-level executives empowered to work exclusively on the transfer market and who are experts in the field.
http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2013/08/14/acting-swiftly-and-decisively/ (http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2013/08/14/acting-swiftly-and-decisively/)
Strategic Improvements
by CHRIS GILBERTSON on AUGUST 13, 2013
To spend or not to spend?
Ah the eternal question facing the football fan in the summer. To be pleased with what your side has done, or to always focus on what they are yet to do.
This is the dilemma facing not just Fulham fans at the moment, but probably those inside the club as well. With a around 3 weeks remaining until another fraught summer transfer window comes to a close, it is the question that will be on all our minds for some while yet.
The dilemma permeating my Fulham obsessed brain is that while the business done so far is actually very good, it is all a little underwhelming. Adel Taarabt is a signing I championed here over a month ago, but as a loan signing with no clarity on whether there's a purchase option, he is frankly not the marquee name a billionaire takeover should merit.
It was actually Martin Jol's post match comments following the 1-2 defeat to Parma on Saturday that really hit a nerve. He said that should we sign no more players we would have a season exactly like the last one. Well, firstly I'd argue that is not true, as the sea of teams around us has improved markedly over the summer, and secondly, Martin's memory must be hazy as last season was all a little too close to call relegation-wise for all of our collective hearts.
I hate to be reactionary voice in our collective quagmire of nervousness, but in these long summer months, a day without a whisper or a rumour feels like a week, and the two months between Maarten Stekelenburg's signing and Taarabt's unveiling felt like the Hundred Years War.
With the season mere days away, there is at least, some solace in the inactivity of other teams to counter act the schizophrenic commotion of others. Indeed, were I a Newcastle fan I would be rightfully using these pages to launch a diatribe against the ineffective and dawdling ponderousness of Joe Kinnear, whereas the casual Sunderland fan might indeed be worrying about how Paolo Di Canio will get his cavalcade of mercenaries [10 new signings and counting] to play as a team.
For a team like Fulham, the summer transfer window needs to be about strategic improvement, not wholesale changes. There is however, a balance that must be struck. Queens Park Rangers were relegated last season after signing too many of the wrong players, while Reading were relegated after signing too few of the right ones.
Following the departure of Mark Schwarzer, Fulham have signed world cup finalist Stekelenburg. This should be an upgrade with Schwarzer's performances slowly declining, but Maarten was largely benched at Roma last season and may take a while to really show his class so the question marks will linger a little longer.
Adel Taarabt is largely a replacement for Urby Emmanuelson who spent the latter portion of last season on loan from AC Milan and only began to really show his talent towards the end of his spell in White. Derek Boateng is a replacement for Eyong Enoh, another successful loanee, whilst also absorbing some of Mahammadou Diarra's workload. Whilst the capture of Fernando Amorebieta is impressive, the only out and out strategic upgrade, there are still both holes in the squad to fill and major pinpointed strategic upgrades necessary.
With Mladen Petric yet to be replaced and no sign of Marcello Trotta being promoted, there is a gaping hole in the strikeforce. No matter how many games Hugo Rodallega is given, there will still be a gaping hole up front until a striker of genuine quality is signed or a youngster is given a chance. When you also consider that Chris Baird and Simon Davies have left, and Stanislav Manolev has not been signed following his loan, there are still other openings in our squad to be filled, and that's without that all important central midfield playmaker we all know is missing.
By my reckoning then, that leaves two full backs (a reserve right back and potential starter at left back), a central midfielder and a centre forward still to come in. The central midfielder and the striker both need to be of a calibre good enough to force their way into the starting line-up, as without them this summer cannot be classified as a significant period of wholesale upgrade.
All this aside, and I still have both faith and hope. Still Believe we sang. Still Believe I do.
Where Fulham are concerned, transfers are done behind closed doors. Were it not for a leak onto a QPR messageboard, there is a chance none of us would have got a sniff of the Taarabt deal until he was seen holding up the Fulham shirt. Indeed, in his interview with Sarah Brookes following his arrival, he stated that negotiations took around 3 weeks. That means for all we know, Fulham most likely have engaged their major targets already, and the future is looking brighter, even IF we just can't see it yet. [Since I wrote this news of a possible new signing this week has broken]
There is also a larger point to be made. Shahid Khan has arrived as new owner with the well-rehearsed mantra of sustainability the central tenet of his message to supporters and journalists alike. Well, for a club like Fulham, a significant method for self-sustainability is the development of young players into saleable assets. The Udinese model of 'develop-and-flog' is perhaps a drastic example, but the process of scouting, signing and playing young talent can make a club a lot of money and excite the fans in one fell swoop. Constantly signing players whose value cannot possibly rise over the course of their Fulham career, or those whose value can rise, but for another parent club to benefit, shows a level of short termism that is tantamount to hypocrisy from a club preaching sustainability.
Winston Churchill said that "However beautiful the strategy, you should occasionally look at the results". The results of last season indicated that there was no strategy. Now is the time for Fulham to make that statement, to execute their strategy and to put in place the on-field structure that the growth and performance off it dictates. Sustainable growth though may just require some speculation.
Onto the Stadium of Light.
COYW
http://hammyend.com/index.php/2013/08/strategic-improvements/? (http://hammyend.com/index.php/2013/08/strategic-improvements/?)
EPL Team Previews: Martin Jol Rebuilds His Side As Fulham Look To Secure Top 10 Finish.
Transfers In:
Fernando Amorebieta (Athletic Bilbao, free)
Derek Boateng (Dnipro, free)
Adel Tarrabt (QPR, loan)
Maarten Stekenlenburg (Roma, £4m)
Sascha Riether (Koln, £1.3m)
Ange-Freddy Plumain (Lens, free)
Transfers Out:
Simon Davies (released)
Chris Baird (released)
Mahamadou Diarra (released)
Mladen Petric (released)
Mark Schwarzer (Chelsea, free)
Csaba Somogyi (released)
Tom Donegan (released)
Corey Gameiro (Sydney, free)
James Musa (released)
Richard Peniket (Tamworth, free)
Alex Smith (Swindon Town, free)
Manager Line-Up:
Martin Jol preferred a 4-4-1-1 formation last season with his star men Bryan Ruiz and Dimitar Berbatov operating in the two most forward positions. It is unlikely that those two will change but the signing of Adel Taarabt provides an interesting option for Jol. If he dares risk playing the three together he is clearly playing with fire because if they all perform they will produce magic, but if they don't the rest of the team will be carrying three passengers.
Derek Boateng will provide extra competition in the centre of midfield and he gives Jol an alternative option. With Boateng in the squad Jol can now play a potential 4-3-3 with Ruiz, Berbatov and Kacaniklic/Dejagah playing off each other up-front. Stekenlenburg will take over from Schwarzer in goal and Amorebieta will be a key signing, especially with his versatility. Jol will have to decide whether the Venezuelan starts at left-back or alongside club captain Brede Hangeland at centre-back. Fulham began a big clear-out last season and it is clear they want to build a squad with a fine balance between youth and experience.
Alexander Kacaniklic and Pajtim Kasami are highly promising youngsters and Fulham fans must be hopeful to see the two get more game-time this season. The only question really is whether Fulham have enough firepower should Berbatov get injured or have a drop in form. Last season he scored 15 league goals for Fulham and by comparison their second highest scorers were Mladen Petric and Bryan Ruiz who managed five apiece.
One To Watch: Sascha Riether
Obviously Fulham's chances mainly hinge on three men, Berbatov, Ruiz and Hangeland. These are Fulham's big names and when they shine the Cottagers tend to do well. The man I'm tipping to succeed this season is Sascha Riether. Riether was, in my opinion, was Fulham's player of the year last season and picking him up for £1.3 million is nothing short of a bargain.
One To Flop: Kieran Richardson
At the other end of the scale, the player I really worry about is Kieran Richardson who hasn't exactly set hearts racing since his move from Sunderland. He was once tipped as the next big thing at Manchester United but he needs to start playing regularly and impressing if he is going to win over the Fulham fans.
Deadline Day Moves:
Martin Jol seems pretty pleased with his business in the window so far and he definitely deserves to be, Fulham have brought very well. The only other player who looks like he could be moving to Craven Cottage is Aston Villa's Darren Bent. The England international has long been on Fulham's radar and he seems to be Jol's last target.
Prediction:
Ultimately Fulham have the potential to finish anywhere between 7th and 13th. Fulham had a few terrific seasons under Roy Hodgson but now they are in a good place to possibly qualify for Europe again. Swansea will be strong again this season and Southampton and West Ham will be looking to improve on last year too. However, I think Fulham will move up the table.
Predicted Finish: 9th.
http://squawka.com/news/2013/08/13/fulham-season-preview/2013081316343? (http://squawka.com/news/2013/08/13/fulham-season-preview/2013081316343?)
Crystal Palace join race to sign Newcastle and Fulham target Darren Bent from Aston Villa
CRYSTAL PALACE are set to make an ambitious loan offer for Aston Villa striker Darren Bent.
Bent is not in Villa manager Paul Lambert's plans for this season and has been told he can leave if his £6m asking price is matched.
Palace boss Ian Holloway is hoping he can convince Lambert to temporarily part with the striker, who only made eight first-team starts during the last campaign.
Villa have previously rejected bids from Newcastle and Fulham for the 29-year-old, who joined the club two-years ago from Sunderland for £24m.
However Palace are hoping by taking on Bent's £65,000-a-week wages in full a loan deal can be finalised.
Holloway has been busy adding to his attacking options since promotion, breaking the club's transfer record for Peterborough forward Dwight Gayle.
Kevin Philips and Stephen Dobbie agreed permanent deals at Selhurst Park, while Marouane Chamakh arrived from Arsenal yesterday on a one-year contract.
http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/332262/Crystal-Palace-join-race-to-sign-Newcastle-and-Fulham-target-Darren-Bent-from-Aston-Villa (http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/332262/Crystal-Palace-join-race-to-sign-Newcastle-and-Fulham-target-Darren-Bent-from-Aston-Villa)
Fulham and Real Sociedad tussling to sign QPR midfielder Granero on loan
Real Sociedad hope to beat Fulham to a loan deal for QPR midfielder Esteban Granero.
The 26-year-old was brought in by Mark Hughes last summer, but could move away from the west-London club since their relegation to the Sky Bet Championship.
Meanwhile, Anton Ferdinand has signed a three-year contract with Antalyaspor in Turkey. Ferdinand, 28, had been looking for a new club since leaving QPR at the end of last season.
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/08/13/article-2392338-1B3B8665000005DC-872_634x555.jpg)
Wanted man: Esteban Granero (right) tries to get away from Huddersfield's Adam Claytron
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2392338/Fulham-Real-Sociedad-want-Esteban-Granero-loan.html#ixzz2bvhpibT9 (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2392338/Fulham-Real-Sociedad-want-Esteban-Granero-loan.html#ixzz2bvhpibT9)
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Tottenham's Scott Parker is a transfer target for Fulham as well as QPR
Cottagers are able to offer the England midfielder Premier League rather than Championship football in a World Cup year
Harry Redknapp is hoping to do a deal for Scott Parker – but faces last-minute competition from Fulham.
Queens Park Rangers manager Redknapp wants to seal a £3.5million deal for the midfielder, who played for him and Spurs and who he believes can to lead them back to the Premier League.
But Fulham boss Martin Jol has also come in, and is hoping the lure of Premier League football with the Cottagers in World Cup year can ensure they see off their west London neighbours.
Parker would add some welcome steel to a Fulham team that could feature Dimitar Berbatov, Bryan Ruiz and on-loan QPR playmaker Adel Taarabt.
QPR are also in for Spurs' England striker Jermain Defoe, as Redknapp looks to do another cut-price deal with his former bosses at the White Hart Lane club.
Spurs have bought big at the expense of their English players, but Redknapp's biggest obstacle is persuading Defoe to drop down to the Championship when he also hopes to be part of next year's World Cup in Brazil.
QPR chairman Tony Fernandes is clearly backing his manager in the market as Redknapp looks to bring in extra quality after last season's relegation.
The clear-out also continues at Loftus Road, with former Real Madrid midfielder Esteban Granero set to join Real Sociedad on a season-long loan.
Check out all the latest News, Sport & Celeb gossip at Mirror.co.uk http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/tottenham-transfers-scott-parker-fulham-2162845#ixzz2bvicK7jm (http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/tottenham-transfers-scott-parker-fulham-2162845#ixzz2bvicK7jm)
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Sunderland v Fulham: the famous 'Who are You?' is back
Here we go again. Subject to finding a witty, warm or wise opposing supporter in each case, every Sunderland match will again be preceded here by the traditional "Who are You?" questionnaire.
As usual, prizes will be awarded at the end of the season for the responses judged by the Salut! Sunderland panel to have been the best.
Hands up those who can hardly wait for the season to open. The excitement is building, not least since few of us can have a firm idea of who will start for PDC after virtually a teamload of new signings in the close season. For a Fulham viewpoint, we asked Russ Goldman*, an American supporter who runs the Cottage Talk internet radio show, to get this season's series off to a grand start ...
Jake waits for the new phase of the PDC revolution
Salut! Sunderland: So goodbye to Mohamed al Fayed, hello Shahid Khan. He wanted the club badly enough to pay a reported £150-200m for it and seems to have pots of money left over. Good for the club and the future?
I think this is very good for the club. I did some research on Mr Khan after hearing about his potential takeover of Fulham, and what I have learned is pretty positive. As the Jaguars owner he has upgraded the facilities there, and has a plan for the future. He is beloved in Jacksonville and I found that very interesting since he has only owned them for 18 months.
When I interviewed him on Cottage Talk, he told us that he wants Fulham to be sustainable over the long term and to be able to push forward. He also is not a micro-manager and will let his staff do their jobs and give them the financial backings to succeed. I also get the impression that if they do not succeed, he will hold them accountable. That is all I can ask as a supporter.
What, if not answered above, is your verdict on the Fayed years?
Mr Al Fayed did not save Fulham, but he helped the club tremendously in getting them to the EPL and also be able to stay there for many seasons. Without his financial backing, I don't think Fulham are the club they have become. He deserves so much praise for what he did for Fulham Football Club.
Fulham is traditionally a small club surrounded in the capital by bigger fish. What can the new owner realistically hope to achieve?
Fulham play in Craven Cottage and with the re-development of the Riverside stand in the future eventually the capacity will be over 30,000 which is 5,000 more than they currently have. This will help a great deal, but against the bigger clubs, Fulham will still be at a disadvantage.
I think realistically he should hope to see Fulham be comfortable in the top ten on a consistent basis, and have the ability to compete for a Europa League spot. I think that is something that can be achieved.
Hamish McBardsley by Jake
Have eyebrows been raised among Fulham fans by reports linking you with players Paolo Di Canio doesn't want, eg Phil Bardsley (now injured – ed) and Lee Cattermole?
Eyebrows have been raised and I think many like me want other potential players linked to Fulham. Keiran Richardson was a signing last year that I liked, but he was hurt a good amount of the season, and I hope he can be a solid contributor to Fulham this season at left back.
Has anything happened or appears about to happen during the close season, especially with regard to transfers to excite – or worry – you?
Fulham have been linked to strikers and central midfielders and those are two needs for the club. I would really like to see them sign former Sunderland player Darren Bent (a Palace loan deal now looking more likely – ed), because the possibilities of him playing with Berbatov excite me.
The one major worry is the need for a creative central midfielder which they have not filled since Mousa Dembele left. If they do not fill that, Fulham could stay where they were last season which was between 10th-12th.
What did you make of our two games last season, which many of us saw as a relatively comfortable away win followed by barely deserved draw at home?
The first match was the negative turning point for the Fulham season. The red card for Brede Hangeland changed the game, and really affected Fulham for a long time. As fans many of us looked back at the match, and thought what could have been. The strange thing about that match is Fulham even though down a man played well for awhile, but eventually your quality took over and Sunderland would get all three points.
The second match, it was disappointing to let Sunderland back in the match because Fulham were in control, but to their credit, they battled back and in the end got the point. The credit there goes to Sunderland.
Were you surprised at how close we were to going down?
I was very surprised as Sunderland are too big to go down. There is still too much talent there, and I am glad you stayed up. I have always had much respect for Sunderland as I see our clubs basically on the same level.
Your Twitter profile lists Fulham among many sporting interests – from the New England Patriots to Derby County – and suggest that you're based in Boston, MA. How actively and avidly do you support FFC, and why?
Well, I think it is safe to say that I am extremely active Fulham supporter, and I really became a supporter when Clint Dempsey moved to the club. What really did it for me was the Great Escape. For Fulham to survive that and thrive afterwards is truly amazing. I first became the editor of Cottagers Confidential about four years ago but gave it up because honestly I was too active.
I then switched to doing Cottage Talk which is my internet radio show, and this September will start the third year of doing shows. This show has enabled me to stay closer to the club I love even though I live outside of Boston. I might live in the US but ask Fulham fans about my allegiance to the club. Something tells me they will tell you, I am really into it.
And is the feeling your side of the Pond that Jozy Altidore will do well on his return to the Premier?
I have my concerns about Altidore in general as I thought he would do well his first time in the EPL with Hull. However, he might have finally matured as a player and a person to be the player that I thought he would be. I will tell you that I am cautiously optimistic that he will do well.
He started scoring for the National team and that is the positive sign. I just want to see him do it consistently back in England. Sunderland have given him a second chance and I hope he succeeds.
What hat have been your own high and low points of following the club?
Well that is pretty easy.
The low would have to be right before the Great Escape when every expert thought they would go down. The high would have to be the run to get all the way to the Europa League Final. We might never have that opportunity again so that is what makes getting to the Final so special.
Johnny Haynes, George Cohen, Bobby Robson, Rodney Marsh and Alan Mullery are associated with the club's past, How important is the history to you and, though your knowledge may be handed down, how does the present squad compare?
I have to tell you that learning about the past is very important. When I first became a fan, I started learning and had a friend really teach me about the past. I still want to hear stories about the past, because I think it is important to pass it on. Fulham do a great job now of showing old videos and sharing stories about the players of the past. These players need to be remembered and I can tell you that they are.
Give me your predictions for the Premier League top four in order, the three clubs going down and, if not already mentioned, the finishing positions of Sunderland and Fulham.
The winner of the Barclays Premier League I feel is going to be Chelsea, followed by Manchester United, Manchester City, and Tottenham Hotspur. The three going down will be Stoke City, Crystal Palace, and Hull City.
I am going to predict Sunderland for 10th and Fulham for 9th. I think we are both going to have improved seasons.
What single aspect of football most inspires you and what seriously annoys you?
You might laugh but when teams survive relegation like Sunderland and Aston Villa that inspires me. When the odds are coming up against you, and your club can find a way to survive, that inspires me.
A team that buys a title really annoys me. I have no respect for Manchester City as simply because of money, they are now in contention every year to win a title. I don't think there is really any plan there but to buy as many of the best players as possible. That club utterly disgusts me.
Does it surprise you that many English supporters put club a long way above country?
No it doesn't as I do the same for the US. Fulham are number one and the USMNT are a distance behind them. I want them to do well but Fulham come first so I understand the same for English supporters.
How will you follow the match and what will be the score?
I will watch it on one of the channels made available by NBC Sports as they are showing every single match. I am predicting 1-1 as this could be an ugly opening match of the season.
* Russ Goldman on himself:
I have been a supporter of Fulham since 2007 and Clint Dempsey is what brought me to Fulham. I was searching for a club for several years, and Dempsey was the one that brought me to Fulham Football Club.
Interview: Colin Randall
- See more at: http://salutsunderland.com/2013/08/sunderland-v-fulham-the-famous-who-are-you-is-back/?#sthash.Jaxi09aN.dpuf (http://salutsunderland.com/2013/08/sunderland-v-fulham-the-famous-who-are-you-is-back/?#sthash.Jaxi09aN.dpuf)
Fulham set for new era
Last season's position: 12th (W11 D10 L17 F50 A60)
Key man: Dimitar Berbatov
Predicted position: 11th
At a football club, changes of ownership are normally treated with a mixture of excitement and fear, with the club possibly leaping into a wealthier future but also running the risk of being terribly mismanaged, as history shows.
Fulham, however, find themselves in the enviable position of knowing that they're likely to have swapped stability for more stability, a luxury not many clubs can afford in this day and age.
Mohamed Al Fayed, the man who financed the club's arrival in the top-flight at the turn of the Millennium, has stepped aside having sold the West London outfit to to Shahid Khan in July, a decision Fulham fans will hope proves to be as astute as the many Al Fayed took during his time in charge (Michael Jackson's statue, obviously, doesn't feature on the list).
Under Al Fayed's ownership, the Cottagers established themselves as a regular presence in the Premier League, never good enough to seriously challenge for trophies, bar their impressive run in the Europa League in 2011, and yet comfortably too good to be find themselves dragged into the quicksand of the relegation zone.
Shahid Khan's financial muscles are even bigger than Al Fayed's, but Fulham's new owner is yet to flex them significantly this summer, as the Cottagers have conducted their business in typically understated, yet effective, fashion.
Soon after the season ended, Martin Jol secured Sascha Riether from Cologne for just over £1m. The German full-back had an impressive season on loan at Fulham last season, the defensive side of his game as impressive as his marauding runs forwards that saw him deliver the second-highest number of crosses for a Premier League full-back.
Fulham conceded 60 goals last season and Martin Jol has moved swiftly this summer to shore up his defence, with former Athletic Bilbao defender Fernando Amorebieta set to partner Brede Hangeland in the middle of the back four.
The Basque looks to be a smart addition, particularly considering he has European football experience, is comfortable with a ball at his feet and hasn't costed Fulham a penny.
Likewise, Maarten Stekelenburg should prove to be a reliable replacement for Mark Schwarzer, who moved up the Kings Road and joined Chelsea. The Dutch keeper lost his starting spot at Roma last season, but will be desperate to impress Dutch boss Louis Van Gaal in a World Cup year.
Further up the pitch, Fulham's capture of Derek Boateng from Ukranian outfit Dnipro could prove to be another shrewd piece of business but Martin Jol must bolster his midfield options, for Steve Sidwell can't do all the water carrying by himself, while Damien Duff and Giorgos Karagounis performed admirably last season, but neither is getting any younger.
Ashkan Dejagah, Alexander Kacaniklic and Kerim Frei are more than capable to provide entertainment in spades, but have so far lack the consistency required to deliver on a weekly basis.
Up-front, Fulham could do with some strengthening too, considering that apart from Dimitar Berbatov, the club's top scorer with 15 league goals last season, nobody apart from Mladen Petric netted more than five times last season and the Croatian was released this summer.
At the time of writing, Martin Jol's pursuit of Darren Bent is still ongoing and a proven goalscorer like the Villa frontman could prove to be crucial for the West Londoners, as they look to begin the Khan era in style.
http://blog.footballrascal.com/fulham-set-for-new-era/? (http://blog.footballrascal.com/fulham-set-for-new-era/?)